《Callie's Heroes》


 AUTHORS NOTES

    AUTHOR¡¯S NOTES


    This story has been a long-time brewing, but I had so many problems finding my muse to start it. Things began to fall into place as I discovered the LitRPG/GameLit (used as a generic term) genre of fiction, and I realized it worked for this story. I''ve devoured dozens of series over the last couple years, all the while the story of Callie was slowly coming together in the back of my brain.


    But, this is a bit of a different kind of story. The pacing will not be fast. In fact, it will be very, very slow. This Hero¡¯s Journey has many side-quests to explore before Callie reaches her destination. It will be character driven to allow us the time to truly fall in love (or hate) with all the people we will meet. It¡¯s less like Dungeon Crawler Carl, and more like The Wandering Inn. In fact, discovering TWI was the final catalyst I needed, as it showed me a way to do what it was I wanted to do, and I thank pirateaba for their accidental assistance with making this story happen. I want to say again, the story will be a very slow-burn slice-of-life narrative, but every chapter will drop little nuggets of worldbuilding, character or future plot. The action will come, but if you need a faster pace, this may not be the right journey for you.


    I consider this work to be generally ¡°PG-13¡±, although there will be occasional swearing, discussions about body parts within the context of the story, and most nudity will be non-sexual, but nothing detailed. Any sex scenes may use some generic terms, before doing a ¡°fade to black¡± approach, or will be clearly labeled if adults-only. As this is a fantasy novel, there will obviously be combat, but descriptions of viscera and gore will be kept simple and relevant. Some adult-ish topics such as PTSD, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other issues that people contend with every day are part of what makes Callie into the person she starts as and who she becomes and will be touched on throughout the story. There are several LGBTQ+ characters occupying various places on the rainbow in the story.


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    I will aim for postings in the 1500-3000ish word range (averaging about 4000-6000 words per week), but there could be occasional shorter or longer posts simply due to natural breakpoints within the larger chapter, and most compete chapters will span across multiple postings. In some cases, if the sections are small, there may an extra posting that week to make up for it. I hope to post routinely, and have so far been maintaining a backlog. Hopefully I can keep up a good pace. If you comment with editing suggestions, I''ll likely implement them as quickly as I am able, and then delete the comment to keep clutter down.


    This story does have very light common LitRPG elements (spells, skills, levels and the like), but it isn¡¯t for several chapters before an ¡°event¡± happens that they are truly triggered. If you wish to throw the proverbial book at the wall because there isn¡¯t a character sheet by page three, know that these elements will come eventually, in time, and I invite you to ride along until it happens. When the time comes, those character sheets will be sporadically posted as separate chapters and are largely skippable if not your thing.


    Finally, in November of 2023, several early chapters were re-written and re-posted to address multiple issues with everything from unsatisfactory writing or needing a few retcons, to outright dropping some original plot elements that I have chosen to abandon. As such, many of the original reviews from that time period may refer to things that are no longer relevant. Alas, there is no mechanism for an author to respond to a review, nor is there a mechanism to get one that is no longer relevant removed.


    I thank you all for joining Callie and her friends as we enter the saga of Callie¡¯s Heroes.


    RAH


    <hr>

 Prologue

    PROLOGUE


    Callie looked across the conference table trying to put on her best smile. But it was fake, and the interviewer across from Callie was wearing an equally fake smile. This interview had been ongoing for almost an hour and Callie was getting increasingly frustrated.


    ¡°So let me make sure I have this correct,¡± Callie said. ¡°You advertised an accounting job paying $50,000 a year, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Up to.¡±


    Callie clucked her tongue in sarcastic agreement. ¡°Yup, ¡®Up To¡¯¡±


    The interviewer¡¯s hardened fake smile was still in place.


    Callie continued. ¡°So up to $50,000. However, you are now saying you¡¯d pay me $30,000.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°How did you come up with that? I have experience and an accounting degree. Even the fifty grand is pretty low.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s what we feel the position should actually pay.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you advertise the higher salary?¡±


    ¡°Well, nobody would apply, of course.¡±


    Taking a calming breath, Callie continued, ¡°And even though the job posting said this was a, and I¡¯ll quote here, ¡®One Hundred Percent Remote¡¯ position, I would in fact have to be in the office five days a week.¡±


    ¡°Yes. And two Saturdays a month.¡±


    ¡°And two Saturdays,¡± Callie confirmed sarcastically.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s when we run the payroll,¡± the interviewer said, lightly bouncing in glee, as if payroll was just the brightest highlight of her life.


    ¡°Of course it is. And you offer this low salary and require an unnecessary commute, even knowing from our first video-call interview that I don¡¯t own a car and live at least ninety minutes away by train and bus. Which, by the way, doesn¡¯t run on Saturdays.¡±


    The interviewer just looked blankly at Callie, the plastic fake smile still in place.


    ¡°I mean, I¡¯d have to spend¡­¡± Callie did an instant calculation in her head, ¡°Twelve point six percent of my low-ball salary just commuting to a job that could actually be done fully remote.¡± To herself, she noted the fact that most of the rest of it would barely cover the household expenses, assuming she didn¡¯t do anything important like eat or wear clothing.


    ¡°We feel working at the office is more suited to a collaborative environment.¡±


    Callie stood and gestured through the glass wall of the conference room, into the office area behind. ¡°Who am I supposed to collaborate with?¡± There were at least a dozen cubicles, all of which were empty. The overhead fluorescent lights were all turned off. It was a cubicle-hell ghost town.


    ¡°Well, this is such a great place to work. We¡¯re like a family here,¡± the interviewer said. ¡°We really would like you as part of our family, Calliope.¡±


    Callie growled silently to herself at the use of her full name. Nobody was allowed to call her Calliope except her father.


    ¡°You young people just don¡¯t want to work any more. It can¡¯t all be about the money.¡±


    Callie narrowed her eyes. ¡°Karen¡­¡±


    Her name actually was Karen.


    ¡°What money?¡±


    Callie did not get the job.


    <hr>


    Callie walked out of the high office building feeling an oncoming depression. The job wouldn¡¯t have been great, but the fact it was advertised as fully remote was a plus. It would have allowed her the time to take care of her mom if needed, and in general save several hours a week on commuting. This was the third position she¡¯d applied for that ended up having a deceptive salary, incorrect working conditions or something else in the posting that turned out to be a blatant lie. She wouldn¡¯t have normally gone off on the interviewer like that, but she just couldn¡¯t deal with the lack of respect.


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    She mentally gave herself a hug to feel better, and then contemplated briefly stopping at a coffee shop she was passing, but couldn¡¯t justify the money for a latte. Sighing, she pulled out her phone and checked the train schedule. The next one was in about fifteen minutes, so she had plenty of time to go the three blocks to the small, elevated station. Taking a deep breath of city air smelling vaguely of urine, she put in her ear buds, fired up some music, and started walking.


    Half an eye on where she was walking, Callie scrolled through her phone, checking her social media for memes and responding to a couple that were cute. She then sent a message to her mother to let her know she was heading home.


    CALLIE: DID NOT GET JOB. HOME IN 90.


    Mom would be disappointed the interview didn¡¯t pan out, but what could Callie do given the circumstances? It was a bad job, all things considered, and there was no way it made sense to take it.


    Still ¡­ she could go back and see if they would still offer her the gig ¡­


    NO! It just wasn¡¯t worth it and she had to have some kind of basic standards to, you know, earn a livable wage.


    Her phone vibrated with an incoming message. It was Mom.


    MOM: TO BAD. WNT SPAGTTI DINNER?


    Mom was all thumbs. Yea, spaghetti sounded good.


    CALLIE: SOUNDS YUMMY. WILL GET BREAD ON WAY.


    MOM: OK <thumbs up emoji>


    Living with her mother wasn¡¯t awful, and Callie had long passed the embarrassment of sharing the space at her age. It was just the way things worked out. Mom needed someone to help around the house now that her father was gone, and in exchange charged no rent. Callie did contribute what money she could to help with bills, but it wasn¡¯t likely she was going to get her own place any time soon. Callie had a simple, quiet life of books and marathoning television shows, and didn¡¯t date, so there wasn¡¯t really any need for the private space anyway. All things equal, it could all be worse.


    Callie nostalgically smiled a sad smile, a wave of loss from her father¡¯s passing over her. Dad had died two years ago. Heart attack. Boom. Gone. She and her mom had muscled through, but with no siblings, that household support all fell on Callie now. Luckily, Dad had taught her some handyman skills growing up, so she could take care of the basic work that was needed to keep the place up and do some very basic woodworking and construction.


    The truth was, she could probably get a decent job as an apprentice plumber or electrician rather than sticking with accounting. It wouldn¡¯t be glamorous, but the pay would be good and it was honest work. But as introverted as she was, that option wasn¡¯t very appealing. Numbers were where her heart was, and she truly wanted a job that let her work with them full time. Maybe in six months she¡¯d finally have to give in.


    Taking a deep breath, Callie started counting primes to each footstep as she finished her walk to the train station, the music in her earbuds playing a random selection. Primes were something she liked to occupy her mind with when she was feeling out of sorts, or rattling off pi, or some other mental number game.. Numbers just seemed to ground and calm her in most situations. Two, Three, Five, Seven, Eleven, Thirteen, Seventeen ¡­


    She arrived at the station just as she reached Three-Hundred and Forty-Nine.


    Just as she approached the stairs to the elevated platform, she couldn¡¯t help but notice a woman ahead wearing a bright yellow dress with a huge red hat. Everything in the downtown area was gray and drab, so the bright colors really stood out. Not everyone could pull that look off, but this woman absolutely nailed it. Seeing it lifted Callie¡¯s mood slightly.


    ¡°Great hat!¡± Callie said as she passed, a genuine smile on her face.


    The woman was startled by the compliment. ¡°Oh, why thank you, Miss Callie.¡±


    It took six steps before Callie halted, suddenly realizing that the woman had used her name. She turned, but the woman was nowhere in sight. She was about to go back down the stairs in an attempt to find the woman, but a distant horn sounded, signaling that her train was arriving. She could keep looking, but the next train wasn¡¯t for an hour.


    Torn between the mystery woman and getting home, Callie finally sighed and turned back up the stairs to the platform. The woman knowing her name was going to eat at her, but she really just wanted to get home.


    Callie got to the top of the stairs and swiped her commuter pass. She pushed her way slowly towards the front of the dozen or so people waiting, feeling a little like a jerk for it. But she wanted to board first in the hope of getting a decent seat. Finally she edged up next to the tracks to wait.


    ¡°¡®Excuse me!¡± called a high-pitched voice somewhere behind her. ¡°Coming through. Excuse me!¡±


    Callie looked briefly behind her, seeing the huge, wide-brimmed red hat pushing its way through the crowd. The woman called out ¡°Excuse me!¡± several more times and finally arrived breathlessly to take a spot right next to Callie.


    ¡°How do you know my name?¡± Callie asked, looking at the woman. She had blue eyes and bright red lipstick. A lock of bright blond hair snuck out from under the hat, blowing gently in the air. She was thin and the dress outlined her curves. It really was a great look.


    ¡°Oh, poo,¡± the woman said. ¡°You noticed that, did you?¡±


    ¡°Do I know you?¡±


    The woman screwed up her face in some combination of a frown and thinking a deep thought. Finally, she said, ¡°Nope, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said.


    The women beamed a bright smile. ¡°Hip check!¡± she said suddenly.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    With that, the woman hip-checked Callie right off the edge of the platform. As she twisted in the air, Callie noticed two things. First, there was a train coming awfully fast. Second, the woman still had that bright, beaming smile on her face and was wiggling her fingers in goodbye.

 Chapter 1 - Dazed and Confused

    CHAPTER 1 - DAZED AND CONFUSED


    The world slowly changed from black and silent, becoming hazy, hollow and echoing. Distant voices that couldn¡¯t be made out seemed to be just on the edge of comprehension. Callie focused, trying to make sense of what was happening and only found everything becoming more confusing than before. She felt a jolt of movement, and everything became dark again as even that sliver of consciousness slipped away.


    Time passed, Callie was sure of that, before eventually the muffled sounds of the world around her started to form again. She pushed, struggling to reach the surface of whatever darkness she was drowning in. Her world jolted again, and she groaned. Around her, a dozen, maybe more, voices carried on multiple idle conversations with each other, seeming to pay her no heed.


    Struggling to move, Callie tried to get some kind of a bearing. She was lying on something hard and smelling of dirt and possibly wood, like old lumber that had seen several years in the sun. Her back was against something hard, maybe a wall, and there were people around her, she was sure of that. Sounds started to become more clear, now accompanied by random rattles and squeaks that also seemed to vibrate through whatever was underneath her.


    Whatever she was lying on jolted again, and this time a series of groans replaced the voices for a moment.


    ¡°Quit your complaining,¡± a man¡¯s voice said. ¡°We¡¯ll be there soon.¡±


    ¡°You said that an hour ago!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and now we¡¯re an hour closer!¡±


    ¡°Maybe another hour,¡± another voice called out, this one a woman, which seemed to elicit another round of angry groans.


    Somehow, and she wasn¡¯t sure exactly how, Callie managed to open her eyes. She was lying on her side, head resting on her arm and in front of her were multiple pairs of feet wearing strange boots or other simple moccasin-like shoes made of leather. Stripes of light streamed into the space from the direction of her feet, and the sudden scent of body odor washed over her. Then the headache hit.


    To call it a migraine would be polite. Instead, it felt like dozens of needles were stabbing randomly at the back of Callie¡¯s eyes with extra-evil intent, and she raised her hand to try fending off the light. It hardly helped and she squinted, wishing things weren¡¯t so bright.


    ¡°Hey. Look. She¡¯s finally awake,¡± a gruff voice said. There was an odd accent to the voice that Callie couldn¡¯t place.


    ¡°Do ya think she¡¯ll give me that kiss now?¡± another voice asked.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you kiss her while she was asleep?¡± asked a third.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m obviously a gentleman,¡± came the reply, quickly amended with, ¡°mostly.¡±


    There were some cheap laughs among the trio.


    ¡°I mean, I did pat her bum. It was nice.¡±


    More laughs.


    A face lowered itself into Callie¡¯s view. It was a man, and he had dark eyes and a thick beard with beads braided into it. He reeked of body odor and bad breath. ¡°Hey! You awake now?¡±


    Callie groaned, working to get her bearings. ¡°What?¡± she struggled to even whisper.


    There was a snort of derision. ¡°Drank too much last night, is that it? Your kind can¡¯t hold their ale for anything. Hope you learned your lesson.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Dwarves! Is she awake?¡± a woman¡¯s voice called out. ¡°We told you to leave her alone. The last thing she needs is any trouble from you.¡±


    Dwarves?


    ¡°What? We¡¯re not doing anything. She¡¯s just hungover and we¡¯re giving her some grief.¡±


    The woman seemed to grunt, like trying to get by something, before growling out, ¡°I said, leave her alone.¡±


    Callie groaned, but with struggle, managed to get into a sitting position, scanning to find the woman that had called out, as her eyes finally started to focus in the bright light. In front of her were a group of three more stocky men. Like the face she had just seen, they all had dark eyes and thick beards of black or dark brown, save one who had dull red hair. The beards were all braided with beads decorating them, with the style of each beard unique and obviously personal. Looking over his shoulder one of the men sneered back, ¡°Or what!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, just giving her a hard time,¡± the bearded man in Callie¡¯s face said, moving slightly towards her.


    With a rush of panicked energy, Callie opened her eyes wide and scrambled backwards, away from the guy in her face. ¡°Leave me alone!¡± she croaked. ¡°Stay back!¡± She kept backing away until her back hit another wall, where the light was streaming in. She glanced, seeing that the stripes of light were coming in between vertical metal bars of some kind, beyond which there was bright sunshine and ground slowly moving past.


    ¡°Awww, we¡¯re not gonna hurt you,¡± the man said, scoffing. ¡°Just havin¡¯ some fun.¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± a booming deep voice somewhere in the shadows said. ¡°She is not for you.¡±


    Callie snapped her head to the right, seeing a huge man, a giant, sitting in the corner. His legs were folded cross-legged, the sunlight playing in vertical stripes across his body and she realized that the bars lined the entire wall of the room. But it was the gigantic man that truly held her attention, so huge that even sitting, he had to bend his neck to fit under the ceiling of the room.


    ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡±


    ¡°Pop head off like flower top,¡± came the reply, with a subtle growl infused into it. Whites of the giant¡¯s teeth were revealed in the shadows as he smiled, seeming to be looking forward to that option.


    ¡°What? You wouldn¡¯t!¡± said one of the bearded men, sudden worry in his voice.


    ¡°Enough. Not for you. This I have decided,¡± said the deep voice, an air of unarguable finality in the statement.


    Two of the bearded ones visibly gulped, some color draining from their faces. The air was tense and thick. Everyone else in the room had gone dead silent and was awaiting what would happen.


    Before any of the men could respond, a gigantic hand appeared between them and Callie. The hand made an inviting come-over-here motion. ¡°Come, Little One. I protect.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said meekly.


    ¡°Okay boys, let the big guy have her,¡± the lead bearded man said dismissively, trying to save face. They all laughed nervously and turned around, looking for something else to focus their attention on.


    ¡°Come. I protect. Not hurt you,¡± the deep voice said again, a surprisingly comforting undertone to the statement.


    ¡°Thanks Tazrok,¡± the woman called from somewhere. Then apparently to Callie she added, ¡°Little Gnome, stick close to Tazrok. He¡¯ll keep you safe until we get there.¡±


    The giant man grunted an agreement that seemed to rumble out like a wave.


    ¡°What?¡± was all Callie could weakly say.


    Again the hand motioned her to come closer, ¡°Yes. Stay close. None hurt.¡±


    Swallowing, looking at the laughing men again, Callie slowly slid her butt towards the giant man. ¡°Okay,¡± was all Callie could utter in a quiet, shaky squeak. She slid along the giant¡¯s arm, keeping a wary eye on the bearded men, the ¡­ Dwarves, until her back touched his leg. She jumped with a start and squeaked out a short gasp. The world was swimming and so so confusing. Callie grabbed her knees and pulled them in tight, trying to be protected from what was going on around her. Nothing made sense.


    ¡°Safe. I protect.¡± was all the giant man said, relaxing and letting a heavy breath of air out.


    <hr>


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure how long she sat like that. She had no concept of time. She simply counted numbers quietly to herself trying to still the panic in her brain. ¡°Three point one four one five nine two six five three five¡­¡± she chanted in a low whisper, the rhythm working a little to calm the chaos and confusion. Her head was spinning in circles, and coupled with the headache and incredibly bright sunlight, she squeezed her eyes shut, putting her hands over them and trying to make sense of things. The woman in the red hat. Falling through the air. The train. The darkness. The pain. The bearded men. The woman. The giant.


    Simply overwhelmed, a tiny trickle of a tear slipped down her cheek.


    Suddenly, there was a hand on her shoulder and Callie jumped, snapping her head up to see a tall, slender woman. The woman squatted down next to her with a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Sorry. We¡¯re packed in here tight and it took me a bit to get to you. Are you alright?¡± she asked. It was the same voice that had warned the men off initially.


    The image of the woman was a shocking contrast to the dirt and grime around the room. Pale, flawless skin and long, golden hair tied up tightly. She had the deepest, emerald-green eyes Callie had ever seen and they just seemed to beckon for you to gaze into them. Little white beads were braided into that silky, golden hair, sparkling in the sunlight. Even the smudges of dirt on one cheek couldn¡¯t begin to hide her natural beauty. And the ears! They were pointed!


    Callie¡¯s brain sparked and made a single, feeble, distant connection - Elf.


    ¡°Arwen?¡± was all Callie could say, remembering the Lord of the Rings movie.


    ¡°What? No, my name is Lena. Who¡¯s Arwen? A friend of yours? Another Elf? Is she here?¡±


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    Callie just stared at her. ¡°Huh?¡±


    Lena looked up at the giant man. ¡°Is she hurt, Tazrok?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think hurt. Confused. Scared,¡± the giant named Tazrok said.


    ¡°Hey, nobody is going to harm you,¡± Lena said, looking Callie confidently in the eye. She gestured vaguely to the bearded men huddled on the other side of the room. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them. Some Dwarves come on like tough guys, but they are just talk.¡± Raising her voice so the men could overhear her, Lena continued, ¡°Dwarves actually become quite honorable when they grow up and stop behaving like delinquents.¡± One of the men scowled in return.


    ¡°Dwarves?¡± Callie squeaked.


    Lena looked again at Tazrok, who could only shrug. With growing concern, Lena looked Callie in the eyes and asked, ¡°Do you know where you are? Are you just hung over? Were you out drinking all night before leaving?¡±


    Hung over? She hadn¡¯t had so much as a glass of wine for weeks. ¡°N-n-no,¡± Callie whispered.


    Lena snarled with a spark of anger. ¡°Is she even supposed to be here?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know.¡± Tazrok grumbled.


    Lena scrunched up her face, as if trying to run events through her head. ¡°I saw her for the first time when we all got back onboard this morning. I assumed she was dumped on here by one of the soldiers, just sleeping off getting drunk for her last night, like some of the others had been.¡±


    The big giant simply shrugged.


    ¡°Damn, I should have stayed by her the whole time,¡± Lena said harshly to herself. ¡°I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d wake up until we got there.¡± She shifted her weight, knelt down next to Callie and with a soothing voice asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name? Again, my name is Lena. The big Ogre behind you is Tazrok.¡±


    ¡°Ogre?¡± Callie squeaked out. Aren¡¯t Ogres supposed to be green and live in swamps and have a pet donkey?


    ¡°Your name?¡±


    ¡°C-C-Callie.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Callie. Do you know where you are?¡±


    Callie looked around the room. There were over a dozen people, but Callie could only see their bodies. not their faces, from her angle on the floor. Except for the Dwarves, that was. She could see the Dwarves¡¯ faces as they huddled in a corner, probably plotting something. She looked out between the metal bars of the room and saw a green, rolling plain in front of her, dotted with a few trees, with what looked like a forest beyond. Slowly the ground moved past. She finally recognized that she was in a moving vehicle! Wait ¡­ Metal bars? Was she a captive? Callie¡¯s eyes snapped open in panic as she raced forward and grabbed them.


    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Lena said in a calm tone, putting a hand on Callie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Calm down. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°Where am I?¡± Callie croaked in fear, shrugging out of Lena¡¯s hand. ¡°Who are you? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll help you figure this out,¡± Lena cooed, trying to be comforting.


    ¡°Just ¡­ just stay back,¡± Callie snapped, pointing at the Elf.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Lena said, using her hands to help slide back a couple of feet, giving Callie some space. ¡°Just know you¡¯re safe. Nobody is going to hurt you.¡±


    Callie turned, putting her hands on the metal bars again, and looking off into the distance. A tiny part of her brain had to admit It was actually a pretty sight. Lush, green grasses on gently-rolling hills waving in the wind. Occasional dots of colors, presumably flowers appeared here and there, and overhead the sky was the most-perfect of blues, with a few wispy clouds drifting lazily. The far-off forest was slowly growing closer as they moved steadily, and seemed to exude a feeling of serenity. Wherever she was, there was no sign of Chicago or any city or civilization.


    ¡°Do you need some water?¡± Lena asked, jerking Callie¡¯s attention back to her immediate surroundings. ¡°Hey! Someone out there,¡± she yelled, projecting her voice to the outside world. ¡°Can we get some water here?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± came a vaguely feminine, scratchy voice.


    ¡°¡°Some water please. This Little One just woke up lost and confused. She doesn¡¯t know where she is.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do have water. A Little One, you say?¡± A silhouette appeared before the bars, walking along and peering inside. ¡°I did not think we had any with us, but I see that indeed we do have one. Here¡­¡± The woman reached her arm through the bars, passing off a leather pouch to Lena, who had reached forward to take it. The new woman¡¯s arm was dark-green, scaled and her fingers ended in dangerous-looking claws.


    Green? Scaled? Claws!


    Callie let out a soft scream, scrambling backwards towards the big Ogre, and pulling her knees in tight for protection again. Claws!


    ¡°How very strange,¡± the scaled woman said. ¡°It is almost as if she is afraid of me. It is a ¡®she¡¯, right? A female? I sometimes can not tell.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she is a female,¡± Lena replied with a chuckle.


    ¡°Oh good, I got it right. I have never seen one of her kind before, only heard of them, and I did not wish to offend. Little One, you have nothing to fear from me.¡±


    ¡°Claws!¡± Callie whispered.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Lena said, her face making a perplexed look. ¡°She is a Lizardkin, so would naturally have claws.¡± The Elf saw Callie¡¯s confused face. ¡°Have you never seen a Lizardkin before?¡±


    Not sure what else to do, Callie simply shook her head rapidly .


    ¡°Again, you have nothing to fear, Little One,¡± the woman outside ¡­ the Lizardkin ¡­ said quite happily to Callie. ¡°I am Xin, Spearmaster and volunteer.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t Conscript?¡± Lena asked, surprised.


    ¡°No, I chose to volunteer, although I was then placed under Conscript by choice. I am a recruit, like all of you.¡±


    ¡°Why are you walking?¡±


    Xin shrugged. ¡°It is a beautiful, warm day, and the wagon is very full. It is a long walk, but pleasant, and I did not wish my tail to get stepped on. I am told we will arrive soon.¡±


    ¡°It is lovely, at that. I am Lena, and this Little One is Callie, and behind us is Tazrok.¡± Lena gestured towards the Ogre. ¡°We¡¯re both Conscript, but the Little One is confused, so we are still trying to determine what has happened.¡±


    ¡°Conscript is very sad, but necessary to defeat the enemy. And whether we volunteer or not, we are all together.¡±


    ¡°True. Thank you again for the water. I will return your waterskin as soon as I am able.¡±


    ¡°Very good to meet you Lena Elf. I will find you later. I hope the Little One feels better soon.¡± Xin walked away from the wagon, disappearing from the narrow view that was provided.


    Callie looked to Lena, who was holding the water out to her and just shook her head, before burying it in her chest again. What the hell was a Lizardkin? And why did it have scales and green skin? And why was a woman that looked like Arwen here? Nothing was making sense!


    ¡°Sure,¡± Lena said with a slightly worried tone, pulling the waterskin back. ¡°The water is here when you need it.¡± Gingerly, the Elf reached forward, placing a comforting hand on Callie¡¯s arm. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s happening?¡±


    Callie peeked up over her knees into Lena¡¯s concerned eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Where are you from, Callie?¡±


    Callie took a shuddering breath and looked at Lena again. ¡°Chicago?¡± she finally said with a question in her voice.


    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ve never heard of She-cog-oh before,¡± Lena said, drawing out each syllable of the name, as if it was unfamiliar. ¡°Is that west of the capitals? I¡¯ve never been that far, so I¡¯ll admit my knowledge may be limited. How did you come to be this far east?¡±


    Callie didn¡¯t say anything; just looked blankly at the floor. Lena wasn¡¯t making any sense. Think Callie! Figure this out!


    ¡°Are ¡­ Are you even Conscript?¡± Lena asked, a tone of concern rising in her voice.


    Callie continued to say nothing.


    ¡°Dammit,¡± Lena said with a huff, glaring with anger out the wagon¡¯s steel bars, before glaring up at Tazrok. ¡°Some bounty hunter must have grabbed her. She must have a really rare class for someone to do that. Callie, what class are you?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± What would that have to do with anything?


    ¡°Yes, what class are you?¡±


    ¡°Um, lower-middle I guess,¡± Callie mumbled quietly, shrugging slightly.


    Lena frowned. ¡°No, I mean your ¡­ you know ¡­ class. I¡¯m a Bladedancer.¡±


    ¡°Bladedancer?¡±


    ¡°Yes. And Tazrok is a ¡­ well ¡­ he¡¯s an Ogre.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ don¡¯t know, I guess.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t? That makes no sense. The only people that should be here would be hybrids and specialists, and to determine that someone would have had to do a scry. You really don¡¯t know your class?¡±


    Callie shook her head.


    ¡°Curious. Someone must have scryed you, realized you''re special, and then grabbed you. What¡¯s the last thing you remember?¡±


    The woman in the dress. The red hat. The train.


    ¡°I was pushed.¡±


    ¡°Pushed?¡± Lena said quizzically.


    Callie nodded slowly. ¡°Into a train.¡±


    ¡°A ¡­ train? What is a train?¡± Lena looked up again at Tazrok. ¡°Is it maybe a Gnome artifact of some kind? How did that ¡®train¡¯ get you here? Is it a portal of some kind?¡±


    Callie made another mental spark of connection. Being hit by that train should have killed her. Or at minimum, injured her grievously. ¡°No,¡± she said. ¡°She pushed me and the train should have hit me and killed me.¡±


    ¡°Hit you?¡±


    ¡°And it went dark and I woke up here.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t unders¡­¡± Lena trailed off. ¡°She who?¡±


    ¡°The woman with the red hat. That¡¯s the last thing I remember.¡±


    Lena had a deeply confused look on her face. ¡°Red ¡­ hat?¡±


    Callie nodded quickly three times.


    Lena frowned. ¡°And do you know where you are now?¡± she asked again, this time more firmly.


    Callie looked around her and saw the steel bars again. ¡°In jail?¡±


    Lena gave a light chuckle. ¡°No, not in jail; not really.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s good, I guess.¡± It still felt like jail, in a way, with those bars there and everything being so confusing. But Lena¡¯s smile was warm and comforting, despite everything, and Callie couldn¡¯t help but feel a little protected. The grunt from Tazrok behind her only served to increase that feeling. The Ogre was huge, and she should be terrified of him, but for some reason those eyes offered nothing but comfort. Still, nothing was making any sense. Where the hell was she? Was she maybe just dreaming? In a coma maybe? If the train hit her, that might explain everything, even if it did all feel so real. Or maybe it wouldn¡¯t.


    The wagon lurched slightly and Lena grabbed the steel bars with one hand to steady herself. ¡°I hope we¡¯re there soon, this is getting old.¡± The grumbling from others around them indicated the feeling was shared.


    Lena stood, groaning slightly as the blood got flowing in her legs again. ¡°Oof, good to stand again,¡± Lena said, extending a hand to Callie. ¡°We¡¯ll figure this out. For now, get up. You¡¯ll feel better.¡± She took Callie¡¯s hand, pulling her to her feet. ¡°There, that¡¯s better.¡±


    Now standing, Callie looked around, still in a daze. She did have to admit, she was feeling slightly better, or at least slightly safer. While nothing made sense, there didn¡¯t seem to be any imminent danger. More importantly, there didn¡¯t seem to be any homicidal ladies in strange hats. With a jolt, the floor bucked underneath, and Callie fell gracelessly backwards, face-first into Tazrok¡¯s lap. Lena let out a short snort of laughter and covered her face with her hand.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lena asked, peeking between her fingers.


    ¡°I think so,¡± came Callie¡¯s muffled voice as she squirmed and tried to right herself. It was a little intimidating to be face deep in Ogre lap. ¡°This is really awkward, though.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t help, Tazrok! Your big hands will squish her,¡± Lena cried out.


    ¡°Have dainty fingers!¡± the Ogre protested, a mocking hurt tone in his voice.


    ¡°All the same,¡± Lena said, still continuing to laugh. Then to Callie she said, ¡°Here, I¡¯ve got you.¡±


    Lena bent over and, one-handed, grabbed the back of Callie¡¯s shirt, lifting her out. Callie let out a brief, startled yelp but was soon back on her feet.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Whatever you do,¡± Callie began with a slight chuckle, ¡°Do not fall into an Ogre¡¯s crotch! It¡¯ll haunt you!¡± That chuckle quickly became a giggle and then a full on laugh. Lena laugh-snorted and hid her face in embarrassment, while Tazrok let loose a laughing grunt of his own, and soon the two women were gasping for breath.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why that was so funny,¡° Callie gasped. She wasn¡¯t sure what it was or why, but at this particular moment, that kind of belly laugh was what she needed to get out of the paralyzed state she was in. She mentally took a deep, centering breath, holding it for just a couple seconds as she focused her brain together. What had her grandfather once told her? ¡®When all else fails, focus on what¡¯s in front of you. Becoming paralyzed by analysis will just make things worse.¡¯


    Looking up at Lena, who was still at least twice her height, made Callie realize something. ¡°You''re strong! You picked me up with one arm.¡±


    ¡°Eh,¡± Lena said dismissively, while gesturing at Callie, ¡°you¡¯re really not very big.¡±


    Callie instinctively looked down at herself and had a sudden, horrifying realization.


    ¡°Hey! Where the hell are my boobs!¡±

 Chapter 2 Part 1 - Conscription

    PART I - CONSCRIPTION


    ¡°Your ¡­ boobs?¡± Lena asked.


    Lena¡¯s questions snapped Callie¡¯s attention back to what was apparently reality. She cupped her hands to her chest. ¡°Yeah! They should be a lot bigger.¡±


    ¡°Your breasts?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Breasts. Boobs. Tits. Whatever you call them.¡± Callie pawed herself some more, and realized, with some relief, that she did indeed have a pair of breasts that were several sizes smaller than she was used to. She frowned.


    Something felt really not right, now that Callie finally was starting to feel calm enough to begin taking in her circumstances and actually process. She hadn¡¯t exactly been a tiny girl before, and having a smaller chest was just the first of the changes she was beginning to notice. She also now had very little body fat, and while the muscles she was feeling weren¡¯t well-defined, they were much-more obvious. Was this ¡­ reincarnation? Was she dead, maybe? Callie was pretty sure you weren¡¯t supposed to remember your previous life if you were reincarnated, but it would at least explain how she was different now.


    ¡±You look disappointed,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°I guess. Maybe a little. They just used to be ¡­ right there y¡¯know? Getting in the way, swinging to and fro. Now they¡¯re just tiny. It just seems weird.¡±


    ¡°Used to be? How could they ¡®used to be¡¯?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s as if I¡¯m somehow in a different body,¡± Callie said, relaying her thoughts. ¡°I don¡¯t get it. They used to be gigantic in comparison to these. I used to be bigger, too.¡±


    Lena stifled a giggle. ¡°Well, what you have now is very well-proportioned for a Gnome.¡±


    Callie stopped feeling herself up and looked quizzically at Lena. ¡°You all keep calling me a Gnome. What gives? And why are you so tall? I get why Tazrok is so big, he¡¯s an Ogre. But aren¡¯t Elves pretty much people sized?¡±


    ¡°People sized?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Five to six feet, give or take.¡± Callie sized Lena up. ¡°You must be at least eight feet tall. That¡¯s huge!¡±


    ¡°What is a ¡®feet¡¯,¡± Lena asked. ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with that type of measurement.¡±


    ¡°How do you measure stuff?¡±


    ¡°In meters, of course. I¡¯m a little over one and three-quarters meters tall, if I stretch a bit.¡±


    ¡°Ok, you use metric. I can try to remember that.¡± Callie did some quick mental calculations. ¡°Wait a minute. How tall am I?¡±


    ¡°About one meter, maybe a little bit more.¡±


    Callie¡¯s eyes exploded to saucer-sized. ¡°Wait. I¡¯m only three feet tall? Er, one meter, I mean? What the hell. This isn¡¯t right!¡± Was she in the body of a kid? Was ¡®Gnome¡¯ what they maybe simply called children in this strange place?


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Callie, that¡¯s a perfectly normal Gnome size.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Good size for Little One,¡± Tazrok echoed.


    Well, so much for that idea then. The only Gnomes she knew about were the Garden Gnomes her Grandmother used to have in her backyard, and they were barely a foot tall. Still, Lena was an Elf and Tazrok was an Ogre and there were Dwarves only a few feet ¡­ er meters away. Were Gnomes a different race of people here? No! She was a Human! That she knew for sure! ¡°But I¡¯m not a Gnome,¡± Callie said absently as she pondered her way through her thoughts.


    ¡°Sure you are,¡± Lena said assuredly. ¡°Gnome height. Gnome hair. Gnome ears. Gnome ¡­ boobs.¡±


    Callie reached for her ears and realized they were an odd shape. Larger than one would expect, elongated with a slight point on them. ¡°This isn¡¯t right. These ears are wrong. I¡¯m not a Gnome.¡±


    ¡°Well, what are you then if not a Gnome?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a Human.¡±


    In an instant, Lena¡¯s face lost all traces of joy and took on a deadly serious tone. ¡°What did you say?¡± she demanded in a lowered voice.


    ¡°I. Am. A. Human.¡± Callie said slowly, but keeping her volume low to match Lena¡¯s.


    Lena got down on one knee and spoke very softly, almost in a whisper, putting a hand over Callie¡¯s mouth. ¡°You ought not say such things, Callie. It¡¯s liable to get you hurt.¡±


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Lena looked Callie deep into her eyes. For a long moment she stared Callie down, and Callie returned the stare, falling mesmerized into those beautiful green eyes. ¡°You¡¯re telling the truth, aren¡¯t you. You really think you¡¯re Human,¡± Lena finally said in a whisper.


    ¡°Because I am!¡±


    Lena looked up at Tazrok. ¡°Did you see if she banged her head on something, maybe? Could she be injured?¡±


    ¡°Not see. Don¡¯t think hurt.¡±


    Lena grabbed Callie¡¯s head and began inspecting it all over. ¡°No sign of any injury or lump,¡± she mumbled before holding up two fingers. ¡°How many fingers do you see?¡±


    ¡°Two,¡± Callie responded with slight sarcasm and growing frustration.


    ¡°Please, be serious. Follow my fingers with your eyes.¡±


    Callie stowed the sarcasm and followed Lena¡¯s fingers as she moved them around, testing her eye movements.


    ¡°Do you feel dizzy or sick?¡±


    ¡°Not really, considering all that is going on. I have a bad headache, but that could be the sun. It¡¯s really bright.¡±


    ¡°Gnomes generally live underground with artificial lighting,¡± Lena said. ¡°So it could take some time to get used to the sunlight. But you know that. Or ¡­ you should.¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m not a Gnome, and I¡¯m not from here. I was somewhere else before this. In Chicago. And I was a Human, not a Gnome, or whatever I apparently am.¡±


    Lena frowned and looked up to Tazrok for advice. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Little One confused. Confusing day. Give time?¡± Tazrok said.


    Lena pondered the issue for a bit. ¡°Callie, is it alright if my friend joins us?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I guess.¡±


    With a sharp whistle, Lena quieted the room. Several people started rubbing their ears, wincing in pain. ¡°Sorry everyone,¡± Lena said, ¡°Vanis, would you come over here please?¡±


    ¡°Ow!¡± Callie whined, grabbing her long ears and doubling over in pain.


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m so sorry, your poor hearing. I forgot Gnomes are so sensitive.¡± Lena winced, then she smiled sheepishly. ¡°Won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Callie wiggled her fingers in her ears to try to get the ringing to stop, instinctively glaring at Lena. Then some dots connected. Overly-sensitive hearing? Bright sunlight? Was she really a Gnome ¡­ a non-Human?


    A moment later, the trio was joined by another Elf. A man this time. He had a similar height and build to Lena, perhaps a half-head taller, and similar golden hair. This hair, however, was cut above the ear and had no beads or other adornments.


    ¡°Legolas!¡± Callie gasped, looking at the face of the male Elf.


    ¡°What?¡± Vanis said, confusion on his face.


    ¡°Who?¡± Lena asked Callie. ¡°Someone else you know? Another Elf?¡±


    ¡°Um ¡­ nevermind,¡± Callie responded sheepishly.


    ¡°Did you need something, Lena?¡± Vanis asked, ignoring the strange little Gnome and refocusing on his friend.


    ¡°Yeah, Vanis. Could you do me a favor?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Of course. Is there a problem with the Little One?¡±


    ¡°Maybe. I don¡¯t know. Something¡¯s not right.¡± Lena said. ¡°This is going to sound really strange and I ask you to please not speak too loudly and keep this quiet.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Please, how may I help?¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Vanis.¡± Lena gestured, ¡°This is Callie. She¡¯s had a really hard day and I¡¯m worried she may not be in her right mind.¡±


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie said. ¡°My mind is just fine.¡±


    ¡°Well, I can check her for any physical injuries, but I¡¯m not a Healer.¡±


    ¡°No no, that¡¯s not what I need you for.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡±


    Lena sighed and asked in almost a whisper. ¡°We all just assumed she was passed out from drinking all night, but she insists she wasn¡¯t. The problem is, she doesn¡¯t remember anything before waking up in this wagon. Or, I should say, what she does remember doesn¡¯t make much sense. She was in some Gnome city called She-cag-o before waking up here. I¡¯ve never heard of it, but I¡¯ve never been west of the capitals.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve traveled to those lands, even to a couple of the Gnome enclaves, but I¡¯ve never heard of it either,¡± Vanis said. ¡°But I¡¯ll admit I haven¡¯t seen many.¡±


    ¡°Even worse, she doesn¡¯t seem to know anything about ¡­ well anything. Almost like some kind of amnesia.¡±


    ¡°She definitely needs to see a Healer then. If she injured her head, we can¡¯t let that go untreated. Have you summoned one of our escorts?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, because I don¡¯t see any sign of injury and she says she¡¯s not hurt.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Callie said tersely, feeling as if she was being ignored.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not the weirdest thing, Vanis,¡± Lena added, continuing with her whispered explanation.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°This is an odd question, but I ask for a reason. I thought I overheard that you used to have a Human lover. A woman? Before ¡­ y¡¯know?¡±


    Vanis stiffened and snarled. ¡°What?¡±


    Lena held up her hand defensively. ¡°Things were different then. I understand.¡±


    Vanis glared for a long moment, but with Lena¡¯s apologetic face, tension slowly faded, until he finally sighed. ¡°Then yes. For a while. Back before. Why?¡±


    ¡°This little Gnome¡­¡±


    Callie glared.


    Lena leaned in, almost whispering. ¡°This little Gnome swears that she is actually Human, and she¡¯s telling the truth, or at least she believes it. I don¡¯t see any real resemblance, but I don¡¯t know Human physique well and I thought that, maybe, you would know better what Human female bodies look like.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Vanis said.


    Lena responded with a sheepish smile. ¡°Sorry. I just wanted someone else¡¯s thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Well it is curious,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Are you sure she was truthful?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have an Iron Tier Truthseeking skill. As long as she believes what she says, I can tell she¡¯s being truthful. She was quite sure of what she was saying.¡± Lena thought some more. ¡°I was thinking that perhaps she could be a Human child?¡±


    Vanis squatted and looked at Callie closely, as if giving her an exam. He put his hand on her chin, moving her head left and right, inspecting. Finally, he made a verdict. ¡°It¡¯s doubtful. For her height, if she was Human she¡¯d only be around six years old, so hardly able to speak intelligently. Plus, the hair and the ears are wrong, and her body is matured. I don¡¯t see it either.¡±


    ¡°She said yesterday she was a Human as tall as I am, with bigger ¡­¡± Lena looked down and held her hands in front of her chest..


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m right here,¡± Callie said with frustrated annoyance. The two Elves were talking about her and not to her, and it was quickly getting old. ¡°I¡¯m no child. I¡¯m twenty-six. And what¡¯s wrong with my hair?¡±


    Vanis shook his head, startled, before making a face of assuredness. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Miss Callie, if you are indeed that old, then there¡¯s no way you could be a human child mistaken for a Gnome. In fact, visually I see no sign of Human in you at all. My initial conclusion would be that you are suffering an unseen brain injury and are delusional. Apologies for being so direct. You need a Healer.¡± Then he added, ¡°There should be plenty of medical care available when we arrive.¡±


    Callie was beginning to feel as if she simply wasn¡¯t being seen and heard. This Vanis character seemed a little full of himself and Lena was busy jumping to her own conclusions. She put her foot down. ¡°I said I am not injured. I feel fine. Mostly. Except for the sun. It¡¯s bright.¡±


    Kneeling down again to get to Callie¡¯s new height, Lena put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll figure this out, I promise.¡± She looked up at her Elf friend. ¡°What should we do, Vanis? This isn¡¯t the right place for her, and if she insists she¡¯s Human she¡¯s going to get into even more trouble. Worse, if she¡¯s Conscript, that¡¯s going to cause some serious complications.¡±


    Vanis also kneeled down, looking Callie firmly in the eyes. ¡°Do you know if you are Conscript, Miss Callie?¡± Vanis asked directly.


    ¡°I have no idea what that means,¡± Callie responded flatly. Conscripts were soldiers, but the Elf¡¯s usage didn¡¯t make any sense.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Vanis trailed off. Finally he sighed and said, ¡°Callie, Lena ¡­ I don¡¯t think this is something we can solve here in this wagon. We¡¯ll be at the camp shortly. If she¡¯s not supposed to be here, the people there can take care of the problem. But if she¡¯s Conscript ¡­¡±


    ¡°What exactly does that mean?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It means you have to fight,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Fight? Against what?¡±


    ¡°Against the Demon army, silly.¡±


    ¡°Demon army. Right.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Thousands of them to the south. We¡¯ve been at war with them for years now.¡±


    Callie scoffed. ¡°Demons? Really? Are you sure I¡¯m the one that needs to be checked for brain damage?¡±


    ¡°This is where we are going. To a training camp for advanced soldiers,¡± Vanis said.


    Callie looked at Lena and then looked at Vanis. She turned to look up at Tazrok. All three had a stone hard expression on their face. ¡°You guys are actually serious? Demon army. And we have to fight them. How can they make us?¡°


    ¡°Conscription is a form of curse,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We¡¯ve all been cursed with it, and thus we have no choice.¡±


    ¡°A curse? Now I know you¡¯re joking.¡± Callie laughed, almost starting to giggle. ¡°So next you¡¯re going to tell me that magic is real. Good one, you two.¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s real,¡± Lena said.


    Callie looked at Vanis, who nodded. She looked up at Tazrok. ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°Magic real.¡±


    ¡°You, too. Huh. Okay fine. Prove it.¡± Callie put her hands on her hips, donning a smug look. Easiest just to call people out on their bullshit.


    ¡°Most of the skills I know would need a sword and more space to use them. Tazrok?¡±


    Tazrok shrugged. ¡°Am Ogre. Only know fight abilities.¡±


    ¡°What about you, Vanis?¡±


    Vanis smiled sheepishly and held out his hand. ¡°We were warned not to use any magic,¡± he said quietly, "but perhaps this is demonstration enough.¡± His attention focused, and tiny little lights appeared in his palm and began to soundlessly swirl in a spiral of vibrant colors.


    Stunned, Callie stared at what the Elf was doing in his hand, lost in the spirals of color.


    Smiling, Vanis took Callie¡¯s hand with his free one, before pouring the spiraling light into it, which flowed as if he was pouring flickering sand. He then took her other hand and forced her to pour the lights into it. He repeated this back-and-forth action between Callie¡¯s hands a couple times before he let her go. Callie continued to pour the lights from hand to hand, a look of unbelieving awe appearing on her face. After a short while, the whirlpool of lights finally broke apart and faded away.


    ¡°Wow!¡± was all Callie could whisper.


    ¡°You¡¯re an Illusionist?¡± Lena asked Vanis, a curious eyebrow raised.


    ¡°Warlock, actually. I just happened to pick up a minor light-illusion skill along the way called Dancing Lights. My aptitude is quite poor, but it always amuses younger children, and my grandmother, surprisingly.¡±


    Callie looked up from staring at her hands. ¡°Magic is real? Real as in ¡®real, real¡¯?¡±


    Lena stifled a laugh. ¡°Of course it is.¡±


    ¡°And this is why Conscription is serious,¡± Vanis interrupted. ¡°If you bear the Conscription Curse, you must join the army and fight.¡±


    ¡°What happens if I don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°If you are not under the influence of a Command Aura put forth by an officer, the Curse will begin to rot your body. If addressed quickly enough, the rot can be reversed or healed. Soon, however, your body will show the effects and no civilized city or town or village will allow you entry. You¡¯ll be shunned. An outcast. And given enough time, it will finally kill you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re actually serious? Kill you?¡±


    ¡°Very serious,¡± Lena confirmed.


    ¡°Wait, you said everyone here has it. If you have this curse, how do you get rid of it?¡±


    ¡°I only assume everyone is Conscript, but it¡¯s likely. There are benefits to fighting if you are cursed, so even most volunteers will purposely get Conscript cursed.¡± Vanis said.


    Purposely getting cursed? That seems crazy.


    ¡°As for how to overcome the curse, there are three ways,¡± Vanis continued. ¡°First, if you fight long enough under the Command Aura, the curse will eventually fade. Second, you could be promoted and become an officer yourself, and thus have your own Command Aura, eventually removing your own curse. Or, if the war ends, the commanders can issue an order to break the curse, allowing the army to disperse.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it? There¡¯s no other way?¡±


    ¡°Well, there is one other way,¡± Vanis said. ¡°You could ¡­¡± and he trailed off.


    ¡°You could what?¡± Callie said.


    ¡°You die,¡± Tazrok added flatly.


    ¡°Die?


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lena said. ¡°If you die, the curse is broken. Of course, it doesn¡¯t really matter at that point.¡±


    ¡°Surely someone could find a way to break their own curse, right?¡± Callie asked. Curses could always be broken in the stories, somehow.


    Vanis shrugged. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s theoretically possible for, say, at least a Platinum tier Enchanter, or maybe a Shaman of similar power, to remove it. But it wouldn¡¯t be easy, nor inexpensive. Very likely quite risky, too,¡±


    Callie was silent as she mulled what she¡¯d just learned. Finally, she asked, ¡°How do you know if you have this curse? What happens if you have it?¡±


    ¡°In general, over time, you¡¯ll feel an increased calling to get under the command of an officer with a Command Aura. It¡¯s not hard to resist the call, but, well, I¡¯ve already talked about what will happen over time if you do. Only a Scryer can truly determine for sure if you are afflicted, if you don¡¯t already know. I¡¯m confident there will be several Scryers at the camp,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°And if I have it, I have to go fight in the army? How? I don¡¯t know anything about fighting. And since I¡¯m in this Gnome body apparently, I¡¯m so small.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, Little One,¡± Vanis said, ¡°Some of the most-powerful Wizards and Healers ever have been Gnomes. What class are you? I¡¯m sure you can rise up with the right class and good skills.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Tazrok and I thought she may have been kidnapped, knocked unconscious, and loaded on the wagon,¡± Lena said. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of it happening. Rare classes being dragged off and Conscripted by thugs hoping to make a quick bounty payout. I didn¡¯t think the Army was paying those kinds of bounties, but maybe for someone extremely rare they would.¡±


    Vanis nodded slowly. ¡°I assume there is nothing to this ¡­ Human thing, so that could very well be what happened. And if she was heavily drugged, it could explain this amnesia she seems to have, as well as the fantasy of not being a Gnome. We¡¯ll have to make sure to let the officers know once we make camp. If she¡¯s not Conscript, they should let her go.¡±


    ¡°What if I am?¡±


    Vanis looked down at the little Gnome, placing his hand on his head in an apparent moment of dizziness. ¡°We will just have to see.¡± He looked at Lena, and then up at the big Ogre, before adding. ¡°Be assured that you have at least three friends to be with you while we do.¡±


    Tazrok grunted.


    ¡°Perhaps Tazrok counts as two people by himself.¡±


    ¡°And my class? I don¡¯t have one that I know about.¡±


    ¡°When you are scryed, to see if you have the Curse, they will be able to see your class and maybe even figure out what race you really are.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a Human, Vanis,¡± Callie snapped instinctively, almost more of a frustrated hiss, still coming to grips with her predicament.


    Lena winced. ¡°You need to stop saying that so loud. Keep this to yourself unless you absolutely need to share it.¡±


    ¡°Why? How come you all hate Humans so much?¡±

 Chapter 2 Part 2 - A War Tinged with Betrayal

    PART II - A WAR TINGED WITH BETRAYAL


    Lena and Vanis both sighed.  The female Elf knelt down and brushed off a bit of floor space, before sitting down and facing Callie, with Vanis quickly doing the same  ¡°It¡¯s all about betrayal and is exactly why we are in this wagon right now,¡± Lena began.  ¡°About six years ago, small bands of Demons started striking out at villages in the southeast.  They would swoop in, set fire to everything, kill everybody.  Men, Women, Children.  The old and the young.   The rich and the poor.  It didn¡¯t matter.  Everyone was killed.  Afterwards, the Demons would just disappear into the night.¡±


    Vanis picked up the story.  ¡°Over time, the Demons got more and more bold, and grew significantly in number.  They finally started razing the larger towns and forced the people to unify and take a stand.  Soon, the Free Folk, which is us, allied with the Humans in the southwest, intent on a single, decisive campaign to rid the world of the Demon horde for good.¡±


    ¡°I gather it didn¡¯t work?¡± Callie said, seeing the looks both Elves were wearing.


    Lena shook her head sadly.  ¡°Thousands of our people marched to battle.  It was a mobilization the likes of which had not been seen since the Slaver Wars.   We were to meet up with our allies, a Human army of similar size and power.  But that didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    ¡°It was the eve of battle,¡± Vanis sighed.  ¡°Our folk, the scores of Elves, Dwarves, Beastkin, Ogres, Fae, and all the rest were on the field.  Across the plain were thousands of the Demons charging forward.  Yet, still there was no sign of the Human army.  Finally, scouts reported their army coming and that they would be there the morning of the next day.  The battle would be raging by then, but at least they were coming soon.¡±


    ¡°Did they not come?¡±


    Lena laughed bitterly.  ¡°Oh, they came!  That next morning they finally rode right up to the top of the ridge overlooking our forces and the army of the Demons killing each other below.  Then, they simply turned around and left.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said with a gasp.


    ¡°Yes, they simply turned around and went home.  No reason was given.  And the resulting battle was a slaughter.  The Demons were absolutely brutal and relentless.  Scarcely one-in-fifty of our people survived.  And those that did were so traumatized by the betrayal and the demon brutality, that for many, they are still haunted to this day.¡±


    ¡°Why did the Human army leave?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know.  Maybe cowards.  Maybe traitors,¡± Tazrok said with an angry growl.


    Lena pointed at Tazrok.  ¡°Exactly!  That¡¯s what¡¯s so frustrating, Callie.  We don¡¯t actually know.  The Human army returned to their lands and sealed it with high walls and powerful magics.  All attempts at diplomacy, or to even get an explanation were rebuffed.  For all these years, we¡¯ve heard nothing from the Humans.  Not a single word.  Nothing is allowed to enter, and nothing ever leaves.  The Humans have completely cut themselves off from the rest of the world.  Those Humans that were living in our cities and towns simply left and disappeared behind the walls.  Even those with non-Human spouses or families just abandoned their lives and retreated behind the walls.  Any non-Humans that were trapped inside the walls haven¡¯t been heard from since, and you can imagine the rumors about what could have happened to them.¡±


    ¡°So as you might guess,¡± Vanis said, ¡°we of the North do not think kindly of Humans.  We blame them for the thousands of dead and this damnable, unending war where hundreds more die every week.  We think them cowards and traitors.  If a Human, any Human, were to enter one of our towns or cities, it is very unlikely they would make it out unscathed.¡±


    ¡°Must keep quiet, Little One.  You are Gnome.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right, Callie,¡± Lena said.  ¡°It is crucial you tell no one about your belief you are Human, or were, or might be, or whatever this is.  If you do, there is a very very good chance you would be harmed.  You must be a Gnome.¡±


    Callie blanched.  ¡°My God.  I didn¡¯t know!¡±


    Lena held up her hand.  ¡°Deep down, we all know that all Humans aren¡¯t bad.  But there is still so much anger right now among the Free Folk, that it doesn¡¯t matter.  We¡¯ll figure out what is going on with you, but we need to do it discreetly, for your own safety.¡±


    ¡°When we get to the training camp, it is imperative we stick to a simple story,¡± Vanis said. ¡°You are a Gnome.  You don¡¯t know how you got here.  You have amnesia.  You don¡¯t know your class.  And you don¡¯t know if you are Conscript.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Callie said meekly.  ¡°I can try to do that.¡±


    ¡°Must more than try.  Must do.  Or can¡¯t protect,¡± Tazrok said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be there with you, at least until you figure out what to do next,¡± Vanis said.


    Callie smiled in return.  ¡°Thank you.  All of you.  You¡¯ve been so good to me.  Where I come from, people aren¡¯t so nice.  Everyone is basically angry and selfish.¡±


    Callie gazed out through the bars at the landscape rolling by.  It was all a magnificent green, brighter than she had ever seen before, quickly disappearing into a forest of mixed trees.  Her view was abruptly blocked as someone walked by.  It was the Lizardkin from earlier, Xin, or possibly another that looked just like her, simply strolling past.  This gave Callie a host of new questions to ask.


    ¡°Hey Lena?  Who are the Free Folk you mentioned?  You said it referred to the people here.  Free from what?  And who all are these Folk?¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t remember anything, do you?¡± Lena said.


    ¡°No.  I don¡¯t.  I have no idea what is going on, so this is all basically new to me.¡±


    ¡°The Free Folk are all the tribes and towns and cities of the North and as far south as the Great Oasis of the desert.   Over the years, our leaders have tried to come up with other names.  ¡®The Alliance¡¯ was one that was popular for a time, for example.  But everyone still just calls us The Free Folk.¡±


    ¡°Why? Where does the name come from?¡±


    ¡°Like so many things, Callie,¡± Vanis began, ¡°it begins with a war.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lena continued.  ¡°As I recall the story, two hundred years ago, there was a nation to the south that openly practiced slavery.  People were bought and sold like cattle and then subjected to dreadful conditions as laborers or as soldiers.  Some were even sold and used as pleasure slaves.  Often, the slavers would send raiding parties into other areas to take people for their markets.  Over time, the Three Kingdoms joined together and the people of the North went to war with the slavers as a single combined force.¡±


    ¡°All nations go fight slavers,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Become Free Folk.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Vanis said, nodding at the Ogre.  ¡°Calling themselves The Free Folk of the North, for the first time Elves and Dwarves and The Kin and Ogres and all the others, including the Gnomes like you, marched side-by-side for a unified cause.  The slaver lands were conquered, and over time everyone simply kept the name becoming The Free Folk.  The unity of the races somehow, maybe miraculously, continued.  Cities opened, people moved around and in time our lives have all intermingled with each other.¡±


    ¡°Ogres live everywhere now,¡± Tazrok said proudly.


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    ¡°Where were the Ogres originally from?¡± Callie asked, having no geographical references, but curious nonetheless..


    Gesturing towards Tazrok, Vanis said, ¡°The Ogres originally come from the mountains to the north or the great plains of the west, so were always very isolated, but they were there on the field for the Slaver Wars, even though it was far from their homes.  Now they are seen throughout the lands doing whatever it is that people do.  Many still live in their mountain cities, but some have moved south and east into the other cities or have country farmsteads.¡±


    ¡°Am city Ogre,¡± Tazrok said, gesturing to himself.  ¡°Much good ale there.¡±


    Callie smiled, somehow the idea of inter-racial unity amazing.  ¡°That¡¯s so neat that you all are friends!  Where I¡¯m from, we have the United Nations, but a lot of the members don¡¯t get along very well.  Somebody is always attacking someone else, and then it all gets political.  Ugh!¡±


    ¡°Oh, we have plenty of politics here too,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°There¡¯s always someone who is rich or powerful, or maybe one of the Legacy Kings tries to rule outside of their purview, but as a whole, everyone gets along.¡±


    ¡°What is a Legacy King?¡±


    ¡°Royal families of old.  Three of them.  There are actually two kings and one queen currently, but the name Legacy Kings has stuck around.  Up to the uniting of the Free Folk at the time of the Slaver Wars, the land had three nations and three kings.   After, when we as a people remained united as the Free Folk, the three Kings had their power stripped from them.  Their rule now is all ceremonial and formality.  The real power is in a group of representatives, a parliament.  Everyone still likes the feeling of royalty, though, even if it doesn¡¯t mean much.¡±


    ¡°We have something like that where I come from, too.  Not my country, but one called England.  There was Queen Elizabeth, who was the queen for seventy years.  She didn¡¯t have much power, but mostly everyone still liked her.  She actually died, so her son Charles became the King.¡±


    ¡°The same happens here.  The first-born children usually become the new king or queen.  Although the current queen has no children, as she is Elven and her husband is a Beastkin, a Wolfkin, so I am unsure what will happen.  Maybe they will adopt?  Or the throne may pass to the Queen¡¯s brother or his children?  Time will tell.¡±


    ¡°The different races can¡¯t have children together?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Mostly,¡± Lena said.  ¡°It is said that male Elves are able to sire children with Human females, but not the other way around, and also with some of the Fae.  But things can be strange with the Fae.  For example, some change their genders from time to time.  Gnomes and Goblins can all have children together, too.  Otherwise no.  Even most of the different Beastkin races can¡¯t reproduce with each other no matter the basis for their form.  As a result, mixed families adopt.  It¡¯s very common.¡±


    Gnomes and Goblins?  They had Goblins here?  Like from The Hobbit?


    ¡°So what is a class?¡± Callie asked, her head coming back to Lena¡¯s earlier quest.  ¡°Is that like your job or what you got educated in?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lena laughed, ¡°Your class comes to you when  ¡­¡±


    Far in the distance, a horn sounded a trio of blasts, quickly followed by a second and a third set.


    ¡°No time, Lena.  It looks like we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Lena said, blowing air out through pursed lips and starting to get up.  ¡°How do we want to do this?  I¡¯m sure the officers at the camp will tell us what to do, but for now I think one of us needs to always be with Callie.¡±


    ¡°Agree,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Protect Little One.¡±


    ¡°Callie,¡± Vanis continued,  ¡°it will likely be very chaotic there, and it will be easy to get underfoot at your size.  Do your part to make sure to stay with at least one of us, especially if we start to get separated by class or some such.  I¡¯ll make an effort to track down a Scryer as quickly as possible.¡±


    A flood of emotions hit Callie and she started to feel weak.


    Lena noticed Callie shaking.  ¡°Are you ok, Callie?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really scared, Lena.  None of what has happened is making any sense to me and I apparently don¡¯t know anything about ¡­ anything. ¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out.  Just stay close.¡±


    ¡°Could carry.  Ride shoulder.¡±  Tazrok said.


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lena agreed, ¡°especially if it gets really crowded.  Just be careful if you pick her up, you¡¯re very strong and could hurt her.¡±


    ¡°Hey!  Have dainty fingers,¡± Tazrok said as a reminder, grinning as he wiggled his giant hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Lena responded with a chuckle.  ¡°Just be careful.¡±


    The wagon plodded on, Callie watching as the training camp finally came into view.  But to call it a camp simply did not do it justice.  It was a legitimate fort, with high log walls, even higher watchtowers, and a huge gate as an entrance, opened wide.  People could be seen lining the battlements, staying ever alert for anything out of the ordinary.


    As the wagon drew close, its angle eventually blocked the view into the fort itself, as the open bars were on its side, but several people walked by; an array of Elves, Dwarves, and animal-like people.  More of these ¡®Beastkin¡¯ like Xin, most-likely, since Vanis said there were multiple types.  She saw a cat person and another lizard person and a dog or wolf person and others too briefly to know for sure.  Callie found she had stepped up to the bars, her hands gripped knuckle-white tight as she gaped in awe and wonder at all the strange people, and the strange clothes and the strange everything.


    Suddenly there was a streak of light flitting around that stopped in front of Callie, outside the wagon.  ¡°Hello!¡± said a teeny little person cheerily.  Callie looked closer and could see it appeared to be a tiny woman with a pair of wings, just hovering there.  Her skin was a milky-white with just a hint of green, with bright-red close-cropped hair, and she was wearing minimal clothing, just tiny cloth garments covering her chest and waist.  She also wore a little backpack that looked to be made of leather that nestled between her wings.   The wings hummed, moving faster than the eye could see, as she zipped to and fro.  She couldn¡¯t be more than eight inches tall.  Or was that twenty centimeters?  Stupid metric!  The winged woman giggled again, said ¡®Goodbye!¡¯ and zipped out of view.


    Callie turned with a look of glee on her face.  ¡°What ¡­ What was that?¡±


    ¡°That was a Sprite,¡± Lena said.


    Callie got a perplexed look on her face.  ¡°So, they fight in the war, too?  How?¡±


    ¡°Not usually,¡± Vanis said, ¡°Sprites tend to be used as couriers since they fly quite fast.  They can easily deliver messages or small items, and even larger ones if their backpack is enchanted to hold more.  You can imagine how fragile they are, though, being so small, so they don¡¯t see front-line action.  Pixies are large enough to fight though, as Wizards or Healers, so you might see them in combat.¡±


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Callie trailed off, again looking out at everything going on.  The craziness was somehow acting as a complete distraction for Callie, making her forget for the moment everything that had happened to her, as her attention flitted from one amazing new sight to another.  In the back of her head, she knew she needed to focus, but she had just seen a tiny flying person!  How was anything supposed to compete with that?


    The wagon was slowly pulled through the courtyard for a time and finally stopped.  A dark-haired Elf walked up to the side, searching his clothing for something.  ¡°Has anyone seen the key?¡± he called out.  Several denials were called back.


    ¡°Sorry everyone,¡± the man said to those in the wagon.  ¡°We¡¯re looking for the key to the lock.  It¡¯s around here somewhere.¡±


    The sound of collective groans came from everyone, along with a few choice, four-letter words.  Lena reached forward, taking Callie¡¯s shoulder, and slowly pulled her away from the bars and to her side.  ¡°Tazrok, if you would?  I don¡¯t feel like waiting for them.¡±


    Tazrok grunted and pushed on the bars.   For a moment the bars resisted, and then the whole lock was ripped open, hinges at the top allowing the entire assembly to flip upwards.  Tazrok swung his legs out and stood up, continuing to hold the open side of the wagon.  The Elf seeking his key just stood there stunned, staring up at the huge Ogre.


    ¡°Everybody out,¡± Tazrok said loudly.  Nobody waited for a second request and over a  dozen Elves, Dwarves and one nervous Gnome quickly exited the wagon, Lena lifting Callie to the ground.


    ¡°Th-this way, everyone.¡± the Elf said nervously, gesturing, as Tazrok lowered the steel grate back into place with a light slam.  ¡°Just follow the path to the main yard and wait with the rest.  The Commandant will be addressing everyone shortly.¡±  Several of the recruits started heading away, but a few stayed behind, looking up wide-eyed at Tazrok.


    ¡°You could have opened that any time?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Tazrok shrugged.  ¡°Not prisoner.¡±


    The stragglers turned and began to follow the rest.  Lena took Callie¡¯s hand and started to walk as well, but Callie was just rooted in place, staring up at Tazrok.


    ¡°What is it, Callie?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s so ¡­ big!¡±


    Lena looked up at Tazrok.  ¡°Yes.  He¡¯s an Ogre.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s huge!¡± was all Callie could say, having no proper words.  She barely came up to the giant¡¯s knees, his huge head at least three meters above her.  Tazrok looked down and grinned, taking the observation as a compliment.  Turning, he started a slow shuffle down the path.


    ¡°Come, Little One,¡± Vanis said, taking the Gnome''s other hand.  Callie shook her head in disbelief and followed the lead into the heart of the fort.


    As the trio walked off, another Elf ran up to the one with dark hair.  ¡°Sir, I found the key.  Here you ¡­¡± and then his voice simply trailed off as he looked at the empty, damaged wagon.

 Chapter 3 Part 1 - Unwanted Distractions

    PART I - UNWANTED DISTRACTIONS


    ¡°I can¡¯t see anything,¡± Callie grouched.  From her low angle, all she could really see were a lot of legs.


    ¡°Tazrok, can you lift her up?¡± Lena asked.  ¡°She can get a better view and hopefully not get stepped on.¡±


    Tazrok stopped and knelt down.  ¡°Up¡± he said and held out his hand in front of Callie.  She very hesitantly stepped on his huge hand and the Ogre raised it so she was able to scramble up.  Callie debated straddling Tazrok¡¯s neck, but decided to simply perch on his right shoulder for now.  The gigantic head next to her was almost as tall as she was in this sitting position, and rather intimidating, honestly.  Being careful not to step on anyone, Tazrok led the group to an out-of-the-way spot by the wall.


    Now Callie could see everything from atop Tazrok¡¯s nearly four-meter frame, and looking down gave her a moment of wariness from the height.  Quickly, though, the sights around her seized her attention instead, almost overloading her already disbelieving eyes.  The courtyard was a chaotic buzz of activity.  Dozens of people racing around, moving stuff from here to there and then from there to over yonder, yelling out commands and orders to move or do something else.  In the center were dozens of people who just milled around looking lost, worried and a little confused, but generally chatting and laughing with each other.  Immediately, Callie thought they must be other recruits like her new friends, and for that matter, apparently her.


    And oh the people!  Elves and Dwarves she had seen, and even Xin the Lizardkin and the adorable little Sprite, but around Callie were so many other strange people.  Several with wings chatted in a group, looking much like the little Sprite she had just met, but much larger.  Not far from them, a trio of green-skinned people, similar in size to Callie, were laughing it up with a tall man with the face of a tiger.  It was chaos, and Callie simply grinned in awe.


    ¡°So what are the ones with wings over there?¡± Callie asked.  ¡°Are they the Pixies you mentioned?¡±


    Lena stood on her tiptoes.  ¡°Ahh, those are Fairies, which are about twice the size of a Pixie, perhaps a head taller than you are.¡±   The Elf turned, as if looking for something.  ¡°There.  There¡¯s a Pixie over there, standing under that tree,¡± Lena said pointing.


    Callie turned her head, needing a second to see who Lena was indicating, then she saw her.  The Pixie was standing alone, with a brooding look on her face as her wings fluttered nervously.   She kind of gave off a ¡®leave-me-alone¡¯ type of aura, and people were certainly giving her a wide berth.  What stood out to Callie was that her hair, which was cropped close, was almost a deep sky-blue color, standing out among all the more-normal hair colors of everyone else, save the little Sprite from earlier.  With a quick second look, Callie couldn¡¯t help but think the Pixie was actually sort of pretty, despite the sour vibe she was giving off.


    ¡°She looks kinda lonely,¡± Callie said.  ¡°If she wasn¡¯t way over there, I¡¯d try to make friends.¡±


    Callie tore her eyes away from the Pixie, trying to get what she just learned straight in her head.  ¡°Okay, so Sprites, Pixies and Fairies; they are all sort of the same, just different sizes, then?¡±


    ¡°Mostly.  Fairies are taller than Gnomes,¡± Vanis said, ¡°by about thirty centimeters.  Pixies are about half their height, so shorter than you, and Sprites, which you¡¯ve seen, are quite small.  Together, those three races are collectively part of the Fae.  There are a few more Fae races as well, although I¡¯m not seeing any others at the moment.¡±


    ¡°And what are those green skinned ones over there?   I think they are about my height.¡±


    ¡°Those are Goblins.  I mentioned them earlier, too,¡± Lena clarified.


    Callie cocked her head, remembering Goblins from the Hobbit movies, and didn¡¯t really see much of a resemblance, outside of maybe their size.  Instinctively, part of her assumed that Goblins must be evil or bad, like in the stories, but there they were, smiling and chatting away just like everyone else, and Callie realized she needed to check any preconceived notions at the gate.  They were just people, just like her and Lena and the huge Ogre she was riding.  Just people being people.


    Resisting the urge to keep rudely pointing, Callie just looked over the crowd, taking in all the various people.  A good number were Elves, like Lena and Vanis, and there were now more Dwarves than just the ones from the wagon, most laughing it up in a group of their own.  She didn¡¯t see any other Ogres, though, and nobody else that would have been about her height, so apparently no other Gnomes, either, unless they were hidden amongst everyone.  The realization that she might be the only Gnome here actually made her feel a little ¡­ lonely maybe?


    Callie¡¯s eyes kept coming back to the animal people. So many different ones!  A wolf.  More tigers of various colors, many with obvious feminine curves.  Another Lizardkin that she was pretty sure wasn¡¯t Xin.  A yellow-furred cat-featured girl with black spots, like a cheetah.  Even a big burly bear guy laughing with one she could swear was a rhino.  Different races of people just ¡­ getting along.  In a way, it warmed her heart to see that.


    A realization hit Callie and she shook her head as if to clear it.  ¡°Stop it!  Focus!¡± she mumbled to herself.  She could feel her attention drifting all over with all the strange sights, and it had been getting worse ever since her initial panic had faded when Lena had helped her calm down.  Everywhere she looked was some new stimulus, and it was distracting her from what the real issue was, which was figuring out what the hell was going on with her, where she was, how she got here, and how she could get back home.  She hadn¡¯t felt this scatterbrained for years, and now wasn¡¯t the time for it.  Closing her eyes for a moment, Callie took a deep breath, trying to center herself just a bit, concentrating on pushing the minutia and distractions to the side.


    ¡°And what class are you?¡± Callie heard someone ask, overhearing the middle of a conversation.  She opened her eyes to see who it was.  Not far away, a tiger person with slightly dark-green fur and orange stripes was chatting with another Elf, a male.


    ¡°Druid,¡± the Elf replied.


    ¡°Ahh, how fun!  You are able to change shape, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been told, but I can¡¯t do it yet.¡±


    The tiger-person¡¯s mention of classes brought Callie¡¯s thoughts back to the wagon, and the information that Lena was about to explain just as they arrived.  ¡°Hey Lena, so what exactly is a class?  You started to tell me, but we arrived, so it was a bit crazy.¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know.¡± Lena said, a tinge of disbelief in her voice.  She turned to Vanis.  ¡°How do you explain something so simple as classes?¡°


    ¡°I can give it a try,¡± Vanis replied with a shrug.  ¡°Let me see.¡±  His face put on a concentrated look for a few seconds, before seeming to find somewhere to start.  ¡°How about this?  All people receive a class, generally around age fifteen or sixteen,¡± Vanis began.  ¡°It will simply ¡­ just happen ¡­ I suppose.  For some, they may have an idea what it might be based on their interests or upbringing, but for most they will not know what it is until they receive their first skill or a Scryer can deduce it.¡±


    ¡°So one day you just wake up and realize you¡¯re a baker or a weapon maker?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Lena said.  ¡°Baker and blacksmith is simply someone¡¯s vocation; what you might do to earn a living.  A class is what determines what skills you can easily use; think of it as what you have a talent for.¡±


    Callie gave Lena a very puzzled look.  ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I can explain it another way,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I am a Warlock; that is my class, which I received when I was sixteen.  Of this class, I know three Warlock skills currently, although there are several more at Iron Tier.  For my first, I can throw a magical bolt of deadly energy, and with the second I am able to summon little beings to do my bidding called Imps.  The third allows me to create a Ritual Circle, where the Imps need to be summoned to.  While I do know these Warlock skills, that doesn¡¯t mean I need to be a professional Warlock.  I could still choose to become the aforementioned baker as a vocation.¡±


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    That still didn¡¯t make a lot of sense to Callie, but she deduced that skills must be what they called magic spells, and it sounded like Vanis knew a few of them.   The whole idea of somehow simply receiving a random class was a little crazy, though.  Some hand of fate just decides that someone is going to be a Warlock or a Druid?  That would kind of suck if the person had no interest in Warlocking or ¡­ is Druiding a word?  Then a part of Callie''s brain simply said ¡®It¡¯s magic¡¯, as if that explained everything.  Looking around again at all the strange people, Callie started to think that was going to be the answer to a lot of her questions ¡­ It¡¯s all magic.


    While Callie was working to puzzle out all that Vanis had said about getting one¡¯s random class at sixteen, the Lizardkin from the wagon walked up to the group.  For the first time, Callie got a good look at Xin, this time not silhouetted by the sun.  Her scales were a medium green, save her front which was much lighter, almost a pale yellow.  She wore very little clothing; that being just a cloth tunic of some kind and what could best be described as a pair of cloth shorts.  They didn¡¯t seem to fit well, and barely functioned to preserve modesty.  At the end of Xin¡¯s hands were three-centimeter long claws, and her feet had similar-looking claws that were even larger.   Her long tail swished as she walked, but held high so it didn¡¯t drag on the ground.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Xin said, briefly raising a clawed hand in greeting.


    ¡°Did you come for your waterskin?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Yes, but I also wished to check on the Little One.  Has she remembered anything from before she woke up?¡±


    Lena quickly introduced Tazrok and Vanis.  ¡°Callie here seems to be suffering from some loss of memory.  We had hoped to track down a healer at some point, but it¡¯s a madhouse here.  We think she might have been kidnapped and drugged before being put in the wagon.  She doesn¡¯t even know her class.¡±


    ¡°I see.  It would be bad if that was the case, and very confusing for the Little One to not know her class.  Is she Conscript?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that either. We¡¯ll need a Scryer to know for sure.¡±


    ¡°It is good of you to care for her then, Miss Lena.  Know that I was talking to the guards about what is going to happen, and it may be some time until you will have the freedom to find help.  We were the last group of recruits to arrive, so they will start processing us all very soon.  The camp commander will be speaking shortly and explaining everything.  It all may become quite chaotic.¡±


    Lena looked at Vanis with concern.  ¡°I guess we can wait.  But I don¡¯t want to wait too long.  This isn¡¯t exactly a safe place for a little Gnome and it is really stressful for her.¡±


    Unbidden, Callie suddenly gasped.  Across the courtyard she saw one of the beast people, this one wearing leather armor, but not any swords.  He was walking confidently, wearing a huge smile on his face, towards the far end of the courtyard where there was what looked like a stage of some kind.   What really caught her attention was that he had a huge mane around his head.  ¡°A lion person!¡± she squealed unconsciously.


    ¡°She is very odd,¡± Xin said.  ¡°Do you think she might be brain damaged?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie snapped, hearing the Lizardkin and glaring down at her.  ¡°My brain is just fine.  I think.  This is all just new for me.  It¡¯s just, the guy with the big mane looked cuddly.¡±


    Xin leaned close to Lena and whispered, purposely loud enough to be heard, ¡°Very likely brain damage.¡±


    Lena slapped her hand to her face, and tried to hold back a laugh.


    Pulling her attention back to the surroundings, Callie looked around, trying to take it in, rather than focusing on the people.  Around the edge of the yard were several large tents with one or more signs hanging on them, or posted by the entry flaps.  Some of the signs had two circles, one large and one smaller, of different colors.  The remainder had a single colored circle with a symbol of some kind in the middle of it that was a different color.


    The stage at the other end was a raised wooden platform that currently had several people of all manner of races milling around on it.  Most wore some form of light armor and carried swords or spears, while a few wore decorative robes.  A Fairy seemed to be gesturing and directing people into places on the platform.  Callie was pretty sure all those people were the people in charge here.


    In the distance, a building without walls stood, a great amount of smoke rising from its center.  Over the din of the voices and general mayhem, a distant ¡®clank clank clank¡¯ of metal on metal could be heard.  For a split moment, Callie saw something that looked bright blue, before whatever it was disappeared back inside.


    ¡°What building is that?¡± Callie asked.  ¡°The one with all the smoke.¡±


    ¡°Forge,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Make weapons.  Repair weapons.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Callie said.  In the space of a breath, Callie didn¡¯t feel so excited any longer.  A sudden realization washed over her that this was indeed a war camp.  That this was a place for training soldiers.  That someday, some of these people, including her new friends, would have to go and fight, and they could very well die.   That forge building was making the weapons to do that very thing.  And if she was cursed, she would have to go fight as well.


    Vanis saw the look on her face.  ¡°What is wrong, Miss Callie?¡±


    Callie tried to put on a smile, but it didn¡¯t work very well.  ¡°I don¡¯t know.  I think I just realized that this is all real.  That I¡¯m not dreaming, or if I am, it¡¯s detailed enough to be real.  And that there¡¯s a lot I don¡¯t know.  I¡¯m actually a little scared, honestly.¡±  All the distractions had made her forget for a moment that everything was wrong.  She had to be more focused!


    Lena reached up and put a cool hand on Callie¡¯s leg.  She didn¡¯t need to say anything, the touch simply said everything.


    Xin looked puzzled.  ¡°Of course this is not a dream, Little One.  Do you not understand war?  War is scary.¡±  Xin pointed to herself.  ¡°I am scared.  All of us are very afraid.   But being scared is not a bad thing and we help one another, we do.  I help you and someday, when I am sad or I am scared again, you help me.  That is the way of things among the ¡®Kin.¡±


    Callie looked down at the Lizardkin, really taking in for the first time her long snout, the slight, scaled ridge running over her head and down her back, the corners of her mouth curled upwards in a crocodile-like smile.  Callie watched Xin¡¯s tail flick lightly and then curl around her waist.  So different, but still just a person.  ¡°Thank you, Xin.  Thank you all of you¡¯¡± Callie took a deep breath and wiped at her eyes that had started to well up just a little.  ¡°I¡¯ll try not to be too much of a downer.¡±


    ¡°Here, I believe this will help everyone feel better,¡±  Vanis said as he fiddled with his belt.  He untied a small leather bag and opened the top.  Upending it slightly, he poured a few small objects into his hands.  ¡°Candy that a little old grandmother I know makes.  A concentration of sweet cane sap and citrus flavors, plus a few extra secret ingredients.  ¡±It always makes me feel a little better when I am out of sorts.¡±  He held his hand out to Lena and Xin, who both took a piece.


    ¡°Wow!  This is very good!¡± Xin exclaimed, her eyes going wide at the taste of the candy.


    ¡°Your hand,¡± Vanis said to Tazrok as he motioned the Ogre¡¯s hand lower.  He put two pieces on it and Tazrok raised it so Callie could take one, before he tossed the remaining into his mouth.


    Tazrok¡¯s eyes shot open.  ¡°Good!  Sweet!  Sour!¡±


    Callie eyed the small off-white candy with skepticism, then shrugged and put it into her mouth as well.  It was amazing.  It was stupendous.  Her taste buds exploded in glee.  It was sweet and sour and seemed to radiate warmth and happiness throughout her body.  ¡°O.M.G. Vanis!  This grandma is the absolute best of all grandmas!¡±


    ¡°She really is,¡± Vanis said with a chuckle as he also placed his own piece into his mouth.


    Lena sighed and ate her candy as well and her eyes shot open.  ¡°This is great.  Wait, is that stamina in there?  And ¡­ satiation?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lena.  This woman is an alchemist, so she dosed this with a little bit of stamina draught, as well as some that will satisfy hunger and thirst.¡±


    ¡°Alchemist?  Like, a potion maker?¡± Callie asked, still sucking hard on the candy.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°But only a small amount.  Not the kind of full effect an actual potion would give you, but still a little bit of a kick.  It will also make it so you aren¡¯t so hungry or thirsty for a few hours, although it doesn¡¯t actually feed or hydrate you.¡±


    Callie could feel some of the strength she had been using since waking up in the wagon coming back to her.  That physical exhaustion that came from the adrenaline drain of being scared, the constant new stimulus, all of it, just eased in a warm, cozy feeling that ran throughout her body and tickled the bottom of her feet.  Even her brain seemed to get a mild kick in the pants.


    ¡°No stamina.  Just tasty,¡± Tazrok said.


    ¡°Sorry, big guy, it probably wasn¡¯t enough for someone of your size.  Would you like another?¡±


    ¡°No.  Save for later.  Still taste good.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Vanis,¡± Callie said, still sucking on the energy-giving hard candy.  ¡°This really does make me feel better.  If I ever meet this woman, I am going to have to get the recipe.¡±


    ¡°Good luck, Little One. I know several people who have been trying for years and she just won¡¯t give it up.  I may have to lead a group to steal her alchemy notes in the dead of night.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I bet I could do it,¡± Callie said, rubbing her hands together in a plotting motion, ¡°I have a way with grandmas.¡±


    Vanis chuckled, happy to see a tiny bit of a mischievous smile on the Gnome¡¯s face.


    With a happy grin, Xin said, ¡°Vanis, I must say, the Little One is quite correct.  The grandmother maker of this candy is the very best.¡±


    ¡°I will be sure to let her know when next I see her,¡± Vanis said.  Looking around he took on a somber tone, ¡°if there is a next time, that is.¡±

 Chapter 3 Part 2 - In the Army Now

    PART II -  IN THE ARMY NOW


    A sharp bell rang out three times in quick succession, and then three times again, drawing attention to the raised platform.  All the recruits milling around began to quiet while the shorter ones moved closer to the front for a better view, and the taller edged back and made space.  All the workers racing around the tents finished off their immediate task and drew to a halt.  Even the Sprites found convenient perches on the walls and trees, or sitting on the various tents, where they could get a good view.


    Callie and the rest shifted their attention from the delicious candies towards the stage where a burly female Dwarf rang the bell again, three times, and again repeated the ringing three more times.  A tall Elf male stepped forward and began to address the crowd, but Callie couldn¡¯t hear him, even with her sensitive Gnome hearing.


    ¡°Louder!¡± someone yelled out, followed by a general chorus of the same going up around the courtyard.


    The Elf turned his back to the crowd to address another Elf in robes.  Slapping her hand to her face in embarrassment, she quickly walked forward and drew a pattern of light, before pushing that pattern at the speaking Elf.  There was a brief flash and she stepped back out of the way.  Again the male Elf stepped up.


    ¡°Is this better?¡± called out an amplified voice.  ¡°Ahh yes.  Good.  Sorry for the confusion.  So much for a stirring opening remark.¡±


    The Elf cleared his throat and began again.  ¡°Good afternoon everyone.  I am Legate Galin Molanar, military commander of this facility.  Should you need, you may address me as Legate Galin, or Sir.  In a moment, Commandant Xera, who oversees this entire camp, will address you in welcome, but before that, I want to make sure you understand one very important thing.¡±


    Galin cleared his throat before continuing.  ¡°Some of you out there are volunteers.  Some of you are Conscript.  Some of you are the children of wealthy merchants.  Some of you are criminals serving your time here and on the lines.   Some of you are farmers, or fishers, or shopkeepers or even the son of nobility.  I don¡¯t care.  Let me make that clear.  I.  Do not.  Care.  You are here now, and you are a recruit.  You will be expected to act like one, and will be treated as one.  If you have a problem with that, too bad.  If any of you think you deserve special treatment, or if you try to claim that your noble background makes you important, I will personally write a note to your mother letting her know what a whiny crybaby she raised.  Your life before passing through the gate is no longer relevant.   Do you understand?¡±


    A general murmur arose from the crowd.


    ¡°I said ¡­ Do.  You.  Under.  Stand!¡±


    Without knowing how or why, Callie joined the chorus of recruits all yelling ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± in explosive unison.  Lena, Vanis and Xin all echoed the call as well.  Even Tazrok stiffened and grunted in assent.  What happened?  Did Legate Galin do that?  Callie hadn¡¯t planned to call out, but something just encouraged her to!


    ¡°With that, I¡¯m going to turn things over to Commandant Xera for their words.¡±


    Legate Galin stepped to the side and back, allowing another to come forward. The Elf in robes stepped up, repeating the amplification spell on the new person.


    ¡°She¡¯s a Fairy, right?¡± Callie asked Vanis quietly, wanting to make sure she was recognizing the race correctly.


    ¡°They are.  But they appear to be between genders right now, so would be ¡®they¡¯.  Now shush and listen.¡±


    Callie put her hands over her mouth, properly shushed.


    Xera was indeed a Fairy.  They stood around one-hundred forty centimeters tall, perhaps just over one-third taller than Callie.  A black, ceremonial leather armor covered their chest and legs, polished so highly it gleamed in bright sunlight.  Four semi-transparent wings, two symmetrical on each side, passed through a gap in their armor and fluttered slightly.  One could see, however, that the top right wing was missing at least half of its form, a long scar showing where the rest of the wing once was. On their right hip, they carried a Fairy-sized sword in an adorned scabbard, the hilt of the sword glinting as bright as the armor in the overhead sunlight.  Interestingly, Commandant Xera had only one arm, their right arm completely missing at the shoulder, the hole sewn closed where the arm should be.  Callie had a feeling that, as well as the wing, must be the result of a battle injury.


    Xera moved another step forward, and drew a deep breath. All eyes in the courtyard were riveted on them. None dared make a sound.


    ¡°Sixty-eight thousand three-hundred and twenty-six.¡±


    Xera paused. And continued the long, deep, silence.


    ¡°Sixty-eight thousand three-hundred and twenty-six,¡± they said again, much louder this time.


    Again, the commandant paused. They took a great breath.


    ¡°Sixty-eight thousand three-hundred and twenty-six!¡± Xera cried out, a feeling of sorrow and agony in their voice, the sounds reverberating throughout the camp, seeming to pass through Callie¡¯s very soul, leaving a stain of loss. Many people around her took a half-step backwards, as if they had been pushed, and others instinctively snapped to attention.


    And now, in a normal voice, Xera simply said, ¡°Sixty-eight thousand three-hundred and twenty-six.  That is how many Free Folk have fallen to the Demon hordes.¡±


    Many gasped, others gulped.  Callie said nothing.  There was nothing to be said.


    ¡°Two-hundred sixty!¡± Xera called out. ¡°That is how many Free Folk die on average every week to the Demon Hordes! Two-hundred sixty parents ¡­ grandparents ¡­ spouses ¡­ friends ¡­ lovers ¡­ people.  Each a child of someone.  Two-hundred sixty.¡±


    A pause. An oppressive silence.


    ¡°Five-Hundred Forty-four!  That is how many advanced class recruits have come through this camp since it was founded. Five-Hundred Forty-four!¡±


    Xera began to pace the stage, always keeping their eyes on the recruits below.


    ¡°Eleven-hundred twenty-one!¡± Xera called.  ¡°That is how many engagements recruits from this camp have been part of.  Eleven-hundred twenty-one!¡±


    Commandant Xera returned to the center of the stage.  They locked eyes with all of the recruits, and yet at the same, none of them.


    ¡°ZERO!¡± Xera howled.


    ¡°ZERO!¡± Xera cried again.


    ¡°ZERO!¡± Commandant Xera unleashed a third time, the number pounding into your being like Xera was wielding a Hammer of the Gods. ¡°That is how many advanced-class recruits that have graduated from this camp have died on the battlefield.  Zero!¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°And that, coincidently, is exactly how much quarter we shall give the Demon horde.¡±


    A roar erupted from the entire camp.


    <hr>


    For a few minutes, the camp was cheering chaos.  Callie and her group of friends simply looked at each other wide-eyed, none really knowing what to say.  Finally, Vanis managed to regain his focus.  ¡°That certainly was something,¡± he said.


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    ¡°Yes,¡± Tazrok agreed.


    On the stage, Xera stiffened again, preparing to say more, and quickly the crowd quieted.


    ¡°You are all advanced classes.  Hybrids and Specialists able to tap into unique and powerful skills.  But all that power does no good if you are not trained.  It does no good if you do not wield your skills correctly.  And no Demon will spare you a moment of mercy should you make a mistake.  This I know.¡±  The Commandant gestured towards their missing arm, and took a hard beat before they continued.  Callie had been right about the injury.


    ¡°Tonight, and throughout tomorrow you shall receive all of your class skills that you have not already received.  You will learn to use them well, wisely, and without mercy.  In only eight weeks, you shall walk back through that gate at no less than Silver Tier.  You will be among the best trained soldiers the Army of the Free Folk has ever fielded.  And you will help us defeat the hordes that wish for our destruction.¡±


    There was a murmur throughout the crowd, a feeling as if a responsibility to excel had been placed on their shoulders.


    ¡°Your trainers are all class veterans, Gold Tier or higher.  They know more than you might ever know.  What they say will someday save your life.  And you better live, because I don¡¯t feel like changing my welcome speech.¡±


    A chorus of light laughs leaked from the crowd of recruits.


    ¡°I have few rules, and you will follow them without exception.  First, if you are caught attempting desertion, you will be given corporal punishment, here, in the courtyard.  If you try a second time, you will immediately be sent to the front.  This has only ever happened once.  Do not make it twice.  That person did not live very long.¡±


    Xera let that sink in for a moment.


    ¡°Second, there is absolutely no hazing of recruits, by recruits, and no fighting outside of sanctioned sparring.  The Free Folk of the North have invested a lot of money, more than most of you will ever see in your lifetime, to provide your training.  Learning how to wield your skills is your only responsibility, and one¡¯s ability to do that will be compromised if they are worried someone is going to jump them on the way to the bathhouse, or they are otherwise distracted.  Violators will be given corporal punishment.  Second violations will find you ejected and sent to the front.  Your quick death will take care of the problem.¡±


    There was another murmur among the recruits.


    ¡°Last, you are expected to obey the orders you are given by your training officer, command staff, the medical teams and any other officer.  This is for your own good.  We all succeed if all of you succeed.  Should you break the rules and fail to obey commands, you shall be given corporal punishment.¡±


    The crowd was silent as they looked at each other.  Confusion, concern, maybe even a tiny bit of terror.  All those emotions passed in waves over the faces of the recruits.  The rules were simple, but the punishments were obviously harsh.


    ¡°What is corporal punishment you ask?¡±  Xera pointed out into the crowd, landing on Tazrok.  ¡°See the Ogre in the back with the Little One on his shoulder?  I am promoting him to the rank of Corporal.  He will be the one punishing you!  I do not recommend it.¡±


    Tazrok jerked in surprise and pointed to himself in confusion.  A few recruits chuckled nervously, while several others gulped loudly.  Both Lena and Vanis looked at Tazrok skeptically, while Xin grinned in amusement.


    ¡°What is cor-per-al?¡± Tazrok asked, trying to sound out the word.


    ¡°It means you now outrank all of us.  Congratulations!¡± Xin said, revealing a toothy smile.


    On the stage, Xera stepped back, yielding to an Elf woman in dark, leather armor.  Again, an amplify spell was applied so she could be heard.


    ¡°Recruits!  I am Captain Kela.  I am in charge of the Logistics and Quartermaster division, reporting to the Legate.  Without me, you will not get food, or clothing, or weapons or anything.  You will not know where to go, what to do, and when to do it.  I am the single most important person in this camp, and even Commandant Xera will admit that.¡±


    Behind her, the Commandant nodded their head up and down in clearly exaggerated agreement.


    ¡°Good!  Now that we have that out of the way, listen as I talk briefly about what will be happening today and into tomorrow.  I only want to go over this once, so you damn well better listen.  If you all do this correctly and without incident, there will be alcohol at the feast celebrating the start of term tomorrow.¡±


    A general rumble of approval rose through the crowd of recruits.


    ¡°When these opening remarks conclude shortly, you will be directed to form two lines.  You will be fully evaluated by a Scryer, registered, and your class will be confirmed.  Following that, you will claim your bunkhouse assignments.  If you arrived with or have made friends with other recruits, you may request to be bunked together, up to six per bunkhouse.  Those not with groups will be placed where there is available space.¡±


    Callie and the rest of her group all looked at each other and had the same thought.  Knowingly they all nodded.  They were going to be roomies!  Callie smiled, but then realized if she wasn¡¯t Conscript Cursed, it might not matter.  If she wasn¡¯t cursed, they could send her away.  She felt a little sad at that thought.  She would miss her strange new friends.


    ¡°After receiving your housing assignment, you will go to the bathhouse where you will clean yourself from head to foot with alchemical soap.  Twice.  All of yourself.  Every nook, cranny, crack and crevice.  You will get someone else to scrub your back and any other place you cannot reach.  Help each other, please.  A recruit brought in an infestation of Firelice six months ago, and we¡¯re not ever going to let that happen again.  Trust me.  Once your hair and skin start literally catching on fire, you will be begging for a swift death, so let¡¯s not have any of that nonsense again.  Your current clothing will be taken and thoroughly washed, or burned if washing can¡¯t do the job.  If anyone doesn¡¯t get properly clean, someone will happily hold you down and do it for you out here in the courtyard.¡±


    A few chuckles floated around, but were quickly quieted as people realized the Captain was actually being quite serious..


    ¡°Those with braided beards or hair, or with any adornments in your hair or beard, will untie them, remove those adornments and wash your hair along with everything else.  Twice.  This means you, Dwarves.  You can re-braid them after, but no beads or other decorations are to be put back.  Finally, there is an entrance for males, and an entrance for all other genders.  You will go to your respective entrance; don¡¯t test us on this.¡±


    ¡°I have to take my hair down?¡± Lena groaned.  ¡°It is such a pain to put it back up.¡±


    ¡°Shave off.¡± Tazrok suggested.


    ¡°No!  I¡¯m not going to do that.  I¡¯m a civilized woman, Tazrok,¡± Lena huffed snootily.


    ¡°One last word on the bath house,¡± Kela continued.  ¡°You will be expected to shower or bathe at least once every three days, and we hope even more often.  Hygiene in this environment is important and a good habit for when you leave.  With many different races in one spot, we must be respectful to the noses and cleanliness needs of everyone.¡±


    A small groan of discontent went through some of the crowd, mostly the various cat people, but quickly abated.


    ¡°When you leave the baths, you will be measured for new clothing and a set of training armor appropriate for your class.  Your clothing will be delivered by tomorrow morning, and your armor by the afternoon.  In the meantime you will be provided a robe to wear and will go to your respective housing assignment to wait until you hear the courtyard bell ring.  At that time, you report to your class tent to meet with your trainers.¡±  Captain Kela gestured to the many tents around the outside of the courtyard.  ¡°Your trainer will give you instructions for this evening.¡±


    As Callie listened, she couldn¡¯t help but come to respect all the behind-the-scenes things that the Captain must need to manage to keep the camp functioning.  There must be at least fifty or sixty recruits and many dozens of staff members that need to be supplied.  Materials, weapons, supplies, all of it would need to be kept organized, inventoried and repaired.  No wonder she was the most-important person here.


    ¡°Tomorrow will be an off day as you get used to your new skills,¡± the Captain continued.  ¡°Do not use them, please!  We do not need someone burning the camp down by accident.  Use the day to learn your way around camp so you know where to go if ordered to go there.  There will be a feast dinner tomorrow night, and then a party.  Again, if things go well, there will be plenty of ale and wine.¡±


    A group of eight Dwarves all let loose a loud cheer.


    Kela pointed to the Dwarven revelers.  ¡°They know what¡¯s important!¡±


    A few of the Dwarves raised their hands in acknowledgement, turned and bowed to the rest of the recruits.


    Kela shook her head and sighed.  With a wave, she signaled to Legate Galin, who returned to the stage front.  He tapped his chest, the strange Sigil glowing for a moment.  ¡°Recruits!  Focus!¡±


    The crowd instantly settled down and eyes snapped to the front.  ¡°The next two days are going to be a lot of confusion for you all.  New skills, new people, new place.  Do what you are told, don¡¯t do anything stupid, and you¡¯ll make it through just fine.  As the Commandant said, the Free Folk have invested a small fortune in each and every one of you, and we''re going to do everything we can to make sure you are well trained, able to fight better than the enemy, and most-importantly, you make it home alive.¡±


    The mood of the crowd improved and a unified feeling came over the courtyard.  A sense penetrated everyone that Legate Galin and the other officers were on their side, that the rules were for the good of everyone and should be obeyed, and that yes, indeed, they would become great soldiers and make it home alive.  It was just hard to doubt the sincerity of the Legate.  Callie smiled happily despite part of her still being terrified.  It didn¡¯t matter,  She really wasn¡¯t sure why, but she simply knew that Legate Galin Molanar and the other officers were here and would keep them all safe.

 Chapter 4 Part 1 - The World Works in a Strange Way

    PART I - THE WORLD WORKS IN A STRANGE WAY


    With the conclusion of the Legate¡¯s remarks, a relief seemed to come over the entire crowd.  Callie felt a weight of worry lift off her chest, yet she was still filled with an inspirational excitement.  She was safe here, even though it was a place of war.  The people around her, the Legate, the Commandant, the Captain, and all their subordinates, were there for them.  She didn¡¯t know what would happen next, and yet she was content that everything would work out precisely as it should.


    ¡°Very good words,¡± Xin said, breaking everyone out of their self reflection.  ¡°I feel much better than I did before.¡±


    ¡°Command Aura,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°And an excellent use of the skill at that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a skill?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Yes.  All officers know it, but not all officers are able to use it so effectively.¡±


    ¡°What does it do?¡±


    ¡°Command Aura allows for inspiring one¡¯s subordinates, as you just saw, but on the battlefield it can push the troops beyond their normal limits and help them work together; to make them better as a group than the sum of their individuals.  Commandant Xera and Legate Galin are truly masterful users.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you mean it¡¯s like a magic spell?  To influence our mind?  Mind control?  That¡¯s really invasive!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a morale boost, that¡¯s all,¡± Vanis said. ¡°and a way to inspire military discipline when needed.  It can¡¯t tell you what to think, or really what to do, but it can encourage you to be a better soldier.  What is most important, however, is that Command Aura cannot project a lie, only amplify a truth.  The Commandant and Legate truly believe what they said about getting everyone home alive being the most-important.¡±


    Callie was torn. If she had this Conscription Curse, then she would need to be around someone with this magic spell?  That was what Vanis and Lena had said.  But the idea of someone being able to use magic to mess with her head was not very appealing.  At the same time, if used correctly, it could also change the course of a battle, and knowing that the words had to be sincere brought at least a small comfort.


    On the other side of the courtyard, two red flags were raised.  Soldiers began walking up to groups of recruits, directing them to form the two lines that Kela had mentioned.  One of them walked up to Callie¡¯s group of five, a male Elf wearing simple leather armor.


    ¡°Corporal,¡± the man said to Tazrok, ¡°Get the rest of your group in line for evaluation and registration.¡±


    Tazrok again pointed at himself in confusion.  ¡°Was serious?  I am Corporal Punishment?¡±


    The soldier shrugged.  ¡°That¡¯s what Commandant Xera said.  Congratulations.¡±  He then turned and walked off to the next group, relaying the same instructions.


    ¡°I assume we¡¯d all like to bunk together?¡± Lena asked.  ¡°I know some of us just met today, but it¡¯s that or end up somewhere random.¡±


    ¡°Yes.  Protect Little One,¡± Tazrok said firmly.


    ¡°I too think this would be a good idea.  I am curious how Miss Callie¡¯s situation resolves itself,¡± Vanis said.


    Xin nodded her long face.  ¡°I would like that.  You all seem very nice, and Vanis still has more of his grandmother candy.¡±


    Callie smiled, feeling a warmth of new friendships.  For a moment she imagined what would have happened if she had not met Tazrok or Lena.  She thought of the Dwarves from the wagon, the confusion, of being so very scared.  Part of her actually hoped she had this Conscription Curse so that she could stay with her new friends rather than face this strange, strange world alone.


    ¡°I think we should hold back until the end of the line,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°We need to have a long conversation with someone about Callie, and I¡¯d rather not hold up the rest if we have an opportunity to do that.¡±


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    Tazrok grunted an approval.  ¡°Yes.  Go last.¡±


    The group of five, Callie still riding on Tazrok¡¯s shoulder, made their way towards the end of one of the forming lines.  Standing aside, they allowed a few others to pass and take a position before them, Callie doing all she could not to squeal in excitement as she was momentarily distracted by an adorable cat person with scruffy, white-tipped ears and a fluffy tail.


    Focus, Callie!  Concentrate on learning how things work!  ¡°Vanis, you said learning your first skill will reveal your class.  Doesn¡¯t that mean everyone can control what class they get just by studying something they like?¡±


    The Elf shook his head.  ¡°It doesn¡¯t quite work that way, and this can get a little complex to explain, so I¡¯ll try to keep it simple.  For some, they may learn their class before any skill comes to them, often by parents eager to find out what class their children may be.  For many others, they learn they have come of age when they awaken one day and have a skill, which will always be related to your class.  My first skill was Ritual Circle, and that is unique to Warlocks, so I was able to deduce my class from that.  Someone else may receive a skill that more than one class has, and would need a Scryer to determine for sure what their actual class is.¡±


    ¡°That is what happened to me, Little One,¡± Xin said.  ¡°I awoke one day knowing the skill Ball of Light.  Now that I had my first skill, I knew I had received my class.  Because Ball of light is a common skill among many classes, a Scryer was able to determine my actual class, which is Shaman.¡±


    Shaman.  Callie was trying to remember where she had heard that word before and it was fuzzy.  From one of her college friends talking about a video game, maybe?  Yes!  Something about ¡®raiding¡¯ with some guy named Leeroy Jenking, whatever and whoever the heck that was.  She never saw the appeal of video games, so didn¡¯t pay much attention.  Now she wished she had!


    ¡°A most excellent class, Xin,¡± Vanis said cheerfully.  ¡°Very potent in combat, and you are able to heal as well.¡±


    ¡°So I am told.  In the past, I did not wish to be a Shaman, and I have trained all my life as a Spearmaster, instead.  I have even learned Spearmaster skills as I have improved.  But the Army wishes me to embrace being a Shaman, so I will learn to be that.  My hope is that I can combine that with what I already know, however.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Callie interrupted, holding up a hand.  ¡°You can learn these magic skills by studying, too?  Even if not in your class?  Is that how you learned that light spell, Vanis?  The one from the wagon?  I think Lena said it was for some other class.¡°  Callie tried to remember, but at that moment she hadn¡¯t really been absorbing much.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Callie.  Dancing Lights is an Illusionist skill, which is a Specialist Wizard class.  I regret, my skills with it are quite subpar.¡±


    Lena spoke up to add more clarity.  ¡°Skills in your class are much easier to learn and master, and may continue to come to you in your sleep throughout your life.  However, with proper study and practice, anyone can learn most anything, with a few exceptions.  I, myself, know many skills that are not part of my class that I have worked hard to master.¡±


    Callie pondered this.  Vanis had said Gnomes were often Wizards, for example.  If that was her class, then she would have woken up one day knowing a Wizard spell of some kind.  And over time more would have popped into her head.  That actually sounded kind of cool.  If she wanted to learn something from another class, she could go to this world¡¯s equivalent of Hogwarts or something to study and practice.


    "I think I¡¯m understanding a little bit,¡±  Callie said slowly. "It¡¯s still confusing, too.  I don''t have a class that I know of, but I have been trained as an Accountant and have worked in that field for a while.  And my dad taught me a little about woodworking and fixing things around the house."


    "Accountant?  What is that?" Vanis asked.


    "You know, working with money and numbers?  Keeping track of sales and amounts owed.  I have a thing for numbers, actually." Callie said with a shrug.


    "Ahh, like a bookkeeper, perhaps?  Many merchant guilds and banks employ bookkeepers."


    "Yup, just like that."


    "Those that work in that vocation are often of the Scholar class, then, so perhaps that will be what class the Scryers find when they look at you," Vanis said.


    ¡°So, if I¡¯m one of these Scholars, I would get special skills for that class?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lena said, ¡°But remember, it just means that some of those class skills are easier to master, and may come to you without work.   You don¡¯t have to follow that path if you don¡¯t want to.   For Gnomes, it¡¯s pretty easy to guess what your class may be, though.  Many combinations of race and class do not happen.  An Elf, for example, cannot be a Berserker or Barbarian.  A Gnome would never be a Paladin or many of the other combat classes.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, Callie, until we know what class you may be, it might be more work to speculate than it is worth,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°Just know that every person is unique in some way, and no person is forever locked into only one thing.  Just that some things would be easier than others.¡±


    Xin had a perplexed look on her face as she followed the conversation.  Something did not seem right.  ¡°Little One, did you not say you had no memory?¡±


    Immediately, Callie realized she had forgotten that Xin hadn¡¯t been privy to her secret.  Her mind scrambled to reply with anything that might make sense.  ¡°Huh, why is it that I remember that?¡± she finally said, hoping that would be enough of a vague deflection.


    ¡°That is good you remember,¡± Xin said with a firm nod, seeming to accept the explanation.  ¡°That surely means your memory will return in time.  Perhaps it is not brain damaged after all.¡±

 Chapter 4 Part 2 - Corporal Punishment

    PART II - CORPORAL PUNISHMENT


    Ahead of the group, the line slowly inched its way forward.  From what Callie could see, as each person got to the front, they were asked some questions, followed by someone holding up something and peering through it.  In most cases, the person was waved on, but occasionally there were some more questions.


    ¡°Hey!  What are you doing?  Watch where you swing that thing!¡± shouted a voice towards the front of the other line.


    ¡°I-I-I am s-s-sorry,¡± responded a quiet female voice.


    Ahead, a Dwarf had his hand roughly on the tunic of the small, blue-haired Pixie that Callie had seen earlier..  ¡°If I wanted a face full of Pixie wing, I¡¯d pay your mother for it!¡± he snarled.  A few other Dwarves around him all laughed, encouraging their friend.


    ¡°My m-m-mother?  I-I-I-...¡±


    ¡°You-you-you what?¡± taunted the Dwarf. ¡°You are an idiot?  Is that it?¡±


    ¡°N-n-no.  I j-j-just ¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s it.  Another weak, Pixie idiot!¡±.  With that, he shoved the small Pixie, hard, a confused, shocked look appearing on her face.


    The stunned, frightened Fae stumbled backwards, trying to maintain her footing before finally tripping and falling over.  The bottom of the Pixie¡¯s wing hit the ground first, and as she fell, the wing bent in half, folding over on itself.  The wing was stronger than it looked at first, and it held the Pixie''s entire weight for a moment.  But quickly, there came a series of small cracking sounds, and then in an instant the wing snapped, dropping the Pixie¡¯s body to the ground with a soft thump.  A strong pause of silence passed before the poor Pixie let out a piercing scream of agony.  She slowly rolled over onto her stomach, revealing that half the wing swung free, attached with only a thin, nearly transparent skin and luck, no rigidity to it at all.  Again the poor thing howled in pain.


    The Dwarf that had pushed her simply pointed.  ¡°See, boys.  I d-d-d-d-d-d-don¡¯t know why they even let them in,¡± he laughed.  ¡°One good push and it¡¯s all over.¡±  The other Dwarves joined in the laughter.


    Almost by instinct, Xin started forward to help the downed Pixie.  Vanis grabbed her arm.  ¡°Don¡¯t.  She¡¯ll need a high tier healer, and you¡¯ll only get in the way.¡±  With his other hand, he gestured towards several camp staff rushing to the sound of the screams.  The poor girl let out another anguished cry, now tinged with a sob.


    Within moments the prone Pixie was swarmed by camp personnel.  One of them, an animal person of some kind, maybe a wolf, immediately took her hand, screaming ¡°Look at me!  Concentrate on my face!¡± while another person held down her shoulders to keep her from rolling.  A third held down her legs to prevent thrashing.


    ¡°Have her bite this,¡± an armored Elf woman said, running up to the tending personnel and assessing the injury.  She handed someone her leather dagger sheath, after she had slipped the dagger out.  With a flick of her wrist, she threw the dagger through the air where it embedded itself cleanly into a wooden post.  ¡°Nobody touches that!¡± she yelled out, ¡°It¡¯s my favorite knife!¡±  The Pixie bit into the leather and the screams became muffled.


    ¡°You!¡± the Elven woman said, turning and pointing at the Dwarf.  He quickly lost the grin on his face.  In a crackling flash of orange light she disappeared, only to reappear next to the assailant.  She grabbed his tunic and in one clean motion, lifted him high over her head.  The woman spun, dropping to one knee as she slammed the Dwarf to the ground in a single, easy motion.  She looked up to the group helping the Pixie and commanded ¡°Get a litter and get her to the Healer, now!  Be very careful!  You don¡¯t want to move that wing!¡±


    Callie and the rest could only watch in stunned silence as the Pixie was tended to.  A pair of guards ran up to the Elf woman, saluting.  ¡°Major Celeste!¡± one of the men snapped.  She looked up, a dangerous anger in her eyes.  It took a moment but she regained her composure enough to snap out ¡°Get him up!¡±


    Major Celeste stood and looked around, finally taking in the whole situation.  The Dwarf¡¯s cronies had quickly and quietly blended into the line of recruits and other onlookers.  Her subordinates were working to wrestle the Dwarf to his feet and the recruits remaining in line were all standing around with dumb, shocked expressions on their faces, save the few Fairies in line that were all wincing in sympathetic pain for their fellow Fae.


    ¡°Callie, down!¡± Tazrok ordered, extending his right arm out at an angle towards the ground,


    ¡°What?¡± Callie asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Down!  Now!¡±  Tazrok had an expression on his face of pure rage.


    Callie quickly started to scramble down his arm, a look of concern on her face.  Lena raced forward to help lift her the rest of the way to the ground.


    ¡°Tazrok, don¡¯t do something foolish, again!¡±  Lena implored.  ¡°You won¡¯t kill him, promise me!¡±


    ¡°Only mangle,¡± Tazrok responded with a snarl.  ¡°Promise.¡±


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°Tazrok!  Don¡¯t you dare pull his legs off!  You don¡¯t need that kind of trouble!¡±


    The Ogre shook Lena away and began to stomp slowly and surely towards the Dwarf, now on his feet and held by the two guards.  Major Celeste noticed the Ogre coming their way and saw the anger on his face.  She quickly put two and two together and saw what was about to happen.  She raced towards the Ogre.


    ¡°Stand down, Recruit.  It¡¯s all over.¡±


    ¡°It not over yet,¡± Tazrok snarled, anger rippling off him.


    Celeste finally reached him and put her hand out to stop him. ¡°I said to stand down!¡±.  A blast of the Major¡¯s Command Aura washed out from her and over all gathered around.¡±  Tazrok stopped in mid-stride and looked down to her.


    ¡°I am Corporal Punishment.¡± he said flatly, something somehow pushing back against the Major¡¯s magic.


    Major Celeste strained her neck to get a good hard look into his eyes.  She could see that the Ogre, in addition to being truly angry, was also in complete control.  He wasn¡¯t in the red-eyed Berserker Rage she was expecting, just rightfully full of anger.  ¡°Are you going to kill him?¡± Celeste asked in a low, whispered, voice.


    Tazrok looked down and through gritted teeth, quietly spat out, ¡°Won¡¯t kill.  Promised Lena Elf.¡±


    Major Celeste raised her eyebrows, surprise and perhaps a tiny smidge of admiration showing on her face.  ¡°Then by all means, Corporal, proceed,¡± she said loudly after a pause, before lowering her hand and standing aside.  ¡°Whatever you do, he needs to be able to be healed!¡± she added in a sharp whisper.


    ¡°Will only mangle some.¡±


    Before him, the Dwarf¡¯s eyes suddenly got wide as he realized the Ogre was not stopping, and nobody was doing anything about it.  ¡°Wait!  You can¡¯t!  He¡¯ll kill me!  He¡¯ll rip me apart!  He¡¯ll tear my limbs off!  Stop him!¡±  He tried to twist and squirm away, but he was held firmly in place.


    Tazrok slammed one fist into his open hand and the air exploded with a thundering CRACK that echoed off the walls and through the courtyard.  He did it again, the crash of thunder even louder this time.


    And yet no one dared stop the Ogre as he stormed the remaining steps, Major Celeste following behind him, struggling to keep up and maintain her bearing.  The guardsmen both looked nervously at the Major, who raised her hand in a calming motion.  They both swallowed hard and stiffened in attention.  Behind them, the downed Pixie let out another moan, now almost all sobs, her blue hair bobbing in time with her wails of agony.


    Finally the Ogre finished his angry, menacing walk.  The Dwarf had stopped squirming and now was actively babbling.  Tazrok just stared into his terrified eyes.  ¡°Major Elf!¡± he said in a loud voice.


    It took a moment, but Major Celeste jerked as she realized the Ogre meant her.  She walked around behind the Dwarf, facing the giant Ogre.  ¡°Yes Corporal!¡± she snapped.


    ¡°Hang beard next to bell.¡± he said slowly and loudly.


    Major Celeste was confused, but in a moment figured it out.  ¡°Soldiers, turn him around!¡± she ordered.  The two Guardsmen, nearly in perfect unison, spun the Dwarf to face her.  His eyes went round and in between sobs he cried, ¡°No!  Not my beard!¡±


    In one fluid motion, Celeste reached towards her dagger, still embedded in the wooden post meters away.  With a flick of her wrist, the knife launched through the air and she caught it deftly.  She looked down at the wide-eyed Dwarf and in one single, fluid motion, sliced his beard off at the chin.  It dropped to the ground like a length of dead rope.


    The Major slid the dagger into her belt for safe keeping, and then snapped to attention.  ¡°Corporal!¡± she said smartly, barely resisting the urge to salute.  He was only a recruit and she was a Major for star¡¯s sake, why would she obey his orders?.  But somehow this was his moment, and there seemed to be no way that she should impede that.


    ¡°Turn him,¡± Tazrok growled, and again the guardsmen quickly spun the Dwarf around.  The now beardless Dwarf actively sagged in their arms, all strength to resist having drained out of him, and only a low whimper remaining.


    Tazrok reached down and grabbed the front of the Dwarf¡¯s tunic in his fist.  He squeezed and squeezed until it was tight enough to shake the Dwarf out of his daze.  Slowly he lifted the Dwarf off the ground with just one arm until they were eye to eye.  A thin trickle of water leaked from the Dwarf¡¯s leg, splattering on the ground.


    Tazrok looked down at the stream of urine hitting the earth and scoffed before again locking eyes with the Dwarf.  He narrowed his eyes further and slowly snarled, ¡°Always bigger bully!¡±  With that he launched the Dwarf several meters through the air.  The bully hit the ground and flipped end over end before coming to rest in a heap.  Tazrok let out a loud grunt and turned to face the crowd.


    ¡°I AM CORPORAL PUNISHMENT!  YOU ¡­ WILL ALL ¡­ BEHAVE!  THIS, I HAVE DECIDED!¡±


    The roar spread through the courtyard.  It bounced off the walls and came back again. It was loud and terrible and terrorizing and you knew in your gut that you had been given your one and only warning.


    Major Celeste looked up at the Ogre towering twice her height with a mix of awe, wonder, admiration and not just a little bit of fear.  This was only the second class of recruits at the camp since she had arrived back here, and the previous term didn¡¯t have an Ogre.  Before that, she had only ever met an Ogre once.  It was on the battlefield when he was in a full-on Berserker frenzy, and in that moment, you wanted to be anywhere else you could be.  Even now, with this Ogre only a recruit and actually fully in control, Celeste wasn¡¯t afraid to admit that this person was simply intimidating.


    Celeste took a deep breath.  ¡°Th-Thank you Corporal.¡± She said, the barest hesitation in her voice.  ¡°Carry on.¡±


    The big man turned back to her and then nodded a grunt of acknowledgement.  He motioned towards the injured Pixie, now almost completely quiet save a tiny whimper.  ¡°Fix blue  Pixie,¡± Tazrok said.  He then looked over to the fallen Dwarf, still in a crumpled heap, moaning.  ¡°Fix Dwarf.¡±


    ¡°O-Of course, Corporal.¡±


    ¡°But take time for Dwarf,¡± he added with a sly smile on his face.  With that, he turned and walked back towards the end of the line.


    Major Celeste watched the Ogre walk away, dumbfounded as to what just happened to her.  She had just taken orders, willingly, from a recruit!  Whatever had happened, it wasn¡¯t a Command Aura that the Ogre sent out to counter her, it was ¡­ pure, raw ¡­ something; something primal.


    Celeste blinked her eyes to clear her head, and turned to the two guardsmen.  They were just as stunned at what happened as the throng of recruits around her.  ¡°You two, you heard the Corporal!  Hang that useless knot of hair by the courtyard bell for all to see!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Major,¡± they responded in unison.  One bent to grab the limp rope of hair and both ran off.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need another medic for this Dwarf, too!¡± the Major finally called out, looking at the moaning form, before adding, ¡°No need to rush!¡±

 Chapter 5 Part 1 - Color Coded

    PART I - COLOR CODED


    Callie, Lena, Vanis and Xin all watched stunned as Tazrok retook his position at the back of the line. ¡°I¡¯m sure I should say something profound right now,¡± Vanis finally said, ¡°but I must admit I¡¯m at a loss for words.¡±


    ¡°As am I,¡± Lena said.


    Tazrok abruptly sat on the ground with a groan, the adrenaline rush suddenly ebbing. ¡°Why I do that? Was stupid thing. Got so angry.¡± The Ogre groaned again as he put his hand to his head, almost as if he had a headache.


    Callie looked up into Tazrok¡¯s big brown eyes and saw something she hadn¡¯t seen before. A caring and a depth that was so easily hidden by the image of a giant Ogre. She wasn¡¯t sure why, but she rushed forward and hugged his arm. ¡°You were great, Tazrok.¡± She really wasn¡¯t sure that tossing the Dwarf, and probably breaking something, was the best of responses, but she knew Tazrok¡¯s caring for the poor Pixie was genuine.


    ¡°I¡¯m just glad you didn¡¯t really hurt someone this time,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Why? What happened before?¡± Callie asked.


    Tazrok put his hand to his face and groaned in embarrassment.


    ¡°Should I tell them, or do you want to?¡± Lena asked.


    Tazrok took a deep breath and said, ¡°Lena Elf being hurt. I save. People may have lost legs.¡±


    ¡°May have lost ¡­¡± Callie trailed off.


    Tazrok shrugged.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I would not be here if not for Tazrok,¡± Lena said, before adding, ¡°and two of the men coming for me will be on crutches for a long time while getting their legs regrown.¡±


    Tazrok half-smiled sheepishly. ¡°I protect small and weak. Lena Elf small and weak. Callie Gnome small and weak. Blue Pixie small and weak.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to take exception to that!¡± Lena said with a scowl, but it was a half-hearted objection.


    ¡°You itty bitty,¡± Tazrok said in response, holding out a space between his thumb and finger. Callie couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the exchange.


    Down the line, several people were taking the poor Pixie away, face-down on a litter. She also saw that Major Celeste had been joined by one of the earlier speakers, Legate Galin and another high-ranking officer with a rat-like face. Celeste was using her hands to help explain everything that had happened, and Callie easily followed along. She was curious how the officers might respond, worried Tazrok was going to get into trouble.


    Callie watched Celeste relay the whole story. The injured Pixie. Tazrok storming towards the Dwarf and how Celeste tried to stop him, before finally allowing the Ogre to pass. Turning the Dwarf around and slicing off his beard. She pointed towards the courtyard bell and Galin put his hand on her shoulder, laughing. The rat-person officer was laughing too. Finally, she mimed Tazrok throwing and jerked her thumb at the still groaning heap of Dwarf, where two medics had finally arrived with another litter to start treating him. Legate Galin gave Major Celeste a smile and a ¡®good job¡¯ pat on her shoulder and all three started to walk off together.


    For a little while, Callie was concerned about the Dwarf¡¯s injuries. But the fact that nobody really seemed concerned about them made Callie fairly sure the Dwarf¡¯s injuries could be addressed quickly. Magic probably. It was always magic to explain what didn¡¯t make sense.


    ¡°Pretty sure you aren¡¯t getting in trouble, Tazrok,¡± Callie finally said.


    ¡°This is good!¡± Xin said. ¡°Your first time being Corporal.¡±


    Tazrok could do nothing more than cover his eyes and shake his head in embarrassment. ¡°Don¡¯t like being mean,¡± he said.


    ¡°I know,¡± Lena replied, comforting hand on Tazrok¡¯s arm..


    They stood there for a few minutes, with Tazrok still sitting nursing his headache, all saying nothing, just being there for the Ogre as he wrestled with emotions over what had happened. He may not be in trouble, but you could tell he hated playing into the universal belief that Ogres could only be a brute, and nothing more. Around them, slowly the lines got reorganized and started moving again, and eventually, with a heavy sigh, Tazrok finally stood.


    As a group, they shuffled forward slowly as the line moved. No one was feeling talkative, and the other recruits avoided eye contact, not sure how they should react to the Ogre or the people with him. Then, nervous but with an encouraging push from another, one of the Fairies left her line and reluctantly approached.


    ¡°Hello,¡± she said.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Lena responded, not pressuring the nervous Fae.


    The nervous Fairy looked up at Tazrok, easily three times taller than she was. ¡°I just ¡­ We just wanted to say ¡­ by that I mean ¡­ to thank you for what you did. It means a lot to me ¡­ to us all ¡­ to the Fae here.¡±


    Tazrok looked down at her. ¡°Protect the small. It is Ogre way.¡±


    ¡°Ah ¡­ right. Um. Thank you again.¡± She turned to leave.


    ¡°Will your friend be okay?¡± Callie asked before the other recruit could walk away.


    ¡°My friend? Oh, the injured Pixie? We ¡­ we do not know her. She¡¯s kept to herself and doesn¡¯t talk much to anyone. But, I think her wing should be mendable by the Healers, though, because they were there so quickly.¡± Again the Fairy started to walk away.


    ¡°You should make friends with her.¡±


    She turned back to Callie. ¡°Yes. Maybe. We will try.¡±


    Callie watched the Fairy walk back to her place in line. ¡°She won¡¯t try,¡± Callie said, coldly, narrowing her eyes.


    ¡°I know,¡± Lena said as she looked forlornly towards where the Pixie had fallen, the area now empty of people, the Fae and Dwarf both long taken away for medical treatment.


    <hr>


    It took some time, but gradually the lines grew shorter and the number of recruits in the courtyard dwindled towards single-digits as they finished being processed, before moving on to what appeared to be the next flag. The chatter for a while was focused on what had occurred, with a lot of glances towards Tazrok, but still, nobody seemed concerned about the Dwarf¡¯s injuries. As a result, Callie was all the more sure that some kind of magic would be able to easily fix him. Finally, Callie and her group reached the front, and Lena was the first to be processed.


    ¡°Name and class?¡± an Elf behind a table asked with a tired voice. You could tell he was quite ready to be done with this task, and was looking forward to finishing with these last recruits.


    ¡°Before we get started, we have a situation with this Little One that needs to be¡­¡± Lena began.


    The pointy-nosed Elf cut Lena off with a hard look, almost seeming to dare her to continue. ¡°Name and class,¡± he repeated with an annoyed flatness.


    ¡°Lena. Lena Mosswood, Bladedancer,¡± she replied, properly chastised.


    ¡°Is that your full first name?¡±


    ¡°Lenora.¡±


    The Elf scribbled a few things in a notebook before standing up. He held up a reddish gem and pointed it at Lena.


    ¡°This may tickle, but won¡¯t hurt. Please try to be still.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Lena said as she straightened.


    ¡°Let''s see,¡± the processor said as he looked through and slowly rotated the gem. ¡°You are indeed a Bladedancer. You have two unlocked Bladedancer skills; Flashstep and Triple Riposte. Very good, very good. You have also learned the Scholar skill Truthseeking. Interesting choice for a Warrior specialist. Finally, I see two Specialist Thief skills: Hide in Shadows, and Nimble Fingers.¡± The Elf paused and gave Lena a wary eye before continuing. ¡°You are a pickpocket? Or a burglar?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lena said simply. ¡°At least not any more.¡±


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    ¡°Good to know. We won¡¯t permit that kind of thing here. Do you have any Thief perks as well?¡±


    ¡°Just Parkour. It came to me when I learned Hide in Shadows. I¡¯m fairly skilled with it.¡±


    ¡°Most excellent. That perk is a very helpful addition to your class.¡±


    The Scryer returned to the gem, squinting a bit. ¡°You also have the Conscription Curse with no current negative effects.¡±


    ¡°No effects? That¡¯s good at least.¡± Lena said with relief.


    The pointy-nosed Elf put the gem on the table, then bent over to dig through a basket of wooden blocks, pulling one out. Clearing his throat, the Elf made a final pronouncement. ¡°I have confirmed you are a Bladedancer, a Warrior Specialist, Recruit Lenora. Your color is brown with an emblem of crossed-swords in red. You will need to carry this block with you and go to the tent with that color and insignia when the assembly bell tolls later this afternoon. That will confirm to your trainer that you are indeed a Bladedancer. Do not lose it.¡±


    Lena took the offered block of wood. ¡°Uh, thank you. Duwana.¡±


    The Elf, returning to his seat, waved vaguely towards Lena. ¡°Duwanai,¡± he said dismissively before making a couple notes, and finally looking up. ¡°Next!¡± he called out before pointing at Xin. ¡°You. Name and class.¡±


    Xin stepped forward. ¡°I am Xinchaine. I am a Shaman.¡±


    ¡°Last name?¡±


    ¡°I do not have one. Lizardkin take on the name of our tribe.¡± Xin cocked her head and then added questioningly, ¡°You might call me Xinchaine of the Sunset Valley Tribe?¡±


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s right. Strange custom. Fine, I will note your name as just Xinchaine, but also note your Tribe¡¯s name. Prepare for Scrying.¡±


    Xin swallowed a little nervously, and then straightened to attention.


    ¡°This may tickle, but won¡¯t hurt. Please try to be still.¡± The Elf¡¯s tone was well-practiced and utterly bored. Again the Elf stood and peered through the gem as he rotated it. ¡°I can indeed see that you are a Shaman with one unlocked Skill, Ball of Light. You also have two Spearmaster skills, Multi-Strike and Unerring Throw. Interesting. Did you train as a Lizardkin Spearmaster?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I did not wish to pursue being a Shaman, and chose to be trained as a Spearmaster. The Army has ordered me otherwise.¡±


    ¡°I see. Honestly, Shamans are far more useful to the war effort than Spearmasters. Have you any Perks to support either class?¡±


    ¡°Only Melee and Ranged Combat with Spears,¡± Xin responded.


    The Scryer nodded, before again squinting through the gem. ¡°Let me verify your Curse.¡± After a quick pause, he concluded. ¡°You are indeed Conscript Cursed with no negative effects. Very good. I see nothing else out of the ordinary.¡±


    ¡°I am also a Volunteer,¡± Xin said proudly.


    ¡°You are? Well, good for you, then,¡± the inspector said with a tired dismissiveness. He again dug in his basket of blocks, finally emerging with one. ¡°You are a Shaman, a Hybrid. Your primary color is Blue for Wizard. Your secondary color is White for Healer. You are to carry this block with you and go to the tent with that color pattern when the assembly bell tolls later this afternoon. That will confirm to your trainer that you are indeed a Shaman. Do not lose it.¡±


    ¡°I wonder how many times he¡¯s given that speech,¡± Callie said quietly to Lena, as Xin stepped back out of the way.


    ¡°Too many to count today. Please just let me do my job,¡± the Elf responded, sounding exhausted and snippy.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Callie whispered.


    ¡°Next! You, the Elf,¡± he said, pointing at Vanis. ¡°First and last name, and your class.¡±


    ¡°Vanis. Warlock.¡±


    The Elf looked up with an annoyed expression on his face. ¡°Your full name,¡± he said flatly.


    Vanis took a deep breath and let it out. ¡°Vanis del Montano.¡±


    The Scryer stopped in the midst of writing and looked up, a recognition coming over his face. ¡°Seriously? Do you mean ¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, but please don¡¯t make a fuss.¡±


    ¡°But, your Majesty¡­¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Vanis said firmly, ¡°that would be my Father. I am only a recruit.¡±


    Lena, Callie, Tazrok and Xin all looked at each other in absolute confusion, and then all turned their eyes to look at Vanis.


    Vanis returned their stares with a shrug. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Del Montano?!¡± Lena gasped. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Vanis asked again.


    ¡°Your Majesty? Spill!¡± Callie said, her arms crossed. Who the hell was this guy?


    ¡°Yes, my father is King Feldwin del Montano,¡± Vanis said with a heavy sigh.


    ¡°You¡¯re a prince?¡± Callie gasped.


    ¡°You¡¯re the son of the Legacy King?¡± Lena asked, eyes wide.


    Vanis sighed. ¡°No, I am Vanis, a Warlock recruit.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a prince!¡± Callie squealed again, bouncing slightly for some reason as her mouth fell open. ¡°A real, live prince?¡±


    Vanis turned back to the intake clerk, ignoring Callie and rolling his eyes. ¡°Please, kind sir. No special treatment. Just scry me for your records and we can move along.¡±


    ¡°Oh ¡­ of course, Sire,¡± the anxious Elf said, fumbling for his scrying gem. His hands shook so much that the gem jumped from his grasp, clattering across the table before falling to the ground.


    Vanis bent and retrieved it, then offered it back. As the Elf reached for it, Vanis took his hand and in a quiet voice said, ¡°Please. There is no need to be nervous. My father may be the King, but I never will be. Tell me, what is your name?¡±


    ¡°Earick, Sire. Scryer Earick.¡±


    ¡°Master Scryer Earick, today, I am just another recruit. Please, do your duty.¡± Vanis dropped his hands and tried to put on a pleasant smile.


    Earick paused for a moment before finally realizing he had a job to do. He stiffened, as if bolstered by the Prince¡¯s words, and cleared his throat. ¡°Yes. Um. Of course. Allow me to verify everything, you High¡­ I mean, Master Vanis. This may tickle, but won¡¯t hurt. Pl ¡­ Please try to be still.¡±


    Again Earick used the gem to verify all the information. ¡°You are indeed a Warlock. You have three unlocked Warlock skills: Deathbolt, Ritual Circle and Summon Imp. You also know the Illusionist skill Dancing Lights and the Bard skill Inspiring Melody?¡±


    ¡°The Dancing Light spell is just a ¡­ hobby. The other is something my mother felt I should know. She insisted on a creative outlet. I have perks with the lute and the flute to support it.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Of course,¡± Earick said before continuing, as if that all naturally made sense. ¡°Do you have any Warlock perks? I assume you have Nether Manipulation?¡±


    Vanis nodded. ¡°I do. Nether Manipulation as well as my Demon Control perk.¡±


    ¡°Most excellent, your Highness.¡±


    Vanis coughed lightly in reminder that he should be treated only as a recruit. Earick quickly seemed to get the hint, and refocused on the remainder of his exam. ¡°Finally, you are Conscripted with ¡­ it does appear to be minor muscle atrophy, due to prolonged time away from an Officer. Are you feeling any effects yet.¡±


    ¡°It was ¡­ complicated ¡­ to get here,¡± Vanis said, as if to explain things, before adding, ¡°Minimal effects so far. Just some fatigue.¡±


    ¡°I see. Your Curse Rot is minor enough that a visit to one of the Healers should address it with no long term effects. Please see the Healer later today, perhaps after meeting with your trainer. If not today, you must do so tomorrow. Also, try to avoid anything strenuous for the time being, until you have been cleared.¡±


    ¡°I shall make it so,¡± Vanis said with a nod.


    The Elf shakily put the gem on his table and then fumbled around in the box, eventually coming up with another wooden block. ¡°Here you are, Sire ¡­ Master Vanis.¡±


    ¡°Please, give me the speech, too, Master Earick. Vigilance to our duties is a must.¡±


    ¡°Of ¡­ of course.¡± The Elf cleared his throat ¡°I have confirmed you are Warlock, a Wizard Specialist. Your color is Blue for Wizard, with an image of a green flame. You are to carry this block with you and go to the tent with that color and symbol when the assembly bell tolls later this afternoon. That will confirm to your trainer that you are indeed a Warlock.¡± Earick seemed to conclude, before realizing he forgot one last thing. ¡°Do not lose it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master Earick,¡± Vanis said with a polite nod. ¡°I wish you a good day. Duwana.¡±


    ¡°You as well, Sire ¡­ I mean Master Vanis. Duwanai.¡±


    As Vanis stepped back, Callie was trying to put some of the things she¡¯d overheard together. The words Hybrids and Specialists had come up several times, and she was starting to see a pattern. Assuming the words were descriptive and she understood the Scryer correctly, a Hybrid, like Xin, appeared to actually be two classes, not one. In Xin¡¯s case, both Wizard and Healer. For Lena and Vanis, Earick had called them Specialists, and they had only single colors. She reasoned that instead of being a general Wizard or Warrior, their powers must be focused on something more specific, or as the word suggested, specialized.


    Then Callie¡¯s brain made another connection. The Fairy Commandant, Xera, had said all the recruits were ¡®advanced classes¡¯. Maybe to be considered ¡®advanced¡¯, you had to be one of these Hybrids or Specialists classes, versus a more general one? If that was the case, then it could explain why everyone was getting special training here.


    Vanis stepped back and away from the table. Behind him, the last two people in the other line, both having just finished their intake, could be heard whispering, having overheard who Vanis was and standing simply awed to be in his presence.


    ¡®¡°The actual prince!¡± one whispered, a female white, tiger-faced person. ¡°Here! Standing next to us! A Warlock!¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± said the other, a male tiger-person with the same colors. ¡°Do we bow? Or kneel? Or what should we do?¡±


    ¡°You need do nothing, my friends,¡± Vanis said, turning, exasperated. ¡°Inside these walls I am not the Prince. Legate Galin made that very clear. I ask that you respect his orders and treat me no differently than you would another.¡±


    ¡°Yes, your highness,¡± the female said quickly, starting to curtsey. Next to her, the other caught himself mid-bow, adding his own, ¡°Of course, sire.¡±


    Vanis sighed. ¡°I know you will quickly run off and tell others, and gossip travels faster than the fleetest of arrows. I ask, please, that you include that I wish to be treated as any other recruit.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sire,¡± the tigers said in perfect unison, almost as if they were one person, before turning and running off at a matching pace.


    Vanis sighed, shaking his head slowly as he walked back to his new group of friends


    Lena glared at him for a long moment, before punching his shoulder, hard. ¡°That¡¯s for not telling me.¡± Then she punched him a second time, loud enough for the strike to be heard. ¡°And that¡¯s for not telling the rest of us.¡±


    Vanis''s face made a mocking, shocked look while rubbing his shoulder. ¡°You would dare to strike the Prince?¡± he playfully accused. ¡°The penalty for such a thing is most-severe!¡±


    ¡°I would more likely break the Prince¡¯s nose, is what I would do, and take my chances with the Magistrate,¡± Lena said defiantly, before purposely turning her back on him.


    Callie, for her part, was having a hard time wrapping her head around Vanis. This guy was a Prince? Seriously? What the hell would he be doing here? Wouldn¡¯t he be too important to be drafted into the Army? Although, it did explain the rather rigid and exacting demeanor he tried to present, now that she thought about it. Somehow, things had managed to become even stranger than they already were.

 Chapter 5 Part 2 - Yellow, Brown and White?

    PART II - YELLOW, BROWN and WHITE?


    ¡°N-Next,¡± Earick called out, finally getting his composure back, and taking his seat to make the final notes he needed regarding Vanis. He looked up to see the knees of an Ogre and then looked even more up. Earick swallowed hard. ¡°Hello, Recruit,¡± he said carefully, remembering what had happened not long before when the Pixie had been injured, and the Ogre¡¯s terrifying response to it.¡±


    ¡°Am Tazrok. Am Ogre. Am Corporal Punishment.¡±


    Earick swallowed, not sure how to respond. It took him another long moment to realize he needed to log the Ogre¡¯s name, finally managing to ask, ¡°Do you have a surname?¡±


    The Ogre screwed up his face into a confused look and he turned to Lena.


    ¡°A last name,¡± Lena called back in clarification.


    Tazrok took a moment to think about this, his fists opening and closing slowly in time with his breathing. He did not like his tribe name, he just wanted to be Tazrok. His tribe name was not who he was, and not who he ever wanted to be. The Ogre thought hard, and remembered his fist hitting his palm earlier before he punished the Dwarf for hurting the Pixie, and the loud CRACK it had made. ¡°It will be Thunderfist.¡± he said.


    ¡°Th-Thunderfist?¡± Earick asked.


    ¡°Yes, Thunderfist,¡± Tazrok advised in a low tone. ¡°This, I have decided.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I see,¡± Scryer Earick said, slowly getting the hint. The Elf stood, holding the gem before him before clearing his throat. ¡°As you know, this may tickle, but won¡¯t hurt. Please try to be still.¡±


    Tazrok crossed his arms and waited.


    ¡°Your class is ¡­ wait, that can¡¯t be right. That would make you a ¡­ let me do this again.¡±


    Earick took a deep calming breath, before looking through the gem and recasting his spell. ¡°This is so odd. Yes, yellow, brown and white. That simply cannot be. Please, excuse me for a moment.¡±


    Earick walked over to the other table and whispered into the other Scryer''s ear. She was making some notes in her log book and generally getting organized after completing her intake line. After hearing what Earick said, she got a perplexed look on her face. ¡°Are you sure? The Ogre? That can¡¯t be.¡±


    ¡°What do you think that¡¯s about?¡± Lena asked quietly. ¡°Yellow, brown and white? What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°That would mean he¡¯s a Hybrid, right?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It would. Something must be wrong with the scrying stone,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Or perhaps I made the Scryer too nervous to continue. Berserker or Barbarian is a Warrior specialist, so I would assume Tazrok¡¯s color would be brown, like your Warrior color, Lena, but with a Berserker symbol in it,¡±


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Callie asked in a whisper. ¡°Is Tazrok in trouble?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think wrong, Miss Callie,¡± Vanis said, ¡°but this is certainly strange. Yellow, brown and white? Xin, one of your colors is white, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes. White for Healer.¡±


    ¡°And yellow must be for Scout,¡± Lena added, ¡°since we know blue is for Wizard. Or it could be Scholar, I suppose, but I overheard that the advanced Scholar classes were sent somewhere else. None of them should be here.¡±


    ¡°An Ogre with a Scout/Warrior/Healer Hybrid?¡± Vanis said quietly.


    ¡°What would that make him?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Vanis pondered. ¡°Not like any of us, that is for sure. If I gauge the Scryers correctly, not anything they¡¯ve ever seen either, at least not in an Ogre.¡±


    The second Scryer walked over to Tazrok, a puzzled and curious look on her face. ¡°I apologize for the delay and confusion. My name is Yulayla, head Scryer for the camp. Scryer Earick wished me to provide a second opinion, so I am going to Scry you as well.¡± Behind her, Earick had beckoned one of the little Sprites down from a tree. He whispered into his ear, and the little green-haired Fae nodded once, before flying off in a rush.


    Tazrok just shrugged, not sure what was happening. The rest of the team were tense with concern and a little excitement to see what the confusion might actually be due to.


    ¡°Just give me a moment here,¡± Yulayla said. She brought up her scrying stone and looked through it. ¡°Let us see ¡­ Your colors are ¡­ yellow, brown and white? How?¡± Yulayla looked at Earick confused.


    Earick just shrugged. ¡°What do we do?¡±


    Yulayla appeared confused. ¡°Send for Trainer Rowani, I would think, to get her opinion?¡±


    ¡°I already dispatched a Sprite to fetch her.¡± Earick said quickly.


    ¡°What is going on,¡± Lena interrupted. ¡°Is something wrong with Tazrok?¡±


    Yulayla looked up. ¡°No, no. I don¡¯t think so. Just some strange findings from the scrying stone. Nothing bad, just very puzzling. We are fetching someone else for their opinion as well. It will just be a few minutes. Trainer Rowani should be nearby.¡±


    ¡°Strange how?¡± Vanis asked, trying to get a little clarification.


    ¡°An Ogre should not be a Scout/Warrior/Healer Hybrid. It just ¡­ can¡¯t happen.¡± Yulayla said, before starting to speak in quiet whispers with Earick. Callie strained to listen in, but couldn¡¯t make anything out.


    ¡°Should we be worried?¡± Callie asked in a whisper, looking up at her Ogre friend.


    ¡°They don¡¯t seem concerned,¡± Vanis said, gesturing towards the two Scryers with his chin, ¡±just confused.¡± Then he added, ¡°We must just wait, the answers will come soon.¡±


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    Time passed as everyone nervously waited, the Scryers refusing to say anything more beyond ¡°Trainer Rowani should be here soon.¡±


    From off to the left, a light tinkling sound called out from a nearby tree, like the whisper of a dream swirling down through its branches. In the blink of a moment, a tall female seemed to simply step from the tree¡¯s trunk. In many ways, she looked like an Elf, being slender with pointed ears. But she also had pale green skin and wore absolutely no clothing at all. Her long, dark-green hair tumbled like rain to the middle of her back, and it was adorned with all manner of bright flowers and green ivy leaves. Her eyes were dark and mischievous and her lips as perfect as a sunlit rose.


    ¡°Oh my God,¡± Callie whispered, eyes bulging in disbelief, ¡°she is so beautiful!¡± Unable to tear her eyes from the green person, all she could do was stare in wonder. Slowly, for reasons she wasn¡¯t sure, she began to walk towards the strange green Elf, just wanting to be close to her.


    Vanis looked down at Callie and quickly snapped his fingers, ¡°Lena!¡±


    Lena turned and gasped at Callie. ¡°Oh hell!¡± She dropped to a knee in front of the Gnome, blocking her view and holding her still. Lightly, Lena slapped Callie¡¯s face. ¡°Callie! Hey! Look at me!¡± She slapped her face again, harder this time.


    Callie didn¡¯t react as she forcibly pushed Lena aside to get an unobstructed view of the green-skinned Elf, and struggled to get free of Lena¡¯s tight grip. The little Gnome was totally mesmerized by the purity of her beauty. She imagined herself being held, embraced, entwined in her long, perfect arms; those long, perfect legs. It would be like a blanket of perfect bliss. Those lips. Those perfect lips.


    ¡°Water. We need water!¡± Lena said, searching her belt.


    Xin remembered he had retrieved her waterskin and quickly handed it to Lena. Lena then popped the top off before pouring the entire contents over Callie¡¯s head.


    Callie sputtered and blinked rapidly, surprised. ¡°What? Huh? Hey, you slapped me! Twice!¡±


    ¡°Oh thank goodness,¡± Lena said, putting her forehead on Callie¡¯s.


    The naked Elf turned to look at the small group. She saw the little Gnome, drenched in water, looked down, and seemed to finally notice she was naked. ¡°Oh my, I didn¡¯t realize!¡± She waved her hands and in an instant, her body covered itself from neck to ankle with a dress made from a weave of dark-green vines, with pink flowers for trim.


    Vanis tore his eyes from the drenched Callie, scowling at the now clothed Elf. In a threatening, commanding voice, he said, ¡°That was very dangerous for her, for reasons beyond the obvious.¡±


    ¡°I had no idea a Little One would become so enraptured, and a female at that. I simply wish to see what was so strange.¡± She gestured towards Tazrok to indicate the source of the strangeness.


    ¡°You surely know better than to wield that power around others so carelessly,¡± Vanis said, a tone of growing anger in his voice. ¡°It was reckless and foolish and you shall not do it again!¡±


    ¡°Yes. My apologies, young prince. I swear it will not happen,¡± she said as she bowed, not hiding that she somehow knew who Vanis really was. She turned to the Scryers, moving on as if her actions were irrelevant. ¡°Scryer Yulayla, I understand there is a situation of some confusion? Might I be of assistance?¡±


    ¡°Mistress Juniper!¡± Yulayla said, ¡±We were not expecting you, but ¡­ uh ¡­ welcome just the same.¡± The Scryer was quite nervous, unsure what she should share. ¡°We have an odd ¡­ finding, that¡¯s all, and have sent for Trainer Rowani.¡±


    ¡°Do explain,¡± Juniper said, and Yulayla pulled Earick and her off to the side and they began speaking quietly.


    Callie wiped the dripping water off her face. ¡°Who is that?¡±


    ¡°A rare Fae, Callie,¡± Vanis said. ¡°And a remarkably careless one at that.¡±


    Callie shook her head to clear it. ¡°What the heck happened?¡±


    ¡°A Dryad, Callie,¡± Vanis said, still glaring at Juniper.


    ¡°A what?¡±


    ¡°A Fae tree Nymph,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°But what happened?¡± Callie asked, before adding, ¡°Holy damn is she hot.¡±


    Lena grabbed Callie¡¯s face and forced it to look into her eyes. ¡°Stop looking at her, silly. Dryads have a nasty charm. It can enrapture you to do their bidding, to walk to your own death, to even order you to simply stop breathing if one was to lust for her enough. Luckily, a cold shower snapped you out of it. Why would she be here? They usually avoid people and any kind of settlement.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Callie said as she struggled to remember the stories she¡¯d read about woodland Fairies. Slowly the stories of the Dryads and tree Nymphs came into focus; how they could charm and seduce. ¡°Ohhhhh,¡± Callie said again, drawing it out and putting her hand to her face. She suddenly felt so embarrassed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Callie,¡± Vanis said. ¡°She may indeed not have known you were here, but it was still so foolish to be walking around with that power active. If it was not you, Callie, then someone else would have surely been ensnared. She was playing games, or seeking attention, is what she was doing, and you were the unlucky recipient. Why would they allow her to be here?¡±


    ¡°Luckily everyone close by was an Elf. Can you imagine if those Dwarves were still here?¡± Lena said.


    ¡°I do not think it would have mattered,¡± Xin pointed out. ¡°I think Miss Callie would have fought off all other suitors if she had to.¡±


    ¡°True, she was really enraptured,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Hey! She¡¯s totally hot as hell, dammit!¡± Callie said defensively, gesturing towards the Dryad like it should be obvious to everyone.


    Lena turned to take in Juniper again, the Dryad still in heated conversation with the two Scryers. ¡°Well, true, she is at that.¡±


    ¡°Why wasn¡¯t Tazrok affected?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Or Xin? Or either of you, for that matter. Why just me?¡±


    ¡°Elves are immune to most Fae charms, thankfully,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°And she is not part male,¡± Xin said, ¡±So while very pretty, for a Fae, she is ¡­ not compatible. Also needs more scales. She would be ¡­ too soft.¡±


    ¡°And you?¡± Callie asked Tazrok, tucking the ¡®part male¡¯ comment away for another time.


    ¡°Too bony. Too little. Would break.¡±


    Lena laughed. ¡°That she would!¡±


    Callie had a sudden memory of when the Legate had used his Command Aura to mess with her head a short time ago. In theory, it had been for an arguably good reason. This time though, now encountering a case where magic was able to control her actions, and in a much more serious and potentially dangerous way, she really found herself feeling violated. Sure, the Dryad was an absolute smoking hottie, but that didn¡¯t give her the right to take control of her mind.


    The conversation between Juniper and the two Scryers broke up, and Earick returned. ¡°Recruit Tazrok. Mistress Juniper wishes to know if it is permissible to scan you herself. It will not be dangerous, but given what just happened, she wanted to make sure you bore no ill will.¡±


    Tazrok shrugged. ¡°Is fine. Little One not hurt, only wet.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, good.¡± Earick said, waving Juniper closer.


    ¡°Hello, Master Tazrok,'''' she cooed. ¡°I will need to touch your palms to see what needs to be seen.¡±


    Tazrok held his hands out, palms up. Hesitantly, Juniper reached out and rested her own hands on his. They were absolutely tiny in comparison. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on reading the Ogre. ¡°Your name,¡± she said, a slightly overly-dramatic drone in her voice, ¡°Is Tazrok Deathstorm.¡± She opened her eyes, the drone suddenly stopping, ¡°Well, that is quite the ominous name, isn¡¯t it.¡±


    Tazrok gave a low growl. ¡°Don¡¯t like name. Don¡¯t like to hurt.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see. This is why you wished to go by Thunderfist?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Sound scary, but not hurty.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. I see great wisdom in that choice of name, Tazrok Thunderfist.¡± She closed her eyes and continued her examination, the spooky voice not returning this time. ¡°You are Conscript Cursed, but that is to be expected here. You know the Berserker skills Whirlwind and Enrage, which you learned from your mother. How lovely. And several Barbarian skills? Heavy Punch, Headbutt, Thunderclap, and Warstomp. Nicely done! And yet ¡­ this is so very strange. Your aura colors are yellow, brown and white. Triple-class Hybrid! Extraordinary for an Ogre!¡±


    ¡°What do those colors mean?¡± Lena called out. ¡°None of us know.¡±


    ¡°If my reading is correct, and it most certainly is, these colors mean your friend is a ¡­ Druid.¡±

 Chapter 6 Part 1 - Kitty Lady

    PART I - KITTY LADY


    It took a few moments to register, but Tazrok¡¯s eyes suddenly opened wide. ¡°Druid? Cannot be Druid. Am Ogre!¡±


    ¡°Yes, you very much are,¡± Juniper said, a bright smile on her face. ¡°Your class is Druid. A beautiful Hybrid of the Scout, Warrior and Healer classes. It is a very rare and exciting Hybrid. The fact you are also an Ogre makes you quite special. I¡¯ve not heard of such a combination being possible.¡±


    Tazrok looked around him. ¡°Not make sense. Cannot be Druid. Am Ogre!¡± He quickly pulled his hands away from Juniper and turned to look at Lena. ¡°Am Druid?¡±


    Lena just shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s what she says.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­ should be Barbarian. Or Berserker. Have skills.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you do,¡± Juniper said, a chipper smile on her face. ¡°And those skills will serve you well. But you, my great big beautiful Ogre, are a Druid. It is quite wonderful!¡±


    ¡°Not Berserker?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Am Druid?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Isn¡¯t it wonderful?¡± Juniper said, still trying to remain upbeat despite repeating herself several times.


    ¡°Hmm. Maybe. What is Druid?¡°


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what a Druid is,¡± Juniper said, her chipper smile slightly shattered with disappointment.


    ¡°No,¡± the Ogre responded flatly, his giant shoulders shrugging.


    ¡°A Druid uses their magic in harmony with the land and Nature,¡± Juniper clarified.


    It didn¡¯t help. ¡°But am Warrior. Protect weak and tiny.¡± Tazrok said with conviction, gesturing towards Callie and the rest. ¡°Not need magic.¡±


    ¡°A Druid is a type of ¡­ let¡¯s call it a Nature Warrior. You still protect things,¡± Vanis said, trying to further explain a Druid¡¯s role.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Juniper agreed excitedly. ¡°As he said, you are a great big Warrior for Nature.¡±


    There was a long pause before Tazrok spoke. ¡°Am allowed to still smash?¡± he finally asked. ¡°Am good at smash.¡±


    ¡°Yes ¡­¡± Juniper replied carefully, not sure if that was really the best explanation.


    ¡°Good. Don¡¯t need Nature to smash good.¡±


    <hr>


    Across the courtyard, a large black panther sat with her head cocked to one side. The great cat was confused, as she had been told her presence was direly needed, but now it seemed there was no emergency after all. Over by the intake line, Juniper was talking with the two Scryers and several recruits. There even seemed to be a bit of laughter as a very confused Ogre made very confused faces. And why was Juniper even here? She was always poking around the camp, and the panther could not understand why the Commandant put up with her antics. It did not really matter, though. The panther¡¯s immediate presence had been requested, and she rose off her haunches before loping towards the registration tables.


    <hr>


    Callie saw the panther first, and she pointed before letting out a quick scream. Immediately, any levity in the air ceased as the great cat casually walked up next to the table and sat. Lena instinctively moved to shield Callie and Tazrok took several steps back, tension immediately rising in protection of his friends. There was a blink of power and a wobble of magics and the panther transformed into a cat-faced woman. She had short, gray- and white-tipped black fur covering her entire body, and was wearing a stylish, polished suit of leather armor over a light cloth tunic and pants. Her face bore the subtle scars of battles fought and a lifetime of experiences.


    The Pantherkin glared at Callie in response to her screaming, and then at the recruits in general, before giving a dismissive flick of her tail and turning to Juniper. The Dryad had stiffened, standing straight now, seeming slightly intimidated. She was not quite at attention, but any levity from trying to explain Druids to Tazrok had seeped out of her. Earick and Yulayla likewise had composed themselves, giving the venerable Pantherkin their attention.


    ¡°Trainer Rowani,¡± Juniper said nervously.


    ¡°Mistress Juniper,¡± Rowani acknowledged. ¡°I am not sure why you are here, but I was made to understand there was an emergency of some kind. It does not appear to be so. Am I now to understand that I have been misled?¡±


    Juniper fumbled a moment for words. ¡°Not misled, Trainer, but not an emergency either. You have a new Druid recruit and a Sprite was dispatched to inform you. The messenger must have misunderstood the sense of urgency.¡±


    ¡°Why would I care about a Druid recruit at the intake line, when I will see all Druids when I meet with them later?¡±


    ¡°This Druid recruit is quite special, and quite the surprise.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh.¡± Rowani said flatly, not really believing the Dryad.


    ¡°Yes. Would you care for an introduction?¡±


    ¡°Not needed,¡± Rowani replied, waving her paw dismissively. Rowani turned to face the group of recruits. She straightened her back, tail still swishing from side to side, and walked up to Vanis, moving slowly, but with surprising grace.


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    ¡°I am Trainer Rowani,¡± she began. ¡°Welcome to Druid training. I have been told I am a hard instructor, but I am fair. When your training is complete ¡­¡± She finally noticed the confused look on the Elf¡¯s face.


    ¡°No, Trainer Rowani, it isn¡¯t him.¡± Juniper said meekly.


    Rowani spun. ¡°It¡¯s not?¡±


    ¡°No, Trainer.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± she said, turning back to Vanis. She put her paw on his arm. ¡°Well, I am sure that you will amount to something, someday.¡± She half-turned. ¡°Maybe.¡±


    Looking to the rest of the group, the Pantherkin put her smile on again and walked up to Xin. ¡°Hello. I am Trainer Rowani, fellow Beastkin. Welcome to Druid training. I have been told ¡­¡± She trailed off again as Xin slowly shook her head. She snapped her gaze to Juniper, who shook her head as well.


    ¡°Is it you then?¡± Rowani said, smiling and looking at Lena.


    ¡°No way. Not me!¡± Lena said, raising her hands in a universal ¡®not it¡¯ stance.


    ¡°I see. I assume not you?¡± Rowani asked Callie, who was half-cowering behind Lena. Callie quickly shook her head.


    Rowani turned to Juniper, a cross tone in her voice. ¡°Who then?¡±


    Juniper cleared her throat and pointed up,


    Rowani turned to come face-to-belly with Tazrok. She looked up ¡­ and up ¡­ to find the Ogre looking down on her.


    ¡°Hello, Kitty Lady,¡± Tazrok said, waving his fingers on one hand.


    <hr>


    There was a long silence before Rowani finally turned to look at Juniper. ¡°I did not think you were capable of a good practical joke. I commend you."


    Earick cleared his throat with a slight bow. ¡°Pardon, Trainer Rowani, but it does appear this is no joke. We¡¯ve checked three times, and Mistress Juniper confirmed. The Ogre does appear to be a Druid. Yellow, brown and white.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like the Goblin last term,¡± Yulayla added. ¡°Another strange combination.¡±


    ¡°But it is impossible,¡± Rowani sputtered. ¡°There never has been and there never will be an Ogre Druid. It cannot happen.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Juniper asked.


    ¡°Because!¡± Rowani exclaimed. ¡°That¡¯s why!¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think that reason is quite sufficient, given what I have seen.¡±


    ¡°Sure it is!¡±


    Juniper gave Rowani a bit of a hard stare, not appreciating being doubted. Her tone growing slightly cold, she asked, ¡°If you wish, I am able to share my sight. Shall I show you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, show me. I am certain you are mistaken. It is simply not possible.¡±


    ¡°Tazrok? May I have your hand again please.¡± Juniper said, stepping from behind the table


    The Ogre extended his giant hand and the Dryad placed one of her own on it, while reaching out to Rowani with the other. Rowani huffed, and finally held out her own paw. Juniper closed her eyes and concentrated.


    ¡°Deathstorm? What kind of a name is that!¡± Rowani growled. ¡°See, look at all those skills. Obviously a Berserker and Barbarian. Just what you would expect from an ¡­¡± Rowani trailed off. Opening her eyes, the venerable Pantherkin looked up at Tazrok¡¯s grinning, toothy smile. ¡°How can this be?¡±


    Juniper released both hands. ¡°See, Trainer Rowani? It is as we said. Also, he prefers the surname Thunderfist.¡±


    ¡°What? Thunderfist? I suppose that is still frightening without sounding so ¡­ evil. There''s wisdom there. But how can this be, Juniper?¡± Rowani exclaimed. ¡°This makes no sense! How could an Ogre be a Druid?¡±


    ¡°I am as shocked as you are. And as Tazrok is, as well, it seems. With your masterful tutelage, I am sure Tazrok can excel.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Rowani sputtered. She turned and looked up at Tazrok. ¡°Does he even know what a Druid is?¡±


    ¡°Nature Warrior,¡± Tazrok said, remembering what the others had said. ¡°What Tree Lady say.¡±


    ¡°We were explaining it to him when you arrived,¡± Juniper clarified.


    ¡°Hrmph,¡± Rowani grunted, almost annoyed that the Ogre had an answer. ¡°I suppose you could call it that if you kept it simple.¡± She wasn¡¯t sure what to make of this giant, but she had seen a lot of strange things in all her years, and it might actually be an interesting challenge.


    Rowani finally said. ¡°Come to the tent later and we¡¯ll see what happens. I can¡¯t see how you will be a very effective Druid, but I am willing to be surprised.¡± She started to walk away, still shaking her head in disbelief. Her form seemed to shimmer and reform, and in her place was a large, golden hawk. With a shriek, the bird took to the sky and flew off.


    <hr>


    ¡°I do believe my curiosity has been abated,¡± Juniper said, breaking a bit of an awkward silence left in the wake of the Trainer¡¯s departure. ¡°Tazrok, I wish you the best. And as for you, Little One,¡± she continued, looking at Callie, ¡°I do apologize for earlier. It was not my intent to charm you so.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Callie said, going wide-eyed. ¡°It was my pleasure.¡±


    Lena looked skeptically down at Callie, ¡°Your pleasure?¡± She then smacked the back of the little Gnome¡¯s head. ¡°Do you need another cold shower?¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Juniper said, perplexed. She appeared about to say something more, before glancing at Vanis. The Warlock¡¯s stare was still smoldering slightly from her antics when she had arrived, and that cut her words off. ¡°A good day to you all,¡± she finally said, before turning and melding back into the tree.


    ¡°Were you just looking at her arse?¡± Lena said to Callie.


    ¡°Um. Maybe a little?¡± Callie said.


    Lena sighed and smacked Callie on the back of the head again.


    Earick stepped back to the table and fished in the box of wooden blocks. Having found what he was seeking, he cleared his throat. ¡°Corporal, now that we have settled the confusion regarding your class, I would like to conclude your registration.¡±


    Tazrok turned to Earick and gave a grunt of approval.


    Clearing his throat, Earick began his well-practiced closing instructions. ¡°You are a Hybrid. Your three colors are equal, none being primary, and they are yellow for Scout, brown for Warrior, and white for Healer. You need to carry this block with you and go to the tent with that color pattern when the assembly bell tolls later this afternoon. That will confirm to your trainer that you are indeed ¡­ somehow ¡­ a Druid. Do not lose it.¡± Tazrok held out his hand for the block and Earick placed it in the Ogre¡¯s palm.


    Tazrok turned back to the rest of the group, cradling the block in his hand like it was delicate. ¡°Got Druid colors,¡± he said.


    ¡°Those are very good colors,¡± Xin congratulated. ¡°Druids and Shaman are similar in some ways, but also very different. I believe Druids can change into animal forms which a Shaman cannot until Bronze or Silver tier. It will be interesting to see what animals you will turn into.¡±


    ¡°Like Kitty Lady?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vanis said. ¡°As I understand Druids from the lore, it is one of their most-unique skills, and every Druid has their own animal forms they can assume, based, I believe, on one''s personality and character. Much like Xin, I am eager to see what you will become.¡±


    ¡°Maybe big bear?¡±


    ¡°You never know, but that would be most impressive.¡±


    Tazrok grunted, looking down at his colored block of wood. He traced the yellow circle, with a brown circle to the left and below it, and the same sized white circle to the right, all three creating a triangle. Druid colors. ¡°Then I will be big bear,¡± he stated with certainty. ¡°Big bear Druid. This, I have decided.¡±


    Earick cleared his throat, breaking into the conversation. ¡°I do believe there is one more needing to be evaluated?¡±

 Chapter 6 Part 2 - Gnome Nonsense

    PART II - GNOME NONSENSE


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Vanis said. ¡°This Little One.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± Earick said. ¡°Come up. Full name and class.¡±


    Callie was still trying to wrap her brain around Tazrok being able to change shape into various animals, but with a poke, Lena got her attention. Callie started to walk up to the table, but Lena quickly put her hand on the little Gnome¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Wait. There is a bit of a situation with Callie before you scan her?¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve had enough situations with your little group for today,¡± Earick said, giving Lena an exasperated look. ¡°She¡¯s the last one and I would really just like to complete this so I can get out of the sun.¡±


    ¡°Scryer Earick, please, just a moment of time,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Oh, of course, Your Maj¡­ Master Vanis. Apologies. What seems to be the issue?¡±


    ¡°It seems that Callie may have been taken and drugged before being put into the transport wagon,¡± Lena began. ¡°She has no memories of before waking in the wagon shortly before we arrived.¡±


    ¡°Is this true, Master Vanis?¡± Earick asked.


    Lena rolled her eyes and gestured to the Warlock. ¡°You take over, apparently he¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    Vanis nodded disapprovingly. ¡°Yes, Scryer Earick. It is as Miss Lena said. Callie awoke on the transport scared, confused and with no memory of how she arrived there and no memory of her time before waking. She does not know her class, or if she is even Conscript.¡±


    ¡±Does she know her name?¡± Earick asked. ¡°How far does this memory loss go?¡±


    ¡°I believe she knows her full name,¡± Vanis said, glancing at Callie, who nodded back. ¡°Anything from before waking is at best vague and confusing.¡±


    Earick turned to Yulayla, who had rejoined the group once it became apparent something else was out of the ordinary. ¡°What do you think? Just process her?¡±


    Yulayla thought for a moment. ¡°Let¡¯s scry her. That will at least tell us what her class is and if she is Conscript. Once we know that, we can decide what to do next.¡±


    Vanis turned to Lena, who looked down to Callie, giving a brief nod. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Callie took a deep breath and walked to Earick. It was the moment of truth. Was she going to be separated from her new friends in this strange land with its classes and magic spells, or was she Cursed, and would be forced to become a soldier and fight against demons. She stumbled a moment as a wave of fear hit her, took a cleansing breath and looked up at the two Scryers.


    ¡°Full name, please,¡± Yulayla said in a gentle voice.


    ¡°Callie Wi¡­ Sorry. Calliope Willow Archer.¡±


    ¡°What a fascinating name. Very ¡­ poetic.¡±


    As they spoke, Earick made a quick note before standing and holding up his scrying gem. ¡°This may tickle, but won¡¯t hurt. Please try not to move.¡±


    Callie nodded as Earick peered and slowly turned the gem. ¡°How very odd. Your class information is strange. It¡¯s as if your descriptive aura is ¡­ full of holes.¡°


    ¡°And the Curse?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Regrettably, however, it appears you do have the Conscription Curse.¡±


    Unbeckoned, a part of Callie leapt for joy knowing she was Conscripted. Now maybe she could stay with her friends at least? She looked at the gate she arrived through, out into a strange, unknown world, and hoped even harder she could stay.


    ¡°Full of holes?¡± Yulayla asked.


    ¡°Look for yourself.¡±


    Yulayla pulled out her own scrying gem and aimed it at Callie. ¡°May I?¡±


    Callie nodded and Yulayla peered into her own gem. After some confusing looks on her face, she finally said, ¡°How strange. I¡¯ve never seen that before.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie asked.


    Yulayla shook her head. ¡°Your class information is missing.¡±


    ¡°So I don¡¯t have one?¡±


    ¡°No, it is more strange than that. You are old enough that you would surely have your class by now. But even if you did not have a class, then it would be clear you had not yet acquired it. But in your case, it¡¯s as if there is an ¡­ emptiness ¡­ or call it a void, maybe, where your class color should be.¡±


    Callie looked quizzically at the rest of the group, confused.


    ¡°Would you permit me to do a deeper scan on you, Miss Calliope?¡± Yulayla asked. ¡°Unfortunately, this one will be a little painful for a moment, but I assure it will cause no harm.¡±


    Callie felt a moment of panic at the thought of it being painful, but if it wouldn¡¯t cause damage, then this might simply be the price for getting to the bottom of whatever is going on.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said. ¡°If it won¡¯t hurt for long or too much.¡±


    Yulayla held up the gem and started to look through it before stopping. ¡°Please try to bear the pain and not move. It will only be for a few seconds.¡±


    Callie gulped. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yulayla started to twist the gem again as she concentrated deeply on it. Instantly, Callie felt like her skin was on fire. ¡°Ow ow ow ow!¡± she whimpered. ¡°Owie!¡± In her head, she imagined her skin blistering and flaking off in heaps of scorched flesh. She imagined her bones being exposed, bright and white, before her fingers started to blacken and finally crumble to ash. She did her best not to move, but the pain was intense and unceasing. ¡°Owwwwwww!¡± she screamed.


    ¡°You¡¯re hurting her!¡± Lena cried out. ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°Two more seconds!¡± Earick snapped, holding up his hand to forestall Lena interrupting, as Vanis barely held her back.


    Callie debated between bursting into sobs, outright passing out or, at minimum, falling into a fetal position to protect herself. And then, just like that, the pain ceased. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at her hands and arms. Where she had imagined charred flesh and exposed bone, there was nothing. No blisters. No burns. Not even a bit of redness. Only the marks of her fingernails digging into her palms. It was as if the pain had never happened, but her mind remembered every moment of the agony.


    ¡°I am really sorry,¡± Yulayla said, trying to be comforting. ¡°I wanted to triple check the readings before I stopped. I thought that might be better than having you go through that again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ It¡¯s okay,¡± Callie said, still catching her breath. ¡°Did you find anything?¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Only that it is still very odd. With this scan, I get far more information about you. Yet your class is still simply a void. I wonder if maybe that reading is the result of your loss of memory, or perhaps the drugs used to sedate you? It¡¯s a curious mystery.¡±


    ¡°What else did you see? Anything that might be helpful?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°May I have your permission to share?¡± Yulayla asked. ¡°This is a more-personal scan, and Scryers have rules about what can be shared with others when it is this deep.¡±


    ¡°I guess you can, unless it¡¯s super-embarrassing or something,¡± Callie said with a shrug.


    ¡°A surface scan doesn¡¯t always reveal perks, but this deeper one found several,¡± Yulayla reported. ¡°Some of them are unknown to me. I didn¡¯t see any skills, but that part of your scan isn¡¯t a void like your class, just empty, so likely you do not have any.¡±


    ¡°What perks does she have?¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°She has the following perks: Basic Carpentry, Basic Plumbing, Bookkeeping/Logistics, and a strange one called Basic Electrical. She also has, of all things, the perk Advanced Archery.¡±


    ¡°Archery? For a Gnome?¡± Xin said. ¡°How strange!¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Yulayla said ¡°Miss Calliope, do you know what any of these might mean? Do any memories come back?¡±


    ¡®Perks¡¯ was another word that Callie had heard several times and she had been trying to figure out what was meant by that. Based on what Yulayla had just said, and the names of the ones the others had, a perk must be like some body of learned knowledge or something. Xin had said she had spear fighting perks, and Vanis one for Demon control. Was it possible to somehow simply be imprinted with the information on how to do something by magic, just like apparently happened with skills? Did that even make sense? Not to any rational part of her thinking, but then again, not a damn thing happening to her was rational.


    Yulayla was still waiting for a response, and Callie nearly answered that these five ¡®perks¡¯ all made perfect sense. All the home repair and maintenance lessons her father had given her explained that knowledge. Bookkeeping was apparently this world¡¯s word for being an accountant, which of course she had a degree in. She had also been on her high school archery team, and even placed at State her junior and senior year, so she knew all about that. She didn¡¯t say that, though. If she did, she¡¯d have to explain how she remembered that information, but didn¡¯t remember anything else. She simply shook her head and flat out lied to the kind Scryer, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but no.¡±


    ¡°What else did you learn?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Much of the rest is personal, and comes across as impressions and emotions, not details. Likely nothing immediately helpful. For example, a loving mother and a loving father, now passed for some time. Fear. Confusion. Worry. Curiosity. The remnants of lust and desire she felt for Mistress Juniper is also quite evident.¡°


    Callie¡¯s face flushed hot and she did the best she could to shrink away and avoid eye contact with everyone. ¡°I thought nothing embarrassing,¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I don¡¯t see how any of that additional information is of benefit,¡± Vanis said, ¡°Except perhaps we now know to keep the Dryad away from her.¡±


    ¡°Oh, cripes,¡± Callie said, her face actively overheating in embarrassment as she slapped her hand to her face.


    ¡°So what do we do next?¡± Earick asked. ¡°The Advanced Archery perk seems to imply there¡¯s a combat class, even if odd for a Gnome. We need to do something with her because she¡¯s Conscript.¡±


    ¡°I would suggest we bring in the Master Trainer to get his opinion,¡± Yulayla said.


    Erick snapped his fingers and from seemingly out of nowhere, another small Sprite zipped down from the sky to hover right in front of him.


    ¡°Hello!¡± the flittering Fae said.


    ¡°Yes. If you would, please fetch Master Trainer Thorn. I believe he would be in the Commandant¡¯s office. Express to him that there is some urgency.¡±


    The Sprite seemed to bounce up and down in agreement. With a high-pitched ¡®Goodbye!¡¯, she flew off with a whoosh, a streak of yellow mist fading behind her.


    ¡°We will need to wait, but it should not be long,¡± Yulayla said.


    As they waited, Callie walked back to the rest of the group. Vanis and Lena both had concerned expressions on their faces.


    ¡°What do you think,¡± Lena asked. ¡°Can you explain these perks, Callie?¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± she began before looking at Xin, who had not been part of the conversation in the wagon.


    ¡°Quite right,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Xin, if we make you privy to some sensitive information, may we count on the honor of your discretion, for the safety of Miss Callie?¡±


    Xin looked from Callie to Vanis and then back to Callie and seemed to think for a moment. ¡°As long as what I learn is not dangerous to others, I will honor your request.¡±


    Vanis frowned briefly. ¡°It will have to do.¡± Quickly he related a quick overview of Callie¡¯s story to Xin. Her remembering another life, even another world, before waking in the wagon. He relayed her belief that she was once human and was now somehow in a new body, and that Lena¡¯s skill had found it truthful.


    ¡°I see,¡± Xin said as Vanis finished. She looked to Lena before asking, ¡°You are sure she was truthful?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± she responded. ¡°Or at least she believed what she was saying. At my Tier, that is the best I would be able to be sure of, but I would have seen any doubt she may have.¡±


    ¡°I do not believe this is a secret you will need to maintain for long, just until we can assure that she will be safe,¡± Vanis said, trying to allay any concerns Xin may have.


    ¡°Please, Xin,¡± Callie said, ¡°don¡¯t tell anyone. I¡¯m just trying to figure out what¡¯s going on, and if the wrong people find out ¡­¡± Callie let those final words hang in the air.


    Xin gave another long thought. ¡°I will abide by your request, Miss Callie. And yours as well, Sire. But not because you are the son of the King, but because you appear to truly wish to help the Little One. But please do not ask me to risk anyone¡¯s safety for this secret.¡±


    Vanis let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Thank you, Xin. It is my hope, all of our hope, to determine what really happened to Miss Callie as quickly as possible. What we have now is all speculation. Hopefully, determining her class, or why she seems to be apparently missing one, could be a clue to this mystery.¡±


    Lena put her hand on Xin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Now, about your perks, Callie. Can you explain?¡±


    ¡°I think I understand what a perk is, based on what I¡¯ve heard,¡± Callie started to say, answering Lena¡¯s original question. ¡°As for the ones that I apparently have, my father taught me about carpentry and plumbing and such growing up, so I could help around the house to fix things and take care of myself.¡±


    ¡°And this ¡­ electricity ¡­ perk?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s related to Carpentry and Plumbing, and you need to know it to build some things.¡± How do you explain electricity to a fantasy world? ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ complicated, and from what I can see, not relevant, because you don¡¯t have it. It might take too long to go into it right now.¡±


    Vanis nodded, choosing to accept Callie¡¯s response in the interests of time. ¡°But Carpentry and Plumbing you are familiar with,¡± he reconfirmed.


    ¡°Well, like the Scryer said, just the basics. Enough to repair the house or install a sink.¡±


    ¡°And you mentioned Bookkeeping on the wagon,¡± Lena said. ¡°So that perk seems to make sense. At least that could be a vocation for you, depending on what happens.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t much of one before I came here,¡± Callie said bitterly, remembering the disastrous interview that seemed so long ago, but was really only several hours before.


    ¡°But Archery?¡± Xin said. ¡°How would a Gnome know Advanced Archery?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just it. That¡¯s what you all seem to not be getting. Before I woke up in that wagon, I wasn¡¯t here. I was on Earth, and I was Human. I was as tall as Lena, and I knew archery because I was a competitive archer growing up. Please understand, a few hours ago I was not a Gnome.¡± Callie was almost getting a little panicky as she spoke. ¡°As far as I can tell, a few hours ago I was in another world, downtown Chicago, coming home from a lousy job interview. A world where my mother probably thinks I got hit by a train and died. I don¡¯t know what is happening, or how it happened.¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Callie,¡± Lena said in a whisper, glancing at Earick and Yulayla, who were chatting together with someone.


    ¡°Calm? Calm! How can I be calm, Lena? What¡¯s happening to me? I don¡¯t want this, but it¡¯s happening and I don¡¯t know what to do!¡±


    As she spoke, the worry and anxiety finally crashing in on her, Callie felt her chest tighten and she began to feel woozy. ¡°Why is this happening to me?¡± she managed to eek out in a whispered squeak. Her heart started pounding in her ears as her vision narrowed to a gray tunnel. Lena dropped to her knees and grabbed Callie in a big hug, simply holding her, and helping to keep her upright. ¡°Shhh shhh shhh. It¡¯s ok, Callie.¡±


    Vanis, Xin and Tazrok exchanged worried glances.


    ¡°Now not time,¡± Tazrok said quietly to Vanis. ¡°Must deal with later.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Vanis said, nodding lightly in agreement. ¡°The Master of Trainers, this Thorn, will be here shortly and we need to get through this.¡± Vanis knelt and peeled Callie away from Lena. Her eyes were slowly filling with water, and he caught and held her gaze. ¡°Callie, we will do everything we can to help you figure this out, I swear to this. But we need you to stay focused for a little while longer.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said, wiping her face with her sleeve.


    ¡°The Master of Trainers is coming. We must find out what he thinks about your strange class situation and then take what comes after one step at a time. But for now, you must clear your head enough to get through the next few hours. We won¡¯t leave you, I promise. Can you do that?¡±


    Callie ¡°I think so. Maybe. I¡¯ll try. I am just so confused.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all you can do,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We will keep up your amnesia ruse until we have a proper moment to evaluate next steps.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I think he¡¯s here!¡± Lena said quietly, gesturing with her chin.

 Chapter 6 Part 3 - Master Trainer Thorn

    PART III - MASTER TRAINER THORN


    Everyone looked to see someone walking with authority towards Earick and Yulayla. Callie recognized him as the other officer that had been with Legate Galin when Major Celeste had been explaining what happened with the Pixie and Dwarf. He was tall, wearing polished leather armor like many of the other officers and carried himself with an easy-going but experienced bearing. An obvious Beastkin, he was covered in short fur and had a rat-like face, complete with whiskers. A long, hairless tail even swished behind him. At his side he wore what appeared to be a sword, its gold hilt polished to a reflective perfection.


    A Dwarf woman walked with him, an obvious limp in her step, but a smile on her face as she spoke to the Master Trainer. Like many others, she sported leather armor, although not as well crafted or polished. Multiple scars on her face told the tale of many battles in her past, and her posture seemed to confirm her veteran status.


    ¡°Master Trainer Thorn,¡± Earick quickly called out. ¡°Thank you for coming so quickly.¡±


    ¡°Your timing was excellent. I had been dragged into a dreadful meeting and your Sprite gave me an excuse to take my leave. You have my thanks. This is my assistant, Sergeant-Major Natala. What seems to be the concern? A problem with one of the recruits?¡±


    ¡°Sergeant-Major,¡± Earick acknowledged with a nod before turning back to Thorn. ¡°I don¡¯t believe it is necessarily a problem, but certainly a confusing situation.¡± Quickly, Earick called Callie forward and explained all that had happened. Her lack of memory before the wagon, the strange lack of any indications of class, and the Archery perk.


    Thorn¡¯s expression was blank. Several times he glanced at Callie, or the rest of her group. As Earick finished his summary, Thorn simply said, ¡°I see.¡±


    Thorn started to pace, his finger tapping lightly on his furry chin. ¡°So to sum up, we have a Conscripted Gnome with no memory, no history, and no class, but she does have a combat perk.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master Thorn.¡±


    Thorn pondered some more. ¡°Unfortunately, the Curse prevents us from sending her home, without potentially killing her. That is even more complicated by the fact she does not even remember where home is. What to do¡­¡±


    Vanis stepped forward. ¡°Master Thorn, if I may.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Recruit.¡±


    ¡°We have taken it upon ourselves to aid Miss Callie until it can be determined what has happened.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Thorn said with a dismissive, flat tone. ¡°You are recruits here to train. Your Conscription requires it, if nothing else. The matters of a wayward Gnome should not be of your concern.¡±


    Callie¡¯s heart skipped a beat, a sudden new worry about being separated from her new friends.


    Vanis edged closer and lowered his voice so only Thorn and Callie could hear him. ¡°Perhaps I should be more clear, Master Thorn. I have sworn to aid Miss Callie.¡±


    Thorn looked carefully at Vanis. ¡°I see,¡± he said with seriousness, in a matching low voice. Thorn nodded and paced away. After a few steps, he motioned to his aide. With a few whispered words, she gave a stiff nod, and jogged away. The limp was obvious, but neither seemed to slow her nor cause her any discomfort.


    ¡°You know, your Highness, I met your father many years ago. And you, for that matter.¡±


    ¡°You must forgive me, but I am afraid I do not recall,¡± Vanis said with slight irritation at being called out as royalty.


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised, You were just a teenage boy at the time, and it was a tedious affair which you should have not been forced to participate in. You were made to shake my hand as part of an endless receiving line, so all that taken together and there¡¯s no doubt I was eminently forgettable.¡±


    ¡°Again, I regret any slight I may have given.¡±


    ¡°What? Oh please, no slight taken, it does not matter. What is important is that two things happened that I think may have bearing on this situation.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°First, I found your father to be a remarkable man. Even though, at the time, I was of middling rank, he was respectful to me, and to all the other officers in our entourage. It was not at all what I was expecting from a King. But he treated me, all of us for that matter, with kindness, asked of our family and seemed to take a legitimate interest in us. At the time I thought it only an act.¡±


    ¡°I assure you, it was not. My father cares deeply for those in service to the Free Folk, whether it be military or civil service.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I know that now, but at the time, it was terribly surprising.¡±


    ¡°And what was the second thing, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Ahh. This relates to you, Sire. As this dreadful, never-ending affair dragged on, a young woman, a simple serving girl in fact, was knocked to the ground by some Duke or Lord or someone of some importance, a Human. It was purely an accident. He stepped backwards not knowing she was there. Glasses and drink went everywhere. Do you remember what you did?¡±


    Vanis thought. ¡°I do believe so. I left the line, despite my father telling me to stay, and then insisted that Governor Solva not only apologize, but help retrieve the broken glasses.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. And then you yourself got down on your own hands and knees to help pick up glass as well. After a few moments, when other staff arrived and took over the cleanup, you rose, helped the poor, terrified girl to her feet, and then helped the Governor up. Finally, you shook hands with this Solva, thanking him for his help.¡±


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Surprisingly, the Governor became a good friend, and I was courting his daughter for a time as well. Of course, that was before¡­¡±


    Thorn winced. ¡°A terrible time for all, and a shame if your courtship was serious.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words.¡±


    ¡°But what happened stuck in my head,¡± Thorn continued, ¡°and learning you were coming reminded me of that day. My mentor at the time turned to me and, indicating to you, stated ¡®That boy will grow to be a respectable king¡¯.¡±


    ¡°You are certainly aware I will never be the King.¡±


    ¡°I am, but at the time you were still heir-apparent. What is important, though, is that you did the honorable thing to aid someone far below your station, ignoring your father¡¯s, the King¡¯s, direct demand you leave it be. You showed no reserve in insulting a man of high stature, and then apparently were able to overcome that slight and become close with him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master Thorn, because it was the right thing to do.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. And so all this leads me to believe that your father has raised you to be an honorable man. One who would take his sworn oaths seriously. And one, who even if his commander were to order him to let it go, would ignore that order to do the right thing for this Gnome. And that I would be foolish to try to stop you.¡±


    ¡°You have a good read of my intentions, Master Thorn,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Of all our intentions.¡±


    ¡°As I thought.¡± With a gesture, he added, ¡°Ahh, here comes my assistant now.¡±


    Sergeant-Major Natala arrived and handed something to Thorn. ¡°Recruit Calliope Willow Archer.¡± he said with command in his voice, turning to look at her and causing the Gnome to jump.


    Callie immediately snapped straight. ¡°Uh, yes, uh Sir.¡±


    ¡°According to the Scryer, you have no class that they can detect.¡±


    ¡°Um, yes, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Also, they report you have a combat perk. That being Advanced Archery.¡±


    ¡°I guess?¡± Callie said with a questioning tone, before quickly amending, ¡°Sir.¡±


    ¡°Take this and show me how you would shoot it.¡± He handed Callie a wooden bow of bright red. A small blue gem was embedded into the wood, and a pair of strange symbols were inscribed along its length. The string on the bow was a golden yellow, and seemed to hum with a strange power.


    Callie looked over the crimson bow. It was beautifully carved, exquisite even. Surprisingly, it was short, as if sized for someone no taller than she was. It was of simple design, certainly not a competition compound bow like she was used to. But it felt strong and solid and perfectly balanced where it should be.


    ¡°What would you like me to do?¡± she asked, again, quickly amending it with, ¡°Sir.¡±


    ¡°Shoot something! Show me your form.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any arrows?¡±


    Thorn smiled. ¡°Just aim and pull back the bowstring.¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°Okay.¡± That made no sense. How could she shoot something without an arrow? She looked around and saw a pile of straw perhaps fifteen meters away and squared her stance and straightened her left arm. With her right, she raised her elbow into the proper position. Taking two fingers, she grasped the string and pulled back and a strange ghostly, ethereal image of an arrow seemed to appear from nowhere.


    Callie panicked! She let loose a squeak of surprise and the ghostly arrow flew off haphazardly. It skipped across the ground, then flew over the pile before hitting the outside wall of the camp and bouncing lazily off.


    ¡°What the hell!¡± she exclaimed.


    Thorn looked at her with incredulity. ¡°Endless Arrow enchantment.¡±


    ¡°Well, you should have warned me! I could have actually hurt someone!¡± Callie snarled, actually quite angry at the danger that had been created.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Thorn said in an evaluating tone. ¡°Try again.¡±


    Callie again squared off against the pile, irritated and feeling as if she had been set up. She raised the bow and then her right arm. Again she pulled the string, this time resisting the urge to freak out when the arrow formed itself in the perfect firing position. She drew a breath, aimed, and let loose. The ghost-arrow flew true and slipped into the pile of straw, disappearing from view.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Thorn said, extending his hand for the bow. Callie, a little reluctantly, handed it to him. Magic arrows! That¡¯s really cool!


    Thorn gave Callie a long hard stare, to the point that she started to feel a little awkward.


    ¡°Recruit Calliope, your form is absolutely impeccable, your downrange safety concern is admirable and your aim on even your first shot with an unknown weapon was dead on. There is no doubt that your Archery perk is well-earned and that your surname is, ironically, quite appropriate.¡±


    Callie opened her eyes wide in surprise, and then looked back at the rest of her group. Lena was beaming like a proud mother, and even Vanis seemed to be happy with the Master Trainer¡¯s evaluation..


    ¡°Scryer Earick,¡± Thorn said.


    ¡°Yes, Master Thorn?¡±


    ¡°Of the Hybrid classes you have remaining, have you any that are brown and yellow?¡±


    ¡°Brown and yellow? Are you sure? Let me check.¡± Earick went to the crate and started to look through it. ¡°I do not, Yulayla?¡±


    Quickly, Yulayla went to her own crate for the second table and looked through it. She quickly emerged with a block. ¡°Last one, Master Thorn.¡±


    Thorn extended his hand, taking the block from the Scryer. ¡°Recruit Callie,¡± he said with emphasis, ¡°Your memory loss may explain why the Scry for your class failed, but the perk provides evidence that, despite being a Gnome, this may be the hidden class you have.¡±


    ¡°A Gnome? Really? Brown and yellow?¡± Earick asked in confusion.


    Thorn shrugged. ¡°The perk seems genuine, as we have just seen. And there¡¯s only one class that uses the Advanced Archery perk to that level of perfection. Perhaps trying to give her the skills will fix what the Scry is unable to see. If it doesn¡¯t work, there''s ultimately no harm. If it does, it will be truly remarkable.¡±


    ¡°But, a Gnome?¡± Yulayla said. ¡°Is that possible?!¡±


    ¡°We will have to see,¡± Thorn said, shrugging again.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to really piss off Trainer Reynard is what it¡¯s going to do,¡± Yulayla said with a huff.


    ¡°Oh, that it will,¡± Thorn said with a chuckle. ¡°Adds to the excitement, doesn¡¯t it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Callie said. ¡°What class is brown and yellow?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Master Thorn asked. He held up a hand to Earick before he could say anything. ¡°Try to puzzle it out.¡±


    Callie thought hard. A Warrior, so that would be somebody that could fight. And a Scout, so in the Army, that would be somebody that could sneak around, maybe move through the woods at wartime to spy. And they use a lot of archery weapons. What would that be? She thought about the books she¡¯d read when she was a kid, and the movies she¡¯d seen, and about all the heroes she knew from all those stories. And then it all hit her, she saw the name, she saw his face. Her face exploded in glee.


    ¡°She¡¯s got it!¡± Thorn said, seeing the bright smile on the Gnome¡¯s face.


    ¡°Legolas!¡± Callie squealed.


    Thorn¡¯s smile dropped slightly, ¡°What¡¯s a Legolas?¡±


    ¡°Hawkeye?¡± Callie less-enthusiastically squealed.


    Thorn¡¯s smile dropped off his face.


    ¡°Robin Hood, maybe?¡±

 Chapter 7 Part 1 - ... and my Bow

    PART I - ¡­ AND MY BOW!


    ¡°It¡¯s Ranger!¡± Vanis, Lena and Xin all shouted at the same time.


    ¡°You are Ranger,¡± Tazrok echoed a moment later.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Callie said. ¡°A Ranger? Oh! You mean like Aragorn? He didn''t use his bow that much.¡±


    ¡°Aragorn?¡± Master Thorn asked.


    ¡°Yeah, dark, brooding guy, hangs out with Hobbits, has a thing for Arwen?¡±


    ¡°Is this Aragorn a person you remember?¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± Callie stalled, suddenly remembering she shouldn¡¯t remember anything, ¡°I think? I think those are all names from a story of some kind?¡± Callie quickly put on her most-puzzled look she could muster. ¡°Why can I remember that?¡± she added for good measure, since it worked last time.


    ¡°Ahh, I see,¡± Thorn said, seeming to accept the lie.


    ¡°So what does this Ranger class actually do, besides archery stuff?¡± Callie asked, trying to move past the awkward moment. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t really know.¡±


    ¡°Historically, a Ranger would be the protector of the lands, defending it against bandits, poachers, monsters and other threats. Able to survive for weeks in the wilderness alone doing their duties,¡± Master Thorn said.


    ¡°Historically? What about now?¡±


    ¡°As part of the Army, in a combat role, they act as long-range attack with their bows, as scouts, ruin raiders, and, as needed, monster hunters. Their skills and perks include many specialized archery attack skills, some melee combat perks, as well as a few other non-combat nature-oriented ones.¡± Thorn handed Callie her two-colored wood block. ¡°When you meet with Trainer Reynard later today, you¡¯ll want to give him this block so he knows you¡¯re one of his students.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master Thorn,¡± Callie said, cradling the block of wood in her arms. She resisted a slight urge to bow to him.


    ¡°Recruit Vanis,¡± Thorn said, looking to the Elf.


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°I am placing Recruit Calliope in your care until such time as her memory returns. I expect you and your team to fill in the gaps in her knowledge and generally try to keep her out of trouble in the meantime. I wish you luck with that; she¡¯s a Gnome. No matter what, though, you are not, any of you, to fall behind or fail in your class training.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Sir,¡± Vanis acknowledged.


    ¡°The same applies to you, Recruit Calliope,¡± Thorn continued. ¡°Presuming you reveal your Ranger class tonight, you will be held to the same recruit standards as everyone, despite your unusual race for the class. Resist the urge to make any Gnomish mischief while you are here, if you are able.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, nodding vigorously, but with still a nervous knot in her stomach.


    ¡°If you aren¡¯t all planning to share a bunkhouse, that will change. Advise the housing quartermaster of this and refer them to me if there is an issue.¡±


    ¡°We have already decided to house together,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Thorn said as he looked at the red bow he was holding.


    ¡°Recruit Calliope, I had this bow made as a surprise for my son, who is turning ten in a few weeks. The normal longbows that Rangers use for training are twice your size; far too large for you to use effectively. Tomorrow, you are to report to the weapons forge and let them know you need a new bow made to the proper size for you. It will take them at least a week, so you may use this one until your new one is ready.¡±


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Wow! Thank you so much,¡± Callie said, accepting the Gnome-sized weapon. She imagined being able to fire arrows as fast as she could pull the string, a new arrow forming out of thin air every time. Machine Gun Callie!


    ¡°One last thing, Recruit,¡± Thorn began, ¡°should you fail to confirm your class in the morning, reach out directly to me or to my staff. We will work together to find another position for you that will suit your remaining perks and satisfy the requirements of your Conscription. Certainly Captain Kela could find a use for your Bookkeeping and Logistics perk.¡±


    ¡°Sure, whatever works,¡± Callie said absently, still examining the magic bow.


    Thorn scowled, realizing his instructions were largely being missed, and looked up at Vanis.


    ¡°We will see to it,¡± Vanis said with a confirming nod.


    ¡°At that, I don¡¯t believe there is anything else to address as part of your intake,¡± Thorn said, ¡°Earick?¡±


    ¡°No, Master Thorn. They have all been recorded and given their color identifications.¡±


    ¡°What is next?¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Next you will go to the next red flag," Earick said, "where they will take care of your housing. Since you have already decided to share a bunkhouse, it should not take long.¡±


    The band of five exchanged a few final pleasantries, and then set off down the path to the next station, leaving the Training Master behind with the Scryers.


    <hr>


    A short, Dwarf male sat at his table, reviewing various documents.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Lena said.


    The man looked up quickly. ¡°It¡¯s about time you got here! You are the last group, yes?¡±


    ¡°I believe so,¡± Lena said. ¡°Our registration took longer than expected. There were some complications.¡±


    ¡°I wish someone had told me, I was about to come to you. I could have been done already.¡± The man leafed through a thick book before coming to the page he was looking for. ¡°For housing, the first thing I need to know is if you are all going to house together. You look like a group.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lena said. ¡°The five of us.¡±


    ¡°Very good, that makes it easier. There is only one bunkhouse built to be large enough for Ogres, so knowing there was an Ogre recruit in camp, I held that one. It contains two Ogre-sized beds, and five for smaller people. It also has both regular and Ogre-sized latrines.¡±


    ¡°Sounds ideal,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°The Dwarf looked up, ¡°I do recommend not using the Ogre one by mistake, laddie. Could be ¡­ pretty bad if you were to fall in.¡±


    ¡°Definitely understood,¡± Vanis said, with a light-hearted laugh.


    ¡°Otherwise, I just need your first names for the roster and we should be done.¡±


    All five took turns giving their names while the Dwarf wrote them into the ledger. ¡°You are in the bunkhouse with the red and yellow sign on it, although it will be pretty easy to see which one since the door and building is so much larger than the others. In fact, we sometimes refer to it as ¡®Ogre House¡¯. You will also put this identification into your basket with your clothing so it gets returned to you.¡±


    The Dwarf handed out a small wood block, about the size of a deck of playing cards and much smaller than the class blocks each had received previously. Each block sported the promised red and yellow circles.


    ¡°Why do they use colors for everything?¡± Callie asked Lena.


    ¡°Because some people cannot read, Callie,¡± Lena answered. ¡°You will see many instances where signs and such use color combinations, or pictures, rather than written words.¡±


    ¡°Oh. That actually makes sense,¡± Callie said.


    The Dwarf looked down at what looked like a diagram of multiple houses, grunted, and then looked up. ¡°You do have one extra normal-sized bunk in your bunkhouse. Would you have any problems with us assigning someone to it?¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± Vanis began, turning to the rest of the group. They all shrugged. ¡°It appears that would not be an issue.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. I don¡¯t know if we will need to put someone there, but knowing you do not object helps. There are two or three singles still pending assignments, and someone always needs to be moved in the first couple days. We don¡¯t like to add them to some tight-knit groups unless we have no choice or it¡¯s alright with the group. That tends to be a setup for personality clashes and we hate having to move people around more than necessary.¡±


    ¡°I can believe it,¡± Lena said. ¡°We¡¯re not here to cause any problems, so would welcome whomever might need the space.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± The Dwarf quickly made a note. ¡°There¡¯s also an extra Ogre bed in your bunkhouse, but your Ogre is the only one in this recruit class, so it won¡¯t be needed.¡± He made a few final notes and then addressed the group. ¡°At this point, the next stop will be to see Quartermaster Balneis at the bathhouse. She will assist with getting you situated and get you your robes. I think we will have some that are large enough.¡± He gestured with his chin towards Tazrok.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Callie said.

 Chapter 7 Part 2 - Surprises

    PART II - SURPRISES


    Continuing their way through the camp, they entered into a housing area. Arranged in a horseshoe-shaped semi-circle were eleven cabins, circling around a central garden area. An additional twelfth cabin was larger and had a taller and wider door.


    ¡°That must be our bunkhouse,¡± Lena said, gesturing. ¡°I can¡¯t see the colors on the sign, but it¡¯s the only one with the big Ogre door.¡±


    In the garden, a few people stood around wearing long robes of white cloth, chatting with each other. A few more sat on stone benches, also talking in groups of twos or threes, while others were just sitting back, leaning against trees and enjoying the sun by themselves. So many different races were represented: Elves, Dwarves, a few Fairies, a green-skinned Goblin girl, and even some of the various Beastkin.


    At one end of the cluster of small houses was a large building and appeared to be divided into two sections. The entries to this building were also Ogre-sized. A wooden water tower stood tall behind the building. ¡°That must be the bath house,¡± Xin said, pointing at the red flag.


    That was confirmed as the five grew closer, they spied an Elf leaning back in her chair, appearing to be dozing. Behind here was a wagon with several open crates on it. Most were in disarray, various garments having been pulled out and then returned without being folded.


    Vanis cleared his throat. ¡°Hello, am I to presume this would be the bath house?¡±


    The Elf jerked awake and nearly fell over. She quickly got her bearings and sprang to her feet. ¡°Yes! Apologies for falling asleep. It was a long night getting ready for all of you.¡±


    Vanis quickly waved his hand, indicating not to worry. ¡°Quartermaster Balneis?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she responded.


    ¡°Our own apologies. Our intake took longer than expected.¡± Vanis explained, ¡°Thank you for waiting. I do believe we are the last of the recruits coming through.¡±


    Balneis nodded, a grateful look in her eyes, ¡°The good news is that with your delayed arrival, the showers are empty. You won¡¯t have to wait. Let me assemble your kits.¡± She turned to the wagon and started pulling various things off of it, occasionally looking at the five, trying to gauge sizes and other variables. It took a bit of fussing, but finally she had assembled five baskets arranged on the table, one of which was larger than the others.


    ¡°Baskets for you all. Inside you will find your robes, a towel, as well as a ball of soap. There is also a smaller basket in there. For you, Mister Ogre, there are two balls and here, a couple extra towels.¡±


    Lena reached for one of the baskets and Balneis slapped her hand, giving her a good hard, angry stare for her efforts, before adding two more towels to an oversized basket. Lena quickly pulled her hand back, rubbing it.


    ¡°What is with the bow, Little One?¡±


    ¡°Um, Master Trainer Thorn gave it to me. I suppose I need to keep it with me until I meet my trainer later, I guess?¡±


    ¡°I see. As long as you do not use it in any way, that should be fine. But absolutely do not use it outside of the training areas, understand?¡±


    Callie quickly nodded her head. ¡°Absolutely, yes.¡±


    ¡°There are some details on what to do, so please listen up,¡± Balneis said, before gesturing towards the building. ¡°When you enter, there will be disrobing stalls along the outside wall. Pick one and place your current clothing into the large basket after removing the robe. Also put your bunkhouse identification block in with your clothing so we know where it needs to be returned. Place any jewelry, hair items, your class identification block, and anything else you don¡¯t wish to lose into the small basket.¡±


    Baleneis indicated to Lena, ¡°The last stall has a mirror, table and chair so you can take your hair down. Put all of your beads and other hair ¡­ things ¡­ into the small basket.¡±


    ¡°Alright. It won¡¯t take me long to undo it, it¡¯s just a process to put it back up.¡±


    Balneis continued with the instructions. ¡°Once you enter, on the inside wall are a series of shower stalls. That is where you will be cleaning yourself today. Do not use the large bath, which is farther back in the building! It is for soaking and relaxing and we neither have the time today nor do we want this kind of soap in it. If you use the bath in the future, you will need to at minimum rinse off in a shower first before entering and use the bathing soap that will be provided. Understood?¡±


    Everyone quickly nodded.


    ¡°As Captain Kela said in their opening remarks. You will wash every part of your body. Work the soap into your hair and anywhere else you may need to. Work the soap into everything,¡± Balneis emphasized a second time. ¡°You can¡¯t imagine how awful Firelice are!¡±


    Everyone cringed and reflexively reached down.


    ¡°Now, get someone else to wash your back for you and any other area you cannot reach. Don¡¯t be shy about asking, and do not be shy about offering. When done, do it all a second time, or even a third! There¡¯s a double-sized stall in each section for the Ogres.¡±


    ¡°Tazrok, it looks like you¡¯re going to get a royal back washing,¡± Lena said with a mischievous grin. ¡°Sorry, Vanis,¡± she added, looking at the recruit prince.


    ¡°Prince must wash good!¡± Tazrok said, looking at Vanis.


    ¡°Oh my,¡± Vanis said in response. ¡°It will be an adventure of its own, I fear.¡±


    ¡°A pair of Tigerkins were going on about a prince being here. I wasn¡¯t sure what they were talking about. That¡¯s you?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°It is good to meet you then, Sire. I also heard you wanted to not be treated special, so I will simply wish good luck to you with the Ogre. We are all glad it is you, and not us.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate the moral support,¡± Vanis said with a sigh. A few titters could be heard from the rest of the group.


    ¡°After you¡¯re done washing,¡± Balneis continued detailing, ¡°dry off with the towel that is also in your large basket. Return the towel to the basket and, wearing your robe, leave the bath house via the rear exit. Place your large basket onto the pile of other dirty clothing and towels. Again, be sure your bunkhouse identification block is in it or you will not have your clothing returned to you. Keep your small basket of personal belongings, as well as your class color block.


    ¡°From there, Quartermaster Fullo will be waiting to take your measurements so that clothing and armor can be tailored for you, which you will receive by the time you wake in the morning. You¡¯ll have what you are wearing now returned by tomorrow evening, assuming it did not need to be burned, that is. Do you have any questions?¡±


    ¡°How do they make clothing for everyone in just one night?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Fullo has several Brownies with tailoring perks, along with some special tailoring skills,¡± Balneis said. ¡°They can make simple items and training armor very rapidly.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, magical sewing?¡± Callie said.


    Balneis smiled. ¡°They do very good work, as you can see from what the officers and staff wear. Do you have any other questions?¡±


    Heads all mutually shook no.


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    ¡°Good¡± Balneis said as she gave each person a specific basket with robes sized to who received it. ¡°Males go into the left door, everyone else into the right.¡± Nodding to Vanis and Lena, she added, ¡°Duwana.¡±


    ¡°Duwanai¡± Vanis and Lena responded automatically..


    Callie, Lena and Xin walked through the right entrance into a large, hot, steam-filled room. On the right were the aforementioned changing stalls, eight in total, with a partition erected between each. A small bench was in each, presumably for sitting or setting things on. The last stall was larger than the others, presumably sized for an Ogre if it was needed.


    To the left, the inner wall, was an additional eight partitioned stalls, each with a brick floor. Overhead, a shower head was centered over each, a pair of pull-chains seeming to be the way to activate it. A black, metal rod with a hooked end was hanging on the wall of the shower stall, and Callie reasoned this was to allow the shorter races to reach the pull-chains.


    At the far end of the room, hot steam rising from it in a dense cloud, was a large pool of still water. A railing was visible on the edge with steps leading into the water next to the railing.


    Lena let out a sigh. ¡°Let me go find that mirror and deal with this hair.¡± She walked off, before finding it in the final oversized stall. ¡°Ahh there it is,¡± she said, disappearing into it.


    ¡°After you, Little One,¡± Xin said, gesturing for Callie to move ahead.


    Callie nodded and started walking towards the first changing stall. She looked inside, gave a startled squeal, and shuddered, quickly backing out.


    ¡°What is wrong, Callie?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°Just a big spider. I hate spiders,¡¯ Callie said.


    ¡°A spider?¡± Lena called. ¡°What color was it?¡±


    ¡°Um, let me look again,¡± Callie said as she grabbed another peek at the monster.


    ¡°It¡¯s black with orange tips on its feet. And it¡¯s huge! And it¡¯s creepy as hell, Lena!¡±


    ¡°Ahh, they¡¯re harmless. They just eat bugs. They don¡¯t get that big.¡±


    ¡°Still creepy! And I¡¯m tiny, so it¡¯s huge!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a spider that looks just like it, but with yellow instead of orange legs. They can be aggressive and their bite will make you sick for a couple days. If you see one, don¡¯t provoke it.¡±


    ¡°What do they eat?¡± Callie growled.


    ¡°Small children mostly. Occasionally they might gnaw on a Brownie, or even a Gnome if they get big enough.¡±


    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Callie screamed, and then noticed Xin laughing.


    Lena poked her head out, her hair an untangling mess. ¡°I¡¯m sure the really big ones don¡¯t come around here.¡±


    ¡°At least not during the day,¡± Xin added, her crocodile smile growing wider.


    Callie glared at both of them. ¡°I hate you both!¡± and she stormed into the third stall.


    Both Xin and Lena could be heard still laughing. Callie smiled, appreciating the joke even if she didn¡¯t want to admit it. Wait a minute ¡­


    ¡°That is a joke, isn¡¯t it?¡± Callie called out nervously.


    ¡°Probably!¡± Xin responded.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Callie yelled back. ¡°I double hate you both!¡±


    <hr>


    Callie looked at the basket she had set on the floor of the dressing stall. Inside it was a smaller basket, a ball of something she assumed was the soap, and a white cloth robe, just like Balneis had told them. She leaned the bow against the wall and took the robe out of the basket. It was small, but pretty close to the right size for her now-small frame, although it looked like it might drag a little bit low. The cloth was some kind of cross between linen and burlap. A little rough, but definitely sturdy. Underneath the robe was a white towel of a similar material. Callie suddenly wished she had a big fluffy towel instead.


    For the first time she really looked at the clothes she was wearing. They were comfortable, even though the fabric was basically the same material as the towel, just softer. She was wearing a shallow V-Neck tunic for the top, but no bra, not that she needed one. The tunic was tucked into a pair of capri-length pants of the same material, but a darker brown color, cinched tight with a rope belt and a simple square knot. She ran her finger across her butt, and could feel an undergarment of some kind as well.


    ¡°Well, at least they have underwear here,¡± Callie mumbled to herself.


    Her shoes were a boot of light leather with a soft sole on them, like a moccasin, but going up to her mid-calf. A piece of thin rope was wrapped around it, tying it into place.


    Over the wall, Callie could hear the sounds of Xin in the next stall as she started removing her own minimal clothing and shaking out her robe.


    ¡°How the hell did I get here?¡± Callie reflected to herself. She hopped up to sit on the bench, having to climb slightly. ¡°Truly, how did I go from Chicago to a Tolkien fantasy world? And how do I get back? I could be dead, or maybe this is me in a coma. That would be a reasonable guess.¡± Callie suddenly imagined her mother, probably right now frantic as to where she was after not getting home. She would be panic-texting and calling every two minutes, destined to remain unread, and the calls just going to a voicemail void. ¡®Hello, you¡¯ve reached Callie. Leave a message. Smell ya later!¡¯ It was the same voicemail greeting she¡¯d had since she was a junior in high school. Since before her dad ¡­


    Callie shook her head hard. ¡°You¡¯ve got to keep it together, Callie,¡± she whispered to herself. ¡°You promised Vanis and the rest that you would. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have a chance to properly freak out later. In the meantime, focus! One step in front of the other.¡± Meditatively, she took a cleansing breath and began to slowly chant, ¡°two, three, five, seven, eleven, thirteen.¡± As she rattled out primes, she timed her breathing to each number. At forty-three, she hopped off the bench, feeling slightly more centered and started to remove the tunic. ¡°Forty-seven, Fifty-three, Fifty-nine, Sixty-one¡­¡± she undid the knot of the rope on each boot and kicked them off. The knot on her rope belt was next. Closing her eyes, she kept counting as first the pants and then an undergarment were removed. ¡°One-hundred ninety three, one-hundred ninety-seven, and one-hundred ninety-nine.¡±


    Opening her eyes and grabbing the robe, she threw it around her shoulders and tied off an attached strip of cloth as a belt. Grabbing the soap, she left the changing stall and saw a cloud of steam in one of the showers with a vaguely Xin-like form in it.


    Stepping into the shower across from her own dressing stall, Callie hung her robe on a Gnome-height hook and looked at the shower head. It was about two meters above her, a square around thirty centimeters on each side. A plate of metal of some kind, maybe steel, with dozens of small holes made up the business end of the shower. Two pull chains hung there, one higher than the other. In the center on the floor was a hole with a metal grate over it.


    ¡°How do they keep the water hot?¡± Callie called out.


    ¡°They surely have magic that will heat the water,¡± Lena called back. ¡°It¡¯s a fairly common enchantment, so you shouldn¡¯t need to worry about running out. Look around, there should be a way to mix colder water in if it¡¯s too hot for you.¡±


    Looking up, Callie saw two metal pipes along the ceiling, each with smaller pipes going into the showerhead. A simple valve at the top of each small pipe had a loop of chain attached. The chain was hooked to the wall of the stall. Callie reasoned this might be a way to control the temperature as you could open and close each separate pipe¡¯s feed. The whole pipe construction was intriguingly simple. And the work was really well done, too. Usually when looking at plumbing, imperfections are quickly identifiable, but this was all perfect.


    ¡°Did you find it?¡± Lena called out.


    ¡°I think so,¡± Callie called back.


    Taking the hook down from the wall, she slipped it around the higher pull-chain and gave it a yank. The floodgates on the shower opened and a solid torrent of water fell. Immediately Callie felt the sting of ice-cold water. She dropped the hook, which clanked on the bricks.


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± Lena called.


    ¡°Fine! It¡¯s just on maximum cold. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m fiddling with it.¡±


    Callie played with the two loops of chain to see which controlled what temperature and found the right one. She increased the hot water and decreased the cold until the fall of water was just this-side of being too hot and stepped in. The water was perfect. It splashed on her head and started to cascade down her body. Callie closed her eyes and just embraced the warmth for a moment; just feeling it wash away a constant tension she¡¯d been fighting ever since opening her eyes. It was only temporary, a figment of the moment, but in that moment it was exactly what she needed.


    Reaching for the ball of soap, she held it up to her nose. As it got wet, a faint aroma began to rise. It was vaguely floral, with an underscent of something antiseptic. She could feel soothing oils in it, making it slippery in the water.


    She ran the soap along one arm, and back up to her armpit. She looked down to see the tiny breasts and body she now had and gave a light sigh, still trying to get used to the change. So different. ¡°I wonder...¡±, she thought and bent over to get a look.


    Callie let loose a horrified scream, dropping the soap! And then she screamed a second time!


    Xin was there first, but Lena was only a moment behind, her hair now hanging down to her thighs in tangles. ¡°What is wrong?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°What happened!¡± Lena said, rushing into the shower. Lena still had her clothes on and got immediately soaked. ¡°Are you ok? Are you hurt?¡±


    Callie just stood there dumbfounded, wondering for a moment why the problem wasn¡¯t obvious. She used both hands and gestured down.


    ¡°What the hell! MY CROTCH IS PINK!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lena said questioningly.


    Callie opened her eyes wide, tilting her head and pointing downstairs again, this time gesturing harder. Slowly she said, with volume and emphasis, ¡°MY CROTCH IS PINK!¡±


    ¡°Of course it is,¡± Xin said, a confused look on her face.


    ¡°Uh, Callie,¡± Lena said with slight concern. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be? It¡¯s the same color as the hair on your head.¡±


    ¡°What the hell! MY HAIR IS PINK!?¡±

 Chapter 8 Part 1 - Who is this Person?

    PART I - WHO IS THIS PERSON


    ¡°Of course it is, Callie?¡± Xin said again.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s normal for Gnome hair,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°All Gnomes have bright, colored hair. Pixies and Sprites, too.¡±


    ¡°They do? We do?¡± Callie pushed Lena and Xin out of the way. She marched, still dripping wet covered partly by soap, over to Lena¡¯s mirrored changing stall. Suddenly there she was, an unfamiliar face looking back to her with big round eyes and bright pink hair.


    ¡°What the hell,¡± Callie whispered as she walked slowly up to the mirror, now truly seeing herself for the first time in this strange, new body. If she didn¡¯t know better at first glance, she¡¯d think she was just looking at a normal Human, but quickly she started to notice the differences. The ears were long and pointed, which she had already known from feeling them, so that wasn¡¯t a shock.


    What was a shock was how different her eyes seemed than a Human¡¯s. For one, she had purple eyes! And those eyes were just a little bit larger than one would expect, maybe half-again what she¡¯d seen on her own face growing up. They made her face incredibly emotive. A smile, a frown, a sense of confusion, all were magnified tenfold by those big eyes.


    Without a reference, the height difference between a Human and this new body didn¡¯t show, but as Lena stepped into the reflection, the difference was immediately obvious. Lena¡¯s slim, muscular Elf-form towered over her, nearly twice her height, and Callie looked like a young child standing next to an adult. Well, a short, mid-teens child with adult hips. She traced her finger back along the image¡¯s face. Those big, bright, strange eyes staring back at her in wonder ¡­ purple eyes. Of course, there was also the hair, which was roughly shoulder length, tied back into twin ponytails, a piece of thin twine holding each together. And, just like down below, it was blazing hot pink!


    ¡°All Gnomes have bright colored eyes and hair?¡± Callie asked. ¡°What colors are we talking about?¡±


    ¡°They do. So do Pixies and Sprites. Blues, greens, reds, pinks, yellows, and purples like your eyes, and others I¡¯m sure,¡± Lena said walking into the stall and standing next to Callie. ¡°Any bright color you can think of. It¡¯s completely random, even children don¡¯t seem to necessarily inherit from their parents. What color eyes and hair do people on your Human world have?¡±


    ¡°For eyes, browns, blacks, blues, and a rare gray or blueish-green. Mine were brown. Hair colors are basic browns, blacks, some are various shades of blonde. My hair was a dark brown, too. A few also have hair that is a reddish-brown, but nothing so brilliant as this.¡±


    ¡°So nothing bright like that at all?¡±


    ¡°I suppose a few people do, but it¡¯s not natural. They might dye it a color like this, but usually just on their head, not ¡­ down below. Most don¡¯t even keep hair down there, or if they do it¡¯s trimmed really short. Heck, I¡¯ve kept it shaved since I was in ninth grade.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°I like it that way? It¡¯s a ¡­ clean feeling for some? This is weird to have it back.¡±


    ¡°Was this done to attract a mate?¡± Xin asked.


    Callie thought for a moment before answering. Was it? For some people, one could reason, depending on the point of view. ¡°Maybe not directly,¡± Callie said, ¡°but it¡¯s how I liked to keep it.¡±


    Callie twisted sideways, looking again at this new Gnome body, half-covered in soap. With Lena so close, she suddenly felt so very tiny. In some ways they looked alike, with Lena being obviously taller. Also, comparing the shape of Gnome ears to Lena¡¯s, the points on Callie¡¯s ears were a little more rounded; nothing like the sharp points the Lena and Vanis had on their ears. Callie then realized something was missing. ¡°This sucks,¡± Callie said, finally figuring out what was missing. ¡±All my tattoos are gone.¡± She quickly reached up and touched her ears again. ¡°And my ear piercings, too.¡±


    ¡°Tattoos? Were you a Sailor? Or were you ¡­ you know ¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°A criminal,¡± Lena whispered.


    ¡°No! I was not a criminal! Or a sailor! I had them because I liked them. On my thighs and my belly, on one of my breasts, and a few others.¡± Callie absently brushed her fingers over each location on her new and unmarked body as she spoke. She turned to see the one on her shoulder blade was gone, too. She touched the spot inside her right wrist where a date was missing. The date her dad died.


    ¡°Just ¡­ because you liked them?¡± Lena asked, quizzically.


    ¡°Sure, lots of people have tattoos. It¡¯s pretty common. We get something personal for us. Something meaningful. Some can get really creative.¡±


    ¡°Did you also do this to attract a mate?¡± Xin called out.


    ¡°What? No!¡± Callie said. ¡°They were just images special to me. You know, memories and things with meaning.¡±


    Lena had finished removing the last of the beads from her hair, setting them on the small table where a few rolled around. As she worked to remove any tangles, she said ¡°Tattoos are very uncommon. Mostly it is a sailor thing.¡±


    ¡°And criminals?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ a mark, showing what crimes you¡¯ve done and how often,¡± Lena said. ¡°Those with multiple markings can be subject to harsher sentences if they get caught doing something again. So unless you work the seas, or close to them, tattoos are not seen and not socially acceptable.¡±


    ¡°Not acceptable? Well that kinda sucks,¡± Callie grumped. Glancing up into the mirror, she noticed that Lena had removed her top. On her upper arm were three round, empty circles. Each was black, with a diagonal black line through each of them. Callie connected some dots and spun quickly


    ¡°Yes, Callie,¡± Lena said, holding up a hand. ¡°I¡¯ve done things in the past I shouldn¡¯t, and I bear the marks for it. I¡¯d prefer not to discuss it, though. At least not while sober.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, sure,¡± Callie said, barely resisting the urge to immediately discuss it while sober.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    There was an awkward silence, broken finally by Lena. ¡°Come! Let us wash!¡± She bent, pulling her cloth pants down and off, before quickly walking to a shower stall. Callie looked back at the strange, pink-haired body in the mirror, still trying to take the image in.


    ¡°I will need one of you to help wash me,¡± Xin said flatly.


    Callie gulped. Washing Xin, with her tall, scaled body and lizard-like skin. Just another thing that Callie couldn¡¯t get her mind around.


    ¡°Um¡­,¡± Callie said, buying time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help,¡± Lena said. ¡°Let me get myself washed a bit first.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Xin said. ¡°Callie, would you like me to wash your back?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­,¡± Callie said again with a slightly-frightened tone, this time warily eyeing Xin¡¯s clawed fingers.


    ¡°I think your claws will make her nervous, Xin. I¡¯ll take care of her as well.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, I see,¡± Xin said, looking at her clawed right hand. ¡°Although I am very careful and would not scratch.¡±


    And so they washed ¡­ everywhere. Eventually, Lena entered Callie¡¯s shower stall and scrubbed her back. While she was methodical and professional, Callie could only think back to a time when someone special washed her back after a hard day in class or at a crummy food-services job. Suddenly she missed that touch, that intimate, but not necessarily sexual, connection with someone dear.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°No, just an old memory,¡± Callie responded.


    ¡°Of a lover?¡±


    Callie nodded. ¡°It ended a while ago, though. Around the time my dad died.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Callie said. ¡°Just ¡­ I just had a tiny twinge of homesickness for a moment. Strange, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s only been a few hours and I miss home. I miss my mom.¡± Keep it together, Callie! You promised!


    Lena finished washing Callie¡¯s back, and pushed her under the stream of falling water to rinse off. ¡°Today has been a lot for you, hasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Callie nodded, sputtering slightly. ¡°Yeah. It has.¡± Lena pulled her out of the waterfall, the cooler air colliding with the warm cascade she had just been in. ¡°Do you need me to wash your back?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°You know, I think I will have Xin do it. I think the claws might actually feel good,¡± Lena said, a slight glint of mischievousness in her eyes.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, mechanically picking up the soap and stepping in again. She began to wash all the places she could reach. She removed the strings holding each ponytail together, and soaped up the hair two or three times, the constant rain from the shower rinsing the soap away. Occasionally, she held a bit of hair in front of her eyes, seeing the hot pink colors and still finding it so weird.


    Callie peaked around the partition to see Lena washing Xin¡¯s back. Lena had put on a serious face of focus and washed what was needed, trying to ignore how awkward all this was.


    Soon Lena and Xin exchanged places, and Xin carefully washed Lena¡¯s back in return. Callie glanced again and saw a series of old, straight-line scars on Lena¡¯s back. More than she could immediately count, but none looked fresh. With Xin now washing Lena¡¯s back, Callie expected to see streaks of red blood where Xin¡¯s claws had ripped skin open. But the Lizardkin¡¯s motions were deft, and it wasn¡¯t until Lena said, ¡°You can scratch a little¡± that Xin left a few light marks.


    ¡°Lena?¡± Callie asked over the wall.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°What happened to your back?¡±


    Callie heard a sharp intake of air, before Lena responded, ¡°Do you remember that thing I didn¡¯t want to talk about sober?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°This was in part the result of that. Another time, please.¡±


    Callie had nothing to respond with, so they all pretended everything wasn¡¯t totally awkward and quickly finished. A bowl on the floor next to one of the partition walls was filled with partially used soap balls, and Callie tossed what she had remaining onto the pile.


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s taking so long in there!¡± a shrill voice called. ¡°Your Ogre friend and his minion are already done! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Almost finished!¡± Xin yelled back.


    ¡°Well, hurry up. I have other things I need to get done!¡±


    ¡°Minion?¡± Callie whispered, smirking.


    ¡°Shhhh,¡± Lena said with a giggle, putting her finger to her lips.


    Callie used the hook to make sure the shower valve was fully off and grabbed her robe from where it was hanging. She had left her towel in the changing area, so she streaked across the room, water dripping into small puddles at her feet. Tossing the robe on the bench, she used the towel to quickly dry off and put it into the large basket. She then double checked her bunkhouse identification was in the basket as well as her clothing.


    Slipping the robe on, Callie cinched it up before tightening the belt so it wouldn¡¯t drag on the ground, so now it hung roughly mid-calf. Over the wall, she could hear Xin quickly getting her own items in order.


    ¡°Okay. Clothes and towel into the big basket with my house ID,¡± Callie mumbled to herself, counting off on her fingers. ¡°Wear the robe, keep the little basket. The leftover soap is in the bowl over there¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to keep the block that identifies your class with you,¡± Lena called out.


    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± Callie said, and she put the Ranger class block into the empty small basket.


    Slicking her hair back, Callie realized she had lost one of the strings that was originally holding the two pigtails. Gathering everything into a quick ponytail, she used the string to tie a quick bow by feel. It would at least keep it out of her face, for now, but for some reason she liked the pigtails. It also might be just long enough to braid. Unlike Lena, she had no qualms about cutting it short if she needed to, though. She hadn¡¯t had long hair since she was a pre-teen.


    Xin poked her head around the partition. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I think so,¡± Callie said, grabbing everything in her arms, and then remembering to pick up the bow as well.


    Xin and Callie walked together to Lena¡¯s stall, where she was half-in her still-untied robe, but was still trying to wring the water from her long hair.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it!¡± Lena snarled before Xin could open her mouth. ¡°I¡¯m not cutting my hair!¡±


    ¡°It would be quite practi¡­¡± Xin started.


    Lena held up a pointing finger and glared.


    Callie glanced in the mirror and watched the three of them. Three non-Human people just doing an everyday thing. Callie suddenly had a strange thought. ¡°We look like cultists,¡± she said.


    ¡°What?¡± Lena asked, confused by the comparison.


    ¡°Exactly that, we all look like we¡¯re in a cult. Plain, white robes, communal living. All of it. Tell me this doesn¡¯t seem a little ¡®culty¡¯?¡±


    Lena and Xin looked at each other and then at the mirror. ¡°I can see it,¡± Xin said after an observational moment.


    ¡°I hope there¡¯s no kool-aid,¡± Callie mumbled.


    ¡°Kool-aid?¡± Xin asked, slowly parsing out the word.


    ¡°Um..¡± Callie stalled, ¡°Call it a poisonous drink cultists drink to kill themselves when the disappointment of being a cultist becomes too great.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Xin said. ¡°We would have to see the alchemist for that.¡±


    ¡°Nobody is going to kill themselves!¡± Lena said with a laugh. ¡°So don''t drink this ¡®kool-aid¡¯ poison! Even if we do look like cultists.¡±


    Callie helped Lena collect up a few beads that had scattered to the floor, placing them into her small basket, while Lena tied her robe tight and tossed her clothing and the towel into her large basket. She took another minute to collect up her hair into a long ponytail, cinching it with a piece of string she¡¯d used before. Finally, the three walked together towards the rear exit of the building.


    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Lena whispered as they walked past the pool of steaming water. She dipped her foot into it and let out a long, satisfied groan. ¡°So hot! This is going to feel so good when we can use it.¡±


    Xin looked towards the back door, and then to the front, before dipping her own clawed foot into the water. ¡°Great Starshine!¡± she cried out. ¡°You do not lie! I too am eager to use this bath!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Let me get in on this action!¡± Callie said, dipping her own foot in. It was the perfect temperature. It was hot, but not quite scalding. The kind of heat that would sap the ache from you and bring you a momentary world of tranquility. The only thing missing was a torrent of bubbles. ¡°Daaaamnnnn!¡± was all she could say, drawing the word out. Nothing else was really needing to be said.

 Chapter 8 Part 2 - Fitting for a Prince

    PART II - FITTING FOR A PRINCE


    With a bit of disappointment, the trio left the side of the bath pool and walked out the rear of the building. The sun struck them hard in the face as they exited, and Callie reflexively turned away to shield her sensitive eyes.


    ¡°There you are,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We were starting to wonder what trouble the three of you might be causing in there.¡±


    ¡°Only the best kind,¡± Lena said slyly. ¡°Baskets?¡± she asked, holding hers up.


    ¡°Over there,¡± Vanis said, gesturing to a well-organized stack of the larger baskets. ¡°Keep your smaller one,¡± he reminded, holding his own up.


    Lena and Xin walked down the three steps to the ground and over to the basket piles. Callie, still squinting hard in the sun, tried to navigate the stairs in the bright light.


    ¡°Eyes hurt?¡± Tazrok asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie said. ¡°It¡¯s just really bright out here, especially after being inside for a while. Just give me a minute.¡±


    ¡°I understand Gnomes have eyes that see well in the dark, so it is not unexpected that light may be bright during the day,¡± Xin said. ¡°It¡¯s one of their many racial traits. The Lizardkin do not have any traits for dim light, but we make up for it in other ways.¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± Callie asked, curious. With multiple different fantasy races apparently in this world, it reasoned that each may have some unique characteristics. In addition to her sensitive eyes, she also had improved hearing.


    Xin stepped over to the wall of the building and held her hand up, pressing it flat. Within a few seconds, her hand and exposed arm assumed the same color and pattern of the wall behind it. Now, if you didn¡¯t know it was there, it was almost impossible to detect Xin¡¯s hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s really cool!¡± Callie said.


    Xin looked perplexed at Callie¡¯s word choice, but a quick wave-off from Lena in explanation, and she just chalked it up as a Gnome thing.


    ¡°Alas, it does not work with anything I am wearing,¡± Xin added, returning to Calline. ¡°This is why most Lizardkin prefer to be without clothing. Still, it is very useful when you must be stealthy.¡±


    Lena had returned and took Callie¡¯s large basket in one arm. Taking Callie¡¯s hand, she led the Gnome down the steps. Walking towards Vanis, Lena let go of Callie to put her basket with the others.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie mumbled. ¡°Stupid Gnome eyes¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be thankful for them when it is night or you are underground,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Sure, but right now the sun is turned up to eleven, so this kinda sucks.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Tazrok asked. ¡°Turned up?¡±


    ¡°Just another Callieism,¡± Lena said, returning to the group. ¡°Best you not think too hard about it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I have my own -ism?¡± Callie asked.


    Lena shrugged. ¡°You say a lot of things that don¡¯t make sense unless you can get it from context.¡±


    ¡°Well, tell me that, then!¡± Callie said. ¡°Sheesh. I don¡¯t think I want to be an -ism!¡±


    Before the banter could continue, a staff member walked around the corner of the building. ¡°Finally, all of you are here.¡± She was a Beastkin of roughly Lena¡¯s height. Covered in yellow fur, with black stripes, she closely resembled a tiger. She wore simple overalls, which sported a hole for her long, furry tail. ¡°Sorry,¡± Lena said, looking a little sheepish. ¡°It was mostly my fault.¡±


    ¡°With that hair I can see why it might take so long. You should really cut it.¡±


    ¡°Why does everyone want me to cut my hair?¡± Lena cried, throwing her hands up in exasperation.


    ¡°It will just get in the way,¡± the attendant said.


    Lena had a horrified look on her face.


    Shrugging and moving on, the tiger-woman said, ¡°I am Quartermaster Fullo, in charge of laundry, tailoring and seeing to your training armor, and this will not take long. I just need to take your measurements and give you your next instructions. Tomorrow, when you awaken, you should have properly sized clothing, and a set of training armor will be delivered sometime during the day for each of you.¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m amazed you can make all that for everyone in one night,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°I have a good team of Brownies under me. They can make almost anything clothing-related quickly.¡± She gestured to Vanis. ¡°You will be first.¡±


    ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°I just need to know your bunkhouse colors, your name, and your class,¡± Fullo said, taking a seat at a small table and picking up a piece of paper. ¡°First name is fine. Then move how and when I tell you.¡±


    ¡°We are all in the Red and Yellow bunkhouse, and my name is Vanis, and I am a Warlock.¡±


    ¡°The Ogre house?¡± She then noticed Tazrok. ¡°Right, that makes sense. All of you are together?¡±


    ¡°That is correct,¡±


    ¡°That makes it easier.¡± Fullo picked up a gem similar to the scrying gems used earlier. She waved for Vanis to take a few steps backwards. ¡°Feet shoulder width apart, arms straight out.¡±


    ¡°Like this?¡± Vanis said, assuming the pose.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She looked through the gem, and then scribbled on the paper. ¡°Next, turn sideways to me and put your hands on your hips.¡± Again, Vanis did as instructed while Fullo took measurements. ¡°Finally, turn around and bend over to touch your toes.¡±


    As he did, Lena let out a low whistle. ¡°Look at that, ladies!¡±


    ¡°Hey now,¡° Vanis said with a semi-mocking tone. ¡°Do you know at whom you are whistling?¡±


    ¡°Just another recruit, as I understand it!¡± Lena said with a laugh.


    Callie grinned, the banter making her feel comfortable despite everything.


    ¡°Back in position!¡± Fullo shouted, and Vanis quickly snapped back to position, touching his toes.¡± Fullo took her few last measurements. ¡°That is what I need. Please wait for final instructions before you leave.¡± Fullo pointed at Tazrok. ¡°Ok, you Ogre. You were next.¡±


    Tazrok stepped forward, planted his feet and put his arms out. ¡°Am Tazrok. Am Druid.¡±


    ¡°Really? Don¡¯t lie, this affects what kind of armor you receive.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Am Druid,¡± Tazrok confirmed, showing Fullo his Druid identification.


    ¡°One set of Druid armor, then. Ogre sized. The Brownies are going to love this one.¡± Fullo gave a grunt and a shrug and then collected the first set of measurements. After taking her notes, she gave the instruction to turn, which Tazrok dutifully did, placing his long arms on his hips. Another grunt from Fullo.


    ¡°Finally, turn and bend over,¡± Fullo said. Tazrok did so, which caused his robe to flop open. Immediately, everyone but Fullo cried out and shielded their eyes as they got a full on flash of hanging Ogre dong.


    There was a mutual groan and a lot of hands suddenly raised to block the view.


    ¡°That is the stuff of nightmares,¡± Xin said as she continued to look away


    ¡°I think I may be forever scarred,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to wash his back,¡± Vanis said with a grimace. ¡°This is nothing!¡±


    To her credit, Quartermaster Fullo kept her calm and collected what she needed. ¡°You may stand,¡± she finally said. ¡°Please. For all of us. And please keep your robe tied tighter in the future.¡±


    Next, Fullo collected Xin, who strongly wanted no clothing, but was forced to by Fullo. It was an old argument to the Quartermaster, as nearly every Lizardkin would have preferred to go without. Callie was next, Vanis holding her bow while she posed. It took some convincing that Callie needed Ranger clothing, but Fullo eventually conceded after seeing Callie¡¯s wooden class block and the rest of the group confirming it. Finally Lena was measured.


    ¡°Some final instructions,¡± Fullo said, trying to hurry things along. ¡°At the end of every day, your soiled clothing goes into your large basket and is set on your bunkhouse porch, which will be returned to you clean during the night. Change your clothes daily, after you return from the day''s training, and before coming to the evening meal. If you are sweaty, smelly, or otherwise dirty, be sure to shower or bathe before the meal. No matter what, shower or bathe at least every third day. If you are not sure if you should, then you should.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done yet,¡± Fullo said sharply. ¡°From here, go to your bunkhouse, pick your bunks and relax. You are welcome to walk in the gardens, but do not leave the housing area. A bell will sound in about thirty minutes, at which time you will have thirty minutes to report to your class tent to meet with your trainer. A second bell will toll when there are ten minutes remaining. Follow your trainer¡¯s instructions exactly. There is no camp meal tonight, but a soup will be brought to your bunkhouse later and you will spend tonight inside.


    ¡°Evening meal is generally three hours before sundown, for one hour, although it is earlier tomorrow, as it is a special occasion. A bell will sound thirty and ten minutes before the meal begins each day. Breakfast is informal and you serve yourself starting one hour after sunup. There will be a bell thirty and ten minutes before serving starts, and again when there are thirty and ten minutes remaining before the meal is closed. Do not make a mess my people need to clean up! Your noon meal will be provided by your trainer daily, and will be travel rations, but you are welcome to bring things from breakfast if it can travel without issue. I recommend the jerky or dried fruit and nuts as an easy snack. There is a waterskin in your bunkhouse for each of you and you are expected to keep it full and carry it with you from sunup to evening meal. Whatever you do, do not get caught without your waterskins.¡±


    Callie¡¯s mind followed along, noting all the details. More than anything, though, the idea of just resting inside for a half-hour sounded better than anything she¡¯d heard all day. Or the garden maybe?


    ¡°Last thing¡±, Fullo said, ¡°Do you all have your class identification blocks?¡±


    Everyone pulled their blocks from their small baskets or robe pockets and held them up.


    ¡°Excellent, you have no idea how many people leave those with their clothing and have to go back to dig them out.¡± With that, Fullo gestured vaguely back towards the housing area. ¡°On your way.¡±


    ¡°Hey, one quick question,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Yes, Little One?¡±


    ¡°Would you be able to make me a hat? With a brim on it to help with the sun?¡± Callie vaguely gestured, pantomiming a hat with a wide brim on it.


    ¡°Of course. It would not be regulation, though.¡±


    ¡°The sun is so bright,¡± Callie said, trying not to whine.


    Fullo nodded contemplatively. ¡°I will see what we can do, but your trainer may object.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie said.

 Chapter 8 Part 3 - Cold Hard Logic

    PART III - COLD HARD LOGIC


    The five arrived together in front of the red and yellow marked house.  Of course, it was easy to find as it was so much larger than the others.  A four-meter door barred the way in, with a smaller, two-meter door, imbedded into it.  Along the front of the building was a small, covered porch, and two steps leading down to the ground.  Windows were simple openings, with wood shutters you could close against the outside if needed, but no glass in them.


    ¡°Home sweet home,¡± Callie said, slightly intimidated.


    Tazrok gave a muted grunt and walked up the two steps to the door.  He pushed it open and walked inside.  ¡°Not bad¡± could be heard from the Ogre.


    Vanis went in next, followed by Callie, Xin and finally Lena.


    The inside of the bunkhouse was ¡­ call it cozy.  Two large Ogre-sized beds were towards the rear, one on either side.  On the left were three smaller beds, and on the right were two, along with a small table with a mirror mounted over it.  There was a wood and metal footlocker at the end of each bed as well as some kind of a clothing rack, maybe for this armor Fullo mentioned, next to each bed against the outside walls.   Sitting on each bed was a pillow, a leather waterskin, and a blanket, extra-large for the larger beds.  At the far back wall were two doors, one Ogre-sized and one standard.


    ¡°Which one are you taking?¡± Callie asked Tazrok.


    The Ogre pondered each of the beds, before pointing to the one on the right.  ¡°That one.¡±


    ¡°Cool!¡± Callie said with a giddy laugh, ¡°then I¡¯ll take this one.¡±  She moved towards the standard-sized bed closest to the other Ogre bed.  She leaned the bow up against the footlocker and with a bit of a flying leap, she scrambled up into the bed and grinned at everyone else.


    Lena, Xin and Vanis all exchanged glances, in a bit of shock at Callie¡¯s silly outburst.  ¡°Why do you want that one?¡± Xin finally asked.


    ¡°Because,¡± Callie said, gesturing to the huge empty Ogre bed next to her.  ¡°two words, and Lena, back me up on this one ¡­ blanket ¡­ fort.¡±  Back home, she had a raised bed with a space underneath that she¡¯d surrounded by blankets and set up as a little refuge.  It was her ¡®introverts corner¡¯, and it was hugely helpful when the world got to be too much, or she just needed to wall people away for a bit.  The huge Ogre-sized bed was a perfect substitute, and Callie foresaw that it might be a nice retreat in the coming days.


    Lena just stared at Callie, bouncing slightly on her bed, the big eyes on that tiny Gnome face shining brightly.  ¡°Huh!¡± she finally managed to get out.  ¡°Yeah.  Why not, I guess.  Blanket fort.¡±


    Slowly shaking his head, Vanis took the middle bed on the right.  ¡°Gnomes,¡± he mumbled in exasperation.


    ¡°Oh lighten up, grouchypants!¡± Callie snapped at Vanis, smirking, ¡°or I won¡¯t let you come into my blanket fort!¡±


    Everyone stared with a confused expression at Callie as she looked back, a big, happy grin on her face.  Callie could tell they didn¡¯t see the value of making a spot under the big bed, but they would in time.


    Quickly trying to change the subject, Lena gestured to the remaining bed.  ¡°I guess that will be for the new housemate if we get one.¡±


    Callie examined her own bed more-closely, seeing the mattress covering was the linen/burlap material similar to her clothing.  The mattress was stuffed with something that crinkled lightly, perhaps straw or sawdust?  It wasn¡¯t soft, but it wasn¡¯t hard either.  In fact, it was remarkably comfortable, and much better than sleeping on the ground, for sure.  After a long, hard day, it would be absolute luxury.  Callie stood on the bed and tossed the pillow to the end by the footlocker, and then shook out the blanket.  It was plenty large enough to cover the entire bed and she let it slowly float into position, before smoothing out a few remaining wrinkles.


    ¡°I wonder where we fill these?¡± Callie said, holding up her waterskin.  ¡°Fullo said we had to fill it and keep it with us all the time.¡±


    ¡°I doubt there''s drinking water here in the bunkhouse,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°I will ask someone shortly,¡± Xin interjected, still sorting out the blanket on her own bed.  ¡°I just want to relax for a few minutes, though.¡±


    Tazrok let out a long, low grunting noise as he laid out on his own bunk.  Callie noticed that he must have grabbed a towel back at the bathhouse, and had tied it around his waist and between his legs, which managed to reduce the chance to see something unwanted.  With a slight shudder, she had a momentary vision of being flashed earlier and was incredibly grateful.


    ¡°What¡¯s in here?¡± Callie asked, hopping off the bed.  She walked over to the normal-sized door inset into the back wall.


    ¡°Latrine?¡± Lena said.


    Callie opened the door and looked inside.  ¡°Yup!¡±  Callie entered and closed the door, apparently to do her business.   ¡°Oooo, you guys have plumbing here, too!  And a bidet?¡± came Callie¡¯s muffled voice.


    ¡°I can hardly keep up,¡± Lena whispered quickly to the remaining group.  ¡°Is it just me, or does it seem she¡¯s always off in some random direction?¡±


    Tazrok grunted in agreement.  ¡°Yes.  Little One becomes ¡­ unfocused.  Distracted.¡±


    ¡°The few Gnomes I¡¯ve met have all been at least this ¡­ scattered,¡± Vanis said, keeping his voice low.  ¡°Brilliant Engineers, Artificers, Enchanters and even Tacticians, but sometimes you have to really work to keep them focused, and just to keep up with them for that matter, especially if they are younger.  It can be absolutely exhausting, although a little fun in a way, too.¡±


    ¡°Really?  I¡¯ve only met one other Gnome, and he ran a smuggling ring, so I suppose that required a lot more discipline.  But, he was also quite a bit older, I think well over one-hundred.¡±


    Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°What¡¯s worse,¡± Vanis continued, ¡°this childlike immaturity we¡¯re occasionally seeing is also absolutely common for Gnomes.  Just know, when the issue is important, they are completely serious, but if the situation isn¡¯t ¡­¡±


    ¡°Then you get blanket forts and other sillyness?¡± Lena said, filling in the statement.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Vanis said, with a sigh.  ¡°Given her circumstances, though, I think she¡¯s handling it very well, and entitled to a little goofiness if it helps relieve the stress.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve met no Gnomes ever,¡± Xin said, ¡°But my Valley is not close to any Gnome settlements or the larger cities, so this is not surprising.  You are saying all this is truly normal?  Does she not understand where she is or what is happening?¡±


    ¡°This is very much what I¡¯ve seen, Xin,¡± Vanis echoed again.  ¡°I assure you, she certainly does understand the stakes around her, so maybe it¡¯s a mental coping mechanism?¡±


    The Lizardkin slowly shook her head and frowned.  ¡°She must focus, Gnome or not.¡±


    ¡°Yes, she must,¡± Vanis agreed with a frown.


    ¡°What do we do about her?¡± Lena quietly asked the room, ¡°For that matter, what do we do about all of us and her?¡±


    Vanis looked towards the rear door.  Callie was still inside.  ¡°Yes, this is the real question we must face,¡± he said, still keeping his voice low, ¡°With the way she talks, it gets quite easy to believe this ¡®other world¡¯ story.  The things she¡¯s described, the words and phrases she uses, that would be hard to simply make up.  If her story is true, that could get her, and us for that matter, into a lot of trouble if not handled delicately.  We need to be careful.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lena said flatly.  ¡°I need to keep her safe, and am happy to do that, but we need a better plan than ¡­ ¡®just see what happens¡¯.  And we all have our own issues to deal with because of the Curse.¡±


    ¡°I wish we knew who we could trust,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°We need to talk to someone in the leadership here.   But who?  If we go to the wrong person¡­¡±


    ¡°Watch for two days,¡± Tazrok said gruffly, shrugging


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Watch.  See who trust.¡±


    Vanis nodded, slightly skeptical.  ¡°I do suppose that is at least a reasonable course of action.¡±


    There was a sound of rushing water, and a moment later Callie emerged.  ¡°There¡¯s a big pile of clean linen rags and an empty basket, so I assume we use these to dry ourselves?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Lena said.


    Callie nodded, a sullen look on her face, and then tossed the cloth she was holding into the basket.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Lena asked.


    Callie held up a finger in a ¡®give me a moment¡¯ pose and walked to her bunk.  She hop-climbed up and turned to sit on the edge.  ¡°Do you remember when you told me that Gnomes have really good hearing?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, on the way ¡­¡± Lena started, and then trailed off.


    ¡°Callie, I am so ¡­¡± Vanis started as he realized she had heard them talking.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.  I¡¯d ask the same questions if I were you,¡± Callie sighed.  ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know if what I¡¯m going to say is going to make a lot of sense, but just let me talk for a minute.¡±


    Everyone sat, giving Callie their full attention.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been giving some thought, at least with the part of my brain that can apparently process all of this, about what has happened to me.  I still don¡¯t know what is going on, but I have a few theories.¡±


    Callie drew a cleansing breath.  ¡°Theory one:  I am still on Earth, which means this is all a figment of my imagination and none of you are real.  This likely means that I¡¯m either dead, dying, in a coma, or have gone certifiably insane.  However, I am not really a fantasy nerd and what I do know about dungeons and dragons and Elves and the like come from a few books I read as a kid, and watching Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones and a few other movies and shows like that.  Nothing that is going on here is in any of those things, and I¡¯m not smart enough to make all this up.¡°


    Lena started to say something, but Callie held up her hand.


    ¡°Theory two:  I am from here, this place is real, you are all real, and I have legitimate amnesia or some form of insanity and remember nothing.  The problem with that is I would then be somehow making up fantastical ideas completely foreign to this world like trains and airplanes and electricity and cities of millions with buildings a hundred stories tall.  It means I somehow have invented a Human mother and a dead Human father and I miss them both so hard right now.  Somehow I know of weapons that can kill dozens of people in an instant at range, and bombs that can destroy entire cities at once.  And somehow all of that fiction is still, completely and without a doubt, real to me.¡±


    Callie again gave Lena another glare before she could interrupt.


    ¡°The last theory is that less than twelve hours ago I was on Earth.  I was a twenty-six year old, five-foot-eight, chubby, Human girl from Chicago, Illinois, with a failing career as an accountant, no love prospects, living at home with my mom.  And somehow, through means unknown ¡­  be it magic or reincarnation or mysticism or science or just divine bad luck ¡­ I was transported from Earth into the body of a three-foot tall Gnome with pointy ears, pink hair, a matching pink crotch, missing all my tattoos, and boobs small enough I no longer need to wear a bra.  That last one is actually kinda nice, by the way.¡±


    Callie could see Vanis slowly rubbing his chin, listening intently, but also deep in thought.


    ¡°You guys, when you think about it and peel apart the options.  The last theory?  The one that is the most ridiculous and implausible?  That¡¯s the one that actually makes the most sense!¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t wrong, Callie,¡± Vanis said slowly.


    ¡°I also know, if all the stories I¡¯ve ever read or movies I¡¯ve seen have shown, when the being from another world is found out by the people in power?  Well, that never goes very well for the person from another world.  They are captured, dissected, and studied ¡­ or worse.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re also right about that,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I am fearful about going to the wrong person.¡±


    ¡°I have a lot of flaws.  But I have one really bad flaw,¡± Callie said, ¡°and it¡¯s gotten me into a lot of trouble over the years; it¡¯s gotten me really hurt.  That flaw is that I believe what people tell me.  So, if you tell me you will help me?  If you tell me you¡¯ll be my friend?  I¡¯m going to believe that.  If you ask me to truly trust you?  I am absolutely going to do that.  But know that I will do it exactly once.  If you lie to me?  If you betray my trust?  I¡¯ll never be able to believe you again.¡±


    Everyone sat in silence, unsure what to say.


    ¡°I need help, but I cannot and will not ask you to risk anything to help me.  I just ask that if you are willing to help me, you be sure.  If you aren¡¯t sure, that¡¯s truly okay.  Just be honest.  Because I don¡¯t know if I can handle being hurt right now on top of everything else.  It¡¯s happened to me before and it nearly destroyed me.  If I need to, I¡¯ll just go right to Legate Galin or the Commandant and let the chips fall however they fall.¡±


    ¡°Callie, I¡­¡± Lena began.


    Again, Callie held up her hand to cut her off.  She picked up the waterskin and looked at it in her hands.  ¡°I¡¯m going to go out into the garden for a little while and let you all talk.   The sun may be really bright, but it does feel nice and warm.  I¡¯ll ask someone about where we find water.¡±


    With that, Callie slid off the bed to the floor, and walked to the entrance, taking her waterskin with her. She turned and gave everyone a brave, but weak smile, before she lifted the latch, and walked out.

 Chapter 9 Part 1 - Fantastic Beasts

    PART I - FANTASTIC BEASTS


    Callie quietly closed the door behind her and took a deep, cleansing breath. It helped. A little. Logically, she got it. Whatever was going on was just plain messed up, and her house-mates had every reason to try to figure out a plan of action without her being present.


    Logically.


    It still stung a little bit.


    Taking another deep breath, Callie walked the steps to the ground and wandered towards the garden area in the middle of the housing cluster. A dozen different people, all races and genders, were milling around. Some chatting in small groups, a few others sitting in singles under a tree. Several of the trees, maybe eight or so, were huge, easily fifteen meters tall and one in diameter. Others were smaller, all combining to provide welcome shade and a calm feeling. Callie couldn¡¯t tell what kind they were, but from what bark looked like, they were unfamiliar.


    A brick-paved pathway, maybe a meter wide, bisected the area, and a second crossed with it in the center. Stone benches surrounded the center, which sported a small fountain with a stream of clear water pouring out in each of the four directions. Off the benches in each of the quadrants were a cleared grassy area, which had people lying down taking in whatever sun filtered down through the leaves.


    Callie shuffled along the path, gawking at each of the strange plants and flowers, keeping her head down due to the bright sun, but so loving the warmth beating on her back. She had a momentary worry about possibly getting sunburned here, but it faded away quickly, overpowered by the simple mental noise of the reality of her situation.


    ¡°I will not break down yet,¡± she said to herself as she hoisted herself up on one of the benches. Her feet dangled in the air as she stared at her tiny sandaled feet. A horned beetle of some kind, maybe three centimeters long and sporting a bright-red carapace, carefully walked along the edge of the fountain. Occasionally it would be splashed by a misting of water, but it just kept plodding on. One careful step in front of the other. Exactly what Callie had to do.


    With a flash of motion, the little beetle lowered its horn and shot some kind of a projectile towards another insect that resembled a large ant. The ant-thing¡¯s head was cleanly removed by the shot, and the rest of its body just stood there, its legs still attached securely to the fountain stone.


    ¡°Slingstone Beetle,¡± a voice said. Callie looked up, seeing the yellow and black-spotted feline-person she saw earlier sitting on a neighboring bench, also watching the beetle stalk its prey.


    ¡°Sorry?¡± Callie said.


    ¡°I said ¡®Slingstone Beetle¡¯,¡± she said again, gesturing to the beetle who was now closing in on its target. ¡°They can shoot a tiny pellet from their horns that will either stun or outright kill their prey. This one is just a baby. The larger ones can get up to ten times that size and have been known to shoot small birds and lizards.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not much of an insect person,¡± Callie said, only mildly interested. A bullet-shooting beetle was actually really interesting, but right now her thoughts were just too scattered and preoccupied to spare the brain power.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jesca,¡± the Catkin said as she moved to Callie¡¯s bench. Was she a Cheetah? Would she be a Cheetahkin then?


    ¡±Callie kicked her legs and looked at the ground. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Callie,¡± she said.


    ¡°You look sad,¡± Jesca said, bending over to get into Callie¡¯s line-of-sight. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said. ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s just been a really long day and my mind is a little jumbled.¡±


    ¡°I saw you with the Ogre earlier today; the one that beat up the Dwarf that pushed that Pixie. You¡¯re a little hard to miss with your hair. But I saw you with him. Is he your friend?¡±


    Callie tried to force a weak smile. ¡°I think so. He¡¯s been really nice to me so far. I just met him earlier today and he helped me.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I woke up in the wagon and some Dwarves were being jerks to me. Tazrok stepped in and they backed off.¡±


    ¡°Dwarves are the worst, at least when they are young. All they think about is drinking and sex. Actually, a lot of males are like that.¡±


    Callie gave a light chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s been my experience, too.¡±


    ¡°What about the others you were with?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re nice. But I think I¡¯m proving to be more of a burden than they thought I might be. I think they are rethinking whether to help me.¡±


    ¡°Help you how?¡±


    Callie paused, getting her head again wrapped around the ruse they had all agreed on. ¡°I woke up in the wagon on the way here. I don¡¯t remember anything from before that. Well, what I do remember is ¡­ jumbled. I didn¡¯t even know my class.¡±


    Jesca¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Oh no! Do you know how you got into the wagon?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°Nope. I don¡¯t really know anything about anything.¡±


    ¡°That must have been scary, especially if you woke up to a bunch of Dwarves. Did the Scryer determine your class, at least?¡±


    Callie paused again. They hadn¡¯t discussed what to say about her apparent class ¡®void¡¯. ¡°It was complicated,¡± Callie finally said. ¡°But with some help from the Master Trainer, they think I am a Ranger.¡± That had the benefit of being the truth, at least.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯m a Ranger, too! Wow! A Gnome Ranger. I¡¯ve never heard of that.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, neither had Master Trainer Thorn, or anyone else. But that¡¯s what they gave me. At least I know how to shoot a bow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Do you have any skills yet?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°No, just a perk for Advanced Archery.¡±


    ¡°Ahh. All Rangers will have that perk at Iron Rank. It¡¯s needed to really be a decent archer. I actually have two skills, Multi-shot and Sniper-shot. I¡¯m not very good with Sniper, though.¡±


    ¡°What do they do?¡±


    ¡°Well, with Multi-shot, my arrow splits into three while it¡¯s in the air. And with Sniper, it gives you a really long range and does a lot more damage, but costs a lot of mana, too.¡±


    Mana? Where had Callie heard that term before? Another video game thing, maybe? If she remembered what one of her friends went on about, it was like a pool of magic power for your spells. Callie then imagined shooting an arrow and, using magic, it splitting into multiples. ¡°That sounds really cool.¡±


    ¡°Cool? No, neither of those skills have an ice effect. I think we get an ice arrow of some kind at higher tiers, though.¡±


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°No, it means ¡­ interesting ¡­ or fascinating,¡± Callie said, blinking, her thoughts jerked back to the Cheetah girl.


    ¡°Oh! Cool¡­ Cooooool¡­ Coooooool. I like it!¡± Jesca said, sounding the words out slowly.


    Callie couldn''t help but to smile. Jesca¡¯s enthusiasm was a little bit infectious. ¡°What bunkhouse are you in?¡±


    ¡°Blue and orange, over there,¡± Jesca said, vaguely pointing to their left. ¡°I found another Ranger when I arrived so we decided to room together. And then we got assigned with four others, although two of them I haven¡¯t met yet. I guess one is a Bearkin, so I hope he or she isn¡¯t scary. I also hope none of us get territorial." Then she added, ¡°We¡¯re all Beastkins.¡±


    ¡°Is the other Ranger as nice as you are?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s a little more ¡­ gruff maybe? He¡¯s a Gnoll so they tend to be ¡­¡± Jesca trailed vaguely gesturing, searching for the right word.


    ¡°Grumpy?¡±


    ¡°Sure! That works. But he is really nice, just doesn¡¯t have a lot of patience.¡±


    ¡°So, Gnolls are also Beastkin and not ¡­ whatever-animal-kin? Wait, for that matter, what¡¯s the right word for you? Sorry if that all came off a little rude,¡± Callie said with a wince.


    ¡°Oh no problem, especially since you don¡¯t remember anything. What do you know about the Beastkin?¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know anything,¡± Callie said with a shrug.


    ¡°Hmm. Let me see if I can give you a quick summary of Beastkin history and naming, then.¡± Then she added, ¡°I like to tell stories, by the way.¡±


    Jesca pondered for a few moments, thinking through what to say. ¡°Let me know if you remember any of this, but I¡¯m just going to start at the beginning. Way back when, some five-hundred years ago, there was a mad wizard that did all kinds of experiments combining people and animals. Mostly it was with Humans, but a few Elves and Fae too. One day, all the animal-people rose up and killed the Wizard. As they escaped, most chose to remain together and so the Beastkin nation was formed. Even though everyone was a different combination of people and animal, they all unified under that name.¡±


    Callie sat in rapt attention.


    ¡°Over time, the nation grew and grew. With few exceptions, the different animal types couldn¡¯t have babies with each other, but still the nation flourished, largely mingled together. So now, all of the animal types are called Beastkin. A few, like the Gnolls, who have a history from hyenas, have their own names for themselves. The Lamia, who are snake-based, are another that have their own name, as do the Naga, who are also descended from snakes. And for the cat-based Beastkin, we will also call ourselves Catkin collectively.¡±


    ¡°So you aren¡¯t a ¡­ Cheetah ¡­ kin?¡± Callie asked, drawing out the name.


    ¡°That would work too, but just for Cheetahs. There are lots of different cats, so it¡¯s easier to group together under the Catkin name. Lions, Panthers, all the different Tiger colors. There¡¯s even Catkin that came originally from domesticated house cats.¡±


    Callie nodded slowly as she digested the naming conventions. ¡°I think I got it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. We know it can get confusing for some people. Mostly, just know that Gnolls, Lamia and Naga are still Beastkin, and Catkin represents all the cats. Oh, and don¡¯t ever call the Lamia or Naga ¡®Snakekin¡¯, or even mention they are descended from snakes in any way, they really hate that. I mean really!¡±


    ¡°Got it. I didn¡¯t see any of the ¡­ Lamia ¡­ here when we were at registration. Are there any, do you know? For that matter, what¡¯s the difference between the two?¡±


    ¡°It mostly comes down to Lamia having two arms, while the Naga have four. They are very similar otherwise. You won¡¯t see many Naga this far north, as they tend to live in the Great Oasis and deserts to the south. None of the recruits are either of those races that I saw, but I am fairly sure I saw one in the forge. Both the Lamia and Naga cultures tend to intermingle, since they are relatively similar, whenever their locations overlap.¡±


    ¡°And then, in the Slave War, the Beastkin joined the Free Folk? My friends gave me a little background on how the Free Folk came to be.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We joined with the others to defeat the Slavers, and over the two hundred years since, have melded into the rest of society like everyone else. We do tend to group together by animal type, but primarily that is for having babies. I could only get pregnant from another Cheetahkin, for example, so when it¡¯s time I¡¯ll probably have to move to a town or city with a high population of my kind to mate. But if I met a non-Cheetah person I ended up with, then we could really live anywhere, and could adopt orphaned Cheetahkin to have a family.¡±


    ¡°I just love how everyone gets along, even though they are different races. What I can remember from where I came from, people would hate other people just for their skin color alone.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, that is so ¡­ sad.¡±


    ¡°Yea,¡± Callie said, a little of that sadness showing on her face.


    ¡°Sometimes the different races have some minor conflicts. Nobody likes the Dwarves, at least the younger ones, because they are so rude. Young Dwarves really become jerks towards everyone else, mostly by just being bullies when they are drunk. But once a Dwarf reaches maybe fifty or so, they aren¡¯t really so bad. I have a friend and her great great grandfather is a Dwarf who was almost two-hundred. He is the sweetest person I know.¡±


    ¡°Two-hundred? How long do Dwarves live?¡±


    ¡°Two-hundred is about average for Dwarves. Elves live longer, maybe to three-hundred.¡±


    ¡°What about Gnomes?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    Callie shrugged.


    ¡°About two-hundred years or so as well, unless they blow themselves up, or drown in a vat of something, or fall into some contraption they are making, or get melted by an artifact or something else equally grisly. Gnomes dying in accidents isn¡¯t uncommon. Great Engineers, though, if they live.¡±


    Two-hundred years?! Callies head exploded trying to imagine. Three-hundred for Elves? ¡°Wow!¡± was all she could manage to say in return.


    ¡°I can really amaze you,¡± Jesca said. ¡°The Fairy can live to be almost four-hundred years old, maybe even five-hundred if they are lucky. And most of the other Fae live a long time, too. Although Sprites and Pixies are much shorter in comparison. I think Pixies are around three-hundred. I heard that Dryads are actually immortal, if they can continue to find the right tree to bond with. I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s true, though.¡±


    ¡°And the Beastkin?¡±


    ¡°Not long in comparison. Around seventy to eighty years for most.¡±


    Callie suddenly had a moment of sadness hearing that number. Only eighty, compared to a Gnome¡¯s two-hundred!


    ¡°The Sharks live a bit longer,¡± Jesca continued, slightly babbling, ¡°and Dragonkin I¡¯m sure are at least as long-lived as the Fae. And the Tortoisekin live a very long time, too.¡±


    ¡°Sharks?¡± Callie said, surprise all over her face.


    ¡°Oh yea. They don¡¯t leave the seashore areas though, so there aren¡¯t any around here. They could come up here, they just don¡¯t like to be away from the open waters for long. They are all in the far south along the ocean.¡±


    ¡°And Dragons? Truly? Dragons are real?¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh. But they are super rare and mostly solitary or in pairs. I¡¯ve never seen one. They all live in the high mountains far to the west. The Dragonkin are equally reclusive. I¡¯ve never seen one of them, either.¡±


    Holy shit! Dragons are a thing!


    ¡°If you can¡¯t remember anything, how do you know what a Dragon is?¡±


    ¡°Ummm,¡± Callie said, scrambling quickly. ¡°I get an image, and I know what it is, but I can¡¯t tell if it¡¯s real or made up. Flashes of ideas.¡± She quickly added, ¡°It¡¯s very confusing.¡± Yea, that sounds good¡­


    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s too bad,¡± Jesca said. ¡°But it hasn¡¯t even been long, so hopefully by tomorrow or the next day your memory will come back.¡±


    ¡°That would be great,¡± Callie agreed uncomfortably.


    In the distance, Callie saw the door to the Ogre house open, and Lena stepped out, looking around for something. ¡°Hey, I think one of my friends is looking for me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course!¡± Jesca said.


    ¡°But I¡¯ll see you later for sure.¡±


    ¡°Callie, before you go, when the bell rings, do you want to go to the Ranger tent together?¡± Jesca asked. ¡°Thucax and I are planning to go together, so we could meet you here by the fountain.¡±


    ¡°Thucax? Is he the other Beastkin Ranger? The ¡­ Gnoll, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie said. ¡°I can meet you here. I¡¯m not really sure where to go, so it will be nice to walk with someone.¡±


    ¡°I will let Thucax know. I think he will be amazed that there is a Gnome Ranger.¡±


    ¡°I think a lot of people are going to be,¡± Callie said, jumping down from the bench. Oh, and thank you for both cheering me up a little and telling me about Beastkins.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Ask me any other questions you may have.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I do have one! Do you know where we fill our waterskins? Fullo, at the bathhouse said we have to always carry one. She¡¯s a ¡­ Tigerkin, right?¡±


    ¡°Right! You¡¯ve got it.¡± Jesca checked her pockets, realizing she didn¡¯t have her waterskin with her. ¡°As for water, I did ask someone earlier and they said this fountain can be used as drinkable water.¡±


    ¡°Great! That makes it super convenient.¡±


    Callie took a moment to start filling her waterskin. She noticed that the Slingstone Beetle was busy finishing the ant it had killed earlier. Putting the stopper into the end of the waterskin, Callie turned to start the trek back to her new home.

 Chapter 9 Part 2 - Hard Decisions

    PART II - HARD DECISIONS


    As Callie exited, the door closed with an audible thud, followed by the soft click of a latch falling into place.  There was silence in the bunkhouse as everyone looked at each other trying to take stock of what had just happened.


    ¡°I think we hurt her,¡± Lena finally said, collapsing to the bed.  ¡°I didn¡¯t want to do that!¡± she added loudly, suddenly choking up.


    Vanis quickly ran over to Lena.  ¡°Lena, I ¡­¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to hurt her, Vanis!¡± Lena said again, this time her voice quavering.  ¡°What have I done?¡±


    Xin looked over to Tazrok, who shrugged in return.


    Vanis sat and grabbed Lena¡¯s shoulder.


    Lena gasped for breath, her eyes wide and staring at nothing.  She let out a series of short sobs.  ¡°What. Have. I.  Done.¡±  There was a panicked look in her eyes.


    ¡°Nothing that can¡¯t be fixed,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°We can talk this through.¡±


    Lena knocked Vanis¡¯s arm away and grabbed both his shoulders in return.  ¡°You don¡¯t understand!  We can¡¯t abandon her!  We can¡¯t!  I promised ¡­¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t.  And we won¡¯t.  I promised as well.  In fact, I swore to that fact.¡±


    ¡°You promised?  You swore?¡± Lena gasped out.  ¡°You did?¡±


    ¡°I did.  You were there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.  She needs us.  She needs me.¡±  Lena lunged at Vanis and held him tight.  ¡°Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.¡±


    Vanis shot a puzzled look to Xin, who was simply perplexed by Lena¡¯s behavior


    ¡°Lena,¡± Tazrok said, his deep voice resonating in the small space.  ¡°We will help Little One.  Question is, how.¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± Lena said sharply, shaking her head as if to clear it.  ¡°Right!  How do we ¡­¡± She trailed off as she grabbed her pillow and wiped her eyes on it.  ¡°What do we ¡­ what do we do now?¡±


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Vanis asked quietly.  ¡°You do not seem yourself.¡±


    Lena responded with a sharp nod, followed quickly by two more. ¡°Yes.  I just know I need to protect her.¡±


    Vanis stood up and paced to the back wall, against which he lightly tapped his forehead.  Looking up, he moved his gaze to the Shaman, still sitting on her bed with a confused look on her reptilian face.  ¡°Xin,¡± Vanis said quietly, ¡°where do you stand right now?¡±


    Xin looked at the three faces staring at him intently.  She quickly stood up, feeling cornered.  ¡°Vanis, I have said I will help the Little One and keep her secret,¡± she said defensively.  ¡°That has not changed.¡±


    Vanis said nothing and just looked at the Lizardkin.


    ¡°Do you doubt me?


    Vanis continued to say nothing.


    ¡°Vanis?  Lena?  Tazrok?  Certainly you do not doubt my word?¡±


    Vanis continued to look at Xin for another hard moment, sighed and lowered his gaze.  ¡°No Xin.  It is simply that we don¡¯t know you yet.  Lena, Tazrok and I have traveled together for several days and we¡¯ve come to know each other well.  I apologize for doubting you and ask for your forgiveness.¡±


    ¡°Vanis ¡­ Your Majesty,¡± Xin said, straightening slightly, ¡°I will accept your apology as honestly given, but I wish to stress again, my word is as much an oathbind as yours.  More because it is mine!  I ask you, please, do not doubt me again.  We can agree on this?¡±


    ¡°Xinchaine of the Sunset Valley Tribe, we can, and I do.¡±  Vanis extended a hand to Xin, who paused for a moment before she reached forward herself and clasped his wrist in return.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Xin said, still somewhat flustered.


    ¡°So.  What do?¡± Tazrok said, lowering the temperature in the room.


    ¡°If we are all committed to seeing this through, then that is indeed the question,¡± Vanis,


    ¡°Do we all believe she is from this other world?  This world She-cog-oh?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°I thought it was called Earth?¡± Lena said.


    ¡°It does not matter what it was called.  This must first be decided to inform our actions,¡± Xin said, her voice raised.  ¡°Do we believe her?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  She give logic evidence.¡± Tazrok said matter-of-factly.


    ¡°Yes she did,¡± Vanis said, a look on his face somewhere between worry and skepticism.  ¡°She does make a compelling case.¡±


    ¡°It has to be true,¡± Lena said quickly.  ¡°She has no reason to lie, and her words, her surprise at everything being new, the lack of class, the Advanced Archery perk, the things she describes from the other world  ¡­¡±


    ¡°Could the Little One be crazy in her head?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°Certainly not!¡± Lena said, rising from the bed


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Lena¡­¡± Vanis said slowly.  ¡°She is right to ask.¡±


    ¡°Well, she¡¯s not.  She is just ¡­ a Gnome.  And they are all a little ¡­ off.¡±


    ¡°Lena!¡± Vanis said sharply.  ¡°I think you can agree that when it comes to Callie, your objectivity is apparently compromised.  Let us all speak without emotion.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­  You ¡­¡± Lena looked at everyone¡¯s faces and then slightly deflated, the realization hitting her.  ¡°You¡¯re right, Vanis.  I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m so worked up about her.  It¡¯s almost like she¡¯s my own child I need to defend.  But that still doesn¡¯t change the evidence she laid out.¡±


    Vanis nodded again and paced to the back wall.  ¡°Xin,¡± he said, ¡°Do you think Callie is mad or insane?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    ¡°It does.  Because if she is insane, we take her to the Healers and let them deal with her so that we can get back to what we are here for.  Namely training our classes so we can get out from under this damnable curse. If we all believe she isn¡¯t then we do something different.  So again, Xin, what do you think?¡±


    Xin turned and looked out the window deep in thought.  In the garden she could see Callie¡¯s pink hair standing out among the greens and the browns of the trees and grasses.  It looked as if she might be speaking with someone else in a white robe.  It must be another recruit.  Could she really be from another world?  Does it matter?  She certainly doesn¡¯t seem to be a risk.  There¡¯s no evidence she is working for the Demons.  But what if ¡­  what if ¡­.  Xin played Callie¡¯s theories over in her head again.


    Xin turned and faced Vanis.  ¡°I do not believe that Callie is completely sane.  Her emotions seem erratic.  One moment she is serious and focused, the next she is bouncing on her bed, excited about building a blanket fort.  She gets distracted far too easily.  But, Vanis, you also say this is a trait of all Gnomes, so I will accept that as the reason for now, as I do not know any Gnomes myself.¡±


    Xin looked at her feet and pondered what to say next.  ¡°I do not believe she is a risk to the camp, which is the most-important.  I am also willing to believe that she may possibly be from this world called She-cog-oh.  A part remains skeptical, as one should when you must take something on faith.  But I am willing to proceed as if she is truthful.¡±


    Vanis nodded.  ¡°I, too, wish to proceed that way, Xin.  Her logical evidence is compelling, or at least compelling enough to have that faith in it.  I too accept that she is from elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°So now what?¡± Lena said, holding the pillow to her chest.  ¡°That bell is going to ring soon and we all need to meet with our trainers.  We need to tell her something before that.¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing,¡± Vanis said, not hearing Lena.  ¡°Why would someone choose her, out of the apparently millions in this city she was in?  Why would they put her in this world, in a Gnome body, cursed with Conscription, on a recruit wagon?  And this woman in the hat Callie mentioned, who could she be and what part might she play in this?  I don¡¯t think we have any way to get an answer to those questions, but that¡¯s what is troubling me.  The how is easy ¡­ it¡¯s magic ¡­ very advanced but at least we can assume it¡¯s some kind of portal magic.  I¡¯ve never seen anything so powerful, but I¡¯m willing to accept that as the how.   No, it¡¯s the why that is truly vexing me.  Why her?  Why here?  Why a Gnome?  Why all of it?  And who is this woman in the hat?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Tazrok said.


    ¡°Not really, no, my friend,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°At least it doesn¡¯t matter right now.  And until we know who to trust there¡¯s little we can do to explore it.  We need top tier Scryers and Scholars to look into this.  We certainly won¡¯t find what we need out here in a frontier training camp or on the warfront.  Until this blasted curse is gone and I can return home, I can¡¯t engage those resources without alerting people I¡¯d much rather not.¡±


    ¡°We need to talk to her more,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Yes.  We do,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We need to know everything that happened in detail before she was pushed in front of this ¡­ train thing.  For that matter we need to know what a train is.  Or these moo-vies she keeps referencing.  And this Lord she mentioned, what was his name?¡±


    ¡°The Lord of the Rings,¡± Lena said.  ¡°He sounds like a very powerful person.  Did she maybe do something to anger him?¡±


    ¡°And something about the throne,¡± Vanis said, speaking out loud mostly to himself.  ¡°She said her leaders were almost making a game out of vying for it.  Did she say her world has kings?  She mentioned a queen, so I suppose there must be kings. Wait, that¡¯s right, a king recently succeeded her queen, too.  Kingdom politics?  I can¡¯t imagine that she is important enough for that kind of attention.  Blast!  there so much we¡¯re missing, because we¡¯ve lacked time to ask our own questions, and spent all our time doubting her.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve spent our time teaching her everything she needs to know about our world.  Yes, we dumped a lot of information on her, but she needs it to understand how things like classes and skills work here if she is to survive,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I honestly hope we didn¡¯t dump too much on her at once.¡±


    ¡°Yes I know,¡± Vanis said with a nod.  ¡°I suppose all of us need to talk.  Properly and without interruption.¡±


    ¡°Can we do that tonight?¡± Xin asked. ¡°And tomorrow?  We are supposed to have time for ourselves until evening meal.¡±


    Vanis appeared skeptical.  ¡°Perhaps.  But we get our skills tonight.  We are going to be in no condition to have that kind of conversation.  Maybe not even tomorrow.  Everyone responds differently, so who knows what conversation could even be had come morning.  By that token, she may not even reveal her true class.  Master Trainer Thorn seemed to be essentially guessing based on that revealed perk.¡±


    ¡°Regardless of when, that must be our next step.  Gather information,¡± Xin said.  ¡°Understand more about her world.¡±


    Everyone sat or stood in silence, contemplating what to do next.


    ¡°I believe I know what to do,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°For now, we can¡¯t do anything outside of this group.  We need to get Callie back in here, pledge ourselves to her protection, and let her know we believe her.  I think that will be a big help in her mind, and yours as well, Lena.  Mine, for that matter, too.  Later, when we all return from meeting our trainers, we will have some time before the rest happens.   Then we can talk as much as possible until it¡¯s time to get our skills, and more tomorrow when we are able.¡±


    ¡°And next?¡± Lena


    ¡°I am still thinking we need someone in the leadership here we can talk to.  I saw Legate Galin joking with Major Celeste after Tazrok¡¯s ¡­ uh ¡­ discipling of the Dwarf.  It makes me believe he might be approachable, that is, he seems less regimented than many officers of high rank.  Master Trainer Thorn also seemed an honorable man.  I couldn¡¯t get a read on Commandant Xera, except that their words were honest and they certainly care for the recruits.  A good sign, as well.  If the right people are in command here, we may have options.  If they are stuck on protocol and chain of command, the word of Callie will quickly get to people that would not treat her well.¡±


    ¡°Again, give two days,¡± Tazrok said.


    Vanis nodded.  ¡°You¡¯re right, Tazrok.  That could still be the best choice.  Two days to pry what information out of Callie we can, and help fill in everything she needs to know, and the time to evaluate the ranking officers.  If needed, I will use my father¡¯s name to get action.  But ultimately he is only a Legacy King, so his command of the military is largely ceremonial.  Plus, I am no longer in line for the throne, so the actual weight I can bring to bear may be much more limited than one would expect.¡±


    ¡°You are trying to avoid attention, Vanis.  Let¡¯s not start waving your Princely di ¡­. um ¡­ parts around if we don¡¯t have to,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°True, Lena,¡± Vanis said, seeming to have missed the almost-innuendo.


    ¡°Two days,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Then next plan.¡±


    ¡°Does anyone disagree?¡± Vanis asked.


    Xin and Lena both shook their heads.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go and retrieve Callie, then,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°No, let me get her, please.  I hurt her.  I need to bring her back,¡± Lena said.

 Chapter 9 Part 3 - Renewed Allies

    PART III - RENEWED ALLIES


    As Callie approached the bunkhouse, Lena gave her a soft smile.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Lena said, holding the door open.


    Callie took a deep breath and pressed forward.  This was it.  The moment of truth.


    ¡°Please sit,¡± Vanis said.


    Callie did as she was told, scrambling up into her bunk and then sitting on the edge to face everyone.  The expressions on their faces were impossible to read.  Not angry, but certainly not happy.  Serious, maybe?


    ¡°So ¡­ uh ¡­,¡± Callie began, kicking her feet and rubbing her thumbs together.  ¡°There¡¯s a fountain in the garden where we can get water.¡±


    Lena walked over and knelt down in front of Callie, putting her a little lower than eye level.  ¡°I just want to say, we are all with you.¡±  She reached forward and embraced the little Gnome.  ¡°We also all accept that you are from this other world, at least until we have some other evidence to dispute that.¡±


    A huge wave of relief washed over Callie.  She had been dreading what they might say or do in the face of what was happening.


    ¡°But, we need to talk about some things,¡± Lena continued.  ¡°Vanis?  You take over, it¡¯s your plan.¡±


    ¡°Thanks Lena,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°Callie, I fear we have very little time before the bell rings, so let me make this brief.  All four of us have recommitted to helping get you through this, to the extent that we are able.  Your logic regarding how you arrived here makes sense, and for now we are going to take action based on the belief you have somehow been transported to our world.   But we need to have some detailed conversations about your world to try to piece together what happened, and more importantly, why it happened to you, and who this woman in the red hat might be.  Obviously, you also need to learn so much more about our world as well.¡±


    ¡°Okay.  Sure.  Thank you,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°When we return we¡¯ll talk more this evening while we¡¯re able.  For now, I have two tasks for you.¡±


    Callie nodded.  ¡°What can I do?¡±


    ¡°First,¡± Vanis began, ¡°It is imperative you maintain the amnesia ruse.  We won¡¯t be there to help if you let something slip, so when you meet your trainer and others in your training group, try to keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open.  Can you do that?¡±


    Callie frowned.  ¡°I¡¯ll try to do the best I can, but my mouth has been moving faster than my brain today.  Hopefully nobody pisses me off.¡±


    ¡°Good.  Try hard.  You must talk less, and listen more.  The more you can learn, the better things will go for you.¡±


    ¡°I have a good test, I think,¡± Callie said with a weak smile, ¡°I did meet one of the other Rangers in the garden.  She¡¯s a Cheetahkin?  Catkin?  Really nice though.  And she said that another Ranger is in her house as well.  He¡¯s a Gnoll.  I think we¡¯re going to walk to the Ranger tent together.¡±


    ¡°An excellent way to practice talking less and watching more,¡± Vanis said.


    In the distance, a clear bell could be heard.  Thirty minutes.


    Callie nodded again.   ¡°What¡¯s the other thing?¡± she said quickly.


    ¡°As you interact with your trainer, or any of the other officers and senior staff here in camp, try to get a sense of whether they are people we can trust with your story.  Don¡¯t give anything away, just observe.  We will all do that as well, and then can compare our observations.  If we all do that, it will determine our next moves.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I can do that.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Vanis turned to look at the rest of the group.  ¡°Anything I missed that is critical right now?¡±


    ¡°I have one question,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Vanis said.


    Xin turned and looked at Callie.  ¡°When you were on this other world, were you as crazy as you are here?¡±


    ¡°Xin!¡± Lena said with a gasp.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°By that I mean, you go from one emotional extreme to another very rapidly.  You are sometimes behaving far too silly given the situation you are in.  If what you say is true, and you are from another world, you should be more serious.  Yet you wish to build blanket forts.  It is not normal for many, although Vanis said it is more normal for Gnomes.  I wanted to know if you were like that on She-cog-oh, or if your new Gnome body was affecting you in some way.¡±


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Good question,¡± Tazrok said with a nod.


    ¡°Your phrasing may be out of line, Xin, but you''re not wrong,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need to be attacking her,¡± Lena snapped.


    Callie held up her hand.  ¡°Wait, Lena.  It was a good question.  I¡¯ve noticed it too.  I go from scared to happy and bouncing just like that, it seems.¡±  Callie snapped her fingers.  ¡°This isn¡¯t normal for me.   I can¡¯t keep my focus on anything for more than a few minutes, it seems.  It¡¯s infuriating.¡±


    ¡°Do you know why you may be acting this way?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°I was thinking about it a little,¡± Callie said, nodding with uncertainty.  ¡°When I was young, I struggled with problems in school.  My emotions were all over, my attention span was minimal, and I¡¯d lash out a lot.  My mood swings would drive my mom and my teachers insane at times.  But, over the years I got a lot of help to manage it.  At first from medication, and then later with lots of behavioral therapy.  By the time I was an adult, I mostly learned to manage it with meditation and mindfulness exercises.  These days, I can still get mad really easily, especially if people disrespect me or my family, and I occasionally have to fight hard to stay on task.  For the most part, though, I don¡¯t flip between extreme emotions so fast like I¡¯ve been doing today.  I¡¯m not sure why I¡¯m back to doing it, but it almost feels just like when I was ten years old all over again.¡±


    Vanis rubbed his chin again in semi-distant thought.


    ¡°Could it be because I¡¯m now a Gnome?¡± Callie continued.  ¡°I don¡¯t know.  All I know about Gnome culture is what I overheard from you, Vanis, so I have no real reference.  Maybe it¡¯s just been a really weird day for me and this is all my brain trying to cope.¡±


    ¡°If being a Gnome body has somehow altered your personality, or reverted you back to your childhood behaviors, it could be something important,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I don¡¯t think it tells us anything right now, but it is a piece to the puzzle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I come off as crazy, Xin, or like I¡¯m not taking things seriously,¡± Callie said. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to, and I do know all of this is important and that I need to focus.   So, maybe it is this new Gnome part of me.  Maybe it¡¯s just my brain trying to deal with all of this with silly distractions.  Everything is all so new around me right now.  I know it¡¯s making things even harder for all of you.¡±


    ¡°It is important to stay in control, Little One,¡± Xin said.  ¡°Doubly so for someone who is dealing with such big secrets as you are.  You must temper your feelings from the extremes, if you can, and be serious about the predicament you are in.  If only so you do not give away your secret, or attract attention.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Callie said sadly.  ¡°I¡¯ll try harder.  All of you, if you see me losing sight of what I need to do, let me know, because I don¡¯t notice it until after the fact, sometimes.¡±


    Lena was still glaring at Xin.  ¡°And maybe next time, we¡¯ll ask you in a nicer way.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this right now,¡± Vanis said, waving his hand to dismiss the tension.


    ¡°Should go,¡± Tazrok said, rising from his bunk.


    ¡°Waterskins.  Oh, and your class blocks,¡± Lena said, reminding everyone.  ¡°You said there¡¯s a fountain in the garden, Callie?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  Jesca, that¡¯s the Cheetah girl ¡­ er Catkin ¡­ said it was for filling our waterskins.  I filled mine already.¡±


    ¡°We will stop as we go,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Do you think I should bring the bow?¡± Callie asked,


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t think so,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°We are just supposed to meet our trainer and fellow class recruits, right?¡±


    ¡°Yea, but if her trainer wants to have her demonstrate her perk, she would need the smaller bow,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°True,¡± Vanis said, nodding.  ¡°I really don¡¯t know what to recommend.¡±


    Callie thought for a moment.  ¡°I think I will bring it, on the off chance I have to show my form to this trainer as well.  I hope they don¡¯t get mad.¡±  Callie walked back to her footlocker and picked up the red bow from where she had leaned it earlier.


    With that, the five left their house with Tazrok bringing up the rear.  They walked down the path, enjoying the tiny oasis of the garden.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Jesca called out, waving.  Running up she stumbled briefly upon seeing Tazrok¡¯s giant size.


    ¡°Hi, Jesca,¡± Callie said in return.  ¡°Everyone, this is Jesca, a ¡­ Cheetahkin Ranger.  Did I get that right?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Jesca said. ¡°Hi, everyone.¡±  She waved happily..


    Callie quickly introduced the rest of her housemates by name.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Jesca said.  She gestured towards a vaguely hyena-featured male sitting on one of the benches by the fountain.  ¡°This is Thucax, another Ranger.¡±


    The Gnoll rose and joined everyone, and Jesca introduced Callie and her group to him.


    ¡°Well.  I didn¡¯t believe it when Jesca said there was a Gnome Ranger here,¡± Thucax said, eyeing Callie skeptically.  ¡°I guess you are indeed a Gnome with a bow, so we will have to see about the Ranger part.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Callie, he¡¯s just a little grumpy because he¡¯s going to lose the bet we made,¡± Jesca said.


    ¡°That I¡¯m a Ranger?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Uh huh.¡±


    ¡°What did you bet? Is there money here?¡±


    ¡°If I win, he has to fill my waterskin for five days!  And if I lose, I have to fill his,¡± Jesca said.  ¡°There¡¯s not really money here - we have everything we need - so betting tasks seemed like a good substitute.¡±


    The Gnoll just gave a low grumble.


    ¡°It is good of you to offer to guide Callie to her trainer,¡± Vanis said.


    Thucax gave Vanis a hard stare.  ¡°You¡¯re that prince, right? ¡±


    ¡°Uh,¡± Vanis said with shock, ¡°I am.  But I¡¯m not looking for any special treatment.¡±


    ¡°Good.  You won¡¯t get it from me.  You look like just a normal Elf.  I¡¯m not sure what the big deal is.¡±  With that, Thucax abruptly turned and started to walk towards the courtyard and the various tents.  ¡°Come on, you two.¡±


    ¡°Coming!¡± Jesca said quickly.  She grabbed Callie¡¯s hand and started jogging to catch up.  Looking over her shoulder at Vanis, she loudly whispered ¡°Sorry!¡±


    Vanis stood there slightly taken aback.  ¡°Gnolls,¡± Lena said, putting her hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Yes.  Gnolls always grumpy,¡± Tazrok said as he maneuvered around everyone to get access to the fountain.  The rest followed the Ogre, taking turns filling their waterskins.


    Vanis smiled as he watched Callie disappear over the rise with Jesca and Thucax.  ¡°Why do I have this feeling she¡¯s going to be the cause of a great deal of chaos around here.¡±


    ¡°Or the death of us all,¡± Lena added.


    ¡°Will be fun,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°Either way.¡±

 Chapter 9 Part 4 - Oddity

    PART IV - ODDITY


    Scryer Earick paced the floor, trying to practice what he was going to say. He didn¡¯t really have words for it, but facts are facts and they needed to know. Next to him, Master Healer Tasi watched him with her eyes. Periodically, her wings would flutter slightly in annoyance, stirring up faint whirls of dust.


    ¡°Scryer Earick. Enough!¡± Tasi finally said. ¡°You¡¯re going to wear out my flooring and my nerves. All your pacing will not make them get here any faster. I am sure they are on their way.¡±


    ¡°Yes I know. But the bell has rung and I need to speak with both of them before Trainer Olin meets with his recruits.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to scry her again? Just to be quadruple sure of your findings? She is still asleep so you can go as deep as you need to.¡±


    Earick halted pacing for a moment, thinking, before waving Tasi away. ¡°I¡¯ve gone as deep as I need to in order to verify my findings. They just don¡¯t make any sense.¡±


    From around the corner, Master Trainer Thorn appeared, along with a Catkin with leonine features.


    ¡°Master Trainer Thorn, Trainer Olin,¡± Earick said, running over to meet them. ¡°Thank you both for coming so quickly.¡±


    ¡°I have very little time, Scryer,¡± Olin said. He wasn¡¯t angry, just rushed.


    ¡°Of course. I only need you for a few minutes.¡±


    ¡°Twice in a day, Earick. Did you scry another strange combination?¡±


    ¡°Why yes, I did,¡± Earick said flatly.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking!¡± Thorn said, taken aback. ¡°Show us.¡±


    Earick led them back to the Healing Ward, a large tent with heavy canvas walls.


    ¡°Healer Tasi!¡± Olin said with a smile as they arrived. ¡°So good to see you again.¡±


    ¡°You as well, Olin,¡± Tasi responded, with a slight nod.


    ¡°You are involved as well, Healer? Tell me all that has happened,¡± Thorn said, a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Earick said. He gestured to the prone figure of a blue-haired Pixie lying on a cot, face down. One of her wings appeared deep red and purple from bruising, and you could see further streaks of dark blood spreading out under the wing¡¯s translucent skin. ¡°This Pixie was injured earlier today in the intake line. There was a scuffle and ¡­¡±


    Tasi interrupted with a snarl, ¡°Some Dwarf knocked her to the ground, and she landed on her wing. It snapped right in half! Fae wings are incredibly tough, but bend them just right, with the right force and ¡­¡± she made a cracking sound and gestured the same.


    ¡°That must have been incredibly painful,¡± Olin said.


    ¡°It was more than painful, Olin, it was brutally agonizing,¡± Tasi said bitterly. ¡°As tough as they are, our wings are incredibly sensitive. Hundreds of tiny bones throughout and she had many snapped in half. A few even tore through the wing membrane. I¡¯m surprised she didn¡¯t pass out in pain while we were bringing her here. I actually had to apply a Sleep spell on her just to be able to provide care.¡±


    ¡°What of the Dwarf?¡± Thorn asked. ¡°Was this the one the Ogre attacked?¡±


    ¡°Attacked?¡± Earick said. ¡°Not at all. The Ogre quickly stepped in and applied punishment to the Dwarf. Major Celeste was there and supervised. Commandant Xera did promote him and said he was to hand out punishment, after all. He took it quite seriously.¡±


    Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Really?¡± Olin asked. ¡°I thought Xera was joking. Maybe they were and the Ogre didn¡¯t realize it? What did the Ogre do?¡±


    ¡°He had the Major cut off the Dwarf¡¯s beard and then threw him several meters, before yelling at everyone in line to behave or face his wrath.¡±


    ¡°Cut off ¡­ his beard?¡± Thorn asked, with a slight chuckle.


    ¡°Yes, and then ordered the Major to hang it next to the courtyard bell for all to see.¡±


    ¡°Ordered?¡±


    ¡°Yes. We were all quite intimidated. The Ogre was gigantic. Maybe call it ¡®forcefully requested¡¯?¡±


    ¡°And what of the Dwarf? How badly was he injured? No limbs removed, right?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°He is fine,¡± Tasi said, waving her hand dismissively. ¡°Broken arm, dislocated shoulder, and four cracked ribs. Simply some directed healing spells and he was able to join the rest of the recruits. He may be a little sore the rest of the day and evening.¡±


    ¡°Great, another Ogre Berserker throwing his size around.¡± Olin said with a grunt.


    ¡°No, Trainer Olin. The Ogre isn¡¯t a Berserker, he¡¯s a Druid,¡± Earick said.


    ¡°What?¡± Olin said, shocked.


    ¡°Yes, both Mistress Juniper and Trainer Rowani came to the intake line and confirmed it as well. I know, it¡¯s extraordinary!¡± Earick said excitedly.


    ¡°Juniper?¡± Olin said, surprised. ¡°I know we put up with her lurking around the camp, but she actually appeared inside the walls?¡±


    ¡°She did, and took an immediate interest in the Ogre, confirming he is a Druid.¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t the only strange one, today, Olin,¡± Thorn said. ¡°The Ogre was also with a Gnome. Guess what class she is?¡±


    ¡°I would have assumed a Healer or Wizard specialization. Is that not the case?¡±


    Thorn chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s a Ranger. At least we think she is.¡±


    ¡°You must be joking!¡±


    ¡°Not at all. There is some strangeness with her class when she was scryed, and it¡¯s possible she¡¯s not, but she has an Advanced Archery perk.¡±


    ¡°How very odd,¡± Olin said, pondering. He then looked up at Earick. ¡°You said you had another one? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s the Pixie? For my group?¡±


    Earick quickly nodded his head. ¡°Yes. I checked multiple times, including with a deeper scan. Thankfully she¡¯s asleep by spell, so she couldn¡¯t feel it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be. You¡¯re absolutely sure.¡±


    ¡°I am. I can only ethically share so much from a deep scan without her permission, but I can tell you she has some class skills. She already knows Ethereal Shield, Ethereal Sword, and Minor Telekinesis, to be precise. She also has the Ethereal Control perk.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding!¡± Thorn said.


    Olin rubbed his mane. ¡°A Pixie. Well I¡¯ll be¡­¡± he repeated. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I know how to even train someone so small. In fact, I¡¯ve never heard of anyone smaller than a Beastkin receiving this class, not even a Fairy. But now a Pixie?¡± Olin ran his hand across his face and had a thought. ¡°You know, with her flight ability, and the nimbleness she¡¯d have, it could actually be an interesting asset to her fighting style. She¡¯ll be fragile, though, so that¡¯s something she¡¯ll have to work around.¡±


    ¡°Will she even be able to train, though? She was seriously injured,¡± Thorn asked Tasi.


    ¡°Yes, she can. But, and I cannot stress this enough, Olin, she is going to be in a great deal of pain. I was fairly easily able to mend the bones and such, but with all the bones snapped from that fall, and the bruising throughout the wing, it¡¯s not going to be a pleasant recovery. It¡¯s going to hurt for many days, maybe even a week.¡±


    ¡°But you say she could train? How?¡± Olin said.


    ¡°Initially, she shouldn¡¯t fly. So absolutely do not force her to. Don¡¯t even encourage it at all. She will need for the bruising to lessen and to get used to the pain before she can take to the air. She¡¯ll also need a few days without armor. If you can safely train her on the ground, at least until she is ready to fly on her own terms, then there¡¯s no reason she can¡¯t have her Symbiote tonight.¡±


    ¡°You may need to pull some of your punches when sparring, too,¡± Thorn suggested. ¡°If for no other reason you¡¯re three times her height and at least five times her weight. At least until she gets her full confidence and skill masteries. Your other students will need to do the same, as well as anyone else that spars with her.¡±


    ¡°I understand, and I welcome the challenge,¡± Olin said. ¡°Truly!¡±


    Tasi nodded. ¡°I will awaken her, then. She will be groggy for some time, so I suggest you come back after meeting your other recruits, and speak with her then. Bring her Symbiote with you. I will have the clothing Quartermaster come to take her measurements for clothing and armor. I¡¯ll also talk to the housing Quartermaster to get her an assignment.¡±


    ¡°Does she need to use the bathhouse?¡±


    ¡°No, I am not concerned about Firelice or any other pests with her. But, I am going to encourage her to bathe frequently in the hot baths to help with the wing pain, starting tomorrow.¡±


    Olin blew out his cheeks. ¡°A Pixie Bladeweaver. Who would ever have thought that?¡±

 Chapter 10 Part 1 - Meet the Trainers - The Warlocks

    PART I - MEET THE TRAINERS - THE WARLOCKS


    Vanis saw a group of tents that all had signs colored blue with various symbols in them, so he left the others, reasoning it was likely where all the Wizard specialist tents were assembled.


    As he approached, he could hear the faint whispers and see covert pointing. Word had obviously spread quickly through the camp. Vanis sighed and walked down the row, looking for the green flames.


    Within short order, he found it. A medium-sized, purple-ish tent. Large enough for six normal sized people to comfortably share. The floor had a simple and functional carpet over the ground, as well as several sitting pillows around the edges.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Vanis said, walking through the door flap.


    ¡°Greetings!¡± said a purring female voice. Vanis peered into the shadows and saw a pair of black eyes staring back at him. Only the whites of her eyes outlined the amber dots of her irises.


    ¡°Oh, hello there,¡± Vanis responded. He pushed the door flap open a little more to allow more light in. It fell on a gold-furred Lionkin that was simply lounging on one of the pillows, her tail periodically flicking to and fro.


    The robed Catkin rose in a single silky, fluid motion and extended her paw. ¡°I am Fynisse, Master Elf. Welcome to the Warlock tent.¡± She gestured grandly.


    ¡°I thank you for the warm welcome, Warlock Fynisse. I am Vanis,¡± he said, taking her hand and bowing slightly. ¡°I presume you are not the Trainer?¡±


    ¡°Ha! I am barely a Warlock!¡± Fynisse said, throwing her hands into the air. ¡°I only unlocked my class three weeks ago, and somehow managed to get cursed a week later. So here I am with no idea what I¡¯m really doing. I guess we eventually summon minions or something?¡±


    Vanis chuckled. ¡°That is correct. I have a Summon Imp skill, but they are very weak at Iron tier. We will be able to summon other types of beasts and Demons as we reach higher tiers.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it. I didn¡¯t think I was going to be a Warlock growing up. I figured I would end up a Scholar like my parents. But Warlock it is. Do you know if we are the only two Warlock recruits?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°You were with that Ogre, right? The one that cut off that Dwarf¡¯s beard?¡±


    ¡°I was. I am. We actually are housed together. His name is Tazrok, and he really is a pleasant man, for an Ogre. As long as you don¡¯t pick on someone you shouldn¡¯t, that is.¡±


    ¡°Wow! I¡¯ve never met an Ogre, I¡¯ve only heard scary stories about them.¡±


    ¡°Well, you have nothing to fear from him. Say hello should you ever get a chance. I¡¯m sure he would appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do that,¡± the Lionkin said excitedly.


    The tent flap rippled again and a small Fairy entered. ¡°Warlocks?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, we are,¡± Fynisse said. ¡°I¡¯m Fynisse and this is Vanis.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure, I guess,¡± the Fairy said, looking around. His eyes fell on Vanis. ¡°Hey, I know you, don¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m unsure. I¡¯m afraid you have me at a disadvantage, Master ¡­¡± Vanis let his inquiry trail off.


    ¡°Yeah! I know who you are! I¡¯m Dunilawal, but most people just call me Dunni. I used to be on the staff of Duke Rallaxe. You and I have never actually met, but I was in the room with you when you met him.¡±


    ¡°Duke Rallaxe is a fine person. It was a pleasure to meet him.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s not bad. He was easy to work for; never asked for stupid things. Unfortunately, when I got my class six months ago, he cut me loose so I could go study. I¡¯ve tried but haven¡¯t been able to get any skills to unlock except something called Ritual Circle, and that just makes glowing lines on the ground. I thought I would volunteer and get Conscripted to get all my skills instead. Seems like a quick and easy way rather than endless study.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve only had your class six months? How old are you?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Me? Sixteen.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Fynisse. ¡°I¡¯m sixteen as well, although my birthday was just last week.¡±


    ¡°Oh my goodness, I¡¯m ancient,¡± Vanis muttered under his breath before quickly adding, ¡°A belated birthday to you, Miss Fynisse.¡±


    ¡°Aww, thanks, Vanis! Dunni mentioned you meeting the Duke? What was the occasion?


    Before Vanis could respond, Dunni jumped in. ¡°Do you know who he is?¡±


    ¡°Um, no?¡±


    Vanis quickly waved Dunni quiet. ¡°My father is someone of some importance, but truly I am just a recruit right now.¡±


    ¡°Someone of some importance?¡± Dunni said in disbelief. ¡°Kitty-girl, he¡¯s Prince del Montano! I heard he was here, but didn¡¯t know he was a Warlock.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Fynisse said. After a moment, she added, ¡°Who¡¯s that? And don¡¯t call me Kitty-girl!¡±


    ¡°The son of King Feldwin?¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Fynisse said again. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±


    Dunni sputtered and Vanis smiled to himself.


    ¡°Do we need to bow or kiss your boots or something?¡± Fynisse asked Vanis.


    ¡°Oh please, don¡¯t,¡± Vanis said. ¡°As I said, I am just a recruit. If you feel you need to do something, just be polite.¡±


    ¡°I can do that, your Royal Whoeveryouareness.¡±


    Vanis rolled his eyes and sighed, dreading how many times he was going to have to have some form of this conversation. However, the Catkin''s lack of knowledge was surprisingly refreshing.


    ¡°Royal Whoever¡­¡± Dunni spluttered. ¡°Look Kitty-girl, you need to give this man¡­¡±


    ¡°Do NOT call me Kitty-girl!¡± Fynisse said, bending slightly and jabbing a finger hard into Dunni¡¯s chest. ¡°Just because you know who this Elf is and I don¡¯t, doesn¡¯t give you permission to talk down to me.¡± Her eyes flashed with what appeared to be a green flame for a moment. ¡°Got it!¡±


    Dunni started to open his mouth, and then wisely chose to simply nod vigorously.


    ¡°Good!¡± Fynisse snarled. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡± She crossed her arms and turned her back on both.


    ¡°Kitty¡¯s got claws, doesn¡¯t she, your Highness?¡± Dunni said quietly, before adding a growling noise.


    ¡°Oh shit, now you¡¯ve done it.¡± Vanis said as Fynisse spun and raised her paw, claws suddenly extended. Vanis quickly grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back. He held her tight.


    ¡°Let me go! I¡¯m going to rip his eyeballs out and use them for dice!¡±


    ¡°Both of you stop,¡± Vanis said. Dunni wiggled his fingers in a taunting motion and Fynisse struggled to free herself, intent on ruining Dunni¡¯s day.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on in here!¡± a commanding voice called from the tent entrance.


    Fynisse let out a hiss at Dunni while he continued taunting.


    ¡°Two teenagers flirting with each other,¡± Vanis said, struggling to keep the Catkin from getting free. He spun her and pushed her back slightly, putting his body between the two. ¡°You, stand over there!¡± he commanded to Fynisse, ¡°And you, stop provoking her,¡± he added, pointing a hard finger at both.


    Dunni backed up with a stupid grin on his face, while Fynisse¡¯s face was hard. A low growl could be heard coming from her chest and her eyes smoldered with anger.


    ¡°Stop behaving like ten year olds,¡± Vanis said harshly. ¡°Grow up. You¡¯re Warlocks. Act like it.¡±


    ¡°Everything under control, Recruit?¡± the man at the door said.


    ¡°I believe so,¡± Vanis responded, casting another quick glance at both of the young Warlocks.


    ¡°Good,¡± the man said. ¡°Now all of you at attention. Now!¡±


    Quickly Vanis straightened, and he noticed the other two slowly did as well, although Fynisse was still casting a strong glare at Dunni.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to work on that, too, it seems. And lad,¡± the man addressed to Dunni, ¡°don¡¯t ever provoke a lady who is better armed than you are. Otherwise, you deserve what you get.¡±


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Fynisse let out a happy grunt at Dunni being dressed down. The man turned to her. ¡°And you. If you need to rip him apart, don¡¯t take his eyes. We can¡¯t heal that very well and we need him for the war. Just scratch the hell out of his arse. We can fix that and he won¡¯t be able to sit for a week.¡±


    Stifling a smirk, the Lionkin nodded vigorously. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to remember that.¡±


    The man grunted and paced back and forth, closely looking over the three Warlocks. Now out of the glare of the tent''s entry, Vanis could see he was another Elf, sporting close-cropped gray hair and a purple robe. He had leaned a knotted, rune-inscribed wood staff against the tent¡¯s wall by the entry.


    ¡°Recruits Dunilawal, Fynisse and Vanis, right?¡± he asked. ¡°Dunilawal? Did I hear you say you go by something else?¡±


    ¡°Uh, Dunni ¡­ um ¡­ sir?¡±


    ¡°Dunni it is then. Show me your Warlock blocks.¡±


    The three recruits presented their blocks, confirming they were Warlocks.


    The man nodded, gesturing for everyone to sit and joining them. ¡°Alright, I guess this is what I¡¯ve got to work with. I am Warlock Trainer Terrin. You three are the recruits for this training term, so welcome. I¡¯m actually pretty easy to work with. I just ask that you study hard, do what you are told, and pay attention. If you can do that, you¡¯ll easily come out of here at mid or even high Silver tier. I¡¯ve actually had one recruit hit Gold. He never slept and studied constantly, but it can be done. I¡¯m happy if you can hit Silver.¡±


    Both Dunni and Fyniesse gasped at the prospect of Silver, or even Gold tier.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep today brief, because there¡¯s not much to say. Training starts three hours after sunup, or about an hour after breakfast is over. There will be a thirty-minute and ten-minute bell. When you come to the training field, there will be a Warlock flag standing where we are to gather. I¡¯ll bring field rations for everyone for a mid-day meal. Make sure to bring your filled waterskins. Does anyone here not eat meat?¡±


    Nobody said anything.


    ¡°Good, that keeps it simple. Feel free to grab more from the breakfast meal and bring it along. Just make sure it isn¡¯t going to go bad in the sun. I¡¯ll let you know if we''ll be working on the move outside of the camp, so you can plan accordingly. You don¡¯t want something heavy if we need to be mobile. Normally we¡¯ll be on the training field or at a site not far from here where we can practice summonings without others around. Also, know that I absolutely detest body odor, and I¡¯m sure the Lionkin¡¯s nose isn¡¯t fond of it, either. Please shower or bathe daily. I know the camp rule says three days. My rule is daily.¡±


    Fynisse slightly deflated at the thought of having to be in the water even more frequently.


    ¡°Do any of you have any of your skills yet? Or any skills outside your Warlock class?¡±


    The two young Warlocks shook their heads. ¡°What about you?¡± Terrin asked Vanis.


    ¡°Yes, Trainer. For Warlock I have Summon Imp and Deathbolt, along with Ritual Circle, of course and the Control Summoning perk. I also know the Illusionist¡¯s Dancing Light skill as well as the Bard¡¯s Inspiring Melody.¡±


    Terrin nodded. ¡°Bard huh? Your mother¡¯s idea?¡±


    ¡°Yes it was,¡± Vanis said lightly.


    ¡°Thought it might be. The Bard stuff is probably useless for combat, but you could do some interesting things with that Dancing Light skill. Work on improving it with practice when you have time. We don¡¯t have any Illusionist recruits here this term, so you¡¯re on your own for practice for now. But in a the latter part of the term, we have some Illusionists coming to help with training, so you could seek one of them out if you needed assistance.¡±


    ¡°I will endeavor to do so.¡±


    ¡°Good. Any questions from anyone so far?¡±


    Vanis had none, but Dunni slowly raised his hand.


    ¡°What is it,¡± Terrin said tiredly.


    ¡°When do we get our worms?¡±


    Terrin groaned. ¡°We¡¯ll get to it, kid. Relax!¡± He caught Vanis¡¯s eyes and then rolled his own.


    Dunni seemed to deflate with a slight pout.


    ¡°A few last things, especially for you two kids since you have essentially no skills. Being a Warlock isn¡¯t easy. Summoning a Demon is the easy part, but if you don¡¯t have your wits about you, they will break free and rip your throat out. I¡¯ve never lost a recruit to stupidity, and I don¡¯t want to start with any of you. Everything will come in time. You will not do it all on the first day. If you were to try, you would die horribly. Realistically, just know we won¡¯t be doing any summonings for at least a week, and none outside of my presence for at least two, if not three. In fact, no using any skills without my presence.¡±


    ¡°And my illusionist skill?¡± Vanis asked to get clarification.


    ¡°That can¡¯t hurt anyone, and you had it when you arrived, so feel free to practice it in your house or on the training field, not anywhere else though. However, people might appreciate that Bard skill out in the garden or other social gatherings. What instrument would you need?¡±


    ¡°My best would be lute,¡± Vanis said, ¡°but I¡¯m proficient with the flute as well, and in a pinch can use my voice, although not at the level to be a perk.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see if I can find either one of those instruments for you to use, then, and let the officers know you have permission to use your Bard skill outside of the training area. The Bard class goes with the Scholars for training, so you¡¯ll have to be solo, although a few staff have some musical talent as well if you wanted to play with others. Make sure any recruits know you have special permission, because, again, we don¡¯t want to encourage somebody to do anything off the training field.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Can all of you read?¡± Terrin said.


    All three recruits nodded.


    ¡°Good. Let¡¯s talk about your worms. These things are worth more money than any of you will see in your lifetime. Well, maybe not you,¡± Terrin added, gesturing to Vanis. ¡°Whatever you do, do not open them, drop them or lose them. They cannot be easily replaced. When we are done, you will go directly to your bunkhouse and put your worm into your footlocker and not touch it until you are told to. Staff will be visiting each of you to assist later today, and can even knock you out first if you¡¯d like. There¡¯s no shame in that. I needed to be when I got mine.¡±


    The two young Warlocks gulped loudly.


    ¡°Once your worm is opened, you have less than fifteen minutes before it dies, so make sure you¡¯re ready. Also make sure to use the toilet, you don¡¯t want to crap yourself while you¡¯re out of it overnight. The whole thing is painless, although I¡¯ve heard it does feel strange. There might be a little bleeding, but it won¡¯t hurt and this is normal. Any questions so far?¡±


    All three heads shook.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to feel like you''re exceedingly drunk tonight, so a light soup meal will be brought to you. Don¡¯t eat too much or you¡¯re going to vomit on yourself. The best thing to do is to eat a little for strength, and then just lie in your bed with your eyes closed. Don¡¯t walk around and hurt yourself, please? You¡¯ll start to get some of your skills after a few hours, and that can be disorienting, so try to sleep if you can. Tomorrow, you will still have some skills to receive, but you should have them all by early afternoon. Last chance for questions.¡±


    Nobody said anything. Terrin nodded and turned to a basket by the entrance. ¡°I have your worms here. Report directly to your bunkhouses and put them immediately into your footlocker to keep them safe. Got it?¡±


    Everyone nodded in confirmation.


    Carefully, Terrin handed each of the recruits a small wooden box. Each was painted with a blue circle with a green flame. A small lock sealed the box closed. but a small round ring attached to the box sported a piece of string with a key on it.


    ¡°Alright, kids, you¡¯re dismissed. Vanis, would you stay for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Certainly,¡± Vanis replied.


    The other two Warlocks left the tent, carefully holding their wooden boxes.


    ¡°Tell me, Prince Vanis, what do you think of them?¡± Terrin asked. ¡°Any thoughts on what might help them learn?¡±


    ¡°The Fairy is looking for shortcuts and volunteered to receive the Curse, so he probably needs a good scare to get his attention. At that point, he might shape up and take things more seriously.¡±


    ¡°I can make that happen. And the girl?¡±


    ¡°She seems eager and happy to do the work, just brand new to the class; less than a month, and not even her Circle spell. I would have no initial concerns except to keep from overwhelming her and have patience for her naivety.¡± Vanis said. With a questioning look he asked, ¡°Why do you want my opinion?¡±


    Terrin hung his head and sighed. ¡°I am two-hundred and sixty-six years old. I¡¯ve been around a long time and have seen a lot. I wanted to retire to a nice forest cabin somewhere, but the Commandant is a dear friend and convinced me to come be the Warlock trainer.¡±


    Vanis furrowed his brow.


    ¡°I sometimes don¡¯t have the patience for kids these days. I¡¯d consider you one of them except you¡¯re nearly twice their age and your upbringing requires a higher level of maturity.¡±


    ¡°How may I help?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Just act as a babysitter and help keep them on task and out of trouble? Maybe keep them from killing each other, at least until they sneak off together somewhere? I just don¡¯t have a lot of patience for the immature crap. How is your Ritual Circle skill?¡±


    ¡°Very good, actually,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Or so I¡¯ve been told.¡±


    ¡°Good, I am going to use you for demonstrations, and maybe we can both work with one of them directly on mastering it, since it¡¯s so critical.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I am happy to do all I can to help.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it,¡± Terrin said. ¡°The Scryer¡¯s report said you had some Curse damage?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but apparently it¡¯s not serious. He did recommend a visit to the Healer today, if possible, otherwise tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Get your worm to your house and take care of that tonight. You can see the healer tomorrow. By the way, I am curious, why don¡¯t you already have a Symbiote? You certainly could have had one if you wanted.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a good use of it. My royal duties would never have allowed for much work with my Warlock class, so why waste it on me? Better someone else get it. That changed, of course, once I was Conscripted.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Terrin said, nodding. ¡°Prince Vanis, I¡¯ve long admired your father. He¡¯s a good man. I don¡¯t know much about you, but I¡¯ve also never heard anything negative.¡±


    ¡°I can only hope someday to be half as honorable as my father.¡±


    ¡°You got a raw deal on that whole heir-apparent mess. I¡¯m glad to see you don¡¯t have a negative attitude about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I do have a very negative attitude about what happened, Trainer Terrin, but I also know I can¡¯t do anything about it at this time because of my Curse and ¡­ politics. Dwelling in anger will do me no good at all. Once my time is done under Conscription, I have some plans brewing that may be quite uncomfortable for some people.¡±


    Terrin smirked at the vague threat, then extended his arm and placed it on Vanis¡¯s shoulder. He extended his other hand. ¡°Duwana, Your Majesty.¡±


    Vanis reached forward to clasp Terrin¡¯s wrist. ¡°Please, I am only a recruit, Trainer Terrin. Duwanai.¡±

 Chapter 10 Part 2 - Meet the Trainers - The Bladedancers

    PART II - MEET THE TRAINERS - THE BLADEDANCERS


    Lena found herself wanting to look around for Callie to see how she was doing, and even saw a quick glimpse of something pink talking to a Bearkin. But the other part of her, the apparently sane part of her not fixated on mothering the Gnome, concentrated on looking for her own brown tent sign with the red cross swords. She eventually found it along a row of other Warrior-class tents. Outside the tent, two white Tigerkin were chatting with each other, one male and one female, their fur blending with the white of the robes so only their black stripes and amber-irised eyes stood out. She was fairly sure she recognized them both from the intake line. They were there when Vanis was revealed to be the Prince.


    ¡°These robes give you two some great camouflage,¡± Lena said as she walked up.


    The two Catkins looked at each other and then down at their robes. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± the first said. ¡°If only it were snowing,¡± the second added.


    Lena held up her class identification block. ¡°Bladedancers, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± both the Tigerkin responded in unison.


    ¡°Great. Well, I¡¯m Lena.¡±


    ¡°I am Moka,¡± the male said. ¡°This is my sister, Koka.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re siblings? And both the same class? What are the odds, I wonder.¡±


    ¡°We are not just siblings¡­¡± Moka began.


    ¡°... but we are littermates as well,¡± Koka completed.


    ¡°Really! I always wonder if being twins affected the likelihood of getting the same class.¡±


    ¡°No one was more surprised than us ¡­¡± Koka began.


    ¡°...when we both received Bladedancer as our class.¡± Moka finished. ¡°But our other two littermates are of different classes than we are.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I see you both in line earlier?¡± Lena asked, cocking her head. ¡°Yeah, when we found out that Vanis was the Prince.¡±


    Koka giggled slightly, and Moka looked uncomfortable. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that we ¡­¡± Koka began.


    ¡°...acted a little foolish,¡± Moka concluded.


    Lena waved them both off. ¡°It¡¯s no matter. I¡¯m sure he understands and had to expect it was going to happen. He¡¯s actually quite polite, nice even. Not at all what I would have expected.¡±


    ¡°Pardon me ladies and kind sir, this tent is for the Bladedancers, yes?¡± a voice said, interrupting the conversation.


    The trio looked to see another furry Catkin joining them. He was shorter than the Tigerkin twins, and shorter than Lena as well, perhaps just over one and a half meters tall. His coat was a light gray, with white fur around his mouth and nose, and again at the tip of his tail and ears. Another patch of white on his chest was peeking out from under his robe.


    ¡°It is,¡± Lena said. ¡°Welcome.¡±


    ¡°Greetings to you as well. My name is Dregorio.¡± His speech was heavily accented indicating he was definitely not from this region.


    Lena and the Tigerkin introduced themselves. ¡°I must ask,¡± Koka said. ¡°Your accent?¡±


    ¡°Beautiful Tigress, I come from far to the south, across the central deserts, on the ocean shores. Fates have taken me far and wide and through luck, I ended up here. Whether that luck is good or bad remains to be seen. It is my hope to do my duty to remove my Conscription and then return to the land of my childhood.¡±


    ¡°You must have some amazing stories to tell from coming all this way.¡± Koka said.


    "Many, and yet few. But the brief story is that I left my home for love, like so many wayward souls. Alas, it was not meant to be for long and before I could return to my home, I was Conscripted. I did not even know my class at the time, but once I was Conscripted, it was determined and this is where I ended.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a little sad,¡± Lena said. ¡°To end up here because you followed your heart.¡±


    ¡°Such is the danger of love,¡± Dregorio said with a sad sigh. ¡°In the end, though, it is the challenges we face that make for the epic tale of life. Who knows, perhaps I shall find new love or a new direction to wander. Whatever may happen, it will at least be exciting.¡±


    ¡°Well said, Recruit,¡± said a new voice.


    Lena looked up to see Major Celeste approaching. She appeared slightly flushed and winded, as if she had been running. She had a basket in one hand. Lena quickly offered her arms and Major graciously handed it off.


    ¡°Thank you. Sorry I was running behind. I am doing double duty this term as both the Bladedancer trainer as well as my normal duties in charge of internal security for the camp. Unfortunately, our previous Blademaster trainer decided he was ready to retire, but didn¡¯t inform us until two days ago.¡±


    ¡°If we can help, please let us know,¡± Moka said.


    ¡°I appreciate that. How many are here? Four? That¡¯s good, that¡¯s what I was told we had. Shall we go in and sit?¡± Celeste gestured towards the tent entrance.


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    All five entered and the recruits took seats on large pillows along the walls. Celeste removed her belt, which held scabbards for her twin swords and set it aside, before collapsing on a pillow herself with an exhausted exhale.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to keep this all pretty brief because there¡¯s not much to do today,¡± the Major began. ¡°First, I¡¯m Major Celeste and I¡¯m a high Gold Tier Bladedancer. Honestly this is the first group I am training, so I¡¯m not completely sure what I¡¯m doing. It¡¯s possible we may pair up from time to time with other classes if they are working on similar tactics, and I have two trainers from those classes that are directly mentoring me as well. I don¡¯t see any problem getting you all to at least mid-Silver.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great,¡± Lena said. ¡°Again, however we can help.¡±


    Celeste nodded and then really noticed Lena for the first time. ¡°Hey, you were with the Ogre, from earlier.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Tazrok is a friend of mine.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest, when he started storming down the line, I was worried for a moment that something ugly might happen,¡± Celeste said. She then took a minute to recount the adventures from earlier in the day with the Dwarf and the Pixie to Dregorio, who had not been present.


    ¡°Tazrok is truly gentle. He hates hurting people, but he won¡¯t hesitate to protect the weak,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°What happened to the Pixie?¡± Koka asked.


    ¡°Last I heard, she was in the Medical Ward being tended. I thought I saw Master Trainer Thorn over there earlier, so I suspect they are determining if she can join her training class. I don¡¯t know much else.¡±


    ¡°And the Dwarf?¡±


    ¡°Released from the Healer within twenty minutes, and he rejoined his group,¡± Celeste said. ¡°But, without his beard,¡± she added with a chuckle.


    ¡°I saw that braided cutting of hair hanging by the bell; just flopping in the wind,¡± Dregorio said. ¡°I hadn¡¯t yet heard the story of how it ended up there. Now that I have, I find it both amusing and angering. Dwarves pick on the weak far too much.¡±


    ¡°We will keep an eye on that Dwarf. If he continues that kind of behavior, I¡¯ll personally send him to the front.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± both Lena and Koka said at the same time.


    Celeste clapped her hands. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s try to get through what we need to. First question, do any of you have any off-class skills unlocked already?¡±


    Lena raised her hand, as did Dregorio.


    ¡°Good. Lena, tell me what you have.¡±


    ¡°Several actually. Under Scout, I know the Thief skills Hide in Shadows and Nimble Fingers. I also have Truthseeking, which is a Scholar skill.¡±


    ¡°Thief skills? Anything I need to know or worry about?¡±


    Lena pushed up her sleeve, revealing the three circular tattoos. ¡°Former life. Leave it at that. I also have the Parkour perk from Thief.¡±


    Celeste nodded, no surprise in her eyes. ¡°Still, devoting so much time to skills outside your class shows dedication, especially Specialist skills. They could be quite usable with the Bladedancer class, too. Especially Parkour and Hide in Shadows.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know that, too. I¡¯ve got Flashstep under Bladedancer as well, so you can imagine how well that helped in my ¡­ former life. Triple Riposte is another one I have.¡±


    ¡°Do you know if you¡¯ve unlocked your Dual Wielding and Ambidextrous perks? They would support your Triple Riposte skill,¡± Celeste asked.


    ¡°I have, yes,¡± Lena responded. ¡°I even underwent some formal sword training. I don¡¯t claim to be a swordmaster by any means, but I¡¯d like to believe I¡¯m not awful either.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Celeste said excitedly. ¡°Your assistance to the other three will be valuable.¡±


    ¡°How did you end up with Truthseeking?¡± Moka asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I got tired of getting the raw end of bad deals. I made the effort to try to make sure that couldn¡¯t happen any more. It¡¯s saved me more than a few times.¡±


    ¡°I am greatly impressed by your dedication, Miss Lena,¡± Dregario said. ¡°It makes my paltry off-class skills pale in comparison.¡±


    ¡°What do you have?¡± Koka asked.


    ¡°I have learned a Wizard Firebolt skill, as well as a Healer Minor Healing skill.¡±


    ¡°Quite the difference,¡± Celeste said.


    ¡°I was young and foolish and thought the Firebolt skill was flashy and would impress the ladies.¡± Dregorio then chuckled. ¡°I quickly learned Healing when I found out that fire could also burn the caster.¡±


    ¡°A hard lesson, but having that emergency heal ability is a great addition in a large battle, so it is certainly no wasted effort,¡± Celeste said.


    Dregorio gave a little bow of his head in appreciation of the compliment.


    ¡°Nobody else has any off-class skills?¡±


    Both Tigerkin shook their heads.


    ¡°Next, some basic info. Training will start about three hours after sunup. Like usual, you¡¯ll hear a thirty-minute bell and a ten-minute bell. Please don¡¯t be late.¡±


    Celeste went on to review noon meal needs, confirming that Lena wasn¡¯t opposed to eating meat, and other administrative information.


    ¡°The last thing I want to talk about are your Symbiotes, which I have here. As soon as we are finished, please take them back to your bunkhouse immediately and put them in your footlocker until you are ready to use them. You have no idea how expensive Specialist worms are and I don¡¯t want to risk you dropping it or forgetting it somewhere. Understood?¡±


    The four recruits nodded in unison.


    Someone from the Healer staff will be visiting each bunkhouse to assist you. I won¡¯t lie, it really isn¡¯t a pleasant experience. Just lie down and try to sleep through it tonight, it¡¯s the best way to cope. Don¡¯t worry about the blood. It¡¯s normal and there shouldn¡¯t be much.¡±


    Koka raised her paw. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest, I¡¯m really scared about it.¡±


    ¡°A Healer can actually put a sleep spell on you if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good. I think I¡¯ll do that.¡±


    ¡°You are going to be surprised how many of those ¡®brave¡¯ Dwarves are going to be sobbing and begging to be knocked out,¡± Celeste said with a chuckle. ¡°There¡¯s no shame in asking for assistance. And once it¡¯s done, you¡¯re done for life. They say your binding to the Symbiote is better if you stay awake, but I¡¯m not sure if there¡¯s any truth to it.¡±


    Koka¡¯s face fell at that news, and one could see that she was wrestling with her own fears.


    The five chatted for a while longer. The Major was a relaxed, knowledgeable teacher, and Lena could feel she would learn a lot from her. The other recruits all seemed to be good people, and were genuinely excited to start training. Dragorio was an interesting Catkin. His smaller size betrayed his ancestry as a Domestic, and the exotic accent and his attitude caught her attention. She found herself wanting to get to know him better.


    With no further questions, everyone stood and shook their limbs out. Celeste gave each recruit their box with their brown circles and specialist emblems, collecting their class blocks in exchange, before sending them off with a reminder to go straight home.


    ¡°Again, let us know if we can help in any way. Working both roles must be chaotic, and we wouldn¡¯t want to make things more difficult,¡± Lena said with a bow. ¡°Duwana.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Recruit Lena,¡± the Major responded gratefully. ¡°Duwanai.¡±

 Chapter 10 Part 3 - Meet the Trainers - The Shamans

    PART III - MEET THE TRAINERS - THE SHAMANS


    Xin searched the courtyard for the blue and white signed tent, eventually finding it.  Three green-skinned goblins, two males and a female, stood in a small group chatting in front of the door.  They stood roughly Callie¡¯s height at around one meter.  Their long, pointed ears and big eyes showed the history the Gnomes and the Goblins shared, before the former moved underground while the latter settled into the forests and swamplands.  As Xin approached, they gave her a suspicious gaze and tensed.


    ¡°Good day, this is where the Shamans are to meet, correct?¡±


    One of the Goblins gave Xin a snarl, before spitting out, ¡°Yes, Lizard.¡±  He was immediately lightly slapped by the female Goblin for being so rude.


    Xin was taken aback, before squeezing out a quick, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    They all stood for several minutes, the three Goblins conversing among themselves, while Xin stood awkwardly a short distance away.  After what seemed like an eternity, two new people approached the tent.  One was a young Elf female wearing a light blue robe and carrying a large basket.  The other was a very old green-skinned Goblin wearing a well-patched gray robe.  She moved slowly, with the assistance of an intricately-carved walking stick made of well-worn wood.


    The three Goblin Recruits quickly stiffened to approximate attention on seeing the elder.  Xin copied their movements, still feeling out of place.


    The elder Goblin stopped and appraised the four recruits before she started to make a series of motions with her hands.


    ¡°Welcome to Shaman training,¡± the Elf said.  ¡°I am Trainer Maugra and your only job is to be silent and learn.¡±  Xin quickly realized the Elf was interpreting Maugra¡¯s hand motions.


    ¡°This Elf is my assistant and her name is not important,¡± the Elf said, a slight scowl on her face.  ¡°I am able to hear, but no longer able to speak well.  She will say my words for me.¡±


    ¡°Trainer Maugra, thank you¡­¡± one of the Goblins started to say.  Maugra raised her walking stick and smacked it across the Goblin''s head, sending him sprawling to the ground.


    Maugra signed some more.  ¡°I said to be silent.  I have no need for your nonsense.¡±  Slowly the Goblin rose, rubbing his head.


    ¡°After I am finished,¡± Maugra continued via the Elf.  ¡°My assistant will give you the other details you need.  Just be aware that you know nothing and I expect you to work hard.  If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll be happy to smack you again.¡±


    Maugra raised her walking stick slightly and then drove it into the ground with a resounding thump.  Next to her, a magical construct seemed to rise before it coalesced into a wooden pole.  Carved into it were a series of faces, images and iconography representing the various elements.  It seemed to hum or pulse with power.


    ¡°This is my totem,¡± Maugra said.  ¡°This is the heart of power for any combat Shaman.  If you learn to master your totem, you will master the battlefield.  If you fail, then I will smack you until you get it right.¡±


    The Goblin that had been hit earlier rubbed his head again and emitted a quiet whimper.


    ¡°Tonight,¡± Maugra said through the Elf, ¡°after you have taken your worm, you will need to design your Totem.  You will be provided with parchment and charcoal to work with.  Do not draw your design before you use your worm.  Bring your drawings to the first day of training.  I am now done speaking.¡±


    Maugra gave a stiff nod, before turning around and starting to walk away, her totem fading into wisps of nothing.  There was a blur of magic and a ripple in the air, and Maugra was replaced by a gray-furred wolf with a vaguely ghost-like haze about it that gently sauntered off, leaving the Elf now standing alone with the rest of the recruits.


    Xin stood there dumbfounded.  She had never seen a Shaman change forms before.  It was amazing!  She knew it could happen, but her tribe¡¯s elder Shaman had never demonstrated it, even when Xin had asked.  It seemed very similar to how a Druid would change form, based on what she had seen earlier when Trainer Rowani changed from a panther and then into a hawk.


    The Elf cleared her throat before speaking again.  ¡°Trainer Maugra is a very good Shaman, and an excellent trainer, but she can be very ¡­ difficult at times.  My name is Trainer Cheena and as you can see, I am Maugra¡¯s assistant, and she is my Mentor.  Supposedly, I am to be the new Shaman trainer, if Maugra should ever finally decide to retire as was supposed to happen a year ago.¡±


    She bent to retrieve the large basket, and Xin stepped forward to offer assistance.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± She said.  ¡°Let us all go into the tent and we can discuss all you need to know for today.¡±


    The five walked through the tent flap, choosing seating pillows around the edges.  Xin set the basket close to Cheena after she sat, before seating herself.  From across the tent, the Goblins continued to suspiciously eye Xin, yet the Lizardkin could not figure out what she had done to earn such ire.


    ¡°Greetings everyone,¡± Cheena said.  ¡°Again, I am Cheena.  Please hand me your class identification blocks.¡±


    The four recruits did as she asked, passing over the blue-plus-white blocks for inspection.  ¡°Thank you, Cheena said.  ¡°Being a Combat Shaman is much different than a common community Shaman.  While we will train the healing and curative skills you will receive, we will primarily be concentrating on your offensive magic and your ability to attack or hinder enemies with your Totem powers.  I¡¯m not necessarily in favor of this, as a well-rounded Shaman is critical.  But, as you can see, I am not in charge.¡±  The Elf added an extra scowl with that final statement.


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    Cheena sighed deeply.  ¡°Let¡¯s talk about designing your totems. These are something that is unique to you and will reflect in part your personality and core.  You don¡¯t truly need to draw it out like Maugra ordered, but do it anyway, as it will make learning to manifest it quickly and accurately much much easier, and most-importantly, will make her happy.  So tonight, you wake from your initial trance, try to spend at least one hour, more if you are feeling able, just drawing out what you think your Totem may look like.  Your Symbiote will help you create and remember that vision and channel the mana when you start to use the skill.¡±


    ¡°It felt as if Trainer Maugra¡¯s Totem had different facets of magic to it,¡± Xin said.  ¡°I could feel the power seeming to pulse out of it.¡±


    ¡°A very good observation,¡± Cheena said, ¡°There are five elements a Shaman¡¯s power embraces.  Fire, Earth, Water, Air and most importantly Life.  A well-constructed totem will bind all of them, allowing you to use multiple skills at once; even multiple totems at higher tiers.  This capability is what can make a combat Shaman so deadly.  Your design work tonight should devote some time to considering each of those five facets of power.  Your Symbiote will help guide you.¡±


    Cheena looked into her basket again and then stopped.  ¡°I just realized we haven¡¯t all met and I need to get some skill information from you all.  Miss Lizardkin, would you care to start?¡±


    ¡°Of course.  I am Xinchaine, Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe.  But please, call me Xin.¡±


    Cheena turned to one of the Goblins.  ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°I am Swopik, and this is Lhawni and Chown,¡± he indicated, pointing first to the female and then the other male.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Cheena said before returning to her task.  ¡°So the first thing I need to know is whether any of you have any off-class skills.  Hands?¡±


    Xin raised her hand, as did both Swopik and Chown.


    ¡°Swopik, what skills do you have?¡±


    ¡°I know the skill Taunting Roar from Warrior,¡± he said, ¡°as well as Shield Block.  I trained as a town militia before I was Cursed and scryed, so have some skill with sword and shield techniques.¡±


    ¡°And I know Magic Blast from Wizard,¡± Chown said.  ¡°My grandmother is a Wizard and taught me when she found out I was a part-Wizard Hybrid.¡±


    ¡°Most excellent.¡± Cheena said.  ¡°Swopik, your Warrior skills may be helpful, but do note that a Shaman is not a Guardian class.  As you train, try to remember that.  Your specialty will be as a ranged combatant and healing.  Melee is fine in a pinch, but it¡¯s important you change how you think. For you, Chown, your Magic Blast is very similar to the Lightning Blast skill that you will learn, so it may not be as useful to use it, I¡¯m afraid.


    ¡°I suspected as much,¡± Chown said, somewhat disappointed. ¡°I had been told that Shamans had many spells that did damage.¡±


    ¡°Xin, what about you?¡± Cheena asked.


    Xin cleared her throat.  ¡°Before I found out I was a Shaman, I trained many years to be a Spearmaster in our guard, much like Swopik in his militia.  As such, I have learned the skills of Multi-strike and Unerring Throw.¡±


    ¡°Fabulous, Xin!  One can easily incorporate a spear into a Shaman¡¯s combat style if done correctly.  Usually a Shaman uses a staff, but with your off-skills, we can change that easily.  After all, a spear is really just a skinny staff with a pointy end.  Do not forget, though, you are no longer a Striker.  Your focus is ranged combat and healing.  But should you ever need to fight hand-to-hand, and certainly some day that will happen, your spear training will shine.¡±


    ¡°This is good,¡± Xin said.  ¡°I am glad to know my previous training will be useful.¡±


    Cheena put on a thinking look.  ¡°You won¡¯t want to use a metal spear, though, or even a metal spear tip.  With your Animal Spirit form, anything you are wearing or holding must be natural material, or inside of something made of natural materials, or it drops to the ground.  I believe a natural stone tip on a spear might work, but I am not sure - we will have to test it.¡±


    ¡°What of my steel sword knowledge?¡± Swopik asked.  ¡°Swords are metal.  Or at least any decent sword.¡±


    ¡°You raise a good point, Swopik,¡± Cheena said.  ¡±You should think about moving away from your sword and shield style of fighting due to the same metal issue.  You could choose a staff or do like Xin and use a quality wood spear instead.  Otherwise, a sword would need to be made of something natural, like rare Ironwood, which is not nearly as strong as steel.¡±


    Swopik frowned.  ¡°It may be hard for me to learn a new fighting style.¡±


    ¡°You should unlock a Two-handed Combat perk as part of your new skills tonight,¡± Cheena said.  ¡°That will give you a solid foundation of knowledge to build on.¡±


    ¡°And if you wished to use spears, I would be happy to teach you a few more-advanced moves,¡± Xin added, trying to be helpful.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Swopik snarled at Xin. ¡°It¡¯s a disappointing limitation of this class.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Cheena said sympathetically.   ¡°However, the training with a compatible weapon type should come quickly, as you will have the perk.¡±


    Swopik grunted again, obviously frustrated, but let the conversation continue.


    Cheena took additional time to review when to meet for daily training as well as the instructions to wait for the Healers to assist with each recruit¡¯s Symbiote.  Conversation was light, and the Goblins seemed to open up with a little prodding from Cheena.  Xin still had the feeling she had done something wrong, though, as any answers to questions she asked any of the three Goblins were simple, one-word responses.


    As the Shaman recruits finished their orientation, Cheena gave each recruit a wood box with a blue and white circle painted on it.  Each had a small attached key.  Each recruit also received a satchel which contained sheets of parchment and charcoal sticks for drawing.  They rose as a group and Cheena wished them all the best, reminding them to report directly to their bunkhouses with their cases.


    Xin partially bowed to her.  ¡°Thank you again for your time.¡±


    Cheena smiled in return.  ¡°Thank you.  Have a pleasant evening.¡±


    Xin looked down at the wooden box in her hands, the small metal key dangling from its attached string.  Inside this box was the final change to her life.  So much time and energy devoted to being a Spearmaster, only to be replaced in just one day by the skills of a completely different class.  She shook her scaled head in disbelief, tinged with both a bit of sadness and even a bit of anger.  She understood that the Army had more use for her as a Shaman, but it made so much of her life feel wasted at the same time.


    For a brief moment, Xin wondered how the others, her new friends, were doing.  Vanis, who was stoic and strong of leadership.  He must be fine.  Nothing could phase him.  The Ogre, so large and frightening, but also gentle at his core.  He would be confused by the Druid trainer, and maybe still unsure what a Druid even was.  The beautiful Elf, Lena, well beautiful for being only female and having no scales, who washed her back and under her tail, but never said a word about how awkward the moment was. Lena would have no troubles.


    And then there was Callie, the Gnome.  Xin still could not figure out what to make of her.  She was obviously crazy in the head, there could be no doubt of that.  And her story about being from another world?  There¡¯s no way that could be real, could it?  She couldn¡¯t believe that Vanis and the others would actually believe it.  But if she told Vanis the truth, that she didn¡¯t believe Callie, she would lose her new friends. She¡¯d have to play along for now, help how she could, and if something dangerous were to come of the Gnome¡¯s story, she would go to the officers.


    Lost in thought, Xin exited the tent and started walking back to her bunkhouse; walking back to her new home.

 Chapter 10 Part 4 - Meet the Trainers - The Druids

    PART IV - MEET THE TRAINERS - THE DRUIDS


    Tazrok Thunderfist, reveling in his new name every time he thought about it, walked through the courtyard.  He didn¡¯t have to worry about stepping on anyone, because everyone cleared the way for him.  Still, he was careful and took his time.  His other friends had gone ahead, as had the pink-haired Little One Callie Gnome, but Tazrok was not concerned for their safety.  What safer place could there be than a military camp?


    Looking down at the small block of wood in his hands that signified his class, he marveled again at the colors.  Yellow, brown and white.  The colors of a Druid.  He still wasn¡¯t sure what a Druid really did, but seeing Kitty Lady change from a panther into a person and then into a bird had been an amazing part of the day so far.  And to think he would be able to to turn into animals, too!  He just couldn¡¯t wait!


    Tazrok pondered his question again and tried to think through it.  What exactly does a Druid do?  They are yellow, which means they are a Scout, and Scouts are sneaky, quiet types.  They could spy on others and report back to the elders.  They could go ahead to see what monsters a warband might encounter.  Maybe they could sneak up behind someone and bash their head in?  Tazrok didn¡¯t like the idea of that.  It did not seem honorable.  And he could not think of a way he could possibly ever be sneaky or quiet.  He was too big, after all.  Unless he was a cat, like Kitty Lady!  Even the really big cats could sneak around, after all.  Yes.  He would be a big cat, he was sure of it and would be able to sneak.


    His next color was brown.  Warrior.  He understood that color.  He had trained to be a Warrior all his life, so it was good that part of him still was.  But how could you be a sneaky Warrior?   Maybe another animal?  Well, he still liked the idea of being a bear.  And a bear could be pretty quiet.  But as he thought more about it, a bear was not quiet enough.  How about a wolf?  Yes!  They were very sneaky and could fight, too.  So certainly he must be a wolf.  Yes, a big, sneaky brown wolf, so he could hide amongst the trees.  That would be better than being a big cat.


    But his last color was confusing.  White was for Healer.  Tazrok knew what Healers were.  Ogre communities had Shamans that could heal if you were hurt, after all.  Shamans like the green Lizardkin at the tiny house!  She must be a Healer like Ogre Shamans.  That would also make him a Healer like Shamans.  But also different from them somehow, because he had to also be sneaky and strong.  How could he be a sneaky warrior and also heal?  Was there even an animal able to heal?  Tazrok thought very hard as he walked, and then it came to him.  A unicorn could heal you with its magic horn.  At least that is what his mother told him when he was a youngling.  So turn into a unicorn?  No, that didn¡¯t suit him at all!  They aren¡¯t big and strong like a Warrior should be, and their white color isn¡¯t very sneaky.  Tazrok frowned.   He needed a better heal animal than a frail and white unicorn.  What if he could combine animals?  He could be a wolf AND a unicorn.  So he would be a wolf with a healing horn.  That would be perfect.  He would be a big brown Wolficorn and fight and heal and do it sneakily!  Yes!  Tazrok the Wolficorn!


    Tazrok was absolutely confident he now understood everything about Druids he needed to.


    <hr>


    Eventually Tazrok saw the tent with the three Druid colors, and walked towards it.  In front of the tent were three people, an Elf and two Dwarves, speaking in a group.  The male Dwarf¡¯s back was to him, but the Elf and the female Dwarf noticed him approaching and both made a strange face.  The Elf touched the Dwarf¡¯s shoulder and started to walk towards the Ogre.


    ¡°Good day, Master Ogre.  This is the tent for Druids, I¡¯m afraid.  Are you lost?  Would you like assistance?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Tazrok said as he continued walking.


    Ahead, the male Dwarf turned around.  What was strange was that his Dwarf had no beard.  And then Tazrok remembered.  This was the bully Dwarf that hurt the Pixie!  The Dwarf¡¯s eyes got huge and he backed away.


    Tazrok didn¡¯t care about this Dwarf.  He did a bad thing, and he had been punished.  There was no more reason to do anything else.


    ¡°No, keep him away,¡± he said.  ¡°He¡¯s here to kill me!  Call the guards!¡±


    Tazrok looked at the tiny, beardless Dwarf.  ¡°No,¡± he said.  ¡°Am Druid.¡±


    ¡°What?  You can¡¯t be.  Wallir, he can¡¯t be a Druid.¡±


    ¡°No no,¡± the Elf said, moving in front of Tazrok again.  ¡°You must be mistaken.  Here, show me your class colors and I will help you get where you need to go.¡±


    Tazrok opened his hands and showed it to this Wallir Elf.


    ¡°Whoa.  Bratig, Melga, he has Druid colors!  Could he really be a Druid?¡±


    ¡°Am Druid,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Scry Elf and other scry Elf and Tree Lady and Kitty Lady all say it is so.  Gave me toy block with Druid colors.¡±


    ¡°Scry man?  Kitty Lady?¡± Wallir turned to the Dwarf who was still trying to keep the Elf between the Ogre.  ¡°What¡¯s a Kitty Lady?¡±


    ¡°He can¡¯t be a Druid,¡± the beardless Dwarf said.  ¡°This is a bad joke on me for pushing that Pixie.  The Ogre already did his thing.  Why the hell is he back for more?!¡±


    ¡°Stop sniveling,¡± Tazrok said glaring at Bratig.  ¡°Punishment over, unless you hurt small ones again.  So don¡¯t do that.¡±


    Melga shrugged.  ¡°I don¡¯t think this is a joke.  We can see what the trainer says, but what if he is a Druid?¡±


    ¡°Seriously, you¡¯re not here to hurt me more?¡± Bratig squeaked.  ¡°You swear?¡±


    ¡°Only if you are bad.  Am Corporal Punishment.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You sure are,¡± Bratig said, rubbing his previously-dislocated shoulder and not entirely convinced.  ¡°L-Look, I¡¯m really sorry about the Pixie.  I didn¡¯t mean to push her over.¡±


    Tazrok glared at the Dwarf. ¡°Not apologize to me.  Apologize to blue Pixie.  She hurt hard and deserve you grovel on knees.¡±  The Ogre pointed toward the Dwarf¡¯s chest, not poking it, but very close.  ¡°You hurt small one very bad.  Never do again.  Understand?¡±


    Bratig gulped.  ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Good.  Now we wait for Kitty Lady.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the kitty lady?¡± Wallir asked in confusion.  Then he asked Tazrok, ¡°Do you mean our instructor?  Is one of her forms a cat?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  Big kitty.  And hawk, too.  But also Kitty Lady.¡±


    ¡°He must mean the trainer,¡± Melga said.  ¡°She must have a cat form of some kind and a hawk form.  Maybe she¡¯s a Catkin, too?¡±


    ¡°What I said,¡± Tazrok said.


    <hr>


    There was a tree not far from the Druid tent, upon which sat a large golden hawk.  The hawk, who was not really a hawk, watched the Ogre arrive.  She had heard about what the Ogre had done to this Dwarf, who very much deserved what had happened, and wanted to see how her baby Druids would react.  She watched with her hawk eyes and listened with her hawk ears and was actually impressed by the Ogre.  He did not get angry, and he did not hold a grudge.  He simply told the Dwarf that it was over and to never do it again.  Not what the Hawk was expecting would happen, but happy that it did.  The Hawk wasn¡¯t really sure she liked being called ¡®Kitty Lady¡¯ when she was in that bipedal form, but it could be worse.


    Her other recruits seemed to be nothing special.  Two Dwarves.  An Elf.  She had taught their kind many times. They would be good Druids when she was done with them.  But the Ogre, she was eager to see what would happen. He was so thick-headed, though.  It was going to take a great deal of work.  The worm might help some, too.  But what if he could master his powers?  He would certainly be something interesting.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The hawk leaped from the branch, flapping her wings a few times to gain altitude.  She circled twice before aiming towards her new baby Druids.


    <hr>


    Tazrok saw the hawk watching them from the tree.  Watching them more than it should, in fact.  He thought and remembered Kitty Lady had changed into a hawk, so this must be her watching.  He watched the hawk fly from the tree and circle overhead and then make its way to the ground.


    The Hawk landed a few meters away and there was a shimmer of power as it melted into the standing form of the black-furred Catkin.  She started walking the remaining way towards the tent, noting the shocked looks on the faces of the Dwarves and Elf, but the completely unsurprised Ogre just stood there waiting.  That was interesting.


    ¡°Greetings Druids,¡± she said, and then added with no fanfare, ¡°Blocks please?¡±


    The Elf and Dwarves fished in their robes for their class token while the Ogre simply held out his hand, upon which sat his block.  His hand was so massive!  At least four times the size of her own paw.  Rowani collected the blocks, giving them a casual glance to confirm the colors, not that she had any doubts.


    ¡°Hello.  I am trainer Rowani,¡± she began, using her memorized welcome speech she had used for nine classes before this one.  ¡°Welcome to Druid training.  I have been told I am a hard instructor, but I am fair.  When your training is complete, you will be the single most-versatile combatant on the battlefield.  Only a Druid combines the powers of three classes into one Hybrid, and you are lucky enough to have this class.¡±


    Tazrok¡¯s attention was riveted on the Pantherkin, while the Elf and Dwarf looked at each other with an excited look on their faces.


    ¡°The way of the Druid is not easy.  You will need to master yourself before you will be able to become one with the world around you and control the very power of nature.  But a Druid is more than just a combatant.  You are a protector of the world, a defender of life, disciple of the Sun, the Moons and the Stars.  A messenger of balance, and a friend to nature.  No matter what may happen in the short term against the Demon Hordes, you must not forget who you are and what your responsibility to the world is after the war ends.¡±


    Rowani paused for effect, and to gauge the reaction of her pupils.  She was pleased to see all were paying attention.  Good.


    ¡°When we begin your training, we will first unlock your beast forms.  You will receive four of them.  One for Guardian, one for stealth, one for Striker, and one for flight.  At Bronze Tier, Druids will unlock a long-distance travel form, and at later tiers even unlock more than just these five forms.  Just know, the animal forms will choose you, you do not choose your animal form.  It is not completely random, but partially based on who you are in your soul and your closeness to the world around you.  The process involves a lot of careful meditation and will take an entire day to receive all forms.  Be prepared for the long hours of quiet reflection.  The better your connection, the better your form can be and the sooner it will come to you.¡±


    ¡°I will be Wolficorn,¡± Tazrok said.


    ¡°A ¡­ what?¡± Rowani said, stumbling over her speech''s cadence.


    ¡°Wolficorn.  Wolf sneak and fight.  Unicorn heal.  Combine to make Wolficorn.¡±


    Rowani took a moment to digest that.  While everything the Ogre had said in that statement was utterly wrong, the Ogre¡¯s thought process was actually quite interesting and creative.  She realized that she might be assuming the Ogre was slow and dumb, but maybe there was more to how he thought, and Druids were simply something outside of his experience.


    ¡°That is not at all how it works, Tazrok.   You don¡¯t combine forms, each is separate.¡±


    ¡°Not efficient, then,¡± the Ogre responded.


    ¡°True,¡± Rowani said slowly.  ¡°But that is how it works.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.  Too bad.  Not be Wolficorn then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not,¡± Rowani said dubiously, and then blinked hard to get back on track.  ¡°Once you have all your forms we will then start training in each of them, including skills you can use to cast spells when in your non-animal form.  Flexibility and adaptability is what a Druid brings.  You are able to fill any role needed at any time, and that makes you the best of the best.  Any questions?¡±


    No one said anything.


    ¡°Ok, introductions,¡¯ Rowani said, ¡°Give me your name and tell me any off-class skills you have.  You go first.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Bratig said.  ¡°Sure.  My name is Bratig.  I don¡¯t have any non-Druid skills, and just one Druid one.¡±


    ¡°Which one?¡± Rowani asked.


    ¡°Healing Berry,¡±


    ¡°Show me.¡±


    Bratig gulped and then closed his eyes to relax.  He held out his hand and concentrated.  Thin wisps of nature-green power swirled in his palm, coalescing into a small red berry.   Bratig breathed a sigh of relief that he hadn¡¯t botched the casting.


    Rowani snatched the berry out of his hand and sniffed it.  She took a quick bite, tasting the flavor and testing the healing magic present.  ¡°Not bad.  Can use some refinement, though, but I give it eight of ten.  Practice this more in your bunkhouse, but not outside of it unless on the training grounds.  These are very similar to healing potions.  You can not eat more than five or six of these before you will get potion sickness, so dump any excess berries into the latrine.¡±


    ¡°Yes trainer,¡± Bratig quickly said.


    ¡°And who are you?¡± the Trainer asked Melga.


    ¡°My name is Melga.  Melga Fireheart.  I am new to being a Druid, only two months, but I luckily learned one Druid skill somehow, and no off-class skills, unfortunately.¡±


    ¡°Which do you know?¡±


    ¡°Moonblast, Trainer Rowani.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, an attack spell!  Very good.  Remember, it is most effective at night, and with Dwarven Darkvision, that can make you quite effective.  You cannot show me here, but I look forward to seeing you use it on the training grounds.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Trainer.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Rowani asked Wellir.


    ¡°My name is Wellir and I¡¯m afraid I have no skills outside of my class.  I have unlocked my Entangling Roots skill, however.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t have you show me that one here either, so I¡¯ll take your word for it.  What about you, Tazrok, what skills do you know?¡±


    ¡°Know many.  Berserker Whirlwind and Enrage.  Also Barbarian Heavy Punch, Headbutt, Thunderclap, and Warstomp.  Don¡¯t know Druid skills.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± Bratig said.  ¡°He can use those as a Druid, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes he can,¡± Rowani said, slowly rubbing her furred chin, ¡°and possibly even in animal form as I don¡¯t believe they use mana.  We will have to test that when the time comes.  Your combat forms could be quite devastating if you can actually use them all.¡±


    ¡°Would be good then.  Still want to be Wolficorn, though.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Rowani said.  ¡°Just how it works.¡±


    Tazrok grunted in response, disappointment on his face.


    Rowani took a deep breath to clear the topic.  ¡°I will go over some basic information about tonight and tomorrow so you have no surprises.  When you use your Symbiotes tonight, practice your meditation.  Allow yourself to experience what is happening, even if it is strange.  The stronger your connection to your worm, the better your worm will be able to help you.  Don¡¯t let the Healers knock you out, you want to be awake.¡°


    ¡°How to med-i-tate?¡± Tazrok asked, slowly sounding out the word


    ¡°Uh,¡± Rowani began, completely unsure how to respond at that moment.


    ¡°You just sit still.  Let your mind go quiet,¡± Wallir said, a comforting tone in his voice.


    ¡°Sounds boring,¡± Tazrok scoffed.


    Bratig gave a snort of laughter, and then quickly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Tazrok,¡± Rowani began, ¡°when you meditate, think about the wind in the trees, water flowing in a small stream, and things that make you feel calm and relaxed.¡±


    ¡°Can do that.  Still sound boring.  May fall asleep.¡±


    Rowani patted his arm.  ¡°Just do the best you can.  We¡¯ll work on it together.¡±


    The Trainer spent the next fifteen minutes reviewing all the information the recruits needed to know such as the daily schedule for training.   Rowani also discussed how to treat their worms, that staff will assist in using them, and the drunken-like effects the recruits would have to contend with.  Wallir and Bratig looked a little pale, the color having drained from their faces, but Melga seemed undisturbed.


    Finally, once the Druid recruits had been given all the information they needed, Rowani retrieved a basket she had earlier set in the tent and handed each recruit their box.  ¡°I cannot warn you enough that these are the rarest and most-expensive Symbiotes in the world.  You will treat them with complete respect.  Do not, do not, do not open them until you are told to.  They will die within minutes.  You wait until someone comes to assist you.   Understood?¡±


    Everyone nodded.  The tiny box was so small in Tazrok¡¯s hand that Rowani worried he could crush it, but instead, the Ogre cupped his hand holding it, and then cupped his other hand over his first, forming a protective cocoon around the precious package.


    With that, the recruits left for their bunkhouses.  Rowani watched them all, taking stock of what she had to work with.  The Elf and the Dwarves all seemed good candidates.  All three had a skill, so they had a taste of Druid magic, and none seemed too over-eager or simply desiring the power.  Plus, they were attentive and respectful.  The Ogre?  That was such a tough read.  His Warrior background would make for an interesting combination of skills, and he seemed attentive and inquisitive, even about mundane things such as how to meditate.  That was good.  But still, an Ogre?


    She did realize one thing.  She had to stop thinking of the Ogre as a big, stupid brute.  He wasn¡¯t.  Yes, his speech was slow and missing words often, but he wasn¡¯t dumb.  It seemed more that he had limited world experience outside of the Ogre Warrior culture.  Thus, the idea of what a Druid is would simply be a hard adjustment for him.   Rowani was glad she realized now, early in the training.

 Chapter 10 Part 5.1 - Meet the Trainers - The Rangers (I)

    PART V - MEET THE TRAINERS - THE RANGERS (I)


    Callie and Jesca joked as they walked through the crowd of recruits, Thucax not far behind.  Callie knew she should be talking a lot less, but Jesca¡¯s joyful outlook was just so infectious.  In time, they all arrived at the Warrior row of tents.  So many huge and burly people.  Even the Elves, with their normally slim frames, sported tight muscles and calves that rippled with strength.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t imagine being considered a Warrior hybrid,¡± Jesca said.  ¡°It¡¯s been over a year since I got my class, and even with my unlocked Ranger skills, the idea of fighting is just strange to me.  I was always going to be a Scholar, I thought.  Or maybe a Scholar Hybrid.¡±


    ¡°Strange to me, too,¡± Callie said.  ¡°And I just learned about my class a few hours ago I guess.  Or at least the first I remember it.¡±


    A large Beastkin stepped into their path.  He was easily two meters tall with light-brown fur and ursine features.  There was a scowl on his face.


    ¡°What are you doing on Warrior Row?¡± he growled at Callie.  While not Ogre sized, this Bearkin was still huge.  The muscles in his bulging robe¡¯s sleeves seemed to strain for release and the teeth were sharp and seemed to flash in the sunlight.


    Callie looked around, seeing fear on Jesca¡¯s face and seeing Thucax had backed several meters away, seeming to want no part in the exchange.  She turned back to the gigantic man blocking their path.  She looked him in the eye, waved and simply said ¡°Hi!¡±  She wasn¡¯t afraid.  In fact, she was actually irritated.


    The muscled Bearkin glared down at the three Rangers.


    Callie couldn¡¯t think of anything else to say, but then quickly fished in her robes to fetch her class identification block.  She held it up, colors facing the giant.  ¡°We¡¯re looking for the Ranger tent.  Could you point the way?¡±


    The Bearkin glared down at the block of wood.  A tiny part of Callie was worried she was reading the situation wrong, and wondered if he might simply chomp off the end of her arm.  Hand, wood and all.  But she refused to back down.  They stared at each other and Callie counted the loud beats of her own heart.  One.  Two.  Three.


    ¡°Oh!  You¡¯re looking for the Ranger tent?  Why didn¡¯t you say so?¡±  The Bearkin¡¯s face brightened as he straightened.  ¡°I know it¡¯s that way, four of five tents I think.¡±  He gestured in the general direction the Rangers were already heading.  ¡°Have a nice day.¡±


    Jesca and Callie looked at each other, confused by the sudden mood change.  Jesca was still shaking in fear, and Thucax had backed way off to the side.


    The Bearkin turned, and started to walk back to the group of other oversized Warriors.


    ¡°Hey!  You!  Bear Guy!¡± Callie said sharply, anger in her voice and eyes narrowed to mere slits.


    ¡°What are you doing, Callie,¡± Jesca whispered.


    The big Bearkin swung around, staring in disbelief at Callie and stomped back over to her.  He towered above the Gnome, but Callie didn¡¯t flinch.


    ¡°What¡¯s with trying to scare us?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me.  You intentionally tried to scare us!  That was not cool!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t try to¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes you did.  You intentionally blocked our path and you snarled and you bared your teeth.  That will scare almost anyone that¡¯s smaller than you.  What¡¯s your name!¡±


    ¡°Koda.¡±


    ¡°Listen here, Bear Guy Koda!  Don¡¯t go scaring people for fun!  It¡¯s not nice!¡±


    Koda just stood there, completely dumbfounded.  Behind him, the other recruits were looking on in shocked silence as well


    Callie jabbed a finger towards him.  ¡°Just because you¡¯re frickin¡¯ bigger than somebody, doesn¡¯t give you the right to be a jerk to them.  Got it?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­¡±


    ¡°Got ¡­ it ¡­?¡° Callie said with a sneer, louder this time.


    ¡°Yes.  I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Good!  Now, thank you for the directions.  Have a nice day.¡±


    Callie reached up and took Jesca¡¯s still-shaking hand.  Still glaring at the confused Bearkin, she walked around him and continued down the row of tents.  Everyone was quiet and looking from the little Gnome to Koda and back again.  Thucax quickly jogged up to the two Rangers, sticking close.


    Behind the trio, there was a sudden burst of laughter and several people walked up to Koda, patting him on his back and shoulders.  Koda, for his part, just stared after the Gnome and her companions, utterly lost in confusion.


    ¡°Congratulations to Paladin Bear Guy!¡± someone yelled out, ¡°He almost defeated a Gnome!¡±


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Roars of laughter arose, followed by a chant of ¡°Bear Guy!  Bear Guy!  Bear Guy!¡±


    Callie for her part, just did her best not to smirk too hard, or worse, break down in a fit of giggles.  Then it occurred to her ¡­ she never really felt afraid.  Nervous, of course.  But the true fear that would lead to a flight-response?  She never felt that.  How odd.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± Jesca said in a loud whisper


    ¡°What?¡±


    Callie stopped, still holding Jesca¡¯s hand.  ¡°Listen, Jesca, I don¡¯t like bullies, and I don¡¯t like jerks.  Someone had to call him on that.¡±


    ¡°But he could have hurt you!¡± Jesca said earnestly.


    ¡°Bear Guy?  Nah, he¡¯s a pussycat,¡± Callie lied.  ¡°Come on, let¡¯s find our tent,¡± Callie added happily and started to pull Jesca down the row.  Behind them, there were still a few dwindling chants of ¡°Bear Guy!¡± rolling around.


    Jesca followed Callie¡¯s lead as she just dumbfoundedly looked at Thucax, who stared right back at Jesca, equally confused.


    <hr>


    The Ranger tent was three further down the row, and there appeared to be no one else there when Callie and company arrived.


    ¡°I guess we just wait,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Why did you do that?¡± Thucax asked Callie.


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°Call out that Bearkin, Koda, like that.¡±


    ¡°Somebody had to.  What he did was totally out of line!¡± Callie said, a tone of anger in her response.  ¡°If nobody stands up to him, he¡¯ll just keep doing it to other people.¡±


    ¡°Yes.  But he could have hurt you,¡± the Gnoll said.  ¡°And now he has a grudge against you.  He will be your enemy.  And you drew attention to yourself, so others will know of you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said.  ¡°Nah.  He¡¯ll laugh it off and be fine.  And more importantly, maybe the next time he doesn¡¯t act like that.¡±


    Thucax shook his furry head.  ¡°It is better to be invisible and anger nobody, than bring on so much attention.  I would think you would know that being just a small Gnome.¡±


    Callie looked the Gnoll in the eyes and wondered if there was more than just personality in that response.  Were Gnolls maybe simply predisposed to avoiding conflict and remaining unobtrusive?  The only other Beastkins she really knew were Jesca and Xin, and she hadn¡¯t seen anything racially unique to either of them outside of Xin¡¯s chameleon effects. And even the others she¡¯d met briefly like Thorn and Rowani just seemed like people, each with their own personalities.


    ¡°Rangers, correct?¡± a voice asked, and Callie turned to see yet another Beastkin had arrived.  This one was a golden-furred Tigerkin.  He was taller than both Jesca and Thucax and sported much heavier muscles than the lean Jesca¡¯s, although you could still see a spryness in his step.  ¡°The colors seem right, but then I saw the Gnome, so I¡¯m not sure if this is where I should be.¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Callie said happily.  ¡°Welcome to the Ranger tent.¡±


    The Tiger wore a confused expression.  ¡°I see.  And what class are you, Little One?¡±


    ¡°Ugh,¡± Callie groaned.  ¡°Am I going to go through this with everyone I meet?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Jesca said.  ¡°You¡¯re pretty strange.¡±


    ¡°Gee, thanks,¡± Callie said dryly.  Then, addressing the new arrival, ¡°Short answer, yes, I am probably a Ranger.¡±


    ¡°Probably?¡±


    Callie let out a whimper.  ¡°I have an Advanced Archery Perk but they couldn¡¯t find out what my class was, so they put me here.¡±


    ¡°Oh.  I see.  That is strange.¡±


    Callie shrugged.  ¡°It is what it is.  I¡¯m just going where I¡¯m told to.¡±


    ¡°A Gnome?  At the Ranger tent?¡± a new voice asked.  ¡°Am I in the correct place?¡±


    Callie let out an overly-dramatic wail.


    <hr>


    Everyone welcomed the newcomer, who introduced themself as Shul''an, and the Tigerkin introduced himself as Kiasess.  Callie, Jesca and Thucax likewise made introductions.


    Shul''an was a Beastkin, but of a new variant Callie hadn¡¯t seen before and had a strange accent to their speech.  They had features similar to Xin, but instead of scales, their skin was very smooth and taut.  Periodically, their long, forked tongue would flick out, which surprised Callie the first couple of times.  They were otherwise about the same height as Kiasess, with a lean, muscled build.  It was the colors that fascinated Callie, though.  Shul''an¡¯s skin was of the darkest jet black, except for random patches of dark reds.  Their eyes were likewise black, with no iris to be seen.  Emerging from under their robe, a heavy, muscled tail was visible, with the same two-color pattern as on their face and neck.


    ¡°I have to ask,¡± Jesca said, ¡°You¡¯re of Salamander origin, right?  I¡¯ve never seen one of your kind, only heard stories.¡±


    ¡°Of course they are,¡± Thucax chided.  ¡°Stop being rude.¡±


    Shul''an laughed.  ¡°No matter, my good Gnoll friend.  I know my kind are not from around here, so it is of little surprise she is unsure.  Yes, I am of Salamander origin, Fire Salamanders to be precise.  I come from the Great Oasis in the southern desert, and was a guard for a merchant expedition.  Alas, I was Conscripted, and realized I would never make it home to my own army before it would begin to take its toll, and this was the best chance for me to train and satisfy the Curse¡¯s requirements.  When this is over, I shall return and once again bathe in the boiling mineral waters of my home.¡±


    ¡°Is it true that Fire Salamanders can breathe fire?¡± Jesca asked quietly.


    ¡°Jesca!  You continue to be rude!¡± Thucax said, chiding her for a second time.


    Shul''an waved Thucax off dismissively and leaned in close, whispering loud enough for all to hear, ¡°Yes, we can,¡±  They straightened and then continued, ¡°but not completely.  Wild Fire Salamanders produce a flammable spit that will stick to whatever it may touch, and in their mouth is a small organ that will produce a spark, allowing it to be set alight.  Myself and my kin?  We can only produce the flammable spit, but have no natural way to ignite it.¡±


    Jesca¡¯s eyes were wide, and Callie realized her own were as well.  Fire breathing people!  Sort of, at least.


    The five chatted more and Callie talked about the bow that Master Trainer Thorn had given her and how it was enchanted to create arrows on demand.  Jesca and Shul¡¯an wanted to see the bow in action, but Callie declined saying there were too many people milling around and it would be a safety issue.


    Everyone was friendly.  Everyone but Thucax that was.  It wasn¡¯t that he was unfriendly, just seemed to have very little patience for people or for smalltalk, so he had a really strong aura of ¡®leave me alone¡¯ about him.  Questions from him were short, answers were often single-worded.  Callie could see that Jesca was doing what she could to make sure he was included, and that he was doing what he could to remain not included.


    Ten minutes later, Callie saw a Beastkin coming down the row of tents.  He had a bow slung over one shoulder and a smile on his face.  He was chatting to a heavily-muscled Dwarf with a spiked warhammer and a shield, who was also smiling.  The Dwarf waved a farewell and started walking to a group of three recruits in front of another tent, and the other continued down the row towards the Rangers.


    ¡°Hey, everyone, I think this is our trainer.  At least he has a bow.¡±


    The rest of the Rangers shifted and instinctively lined up as the bow-carrying Beastkin came into view of the tent.  He was a little shorter than Kiasess and Shul''an, with a red-furred whiskered face and black pointed ears.  His hugely fluffy tail of reds and blacks was fitted through a hole in his leather armor.  The tip of the tail was white and looked really soft.


    ¡°A fox!¡± Callie squeed in a whisper to herself, trying to hold the excitement.


    ¡°Shhh,¡± Jesca snapped.

 Chapter 10 Part 5.2 - Meet the Trainers - The Rangers (II)

    PART V - MEET THE TRAINERS - THE RANGERS (II)


    The Foxkin stopped in front of his group and removed his bow, setting it against the wall of the tent. He looked at what he had for new recruits.. Master Trainer Thorn had informed him that there was something special about his new class, but refused to share more, saying it was a ¡®surprise¡¯. The whole walk here, he had been eager to see what the surprise might be. He looked over his four recruits, and all were Beastkins, which was rare. Usually there is at least one Elf in the mix.


    The trainer evaluated each of his pupils. The two Catkins would make excellent Rangers. There was a Gnoll, who would be a little difficult to work with, but he¡¯d trained Gnolls before and could certainly do it again. But his last recruit was a Salamander. And not just any Salamander, but a Fire Salamander! He¡¯d only seen a few in his life, and had only ever trained one Salamander, and that one wasn¡¯t able to breathe fire! This would be new and exciting. Thorn was right, this really was a surprise.


    ¡°Good day everyone,¡± the Foxkin began, ¡°My name is Trainer Reynard, and I am your Ranger instructor for your time here. With hard work, study, and practice, I have no doubt you can leave this camp at least at Silver Tier, if not even low Gold tier. It won¡¯t be easy, but if you are willing to conquer the challenge, your life will be forever changed.


    ¡°Before we begin, just a little information about what we are doing here today. Largely, we will review what all is happening tonight and tomorrow, and how the training program will be organized and scheduled. Commandant Xera believes recruits should have as few surprises as possible, so they can concentrate on their class studies, and I agree with them. Should you have questions, please ask.¡±


    The Foxkin clapped his paws together in a display of excited readiness. ¡°So, to get started, I¡¯d like the four of you to introduce yourself and tell me about the skills you already know.¡±


    The four Beastkin recruits looked at each other, confused. They turned back to Reynard and Jesca said, ¡°Trainer Reynard, there are five of us.¡±


    Reynard¡¯s happy smile showed the briefest of cracks. ¡°Five?¡±


    Jesca gestured down and to her left, to where a smiling Callie was standing at something vaguely like attention, holding her new bright red bow upright in one hand, with the tip resting on the ground. The little Gnome waved, before adding a cheery, ¡°Hi!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Reynard asked. ¡°Which group are you supposed to be with and why aren¡¯t you there?¡±


    ¡°This one,¡± Callie said with a light tone.


    ¡°Seriously, where are you supposed to be?¡± Reynard asked again, this time with a sterner inflection.


    Callie¡¯s own smile faded just a smidge and her tone was slightly more icy. ¡°Here. I¡¯m supposed to be here.¡±


    ¡°This is not funny, Little One,¡± Reynard chided.


    ¡°And I¡¯m not trying to be. I¡¯m a Ranger, just like these four.¡±


    ¡°No. You¡¯re not. You must have the colors backwards.¡±


    Callie reached into her pocket and took out her wooden block. ¡°Are these your colors?¡± she said, still trying to keep a cheerful tone.


    ¡°Of course they are,¡± Reynard said, snatching the block from the Gnome¡¯s hands. ¡°Who did you steal this from?¡±


    ¡°Nobody. It was given to me when we did the registration intake thing earlier.¡± Callie was getting irritated now, but working to keep it off her face and keep her voice reasonably cheery. ¡°That¡¯s what they gave me and they told me to come here. So I¡¯m here.¡±


    Reynard looked up into the faces of his Beastkin students with confusion. ¡°This can¡¯t be.¡± A Gnome? Impossible! There was certainly a mistake. A practical joke by Thorn. Yes, that had to be it. This was the surprise, a joke at his expense. Well, he didn¡¯t have time for it.


    ¡°Little Gnome, please return to whomever is pulling this elaborate prank and tell them that, while I appreciate some good natured fun, I don¡¯t have time today.¡±


    Callie stood her ground and said nothing, narrowing her eyes slightly in challenge, but trying to keep a smile. All the other recruits shifted, as a group, one step away from her. Reynard just glared. ¡°This is not a prank,¡± she said flatly.


    ¡°Listen,¡± Reynard began through gritted teeth. ¡°I have been very pleasant up until now, but I simply don¡¯t have the patience for childish Gnome games. You are not a Ranger because it is not possible for a Gnome to be one. Now kindly go to the group you are supposed to be with.¡±


    Callie¡¯s return glare intensified. ¡°This is the class I am supposed to be with. And frankly I find your line of reasoning pretty racist.¡±


    Reynard placed his hands on his hips and stared spiked daggers at Callie. ¡°Listen here you Little Pip. I don¡¯t care what game you''re playing, or what mental problem you have going on in your thick pink head, but listen to me closely. You are not a Ranger, and you will never be one if I have anything to say about it!¡±


    Little Pip? Did that mean what it seems like it means?


    Callie gritted her teeth, struggling to maintain what was an obviously-fake smile. ¡°Jesca, is ¡®Little Pip¡¯ something bad?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­. It¡¯s not a nice thing to say.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡±


    Reynard and Callie both stood their ground, daring the other to back down.


    Callie drew in a slow breath. ¡°Listen to me, Mister Foxy McFoxface. So far today I have had my world turned upside down, have been harassed by Dwarves, have almost been seduced to death by a smoking hot green-skinned tree lady, been scryed twice and then had my skin set on fire so they could scry me a third time. I¡¯ve found out I have a curse that will kill me dead if I don¡¯t join this damn army. I¡¯ve been almost eaten by a giant spider in the showers, found out that my crotch is hot pink, and nearly pummeled by Bear Guy just trying to get here. And the day isn¡¯t even over, yet! I am here because Master Trainer Thorn tested me, gave me your damn brown and yellow chunk of wood, and told me to specifically report here. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it up with him, but I am not leaving.¡±


    Reynard just stood there for a moment, his eye twitching on his whiskered face. Foxy What-face? Then he knew how to catch this Gnome in a lie. ¡°How could Master Trainer Thorn possibly have tested you. There is no way you could use a longbow.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right about that.¡± Callie said.


    Reynard got a smug look on his face.


    Callie lifted the bright red bow. ¡°But see this? Once he knew I had an Advanced Archery Perk, he tested me with this. And then he gave it to me, knowing that regular bows would be too big for me to use.¡±


    Reynard¡¯s expression faltered for just a split moment. ¡°That is a children¡¯s toy.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie said, ¡°But it will still shoot stuff.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Show me.¡± Reynard looked around. ¡°Get an arrow and shoot that tree over there. I¡¯d lay odds you don¡¯t even hit it¡±


    Callie glanced at the tree. Behind it was another tent. There was no way to tell if it was occupied.


    ¡°I will absolutely do no such thing,¡± Callie sneered.


    ¡°Because you aren¡¯t able to?¡±


    ¡°No, you idiot. Because I have no way to know how hard that tree is, and if my arrow glanced off, it would fly right through that tent and could kill someone.¡±


    Reynard realized she was right on that. It was not a safe shot to take. He quickly looked around, and saw a stack of baled hay not far away. Pointing at the Tigerkin, he said ¡°You, get a quiver of arrows and one of the cloth targets from the tent and all of you come with me.¡± The Foxkin turned and stormed off.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°What a complete asshole,¡± Callie said quietly to herself, shaking her head in disbelief.


    ¡°What are you doing, Little One?¡± Thucax asked.


    ¡°Probably ruining my chances of getting a passing grade,¡± Callie said while Kaisess ducked into the tent. The Tigerkin soon emerged with a full quiver and a stiff piece of rolled up linen.


    <hr>


    The five Ranger recruits followed behind Reynard, who walked over to take a position approximately thirty meters from the hay bales. ¡°Take four arrows and hang the target,¡± he said to Kaisess. Quickly, Kiasess ran and hung the cloth, jabbing one arrow into each corner to hold it in place. The target was a series of four basic rings, with the center one painted red.


    Callie eyed the target and took a series of deep, cleansing breaths. She tried to will her heart to settle down and the pissed-off adrenaline in her blood to evaporate. Kaisess quickly ran back and joined the other four recruits, who were doing their absolute best to not be noticed.


    Callie started to raise her bow, but Reynard quickly interrupted. ¡°Your arrows?¡±


    Lowering the bow, she glared at Reynard. ¡°It¡¯s enchanted. Endless Arrows.¡±


    He said nothing and only scowled.


    Callie again took a deep breath. She envisioned in her mind the space from herself to the target. She saw the path the arrow would take. How the magical arrow would leave the bow. How it would fly true through the air. How it would hit the target dead on. She did all this and then in one single fluid motion, raised her arm straight and her draw elbow high. She pulled the string and again marveled as the ghostly arrow seemed to simply spring into existence. The string reached the exact right spot and the two fingers holding it flexed just the tiny amount needed for the bow to spring to life. The magic arrow launched, showing minimal arc at this short range, as it ripped through the distance.


    For Callie, time seemed to stop. The arrow hung in the air, neither moving nor stopping its flight. In her mind, she traced the path it would take. She saw how the magical feathers would make the arrow stabilize as it spun. And she could see where on the target it would pierce. Just above and to the left of the red center circle.


    ¡°Dammit,¡± Callie groaned. ¡°High to the left.¡± She glanced at Raynerd.


    ¡°Again,¡± he said, no tone at all in his voice.


    Again, Callie began to raise the bow into position, noticing that the arrow in the target was fading away into a smoke-like mist.


    ¡°No,¡± Reynard said. ¡°On my cadence.¡±


    Shit! Callie hated cadence drills. But, she actually didn¡¯t need to use an arrow with this bow, so that would make for a much faster shooting rate and, more importantly, less chance to fumble or drop an arrow.


    ¡°What are your cadence words,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Nock, Aim, Draw, Loose, Down. We can forgo the Nock, apparently.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    There was a long pause.


    ¡°Aim¡± - Callie quickly brought the bow into position.


    ¡°Draw¡± - Callie pulled the string.


    ¡°Loose¡± - Again the arrow leapt from the bow, hitting the target in the lower-right red.


    He did not call ¡®down¡¯, so Callie, having played this game, kept the bow in position.


    ¡°Draw, Lose¡± - A quick shot this time. Again the arrow hit the target. Seven o¡¯clock low - dammit.


    ¡°Down¡± - she dropped the bow to a ready stance.


    Callie could see what he was going to do. This was going to become a game of Simon Says. He wanted to trip her up. To fluster her. Well, she wasn¡¯t going to let him. This asshole wasn¡¯t going to tell her what a girl from Chicago couldn¡¯t do!


    ¡°Aim Draw¡± - Callie snapped the bow up and pulled the string. It hung on the end of her fingers, begging to be released. Her right arm, all the weight now pulling on it, started to whine with inaction and fatigue. A bead of sweat trickled down her temple.


    ¡°Loose Draw - The arrow slipped free. Three o¡¯clock close. Back to the drawn position.


    ¡°Aim¡± - She slowly brought the string back to a neutral state, the magical arrow fading into a mist. Well, at least it was good to know what happened to the arrow in that case.


    ¡°Draw Loose Draw Loose Draw Loose¡± - Three cycles, no aiming. Nine o¡¯clock close. Twelve o¡¯clock center. Five o¡¯clock low - dammit.


    ¡°Down¡± - Callie did so and eyed Reynard. He was simply staring downrange, rubbing his foxlike chin.


    ¡°Aim¡± - Callie did again, vowing not to lose her rhythm.


    ¡°As fast as you can, Loose!¡± Oh you clever fuck! She did nothing. He had not said to draw. She watched his face, and for a brief moment, his eyes glanced at hers and they locked.


    ¡°As fast as you can, Draw and Loose.¡± And so she did. Pull and loose. Again. And again. And again. A new loose every second or two. Callie lost count of how many times she shot an arrow. Dozens for sure. She had seen where they hit, but everything was happening too fast to track. But again and again the cloth target fluttered from a strike, each arrow sprouting from the target for a few seconds before it faded into nothing.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Reynard said. She did, still aiming. Her arms were getting exhausted, but this guy wasn¡¯t going to win. She was really sweating now, the water running down her neck. Her breathing was getting heavy and her arms were starting to feel rubbery.


    ¡°On the move this time. Begin slowly walking to your right. Draw and Loose as quickly as you can.¡±


    What a colossal prick! She must have just shot fifty times Sixty? Seventy? More? She¡¯d lost count. Now he wanted it again?


    Callie took a breath, trying to push aside the anger. Feeling she had to show this McFoxface asshole how they do things in her town. She looked at the ground, the path she would walk, to be sure there was nothing in the way to trip over. She began to move. She began to shoot. She became Machine Gun Callie. Draw. Loose. Draw. Loose. Draw. Loose. Every second, in a rhythm. She mentally screamed at the target, willing it to be struck. Her hair fell in her eyes, but she shook her head to get it out of the way. Dammit, that arrow missed the target completely, hitting the cloth outside the rings. But she didn¡¯t stop. Again and again and again she pummeled the target. Twenty? Forty? Who could know.


    ¡°Hail, Trainer Reynard!¡± a voice said. but she barely heard it. Callie¡¯s only focus was to launch her magic arrows the Chicago Way; totally and utterly without remorse. Draw. Loose. Draw. Loose. Draw. Loose.


    ¡°Stop! Down!¡± came the voice. That mocking, Gnome-hating, doubting voice. She stopped. She returned the bow to its ready position. She was panting. Her arms burned and felt like limp spaghetti. The spaghetti she should be eating with her mother. Not now! Break down later!


    Sweat was pouring down her forehead and cheeks in streams. She could feel it sliding down her back. With all her body motion, her robe had come loose and fallen open as she shot over and over, but she didn¡¯t care. Let them look. Let them see her tiny Gnome tits and fire-pink pubes. She had beat this racist jerk. Her father had taught her to never let someone tell her what she couldn¡¯t do, and she had proved him right. And that was all that mattered. In this moment, she had made her father proud.


    ¡°That was impressive,¡± a familiar voice said quietly to Reynard, but loud enough for Callie¡¯s hearing to pick up, even over the pounding in her ears. Callie turned to see Master Trainer Thorn standing next to the Foxkin. Her chest heaving in exhaustion. Her robe fluttering open in a blessedly cool breeze. She didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Surprising, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Reynard agreed.


    ¡°Surprising? Reynard, how many times did she shoot?¡± Thorn asked in disbelief. ¡°I know you kept track.¡±


    ¡°One-Hundred twenty-eight.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding me? At that pace? That¡¯s brutal. How many times did she hit the target?¡±


    ¡°One-Hundred twenty-seven.¡±


    ¡°And how many were in the red?¡±


    ¡°One-Hundred four.¡±


    Thorn put a hand on Reynard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°One hell of a surprise, isn¡¯t she. Honestly, I just thought she had really good form, but that was ¡­ something.¡±


    Reynard looked at Callie, still standing there panting. Still glaring at him. ¡°Recruits, return to the tent, all of you. I will join you shortly.¡±


    ¡°Reynard, let¡¯s talk for a moment,¡± Thorn said in a low voice.


    Callie slowly turned towards her four fellow Recruits in a daze. They stood in a cluster, mouths agape, at a total loss for words. Behind the four stood at least two dozen more recruits, including Bear Guy, all wearing their cult-like white robes, most huge and burly and from Warrior Row. They had all watched. They all saw her now, half-naked, angry, and victorious. They said nothing, too.


    Callie took a step, and then another. One step in front of another. She just needed to make it to the tent. There would be somewhere to sit, she was sure. She was exhausted.


    Quickly Jesca was at her side. ¡°You¡¯re showing everybody the good stuff,¡± she said quietly as she pulled Callie¡¯s robe closed and tied it again. ¡°You did great, by the way.¡±


    The Cheetahkin waved someone over, and Kiasess came running up. ¡°Carry her,¡± she said. ¡°She just needs to rest a bit.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Tigerkin said in return as he effortlessly scooped Callie up. Jesca pried the bow from Callie¡¯s stiff fingers.


    The Ranger Five parted the lingering observers and made their way back to the Ranger tent. Kiasess ducked through the open tent flap and set Callie down on one of the pillows, Shul''an appeared next, handing her a waterskin. Callie drank a sip, and then another, and then a heavy gulp. She poured more over her head and rubbed her hands roughly against her wet face and hair, before flopping backwards with a groan. She lay there for a good two minutes, nobody saying anything.


    ¡°I think I speak for us all,¡± Shul''an finally said, ¡°you were amazing.¡±


    Callie took a deep breath and held it, finally getting her breathing fully under control, but not sitting up. ¡°Thanks? I just wanted to show that guy he was wrong. I had to.¡±


    ¡°No doubt that you did that,¡± Thucax said. ¡°Whether he will admit it¡­¡±


    ¡°I know his kind,¡± Callie said, waving her hand in dismissal. ¡°He¡¯ll find some minor thing to critique me on and then go on like nothing has happened. But I know he was wrong. He knows he was wrong. And most importantly, he knows I know he knows. People like him don¡¯t apologize.¡±

 Chapter 10 Part 5.3 - Meet the Trainers - The Rangers (III)

    Chapter 10 Part 5.3 - MEET THE TRAINERS - THE RANGERS (III)


    Reynard walked up to the tent, his emotions still swirling.  He wanted to blame his old friend Thorn, but deep down he couldn¡¯t.  It started as a minor joke, Thorn thought it would be a fun surprise to not tell him about the Gnome.  But Reynard had let it get out of hand.  Even if the girl had been totally out of line talking back like that, it was he that let it escalate multiple times.  How did she get to him like that?


    Thorn had quickly filled him in on her background after the Ranger recruits had returned to the tent.  The Gnome¡¯s lack of memory until this morning.  The strange lack of class while still having an Advanced Archery perk.  He wanted to object to giving her a Ranger worm.  They were too rare, he thought, and they only had the five left.  It was foolish to use them all.  But the accuracy she had just shown gave him pause.  One-hundred four of one-hundred twenty-eight actually in the red, some while moving?  Without any skills?  Was it really going to be a wasted worm?  And even if it didn¡¯t work, it would be reusable in a few months, so no real risk, right?


    As he approached the tent, he could hear his recruits talking.  That was good, at least, they were coming together as a team right from the start.  Maybe it was in hatred of him, but it was something.   Then he heard those harsh words:  ¡°... people like him don¡¯t apologize.¡±


    It was the Gnome, he knew that voice now.  He had planned to go in and maybe critique her form or the one arrow that missed the target, or something else petty, and then just go back to training like nothing had happened..  But now he had a better plan.  He¡¯d do exactly what she didn¡¯t expect, and that would let him win this round.  Or at least not lose it.


    <hr>


    Trainer Reynard entered the tent to find his recruits seated around the Gnome.  She was lying on her back, hair and face wet.   He cleared his voice and moved to take a seat on the other side of the tent while the recruits all turned to look at him.  It suddenly occurred to him how young they all were, or maybe he was finally getting old.


    Reynard cleared his throat again.  This was going to be awkward.  Sighing, he cleared his throat one last time.  ¡°I could make an excuse for how I behaved.  But it would be a hollow one.¡±


    Callie sat up, but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t even the first day of real training,¡± Reynard said, ¡°and I¡¯ve shown you a side of myself that, honestly, I didn''t know existed.  I was vindictive and petty and deserve the shame I feel.¡±


    He turned his eyes to look directly at Callie.  ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    Callie blinked.  Then blinked again.


    ¡°Can you forgive me?¡±


    Callie took a deep breath and returned Reynard¡¯s gaze.  ¡°No, I can¡¯t,¡± she said flatly.


    The rest of the recruits each let out a little gasp.


    Callie held up her finger.  ¡°I can¡¯t forgive you today.  I am too angry.  It would not be sincere.  But, I will forgive you another day, when you can admit that I am a Ranger.¡±


    Reynard gave a weak smile.  ¡°I believe that is fair.¡±


    ¡°But never ¡­ and I mean never ¡­ call me a ¡®Little Pip¡¯ again.  Got it?¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± was all he could say.


    <hr>


    Outside the tent, Master Trainer Thorn listened to Reynard and his students.  Thorn had expected his friend to just pretend nothing had happened.  Yet, this surprise apology was remarkably sincere, more-so than he had ever seen from his friend, who was not one to do so easily.   Recruit Calliope Archer¡¯s response was peculiar, as well.  No pressured instant forgiveness in return, but a response re-emphasizing her justifiable anger.  A response that stated simply that the wound would heal in time, just not immediately.  It was an equally heartfelt response, and he actually admired her for standing up to his friend.


    Thorn shook his own head.  He had told Renard that his new training group had a special student.  A unique challenge.  When pressed, he had simply pushed the surprise.  It had been a mistake, apparently.  Reynard thought he was talking about the Salamanderkin.  Perhaps, though, the final outcome could still be positive?


    He thought back to the spectacle on the makeshift shooting range.  The little Gnome, wielding his son¡¯s magical toy, shooting over and over without slowing and without faltering, that stare of certainty in her eyes.   He had certainly seen that kind of accuracy before, but never in a recruit on day zero, or really before day zero.  He hated to step in and force Reynard to stop, but once the Gnome¡¯s clothing had fallen open, it needed to happen.  She hadn¡¯t stopped though.  Modesty be damned, the Little One simply would not stop.  There was fire in that heart of her¡¯s.


    The Master of Trainers changed his mind about making an appearance in the Ranger tent, turned, and quietly slipped away.  There were other duties to attend and this situation had resolved itself.  Even now, down the Warrior Row of tents, he could hear what sounded like a bunch of recruits getting rowdy.  Probably the Berserkers.  Best to walk by and tamp it out, before something happened.


    <hr>


    Reynard cleared his throat.  ¡°If we can, I¡¯d like to return to the items we need to cover today.  It shouldn¡¯t take long and then you will all return to your bunkhouses for the evening.  To begin, I¡¯d like to get some proper introductions and understand what skills you may have already unlocked, especially off-class skills.¡±  He gestured at Thucax.  ¡°Would you begin.¡±


    Thucax sat up straight.  ¡°I am Thucax.  Unfortunately I have not unlocked any Ranger skills, or any others either.  My parents are merchants and I work for them, so it has not been important for me to pursue studies in my class, and no skills have come to me in my sleep.  Unfortunately, I was Conscripted, so now I am here.  Once I can, I will return home to take over our business.¡±


    ¡°What kind of merchants?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°We operate several warehouses to facilitate trade.  We will make and receive deliveries, act as escrow agents, and the like.  Larger cities would not function well without our type of services to keep trade organized.¡±


    ¡°Oh!  That¡¯s really interesting,¡± Callie said, almost using the term ¡®cool¡¯.  ¡°I love numbers and logistics like your business does.¡±


    Thucax¡¯s eyes lit up as he realized he had something more in common with the little Gnome, besides both apparently being Rangers.  ¡°We must talk some time.  I would love to share more of what we do with you.¡±


    ¡°And you?¡± Reynard said, retaking control and gesturing to Kiasess.


    ¡°Of course,¡± the golden Tigerkin said, ¡°I am Kiasess and I have only been a Ranger for a very short time, less than three months, so I have not unlocked any Ranger skills.  However, I do have a perk called ¡­ ¡®Par-coor¡¯.¡±  He slowly sounded out the unfamiliar name.  ¡°The Scryer stated it would allow me to run on walls and jump over things, but I do not know exactly what it does.  It just unlocked for me two weeks ago while I was asleep.¡±


    Reynard nodded.  ¡°It is a perk some Scout Hybrids and Specialists will receive. and is very much like you were told.  I¡¯ve seen some Catkin Rangers receive it at higher levels as a melded skill as well.  With practice, you can use this perk to run up walls, slide under low things, and jump over others without slowing.  It is surprising you received it at Iron, though, so count yourself lucky.  I will make sure you get some training time with another group that uses that perk, likely the Duelists.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Trainer Reynard.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go next!¡± Jesca jumped in.  ¡°My name is Jesca, and as you can see I¡¯m a Cheetakin.  I¡¯ve had the Ranger class for about one year, and have picked up two Ranger skills.  Multi-shot and Sniper Shot.  I don¡¯t have any off-class skills, though.  I¡¯m super excited to be here, though and look forward to getting to know all of you.¡±


    ¡°Excellent.  You will have a head-start on the others with those two skills,¡± Reynard said.


    ¡®My Sniper Shot isn¡¯t very good, though,¡± Jesca said.  ¡°I run out of mana too quickly.¡±


    ¡°Practice will get you more efficiency.¡±


    ¡°I hope so.  It¡¯s not much good if I can only use it once or twice.¡±


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    Eyes turned to the dark Salamander.


    ¡°Me?  Oh, yes,¡± they began.  ¡°I go by Shul''an and I hail from the Great Oasis.  Until I was Conscripted, I was a guard for merchant caravans and probably delivered to and from the very warehouses that Thucax¡¯s family owns.  When I was Cursed, there was not time to return to my homeland, so I had little choice but to come here.  I have been a Ranger for six years now and have unlocked several Ranger skills.  Multishot, Sniper Shot, Burst Shot, Flare and Eagle Eye.  Also Homing Shot and Rain of Arrows.  I also have a skill called Earthen Wall, which I think comes from the Geomancer class.  I can raise a wall of sand or soil for protection.  Finally, I have learned the Wizard skill called Burning Hands, which I use to set alight my flammable spit.¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Reynard said.  ¡°Your Earthen Wall is indeed a Geomancer skill.  Where did you learn it?¡±


    ¡°We had a Wizard, or he may have been a Geomancer, who would travel with us occasionally when he wished to visit the city.  He used it once and I asked him to teach me.  However, I am not very proficient with it and need more practice.  As for Burning Hands, I saw its usefulness since our ¡®Kin don¡¯t have the spark gland, so I hired a Wizard to instruct me some time ago.  I am not efficient with it at all, but I don¡¯t need to use it much as I am only able to spit twice, or three times if I am very lucky.¡±


    Reynard could see uses for both off-class skills as part of a Ranger¡¯s combat style.  ¡°Quite the variety of Ranger skills, and some are Bronze Tier.  How long ago did you rank up?¡±


    ¡°About eighteen months ago.¡±


    ¡°Very good work on your own.  Are you fighting with two swords or one?¡±


    ¡°With two.  I have practiced for many years, and have been told my technique is good, but I have no specific melee skills.¡±


    ¡°Rangers don¡¯t get any skills, only the Dual-Wield and Ambidextrous perks.  No specific melee skills that is.  Sword fighting isn¡¯t our strong suit, but we can hold our own.   We¡¯ll be practicing routinely with other dual-wielding classes at first, and eventually all of them.  In time, learning a few off-class melee skills may be helpful for you, although you won¡¯t have time here in the next eight weeks.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Trainer Reynard.¡±


    Reynard turned to Callie.  ¡°What of you, Calliope?  As I understand, you have neither class, nor skills, correct?¡±


    The little Gnome straightened.  ¡°My name is Callie Archer,¡± she began, emphasizing her chosen first name.  ¡°I know, it¡¯s an ironic last name considering my class, or my possible class.  To just be upfront with all of you, there¡¯s some weirdness about me.  Jesca knows the story, and maybe Trainer Reynard, but I will give you all the short version.¡±  She went on to tell the tale about how she woke up earlier that day with no memory and no idea where she was.  She talked about how Lena and Tazrok and the others rallied to her aid and they were now housing together.  She talked about being scryed, twice, and then the painful deep scrying.  About how she had a ¡®void¡¯ where her class should be, no skills, yet still the Advanced Archery perk.


    ¡°So that display you put on earlier?  That was all from only a perk?  No Ranger skills at all?¡± Shul''an asked.


    Callie shrugged.  ¡°Maybe they are hidden like my class, but I wasn¡¯t consciously doing anything to use them if they are.  I just shot the target.  A lot.¡±


    Reynard shifted uncomfortably in his seat.


    ¡°So, you might not actually be a Ranger, then?¡± Kiasess said.


    Callie shrugged again.  ¡°Master Trainer Thorn is pretty sure I am, since it¡¯s the only class with the Advanced Archery perk.  But I guess we¡¯ll find out.¡±


    <hr>


    The six in the Ranger tent talked more.  Shul''an spoke of fighting huge Sand Snakes in the desert and Kaisess spoke of his sister, a Wizard, who had been Cursed six months previous and was already in the south fighting at the front.  He hadn¡¯t heard from her in some time and was worried, but also confident she could take care of herself.


    Reynard reviewed the schedule of things for the next few days, where to meet and what to bring from the breakfast tables as additional snacks for the day.  Several times Callie attempted to interrupt, only to get a firm ¡°Let me get to that,¡± from Reynard.  Eventually, Jesca just put her hand over Callie¡¯s mouth every time it looked like she was about to say something.  Callie really didn¡¯t mind.  She felt it was all in fun and it was nice the tension of earlier had mostly abated.


    ¡°We¡¯re just about done here.  I¡¯m going to send you all back to your houses so you can start the process to get your skills. For now, just relax until the staff comes to your bunkhouse to assist you.¡°


    Callie literally bit her tongue to keep from asking questions as Jesca gave her a warning look.


    ¡°It will be a long night, but rest and you¡¯ll be fine in the morning.¡±


    A tall Elf poked his head through the tent doorway.  ¡°Trainer Reynard?  Good, you¡¯re still here.  We have a situation and most of the trainers have finished and left.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know.  The usual.  A bunch of Dwarves are getting heated.  Someone started shoving and it¡¯s about to turn into something ugly.¡±


    ¡°Berserkers?¡±  Reynard asked.


    ¡°Berserkers versus Barbarians this time.¡±


    ¡°Shit!  Give me one minute,¡± Reynard said.


    Turning to his recruits, he hurriedly said, ¡°Normally I¡¯d talk you all through this, but if I don¡¯t help stop this it could turn into something and people will get hurt.  Each of you, give me your class identification block.¡±  He reached into a basket sitting on the ground next to him and started handing each recruit a small wooden box, taking their block in exchange.  Each box was painted with a large brown and a small yellow circle, and had an attached length of string with a small key on the end.  Reynard noticed he had received five small boxes in his basket from Logistics, and realized he¡¯d never counted when they were issued to him.  Had he known there was a fifth recruit, it wouldn¡¯t have come as such a shock to him, and everything that had happened would have been different.  A foolish oversight on his part.


    ¡°You have mine already,¡± Callie said as she took the box from the trainer.


    ¡°I do?  Oh, right.  Again, everyone is to take these directly to your houses.  Put it straight into your footlocker and wait for one of the Healers to come by and assist.  Talk to your other housemates, they all received the same additional information that I need to skip, and can give you the details.¡±


    He rose from his seat and started for the door.  Pausing a moment, he turned and said ¡°I¡¯ll see you all the day after tomorrow.¡±  With that, he ducked out, the sound of yelling coming through the open flap..


    ¡°That was ¡­ abrupt,¡± Jesca said after a moment.


    In the distance, someone roared out a string of expletives, which was quickly followed by the sound of something being smashed.  Immediately, that was followed by something heavy hitting the outside of the tent.


    ¡°Um, let¡¯s maybe get the hell out of here?¡± Callie said, quickly jumping to her feet and grabbing her bow.


    The five ran out of the tent.  To their left, at least six Dwarves were squared off into two groups.  Some held long chunks of wood, while others were holding up their fists in a boxing stance.  All were yelling and cussing.  Reynard was trying to wade through the mess and keep everyone separated.


    ¡°That way!¡± Shul''an said, pointing in the direction opposite the melee.  ¡°Run!¡±


    And they ran.  Callie¡¯s short legs made keeping up difficult, but both Jesca and Shul''an slowed enough to match her stride.  There was another crash behind them, followed by the sound of cracking wood.  A piece of something flew over their heads..


    ¡°This is crazy.  Everyone, just go to your bunkhouses.  We¡¯ll reconnect tomorrow,¡± Kiasess said over his shoulder, waving his hand in a vague go-that-way motion towards the housing area of the camp.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Callie yelled, still running.


    By this point, they were far enough from the chaos to not be in danger of being dragged into it or hit by anything, but their nerves were shattered and they half-ran and half-walked the rest of the way.


    Panting, they reached the garden area and started to split up.   At the fountain, Jesca was just about to walk towards her own house, but stopped and turned to Callie.  She got down on one knee and embraced the little Gnome in a deep hug.  Confused, Callie returned it.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± Callie asked.


    Jesca shrugged.  ¡°I just thought you could use a hug.  See you later?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, and then asked, ¡°Jesca, I got that it¡¯s a bad word to call someone from context, but what does ¡®pip¡¯ mean?¡±


    Jesca got a nervous look on her face.  ¡°It¡¯s really considered an insulting word to call Gnomes, Goblins, Pixies and Sprites.  Now that I think about it, really any race that¡¯s shorter than a Fairy.¡±  Then she whispered, ¡°It¡¯s short for ¡®pipsqueak¡¯.¡±


    Callie just stared at the Catkin, dumbfounded.  ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  It¡¯s a really bad thing to call Little Ones.¡±


    Callie was going to make some snarky remark, but then realized that it wasn¡¯t Chicago, and the racially-insulting words here would be different than back home.  ¡°Good to know, then,¡± she finally said.  ¡°Everyone keeps calling me Little One.  I assume that¡¯s a better name for Gnomes?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes.  It¡¯s an endearing name for Gnomes.  And Goblins, too.¡±


    ¡°But what about the other short races?  Like Sprites or Pixies or Fairies?¡± Callie wondered.


    ¡°Well, Fairies are taller than Gnomes, so they aren¡¯t so little.  I suppose Sprites and PIxies could qualify, but nobody ever calls them that.  I wonder why?¡±


    ¡°So if someone calls me Little One, I shouldn¡¯t feel insulted by it.¡±


    ¡°No!  Not at all.  It¡¯s a good term,¡± Jesca assured.


    ¡°Okay.  I sort of got that from context, too, but I just wanted to be sure.¡±


    Jesca gave Callie an additional final hug and ran off her own way.  Callie turned to face the extra-sized bunkhouse looming ahead.   Callie muttered to herself, ¡°I can¡¯t believe I''m living with two Elves, an Ogre and a Lizard ¡­ girl?  Lizardguy?  What gender is Xin?¡±


    The little Gnome walked up the steps to the smaller door, inset in the larger ogre-sized one, and walked inside.  Everyone was here.  Her new found family, only hours old, but her best friends in this whole wide brand new world.


    ¡°Hey, everyone.  I¡¯m home!¡±

 Chapter 10 Part 6 - Whats in the Box?

    PART VI - WHAT''S IN THE BOX?


    ¡°Callie!¡± Lena said, rushing towards the Gnome. She dropped to one knee and hugged her, much like Jesca had just done in the garden.


    ¡°Uh, hi, Lena,¡± Callie said, returning the hug. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah, I¡¯m fine. I was just worried about you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Lena straightened. ¡°I ¡­ just was.¡±


    ¡°Callie, put your box in your footlocker. It¡¯s delicate.¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Why? What is it?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s very, very valuable.¡±


    ¡°Like, how valuable?¡± she asked, walking to her locker.


    ¡°People would kill for that.¡± Vanis said flatly.


    Callie halted and looked at the Elf. ¡°You¡¯re serious.¡±


    ¡°Very much so.¡± Vanis replied. ¡°Please, place it inside.¡±


    Hesitantly, now suddenly feeling like she was carrying a piece of fragile crystal, she opened the chest at the end of her bed. She tried to reach the bottom, but her arms were too short, and the box would drop a few centimeters if she let go. ¡°Lena, I need a hand here. I can¡¯t reach.¡±


    Immediately, the Bladedancer was at Callie¡¯s side. She held the chest¡¯s lid open with one hand and took the box from Callie with the other. She set it on the bottom with a soft thump, and then handed the lid back to Callie so she could close it.


    ¡°Thanks, Lena.¡± Callie said softly. She turned to the rest of the group. ¡°Now, can someone tell me what is in these boxes that is so valuable?


    ¡°Your trainer didn¡¯t explain them to you?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°No. A fight broke out and we all had to run before he could get around to it. He said to ask all of you to explain it.¡±


    ¡°A fight?!¡± Tazroc said, standing up. ¡°Must go!¡±


    Vanis stepped in front of the Ogre before he could take more than two steps. ¡°Wait, Tazrok. They will come and retrieve you if they need you.¡±


    ¡°But, am Corporal Punishment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but we were also all told to stay inside.¡±


    ¡°Major Celeste, she¡¯s my trainer, is in charge of security,¡± Lena said. ¡°She¡¯ll see it¡¯s broken up.¡±


    ¡°You talked to the Major again?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°Yeah, as I mentioned, she¡¯s my Trainer. Apparently the old Bladedancer trainer quit, so she¡¯s covering both Camp security as well as teaching my group. She¡¯s high Gold Tier, so I¡¯m sure she knows what she¡¯s doing.¡±


    ¡°If she is Gold Tier,¡± Xin said, ¡°Then surely she can break up any fight between Iron Tier recruits. Tazrok, I would not worry.¡±


    ¡°It was just a bunch of Dwarves apparently. Reynard, that¡¯s my trainer, he¡¯s a Foxkin by the way, and kinda racist, implied this happens often. Berserkers versus Barbarians, or something like that.¡±


    Everyone else in the room put their hands to their faces and groaned out the word ¡°Dwarves¡±.


    ¡°Question for all of you,¡± Callie started to ask, changing the subject. ¡°What exactly are ¡®tiers¡¯? I keep hearing them mentioned, but I¡¯m not sure what it means. I¡¯ve heard references to several different types of metals.¡±


    Lena attempted to clear the confusion. ¡°Tiers are a ranking system used to categorize the power of a person, or their skills. We are all Iron tier, the lowest one. It means we have very little training and what skills we have are very weak or poorly trained. At some point, we would become capable enough to rise to the Bronze tier, fairly quickly, from what I gather.¡±


    ¡°How many of these tiers are there?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Ten,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Iron is the lowest, and then up to Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum and then higher ones. Supposedly when we finish training here, we will be at Silver tier, if what Commandant Xera said is true. Most people only make it to high silver during their entire lifetime, so to walk out of here at our age already Silver makes us quite formidable.¡±


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    ¡°This is just a rating system then. It doesn¡¯t really mean anything except how to describe a person? Whether I was rated Bronze or Gold, it wouldn¡¯t make any difference, it¡¯s just an abstract measure of my skill and experience.¡±


    ¡°Not at all, Little One,¡± Vanis said, ¡°When you achieve the next tier, the capabilities of many of your skills and perks improve, taking on greater effect or additional characteristics. Right now, I can summon only one Imp. But I learned from a veteran Warlock I spoke with that, when I reach Bronze tier, I will be able to summon up to seven imps at once. A Gold tier Warlock might have a small army of twenty imps or more, as well as many other types of summoned Demons.¡±


    ¡°Whoa,¡± Callie gasped. She spent several long moments trying to digest what Vanis had said. She had heard references to ¡®levels¡¯ from her friends talking about video games, and quickly concluded that was a good approximation of this metal-named system.


    As she climbed up onto her bed, Callie noticed Xin had a leather satchel on her bed. ¡°What¡¯s in the bag, Xin?¡±


    ¡°Drawing supplies. I am to draw my Shaman Totem tonight. Many times, apparently. It is the heart of a Shaman¡¯s magical power, but unique to each.¡±


    ¡°Oooo! Cool,¡± Callie said. ¡°Do you want any help? Oh wait, you¡¯re supposed to design it yourself. Well if you want any help or a critique, let me know.¡± She looked up to Lena with a grin. ¡°I like to draw.¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­ thank you Little One. I will have to see how it goes,¡± Xin said with reluctance.


    Changing the subject, Callie looked around at everyone. ¡°So, since my trainer really didn¡¯t have time to tell us, what¡¯s supposed to happen this evening? I guess we stay inside, but I¡¯m not sure why.¡±


    ¡°As I understand, they are going to bring us dinner soon,¡± Vanis said. ¡°A light soup meal, and then, yes, we will remain in our bunkhouses for the evening.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Callie asked as she noticed everyone exchanging smirking glances with each other.


    ¡°We will ¡­ undergo a process where you will learn all of your class skills by tomorrow afternoon,¡° Vanis finally said, evasively.


    ¡°All of my skills? Is this some kind of a magic ritual?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Yes. Something like that. It will leave us all very dizzy. So we will stay inside for safety.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to do anything for this ritual?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Vanis said. ¡°All you will need to do is lie in your bed with your eyes closed. Best with your eyes closed.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie said, getting suspicious. ¡°This has something to do with the super valuable box, doesn¡¯t it.¡±


    ¡°A part of the ¡­ uh, ritual,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°What¡¯s in the box?¡±


    ¡°Nothing dangerous, I assure you.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see,¡± Callie said sarcastically. ¡°What¡¯s in the box?!¡±


    Vanis looked helplessly at Lena, who put up her hands defensively. ¡°This is all you, Vanis.¡±


    ¡°Want to see this,¡± Tazrok said, a huge grin on his face.


    ¡°Vanis ¡­ what ¡­ is in ¡­ the box!¡± Callie demanded firmly.


    ¡°Your ¡­¡± he trailed off with an obviously fake cough.


    ¡°The box!¡±


    ¡°You need to understand, Callie, what an honor it is to be receiving all your skills this way. Less than three percent of the people have such an opportunity, especially advanced classes. The Free Folk have invested a small fortune in you for this.¡±


    Callie looked at Lena, and then the other two. All three were trying not to laugh.


    ¡°Vanis!¡± Callie snarled.


    ¡°A real honor,¡± he reminded her.


    ¡°Oh come on. Do you all think I¡¯m going to freak out or something?¡±


    ¡°YES!¡± everyone responded at once.


    ¡°Seriously? Is it that bad?¡±


    ¡°Not bad, exactly,¡± Lena said cautiously.


    Tazrok grunted in laughter.


    Callie sighed. ¡°Vanis, what is in the damn box!¡±


    ¡°Your ¡­ Symbiote.¡± Vanis said reluctantly.


    ¡°Symbiote?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Or your ¡­ Worm.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a worm in the box?¡±


    ¡°More of a caterpillar actually,¡± Vanis corrected.


    ¡°A ¡­ caterpillar?¡±


    ¡°Yes. With a hard shell on it.¡±


    Callie narrowed her eyes, ¡°Your aren¡¯t telling me I have to eat a caterpillar, are you?¡±


    ¡°No! No!¡± everyone said at once, waving their hands in a panic to stop the idea from even forming.


    ¡°Not at all!¡± Vanis quickly amended. ¡°You ¡­ uh ¡­ put it in your ¡­¡±. Slowly, he trailed off in a mumble.


    ¡°In my what! Look, Vanis, I have a lot of orifices that have an ¡®in¡¯ on my body,¡± Callie hissed. ¡°I better not have to take my robe off!¡±


    Lena gave a hard snort of laughter, and then covered her face.


    ¡°In your ¡­ ear.¡± Vanis said with great hesitation.


    ¡°I put ¡­ a caterpillar ¡­ in my ear.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Vanis confirmed, slightly straightening.


    ¡°I stick a caterpillar in my ear as part of a magic ritual that will give me all of my class skills.¡±


    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t really stick it in there. You ¡­ let it ¡­ crawl in on its own.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Crawl in. That makes it much better.¡±


    ¡°Right. But after you take it out of its protective armored shell,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Take it out of ¡­ what does it look like then? A butterfly?¡±


    ¡°More of a ¡­¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°A what!¡± Callie snarled.


    ¡°More like a slug.¡±


    ¡°So instead of letting a caterpillar crawl into my ear, I let ¡­ a slug ¡­ crawl into my ear?¡± Callie clarified with a hiss.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Vanis confirmed.


    Callie turned to look at each of her friends. Vanis still had an encouraging look on his face. Lena and Tazrok were both fighting to keep from completely breaking down in laughter; Tazrok in fact had tears leaking out of his eyes. Xin had sat on her bunk, and was hugging herself and biting one claw, trying very hard to maintain control.


    ¡°WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!¡±

 Chapter 11 Part 1 - Put the What, Where?

    PART I - PUT THE WHAT WHERE?


    The laughter inside roared on for a good, hard minute before everyone finally had to catch their breath.  Tazrok had fallen prone on his bed and was pounding his pillow, while Xin and Lena leaned on each other for support before finally slumping on to Xin¡¯s bunk.  Vanis did his damndest to remain stoic, but eventually succumbed himself.  Callie glared daggers all around, but eventually turned the scowl into something resembling a smile. A smile with a lot of confusion woven into it.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Lena finally said.  ¡°That was just too much.¡±


    ¡°I hate you all,¡± Callie grumbled.


    ¡°We all assumed you were going to come storming in here after hearing about the worms from your trainer,¡± Lena said, ¡°but when you said he didn¡¯t get a chance to tell you, I think somehow we all saw the same opportunity to just drag it out.¡±


    ¡°I will get all of you back,¡± Callie growled.  ¡°Each and every one of you.  I know where you sleep, and my revenge will be slow and cold and merciless.  Now, can someone explain what the hell is going on?¡±


    ¡°Who here can explain Symbiotes well?¡± Vanis asked.  ¡°Anyone?¡±


    ¡°I only know what they are and the general process for using them,¡± Xin said.  ¡°I never thought I¡¯d have a chance to get one, so I never gave it much thought.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Ogres not use sluggos much.¡±


    ¡°I might know more than these two,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I used to be close to some ¡­ associates ¡­ that had Symbiotes.  But I also never thought I would get one, so I didn''t really care that much.¡±


    ¡°I guess it may fall to me, then,¡± Vanis said,  ¡°I studied them informally when I was a young boy; found them fascinating.  This would have been long before I received my Warlock class.¡±


    ¡°Okay, but what are they?¡± Callie implored.  ¡°And why do I have to put them in my ear?  And how do they work?  And why are they so valuable?  And I really don¡¯t want to put any living thing in my ear!¡±


    Vanis sat on his bed and leaned back against the wall, encouraging everyone to do the same.  He took a sip from his waterflask and put his hands behind his head.  ¡°Where to begin...¡± he said.


    ¡°How about by telling me what the hell a Symbiote is!¡± Callie grunted.


    ¡°Stop interrupting,¡± Vanis chided.


    ¡°You¡¯d have to actually start to be interrupted!¡±


    ¡°Hush,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Alright, fine,¡± Vanis started.  ¡°It¡¯s called a Symbiote, but everyone just calls them a worm.¡±


    ¡°Or a slug,¡± Xin said, trying to be helpful.


    Vanis chuckled.  ¡°Yes, or a slug.  They generally refer to the same thing, although ¡®worm'' actually refers to the armored form and ¡®slug¡¯ to the unarmored creature.


    ¡°We call them sluggos,¡± Tazrok said.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter what you call them, in the end.  These are incredibly fascinating and rare creatures found in the wild throughout the land.  They can be found anywhere, in seemingly random places.  You could walk out the door tomorrow and find one just sitting on the front steps, or you could go a lifetime and never see one in the wild.¡±


    Lena interrupted.  ¡°I¡¯ve even heard reports of people finding a worm in deep dungeons, just hanging out on a wall doing whatever it is worms do.  There¡¯s a whole profession of people who spend their time trying to find wild worms, with several skills to help track them down.  These little critters can change their color to match their surroundings, a little like Xin can do, so they would be really hard to spot if you don¡¯t have those skills.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Vanis continued.  ¡°And if you find the right Symbiote, for an advanced class for example, you can sell them for a small fortune.  Manage to find three or four, and you¡¯d be able to retire.¡±


    ¡°So each of these ¡­ Symbiotes are for a specific class?¡± Callie asked, before muttering, ¡°Symbiote is such a mouthful, I can see why people just call them worms.¡±


    Vanis gave Callie a hard stop-interrupting-me stare.


    ¡°Ooops, sorry, I¡¯ll be quiet,¡± Callie said sheepishly.


    ¡°Yes.  About thirty-five percent are for the Scholar class, and around fifteen percent are for each of the other four classes.  That remaining will be for one of the advanced classes.  With more than forty advanced classes, the chance of finding one for a specific class is very low.   Tazrok¡¯s Druid class, which is a Hybrid of three classes rather than two, is likely the rarest of all.¡±


    ¡°So the distribution among the advanced classes isn¡¯t even?¡± Callie interrupted.  She was seeing the numbers in her head and was curious.


    Vanis gave up trying to stop the interruptions, realizing this was likely going to be a pattern.  ¡°They are skewed towards Scholar-based advanced classes like the non-advanced Symbiotes.  So, for example; your Ranger worm?  Probably a one in five-thousand chance of a random wild worm being that class.  Maybe even higher odds.¡±


    ¡°So that rarity is why they are worth so much.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Vanis confirmed.  ¡°When Commandant Xera says the Free Folk have invested heavily in us, they are not kidding.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, ¡°What do they do that is so important?  They give us our skills?¡±


    ¡°Remember when we talked earlier today about how you acquire new skills and perks,¡± Vanis said.


    Callie thought back to that conversation.  ¡°Either with lots of study, or if you are lucky, you might randomly get one related to your class in your sleep.¡±


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    ¡°Right,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°However, one of these Symbiotes will teach you all of the skills and perks for your class within about one day.  And more importantly, when you level to the next tier, you will learn the upgraded versions of those skills and perks and any new ones that may come with it.¡±


    ¡°Whoa.  No studying?¡±


    ¡°Exactly.  No studying and no need for lucky dreams.  Of course, this is just the knowledge.  You still have to practice, but you will at least know how to do it.  But, that¡¯s not all. Your Symbiote may also teach you strange skills related to your race, or race-class combination, or even new perks.  Things no one has ever seen before that are unique just to you.¡±


    ¡°So, with this thing in my ear, I¡¯ll wake up tomorrow knowing all my Ranger skills?  Or even some strange, never seen before, skill?¡± Callie asked, wide-eyed.  ¡°No need to study anything?¡±


    Vanis nodded.  ¡°Exactly.  Or at least by the end of the day tomorrow; it¡¯s supposed to take about eighteen hours to complete.  You can see, with the amount of time saved, how they are so valuable.  Especially if you are trying to field military troops.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, instant training.  No need for boot camp,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what this ¡®boot camp¡¯ is,¡± Vanis said, ¡°But you¡¯re right, you are able to condense many many months of training down to just a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°You said only about three percent of the population can get one of these?  Are they that rare?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  A very low number for sure.  And thus Symbiotes are very expensive.  Even a single class Scholar Symbiote, the most common and least expensive one, could run your average person what they may earn in a year.  Maybe more.  The rarer ones tend to only go to the rich and powerful, or to the military for soldiers.¡±


    ¡°But Master Trainer Thorn said my Symbiote might not work.  What happens to it and me in that case?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s guessing you¡¯re a Ranger based on the perk you have.  If you host a Symbiote of the wrong class, it will reject you, create a new armored shell, and crawl back out.  After a few months, the worm is rested enough to try on another person.  The person that was rejected, however, will need at least eighteen months before they will be able to try again.  It¡¯s even safer to wait two years.  This is why everyone is scryed, because we would not want to waste that opportunity by guessing.¡±


    ¡°The worm just lives on in you forever?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Generally.  There are ways to forcibly remove it, but it nearly always kills the creature in the process.  It can kill the host as well, if care is not taken.  If an implanted Symbiote is mishandled, it may release a toxin in response.  This isn¡¯t good for the person hosting it, obviously.  And you should note, purposefully killing a worm can come with some very serious legal penalties.  To some, a Symbiote is considered a precious gift that must not be wasted.¡±


    ¡°So what happens if a host dies?¡±


    ¡°Assuming their head wasn¡¯t damaged?  The Symbiote will simply rebuild the armored shell around itself and crawl back out.  If collected, it can be used in another host after a few months.  I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if many of the Symbiotes being given to recruits tonight have been hosted by other people in the past.  Worms have no known natural lifespan, so you could get one that is hundreds of years old.  They are rare enough that most Symbiotes have been hosted previously.  As a result, as more wild worms are found, in addition to those already hosted, the percentage of the population that will receive one increases slowly; still very rare though.¡±


    Callie saw a danger in this.  ¡°So if a Hybrid or Specialist worm is worth so much, what would stop a person from, say, killing someone to make their worm come out?¡±


    ¡°It is a risk, and thus it becomes very important to not ever talk about having a Symbiote, especially as an advanced class.  Tell as few people as possible or you can make yourself a target.  Surround yourself with people you trust, other hosts if you can.¡±


    Callie took a minute to digest all of the information that was just dumped on her.  On one hand, the idea of a way to almost instantly learn all of your skills, and even getting some special unique ones, was really appealing.  On the other hand, they wanted her to PUT A SLUG IN HER EAR!  Who does something like that?  And then she remembered.  It was a magic world.  A world of Elves and Ogres and Lizardkin and Cheetakins and apparently even Dragons.  Was some magic skill-giving slug you shoved in your head really that far out of line at this point?


    ¡°These things are safe, right?¡± she asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Yes, or at least as far as I know,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of anyone having issues.  The name Symbiote is well-chosen, because it truly is a symbiotic relationship.  You give them a safe home in your head, and they provide you with all your skills.¡±


    ¡°What about Pixies and Sprites?  They are pretty small.  Are their heads too small for one of these things?¡±


    ¡°A Pixie can be a host, but a Sprite wouldn¡¯t be able to.  They are just too tiny.  The Symbiote is almost the size of their head.¡±


    Callie nodded, not really to anyone, and mulled over all of this, trying to make sense.  Then the most-obvious question occurred to her and she meekly asked, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been told it doesn¡¯t,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I¡¯m sure the process is uncomfortable, and there will be a little blood, too, I was warned, but no pain.  And for the first day or so, you will feel dizzy or like you are drunk, as I¡¯ve mentioned.  That¡¯s why we¡¯re confined here tonight, and are just resting tomorrow.  By the time the evening comes, though, everyone should be fine and we can begin formal training the next day.¡±


    ¡°Do I have a choice in this?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Why would you not want your worm, Miss Callie?¡± Xin asked.  ¡°It is a great honor.  It is why I have volunteered.  To get such a rare Symbiote for free?  Who would not want that?¡±


    ¡°Besides of the fact I have to put a slug into my ear?  Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    ¡°A day of being uncomfortable in exchange for having all of your skills for all your days?  It is a very fair trade,¡± Xin said.  ¡°While it was not my choice to learn to be a Shaman, with a Symbiote, I will be able to use my Shaman class as a profession and live a very comfortable life.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± Lena said. ¡°I didn¡¯t have a choice about joining the Army because I was Conscripted and other reasons.  But considering my past, when offered the opportunity to get advanced training and receive a rare Symbiote, I couldn¡¯t pass that up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Callie said, narrowing her eyes at Lena, ¡°You have a mysterious past.¡±


    ¡°When I¡¯m drunk,¡± Lena said, wagging her finger.  ¡°And no changing the subject.¡±


    ¡°I guess I have no choice, do I?¡± Callie said, crestfallen.


    ¡°You may,¡± Vanis said, ¡°Your circumstances are different than ours, and if you refuse, they may allow it.  But you are also Conscripted, which means you¡¯re going to be in the Army for the foreseeable future in some form.  I would hope you see the value of having the skills.¡±


    ¡°What about you guys?  You don¡¯t have a choice?¡±


    ¡°We all already made it,¡± Vanis said with a shrug.  ¡°We had an option to come here, or go to a non-Symbiote training location.  Honestly, our chances of survival are much, much higher by coming here.  You heard Commandant Xera earlier, zero deaths of graduates.  That speaks for itself to the value of this training.¡±


    ¡°What if I freak out?¡± Callie said, realizing that the one-time process was her greatest concern.  ¡°What if I panic?¡±


    ¡°We can hold you down,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Or,¡± Lena snapped, realizing that Xin¡¯s idea was a little aggressive, ¡°The camp healers can use a sleep spell on you.  But I have heard that if you are conscious, that your link to the Symbiote is better.¡±


    ¡°We were told the same,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°So, to do this right, I need to be fully awake while a slimy, icky, super gross, caterpillar slug thing slithers its way into my head and makes a home in my brain.¡±


    ¡°You got it,¡± Tazrok said.


    Callie groaned as she flumphed her pillow into her face.

 AUTHOR POLL - Stealth Form for Tazrok

    Last week, when Tazrok met with his Druid trainer, someone in comments suggested one of his animal forms should be a "Honey Badger". In fact, one of his forms I was considering was some kind of a badger, or badger-like animal, specifically for his stealth form. So I thought it might be fun to open this up to the readers as a poll, as I''m about to start writing some elements where this decision becomes relevant.


    This poll will be to choose Tazrok''s stealth form, which would generally be a smaller animal, often able to sneak around, spy on things, steal keys to open cell doors, you know - all the usual tropes. This would not be for his combat forms (Guardian/Tank and Striker/Melee DPS), so keep in mind that combat wouldn''t necessarily be very important to this form.


    I''ve listed five choices I had in my notes for consideration, and you may vote for as many as you like. However, please feel free to add more ideas in the comments and everyone have fun with it. Also, you are welcome to take one of my forms and suggest changes as well. As long as it''s appropriate to that role, and not severely OP, I''ll go with the community decision. Please keep comments here related to Tazrok and his forms. If you see a suggested form in the comments you think would be fun, either +Rep the comment, or reply to it in support.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The poll will be open for about a week. There may be a follow-up poll if there is no clear winner.


    NOTE: the animal form doesn''t have to be disproportionally "Ogre Sized", it can be the size of the normal animal. Magic doesn''t care about something as mundane as Conservation of Mass. For purposes of this stealth form, assume it will be a relatively "normal"-sized creature.


    NOTE2: Any magical powers the form has should be minor and related to mobility, espionage and defense.


    NOTE3: There are a couple animal forms that wouldn''t be applicable, because they will be used for his other forms. I don''t want to disclose them here for spoiler reasons.

 Chapter 11 Part 2 - Social Education

    PART II - SOCIAL EDUCATION


    ¡°Fine, I gotta do the thing,¡± Callie groaned again.  ¡°How is it done?¡±


    ¡°Someone on the staff will come to assist.  We just need to follow their instructions.¡±


    ¡°Tell me this, then, Vanis.  Let¡¯s pretend I find one of these things on the front steps tomorrow.  What then?¡±


    ¡°Well first, you have to catch it,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°But it¡¯s just a caterpillar, you said.  How can it escape?¡±


    ¡°It jumps.  Up to several meters in fact,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Ahh,¡± Callie said, ¡°As tiny as they are, and with camouflage ability, I bet they¡¯d be easy to lose.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Lena said. ¡°All the more reason worm hunting is done by professionals.  Imagine you finally find your quarry, which is smaller than your finger, and then it leaps meters away from you, multiple times in fact.  Good luck chasing it down.¡±


    ¡°Nice survival mechanic,¡± Callie said, ¡°especially combined with their hiding ability.¡±


    ¡°I would not want to chase one down,¡± Xin said.  ¡°I believe I would get too angry every time it jumped from my grasp.¡±


    ¡°Hence why there are professionals with specific hunting skills,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I knew a worm hunter, well I suppose I still know him, just from my past life.  He¡¯s been a hunter for about four years and has only found three of the little things.  And all of them were basic classes, none of them advanced.  He still hunts them, though, looking for that big score.  I think he just likes wandering the countryside, and it gives him an excuse.¡±


    ¡°When I was a boy, I idealized becoming a Worm Hunter myself,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I devoured countless adventure stories about the great Worm Hunter Norphis, hence why I have a passing knowledge of them.  Of course, as the Prince, it was never going to happen.  But when you¡¯re nine, you have a different perspective.¡±


    ¡°When I was a little girl, I just wanted to go to Hogwarts,¡± Callie said.  ¡°But alas I was just a muggle and the owl never brought my letter.¡±


    ¡°Muggle?¡± Tazrok asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s someone that isn¡¯t a Wizard, or doesn¡¯t have any magic abilities.  And Hogwarts is a special training school for young Wizards.¡±


    ¡°You have Wizards in your world?¡± Vanis said.  ¡°And a training academy?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Callie said sadly, ¡°It¡¯s just make believe.  But it was a big part of my childhood, and when I was little I couldn''t wait to get invited to attend.¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    ¡°Ahh, I see.  Is there any magic in your world at all?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Nah,¡± Callie said sadly.  ¡°No real magic, anyway.¡±


    ¡°A shame.  Well, some time I would still like to know more about this ¡­ academy.¡±


    ¡°Sure, Vanis, I could tell you all some time.¡±  Callie¡¯s head got lost in itself thinking more about the stories and make-believe places of home.  Would she ever even make it back home?


    ¡°Are you alright, Callie?¡± Lena asked.  ¡°You have an odd ook on your face.¡±


    ¡°Just ¡­ thinking about home.¡±  Not yet, Callie, you promised!


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.  This has to be so hard.  Today has been so chaotic for you.¡±


    ¡°Little One strong.   But friends help if need.¡±


    Callie smiled.  ¡°Thanks Tazrok.  Thanks again, all of you.¡±  She brushed a tear that was threatening to form out of her eyes.  ¡°Ok, back to brain-inhabiting slugs.  They must reproduce.  Will I have to worry about babies occasionally leaking out of my head?¡±


    ¡°I hope not,¡± Vanis said with a laugh. ¡°As I recall, when a Symbiote is being hosted, their reproduction is dormant.  In the wild, though, they reproduce sporadically by growing their offspring on their armored shell.  Asexually, as I understand.  When large enough, the offspring drop off and go their separate way.¡±


    ¡°Well it¡¯s a relief I won¡¯t have a family of them living in my head, at least.¡±


    ¡°I agree.  It was a concern I had as well,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Hey, that reminds me of something you said, Xin,¡± Callie said.  ¡°And if this is too personal, I¡¯m apologizing in advance.  When you were asked why Juniper didn¡¯t affect you, you said it was because she wasn¡¯t part male.  What did you mean by that?¡±  She then added, ¡°I hope it was okay to ask that.¡±


    ¡°It is a little awkward, but I know this is all new to you, so I will share.  The Lizardkin and a few other Beastkins have both male and female reproductive parts.  However, as we are all able to bear young, Lizardkin consider all of our kind to be female.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really interesting!  So are you able ¡­¡±


    Xin laughed, ¡°I know what you will ask.  No, we cannot get ourselves pregnant.  We must mate with another, but it could be possible we both bear young from that mating if we wished.¡±


    ¡°What other Beastkins are like that?¡±


    ¡°The Lamia for sure, and the Naga, and I believe the Salamanders.  Some other amphibian variants as well, maybe all of them in fact.  I¡¯m not really sure as I have actually never known one, only met a Salamander briefly.  I do know that the Salamanders use gender-neutral terminology, however.¡±


    ¡°We have a Fire Salamander in my Ranger class.  That would be Salamander¡­kin?  Is that right?  Jesca told me some Beastkin history, so I want to make sure I get it right.  And the Lamia are snake variants, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  As are the Naga.  Although you must never ¡­¡± Xin started to warn.


    ¡°Never call them Snakes.  Jesca warned me of that, too.  ¡±


    ¡°Good.  It is considered a great insult to them.¡±


    ¡°When I was a boy,¡± Vanis reminisced , ¡°around eight years old, we had a delegation of Naga visit and I made the mistake of referring to them as ¡®snake people¡¯.  It was not well received and my father made me personally go and apologize to each member of the visiting group.  I never made that mistake again.¡±


    ¡°That was good of your father to make you do that,¡± Xin said.  ¡°It was a very bad thing to say to them.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes.  It actually taught me some much needed humility at that age.  Many years later, I sought out the head of that delegation so that I could apologize to her again as an adult.  Forcing a child to do something like that doesn¡¯t make for a sincere apology, and I wanted to correct that.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s kinda nice,¡± Callie said.  Then she blew out her lips.  ¡°There¡¯s a lot of social customs I¡¯m going to have to learn, aren¡¯t there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but we¡¯ll teach you,¡± Lena said.

 Chapter 11 Part 3 - So, How was Your Day?

    PART III - SO, HOW WAS YOUR DAY


    The five spent some time each talking about the meeting with their trainers.  It was something they all had in common, but also each had a separate story to tell.  Callie loved every minute of it.


    Xin talked of Trainer Maugra and her inability to speak except through Cheena, the Elf. Xin described Maugra¡¯s totem and what it looked like and represented, and a few ideas she had for her own totem design. She discussed the three goblins in her class, and how they didn¡¯t seem to like her and how much they looked like Gnomes, only with green skin, and how her experience training as a Spearmaster would at least come in handy as a combat Shaman. Xin admitted she hadn¡¯t been as sure about being a Shaman until the meeting with Maugra and Cheena. After all, she had trained as a Spearmaster for most of her adult life, and learning she was a Shaman had been a personal letdown. Now, however, she was committed to finding a way to make it work, especially after seeing the veteran trainer change forms into a wolf.


    ¡°It¡¯s not surprising that you saw similarities between the Gnomes and the Goblins, as they share a common history,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Gnomes and Goblins are related?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°Generations ago, Gnomes and Goblins were one race, but some moved to the underground Gnome fortresses and over time the one race became two.  Now, Gnomes have pale skin and bright hair, whereas Goblins retain their green skin that matches the swamps and forests where they traditionally dwelled.  This is why Gnomes and Goblins are able to reproduce with each other.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Callie said, taking that in.  ¡°I haven¡¯t met any of the Goblins yet.¡±


    ¡°As a general observation,¡± Lena said, ¡°Goblins tend to be a little stand-offish.  They don¡¯t socialize much with people outside their own kind, and even those living in cities tend to form Goblin-only communities.  They are very family-oriented, mimicking the small tribes of their history.  Most decent sized cities will have a Goblintown section.  Maybe the ones here will be ¡­ nicer?  But just be warned they may want to keep to themselves.¡±


    As they continued, Lena shared her experience with the Blademasters.  About the twin white Tigerkins that they saw in the receiving line, and the exotic Catkin Dregorio, who came from far to the south.  About poor Major Celeste, now having to juggle two duties and being admittedly over her head as an instructor, but vowing to teach all she could.  Like Xin, Lena was excited her off-class skills would synergize well with her class, and was equally eager to start training and see what happened next.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Tazrok was bouncing to go next.  In his own stilted speech he talked about figuring everything he needed to about Druids as he walked to the tent, and how he was set on being a Wolficorn.  His disappointment at knowing he couldn¡¯t do that was evident, but he was still excited to see what animals he might end up becoming.  He talked about how one of his classmates was the bully Dwarf from earlier, to which Callie suggested Tazrok beat him up again.  But Tazrok pointed out that punishment was done and unless Bratig did something bad again, there was no need to do anything more.


    Tazrok went on to discuss how Bratig was able to summon a Healing Berry out of nowhere, and was looking forward to doing the same.  He lamented he was supposed to meditate, and still wasn¡¯t sure what that meant, but had been told to think about trees and streams and be calm.  He hoped he wouldn¡¯t fall asleep.


    ¡°I can help you,¡± Callie said.  ¡°I used to practice guided meditation back when I was in school with ¡­ an ex of mine.  I know a few things.¡±


    ¡°Will accept any help,¡± Tazrok said.


    ¡°I also know a little Tai Chi, which is a form of ¡­ let¡¯s call it moving meditation, combined with martial arts.  It¡¯s a little hard to explain, but it¡¯s designed to help with flexibility and posture and generally get your mind centered.  I like to try to do some every morning, although I¡¯ve been lazy for quite a while, now that I think about it.¡°


    ¡°Hmm ¡­ sounds boring,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°But can try.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fun.  Lena, you might like it too since you have to do all that flashy sword stuff.¡±


    ¡°Uhh ¡­ sure, I suppose.  I¡¯ll at least see what you do.¡±


    ¡°What about you, Vanis?  Tell us how your meeting went,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°It was fine, except the other two Warlocks in my group are a couple of children.  One has only had her class for three weeks, and the other is using the opportunity to get a Symbiote because he¡¯s too lazy to study and practice on his own.  Plus, just like children, they are going to be at each other¡¯s throats constantly.¡±


    ¡°What of your trainer?¡± Xin asked.  ¡°Surely he can keep them in line.¡±


    Vanis shook his head.  ¡°Our trainer is a very fine Warlock, and I see we will learn a great deal from him.  But he has no patience for teenage antics and asked me to play the part of babysitter.  You can imagine my joy.  I¡¯ll do it, because it needs doing, but it¡¯s ¡­¡±


    ¡°Just a pain in the arse,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Exactly.¡±

 Chapter 11 Part 4 - Room at the Inn?

    PART IV - ROOM AT THE INN?


    The knock on the door startled everyone, and Vanis rose to answer it. He opened it to a female Fairy, wearing a blue robe with red trim. Her wings spouted out through a slit in the back of her robe and the late-afternoon sun danced off the surface of her wings, reflecting a rainbow of colors and untold strange patterns. ¡°May I help you?¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon. I am Master Healer Tasi. I am in charge of the camp infirmary and the multitude of Healers we have on staff. I apologize for disturbing you.¡±


    ¡°No apology needed,¡± Vanis said. ¡°What may we do for you?¡±


    ¡±Earlier today, your Ogre friend was involved in an altercation at the intake line. A Pixie was terribly injured and then the Ogre punished the offending Dwarf.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that was Tazrok. Is the Dwarf ok? It appears they are in the same training group, and Tazrok gave the impression all was well between the two of them now. Would you like me to fetch him for you?¡±


    ¡°There is no need. The Dwarf is fine. His injuries were easily healed and he was released not long after we saw to him.


    ¡°Tazrok isn¡¯t in some sort of trouble, is he?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± The Healer said. ¡°At least not with me.¡±


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Lena asked, coming to the door and joining Vanis.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Tasi said, giving a quick nod to Lena before continuing. ¡°I am here regarding the Pixie.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, is she hurt badly? It looked painful.¡± Lena asked, a worried tone suddenly in her voice.


    Tasi paused a moment before answering. ¡°She was hurt horrendously,¡± the Fairy, sneered, looking over her shoulder towards where the intake lines were. ¡°Thankfully, the injury is not permanent, and I was able to heal the immediate damage. But her full recovery will be prolonged due to the nature of the injury, and she will be in pain for some time.¡±


    ¡°The poor thing,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°I know,¡± Lena agreed. ¡°Is there something we can do for her?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Tasi said. ¡°The housing quartermaster indicated you still have an open bunk remaining in your bunkhouse, and I wanted to speak with your group before assigning her to it.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Lena quickly said. ¡°Why would it be a problem?¡±


    Tasi held up a hand. ¡°She is able to return to training, but may be in need of assistance for some time. Things such as dressing, for example, and possibly carrying items. I did not want to presume you would be willing to take this on. In a situation like this, I would try to house her with other winged Fae as they understand the injury better. Unfortunately, the only bunkhouses with available bunks also have Dwarves in them, and given what happened ¡­¡± Tasi trailed off.


    ¡°I can see why that wouldn''t be the best arrangement,¡± Vanis said, finishing the sentence.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why this would be a problem. We¡¯re happy to help however we can,¡± Lena said. ¡°Where is she now?¡±


    ¡°Lena, we should discuss¡­¡± Vanis started.


    ¡°No! We¡¯ll help. We¡¯ll make it work, Vanis.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Vanis said with an acknowledging nod.


    ¡°She is still at the infirmary, but was just completing her orientation with her trainer, Trainer Olin. I came here after meeting with the Quartermaster regarding her housing.¡±


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Is she the only one in his training group?¡±


    ¡°No. She was unable to attend with the rest of her group as she was still waking from the Sleep spell I put on her while we repaired her wing. Trainer Olin agreed to meet with her in person after he met the rest of his group. I will send her as soon as I return.¡±


    Lena furrowed her brow. ¡°Does she need to visit the showers and get her clothing measurements?¡±


    ¡°No, we addressed that at the infirmary, so I¡¯ll have her clothing delivered tomorrow along with yours. She may not be able to wear her training armor for a few days, though.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be ready for her,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°One last thing,¡± Tasi said, ¡°She is very quiet and fiercely independent, and seems to have no friends. She comes across as ¡­ angry maybe is a good word, or maybe intense is another. I believe it stems from a lifetime of being shunned and ridiculed due to her speech impediment. She may be reluctant to accept help. Don¡¯t let her refuse if she needs it, as it will only slow her recovery. I¡¯ll be sending her with a mild pain elixir to drink in the mornings. She won¡¯t want to, so please be sure she does for at least for three days. If she refuses, or refuses your assistance, let me know.¡±


    ¡°Any other treatment we need to know about?¡±


    ¡°Only that I told her to use the baths at least once a day; twice if she has the time. The hot waters will help with her pain and to heal the residual bruising. But she may need assistance.¡±


    ¡°We have two females and a Lizardkin in our house now, so I¡¯m sure we can aid her with that as well.¡±


    ¡°Very well, and thank you,¡± Tasi said. ¡°I will send her as soon as I am able. I will also come by later when it is time to join with your Symbiotes, as I want to handle hers personally.¡±


    ¡°Let her know we look forward to meeting her,¡± Lena said as Tasi left to walk back to the healing tent.


    ¡°This could get complicated, Lena,¡± Vanis said with a stern, worried tone. ¡°We will need to bring her into our confidence, and if she¡¯s not willing¡­¡±


    ¡°Vanis, hush. We¡¯ll figure it out, but I¡¯m not going to subject her to living with such young Dwarves, especially after what happened earlier today.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°What was that about?¡± Callie asked as Vanis and Lena re-entered the room. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, is it?¡±


    ¡°A ¡­ complication,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We are getting another roommate.¡±


    ¡°We are? Who?¡±


    ¡°The blue-haired Pixie. She¡¯s been recovering with the Healers, so didn¡¯t get a house assignment,¡± Lena said. ¡°It was either here, or a housing with Dwarves.¡±


    ¡°No! Blue Pixie stay here. Not live with Dwarves.¡± Tazrok said instantly with an air of absoluteness.


    ¡°Yes, Tazrok. She is going to. But we now need to decide what to do about Callie¡¯s secret,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We don¡¯t know her, and we don¡¯t know if she can be trusted.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s not a lot we can do until we meet her,¡± Lena said.


    Callie cleared her throat to get everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°I think we¡¯re overthinking this. Unless anyone gets a serious vibe against it, we¡¯re just going to tell her and ask her to keep it confidential. If she¡¯s going to be living with us, she¡¯s going to notice I¡¯m a little off, if not a lot, and we all need to talk through what happened in detail. We can¡¯t just kick her out while we do that. Plus, we¡¯re already planning to go to someone in charge in a few days, if we can find someone we think we can trust, so we¡¯re not asking her to keep a forever secret. Either she will or she won¡¯t and we¡¯ll deal with it.¡±


    Everyone was silent as they pondered Callie¡¯s words. She had made a simple, pragmatic point. There really wasn¡¯t another choice. But this also made them all the more aware that they were keeping a secret from people in charge that had a reasonable right to know.


    ¡°What else did they tell you?¡± Callie asked Vanis.


    ¡°She primarily wanted to make sure it was acceptable for the Pixie to stay here,¡± Vanis said. ¡°She also filled us in on her injury, which it sounds as if it was serious. The Healers addressed the physical damage, but she¡¯s going to be in pain for quite some time, until the bruising fades. She¡¯ll need our assistance with some everyday things for a while.¡±


    ¡°Of course, we¡¯re happy to help, aren¡¯t we?¡± Lena said in an odd, maternal tone, and gave everyone the eye while her hands rested on her hips. ¡°If one of us was injured, we would want assistance, too.¡°¡°


    ¡®Miss Lena, of course we will do what we can,¡± Xin said.


    Lena gave a sharp nod. ¡°Good. Everyone be nice. The Healer said she has a speech impediment, so be prepared.¡±


    ¡°It sounded like she might stutter,¡± Callie said. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, just try not to get frustrated with her. This is already scary enough for her without her roommates being impatient. Nobody makes fun of her, even behind her back. Got it?¡±


    Everyone nodded.


    ¡°Vanis,¡± Callie continued, ¡°did the Healer say what class she is?¡±


    ¡°No, and I didn¡¯t think to ask. Most Pixies end up as some variation of the Wizard or Healer class, though. We¡¯ll have to find out, I suppose.¡±

 Chapter 11 Part 5 - Something Blue

    PART V - SOMETHING BLUE


    The knock on the door was polite and very light, almost as if it was hesitating. Lena took a deep breath and opened it. Standing before everyone was the blue-haired Pixie from earlier, holding her own sundries basket similar to what the rest had taken from the showers. In the basket was what looked like some small pieces of jewelry, a few glass vials of some milky-colored liquid, and her Symbiote box. The box top was painted in the same fashion as the others, but this one with a large blue circle and a small brown one.


    The Pixie herself stood approximately seventy-five centimeters tall, about a head shorter than Callie and wore the same white robes the rest of the recruits wore as well. You couldn¡¯t see her wings as they were folded against her body with the robe covering them, but a lump on her back betrayed their presence under the cloth. Her sky-blue hair was haphazardly cut in, ironically, a simple, mussed pixie cut.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Lena said, beaming a happy smile.


    ¡°H-h-hello,¡± the Pixie answered, not moving.


    After an awkward moment, Lena finally said, ¡°Please, come in, and welcome.¡± She stood aside and allowed the small Fae to pass.


    <hr>


    Pixylataweneecina shuffled through the door, feeling all the eyes in the huge house staring at her. The Elf that opened the door was all smiles and seemed a little over-eager to have her here. Inside were four others. A Lizardkin with a sour expression on her face watched her intently. Behind her, a male Elf was standing, seeming to be evaluating her every movement. He looked down his nose at her, probably thinking her less than him in the typical Elf fashion.


    Behind the Elf, sitting on the edge of his bed, was the Ogre. Pixylataweneecina vaguely remembered him from the intake line. She remembered him stomping toward her in a Berserker rage and finally being stopped by the Elf officer before he could hurt someone. She remembered him growling at the Dwarf that had pushed her and then throwing him across the field. The Ogre scared her, and she knew he could crush her if she was caught unawares. Thankfully, his bunk was on the opposite side of the room from the remaining unused bed. She just hoped he didn¡¯t want to hurt her.


    Last, a pink-haired Gnome sat on the edge of her bed, big wide eyes and a friendly smile on her face. She remembered when the Commandant had given their opening remarks that the Gnome had been with the Ogre, so it wasn¡¯t really surprising to see her here. She had entirely too large a fake smile on her face.


    ¡°Hi!¡± the Gnome said to her, waving her hand excitedly. Why was she trying to be so friendly?


    ¡°H-H-Hello,¡± Pixylataweneecina said again, not sure what else to add.


    ¡°This bed is for you,¡± the female Elf said.


    ¡°Th-th-thanks.¡±


    Pixylataweneecina set her basket on her bunk. While it was too tall to easily climb into, she could try to jump into it with some telekinetic help if she had to. However, that would need such a tiny amount, she was worried about using too much to only get a tiny amount of height. Damn! She didn¡¯t want to ask for help. Maybe someone in the camp could make her steps?


    She also knew her specific instructions were to put her Symbiote into her footlocker. It was so big, though. She lifted the lid on the Footlocker and realized she was too short to set it on its floor.


    ¡°Can I help you with your worm?¡± the Elf asked, gesturing from the colored box in Pixylataweneecina¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I couldn''t reach the bottom of it myself,¡± the Gnome added. ¡°I don''t think they made them with short people in mind.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Pixylataweneecina said. The she-Elf took the tiny, precious wood box from her hand and set it inside the footlocker.


    ¡°When we need it later, I¡¯ll take it out for you,¡± the Elf said.


    The Pixie nodded in return and looked down at her feet, unsure what to do or say next. It seemed the Elf was trying to be friendly, but she couldn''t understand why. She was just staying here because it was the only house without Dwarves, so it wasn¡¯t like she even had a choice to be here at all. She wasn¡¯t here to make friends, and Pixylataweneecina was sure that once they knew her better and realized she couldn¡¯t speak and what a freak she was, they¡¯d want nothing to do with her. It was like all the others that had come into her life. That was fine. She didn¡¯t need them. Or even want them.


    ¡°Hi there. I¡¯ll introduce myself. My name is Lena,¡± the Elf said, pointing to herself. She continued around the room. ¡°And this is Xin, Vanis, Tazrok and Callie.¡±


    Pixylataweneecina followed the introductions around the room, trying to read everyone¡¯s faces. The two Elves were looking at her with what was likely pity. The Lizardkin was impossible to read, and the Ogre just had a big grin on his face. He was probably imagining all the ways to cook and eat her, assuming he would even bother with cooking. The Gnome continued that stupid, fake grin, trying far too hard to be friendly.


    ¡°H-H-Hello,¡± was all Pixylataweneecina could muster in return. She looked up at her bed again, still wondering how she was going to get into it.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± the Gnome asked. Callie was her name, right?


    Pixylataweneecina hated this part. She had been cursed by her parents with the worst name ever, and it was impossible for her to say without tripping over her own stupid, broken tongue, no matter how many times she practiced. She looked at the Gnome and sighed. She pointed to herself and then held her hands apart.


    ¡°Huh?¡± the Gnome said. ¡°Oh, right. Yes, your name.¡±


    Pixylataweneecina shook her head and then tried again. She pointed to herself and then held her hands far apart. She did it a second time.


    ¡°You ¡­ big? You ¡­ long?¡± the Gnome puzzled out. ¡°Oh! You have a long name?¡±


    Pixylataweneecina nodded.


    ¡°Take your time,¡± Vanis, the Elf said.


    Pixylataweneecina groaned inwardly to herself. This is where it always fell apart. Damn her tongue. ¡°P-pi-pi¨Cpi-pixel aytawan-n-n-n¡­¡± She was so nervous that she had to stop, squeezed her eyes shut, and punched her thigh three times in anger. She tried to order her mouth to work. She saw the others in the room look at each other with that same pitying look they always had.


    ¡°Would it be easier to do it in smaller chunks?¡± the Gnome asked.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Pixylataweneecina nodded in return.


    ¡°Great. Sound it out one piece at a time. How many syllables?¡±


    Pixylataweneecina thought for a moment and held up eight fingers.


    ¡°That is a long name. It sounded like the first two syllables were ¡®pixel¡±, is that right?¡±


    ¡°C-C-Close. Pix-eh,¡± she said phonetically.


    ¡°Okay, what¡¯s next?¡±


    ¡°Layt-t-t-ta.¡± Pixylataweneecina frowned and took a deep breath, clenching her tiny fists hard enough to feel her nails digging into her palms. ¡°Layta¡± she managed to spit out this time.


    ¡°Pixelata¡­¡± the Gnome said. ¡°What is next?¡±


    ¡°Wen-nee¡± Pixylataweneecina got out with minor difficulty. ¡°Ch-ch-ch-ch¡­¡± Curse her parents for this name! Once again, she punched her thigh in frustration. She was so damn nervous around these new strangers that nothing would work. ¡°Chee-na¡± she finally pushed out.


    ¡°Pixi-layta-weneech-eena¡± The Gnome said, slowly sounding out the name slowly. It was close enough. Pixylataweneecina nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lovely name,¡± the she-Elf said condescendingly.


    ¡°Lovely? That¡¯s more than just lovely!¡± the little Gnome exclaimed. ¡°That is an absolutely amazing name!¡± the Gnome said excitedly. Wait, was she serious or just pandering?


    ¡°Th-th-thanks?¡± was all the little Pixie could say in return.


    ¡°They are both right,¡± the Lizardkin said, speaking for the first time. ¡°That is a truly good name, even if long and hard for you to say.¡±


    ¡°Xin!¡± Callie said. ¡°Be nice!¡±


    ¡°I was!¡±


    Pixylataweneecina held up her hand to stop the argument before it started. It was a long and hard to say name, the Lizardkin, had been right about that. She appreciated her candor. ¡°It is very l-l-long,¡± she said.


    ¡°Is there something else you¡¯d rather we call you? Or a shorter version of your name that would make it easier for you?¡± Callie asked, with a look of genuine care on her face.


    ¡°W-W-Whatever you want,¡± the Pixie responded with an uncaring shrug.


    The little Gnome seemed to think for a moment. ¡°Would Pixyl work?¡±


    Would it work? It still had that hard sound to make sometimes, but it wasn¡¯t a big long word like her real name. Her over-controlling mother had never let her have a shorter nickname, always insisting on the whole thing, after all. It was another form of daily cruelty and a scar that would forever be hard to live with. Thankfully, that part of her life was gone and the evil woman Fae could rot for all Pixylataweneecina cared. As for the name, the Pits had always just called her The Blue Haired Pixie, or The Blue Queen or sometimes just Blue, because there was no way she could teach anyone to say it right. But here was a chance at a new name, something shorter, but still a little like her real name.. ¡°Yes. J-J-Just Pixyl will work,¡± she said with a tiny nod.


    Pixyl. She liked it. It was still her, but now a little bit better and a lot easier to say.


    ¡°Then Pixyl it is,¡± the male Elf said. Vanis was the name, right? She vaguely remembered hearing someone in the medical tent whispering about a Vanis, but wasn¡¯t able to make out what it was about. It must be this Elf.


    ¡°Healer Tasi came by,¡± Lena said, ¡°to let us know you would need some help while you finish healing. So please, just ask if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t n-n-need any help,¡± Pixyl said curtly.


    ¡°Sure, of course,¡± Lena said with a worried tone, taking a step back. ¡°But if you do, just ask.¡±


    Pixyl ¡­ yes that was a good nickname ¡­ wasn¡¯t going to ask for help. She¡¯d been without help all her life, in one form or another, especially the last four years without any of her family. She¡¯d been thought stupid and useless all her life, and somehow she¡¯d barely managed to make a living by any means possible, somehow finding enough in her to keep going.


    But dammit, she was strong. She¡¯d learned how to be a Bladeweaver by herself. She¡¯d learned to fight by herself. She¡¯d survived the other children, her family, the town, the people, the Pits, by herself! No wingnob Dwarf was going to keep her down! She just wished her wing didn¡¯t hurt so much. She just wished she hadn¡¯t been so foolish as to trip over her own two feet. She had been warned not to fly around, and it didn¡¯t even occur to her. She just wished she wasn¡¯t so afraid to get her Symbiote. She just wished she wasn¡¯t afraid to be around these people. Because she couldn¡¯t show fear. Not to these people in this room. Not to anyone!


    ¡°Pixyl,¡± Vanis said, trying to break the tension, ¡°Once again, welcome and we are happy to have you here.¡± He gestured towards the rear. ¡°There are two doors for the latrines. The larger one is obviously for Tazrok, while the other is for everyone else.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a wooden crate to step on, should you need it,¡± Callie said. Then added with amusement, ¡°Should either of us, for that matter.¡±


    Pixyl nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Did you get all the information you needed for what¡¯s going to happen this evening?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Y-y-yes. Trainer Olin t-t-told me,¡± the Pixie said.


    ¡°What class is Trainer Olin teaching?¡±


    This is where they would think she was even more of a terrifying freak than before, but at this point, what did it matter. She¡¯d known her class had been strange ever since she had scraped together enough coin to get scryed after receiving it years ago. When she told her family, they said it was good she at least wasn¡¯t a Healer like her mother, as Pixyl couldn¡¯t speak right and a Healer would be wasted on her. And thus, she had become the strange, outcast class that no Pixie understood or wanted around. But her powers were entertaining to some, and at least she was able to teach herself and make a pathetic living with them.


    ¡°B-Bladeweaver. I know it¡­¡±


    Lena interrupted with a gasp. ¡°Bladeweaver? Really? That¡¯s amazing! I¡¯ve never met one before, and didn¡¯t know Pixies could be one. That explains the colors on your worm box. Blue for Wizard and brown for Warrior.¡±


    ¡°P-Pixies c-c-can¡¯t be,¡± Pixyl said. ¡°I¡¯m the only one.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a Bladeweaver?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Is it anything like being a Bladedancer like you are, Lena?¡±


    ¡°No. Yes. A little,¡± Lena said, trying to figure out what to say. ¡°A Bladeweaver is like a Wizard that fights with swords, and can create their swords from raw magic, and use magic spells while they fight. I have to have physical swords, and rely on instinctive dodging, parrying and movement skills. We¡¯re a little alike in that we both fight with swords, but Bladeweaver¡¯s do it with so much more ¡­ style.¡±


    ¡°Create their own swords?¡± Callie gasped. ¡°That¡¯s so cool!¡±


    ¡°They are not c-c-cold,¡± Pixyl said. ¡°They are actually quite hot.¡±


    ¡°Argh! Sorry, ¡®cool¡¯ means really interesting or fascinating. I¡¯m always tripping people up using that term.¡±


    ¡°What I think is ¡®cool¡¯ is that we have another combination of race and class that apparently shouldn¡¯t be possible,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right! If Pixies aren¡¯t supposed to be able to be Bladeweavers, we now have three strange combinations in this house?¡± Callie said.


    ¡°It appears we do, in fact,¡± Vanis said, looking at Tazrok and then Callie. ¡°Curious.¡±


    ¡°Strange?¡± Pixyl asked. ¡°Another?¡±


    ¡°Am Druid,¡± Tazrok said, pointing to himself. ¡°Will get to learn shapeshift.¡±


    An Ogre Druid? Is that even possible?


    ¡°That¡¯s not all,¡± Vanis said gesturing at Callie


    ¡°Guess what class I am? Go ahead,¡± Callie giggled.


    Pixyl gave it a moment, looking Callie up and down. ¡°Illusionist, m-m-maybe?¡±


    ¡°Nope. I¡¯m a Ranger! We think, at least.¡±


    ¡°A Gnome R-R-Ranger?¡± Pixyl said in disbelief. ¡°Truly?¡±


    ¡°I know! Wild, isn¡¯t it!¡± Callie squealed in response.


    Could it be? Was she really housing with two other strange, impossible combinations like her? She had always simply been told that she had a useless class and she was just a mistake and thus, she wasn¡¯t a normal Pixie. Always told a Pixie could never be a good Bladeweaver. After all, Pixies were too small and could never fight hand to hand, and thus she was just a waste of an advanced class, even with the powers she had managed to unlock. Of course, she had shown some people otherwise, but that was still the assumption. But here was an Ogre that was apparently a Druid, and a Gnome that was a Ranger. A tiny part of her suddenly felt a little less alone. Were the others strange, too?


    ¡°What about the r-rest of y-you?¡± Pixyl asked. ¡°Is anyone else ¡­ s-s-strange?¡±


    ¡°Well Lena has a mysterious past we need to get her drunk to learn about.¡±


    ¡°Callie!¡± Lena said sharply.


    ¡°Well, you do! And we¡¯re going to get you completely hammered at some point!¡± Callie said. ¡°And Xin was training to be a Spearmaster before she was ordered by the Army to embrace being a Shaman.¡±


    Pixyl looked at both Lena and Xin. They weren¡¯t nearly as strange, but still, they were both interesting, especially if Lena¡¯s story was a good one. And a Shaman with Spearmaster abilities was a potent combination if Xin could master the synergy. Pixyl had once seen a Pit match with a combat-trained Shaman and it was an impressive fight.


    ¡°W-W-What about him?¡± Pixyl asked, gesturing to Vanis.


    ¡°Callie, don¡¯t!¡± Vanis said sternly.

 AUTHORS POLL 2 - Tazroks Stealth Form - Repeat Poll

    Greetings Readers,


    I wanted to follow up from the poll last week on Tazrok¡¯s stealth form (257 votes total at time of writing this!) with some thoughts as well as a final poll to pick a winner. I appreciated and loved the conversation, banter and suggestions in the comments. It gives any author a warm-fuzzy to see their readers talking and speculating about the story.


    So, first a little bad news, and I know many will be disappointed. Even though ¡°Honey Badger¡± won the vote, I think some very good points were made in comments about how it really wasn¡¯t a ¡°stealth¡± form, and would effectively just be another form for melee DPS. While I said I could work with it story-wise, it would serve to close down a very specific aspect of the party¡¯s capabilities (true small, stealthy espionage and infiltration) that might be useful down the road beyond my current plot notes. So regrettably, I¡¯m going to remove Honey Badger from consideration for this form, but I have another spot where Tazrok¡¯s ability to ¡®not give a shit¡¯ as Honey Badger could come into play with a different form/role.


    Of the remaining four pre-selected choices, Jackalope was the clear winner. Within the comments, there was also strong support for ¡°mouse¡± with a few other rodent-types getting honorable mentions.


    So for this poll, I¡¯m going to narrow down to two finalists:


    Jackalope: Looks like a normal bunny, but with antlers. Magical ¡°blink¡± ability to teleport line-of-sight, which includes anything he may be carrying in his mouth, with a range of maybe ten meters or so. Antlers can produce an electrical ¡°stun¡± effect like a taser on touch. Darkvision. Has very sharp teeth, excellent for chewing through ropes and Knights who say Ni. Notes: Bunnies are not climbers, and they move by ¡°hopping¡±, not crawling. Both may be limiting aspects of this choice.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Phase (Rodent): My first instinct would be a squirrel, but could also be a mouse, rat or a ferret (please discuss in comments). Has a phase ability to move through solid objects up to a few meters thick. This includes anything he may be carrying in his mouth. Is able to leap distances up to about four meters, including vertically. Limited ¡°flight¡± ability, which is mostly gliding with maybe a few flaps allowing small altitude gains; effectively immune to falling damage as a result. Darkvision. Sharp teeth. Notes: this form has no active ¡°defensive¡± power, save to bite/scratch someone, or leap/phase away quickly. It¡¯s Tazrok, so maybe that doesn¡¯t matter.


    Point of information: Ogres have no enhanced vision (Darkvision, Nightvision, etc) in people form, but would in this form.


    Common tropes for this form: Sneak up the drawbridge chains to open the portcullis from the inside to allow everyone in, sneak through the cage bars to retrieve the keys from the sleeping jailer, snatch the powerful Wand of Wonderous Power from the bedside table of the big baddie while she sleeps, sneak through the vents looking for Hans Gruber, hide under Callie''s hat where he can sneak out while the villain monologues manically.


    Voting in this poll will be limited to one option, and it will run for about one week total. If you have alternative thoughts as to the "powers" of either form, please discuss in comments.


    As a final thought, I want to thank everyone again for their interest, enjoyment and support.


    <hr>

 Chapter 11 Part 6 - A Princely Tale

    PART VI - A PRINCELY TALE


    ¡°Oh come on, Vanis.  She¡¯s going to hear it from somebody eventually.  Wouldn¡¯t you rather we tell her?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Pixyl said, her curiosity creeping in.


    ¡°Ugh, fine,¡± Vanis said, throwing up his hands. ¡°I¡¯m the ¡­¡±


    ¡°Oooo, let me, let me!¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Callie, stop it.  It¡¯s not your story to tell,¡± Lena said sharply.


    Vanis smiled.  ¡°It¡¯s alright.  Go ahead Callie.  I know you¡¯ll just butt in anyways.¡±


    ¡°Okay.  So you¡¯ll never ¡­. Hey!  I don¡¯t always butt in!¡±


    Everyone¡¯s eyes, save Pixyl¡¯s, were fixated judgmentally on her.


    ¡°Yes you do,¡± Tazrok said matter-of-factly.  ¡°Always.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Callie said, pretending to be insulted.


    ¡°Would you like examples, Little One?¡± Xin asked.  ¡°I can provide several.¡±


    Callie gave Xin a harsh glare and growled, ¡°Quiet you!¡±  She turned back to Pixyl, pretending nothing had happened.  ¡°So, anyways, you¡¯ll never guess who Vanis is?¡±


    Pixyl just shrugged her shoulders, which elicited a slight wince of pain.


    ¡°Vanis is an honest-to-goodness prince!  He¡¯s the son of some King guy named ¡­ Feldwin was it? Del Monty?  Del Matthew?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Feldwin del Montano.¡±


    ¡°Right, so he¡¯s the firstborn son of this King guy!¡±


    Pixyl turned to face Vanis, her eyes growing wide.  The Prince?!  This Elf was the Prince!  She may hate her family, but the one thing she had been instilled with all her life was the importance of the three monarchies.  Her mother.  Her grandmother.  Her great-grandmother.  All practically worshiped the royalty.  Instinctively she immediately started to curtsey and cast her eyes down.


    ¡°Oh dear.  No no, stop, please,¡± Vanis said quickly.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Pixyl began.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t,¡± Callie said.  ¡°He¡¯s just here cuz he¡¯s got the Curse and doesn¡¯t want to be treated like a royal guy.  Instead, just treat him like any other recruit.¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t¡­¡± Pixyl started, looking briefly at Vanis before casting her eyes down again.  ¡°He¡¯s the f-f-firstborn of the K-King.  The Prince!  He¡¯ll be the n-n-next King!¡±


    Vanis sighed and walked across the room to where the little Pixie was standing.  He knelt down in front of her so he was close to her eye level and put his hand gently under her chin, raising her head.  ¡°Pixyl, look at me please.¡±


    Reluctantly, the little Fae raised her eyes to look into his.


    ¡°First, Callie is correct.  I must be treated just like any other recruit.  Because if I wasn¡¯t, none of us would get the training that we must have and that would be a disservice, and dangerous, to all recruits here.  But, if that is not enough, also know that I will also not be the next King.  I am not in line for the throne.  You do not owe me any fealty.¡±


    ¡°Yeah ¡­.¡± Callie started hesitantly, ¡°Why exactly is that?  Where I come from, the firstborn is the next ruler.¡±


    ¡°This is true,¡± Xin echoed.  ¡°The next Queen is always the daughter of the previous.¡±


    ¡°That is the way,¡± Tazrok added.


    Without standing, Vanis quickly shifted his eyes to Callie and then back to Pixyl.  ¡°Please, young Miss Pixyl.  You have no need to cast your eyes down to me.  I am just ¡­ one of the team.¡±


    Pixyl swallowed hard and opened her mouth to speak, going against everything she had been taught to do since she was a little girl.  The words couldn¡¯t come out, and she quickly closed her lips and simply nodded in acknowledgement.   Even now, her family could control her.


    Vanis smiled in return and rose to return to his feet.


    ¡°So what gives?¡± Callie asked Vanis.  ¡°Why won¡¯t you be King?¡±


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Vanis looked imploringly at Lena before letting out a sigh.  ¡°Politics.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?  Politics?  There¡¯s got to be some kind of sinister intrigue or secret plot or something, then.  Spill!¡± Callie demanded.


    ¡°Perhaps there is a little dark-room plotting and intrigue,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°Up until recently, I was in line for the throne, but the Parliament changed the rules of ascension, disqualifying me.  My sister will take the throne when the time comes.¡±


    ¡°So what changed?¡± Xin asked.


    Vanis sighed and sat on his bed.  ¡°My mother was a commoner when my father met her.  At the time he was a young prince, younger than I am now, and she was part of the castle staff, in service to my grandmother, who was Queen at the time.  My father and mother were madly in love, truly.   When it was discovered she was with child, they were to be married quickly, before my birth.  An elegant, yet muted, ceremony was planned with appropriate dignitaries invited to be in attendance.  Alas, my arrival came prematurely, before the formal wedding could be held.  My parents were married, at her bedside, while she was in active labor.  I was born healthy, yet very small, and placed immediately into the care of Healers to stabilize me.¡±


    ¡°Something happened, didn¡¯t it,¡± Callie said, reading the expression on the Warlock¡¯s face.


    ¡°It did.  After the delivery, she began to bleed heavily.  Healers tried in vain, but nothing seemed to aid her, and she died ten minutes after I was born, never having a chance to even hold me.  But, she was the wife of the Prince when she died.¡±


    No one said anything as Vanis recounted his tale.  There was a profound sadness in his eyes that spread to everyone else in the room.


    ¡°In time,¡± Vanis continued, ¡°my father met and married his current wife, allowing him to assume the throne from my grandfather two years later.  She is now the current Queen.  I, myself, was fourteen when they were married and she treats me as her own.  She may be my step-mother by blood, but she is my mother in all other ways.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the King the King for life?¡± Callie asked, interrupting.  ¡°Why would your father assume the throne?  Or did your grandfather die?¡±


    Vanis shook his head.  ¡°Our tradition for generations has been that the King will abdicate after the heir has married and a few years have passed.  It keeps the monarchy young.  Were I still eligible, and I to marry, I would assume the throne in two or three years, and my father would become a King Regent, an honored advisor.  My Grandfather and Great-grandfather still act in that role today.¡±


    ¡°So why can¡¯t you be king?¡± Callie asked, wanting to get back to the story.


    ¡°Right,¡± Vanis said, getting back to the story.  ¡°My parents tried for many years, and eventually, a new child was born, my sister, Alena.  I was twenty-three at the time.  She¡¯s a wonderful young lady, now eight herself.  Some day, she will be a magnificent Queen.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re not in line for the throne?  You are a legitimate prince, and not born out of wedlock?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°This is where politics comes in,¡± Vanis said with a sly smile.  ¡°The rules of succession were changed a year ago to say only the child of a wedded princess that actually had a coronation could be the heir, unless she was already nobility.  And as my mother was a commoner, and a coronation could not be done before my mother passed, that marked me ineligible.¡±


    ¡°Okay, that is pretty lame,¡± Callie said flatly.  ¡°It sounds to me like someone specifically didn¡¯t want you to become the King.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my belief as well.  In fact, the Conscription Curse that I bear was originally intended for my father, and I was able to intercept it.  Had he been forced to war, the kingdom would have passed to my sister while he was away, and a regent of Parliament''s choosing would have ruled in her stead.¡±


    ¡°So, you would have just acted as the Regent, then.  Right?  Or your grandfather could serve in that role.¡±


    ¡°I have a feeling I would have been removed from that role in some form.  Perhaps another Parliamentary declaration choosing another.  Perhaps a convenient accident.  Or maybe just outright murdered.  A similar fate would have likely befallen the other King Regents.  No, this is a game someone is playing to take the kingdom from my father, and make it appear legitimate. They don¡¯t dare try to Curse him now, lest they give themselves away.  But I am sure something else is being plotted.¡±


    ¡°So what will you do?¡±


    ¡°Once I get rid of this Curse, I will find who set this game in motion and ¡­ have a very intense conversation with them.  Very intense and very unpleasant.  If I can reach Gold Tier as a Warlock, you can imagine how much more ¡­ intense that conversation will be.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t envy the person on the receiving end of that talk,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Nor should you,¡± Vanis confirmed, an angry ember burning briefly in his eyes.


    Pixyl had enjoyed hearing the Prince¡¯s story, even if it was sad.  It would be hard to pretend he wasn¡¯t royalty, but if that was what he commanded, then she would do the best that she could.  So many strange people in this room and it somehow made her feel a little closer to them all to know they had some oddity in common.  A strange or Army-ordered class, a secret past, a mystery to solve.  It wouldn¡¯t take long for them to hate her, but, for now, she was going to relish the tiny moment of feeling as odd as everyone else did.


    ¡°Is there anything you need?¡± Lena asked the Pixie again.


    ¡°Do any of you have a kn-kn-knife?¡± Pixyl asked, after pondering a moment.


    ¡°Yes,¡± both Lena and Vanis answered at the same time.


    ¡°May I bar-bar-bar- use it?¡±


    Lena reached to the back of her head and pulled from her hair a small blade with a T-shaped handle.  ¡°Will this work?¡±


    ¡°Th-th-thank you,¡± Pixyl said, accepting the knife, flipping it deftly a few times in her hand to test its balance.  She flipped it again, into the air this time, before expertly snatching the handle with her other hand.  ¡°Excuse me.  I n-n-need to fix my robe.¡±  With that, she walked to the door of the latrine and stepped inside, closing it behind her.

 Chapter 11 Part 7 - What to do About the Girl with Wings?

    PART VII - WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE GIRL WITH WINGS?


    ¡°She sure knows her way around a knife, I¡¯ll give her that.  Wow!  What do you all think?¡± Lena asked in a whisper.  ¡°Do you think we can trust her?¡±


    ¡°Well, Vanis can just order her to not say anything,¡± Callie pointed out.


    ¡°I would not do that,¡± Vanis whispered with a firm tone.  ¡°Besides, she could probably gut me before I even could with those blade skills.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know you wouldn¡¯t.  I¡¯m just saying you could.  But she seems nice.¡±


    ¡°We tell,¡± Tazrok said with his usual curtness. He tried to be quiet, but his deep voice reverberated around the room.


    From behind the door, there was a brief gasp of pain, followed by a second.  Lena was to the door in an instant.  ¡°Pixyl, are you alright?¡± she asked, knocking lightly.


    ¡°I am f-f-f-fine,¡± came a quiet, whimpering voice in return.


    ¡°She¡¯s not fine,¡± Lena said quietly to everyone.  ¡°What do we do?¡±


    ¡°We cannot help if she does not want it,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Vanis could order her to let us help,¡± Callie pointed out.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Vanis snapped.


    ¡°I know.  I know.  You wouldn¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Just be available,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Help little Fae when she ready.¡±


    Lena nodded, and returned to her bed, just as the door opened.  Pixyl walked out, her wings now in full display behind her.  She had cut a slit in the back of her robe from her shoulder blades to the middle of her back.  The wings were a beautiful, translucent pale-blue with a rainbow of reflections dancing across them, like the wings of a dragonfly.  All save one.  One of the lower wings was darkened with blacks and deep purples throughout it.  Small patches of darkened red blood could be seen beneath the skin, alongside the bruises.  It was an ugly, painful-looking sight.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Callie said.  She had been amazed seeing the wings on the Commandant and the other winged Fae, but that was at a distance, or the person was very small in the case of the Sprite that she met when they first arrived, whose wings were moving too rapidly to see in detail. These large wings up close were mesmerizing, though.  She longed to touch them, but barely restrained herself.


    In one hand, Pixyl held Lena¡¯s knife, and in the other she carried the small crate that had been in the latrine.  The Fae again expertly flipped the knife in the air, catching it by its blade, before handing it back to Lena and then set the crate next to her bunk.  Able to use the crate as a step-stool, Pixyl scrambled onto her bunk.  Standing on it, she set to work spreading her blanket.


    ¡°May I help?¡± Lena asked.


    Pixyl stopped for a moment and then shook her head.  ¡°I n-n-need to do this myself,¡± she replied, but then added, ¡°Thank you, though.¡±


    Callie couldn¡¯t contain herself any more.  ¡°Pixyl, I¡¯m sorry if this is rude, but your wings are the most amazing thing I¡¯ve ever seen!¡±


    Pixyl reached up behind her shoulder, gently touching her wing as it gave a tiny flutter.  She didn¡¯t know how to react to that statement. They were just her wings.  Just like all the other winged Fae, except one was ugly and bruised.


    ¡°I know, it was rude,¡± Callie apologized, ¡°But I¡¯ve never seen wings on a person before.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t?¡± Pixyl asked.  ¡°You n-n-never seen Fae wings before?¡±


    ¡°No!  And actually ¡­.¡± Callie trailed off.


    Pixyl got a confused look on her face and noticed everyone else looking intently at her.  ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°We need to talk about something,¡± Lena said.  ¡°You might want to sit down, or at least get comfortable.  It¡¯s about Callie and some ¡­¡±  Lena trailed off.


    ¡°I come from another world, Pixyl.  And until earlier today, I had never seen an Elf or an Ogre or Lizardkin or a Pixie.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Pixyl said.  Is this Gnome crazy?


    ¡°I know, it¡¯s a lot and just let me tell you what happened.  In fact, I haven¡¯t had a chance to tell everyone exactly what happened, just bits and pieces.  Once you know everything, you¡¯ll see I¡¯m not completely crazy.¡±


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    Pixyl looked around the room again, and saw Vanis and Lena both nodding at her.   If the Prince was entertaining this foolishness, then the least she could do is the same, right?  Another world?  Impossible!  And yet, all the faces she saw were sincere.  Even the hard-to-read Lizardkin was in on this.


    ¡°Just give me fifteen minutes,¡± Callie pleaded.  ¡°You¡¯ll know everything up to now.  Maybe thirty minutes.  Please?¡±


    Pixyl sat down on her bunk, her lower wings seeming to rotate upwards slightly so they were out of the way and simply nodded, giving Callie all her attention.  The others in the room did as well.


    <hr>


    Callie began to tell her story from the very beginning.  From the awful job interview, texting with her mother, and what spaghetti was.  She talked about the woman in the big hat, and how she knew Callie¡¯s name.  What she said, deciding not to tell her something before Callie was pushed in front of the train.  She detoured constantly to explain concepts in terms this world would understand.  Texting as instantly delivered written letters.  A train as a series of self-propelled wagons hooked together in one.  She talked about Chicago, her great city, so huge and full of people.  O¡¯Hare airport and briefly what airplanes were.  She talked about her mom, and almost broke down.  She talked about her dad, and almost did again.


    Lena and Xin constantly interrupted with questions or requests for explanation of some technology or Earth-only thing.  Vanis and Tazrok simply took it all in, one piece of information at a time.  Pixyl listened intently, showing no emotion on her face, even upon hearing that Callie had been Human.


    Callie reached the point in the story where she woke up in the wagon in her new Gnome body.  Here the story became primarily for Pixyl¡¯s benefit.  Callie recalled how confused she was, and how Lena and Tazrok had protected her from the Dwarves¡¯ harassment.  She let it all spill out, in as much detail as seemed necessary, the others filling in pieces when needed.  Her strange lack of class.  The guess at which Symbiote might work.  All of it.


    Finally, Callie recapped her deductive reasoning why she had to have been transported here in some fashion, whatever that may be.  How nothing else made sense when you broke it down.   Vanis discussed their plan to evaluate the officers and staff for who would be receptive to Callie¡¯s story, without putting her into jeopardy.   All of it laid bare for the Pixie to try to digest.


    As the story concluded, the sun having moved a noticeable distance across the open window, all were quiet; waiting to hear what Pixyl thought of it all.  Her brow was furrowed, as if she was deep in thought, or wrestling with an important decision.


    Pixyl reviewed it all.  The odd Gnome¡¯s logic was sound, and it all made sense with how she told her story.  What would happen if she believed her?  Or at least acted like it?  Nothing really.  Vanis would determine who could be trusted and in a few days the secret would be out of their control.  On the other hand, did she have a duty to take this to someone immediately?  And what would be the result of that?  She¡¯d probably be taken out of this house and put in one with Dwarves.  And really, that would only change things by a few days.  Could she get in trouble if she did nothing?  No!  Prince Vanis del Montano said to wait.  She could at least use that as an excuse if she had to.  In the end, the risk was small if she did nothing, and larger if she did.


    ¡°I will k-k-keep your secret,¡± she finally said.  The tension in the room lessened immediately and everyone started to breathe again.  Callie gave her a cute little smile of thanks, and Pixyl returned it awkwardly.


    ¡°This is my question,¡± Vanis finally asked, ¡°and I¡¯ve mentioned this earlier, yet I¡¯m still perplexed.  Why you?  Why would someone go through all the effort to bring you here, and into the body of a different race?¡±


    Callie shrugged.  ¡°I have no idea.  On Earth, I¡¯m a wholly unremarkable person.  A barely employed accountant living with her mom.  I have few friends, no romantic partners and not a lot of prospects.  I don¡¯t even have a pet.  Was I just in the wrong place at the wrong time?  I have no idea.¡±


    ¡°What about the Lord you mentioned.  Could you have angered him, somehow?¡± Xin asked.  ¡°Could he be responsible?¡±


    ¡°Lord?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  Your Lord of the Rings.  He sounds very powerful.¡±


    ¡°Oh!  No no no, Xin.  The Lord of the Rings is a story.  From books.  He¡¯s not real.¡±


    ¡°I see.  So your leaders are not plotting to seize the throne?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°Seize the ¡­ You mean Game of Thrones?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  You mentioned the great powers vying for the throne.¡±


    ¡°No, Xin, I¡¯m so sorry.  That¡¯s another story.¡±


    ¡°Like that Wizard academy you wanted to go to when you were young?¡± Xin asked, puzzled.  ¡°Your land is very confusing, Little One.  You have Lords that are not real trying to take thrones that do not exist and no Wizards but you have schools for them. How do you keep it all straight?¡±


    ¡°We have lots of grand stories, Xin.  Secret worlds like Narnia, and far off ones like Tatooine.  Middle Earth and Westeros.  The magician academies of Brakebills or Hogwarts.  The lost world of Neverland.  The spice world of Arrakis.¡±


    ¡°So nothing that would explain why it was you that was transported here?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Nothing I can think of.  I¡¯m really a nobody,¡± Callie said with a shrug.


    ¡°Tell me of this woman in the hat, Callie,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°Was she Human?  Elf?¡±


    ¡°Um, Human I think,¡± Callie furrowed her brow in thought.  Had she seen the woman¡¯s ears?  She tried to picture her face.  Those red lips, the pale skin, a wisp of hair.  ¡°I don¡¯t think I ever saw her ears,¡± Callie finally said.  ¡°It¡¯s possible she was an Elf and the hat hid them.  She was also very thin, like the two of you.  But there are only Humans on Earth.¡±


    Vanis frowned.  ¡°I suppose, to an extent it doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°At least in the short term.  But this is all something that will need to be learned to fully understand what has happened and to get you back home.  If it wasn¡¯t for this Curse we all have, I¡¯d enlist scholars and scribes in the capitals or the Nexus to see what could be learned, but given my current ¡­ status ¡­ I don¡¯t dare right now.  And it could be a year before I am able, unless I can arrange something discreetly.  And even then, you are still bound by the Curse, Callie.¡±


    ¡°I know.  I keep hoping I¡¯ll just wake up, but every indication is that this is real.  It doesn¡¯t seem like finding answers is going to come very quickly, especially with me stuck with my own Curse.¡±


    ¡°Two days,¡± Tazrok said, a slightly annoyed tone in his voice.  ¡°We agreed.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± Vanis acknowledged.  ¡°That was the plan.  We can¡¯t keep second-guessing ourselves.  Two days.¡±

 Chapter 11 Part 8 - The Anatomy of the Conscription Curse

    PART VIII  - THE ANATOMY OF THE CONSCRIPTION CURSE


    The six privately pondered the next steps for some time, before Callie asked a question.  ¡°Vanis, you mentioned you ¡®intercepted¡¯ the Curse that was meant for your father.  What do you mean by that?  How do people get it?¡±


    Vanis blew out his cheeks.  ¡°Where to start on that one.¡±


    ¡°I mean, do you walk down the street one day and suddenly you have this thing?  Like a bad cold?¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Vanis chuckled.  ¡°You can only receive the curse from a person, mostly.  My situation is a little different, but I¡¯ll explain that after the more-common ways one receives the Curse.¡±


    ¡°There are three groups of people that end up with the Conscription Curse, Callie,¡± Lena said.  ¡°Those chosen by lottery, those cursed as penalty for crimes, and volunteers.¡±


    ¡°So you¡­¡± Callie started to ask.


    ¡°I am in the middle group.  I did wrong, and this was my punishment.  I¡¯ve accepted it.¡±


    Callie remembered that Lena didn¡¯t want to talk about it, and resisted asking for more information. ¡°Lottery?¡±


    ¡°We are at war, Little One,¡± Xin said.  ¡°The army needs soldiers.¡±


    ¡°So, like a draft?¡±


    Vanis nodded.  ¡°Yes.  Cities and towns and villages will have lotteries to choose who they will send.  Those chosen will be given the Curse by an Enchanter or Shaman to ensure they comply.  If we weren¡¯t at war, our army would be all volunteers, but that just isn¡¯t the case right now.  Even I was eligible for the lottery in my city, although I was never chosen.¡±


    ¡°I know Xin volunteered, but what about the rest of you?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Lottery,¡± Tazrok said, raising his giant hand.  ¡°But stepped in for sister that was choosed.  Sister with new baby.  Not fair to niece to send mother away.¡±


    ¡°That was so good of you, Tazrok,¡± Callie said, a sad smile crossing her face as the words ¡®I volunteer for tribute¡¯ from that one movie appeared in her mind.


    ¡°Also l-l-lottery,¡± Pixyl said, although deep down the Pixie was convinced the results were rigged to get her away from the Pit bosses.  She had recently crossed a few people that shouldn¡¯t be crossed.


    Callie pondered this new information.  She understood from history that an army needed soldiers, and sometimes that required a draft.  Her grandfather had been a draftee in Vietnam, and he had told her a few tame stories of his times there when she had been a little girl.  But she had grown up in the United States and all of her life it had been an all-volunteer army.  The concept was just ¡­foreign to her.


    ¡°How did you get it?¡± Callie finally asked Vanis.


    Vanis blew out his cheeks again.  ¡°That¡¯s where a fourth and not as common method comes into play.  A method that is very difficult to do, as well.  A curse can be applied as an enchantment to an object.  From that object, if specific conditions are met, the curse can then be transferred to a person.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ someone tried to curse your dad, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  My father received a gift, ostensibly from the Legacy Queen.  They often exchange trinkets and baubles, going back to when they were children.  But as he went to open the package, my Danger Sense triggered, and I snatched it from him.  It was too late though, and the daylight coming through the windows activated the gem inside, laying the Curse on the closest person. Me.¡±


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    ¡°Certainly the Legacy Queen did not try to curse the King?¡± Xin asked with a shocked look on her face.


    ¡°No, it took very little effort at that point to determine the gift was a forgery.  The Queen even volunteered to be examined by our people possessing high Truthseeking skills.  No, it was a poor attempt to frame her, but for me, the damage had been done.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t your father¡¯s Danger Sense go off,¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Whoever planned to hex him was able to disguise their intentions, and the courier knew nothing, so it got through our basic inspections.  We were lax on the security, in retrospect.  It is really that simple.  I believe, being a Warlock, my Danger Sense is a little extra attuned to curses, and I was able to feel it in time.  At least in time to save him.¡±


    ¡°Danger Sense?  Is that another skill?¡± Callie asked.


    Lena shook her head.  ¡°No, it¡¯s a racial trait that Elves have.  A few Beastkin types have it as well.  It¡¯s like an extra sense that actively tells you something bad is about to happen, and maybe from what direction.  You can get more details if you are particularly adept, but I know mine is fairly limited.  I might get, at best, ten seconds warning before something occurs, and no details about what it might be.¡±


    ¡°Some classes do get Danger Sense perks or skills, however.  Often far more accurate than the Elven passive trait,¡± Vanis added.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t tell me how I got my Curse, I guess,¡± Callie, hoping that knowing more would shed some light on her own situation.  ¡°I suppose it doesn¡¯t really matter much, does it.  I have it and I¡¯m stuck with it.  But you said the Curse is not all bad, right?  There are benefits?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°The bad part of the Curse is you must be in the presence of an active Command Aura, or it will begin to take its toll.  However, you also gain bonuses to your stamina and mana and ability to fight in general.  When combined with the morale boost from the Command Aura, Conscripted soldiers fight much better.  More importantly, they are more likely to survive.¡±


    ¡°It is so,¡± Xin said. ¡°As soon as I chose to volunteer, I asked for the Curse to be put on me.  The boost to my power is small, but noticeable.¡±


    ¡°So if you¡¯re here, you might as well have it, you¡¯re saying?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Make you better.¡±


    Callie was pretty sure she had a basic grip on what ¡®mana¡¯ was, based on things she¡¯d overheard, and ¡®stamina¡¯ sounded roughly like something similar.  Still, she¡¯d heard the terms several times, and decided it was best to get it clarified. ¡°Mana is the power you put into some skills.¡± Lena said, ¡°It¡¯s a natural energy that one stores and then forms, channels and releases as what would be called a spell.  A skill that uses mana is called a spell, while a skill that does not is called an ability.¡±


    For Callie, that information was largely aligning with what she¡¯d been thinking so far, as least as far as mana went.  Every person had some amount of this mana and stamina stuff in them to power their spells.


    ¡°It is like this,¡± Vanis continued. ¡°Some skills use your supply of mana, while abilities sap your physical strength and will make you tired, or even exhausted to the point of collapse when used.  If you use an ability too much, It will quickly sap your strength, and you could become physically exhausted and falter or fall.¡±


    ¡°And there are magic potions and grandma candies that restore this physical endurance?¡± Callie said, trying to understand.  ¡°You call that stamina, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  We generalize that endurance and call it stamina.  And just as there are stamina potions, there are potions to restore mana as well.¡± Vanis confirmed.


    ¡°How do you get more mana then, and stamina, too, I guess.  It can¡¯t just be from drinking potions.¡±


    ¡°Resting and staying nourished will allow your stamina to return,¡± Lena said.  ¡°As for mana, you will naturally absorb it from all around you over time.  In some places, the mana concentrations might be higher or lower than normal, so that rate can vary, and with practice you can learn to absorb mana more efficiently and faster, as well as rest your body¡¯s stamina more quickly.  It is also possible to speed up mana restoration, and to a lesser extent stamina, through meditation.¡±


    ¡°Kitty Lady say I must med-i-tate,¡± Tazrok said, sounding out the word.  ¡°Sound boring.¡±


    ¡°It can be,¡± Vanis agreed with a chuckle.  ¡°But it is very helpful for improving your restoration rates.¡±


    ¡°So every time I use some Ranger spell, like the Sniper Shot that Jesca mentioned earlier, it will use up some of this pool of mana I have, right?¡± Callie asked, wanting to make sure she understood.  ¡°Then it comes back over time.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Vanis said, nodding.  ¡°You also must be careful not to exceed that pool of mana, however, or you can actually injure yourself.  You¡¯ll quickly learn proper mana control, once you start using your new abilities, and where those limits may lie.¡±

 Chapter 11 Part 9 - A Need for Discipline

    PART IX - A NEED FOR DISCIPLINE


    The loud, pounding knock on the door made everyone jump.  Callie had a moment of panic wondering if she had been found out, or if someone had overheard through the window.  Lena walked to the door and opened it.


    ¡°Major Celeste?¡± Lena said, seeing the officer.


    ¡°Oh!  Hello Recruit Lena,¡± the Elf said.  ¡°I apologize for intruding, but I am in need of assistance from Corporal ¡­  Tazrok is it?  The Ogre.  In an official capacity.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Lena replied.  ¡°Tazrok, it¡¯s for you.¡±


    With thumping steps, the big Ogre quickly came to the bunkhouse entrance and opened the larger door.  Lena closed the smaller one inset into it.


    Celeste gulped, looking up into the face of the huge Ogre again.  Speaking loud and clear, the Major said ¡°Corporal, there was an incident with several people fighting.  We have the situation under control and have brought the perpetrators to you for proper ¡­ punishment.¡±  Celeste motioned Tazrok closer so she could speak privately, and he dropped to one knee.


    ¡°It was a big brawl between some Berserkers and the Barbarians.  A big pain if you ask me.  I¡¯ve got them terrified of you, after what you did earlier today, so if you want to put some fear into them, I¡¯d appreciate it.  Just don¡¯t hurt them so bad they can¡¯t be healed.¡±


    Tazrok frowned.  Ten meters away stood a row of eight people.  Six were Dwarves and the other two were Beastkin; a Rhinokin and a Wolfkin.  All appeared to be males.  ¡°Any worth keeping?¡± he asked the Major.


    ¡°If they¡¯ve got it out of their system, sure, but honestly, if we are ultimately going to send them back to basic training instead, I¡¯d rather do it now and save using a worm.  I know it¡¯s not a lot of time to make a decision.¡±


    ¡°Anyone else hurt?¡±


    ¡°No.  Just these eight.  And even then, really only bruises or mild cuts.¡±


    ¡°Good.   Play along,¡± he said, giving the Major a sly smile.


    Tazrok stood and slowly walked over to the culprits.  He walked down the line, glaring at each.  He stopped in front of the Rhinokin, who had a large bruise forming around his left eye.  ¡°Did you all get into fight!¡± Tazrok demanded.


    The Rhinokin looked up and gulped.  ¡°Ye¡­.yes.¡±


    ¡°Yes what!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Corporal!¡±


    Tazrok looked down at one of the Dwarves.  ¡°Is fighting allowed?¡± he bellowed.  Around the courtyard, other recruits were walking out of their houses to see what the commotion was.


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    ¡°No.  No, Corporal!¡±  The Dwarf responded, a quaver in his voice as he looked up at the Ogre three times his height.


    Walking the line again, Tazrok stopped in front of another Dwarf.  ¡°What happens to those that break rules?¡±


    The Dwarf looked up at the hulking Ogre and instinctively took a step back, before finding a tiny amount of courage, straightening and hoarsely croaking out, ¡°Then they are punished.¡±


    ¡°Yes, they are!¡± Tazrok hissed back.


    ¡°But we were ¡­¡± the Dwarf started, before trailing off under Tazrok¡¯s gaze.


    The Ogre turned and walked back to stand beside the Major.  ¡°Major,¡± Tazrok said, ¡°Can healers regrow legs?¡±


    The Major looked up in shock at the question, and then saw the tiniest smile on Tazrok¡¯s face.  She got it.  ¡°They can, Corporal.  But it is a very long and very painful process.¡±


    Tazrok nodded curtly.  ¡°Good!¡±.


    One of the Dwarves dropped to his knees.  ¡°Please, don¡¯t pull our legs off!  We won¡¯t fight any more.¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± Tazrok called, his voice booming.  By now, nearly everyone had come out of their houses, and several officers stood at a distance, watching the proceedings carefully.  Even the rest of Ogre House had stepped out onto the porch to see what was going on.  Something in the air brought any noise from the eight recruits to an immediate halt.


    ¡°Two choices,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Choice one.  You leave.  Now.  No worm.  Go to basic training.  Go to war.¡±


    ¡°And what is the second choice?¡± the Major said, keeping the Ogre¡¯s momentum going.


    ¡°Stay.  Get worm tonight.   Face punishment ¡­ tomorrow one hour before feast.¡±


    The eight brawlers looked at each other and then at the viciously-grinning face of the Ogre.  The one still on his knees began to openly weep.


    "This, I have decided!" Tazrok added with a final nod.


    ¡°I see,¡± Celeste said.  Turning to the eight she said, ¡°You heard the Corporal.  All those wishing to avoid his punishment, take one step to the rear.  You will be sent down to basic recruit training immediately without your worm.  Those willing to face your punishment, take one step forward.  You have ten seconds to decide, or the Corporal will decide for you.¡±


    The eight troublemakers again looked at each other, to the Ogre, and to the camp around them.  Three Dwarves immediately took a step back, while the two Beastkin immediately took one forward, holding themselves stiff and at attention.  The remaining three Dwarves, one of them being the one weeping on the ground, were paralyzed with confusion and fear.  Finally, looking sidelong at the two Beastkin, a Dwarf stepped forward.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up!¡± Celeste called out.  ¡°Corporal, what shall we do with the other two?¡±


    ¡°They go.¡±


    ¡°You heard the Corporal, take these five and ¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Tazrok interrupted.  He pointed at the Dwarf still kneeling on the ground.  ¡°He stays.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Corporal!¡± Celeste said, turning to her subordinates, ¡°Take these four and process them for their return to basic training.  Hold them in the brig until they get transport.  You remaining four, report immediately to your bunkhouse.  Someone will bring you your worms.  You are confined there until your punishment tomorrow afternoon.  Someone will bring your midday meals.¡±


    The four brawlers leaving the camp were led away, while the four remaining slunk their way towards their own bunkhouses.  ¡°What will you do to them?¡± the Major asked.


    ¡°Not sure,¡± Tazrok said, ¡°but have idea.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    The Ogre knelt down and whispered into her ear.  Celeste got an ever widening grin on her face.  ¡°I must say, you are certainly more imaginative than I am, and far more lenient.  I will speak to the Quartermaster and make the arrangements.¡±

 POLL RESULTS - Tazroks Stealth Form

    The votes are in and tallied, the comments combed, and it''s time to declare a winner.


    With 128 total votes, a "Phase <Rodent>" (57%) was the winner over the mighty Jackalope (43%). As to the type of rodent, overwhelmingly the consensus was for the Ferret. As someone that years ago had a pair of Ferrets (Tika and Calypso were their names), I can definitely see both the appeal, as well as the dictionary-sized list of shenanigans a Tazrok-as-a-Ferret could get into.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Fear not fans of the Jackalope, however. I have another place within the narrative to use that form. So our blinky/zappy little bunny will get its day in the sun in time.


    Narratively, I may refer to the Ferret form as "Weasel" for literary reasons, and biologically it may be slightly different from it''s Earth counterpart (since it is able to glide), but the adorable cuteness and possible mischief of everyone''s favorite Mustelid will still be present.


    Thank you all for your participation in both polls as voters and as commentators. To me and so many other RR authors, there''s no happier feeling than to know people are enjoying our stories.

 Chapter 11 Part 10 - Callies Ranger Audition

    PART X - CALLIE¡¯S RANGER AUDITION


    ¡°So, what are you going to do to them, Tazrok?¡± Callie asked as everyone returned inside. ¡°Something vicious?¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± the Ogre said. ¡°Only hurt each other.¡±


    ¡°And broke a bunch of stuff,¡± Callie pointed out, climbing back up on her bunk. ¡°We had to run for it when the brawl started, or we were going to get hit by something.¡±


    ¡°Have surprise in store,¡± Tazrok said, grinning.


    ¡°That reminds me, Callie,¡± Lena said. ¡°We never got to hear about your Ranger group. How did your Trainer take having a Gnome as a Ranger?¡±


    Callie groaned out loud and fell forward onto the bed. ¡°My Trainer hates me! Right off we got into a big argument about how Gnomes can¡¯t be Rangers, and I accused him of being racist and then he called me ¡­ a really bad name ¡­¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t call you ¡­ pip ¡­ did he?¡± Pixyl gasped, whispering the word.


    ¡°Yea, that one. Jesca, one of the other Rangers, told me after what it meant. I¡¯m not super mad at him, mostly because I didn¡¯t know what it meant at the time and we were both getting pretty heated. I called him Foxy McFoxface in response, so I think we¡¯re even for now.¡±


    ¡°Foxy ¡­ Foxface?¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Yea, he¡¯s a Foxkin and it was the only thing I could come up with at that moment. And then, to prove I could use my bow, he made me shoot so many arrows my robe fell off. In the middle of the courtyard! With everybody watching!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lena said, with both a laugh and with shock.


    ¡°Oh yea. Gave everyone a show; both my shooting and my ¡­ burlesque I guess.¡±


    ¡°You must start over from the beginning, Little One,¡± Xin said. ¡°How did shooting arrows make your clothes fall off?¡±


    And so Callie recounted everything again from the beginning. The incident with Bear Guy. Meeting her fellow Ranger trainees, including the Fire Salamander from the southern deserts who was stuck so far from home after receiving the Conscription Curse. The arrival of Reynard and the ensuing argument and name calling. Callie admitted she had let it get out of hand, but still felt she was being judged by her race, not her ability, and she just couldn¡¯t abide by that.


    ¡°So then, just to prove I have that Advanced Archery skill, he wants me to shoot my bow into a tree with a tent behind it! There could have been people in that tent! Can you believe that? He was so pissed off at me that he didn¡¯t even give me a safe test! Anyway, at that point we found a hay bale to shoot into and he started having me do cadence drills.¡± Callie quickly jumped down from the bed and demonstrated, using the red bow, what those were, without drawing the string.


    ¡°How long did that go on?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°I dunno. Eighty times I guess? And then he wanted me to do more, this time while moving. I¡¯m already exhausted, because drawing a bow that many times that quickly will wear you out. By the time we stopped, I was drenched in sweat and all that movement of my arms and body had caused my robe to untie and fall open. Whatever, I showed Reynard up, and that¡¯s what¡¯s important, right?¡±


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°That was just cruel,¡± Lena said, a spark of anger in her eyes.


    Callie waved Lena off. ¡°It¡¯s fine. In the end he apologized, and I even think it was sincere. I made him promise never to call me that word again, and pretty much made sure he knew I knew he was way out of line. I think we might be okay come training day.¡±


    ¡°You w-w-wern¡¯t embarrassed?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°By being seen naked?¡±


    The Pixie nodded.


    Callie shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t even notice at the time. It wasn¡¯t until later I put together what happened, and by then it was too late to be. I guess we¡¯ll see how many people say something about it.¡±


    ¡°Anyways,¡± Lena said, trying to change the awkward subject, ¡°I assume you did great in your little archery demonstration.¡±


    ¡°I hit one-hundred twenty-seven out of one-hundred twenty-eight times, with over one-hundred in the red. At least that¡¯s what I overheard Reynard tell Master Trainer Thorn. I assume that¡¯s right. I honestly lost count somewhere around fifty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s incredibly good, Callie,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Especially since you have no class skills. I¡¯ve shot a bow a few times in my life, and I was honestly happy to just hit the target, let alone get it in the center. And at the pace you were shooting since you didn¡¯t have to use an actual arrow¡­?¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s that one that I completely missed that really irritates me,¡± Callie interrupted, verbally kicking herself. ¡°I got distracted for a moment when my hair flopped in my eyes and my shot went high. Rookie mistake.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re beating yourself up for that? For one shot?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°I also don¡¯t think I have enough strength in this body. I¡¯m going to have to work on it a bit. I should not have been as completely exhausted as I was.¡±


    ¡°Well no kidding!¡± Lena sputtered. ¡°That¡¯s why Gnomes aren¡¯t Rangers. They aren¡¯t built for it. They don¡¯t have the strength. That¡¯s why they are Wizards or Healers.¡±


    Those words stung Callie. ¡°Just like Ogres can¡¯t possibly be a Druid? Like Pixies can¡¯t possibly be a Bladeweaver? A person can be anything they want, Lena. And in this world, if it¡¯s not your class, or you¡¯re a race not built for it, that just means you have to work harder and do the best you can. Maybe I end up being the absolute worst Ranger ever, but don¡¯t tell me I can¡¯t do it because of my race. I grew up my entire life with people telling me what I could and couldn¡¯t do because of my race, and I refused to believe it. And I refuse to believe it in your world too.¡±


    The room was silent as Callie¡¯s words hung in the air.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Callie said after a moment. ¡°That came out harsher than I meant it to be.¡±


    ¡°No ¡­¡± Lena began.


    Callie held up her hand. ¡°Lena, in my world, we¡¯re all Human, so race is defined by the color of our skin and we are judged for it, or people are judged for what gender they are, or how poor they are, or who they love or any one of a dozen other reasons. The society of my world is structured so that those groups have a near-impossible battle to try to do half as well as those who have the power to make the rules and make people afraid. Your world is so beautiful to me, in a way. All these different races of people, getting along, treating each other like ¡­ people ¡­ and not as a target for hatred based on differences. I haven¡¯t even been here a day and it¡¯s just ¡­ like I said ¡­ beautiful.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not all great, Callie,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We do have racism and hatred here, too.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Callie said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m sure in time I¡¯ll find that out. But think about it. Look around. Here we are, right now, under this roof, five different races; two Elves, an Ogre, a Lizardkin, a Pixie and a Gnome. All completely different from each other, just being ¡­ people. My brain just finds this ¡­ beautiful¡±.


    Everyone looked around the room at each other, seeing a certain truth in Callie¡¯s words.


    ¡°And if the fates say I¡¯m to be a Ranger,¡± Callie said, ¡°then I¡¯m going to be the best damn Ranger I can be. And Tazrok will be the best damn Druid he can be. And Pixyl the best damn Bladeweaver she can be. And Xin the best Shaman and Vanis the best Warlock and you the best goddamn Bladedancer you can be. And that is ¡­¡±


    ¡°... beautiful,¡± Lena finished.


    ¡°Damn right,¡± Callie said


    ¡°Damn right,¡± Tazrok added gruffly.


    ¡°Damn right,¡± Pixyl said, not a stutter in her voice.


    ¡°Damn right,¡± the remaining chimed in unison.

 Chapter 11 Part 11 - Soups On

    PART XI - SOUP¡¯S ON


    It was ten minutes later when yet another knock came on the door, which Xin opened to a male Goblin.  He was roughly Callie¡¯s height, with a dark green skin and long, brown hair pulled back in a ponytail.  Over his clothing he was wearing a white cooking apron.


    ¡°Good evening.  I have brought your supper for tonight.  Could you ask the big one to help bring it in, as the pot is larger to accommodate his needs.¡±


    ¡°Do you need any other assistance?¡± Xin asked


    ¡°If you would, that would be appreciated.¡±


    Xin called to Tazrok, and the two walked down the steps to where a small wagon was drawn by what appeared to be a small, six-legged cross between a goat and a horse.  The wagon contained multiple iron pots with tight-fitting lids, crates of bowls and eating utensils, and several meter-long loaves of a light-brown bread.  One of the pots was twice the size of the others.


    ¡°If you could,¡± the Goblin said, gesturing to the larger pot.  Tazrok took its handle and walked back into the house, taking care not to spill it.


    ¡°A house of six usually gets two, but I¡¯ll give you three loaves since you have the Ogre.  That should be more than enough,¡± the Goblin said, stacking the bread in Xin¡¯s outstretched arms.  ¡°Take those in and I¡¯ll bring the rest.¡±


    Xin carried the bread inside and soon the Goblin followed with a stack of bowls, one large and five smaller, five deep spoons, another huge spoon and a ladle.  Everything was set on the small table in front of the mirror, little wisps of steam sneaking out around the lid of the iron pot.   The Goblin removed a folded piece of black cloth from the stack of bowls, opened the pot and dropped an object from the cloth into it.


    ¡°Heating stone,¡± the Goblin said, blowing on the ends of his fingers.  It will keep the soup hot for a while.  Don¡¯t eat too much, your worms will make you dizzy tonight and you don¡¯t want to get sick.  If you do feel sick, try to get outside if you can, or at least to the latrines.  We really don¡¯t need a mess to clean up.  Stack up your pot and the rest on the steps in the morning and someone will retrieve them sometime during the day.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master ¡­¡± Vanis said, inviting the Goblin to give his name.


    ¡°Grig.  And just Grig, no need for titles.  I¡¯m just kitchen staff.¡±


    Callie couldn¡¯t help but to stare at the Goblin.  She saw so many Gnomelike features in him, thinking back to when she looked at herself in the mirror at the bathhouse. The same nose, same ears and even the eyes were similar, although a dark brown unlike hers. Of course, the hair color was different, as was the skin color, but take those color differences away and Callie could swear she was looking at another Gnome.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Grig asked Callie, noticing she was staring at him.


    Callie quickly shook herself out of her trance.  ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to stare.  I¡¯ve just never seen a Goblin before and I was just noticing how alike we look.¡±


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°What?  Never?¡±


    ¡°Never close up,¡± Callie said sheepishly.


    ¡°Oh, I see.  Well, this is just me, a Goblin.¡±  Grig put his arms out and spun in a slow circle.


    "I''m sorry.  It was rude of me."


    Grig waved her off. ¡°It¡¯s fine.  We do have that common ancestry.  I guess we still look a little alike, save your sickly pale skin and blindingly-bright hair and strange eyes.  Enjoy your soup, and have a good night.¡±


    As Grig left, Vanis lifted the lid and the whole room was immediately flooded with the most amazing smells.  A rich, beefy aroma tinged with the scent of vegetables and herbs.  Callie couldn¡¯t remember when she had smelled something so mouth-watering delicious.  Maybe when she was a kid visiting her grandmother?


    ¡°That smells amazing,¡± Callie said.  ¡°I wasn¡¯t hungry before but now I¡¯m suddenly starving.  And I bet the bread is just as good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll serve,¡± Vanis said as he picked up the ladle and a bowl.  He scooped some liquid into each and handed them around.  The bowls were a little large for Callie and even larger for Pixyl, but the Pixie climbed off her bunk and stood by her footlocker, using it as a makeshift table to stand next to.  Seeing that, Callie did the same.


    The soup, which appeared to be nothing more than a simple beefy broth, was absolutely amazing.  All the tastes matched the smells.  Tastes of fresh vegetables and savory herbs flooded Callie¡¯s mouth and the soup warmed her from the inside as if she was sipping cocoa on a winter¡¯s evening.


    ¡°This is really good,¡± Lena said between spoonfuls.  ¡°They¡¯ve got to have a good Culinar on staff to make something this simple taste this good.¡±


    ¡°I should say so.  A really good one, at that.¡± Vanis said. ¡°At least Gold tier, maybe even higher.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a Culinar, Vanis?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a chef class.¡±


    ¡°You have magic chefs?  Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes.  Give a good Culinar nothing more than water and an old bone, and they can turn that into something amazing, filling and healthy.  Other skills can conjure copies of what they prepare, and even create whole feasts in one, simple spell.  It¡¯s a Scholar specialist class.¡± Vanis broke off pieces of bread and handed them around.  ¡°Several years ago, back before the war, we had an amazing Platinum Tier Culinar visit for a special feast.  She was actually another Gnome, Callie.  I forgot her name.  Pava?  Pala?  No matter, I just remember her brilliant yellow hair.  She was able to create the entire feast with a wave of her hands, the plates just appearing on the table before us, and then with another wave, disappearing between courses."


    Callie stared gape-mouthed, literally having nothing to say in response to Vanis and his description of what a magical chef could do.


    ¡°Is good,¡± Tazrok said, dipping his bread in his soup.


    Pixyl, seeing Tazrok dipping his bread, did the same.  She took a bite and let out a low groan of pleasure, her eyes rolling back in her head.  ¡°That is s-s-soo good.¡±  Quickly she dipped and ate another bite.  Pixyl suddenly began to realize how comfortable she was becoming with her new housemates.  Could they become friends?


    ¡°I agree, Pixyl.  This is better than sex,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about better,¡± Vanis said, ¡°but it¡¯s damn close.¡±


    ¡°It is very good,¡± Xin said, ¡°but you obviously need to have better sex, Lena.¡±


    ¡°Not anymore, Xin,¡± Lena said, gesturing with her spoon to her bowl.


    They all ate, spoons clicking and clacking against the stoneware bowls, lips smacking, and periodic groans of happiness oozing out from everyone¡¯s lips.  Xin and Lena both ladled up another bowl, followed soon by Tazrok and Vanis.  Eventually, Callie held her own bowl up to Vanis, since she couldn¡¯t reach.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to overdo it,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°That¡¯s a big bowl for you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Callie retorted dismissively as Vanis filled the bowl again.  ¡°This is just too good.¡±


    ¡°Did you want more, Pixyl?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m g-g-g-good,¡± she said with a warm, happy grin as she climbed back into her bunk.  She lay on her stomach, gingerly spreading her wings out like a glass blanket, wincing in pain several times, but pushing through until she was comfortable.

 Chapter 11 Part 12 - Catharsis

    PART XII - CATHARSIS


    The six sat or lay on their beds, happily warm in a post-soup haze.  The anxiety of what was soon to happen faded from a roar to a dull hum, and Callie found she was actually looking forward to the Symbiote procedure in a way.  Not so much the idea of something crawling into her ear, but more as if she felt calm and ready to face the challenge.


    ¡°I think they drugged the soup with something,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I¡¯m feeling really mellow.¡±


    ¡°Me, too,¡± Pixyl said dreamily, her eyes closed and face content.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re right, Lena,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°It makes sense, if you think about it.  Most people would be scared, so something to take the edge off ¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop analyzing, Vanis,¡± Callie said crossly.   ¡°Just enjoy your soup buzz.¡±


    Xin giggled in a very un-Xin-like fashion while Tazrok seemed to hum a low, soft tune, his deep sounds spreading out like ripples on a pond throughout the room.


    Seizing on the music, Vanis held out a hand and tiny beads of lights began to dance and swirl in time with Tazrok¡¯s slow musical tempo.  From time to time one or two would blink in a bright color as they pinwheeled through the air.


    Callie watched the star-like lights as they twisted and bobbed.  She felt herself getting lost in emotions and so many things from the day seemed to slowly step forward, asking for analysis.  She had done a really good job compartmentalizing the most crushing feelings, but now they finally demanded attention.  She was lost.  Confused.  A stranger in a fantasy land.  She missed her home.  She missed her mom.


    Her mom.  The thought slammed into Callie¡¯s chest like a shockwave.  She tried to push it aside, push it away, push it down, push it anywhere.  Her mom.  Somewhere out in that strange universe, Callie¡¯s mother was crying over her dead, train-wrecked body.  Or if not that, wondering why she never came home and wouldn¡¯t respond to messages.   Somewhere, her mom was sobbing in the pain that the last part of her family was missing, or dead.


    And Callie began to weep.  It started slow and quiet.  Soon, she curled herself into the smallest ball she could and suddenly all the terror and anger and confusion and pain of the day crashed upon her like waves.  The thought of her mother¡¯s pain turned the waves into a deluge of agony.  She shuddered as she sobbed, occasionally gasping for breath, before another sense of her mother¡¯s loss slammed her again.  Callie wept.  She wept not for herself, but for her mother, alone and in the dark.


    Nobody said anything.  Everyone had known it was coming.  They had seen Callie doing all she could to hold herself together all day long.  It was only a matter of time, and that time was now.


    Lena quietly came over and lay on the bed next to the little Gnome and held her like she thought a mother might.  Lena had never been maternal, but for Callie, a part of her strangely  felt invited to be.  She didn¡¯t stroke her hair and say it would be okay or any other platitude.  Callie was simply held; told without words that there were people here for her.


    Somewhere in there, Vanis ended his light show, tiny beads of sweat on his forehead from the strain of the channeled casting.  Outside the windows, the sun had yet to set, but tiny streaks of dusk¡¯s reds threatened.


    And Lena held Callie.  And Callie cried.  And in their own ways, everyone cried with her.  Even Pixyl, who had known the Gnome for such a short time, could feel Callie¡¯s pain, and in her heart she wept with her.


    As for Tazrok?  He never stopped his slow song.  The low hum provided a slow, steady river that piece by piece carried away the heartache they all felt with Callie, replacing it with a calm, contented feeling.  And although he did not know it, for the first time Tazrok allowed himself to open to the wide world, and for the first time, he touched the heart of Gaia.


    It took time, a time nobody cared to measure, before Callie¡¯s sobs ebbed.  Lena slowly unwrapped herself and stood, running a hand under each of her eyes.  She returned to her bunk and lay down, using the last of Tazrok¡¯s song to cleanse what pain she had helped lift from Callie¡¯s heart.


    Callie herself unfolded and sat up, rubbing her eyes with the heel of one hand and eking out a weak smile.  ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly.  ¡°I¡¯m sor¡­¡±


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    Vanis held up his hand.  ¡°No need to apologize.¡±


    ¡°O-Okay,¡± Callie said.   She looked around the room, at the faces of her new friends, and for the first time that day, felt truly safe.  She knew she hadn¡¯t processed everything, but had processed enough for right now, and she was good with that.  ¡°I¡¯m going to go for a short walk.¡±


    Lena quickly sat up. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Callie nodded.  ¡°Yes.  Just a few minutes.  Out to the fountain to throw some water on my face.  I won¡¯t be gone long.¡±


    Lena still had a worried look, but lay back in her bed.  ¡°Sure.¡±


    Callie left the bunkhouse and walked solemnly towards the central garden.  Stepping off the stone path, she removed her sandals and walked barefoot through one of the grassy patches.  She made fists with her toes, her tiny Gnome toes, and just let the remnants of emotion drain through them and into the earth.


    ¡°Are you alright, Little One?¡± a deep voice asked Callie, startling her out of her daze.


    ¡°What?¡± she snapped, looking around.  Sitting under one of the trees sat a fur-covered Beastkin.  He had dropped his robe, revealing his shoulders and chest, wrapping it around his waist.  Callie looked closer, recognizing the Bearkin, Koda, from earlier.  ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°It is.  But that doesn¡¯t answer my question.  ¡®Are you alright?¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I am.  I just needed a little air.  It¡¯s been a hard day for me.¡±


    ¡°Mmmm,¡± Koda said, rubbing his back against the bark of the tree.  He made a happy little grunting noise as he wiggled.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°My back was itching, so I thought I might scratch it,¡± he said, wiggling again against the tree.  ¡°I also think they put something in the soup, so I¡¯m a little ¡­¡±


    ¡°Stoned?¡± Callie suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard that term used that way, but it sounds about right.¡±  He rubbed again, letting off another happy groan.  ¡°Would you care to join me?  It feels really good.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Callie said, wrapping her robe tighter.  ¡°I think I¡¯ll keep my clothes on.¡±


    Koda opened one eye.  ¡°It really wouldn¡¯t matter, I saw you earlier shooting your bow with your training group.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you saw that,¡± Callie said, groaning.  ¡°Are you going to tease me about that, too?¡±


    Koda opened both eyes, shocked.  ¡°Why would I do that?¡±


    ¡°Well, besides seeing me naked in front of everyone, I did call you ¡®Bear Guy¡¯¡±.


    The Bearkin huffed.  ¡°Yes, you did.  And I think the name may even stick with my fellow recruits.  But I deserved it.  I was showing off to the others; trying to fit in.  I was wrong, and I apologize.¡±


    Callie saw sincerity in the Bearkin¡¯s eyes.  ¡°Apology accepted.¡±


    Koda gave a deep nod of acknowledgement, and scratched his back against his tree again.  With a chuckle, Koda asked, ¡°Want to hear something amusing?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie said, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.


    ¡°The two you were with today?  The Cheetahkin and the Gnoll?  They are my housemates.  I was away from the cabin when they came from the shower, so we had not yet met.¡±


    ¡°That must have been awkward,¡± Callie snickered.


    ¡°It was, but I believe they have accepted my apology.  At least I hope they have.  You can never tell with the Gnolls.¡±


    ¡°Ah, to hell with it,¡± Callie said.  She turned her back to Koda and quickly shrugged partly out of her robe, pulling it tight around her body again, just above her chest, but leaving her shoulders and upper back exposed.  She backed up against another tree and rubbed up against it, the bark scratching an itch she didn¡¯t even realize she had.  ¡°Holy shit, this feels good!¡±


    Koda grinned a big bear grin.  ¡°It does, doesn¡¯t it?  I think even more so because we are ¡­¡¯stoned¡¯ as you said.¡±  For a minute, Koda and Callie rubbed their trees in silence, both letting off occasional moans of relief.  ¡°Your archery demonstration was excellent, by the way,¡± Koda finally said.


    ¡°Was it?¡± Callie asked?  ¡°I honestly don¡¯t remember most of it.¡±


    ¡°It was.  When you said you were looking for the Ranger tent, I somehow didn¡¯t realize you were in fact one of the Rangers, even with your wood block.¡±


    ¡°I know.  Gnomes can¡¯t be Rangers,¡± Callie sighed.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Callie stopped rubbing her tree, a little shocked.  ¡°Really?  That¡¯s all I hear from everybody. ¡®Gnomes can¡¯t be Rangers¡¯, ¡®Gnomes can¡¯t be Rangers¡¯¡± she said with a mocking, singsong snarl.  ¡°It¡¯s been getting a little old.¡±


    ¡°Little One, anyone can be anything they want to be.  Do not ever let someone tell you otherwise.¡±


    Callie looked into Koda¡¯s big bear eyes.  ¡°You ¡­ you actually have no idea how much I needed to hear that, Koda.  Thank you.  Truly.¡±


    Koda nodded deeply and then rose, his back slowly scratching along the tree one last time.  ¡°I see the Healers will be at my house soon, so I must be on my way.  May you have a wonderful night, Little Ranger.¡±


    ¡°Callie.  My name is Callie.¡±


    ¡°May you have a wonderful night, Ranger Callie.¡±  Koda bowed his head one last time, before turning to leave, shrugging his way back into his robe.  Callie watched him go, a warm feeling of possibly belonging hitting her for the first time since arriving in this strange world.  Smiling, she checked for onlookers and, seeing none, put her robe back over her shoulders before heading to the fountain.


    The water from the fountain was cold, and Callie splashed it over her face.  It was refreshing, washing away the final dregs of her breakdown.  She noticed the same little red beetle, or one that looked like it, was still hanging out on the stones, looking for its next meal to snipe.  Across the yard, a few groups of three people, races hard to tell at this distance, were entering the various bunkhouses.  They must be the Healers making the rounds for the Symbiote procedure.  Tasi would be visiting soon.


    With a sigh, Callie returned to her new home, vowing she was going to be brave and not ask to be knocked out.

 Chapter 11 Part 13.1 - Symbiosis (I)

    PART XIII - SYMBIOSIS


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Lena asked sternly as Callie entered. ¡°You said you would be right back?¡±


    ¡°Just out in the garden. I met Bear Guy and we talked a bit.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Bear Guy. I told you about him earlier? Well, his name is Koda, but he¡¯s a Bearkin. So, Bear Guy. Anyways, he showed me how to use a tree to scratch your back and it felt really nice. You should try it some time.¡±


    Lena stared at Callie. ¡°I literally have no idea how to respond to that. Next time you come straight home!¡±


    Callie looked blankly at Lena. ¡°You seriously sound just like my mom ¡­ when I was ten.¡±


    ¡°I most certainly do no¡­¡± Lena began. Then, reality hit her and she fell to her bunk. ¡°Holy shit, I do. I¡¯ve officially become my mother. What the hell is going on with me.¡±


    Vanis walked over and patted her condescendingly on her shoulder. ¡°There, there, Lena. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll make someone a wonderful housewife.¡±


    ¡°Vanis!¡± Lena responded in what was hopefully mock panic. ¡°If something like that happens, you¡¯ve got to promise to kill me. And then burn my corpse so I don¡¯t come back as a zombie housewife. And then burn the ashes again, just to be sure.¡±


    ¡°Cross my heart,¡± Vanis replied.


    Tazrok chuffed out an Ogre-sized giggle.


    ¡°Anyways,¡± Callie said, rolling her eyes at the theatrics. ¡°I saw the worm patrols were out, so they¡¯ll probably be here soon. Do we need to do anything else to get ready for this?¡±


    ¡°The only warning I received was to make sure to use the facilities,¡± Vanis said, gesturing towards the rear wall. ¡°To make sure there are no ¡­ messes.¡±


    ¡°Ewww, but also wise, I guess,¡± Callie said.


    Everyone took turns doing their thing, including Pixyl, who reluctantly left her happily-stoned nest on her bunk. Lena filled the time telling a story from when she was a pre-teen, about getting lost in a cave because her friends dared her to go into it. When she had finally been rescued and thoroughly punished for her foolishness, she had vowed to never be so weak again, and it was a turning point for her. Of course, she then proceeded to start hanging with the wrong crowd, which obviously led to a lot more trouble later in life. Unfortunately, she refused to elaborate with a simple, ¡°Not yet.¡± when pressed to tell more.


    The expected knock on the door came both too soon, and not soon enough. Everyone was nervous, but the mellowing effects from the soup was a big help.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± Healer Tasi said, walking while carrying a leather satchel in one hand. She was followed by two assistants, an Elf and a Dwarf, both female. The Elf carried a basket in both arms, which she set by the doorway. ¡°How are you all feeling?¡±


    ¡°P-p-pretty good,¡± Pixyl purred dreamily, a happy smile still on her face.


    ¡°I see the soup worked extra well on some of you,¡± Tasi said with a grin. ¡°Good. That makes it less likely she¡¯ll panic and hurt herself. And I am also glad to see you all getting along so well.¡±


    ¡°The soup was really good,¡± Callie said. ¡°And it was also really good!¡± she added with an obvious emphasis and a wink.


    Tasi gave a knowing chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ll let our Culinar know you approve of her ¡­ special ingredients.¡±


    Seeing Xin¡¯s satchel of drawing materials, Tasi pointed. ¡°Shaman?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Xin said.


    ¡°Set up your materials on the table so that you can work on your drawing when you awaken.


    Tazrok and Xin removed the pot and dirty bowls to make space, sliding them out of the way under Tazrok¡¯s high bunk. Xin set out parchment and charcoal sticks that made for functional pencils. She then grabbed a pile of the linen cloths from the latrine to help clean as needed.


    While they worked on the makeshift art studio, Tasi reviewed what was going to happen. ¡°I want to stress before we begin, this will not hurt, but it is going to feel very strange. If you don¡¯t want to be unconscious, it is critical that you do all you can not to move. One of the recruits in the first house went crazy and his slug was thrown across the room.¡±


    ¡°Oh dear,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Was it injured?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. We knocked him out immediately, and the slug was able to still move on its own, so hopefully no damage was done. But, I swear if that slug dies¡­¡± Tasi trailed off as she made an angry fist.


    ¡°I think we¡¯re all nervous, but we believe we will be able to remain still and wish to stay awake,¡± Vanis said.


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    ¡°I will respect that. I just want to make sure no one is doing so due to feeling pressured or some kind of false bravery. There¡¯s no shame in being unconscious for this. Master Ogre, I am particularly concerned about you. We can¡¯t hold you down, so if you at all think you will not stay still, please tell us now.¡±


    Tazrok made a hard thinking look. ¡°I will not move,¡± he finally said. ¡°Swear.¡±


    Tasi nodded. ¡°Very good, Master Ogre. Has everyone used the latrines?¡± Seeing confirmations from everyone, Tasi said, ¡°Excellent, who will be first, and please tell me your name.¡±


    Callie said, ¡°I won¡¯t go first, because I need to see what happens first or I¡¯ll panic even more. If possible, I just want to watch what happens close up. The whole thing sounds gross, but also fascinating, so I also want to see it and I think that will help.¡±


    ¡°Me, too,¡± Pixyl said, raising her stoned head. ¡°I want to see!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first, then,¡± Lena said. ¡°Callie and Pixyl, you may both watch, but just don¡¯t get in Healer Tasi¡¯s way.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Tasi said. ¡°Lena, is it? Please retrieve your Symbiote for me and then get comfortable on your bed, with your right ear facing upwards. You may put your pillow under your head.¡±


    ¡°My name is Lenora. Lenora Mosswood. I just go by Lena.¡± Tasi nodded as Lena did as she was told, retrieving and handing off her small case with the icon-inscribed brown circle painted on it, and then lying down on her bunk. Both Callie and Pixyl took a position by her head, while the others stood back enough to be out of the way but still see what was happening.


    ¡°Miss Lena, please confirm your class for me,¡± Tasi asked.


    ¡°Bladedancer,¡± Lena responded.


    Tasi nodded and then pulled on the small key attached to the wood box, breaking the string. ¡°Little Ones, this is the Symbiote in its armored form.¡± Tasi unlocked the box and swung the lid open. Inside was a small green caterpillar, blending in with a bed of dark-green leaves.


    ¡°Lena was saying earlier that they can jump,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°The leaves it is sitting on is Lunarmint. It sedates them just enough to keep them from jumping around.¡± Tasi said, holding the box out to the Dwarf. ¡°If you would, Sania.¡±


    The Dwarf brought up a red gem and peered through it, rotating it slightly and squinting. ¡°I can confirm it is a Bladedancer Symbiote.¡± Sania took a step back to get out of the way.


    ¡°So you have to scry them to figure out what class they are for?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Tasi answered. ¡°Although we are just verifying yet again before we go through with the joining. It¡¯s already been scryed multiple times, we just recheck at every step to make sure. This little thing is worth too much to get it wrong and have it reject her.¡±


    Between two fingers, Tasi lifted the worm out and handed the box to her Elf assistant, who handed back a slightly bowl-shaped clay plate. The Fairy set the little creature on the plate and one could see it immediately start to change color to blend in with the clay.


    ¡°So how do you get it to come out? Crack its shell open or something?¡± Callie asked


    ¡°No no no,¡± Tasi said in a quiet soothing voice, as if she was talking to the Symbiote. ¡°If we just sprinkle it with a little Goreroot powder and a splash of water, it will crawl out on its own and seek the closest protection it can find.¡±


    ¡°My head,¡± Lena said dryly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°As ready as I can be.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Once I put the powder and water on it, I¡¯m going to place it next to your ear. You may hear a little cracking as the shell breaks. It¡¯s going to feel strange as it crawls in, but it will not hurt, as it secretes a numbing agent. You may feel a moment of panic, close your eyes and try not to thrash, understood?¡±


    Lena nervously nodded her head.


    ¡°Everyone else, it will look like she slips into a trance, which will last around an hour. If her eyes are open, we will close them. We¡¯re going to put a blindfold around your eyes and ears, Lena, so when you wake up, remember you have that on. If there is blood around your ear, that is normal. When you wake up, you will feel woozy most of the night, but it should clear by morning. It¡¯s best just to stay in your bed and try to sleep. Eat breakfast at the mess if you are able to move around in the morning.¡±


    Lena nodded again. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Here we go. Meyra, if you would?¡±


    The Elf held a vial over the little worm and sprinkled a fine, yellow powder liberally over it. With practiced grace, she swapped the empty vial for another with water, which she then poured.


    ¡°Thank you, Meyra,¡± Tasi said. Picking up the caterpillar with her right thumb and forefinger, Meyra immediately took the plate from her. ¡°Here you go little guy. You¡¯re new home with Bladedancer Lenora Mosswood. May you be glorious together.¡± Setting it carefully high on Lena¡¯s cheek, close to her ear, Tasi quietly cooed, ¡°There you are. Lena, everything is fine.¡±


    The little caterpillar¡¯s armored shell cracked open, splitting lengthwise. Inside was a little brown slug about three centimeters long, with a bright red spot on its back.. ¡°I can confirm it is a Bladedancer,¡± Tasi said quietly. ¡°There you go, little guy. You¡¯re doing great, Lena.¡±


    ¡°The color? That¡¯s how you can tell?¡± Callie whispered. ¡°Brown and red, like Lena¡¯s class color and the specialist symbol.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. They have the same colors as a person¡¯s class aura a Scryer sees. Each Symbiote¡¯s color is unique to its class. But we can¡¯t see that unless we open its armor, which will kill it in short order. So, we need to scry to verify each one.¡±


    The slug seemed to look around, taking in the area around itself, before making a rather quick, for a slug, dash towards the closest cozy hole it could see.


    ¡°Ahh,¡± Lena said suddenly as it slipped inside her pointed ear. It wasn¡¯t a scream, just a burst of surprise.


    ¡°Here it comes, Lena. A quick moment of panic. Try not to thrash,¡± Tasi said soothingly.


    ¡°It¡¯s really ¡­ squishy,¡± Lena said with a tinge of a giggle.


    In a flash, Lena¡¯s eyes shot open and she stiffened with a grunt.


    ¡°Close your eyes,¡± Tasi ordered, and Lena squeezed them shut. Lena spasmed a few more times, her breath coming in quick bursts. Finally, the Bladedancer made one sharp intake of air and suddenly completely relaxed, all motion ceasing.


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Perfect,¡± Tasi said, straightening as she rested two fingers on Lena¡¯s neck.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°All done,¡± Tasi confirmed again. ¡°Let¡¯s give her some space. Meyra, if you would.¡±


    As everyone moved aside, the Elf bent to wrap a piece of cloth several times around Lena¡¯s head, covering her eyes and ears.


    ¡°That was easier than I thought it would be,¡± Callie said. ¡°I¡¯m a whole lot less nervous now.¡±


    ¡°Me, t-t-too,¡± Pixyl echoed.


    ¡°Who would like to go next?¡±

 Chapter 11 Part 13.2 - Symbiosis (II)

    PART XIII - SYMBIOSIS (II)


    ¡°I go,¡± Tazrok said. Opening his footlocker, he asked Vanis, ¡°Get please. Don¡¯t want to squish.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, of course, Tazrok,¡± Vanis said as he retrieved the Ogre¡¯s tiny Symbiote case. He passed the case to Tasi.


    Tazrok followed the same instructions and lay down on his bunk. Tasi needed to stand on his footlocker to be high enough to be in position. ¡°Tazrok,¡± Tasi said, ¡°I know I asked this before, but I must ask again. You are sure you will be able to stay still?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he responded.


    ¡°Alright. Everyone, stay back please, just as a precaution. Tazrok, what is your class?¡±


    ¡°I am Druid.¡±


    ¡°An Ogre Druid,¡± Tasi said, rubbing her hand lovingly over the wood case. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see such a thing.¡±


    Tasi and her assistants went through the same practiced steps as they did with Lena. Sania verified the Symbiote was for the ultra-rare Druid class. Tasi and Meyra put everything in place to apply the powder.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Tasi asked.


    ¡°One moment,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°Thinking about trees and water.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Tasi said, a confused look on her face. ¡°Do you know what he means?¡±


    ¡°I think he¡¯s trying to meditate,¡± Callie said with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s a new concept for him, but his trainer told him to try. I promised to help. May I talk to him for a moment?¡±


    ¡°Quickly please,¡± Tasi said as she handed the plate with the Symbiote to Sania and stepped off the footlocker. Callie clambered up to take her place, close to Tazrok¡¯s head.


    ¡°Hey, big guy,¡± Callie said in a low, soothing voice. ¡°We need to make this quick, okay. Just concentrate on your breathing. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and then blow it out slowly through your lips. Just keep thinking about that. Breathe in. And then breathe out.¡±


    The Ogre repeated the breathing exercise a few times. A little exaggerated at first, but then getting comfortable. ¡°Good,¡± Callie said. ¡°Just keep doing that. Just keep breathing like that. Now think about happy things. The warm sun hitting your face. The sound of the wind blowing through trees. Water flowing in a stream.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± the Ogre said slowly after about twenty seconds. ¡°Am ready.¡±


    Callie quickly hopped down, giving Tasi a thumbs up.


    The Fairy retook her position on the footlocker and quickly, but quietly, called out the rest of the process with Meyra. She placed the dusted Symbiote close to the Ogre¡¯s ear and spoke softly. ¡°Hey there, little guy. I want you to meet Tazrok. He¡¯s a very special Druid for you to bond with. One of a kind even. Take real good care of him, and he will take great care of you.¡± She turned quickly to her assistants to confirm in a whisper, ¡°Three colors. It is a Druid slug.¡±


    ¡°It tickles,¡± Tazrok said with a slight chuckle as the Symbiote, sporting repeating rings of yellow, brown and white slipped inside his ear. The Ogre smiled and sleepily called out ¡°Hi, Sluggo.¡±


    And then ¡­ nothing. No violent jerking. No moment of panic. Absolutely nothing happened.


    ¡°Tazrok?¡± Tasi said tentatively. ¡°Hello?¡±


    The Ogre made not a sound, and not a movement. Tasi looked at his face, checked his pulse, and even picked up one eyelid. He just lay there, breathing slowly, with a smile on his face. ¡°I think he¡¯s tranced,¡± she said. ¡°I honestly was expecting more¡­something.¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯s in there, right?¡± Meyra asked. ¡°It¡¯s attached?¡±


    ¡°Um. Sania, would you check please. I think it is, but that was a very odd reaction.¡±


    The Dwarf switched places with Tasi and concentrated hard through her gem, rotating it a few times. ¡°It¡¯s there, and it seems to be melding into place,¡± she finally said. ¡°It looks like everything worked normally.¡±


    ¡°He did say he wouldn¡¯t move,¡± Callie pointed out. ¡°I guess the meditation worked.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Tasi finally said. ¡°This is definitely unexpected. Meyra, if you would put his blindfold on, I suppose we¡¯ll start on whomever is next. You? What¡¯s your name?¡±


    Xin, realizing Tasi was indicating her gulped visibly. ¡°My simple name is Xin. But my full name is Xinchaine, Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe, and I am a Shaman. I must admit, Tazrok sets a hard example. I do not know if I can be that calm.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone can be that calm,¡± Vanis said. ¡°I know I won¡¯t be.¡±


    Xin retrieved her blue and white box from her own footlocker and handed it to Tasi. Meyra fished in her basket, retrieving a strange item which she also handed to Tasi.


    ¡°We need to put this into your ear, Xin, so that it doesn¡¯t close on the Symbiote,¡± Tasi said, handing the item to the Lizardkin. It was a small piece of metal formed roughly like a flattened funnel, with the spout only extending about two centimeters.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t close?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Yes, Little One,¡± Xin said. ¡°Lizardkin have a muscular entrance to our ears that will close tightly if needed. It originally was part of our lizard biology to keep out desert sands and such.¡±


    ¡°It also has the benefit of being able to provide some immunity to sonic based attacks and charms,¡± Tasi added. ¡°Very helpful for a combatant.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. So she might instinctively snap her ear closed on the slug as it crawls in?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Xin said. ¡°This will be uncomfortable, but it is necessary. Please try to keep noise to a minimum as I will not be able to regulate volume.¡±


    Xin took her position on the bed like the others and gently inserted the ear funnel, grunting and obviously uncomfortable. Tasi had Sania scry the sleeping worm, and confirmed the Symbiote was indeed the correct colors. Tasi and Meyra did their well-practiced dance in preparation for the procedure.


    ¡°Xin, I will need to cup my hand over your ear,¡± Tasi said in a whisper. ¡°Since you don¡¯t have any external ear anatomy, the Symbiote may not see where it needs to go. My hand will make it look like a nice dark home for it.¡±


    Xin nodded in acknowledgement as Meyra dusted and then watered the little creature.


    ¡°Hey there little guy,¡± Tasi cooed as she moved the Symbiote into position. ¡°This is Xinchaine, Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe, and she is your new host; a fine Lizardkin Shaman. Take good care of each other.¡± The Fairy cupped her hand over Xin¡¯s ear to give the slug a direction to go. Once free of its armored shell, the slug looked around and started to move in the right direction. ¡°There you go,¡± Tasi coaxed. ¡°Xin, here it comes. Try to stay still.¡±


    Towards the other end of the bed, Sania held down Xin¡¯s tail as it started to twitch nervously. ¡°We¡¯re just holding you down,¡± Tasi said, barely noticing the Elf¡¯s actions as she quickly removed the armored shell from Xin¡¯s cheek, and handed it off to Meyra so it wouldn¡¯t accidentally fall into her exposed ear canal. ¡°We just don¡¯t want you to whip your tail and hit someone with those spikes.¡±


    Xin swallowed hard and squeezed her eyes closed. ¡°Unnngh!¡± the Lizardkin yelled a moment after the slug entered. She started to spasm, but Sania and Tasi both held her in place, Tasi¡¯s small Fairy frame surprisingly strong.


    On the Lizardkin¡¯s tail, three sharp bone spikes had sprung out, no doubt being quite dangerous if swung with violence.


    ¡°Sleep spell?¡± Meyra asked, preparing a casting if necessary.


    ¡°Not needed, she¡¯s doing fine,¡± Tasi said soothingly as Xin continued to jerk violently for several seconds before she finally stilled. ¡°Are you harmed?¡± Tasi asked, looking back at Sania, who was warily eyeing the spiked tail.


    ¡°She didn''t get me. She¡¯s down, right?¡± Sania asked.


    ¡°She is,¡± Tasi said, removing the metal funnel. Sania let go of Xin¡¯s tail and slowly backed away. The three bone spikes were slowly retracting now that Xin was in her post-insertion trance and relaxing.


    ¡°I had no idea their tails had spikes!¡± Callie whispered. ¡°That¡¯s really cool!¡± She saw the confused looks on healers¡¯ faces. ¡°Sorry! It means interesting,¡± the Gnome quickly amended.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t either,¡± Vanis said quietly, rubbing his chin. ¡°All those Lizardkin dignitaries we made sure to disarm before an audience¡­¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t something they talk about much, for obvious reasons,¡± Tasi said. ¡°But trust me, you don¡¯t want to be on the receiving end of that. One of the spikes even has a mind venom in it.¡±


    ¡°R-r-r-really?¡± Pixyl asked, wide-eyed.


    ¡°It won¡¯t kill you, but even a little could put you to sleep for a few hours,¡± Sania said. ¡°And leave you with a nasty headache.¡±


    ¡°Now, who¡¯s next?¡± Tasi asked.

 Chapter 11 Part 13.3 - Symbiosis (III)

    PART XIII - SYMBIOSIS (III)


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go last,¡± Vanis said, ¡°So I can be here for whomever is left.  For moral support.¡±  He gestured towards Callie and Pixyl.


    ¡°So who¡¯s it going to be, then?¡±


    The Gnome and the Pixie just looked at each other, neither eager to volunteer.


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Callie said, not wanting to say anything.


    ¡°Then I will decide,¡± Tasi said.  ¡°The Pixie goes next.¡±


    ¡°W-why?¡± Pixyl demanded.


    ¡°Because, I want the Gnome to help, as we need everyone to hold you down so you don¡¯t injure yourself again.¡±


    Pixyl deflated as she slowly turned towards her bed, not even attempting to argue.  ¡°I c-c-can¡¯t reach,¡± she said sadly, gesturing towards her footlocker.


    ¡°Right,¡± Vanis said as he retrieved her Symbiote case, giving it to Tasi.  ¡°Here you are.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Tasi said.  ¡°You are going by Pixyl, yes?¡±


    The Pixie nodded her head.  ¡°Easier than my f-f-full n-n-name.¡±


    ¡°If you could lie down,¡± Tasi said, ¡°and confirm your class.¡±


    ¡°Bladew-w-weaver.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Meyra asked in disbelief.


    Tasi nodded, unlocking the blue and brown case.  ¡°Checked and rechecked.¡±


    ¡°Does she have her Ethereal Blades unlocked?¡±


    ¡°I believe so,¡± Tasi said, querying Pixyl.


    ¡°Y-y-yes, I do,¡± the Pixie responded.


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to restrain her then, not just so she doesn¡¯t hurt herself, but so she doesn¡¯t hurt anyone if she summons her swords,¡± Meyra warned.  ¡°It would be better if we could sleep her.¡±


    ¡°N-n-no!,¡± Pixyl panicked.  ¡°Please n-n-no!  I need to have every advantage!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help keep her calm,¡± Callie said.


    Tasi put up a hand to stop any objections.  ¡°We all know how to handle Bladeweavers that wish to remain awake, and thankfully a Pixie is not as strong as others.  We just need to work around her small size and her wings.  We can¡¯t put heavy direct pressure on them as we hold her in place.¡±


    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Callie said, cocking her head.  She quickly explained her plan, asking Vanis to retrieve the oversized blanket from the unused Ogre bunk.


    Pixyl took position in the center of her bunk, and spread out on her stomach, with her head resting on its left side and her wings folded in tight against her back.  She extended her arms straight above her head.  Vanis spread the oversized blanket over the Pixie, pinning her wings underneath it, while it draped over the sides of her bunk.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Callie said, sliding into position in front of Pixyl¡¯s face as she winced slightly in pain from the blanket being stretched over her.  ¡°While they do their thing, we¡¯re just going to talk for a bit.  Let¡¯s do just like I did with Tazrok.  Breathe in through your nose and blow out through your mouth.  Can you do that?¡±


    Pixyl frowned at the Gnome being so close, but realized she was only trying to help, and further realized she actually appreciated the support.  With a nod, Pixyl took a few deep, calming breaths.


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    ¡°I¡¯m curious, how many joinings have you done?¡± Vanis asked Tasi while Callie worked with Pixyl.  ¡°It¡¯s almost like a well-choreographed dance watching all of you work.¡±


    ¡°Oh, about six hundred over the last eight years,¡± Tasi said as she organized herself and opened the Symbiote box.   Sania quickly rescryed and confirmed it was Bladeweaver class.


    ¡°Pixyl, we¡¯re going to get started.  You¡¯ve seen this done three times now, so you know what to expect.  Just concentrate on staying calm,¡± the Healer said, and then nodded to Vanis.  ¡°If you could take your position?¡±


    Vanis lay down on the floor and shimmied under the bed.  He took the hanging, oversized blanket in each hand and pulled it tight.  This had the effect of pinning Pixyl¡¯s wings to her body and her legs to the bed, without the direct pressure of hands on her wings.  The Pixie gave another yelp of pain.


    ¡°Sorry, Pixyl,¡± Vanis said with a grunt.


    ¡°I-i-it¡¯s fine,¡± she said, trying to block the agony of her bruised wing.  ¡°I¡¯ve felt w-w-worse.¡±


    ¡°Hey, look at me,¡± Callie said, locking eyes with the Pixie.  ¡°It will only be a quick minute.  Let¡¯s breathe together.¡±  Callie took a deep breath and hesitantly, Pixyl did the same.  They breathed together twice more.  Behind her, Tasi placed the Symbiote on the plate, while Sania pinned one of Pixyl¡¯s outstretched arms in place.


    ¡°Here we go,¡± Tasi said as Meyra deftly powdered and wet the Symbiote.  In a quick series of actions, Tasi picked up the worm while the Elf took the plate and set it aside.  Meyra swiftly reached up and held Pixyl¡¯s other arm still.


    ¡°Little Symbiote,¡± Tasi purred as she set the armored worm on Pixyl¡¯s cheek.  ¡°I want you to meet Pixylataweneecina, your new host, or Pixyl to her friends.  She¡¯s a special Bladeweaver, the only one of her kind we know of.  You two take great care of each other and together you will be mighty.¡±


    ¡°Great job on her name,¡± Callie whispered, not breaking eye contact.


    ¡°I practiced to get it right,¡± Tasi whispered back with a wink.  ¡°It¡¯s important.¡±


    Pixyl barely heard any of this as she kept her eyes locked on Callie¡¯s, and Callie returned the favor.  Pixyl fell into those wide, purple Gnome eyes, and somehow just a tiny amount of that oppressive anger she always carried fell away.  They breathed in together, and blew out their breaths together.  Pixyl heard and felt the tiniest of cracks as the Symbiote¡¯s armor split.


    ¡°Blue with a brown ring,¡± Tasi whispered to Sania.  ¡°Bladeweaver colors.¡±


    Pixyl felt the touch of the wet slug on her cheek as it began to move towards her pointed ear, and she balled up her fists to fight the panic, staring hard at Callie.  ¡°Careful,¡± Sania warned Meyra, nodding at Pixyl¡¯s fists.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this,¡± Callie whispered to Pixyl in a chant.  ¡°You¡¯ve got this.  You¡¯ve got this.¡±  The little blue and brown slug found its new home and slipped inside.


    ¡°Just a moment of panic.¡± Tasi said quietly, placing a hand on Pixyl¡¯s head to hold it in place.  ¡°Just one quick moment and then it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this,  You¡¯ve got this.¡± Callie said again.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got this,¡± Pixyl whispered back, refusing to break contact with those wondrous, deep purple eyes.  Pixyl felt her heart flutter in a strange and unexpected way.


    Instantly, as the Symbiote took hold, she bucked her body, but Vanis was able to keep her in place, holding the blanket tight like a straight-jacket.  At the end of each fist, there was a flash of magenta-colored light, and two hazy spikes of Ethereal energy sprang forth making a harsh, crackling noise.  Each was perhaps forty centimeters long, and as they lashed out, they pierced effortlessly through the wood headboard.  Tiny wisps of smoke rose from each of the holes, and as Pixyl¡¯s pinned hands twitched, the Ethereal Blades sliced the holes larger.  Sania and Meyra each quickly backed their torsos away instinctively, while continuing to hold the arms connected to the energy weapons in place.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this,¡± Callie whispered once more, putting on a smile and barely noticing what had happened


    And with that, the Pixie went still, her eyes still wide.  Nobody moved for a long moment.  The glow of Pixyl¡¯s swords seemed to fade a bit, before they both dissipated into a fading mist of magenta Ether.  Everyone finally let out the breath they were holding.


    ¡°Nobody told me she could summon lightsabers,¡± Callie said quietly, as she watched the last remnants of the blades disperse.  ¡°She¡¯s a frickin¡¯ Jedi?¡±


    ¡°Jedi?¡± Vanis said, sliding out from under the bed.


    ¡°Yeah.  Very powerful Ninja Wizards. I¡¯ll tell you all some time,¡± Callie replied, still in awe of Pixyl¡¯s powers.


    ¡°Anyone hurt?¡± Tasi asked quickly, and her two assistants both confirmed they were uninjured.  The headboard, however, sported two large holes with charred wood surrounding each.


    ¡°Good.  Almost every time, a Bladeweaver that already knows that skill will summon their swords,¡± Tasi said.  ¡°It¡¯s just instinctive.  You need to be sure to aim their fists in the right direction.¡±


    Tasi looked at Pixyl¡¯s face and, with two fingers, closed her eyelids.  ¡°Meyra?¡±


    Callie stepped out of the way as the Elf swooped in with her cloth, wrapping it around Pixyl¡¯s eyes and ears.


    ¡°Great work, everyone,¡± Tasi said.  ¡°I have a good feeling about Pixyl and her Symbiote.¡±


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s my turn,¡± Callie said sullenly.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± Tasi said.

 Chapter 11 Part 13.4 - Symbiosis (IV)

    PART XIII - SYMBIOSIS (IV)


    Callie groaned and started to climb into her bunk. ¡°Vanis, can you get my slug thing? I¡¯m too short.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Vanis said. He retrieved the Symbiote case from Callie¡¯s footlocker and handed it off to Tasi.


    ¡°Before we get started,¡± Tasi began, sitting on the bed next to Callie, ¡°I need to review some items with you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, oh,¡± Callie said. ¡°Sounds ominous.¡±


    ¡°Master Trainer Thorn informed me of your ¡­ unique circumstances. I raised concerns about using a Symbiote on you without knowing your class. Plus, your lack of memory prior to this morning presents some ethical questions.¡±


    Callie¡¯s heart seemed to halt in place, suddenly worried she was being denied her chance. She also felt guilty continuing the amnesia ruse in the face of everything, but realized she needed to, at least until she and her friends decided on their next steps.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Callie responded slowly. ¡°I can¡¯t really speak to the lack of class, but I know I have the Conscription Curse, so I need to do something. Plus, I do have that Advanced Archery perk.¡±


    ¡°That is true, Little One. And you demonstrated it definitively earlier today, from what I hear.¡±


    ¡°Uh, what else did you hear?¡± Callie asked warily.


    Tasi chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, the word is that you showed everyone true dedication and focus, along with showing ¡­ other things.¡±


    Callie ran her palm over her face, groaning. Was this going to haunt her forever?


    ¡°But despite my reservations, it¡¯s the Master Trainer¡¯s decision to attempt a melding, so we will proceed as normal.¡±


    Callie felt her heart restart.


    ¡°But we need to clarify something, and it¡¯s imperative you listen closely. As you know, your Symbiote is very rare and precious. If it rejects you, we must get it back unharmed, in order to use it in another recruit at a later date.¡±


    ¡°How will I know if that happens?¡±


    ¡°You will be able to feel it, once the melding is completed,¡± Tasi explained. ¡°I know when I was joined with my Symbiote, I knew immediately it was the case when I emerged from my trance. Just remain calm and think about what class you are. It should come to you quickly.¡±


    ¡°What happens if it turns out that it doesn¡¯t want me?¡±


    ¡°It takes about four hours for a rejected Symbiote to, and pardon the pun, worm its way back out. If it does, we¡¯ll need to capture it again.¡±


    ¡°What do I need to do?¡±


    ¡°If you awaken and you know you have not bonded, immediately share that information. I must stress again, immediately. We put a monitor in each house, and they will be able to put a sleep spell on you if that occurs.¡±


    ¡°You take this thing seriously,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Little One, you have no idea how much your little Symbiote is worth. Please appreciate the gamble we are taking on you, and how important it is to salvage that gamble if it doesn¡¯t pay off.¡±


    ¡®I understand.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you do. It¡¯s not just money that is at stake here, but lives. If your Symbiote does not join with you, it will be at least three months before we are able to use it again. The next term of recruits starts in twelve weeks, closer to that three-month mark than we¡¯d like. This means even longer before we¡¯re able to try again with another Ranger recruit.¡±


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Are you trying to talk me out of this?¡± Callie asked warily.


    ¡°No. I am just wanting to stress what is at stake, and if successful, what is expected of you. I just want you to be sure before we continue.¡±


    Callie took a moment before she responded. On one hand, if everything worked, then she was fine and things would continue as expected, and she¡¯d have the best chance of living through this Curse. On the other hand, if her bonding was unsuccessful, it would be months before the Symbiote could be used again, and, from what her friends said, two years before she¡¯d be able to try bonding again if she determined she had a different class after all. Could she accept the responsibility now that she knew how big it was? It was a hard decision. And maybe a selfish one, in a way. Wait! Yes! She could do this, dammit! Koda had said to never let anyone tell her what she can¡¯t do. So had her father. She could do this!


    ¡°I would like to try,¡± Callie finally said.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Tasi said. ¡°I am going to give you another warning, however.¡±


    Callie¡¯s heart sank again.


    ¡°If your bonding is not successful, then you must not disturb your Symbiote as it exits. This is why we put a sleep spell on you,¡± Tasi warned.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because, if it is disturbed as it is trying to escape, it would be bad. While it will be encased in new armor, that armor is still hardening, so the Symbiote is still vulnerable. It may release its toxin as a defense.¡±


    ¡°That does sound like it would be bad.¡±


    ¡°Imagine something eating away at your brain like an acid,¡± Tasi said, painting a gruesome picture.


    ¡°Yup. That would be bad,¡± Callie confirmed.


    ¡°It would, and that is the kind of damage that no amount of healing will be able to repair.¡±


    ¡°Basically, as soon as I come to, let your person know yes or no on successful bonding.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I think I understand how important this is.¡±


    ¡°Then we will begin. Callie is your name, correct?¡±


    Callie almost answered yes, and then thought about how important this was. ¡°Calliope. My name is Calliope Willow Archer. Only my father ever called me Calliope, though. To everyone else, I¡¯m Callie.¡±


    Tasi looked at the Gnome for clarification.


    ¡°For this, you can call me Calliope.¡±


    ¡°It is a very poetic name, Little One. You remembered your father?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like a distant memory,¡± Callie said. A half-truth.


    ¡°He must be a good man to leave such a memory.¡±


    ¡°He was,¡± Callie replied with a bittersweet smile and a tone that told Tasi what had happened.


    ¡°My condolences, Little One,¡± Tasi said, putting her hand on Callie¡¯s arm.


    The silence hung in the air as the Healer slipped off the bed and everyone started getting organized for the joining procedure. Callie lay down on her pillow, the right side of her head facing upwards, and reflected. She thought about her father, really remembering him, for the first time in a long time. The images she had in her head had been slowly fading to that of a distant memory, and that saddened her.


    She had grown up close to her dad, but they had drifted far apart when she reached adulthood and was off at college. He hadn¡¯t disapproved of her or the direction her life had gone, but Callie had used the distance as an excuse to push her parents away in favor of independence, as if she no longer needed them. It wasn¡¯t until he died that she realized how wrong she had been. Since then, the idea of anyone else calling her ¡®Calliope¡¯ just didn¡¯t feel right. It was his name for her, the name he gave her at birth because he¡¯d said she would always be his greatest muse. The memories were bittersweet.


    In that nostalgic moment, Callie made a decision. For him, she was going to somehow see this new world through, and either find a way home, or if she was stuck here, find a way to survive and honor his memory.


    ¡°Are you ready, Calliope?¡± Tasi asked quietly.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Then we shall begin. Sania, If you would confirm, please.¡±


    Callie smiled as she listened to Tasi¡¯s dancing; checking off each step of the process with practiced precision.


    ¡°I can confirm it is a Ranger worm,¡± Sania said.


    ¡°Thank you. Meyra, if you would.¡±


    She distantly hard the faint trickle of water,


    She breathed in through her nose, out through her pursed lips, noting a little piece of blanket fuzz wiggling in the wind as she did so, like a lone flower in the middle of a field.


    Something cool and wet touched her cheek, and she felt Tasi¡¯s warm breath. ¡°Hey there, little friend, I want you to meet Calliope Willow Archer. She¡¯s a really special Ranger; a one-of-a-kind Little One who has lost her way. She needs you, just as you need her. Treat each other well, and together you shall be amazing.¡±


    Callie heard the faint cracking, and could feel the cool wetness moving up her cheek. Tasi said something, probably confirming the colors for the record, but she didn¡¯t hear it. She concentrated on the image of her father she was holding in her mind. And the image of her mother. And the image of her five new best friends. The image of her new, found family.


    ¡°A moment of panic,¡± a distant voice said, as the wet sensation began to seep into her ear.


    ¡°It is squishy,¡± Callie said with a giggle. She closed her eyes, and fell into a world of white.

 Summary of Chapter 11 Part 13 - Symbiosis

    PART XIII (Summary)


    Master Healer Tasi arrives with two assistants, a Dwarf named Sania and an Elf named Meyra. Tasi first checks to make sure no one is being pressured into remaining awake. Assured they are not, she asks who will be joined first. Both Callie and Pixyl decline, saying they want to witness a joining first to help feel more comfortable about the process. Lena then volunteers to be the first.


    With Callie and Pixyl watching closely, Lena lays on her bed, her right ear facing upwards. Tasi opens Lena¡¯s Symbiote case while Sania scrys the worm to confirm it is one for the Bladedancer class. Callie comments that it isn¡¯t jumping, and Tasi explains that a bed of Lunarmint leaves in the case helps sedate the worm so it remains docile. With a sprinkle of Goreroot powder and a splash of water, Tasi places the worm on Lena¡¯s cheek. The wet Goreroot causes the slug to emerge from its shell, and Callie notes that it is brown in color with a red spot, like Lena¡¯s class colors. Tasi confirms that worms are the color of their respective classes, telling Callie that scrying is the only way to determine those colors short of cracking the shell, which would kill the Symbiote. As the joining takes place, Lena remarks that ¡°It is squishy!¡± before she spasms for a few seconds and then slips into unconsciousness. Tasi assures everyone this is perfectly normal, and Meyra wraps a cloth bandage around Lena¡¯s eyes and ears so that she can rest.


    Tazrok volunteers to go next. Before Tasi can start, Tazrok indicates he¡¯s trying to think about trees. Callie realizes he means meditation, and takes a minute to talk Tazrok through some breathing exercises and guided meditation before he indicates he¡¯s ready. Tasi, worried the Ogre might thrash around, warns everyone to stay back. Like with Lena, Tasi and Meyra dust the Symbiote. It enters, and he calls out ¡°Hi, Sluggo¡±, appearing to pass out. He does not thrash or move in any way, and Tasi, perplexed, asks Sania to perform a scry to ensure the Symbiote is in place, which she does. As with Lena, Meyra concludes the procedure by wrapping a cloth around Tazrok¡¯s head and ears.


    Tasi chooses Xin to go next, which requires a funnel-like medical apparatus to keep the protective muscles of Xin¡¯s ear from closing on the Symbiote. Xin explains that the muscular membrane is remnant of her lizard biology, and serves to keep sand and other items out of her ear canals. Tasi mentions it can also serve as a defense against sonic-based attacks and charms. As the Symbiote is confirmed by scry to be for a Shaman, Tasi and Meyra go through their preparation process. Sania takes this opportunity to hold down Xin¡¯s tail. To everyone¡¯s surprise, as the joining occurs with Xin, three spikes snap out at the end of her tail as a reflex. Like with Lena, Xin spasms for a few seconds before falling still, the spikes slowly retracting. Sania reveals that one of the spikes is poisoned with a sleep-inducing venom. Like the others, Meyra wraps Xin¡¯s head.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Vanis states he¡¯s going to go last to provide moral support to Callie and Pixyl.


    Pixyl, nervous but resigned, is next. To assure that her wing isn¡¯t injured further by hands holding her down, a blanket is thrown over the Pixie and then held tight from under her bed by Vanis, making for a makeshift straightjacket and spreading the pressure across her entire body. Callie takes position in front of Pixyl, locking their eyes together. With some meditative breathing and a repeated mantra of ¡°You¡¯ve got this,¡± Callie helps keep Pixyl calm and strong. As the joining begins, Pixyl chants back the reply, ¡°I¡¯ve got this!¡± as she looks deep into Callie¡¯s eyes, her heart feeling momentarily odd. The Symbiote takes hold and the Pixie spasms like the others. Sania and Meyra are both holding one of Pixy¡¯s wrists, from which instinctively emerges a sword of magenta Ethereal Energy that crackles and hisses as it pierces easily through the wooden headboard of the bed. As Pixyl stills and slips into her trance, the energy blades disappear, Callie commenting that they were similar to lightsabers.


    Before beginning the process with Callie, Tasi confirms that the Gnome both wishes to go through with the joining, and that she understands how important her little Symbiote is. Tasi also informs Callie that she must tell someone as soon as she wakes up if the joining was successful. If it is not, then she will immediately be put out with a sleep spell so as to not disturb the worm as it exits, which risks the Symbiote releasing a brain toxin that will cause unhealable damage. As they prepare, Callie thinks about her father, holding his fading memory close. Her thoughts float from him to her mother, and then to her new friends. As the joining begins, Callie can¡¯t help but notice that ¡°It is squishy!¡± before her world fades to white.

 CHARACTER LIST - End of Chapter 11 (Act 1)

    There are a great many characters mentioned by name in Callie''s Heroes, which for some could prove confusing and difficult to track.


    Below is a list of all named characters mentioned up until the end of Chapter 11 (Act 1) and a brief summary of their information. If known, Class and Tier are listed, as well as any military rank or similar information. This does not mean that the character is "important" to the story, only that they were mentioned in some form by name. This can serve as a useful reference should you need to recall who someone is.


    Updated versions of this list will be posted at later points in the story, as it progresses.


    <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><colgroup><col width="198"><col width="123"><col width="84"><col width="49"><col width="113"><col width="73"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"></colgroup>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Name</td>


    <td>Gender/Race</td>


    <td>Class</td>


    <td>Tier</td>


    <td>Rank</td>


    <td>First Mention</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Notes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Alena del Montano</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Legacy Princess and sister of Vanis, Age 8, presumptive heir to the del Montano Legacy Kingdom</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Balneis</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 7</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Part of the Quartermaster and Logistics staff</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Bratig</td>


    <td>Male Dwarf</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Pushed Pixyl causing her to break her wing, was disciplined by Tazrok which included removing his beard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Callie (Calliope) Willow Archer</td>


    <td>Female Gnome</td>


    <td>Ranger?</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Prologue</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human transported from Earth into pink-haired Gnome body, Conscription Cursed and currently in advanced class training, Is a race/class combination not seen before, has background archery and accounting</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Celeste</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Gold</td>


    <td>Major</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Senior officer in Camp, doing double-duty as Bladedancer Trainer and head of training camp internal security</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Cheena</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Trainer under the mentorship of Trainer Maugra, acts as her interpreter and assistant, but is ready to assume role of lead trainer, should Maugra ever finally retire</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Chown</td>


    <td>Male Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, learned Arcane Blast from grandmother, who is a Wizard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Dregorio</td>


    <td>Male Catkin</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, Catkin with Domestic Housecat background, comes from far to the south along the sea, but came north to be with his love - alas it did not work out and he was Conscripted before he could return home</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Dunni (Dunilalwal)</td>


    <td>Male Fairy</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for six months, used to be in service to Duke Rallaxe and recognizes Vanis from that time, seems lazy about his Warlock studies</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Earick</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Scryer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Fullo</td>


    <td>Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 8</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Quartermaster in charge of laundry, tailoring and training armor, leads a team of Brownie tailors, yellow Tigerkin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Fynisse</td>


    <td>Female Lionkin</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for one month</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Galin Molanar</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Legate</td>


    <td>Ch. 3</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Second in command of training camp, reports to Commandant Xera</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Grig</td>


    <td>Male Goblin</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kitchen staff member</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Jesca</td>


    <td>Female Cheetahkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 9</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Fellow Ranger recruit and friend of Callie</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Juniper</td>


    <td>Female Dryad</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>None</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious and mischievous Dryad that lives close to the training camp, has some arrangement with Xera but is considered a nuisance by most officers and staff</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Kaisess</td>


    <td>Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, yellow Tigerkin, learned the Parkour skill</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Karen</td>


    <td>Female Human</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Prologue</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Interviewed Callie Archer for a poor accounting position</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Kela</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Captain</td>


    <td>Ch. 3</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of Quartermaster and Logistics at the training camp, reports to Legate Galin, arguably the most-important person at the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Koda (aka Bear Guy)</td>


    <td>Male Bearkin</td>


    <td>Paladin</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Large Bearkin that accosts Callie, Jesca and Thucax, before turning polite, nicknamed ''Bear Guy'' by Callie</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Koka</td>


    <td>Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin sister (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Moka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Lena (Lenora) Mosswood</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 1</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, has a mysterious and criminal past, powerset includes multiple Thief skills as well as Truthseeking</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Lhawni</td>


    <td>Female Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Maugra</td>


    <td>Female Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Very old Goblin Shaman Trainer, requires walking-staff for assistance in bi-pedal fom, unable to speak and uses Shaman Trainer Cheena to translate a form of sign language, refuses to retire so Cheena can take over training duties, Known Animal Forms: Wolf</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Melga Fireheart</td>


    <td>Female Dwarf</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Meyra</td>


    <td>Female Else</td>


    <td>Healer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer and assistant to Master Healer Tasi</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Moka</td>


    <td>Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin brother (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Koka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Natala</td>


    <td>Female Dwarf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Sergeant-Major</td>


    <td>Ch. 6</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Master Trainer Thorn, battle veteran with lingering mobility injuries</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Olin</td>


    <td>Male Lionkin</td>


    <td>Bladeweaver</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 9</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Trainer for the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Pixyl (Pixylataweneecina)</td>


    <td>Female Pixie</td>


    <td>Bladeweaver</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Blue-haired Pixie who''s wing was seriously injured after altercation with Bratig, housemate of Callie Archer, generally quiet and introverted, fiercely independent with few friends. Is a race/class combination not seen before.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Rallaxe</td>


    <td>Male (Unknown)</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Duke (Nobility)</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kingdom nobility known to Vanis, used to employ Warlock Recruit Dunni on his staff, before forcing him to quit to devote time to studying his new class.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Reynard</td>


    <td>Male Foxkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 7</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Trainer, good friends with Master Trainer Thorn, not happy with having a Gnome recruit or with Callie''s stubborness</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Rowani</td>


    <td>Female Pantherkin</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 5</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid trainer, Elder battle veteran. Known Animal Forms include: Black Panther, Golden Hawk</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Sania</td>


    <td>Female Dwarf</td>


    <td>Scryer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Shul''an</td>


    <td>N/A Salamanderkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Bronze</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, Fire Salamander background, pitch-black skin with red highlights, hails from the Great Oasis in the Souther Desert and when Conscripted was too far to return home, able to shoot flamable spit, served as trade caravan guard and has learned several Ranger skills, plus Earthen Wall (Geomancer) and Burning Hands (Wizard) which can be used to ignite flamable spit (NOTE: Salamanderkin are hermaphroditic and use neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Solva</td>


    <td>Male Human</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Governor</td>


    <td>CH. 6</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human nobility and friend of Vanis before the Humans isolated, Vanis was courting his daughter at one point.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Swopik</td>


    <td>Male Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, was part of the town militia before being Conscripted, so knows some warrior skills</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Tasi</td>


    <td>Female Fairy</td>


    <td>Healer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Master Healer</td>


    <td>Ch. 9</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Supervisor of Healers and healing services at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Tazrok (Deathstorm) Thunderfist</td>


    <td>Male Ogre</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Corporal (Recruit)</td>


    <td>Ch. 1</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Berserker and Barbarian skills, Is a race/class combination not seen before. "Promoted" to Corporal and takes his disciplinary duties quite seriously</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Terrin</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Trainer, old friend of Commandant Xera forced out of retirement to serve as trainer, has very little patience for young people, 236 years old</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Thorn</td>


    <td>Male Ratkin</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Master Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 6</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Officer in charge of all recruit training. Reports directly to Commandant Xera.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Thucax</td>


    <td>Male Gnoll</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, generally sour disposition (common for Gnolls), his family owns several warehouses and distribution centers in large cities</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Vanis del Montano</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 2</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, Son of Legacy King Feldwin del Montano. Powerset includes Dancing Lights (Illusionist) and Inspiring Melody (Bard) plus instrument perks</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Wallir</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Woman in the Red Hat</td>


    <td>Female (Unkown)</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Prologue</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious woman in a bright yellow dress and large red hat. Pushed Callie Archer in front of a train in Chicago, IL (Earth)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Xera</td>


    <td>Between Fairy</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Commandant</td>


    <td>Ch. 3</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Commander of training camp, missing one arm and a portion of their wing due to presumed combat injury (NOTE: Fairy are able to change gender as desired, Xera is between genders and uses neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Xin (Xinchaine), Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe</td>


    <td>N/A Lizardkin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 2</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, volunteered for duty, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Spearmaster Skills (NOTE: Lizardkin are hermaphroditic and use female pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Yulayla</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Scryer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 12 Part 1 - That was Supposed to be a Joke!

    PART I - THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A JOKE!


    Commandant Xera entered the mess tent, to see that Master Trainer Thorn was already present, along with several of the other trainers and department heads.  Presumably, the remaining would be arriving momentarily.  Xera had been very happy with the skills of their staff and the results of the previous recruit class, and was equally pleased with the minimal turnover coming into this one.  Losing the Bladedancer trainer at the last minute was a blow, but the Major¡¯s willingness to step up, in addition to tending her normal duties, was yet another testament to her character.


    This was the eleventh training group to form since Xera finally convinced the powers that advanced class training, combined with a Symbiote, would not only be well-worth the price, but could make the difference in the Demon War.  After the success of the first two training groups, Xera had been finally offered a sizable budget and worked hard to assemble some of the best advanced class officers they could find to turn into instructors.   Purchasing Symbiotes was always painful, but the funding was there at least.  The only drawback to this whole arrangement was that it came with one requirement.  Xera was not allowed to retire.  This was her assignment to succeed or fail on.


    This evening¡¯s gathering of officers and trainers had become a tradition.  A way to formally start off the term with reporting on the opening day events, impressions of the recruits and just a general way to get everyone in the right mindset.  After this, these all trainer meetings would occur only if needed; probably only once or twice during the term.  There would still be plenty of meetings, but with smaller groups and held in the conference room at the command building.


    ¡°Commandant,¡± Legate Galin said in greeting, walking into the tent through a different entrance, a warm smile on his face.


    ¡°Galin,¡± Xera said, acknowledging their old friend.  ¡°Good to see you.  Everyone, please be seated,¡± Xera said, taking the podium.


    All took a seat, the area having been set up with approximately twenty chairs facing forward.  A few were still empty, waiting for the stragglers to arrive.  Of particular absence was Major Celeste.


    ¡®Where is the Major?¡± Xera asked the Legate.


    ¡°She is just dealing with the remnants of a brawl, and should be here shortly.¡±


    Xera nodded.  ¡°We can get started then.  Most of you I know; welcome back.  For the few of you who are new and I have only met briefly, your references precede you and welcome.  I thank you all for choosing to be here in the middle of nowhere for this recruit class.  I strive to keep things relaxed, much to the Legate¡¯s disappointment, so my door is always open should you need anything.  Again, welcome.¡±


    ¡°Just to go on the record, I am once again only here because you still won¡¯t let me retire,¡± the Warlock trainer, Terrin, said with a sly smile as the room joined in a chuckle.


    ¡°Thank you just the same,¡± Xera acknowledged, with a nod to their old friend.   ¡°So, Master Trainer Thorn, how does this group of recruits look?  Give us the numbers.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Commandant,¡± Thorn said, standing and moving to the podium.  Xera sat in one of the audience chairs, offering rapt attention.


    ¡°This group of recruits consists of sixty-seven souls in total, so nearly all the bunkhouses are full.  We have two no-shows that we¡¯ll look into.  They are both Conscripted non-volunteers, so I¡¯d expect them to show up somewhere soon.  Unless their explanations are good, they¡¯ll be sent for standard training.¡±


    ¡°Racial breakdown?¡±


    ¡°A fairly standard assortment.  Seventeen Elves, Eleven Dwarves, Nine Fairies, Four Goblins, and one each of Ogre, Faun, Gnome and Pixie.  There are also a total of twenty-two Beastkin in the usual varied assortment, although one of them is a Fire Salamander variant, of all things.¡±


    ¡°A Faun?  We don¡¯t see them here often.  Where did they end up?¡± Xera asked.  The little Fae tended to live much farther to the north-east, deep in the Fae Woods, and generally avoided civilized areas, so they weren¡¯t a common sight.


    ¡°Healer Specialist; Combat Medic.  I met her briefly.  She¡¯s a little shy, but I think she will do well.  I suggested she sit down with Tasi, since they are the same class.  Tasi probably can help boost her confidence a little bit with some insight.¡±


    ¡°And the Salamander?¡±


    ¡°I believe they may be a Ranger.¡±


    Xera looked back to see if Trainer Reynard was present to get a confirmation, but he apparently hadn¡¯t arrived yet.  ¡°And how many Dwarves have been ejected for being asses so far?¡±


    Legate Galin took the podium from Thorn, since it was a non-training issue.  ¡°None that I am aware of, but likely some from the fight a short time ago.  It was a fairly raucous brawl.  I will defer that answer for Major Celeste when she arrives.¡±


    ¡°I thought I had that situation resolved?¡± Thorn said.  ¡°It was just brewing when I was in the area, and I stepped in to settle things.  Both sides seemed willing to let it go and just return to their tents and wait for their trainers.¡±


    ¡°Apparently it started back up again,¡± Galin said.  ¡°I know Trainer Reynard was assisting, as were a few of the Major¡¯s people.¡±


    Xera shook their head.  The Dwarves were always so much work for at least the first week, but when they finally were brought under control and focused, they were such great assets.  Stubborn to a fault, but fierce fighters and casters.  Unfortunately, every training group seemed to have a few that somehow made it through screening, and ultimately needed to be sent back down to standard training.  Either they were not cut out for advanced training, or they ended up not having the right attitude once around the other races.


    Galin cleared his throat.  ¡°You should also know, there was an incident with one of the Dwarves at the intake line, but it was resolved ¡­ creatively.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°Remember that Ogre you promoted to Corporal?¡±


    The Commandant thought back, and then recalled the light-hearted comment about using the Ogre for punishing those that got out of line.


    ¡°I remember the Ogre and the joke I made about him being the one to punish people.¡±


    Galin winced.  ¡°Your attempt at humor may have been misconstrued, Commandant.  The Ogre actually took you quite seriously, and both the recruits as well as some of the staff are actually addressing him as Corporal now.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Taken aback, Xera quickly demanded, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°A Dwarf standing in the line pushed the one Pixie recruit, and she tripped, falling on her wing and snapping it.  I think she was just too startled to take flight in time, unfortunately.¡±


    Xera winced in sympathetic pain, instinctively touching their own wing.  ¡°Oooooo!  That would be an agonizing injury!  How is the Pixie?  The healers were close, so I would hope ¡­¡±


    Thorn interrupted to wave Xera off before they could get too upset.  ¡°Master Healer Tasi tells me the Pixie should be fine, although in residual pain for a time.  She was released to join the recruits and return to training, with some temporary restrictions.¡±


    ¡°And what does all this have to do with the Ogre?¡±


    A new voice came from the entry to the tent.  ¡°Have you ever seen a really pissed off Ogre stomping towards you?¡± Major Celeste said, having just walked in.


    Xera turned, and smiled, seeing the camp¡¯s head of security.  ¡°Major!  Welcome.  I¡¯ve seen Ogre Berserkers in action on the battlefield, but I can¡¯t say I ever had one coming for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably in the top three most-terrifying things I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± she said with a shake of her head.  ¡°But believe it or not, he wasn¡¯t in a Berserker rage, just really really really pissed that someone had hurt that Pixie.  The Ogre, by the way, you apparently promoted to Corporal and assigned punishment responsibilities.¡±


    ¡°That was supposed to be a joke!¡± Xera cried.


    ¡°Not to him!  As far as that Ogre is concerned, he is now a Corporal, with all the privileges that come with that rank.  I don¡¯t recommend telling him otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Hell!¡± Xera spat.  ¡°Please tell me the Dwarf is in one piece.¡±


    Galin let out a short laugh, and a few of the audience in the know chuckled as well.  He gestured to Celeste to allow her to tell the rest of the story, and she moved up to the podium.


    ¡°Once I ascertained that the Ogre was still in control, I received his word that he wouldn¡¯t kill the Dwarf.  Only ¡­ ¡®mangle¡¯ him a little.  At that point, I felt using him as a disciplinary tool could serve as a good warning to the crowd of remaining recruits.  I also felt that trying to stop him might be unwise, quite honestly.¡±


    ¡°What did he do?  Limbs are all attached, right?¡±


    ¡°He ordered me to slice off the Dwarf¡¯s beard.¡±


    ¡°Ordered?¡± Xera said in disbelief.


    ¡°Yes, Commandant,¡± Celeste said, straightening, ¡°He didn¡¯t have a Command Aura, but pushed out some other kind of ¡­ something.  Very hard to explain.  It overrode my own authority in that moment and felt¡­ I think the only word I can think of is ¡®primal¡¯.  It¡¯s definitely some form of leadership aura.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s interesting,¡± Xera said.  ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of something like that from an Ogre.  Galin?  Thorn?¡±


    Both indicated no.  ¡°I guess we keep an eye on that; or better yet, have a Scryer look into it.  What happened?¡±


    ¡°This Ogre, who is now calling himself ¡®Corporal Punishment¡¯, the name you gave him I remind you, ordered me to remove the Dwarf¡¯s beard, and to hang it next to the courtyard signal bell as a warning to all.¡±


    Xera snorted with suppressed laughter.  ¡°What?  Hang it as a warning?¡±


    Celeste gave an exaggerated nod.  ¡°Oh yes!  My people have erected a post, upon which they have nailed that beard.  Then the Ogre proceeded to literally scare the piss out of the Dwarf, roughed him up a bit, and finally shouted a warning to all the recruits that they are to behave, or face his wrath.¡±


    ¡°I am not quite sure what to say,¡± Xera said.  ¡°Galin?  Your thoughts?¡±


    ¡°The Dwarf suffered some minor injuries,¡± Galin responded dismissively, ¡°but was able to be easily healed and returned to training quickly.  I¡¯m not going to fault the Major for her actions at that moment in the face of this strange aura from the Ogre, and I actually believe it will be interesting for discipline to have a recruit peer being part of the ¡­ I guess I¡¯d call it the chain of command.  I also believe the Ogre¡¯s response was innovative, although a little excessive.  Thankfully, no permanent damage done.¡±


    ¡°I get the sense he is incredibly protective of the small races, and that the violent response was uncharacteristic of him, based on what happened just before I arrived here,¡± Celeste added.


    ¡°This is the outcome of that brawl?¡± Xera asked.


    Celeste cleared her throat and nodded.  ¡°I wanted to get some further sense of the Ogre; try to understand his personality a little better outside of a heated moment.  There was a large fight a short time ago.  The usual, Berserkers versus the Barbarians.  Some damage to equipment, but surprisingly minimal injuries outside of some bruises and scrapes.  I finally settled it down and brought the eight primary people involved to the Ogre to see what his response might be.  His answer was not what I expected.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± both Xera and Galin asked at the same time.


    ¡°The first thing he asked, in confidence, was whether I felt any were worth keeping.  I suggested that it would be better to let those that weren¡¯t advanced training material go back to standard, rather than get a worm, despite it being a last-minute choice.  He had an unusual way of judging who was worth keeping.¡±


    Everyone looked on in eager anticipation of what happened.


    ¡°He then asked me, out loud, if Healers could grow back limbs, which I confirmed was possible but a long and painful experience.  At that point, he offered the eight recruits a choice.  Return to standard training, getting no worm.  Or stay and face an unknown punishment tomorrow in front of the entire camp.  Three chose to go, and three chose to stay.  Tazrok, that is the Ogre¡¯s name, decided for the remaining two, keeping one and sending the other down.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Legate Galin said.  ¡°By letting the recruits make the choice themselves, it became a test of character.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, Sir,¡± Celeste said.  ¡°It was quite insightful as to Tazrok¡¯s character as well.¡±


    ¡°What is he going to do?  Is he truly suggesting removing their limbs?  We can¡¯t have that,¡± Terrin said.


    ¡°That was actually only to scare them before offering them the choice.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s he wanting to do?¡± Xera asked with concern, echoing Terrin.


    Celeste smiled.  ¡°Commandant Xera, Legate Galin, either of you could order me to tell you, but I believe his punishment will be worth the surprise.  I have already approved it, should you have any concerns.  Your natural responses might help reinforce the message, quite honestly.¡±


    Xera and Galin looked at each other, and then Galin shrugged.  ¡°I am willing to see how this plays out, if you¡¯re sure it¡¯s appropriate.¡±


    ¡°Why not,¡± Xera added.


    ¡°Excellent.  We shall muster the recruits one hour before the feast tomorrow evening.¡±


    ¡°Major Celeste, are you sure you can keep the Ogre under control?  I worry about the power going to his head,¡± the Legate asked .  ¡°Especially if there¡¯s some aura he¡¯s able to invoke.¡±


    A small voice came from a seat in the back row.  ¡°He is one of mine,¡± Trainer Rowani said, standing from her seat and leaning on the back of a chair.  ¡°I will be watchful and inform the Major if I see any cause for concern.  But now knowing of this aura, I am beginning to think there may be more to this Ogre than we would expect.¡±


    ¡°Wait, he¡¯s one of yours?¡± Xera asked.  ¡°Seriously?  A Druid?  Another anomaly?¡±


    ¡°He is.  I checked him myself,¡± Rowani confirmed.  ¡°Mistress Juniper even deemed to make an appearance, as well, and verified it was so.¡±


    ¡°Juniper?  She came into the camp?¡± Legate Galin snarled.  ¡°She didn¡¯t get in the way, did she?  That¡¯s an important part of our agreement with her.¡±


    Rowani waved her paw in a calming motion.  ¡°Everything was fine.  She was simply curious about the Ogre, and was attempting to explain to him what a Druid actually is.   She continues to be inquisitive, but not interrupting of our work here.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Xera said with a nod.  ¡°So any other thoughts on the Ogre and this aura of his?¡±


    ¡°One of his bunkhouse mates is also in my training group.¡± Celeste said, ¡°I could ask her to be watchful as well.  As for the aura, I¡¯m at a loss as to its full effects, so I suggest we just wait and see.¡±


    Legate Galin shrugged.  ¡°I¡¯m interested to see what happens, too.  Major, just be prepared to step in if needed, or reach out to myself.  I don¡¯t want things getting out of hand.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sir,¡± the Major confirmed.

 Chapter 12 Part 2 - Anomalous Readings

    PART II - ANOMALOUS READINGS


    ¡°Thorn, what else is out of the ordinary?¡± Xera asked.  ¡°That reminds me, where did the Prince end up?  He¡¯s a Warlock, right?  What¡¯s he like?¡±


    ¡°Correct, he¡¯s with me,¡± Trainer Terrin said.  ¡°From what I can gather, he¡¯s a rather humble young man, a natural and charismatic leader, and like his father in many ways.  I think he will do very well.  It¡¯s a shame about his circumstances, but I have little doubt he is high-rank officer material if his duties to the Crown are no longer needed.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s someone you want to mentor?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s too soon to say, but possibly.  He needs to do a combat tour first, though, but he has the right demeanor for being a trainer, once he has some real experience.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s made a point, repeatedly, of insisting he be treated as any other recruit,¡± Thorn added.  ¡°He¡¯s also shown great protectiveness for the Little One, that single Gnome recruit that is.  Given her situation, it¡¯s an admirable quality in the young prince.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the Gnome?¡± Xera asked, concern in their voice.  ¡°What situation?¡±


    ¡°Apparently, she has no memory from before awakening in the transport wagon just prior to arrival.  The Prince¡¯s suggestion was that she may have been kidnapped and dumped into the wagon as a bounty, given that she appears to be a hybrid.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.  I¡¯ve heard of that happening.  I certainly disapprove, though.  I presume she¡¯s Conscript?  Which class is she?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s one of mine,¡± a voice said from one of the chairs.  ¡°I¡¯m not sure how, but she¡¯s one of mine.¡±


    ¡®You¡¯re serious, Reynard?¡± Xera said, seeing his Ranger trainer had arrived.


    ¡°Unfortunately.   I completely blame Thorn for this.¡±


    ¡°Now now, my good friend.  New challenges are a good thing,¡± Thorn said with a grin.  ¡°Besides, she can shoot pretty well, if I do say so.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s more to being a Ranger than just shooting your bow.  She needs to learn tracking.  She needs to learn wilderness survival.  She needs to learn stealth.  She needs to learn sword fighting.  She needs to learn a lot of things that a Gnome is not physically able to do, and she¡¯s only a meter tall on top of all that.¡±


    ¡°She may surprise you,¡± Thorn said.


    ¡°We¡¯re not even sure she¡¯s a Ranger.  It¡¯s a waste of a worm!¡± Reynard snarled.


    Xera made a puzzled expression and Thorn clarified.  ¡°The Scryers were unable to determine her class.  Something odd about her readings, even under deep scans.  However, she does have the Advanced Archery perk, so I felt it was worth the attempt.  At worst, we¡¯ll be able to try again with another after the next term.¡±


    ¡°Still a waste,¡± Reynard grumbled.


    Commandant Xera stood up and waved to interrupt the escalating exchange.  ¡°Thorn, are you saying we have not one, but two anomalies here this session?  The Goblin Barbarian last term was strange, but it has happened two more times?¡±


    Thorn gave a slight chuckle.  ¡°It¡¯s stranger than that, Xera.  We have three.¡±


    A low murmur went up among everyone who was hearing this for the first time.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the other one?¡±


    ¡°Mine,¡± The leonine Trainer Olin said, rising.  ¡°She¡¯s mine.  The Pixie.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The Commandant was left speechless for a moment.  ¡®The one that was injured?¡± they finally asked, unsure what else to say.


    ¡°The same.  The Scryers checked multiple times and even did a deep scan.  She¡¯s a Bladeweaver,¡± Olin said with a shrug.  ¡°It will be an interesting combination, but once she is fully healed, her nimbleness and ability to fly could make for a very interesting advantage, despite her small size and fragility.¡±


    Xera ran a hand through their hair.  ¡°Thorn, that¡¯s four of these ¡®anomalies¡¯ we¡¯ve had now.  Make some discrete inquiries to see if there are any other reports of odd-classed recruits that may not have passed through our intake screening.  The first from last session is strange, but three more this session makes for the start of a pattern.  If it continues into the next one, we¡¯re going to want to find out more.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Thorn said.  ¡°Do keep in mind, whatever oddity this may be, assuming it is the start of a pattern, would have started years ago.  The Gnome and Pixie are in their twenties.  I¡¯m not sure how old the Ogre is, but probably mid to late twenties as well.  They all received their classes quite some time ago.¡±


    ¡°Except the Gnome, who seems to have none,¡± Reynard scowled.


    ¡°We¡¯ll know in the morning,¡± Thorn snapped.  ¡°This was my call to make, and I made it.¡±


    ¡°Reynard, please,¡± Xera said.  ¡°Give the Gnome a chance.  We owe that to all our students.  That¡¯s why we¡¯re doing this.¡±


    Reynard nodded with a grumble.  ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll do what I can with her, assuming it takes.  But it probably won¡¯t matter and Thorn owes me when it fails.¡±


    ¡°You can give me a solid ¡®I told you so¡¯ should that occur,¡± Thorn said.


    ¡°I look forward to it.¡±


    ¡°Anything we need to be aware of from the Front, Legate?¡± Xera asked, trying to change the heated subject between Reynard and Thorn.


    ¡°I was expecting the latest report today, but it¡¯s late.  Hopefully I¡¯ll know the latest counts by tomorrow night.  But, as to your question, based on last week¡¯s report, there has been great success among our graduates that are working in small, balanced teams of two or three using ambush and sapper tactics, especially among the Hybrids.  We¡¯ve been asked to provide additional training in these areas, as well as possibly identify teams that work well together from the start.¡±


    ¡°Any issue with making that kind of adjustment to the training regimen?¡± Xera asked Thorn.


    ¡°I think we can find a way to make some adjustments as we go along.  Maybe identify pairs and trios that work well together.  With the extended training post-semester, we certainly could arrange for focused instruction.¡±


    ¡°Are we still planning that foolishness?  I need the break between the two sessions,¡± Trainer Cheena said, interpreting for Trainer Maugra.


    ¡°That is still the plan, Maugra,¡± Thorn said, pointedly not acknowledging Cheena rolling her eyes in career exasperation.  ¡°It may not involve any of your students, so your skills may not be needed.  And I¡¯m sure Trainer Cheena could cover, should it be so required.¡±


    ¡°Her?¡± Maugra said incredulously with a whispery, raspy voice.  ¡°I highly doubt that.¡±


    ¡°Nonetheless,¡± Xera said firmly, trying to placate the venerable Goblin, ¡°we must do what we can.  For the war effort, of course.¡±


    Maugra gave a grunt of dismissal and took her seat again, thankfully not feeling up to arguing with the Commandant.


    Xera and their staff proceeded to work their way through the first-day checklist of items to discuss.  Save for the three anomalies and the fact that the Prince was in the camp as a recruit, there was little truly out of the ordinary with this training group.  Xera was happy with the balanced variety of classes represented and was already giving some thought on how to match them up for the two and three person squads as the session progressed.


    The plan to extend training for select recruits was a new idea for this term.   Xera had seen many recruits come through who had shown great aptitude towards leadership or advanced tactics, but the compressed training timelines made it difficult to fully explore those talents before the term ended and the recruits were sent onwards.  Xera and Thorn had speculated that some additional focused training, with those few specific cadets that showed promise, could round them out and create new officers, field sergeants and elite combatants.  The trainers hadn¡¯t warmed to the idea of giving up their four-week break between terms, but there was enough interest to try it as a pilot this time.  If it was successful, they¡¯d make adjustments to future schedules to make sure and allow adequate time between the start of each training cycle.


    Unfortunately, advanced Symbiotes were getting harder to come by, and Xera was worried they¡¯d either need to start working with smaller recruit counts, or reduce the number of terms every year even further.


    Xera also still had this nagging feeling in the back of their brain regarding the four anomalies.  Something seemed off about it, but they weren¡¯t sure what exactly it was.  The Goblin Barbarian last term had been strange, but the recruit had proven herself quite remarkable, despite her race-related challenges, graduating top of her training group and actually making it to Gold Tier.  But to get three more the very next term just felt off.   It would be interesting to see what Thorn¡¯s inquiries on the recruits would yield, as well as how well these three recruits would do with their challenging classes.


    The business concluded, Xera dismissed everyone. The camp was still.  By now, most recruits would be sleeping, having just received their Symbiotes.  The Fairy drank in the quiet, the last the camp would see for quite some time.  Tomorrow, the real chaos began.

 Chapter 13 - Green Circle Ding

    CHAPTER 13 - GREEN CIRCLE DING


    Callie looked around herself and saw nothing but white.  It was bright, but not blinding, and completely featureless.  No source of light could be seen, and she cast no shadows of any kind.  Looking down, she could see herself, well, her Gnome self in its normal off-tan skin.  She pulled her hair around to her eyes, seeing it was still the hot pink color that was both expected and felt foreign at the same time.  ¡°At least there¡¯s some color around here,¡± she muttered to herself.


    She was in a room of some kind.  Maybe.  It was impossible to tell because everything was the same damn color.  The wall could be meters away, or kilometers away.  Callie could see no corners to give definition to anything.


    ¡°Why do I feel like I¡¯m in some weird dream sequence?¡± she mumbled, and then called out, ¡°Hello?¡±


    Her voice echoed slightly, but nobody answered.


    ¡°Is anyone there?¡±


    Before her, there was a ripple in the air.  A basketball-sized globe of light appeared.  The light itself was brown in color.  In fact, it literally seemed to glow brown somehow.  Surrounding the globe, like the rings of a planet, was a thin band of yellow light.


    ¡°Brown and yellow,¡± Callie said skeptically.  ¡°Are you supposed to be my Symbiote?¡±


    The ball of light slowly floated in a circle around Callie, as if it was inspecting the Gnome.  It otherwise ignored her, intent on doing whatever it was doing.


    ¡°Yeah, I''ve got to be dreaming,¡± Callie muttered.  ¡°Hello?¡± Callie asked again.


    Finishing its orbit, it took up a position in front of the Gnome and just hung there, seeming to continue its examination.


    ¡°Hi.  I¡¯m Callie ¡­ I mean Calliope,¡± she said, playing along.  ¡°I think I¡¯m your host.¡±


    The Symbiote seemed to consider that for a moment, before a large red ¡®X¡¯ appeared in front of it, accompanied by a loud buzzer.


    Callie jumped, startled, and winced.  ¡°What was that for?¡±


    Once again, a large red ¡®X¡¯ appeared in front of the ball of light, with an equally loud buzzer sounding again.


    ¡°No?  No what?  No, I¡¯m not your host."


    Red X buzz


    ¡°So, I¡¯m not your host.  If you are my Symbiote, I bet you realized I¡¯m not completely a Ranger, didn¡¯t you?¡± Callie asked, a little irritated by the buzzing communication.


    This time, a green circle appeared along with a light ¡®ding¡¯ sound.


    ¡°I was worried this might happen, since I don¡¯t have a class, just a perk,¡± Callie sighed.


    The floating sphere just hung silently in the air.


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you can tell me what class I am?  The Scryers just said I had a ¡®void¡¯, whatever that means.¡±


    Red X buzz


    ¡°So what now?¡± Callie asked, hands on her hips.


    This time, a blue question mark appeared in front of the sphere, with a soft, sharp whistle.


    ¡°Is that a problem?  Not having any class of any kind?¡±


    Blue Question Mark whistle


    ¡°If it makes a difference, since I have no class, I¡¯m apparently not a Ranger.  However, since I have no class, I''m also not not a Ranger.  I know it¡¯s a loophole, but hey, if it works¡­¡±


    A yellow smiley face appeared briefly with a vaguely chirping ¡®hee hee¡¯ sound.


    ¡°Okay, you speak emojis! I guess I can work with that,¡± Callie said, smiling and deciding to just go with it.


    The orb simply floated.


    ¡°Is me being classless that complicated an issue?¡± Callie finally asked.  ¡°According to what I understand, it will either work or not, so there¡¯s no real danger.  Is that right?¡±


    Green Circle ding - Yes


    ¡°So that means you aren¡¯t sure if you want to try.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Is it because I¡¯m a Gnome? ¡°


    Red X buzz


    No, but this time with an extra-long, extra-loud buzzing.  And then the buzz sounded several more times, as if emphasizing the ¡®no¡¯.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know,¡± Callie said, relieved.  ¡°I don¡¯t suppose there¡¯s any way you can speak in more than single-picture answers, is there?¡± Callie asked, feeling frustrated at the game of twenty questions.  ¡°Are you able to speak?¡±


    Red X buzz


    The buzzing was much softer this time, though.


    ¡°Damn,¡± she muttered, wondering what could be the issue.  ¡°Can you give me a hint?¡± Callie finally asked.


    An image of a globe appeared, but without any sound effects.


    What did that mean?   And then it came to her.  ¡°Is the issue that I am from Earth?  That¡¯s really the only other odd thing about me.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    Callie sat down on the featureless floor with a sigh, and the brown-colored ball lowered itself to remain at eye level.  What could be the issue if she¡¯s from Earth?  A different life experience, sure, and of course, little knowledge of this new world.  But the things she didn¡¯t know could be learned, and her knowledge of Earth could provide a unique perspective, or even bring new ideas to the world.  That was a good thing, in her opinion.  So why would the Symbiote be concerned?


    ¡°Why is that a problem?¡± she finally asked, stumped for an answer.


    The Symbiote hummed a moment and flashed the picture of a hand pointing towards Callie, then an arrow, followed immediately by the globe symbol.  It did this a few more times.


    It took a moment, but it eventually came to Callie.  ¡°Your concern is that I will go home, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Symbiotes are so rare, especially a hybrid one, that I would be a waste.¡±


    Green Circle ding.  And then three more dings.


    Callie gave some thought to the implications.  She imagined if she found a way to get home and what that would mean for the Symbiote.  If she did, the experience getting here suggests she wouldn¡¯t wind up back on Earth in a Gnome body.  Assuming a dead body was left in her place, then the worm could just crawl out, so no real danger to it there.  But if her body disappeared, and took the worm with it, would it still be attached if she was back in her human body?  Would it just ¡­ evaporate?  Wait, didn¡¯t Vanis say there was a way to remove the Symbiote?  He said it was dangerous, but if ways to mitigate that danger existed¡­


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll find a way home,¡± Callie finally said to the sphere.  ¡°I hope to, but it¡¯s not likely going to be any time soon that I¡¯ll be able to search for a way, because I¡¯ve got this Conscription Curse.  So unless I somehow stumble on a way back, I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m stuck here.  For a while, at least.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Vanis said there is a way to remove a joined Symbiote.  It sounds like it might be dangerous, but if I found a way home, I¡¯d do whatever I could to remove you safely.  I¡¯m sure I could find healers or other magic types to help make it safer.   Might that address your concern?¡±


    A white clock face appeared before the Symbiote sphere and the hand started to rotate around it.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°Thinking, are you?¡± Callie asked.


    The Symbiote briefly dinged a green circle and then went back to the clock.


    While she waited, Callie took some time to truly try to think about what her next steps could be as well.  Assuming the Symbiote accepted her, she would wake up as a Ranger and learn a bunch of Ranger skills.  The Conscription Curse said she had to serve, and the Demons sounded like an evil bunch.  So supposedly, she would train, and fight and hopefully the good guys finally defeat the bad guys and all is well in the land.  Assuming she didn¡¯t find a way home, of course.


    But then what?


    At that point, look for a way back, right?  Vanis must have access to resources in the Capital, those Scholar classes for example, that can look into how to get her home.  Maybe he would help?


    But what if there wasn¡¯t a way?  What then?


    She could take up a vocation doing what she knew, numbers.  What was the perk called?  Bookkeeper?  She could become one of those.  Get a job in a city where that knowledge would be useful?  Maybe Thucax could hook her up with his family business.  That could work.  They would need someone to help with the books, and she liked logistics, too.


    Or maybe Vanis would want some help tracking down the people trying to usurp the throne?  That would be an adventure, although the pay might not be great in the revenge business.  Wait!  He is the Prince, for crying out loud, money can¡¯t be that much of an issue.  So, a little court intrigue and a mystery to solve as something to do.  Plus it would be good to help Vanis get his throne back.


    But, what of the Symbiote?  She was stuck with the worm for the rest of her long life, unless she had it removed.  Was that fair to the Symbiote to retire from Rangering with over one-hundred fifty years left to live?  Seems like a bit of a waste given how rare and valuable they are.  So maybe Callie could do some Rangering stuff while she was in the prime of her long life?  That depends on what Rangers do when they aren¡¯t fighting demons, though.  What did Thorn say?  ¡®Protectors of the lands, defending against poachers, monsters and other threats¡¯?  She could become a monster hunter, although the idea of killing as a vocation did not sit well with her.  War and self-defense, or defense of others, was one thing, but being a hunter?  That didn¡¯t feel ri¡­.


    Wait!  A hunter yes, but how about a Worm Hunter!  That could be a great way to apply her Ranger skills by wandering the world looking for the little guys.  Repaying the debt she carried for receiving a Symbiote herself, by finding more for other people.  At an appropriate, if slightly discounted, selling price, of course.   Yeah, this sounded like a fulfilling occupation.  She¡¯d have to research what kinds of skills she would need to learn to round out her capabilities, but Vanis could help with that.  He grew up idolizing the idea of being a Worm Hunter, so he must have many thoughts on how to make that work.  Callie couldn¡¯t help but smile at the thought of the adventures she might have.


    There was a whistle Symbiote¡¯s clock icon disappeared and was replaced by the blue question mark.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Callie said.  ¡°Oh, I was just giving some thought as to what life in this world might be like after I was out from under the Curse, especially if we were joined and I couldn¡¯t go home.¡±


    Again, there was a flash of the blue question mark and the whistle.


    ¡°You want to know what my idea was?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    Callie held up her hands as if spelling it out on a theater marquee.  ¡°Callie Archer:  Worm Hunter¡± she grinned.  ¡°Has a nice ring to it, right?¡±


    The brown sphere suddenly reeled back as if in shock and flashed a repeated ¡®X¡¯ while buzzing incessantly.


    ¡°Wait!  No!  Not hunting as in killing!¡± Callie sputtered as she tried to explain.  ¡°It¡¯s a person that finds Symbiotes in the wild so they can be paired up with someone.¡±


    The ball of light stopped, replacing the red X with the question mark again.


    ¡°Yeah.  My friend Vanis was telling me about them.  It¡¯s people that wander the world to find Symbiotes.  Absolutely not about killing them in any way!¡±


    Slowly, the Symbiote returned to its position in front of Callie, still seeming a little skeptical of things.  Once again, it flashed the blue question mark.


    ¡°More?  Well, I don¡¯t know a whole lot more about it than that.  But it seems like it would be a good use of my Ranger skills, to seek out more Symbiotes so they find new homes in people.¡±


    The ball of light just floated there, and Callie had a sudden realization.  ¡°Do¡­  Do wild Symbiotes actually want to be found?  Or is that a bad thing?¡±


    The Thinking Clock appeared and Callie sat patiently, and apprehensive, waiting for an answer.  Finally, a green circle appeared with a ding.


    ¡°You took a while to answer there.  So just to be sure, it¡¯s not a bad thing to take one of you from the wild?¡± Callie attempted to confirm.


    Again the clock appeared for an instant, followed by a repeating pattern of five images.  A happy face, a right-facing arrow, a sad face, another arrow and finally a happy face.  It continued to repeat as Callie wrestled with how to interpret it.


    ¡°So you would go from happy to sad to happy?¡± Callie finally said.


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Oh!  A Symbiote would become sad to leave their happy home in the wild, but they would then become happy when they are joined with someone?¡± she puzzled out.


    Green Circle ding


    The two just looked at each other for a while.


    ¡°So ¡­¡± Callie finally started to say, before trailing off.  Finally she took a deep breath.  ¡°I¡¯m just going to ask.  Does this seem like something you could see yourself being part of¡­with me?¡±


    Blue Question Mark whistle


    ¡°I mean, do you ¡­¡± Callie stumbled again.  ¡°This really comes down to whether you want to join with me, given the mess I¡¯m in.  I¡¯m just a girl who has no idea what she¡¯s doing in this strange new world, and I have to admit I could use your help because of the Conscription thing.  I¡¯m not trying to guilt you.  Well, actually I am trying a little bit.  Maybe more than a little.  What I mean is that I¡¯d be very grateful to join together, and we can do what we need to to help defeat the Demons, and then see where life takes us.  Things could change, but I¡¯m open to what could happen if I am indeed stuck here.¡±


    Thinking Clock


    Callie fidgeted nervously, torn between saying more and coming off more desperate than she already sounded, or just letting things stand and give the Symbiote time to think.  It was agonizing, and eventually she gave in.  ¡°Anything else I can say to help you make a decision?¡±


    The featureless ball of light seemed to somehow look at her harder, as if it was peering into her being.  Callie smiled uncomfortably at the scrutiny, feeling as if she was being evaluated on things she didn¡¯t even know or have any control over.  She eventually seemed to curl in on herself under the pressure.


    ¡°Three one four one five nine two six five three five ¡­¡± she started to mutter to herself, singing random notes to each number.  As she rattled off the numbers under her breath, she realized it was the first time since the showers that she¡¯d needed to do numbers to calm herself.  In spite of everything, being around her new friends had been what she needed to control a lot of her anxiety.  She wasn¡¯t sure what the meaning of that might be, but it was an interesting observation.


    ¡°Six two zero eight nine nine eight six ¡­¡±


    The Symbiote moved slightly, and then started flashing numbers picking up the count in the same cadence as Callie. ¡°Two eight zero three four eight two five three four ¡­¡± the two continued to count in perfect unison.  ¡°Seven zero six seven nine,¡± they finished together, reaching one hundred digits of pi.


    ¡°I ¡­ uh ¡­ count numbers when I¡¯m nervous,¡± Callie said quietly, glancing at the Symbiote, before looking down into her lap and feeling ashamed for some reason.  She shouldn¡¯t be.  Everyone had their ways to cope in the moment, and numbers were hers.


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Huh?¡± Callie said, looking up at the Symbiote.


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Yes what?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    A plus sign appeared, with a warm, harmonic chord.


    ¡°Yes, you want to¡­¡± Callie started.


    Green Circle ding


    Plus sign chord


    ¡°You want to join?¡± Callie whispered hoarsely, her throat choking up.


    Green Circle ding


    The relief that washed over Callie was nearly indescribable.  It was as if all the pressure and worry and anxiety of the moment was scrunched into a ball and blown away in the wind.  A split moment later, that relief turned to happiness, which turned to joy, which turned to a blissful sense of being accepted.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she finally choked out.  There was nothing else she could say.


    Smiley Face


    Callie found she wasn¡¯t able to cry, despite the fact that her eyes were trying to.  It must be a byproduct of this dreamstate she was sharing.  ¡°What¡­  What do I need to do?¡± she finally squeaked out.


    The Symbiote flashed the number zero.


    ¡°Zero?¡± Callie said, flummoxed for a moment.  ¡°Oh, nothing?   I don¡¯t need to do anything?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Oh.  Okay.¡±


    The sphere seemed to turn as if it was leaving.


    ¡°Wait!  Before you go, will we be able to talk more in the future?¡±


    The Symbiote flashed up a finger pointing at Callie.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Next, it put up the image of a face, with little Zs coming out of it.


    ¡°Sleeping?   Oh, when I¡¯m sleeping?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    And with that, the sphere spun once more, and disappeared into the white nothingness.


    Callie had barely a moment to register that the Symbiote ¡­ her Symbiote ¡­  was gone, and that she was alone again, before there was a rushing sound and the world went dark.

 Chapter 14 Part 1 - Aftercare

    PART I - AFTERCARE


    It took a few moments for Callie to collect her wits as she was plunged from the bright white of the dreamlike conversation with her Symbiote to a near total darkness.  Vague noises could be heard in the distance, like the muffled sound of people talking.  Callie groaned and the speaking stopped.


    ¡°Callie?¡± called a distant, echoing voice.


    With her head swimming, Callie attempted to reach up to her head and found she couldn¡¯t move.  There was a pressure about her pinning her arms to her body.   Opening her eyes, she was unable to see.  A panic began to set in.


    ¡°Hey hey,¡± said a soothing voice, growing close.


    ¡°I can¡¯t move,¡± Callie said hoarsely.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been out a while, so you were restrained,¡± the voice said again, this time more familiar.  ¡°And you have a blindfold on.¡±


    Callie remembered she was going to be blindfolded when she woke up, and the panic related to her sight lessened slightly.


    ¡°Lena?¡± Callie croaked out.  ¡°Is that you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here, Callie.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± an unknown male voice said.  ¡°Let me get to her.¡±


    Callie felt someone move Lena away, and take her place.


    ¡°Good evening.  I am Healer Fidas.  You are restrained for your own protection as we were worried.  You were out much longer than normal.  I need to ask you some questions, and I need you to concentrate on answering and being completely truthful.  Are you able to do that?¡±


    Callie shook her head to clear it, causing her mind to swim in dizziness.  It took a moment, but she got the vertigo under control before saying, ¡°Yeah.  I think so.¡±


    ¡°Do you know your name and where you are?¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± Callie fumbled.  ¡°My name is Callie, and I¡¯m tied up on a bed, I think.  In a military camp.¡±


    ¡°Close enough,¡± the voice said.  ¡°Now, I need to know if your Symbiote rejected you.¡±


    ¡°I think it accepted me,¡± Callie said, remembering back to her emoji-based conversation.  ¡°It seemed like it wanted to.  Is there a way I can tell?¡±


    ¡°Hey Little One,¡± a new voice said as a hand touched her shoulder.  ¡°It¡¯s Vanis.  Try this, and see if you get a response.  Take a deep, calming breath or two and think hard to yourself the words ¡®What is my Class¡¯.  Try to be as calm as you can.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said weakly.  She took in a deep breath, held it a moment and then blew it out through her pursed lips.  She did it a second time, finally feeling her mind overcoming the sense of panic that was beginning to build, if even for a moment.


    What is my Class?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS:  RANGER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The answer came to her not as a voice, or as printed words before her or as anything remotely describable.  It burst into her mind from nowhere and everywhere all at once.  It simply answered the question, saying definitively what her class was.


    ¡°Ranger,¡± Callie said, quietly.  ¡°It¡¯s Ranger,¡± she said again.


    A noticeable sense of relief filled the blackness around her.  Callie could hear both Lena and Vanis release a held breath.


    ¡°Thank goodness,¡± Lena said with a gasp, followed quickly by a groan.  ¡°Shit!  I have to lie back down, the room is spinning again.¡±  Callie heard the sound of someone shuffling onto the neighboring bunk.


    ¡°Recruit Vanis, you should lie down as well,¡± Healer Fidas said.  ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Vanis said with a tinge of a moan.  ¡°Callie, we¡¯re all here, although the rest of the group may be asleep.  With the new Symbiotes, we all feel quite drunk, so we¡¯re just keeping still.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being drunk?¡± Callie asked, feeling her own buzzing as she did.


    ¡°Ask a cup of water,¡± Lena moaned.


    ¡°Just stay still,¡± Fidas said.  ¡°Are you sure your Symbiote has bonded with you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie said.  ¡°We had a long conversation and everything.¡±


    ¡°You ¡­¡± Fidas trailed off, sounding puzzled.  ¡°You spoke to your Symbiote?¡±


    ¡°Well, I spoke.  They only responded in pictures and sounds, though.¡±


    ¡°That is very ¡­ strange.  I have never heard of anyone speaking with their Symbiote.   I know I never have.  Are you sure you weren¡¯t dreaming?¡±


    Callie resisted the urge to snap an answer, and took a calming breath.  Could it have been a dream?  Possibly.  But it felt so real.  Finally, she said ¡°I don¡¯t know.  I think it was real, but I have no idea, really.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± the Healer pondered.  ¡°May I have your permission to have someone scry you?  It will not be painful.  I just wish to confirm your Symbiote is in place.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Sure.  Whatever you need to do,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Thank you.  I¡¯ll return as soon as I can locate a Scryer.  There should be one close by.¡±


    Callie heard Fidas walk away and the front door open.  She concentrated on staying calm, and ignoring the bindings that were making her legs sore.  A moment later, a pair of footsteps returned to her bedside.


    ¡°Little One,¡± someone said in a quiet voice.  ¡°It¡¯s Scryer Yulayla, from the intake line.  Fidas has asked me to confirm your Symbiote is in place.  It will not need to be the painful scry.¡±


    ¡°I understand.  If you need to do the deeper one, though, just let me know.¡±


    Callie felt a tingly, buzzing sensation throughout her body.  Combined with the intoxicated spinning, the probing actually felt warm and embracing, like a snuggly blanket, fresh from the dryer.


    ¡°I can indeed see your Symbiote in place,¡± Yulayla finally said.  ¡°Although your class still does not show.  How odd.¡±


    ¡°What?  But when I asked what my class is, it said Ranger.  I don¡¯t understand,¡± Callie whined.


    ¡°I don¡¯t either.  It must still be a remnant from your memory loss.  However, the important part is that your Symbiote appears firmly attached.  There is no indication it has rejected you.  We¡¯ll know definitively soon if your skills begin to be revealed to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Yulayla,¡± Fidas said.  ¡°Miss Callie, that is why you are restrained, you were unconscious much longer than normal, and I was worried you might disturb your Symbiote when you woke, if it was rejecting you.  This would cause it to release its brain toxin.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for thinking of that,¡± Callie said


    ¡°Have you need of anything else?¡± Yulayla asked quietly.


    ¡°No.  Thank you for your help.¡±


    ¡°Very good.  I¡¯ll see myself out.¡±


    Footsteps faded as Fidas returned his attention to Callie.  ¡°I will untie your binds, don¡¯t move your arms and legs too much right away, and do not remove your blindfold.  I will take care of that next.¡±


    Fidas fumbled with what must have been long strips of cloth and Callie¡¯s arms were freed.  She immediately had to resist the urge to touch her head or remove the blindfold.  Even moving her arms caused her head to swim.


    ¡°Easy,¡±  Fidas said quietly, pressing Callie¡¯s arms back to her side.  ¡°Stay still.¡±  He worked the cloth around her knees and another binding around her ankles, fully freeing her legs.  The blood rushing into the fully-open circulation was prickly, and a jolt to Callie.


    ¡°I will remove your blindfold now.  There was some bleeding from your ear, which is expected.  This will cause the bandage to stick as I remove it, which can be unsettling.  I know it was for me.  Do not touch your ear, understand?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie said.


    The cloth wrapped tightly around Callie¡¯s head was slowly undone.  Each time the loop was removed from over her right ear, it caught on the dried blood and had to be pulled slightly to come undone.  It wasn¡¯t painful, but it was very weird to hear that crunching sound and feel the pulling, knowing what it was from.


    ¡°Keep your eyes closed and open them slowly,¡± Fidas said as he worked on the last loop of cloth.


    Callie did so, and the Healer deftly finished the removal.  Slowly Callie opened her eyes to a dimly-lit room.  The sun had set by now, the room being illuminated by two lanterns of white light that cast deep shadows against the walls.


    ¡°Hello, Callie,¡± a male Fairy, Healer Fidas, said.  ¡°Can you tell me how many fingers I am holding up?¡±


    ¡°Four,¡± Callie said.  Fidas quickly changed the finger count.  ¡°And now two.¡±  He changed the count again.  ¡°And now five.¡±


    ¡°Excellent.  Please count to ten.¡±


    Callie did so.


    ¡°Good.  Please follow my fingers with your eyes.¡±


    The Healer held Callie¡¯s chin with one hand, and moved his other through the air, watching her eyes intently.  Callie followed the hand around, moving only her eyes.


    ¡°Good.  Finally, squeeze my fingers with your hands and wiggle your feet.


    Callie did both as well.


    Fidas nodded.  ¡°Excellent.  Nothing seems immediately amiss.¡±


    Callie glanced around the room.  Lena was lying on her back in the bed next to her, a hand held over her eyes, a slight moaning sound coming from her scrunched face. Vanis was sitting up in his bed.   His back was against the outside wall of the bunkhouse and his eyes closed, also seeming to be a bit out of it.  Tazrok appeared to be asleep, as did Xin, her scaly tail occasionally swishing hypnotically in rhythm with her breathing.


    Sitting up just enough to see over Lena¡¯s body, Callie could see Pixyl on her bed, still lying on her stomach.  She had her eyes half-open and a happy smile on her face.  Callie and the Pixie locked eyes, and the little Fae slowly raised her hand and carefully waved once, the warm, contented look on her face remaining unchanged.  Callie returned the wave and smiled.  Her friends were all safe.


    ¡°Head down,¡± Fidas said quietly, pushing the Gnome''s head back to her pillow.  ¡°You are going to be very dizzy for a few hours.  It is best to sleep if you can, but if you are unable, just lie still.  You will feel better by the time dawn comes.  Stay there while I grab a cloth to clean you up a little.¡±


    The Fairy rose and disappeared from view.  Callie heard the sounds of water lightly splashing and he returned.  ¡°I¡¯m going to wipe some of this dried blood off.  There will be fresh water and towels brought in the morning, so you can clean in the daylight.¡±  Fidas proceeded to wipe the side of Callie¡¯s face and around the outside of her ear.  Her pointed Gnome ear.  Such a weird thing to say.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said, letting the Healer do what he needed to do.


    Fidas finished his work.  ¡°One last thing.  Here, eat this.¡±


    Callie accepted a small, dark fruit of some kind.  ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Druid Healing Berry.  It acts as a mild healing potion.  It will help with your ear.¡±


    ¡°Did Tazrok make this?¡± Callie said, straining to twist her head and look at the sleeping Ogre.


    ¡°What?  No, Trainer Rowani did,¡± Fidas said, implying it was a foolish question.  ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right.  The Ogre is a Druid, too.  So strange.  I think he will learn that skill tonight.  His will be only Iron Tier, but the effects improve at higher tiers.¡±


    Callie looked closely at the little fruit.  It was roughly the size of a cherry, but had a spongy feel to it, rather than a firm skin, and in the dim light it looked nearly black.  Shrugging, Callie popped it into her mouth.  The taste was both tart and sweet, like a cross between a raspberry and a blueberry.  The texture was a little disconcerting, but not overly so.


    By her second bite, a warm sensation began to creep throughout Callie¡¯s body.  It was hard to explain, but she could feel her body absorbing some kind of energy, and then directing that energy to where on her body it was needed.  In this case, it settled on her right ear, causing a tingling sensation.  The experience only grew more intense when she swallowed the berry.  The feeling lasted only a few moments, and left Callie with a calm, easy sense.  It did nothing for the swimming vertigo she was experiencing, but her body itself just felt ¡­ better.


    ¡°Good,¡± Fidas said.  ¡°You should try to get some sleep now.  It might take a little while to feel it, but we soaked the berry in a mild sleeping draught, so it will help keep you calm.  Don¡¯t try to fight it.  Sleeping is fine at this point.  If you feel you might be sick, try to get to the latrine if you can, or outside, but if you can¡¯t we understand.  If you keep still and your eyes closed, you should be fine.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Also, whatever you do, do not stick your finger, or anything else, into your ear until at least morning.  If it itches, deal with it.  The Healing Berry should have healed any damage and sealed your Symbiote in place, but it¡¯s best not to take chances on disturbing it while it¡¯s settling.¡±


    ¡°Good warning,¡± Callie said with a gulp.  ¡°Do not poke the worm.  Got it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Fidas,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°We appreciate you staying with us this evening until we were all awake.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem.  Every bunkhouse had a watcher; yours just took longer than expected.  I¡¯m glad the Little One is awake now.¡±  Fidias started to walk for the door.  ¡°Someone will bring some fruit with the water and towels in the morning, but try to get to breakfast if you are feeling well enough for a larger meal.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Pixyl mumbled, half in a daze.


    The door opened, and then closed quietly behind the Healer.

 Chapter 14 Part 2 - First Revelations

    PART II - FIRST REVELATIONS


    ¡°Pixyl is a little out of it,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Her wing was in a great deal of pain when she woke, so Fidas gave her a painkiller.  It apparently worked, but ¡­¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m really fuzzy,¡± the Pixie finished.  ¡°But I¡¯m awake!  Just ¡­ fuzzy.¡±


    ¡°That must be some really good stuff,¡± Callie said, having raised her head to look at Pixyl again.  ¡°The pain is gone?¡±


    ¡°Mostly,¡± Pixyl said, slurring her words a little, but oddly without a stutter.  She had a bright gleam in her eyes.  ¡°You told me that I got this.  So, I got this.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Pixyl.  You got this.¡± Callie said.


    ¡°I even learned a new skill!¡± Pixyl said, raising an arm limply with narcotic excitement.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Callie said, lying on her back and returning her head to the pillow.  ¡°What¡¯s it called?¡±


    ¡°Ethereal Blast.  I¡¯m not sure how to use it, and I wouldn¡¯t want to try it here, either.  I think that would be bad.¡±  Callie could hear Pixyl¡¯s excited grin in the tone of her voice, even without seeing her face.


    ¡°Nice!¡± Callie said, truly happy for Pixyl.  ¡°How do you learn these?  Do they just suddenly pop into your head and ¡®boom¡¯ you know it?¡±


    ¡°Boom?¡± Lena said.


    ¡°-ism¡± called out Xin¡¯s pillow-muffled voice.


    Pixyl and Lena both giggled, with Lena¡¯s ending in her trademarked snort.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Callie said.  ¡°I¡¯m an -ism!  But really, how does it work?¡±


    ¡°I also received a skill,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°What did you learn?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Instinctive Dodge.  I know it¡¯s a pretty basic skill, but it is a core part of what makes a Bladedancer.  I¡¯m not sure how to actually use it, though,¡± Lena added with a verbal frown.  ¡°I only know I have it. I have a feeling more skills and perks will trickle in regularly.¡±


    ¡°Callie, you mentioned to the Healer that you talked to your Symbiote?  What did you mean?¡± Vanis asked.  ¡°For me, one moment I felt it entering my ear, then the next I was waking in the darkness of the blindfold.¡±


    ¡°Same with me,¡± Pixyl sang in a happy tune.


    ¡°Really?  I had a long conversation with mine.  It wasn¡¯t sure it wanted to bond with me, so we had to talk through whether it was worth it and what I might do if I find a way home.  Or if I¡¯m stuck in this world, for that matter.  Well, I did all the talking, it just communicated back to me in emojis.¡±


    ¡°Ee-mo-gee?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°-ism!¡± Xin called out again, raising her clawed arm into the air before letting it fall back.


    ¡°Um.  Remember when I talked about texting on my world?¡±


    ¡°The instantly-delivered messages,¡± Vanis said, recalling the earlier conversation.  ¡°Sent with your handheld devices called spellfones.¡±


    ¡°Cellphones!¡± Callie corrected with a laugh, although spellfones had a fun ring to it, she had to admit.  ¡°When you send the message, you can include little pictures that have different meanings.   We call them emojis, because they can convey an emotion in picture form.  For example, if I included a smiley face picture, it would mean I was happy about what I was sending, or what someone sent me.¡±


    Vanis groaned slightly as he shifted position, his hand rubbing his forehead.  ¡°If you need to rest, Callie, I understand, but I¡¯m very interested in your experience.  I¡¯ve never heard of someone actually communicating with their Symbiote.  Are you sure it wasn¡¯t a dream?¡±


    Callie shrugged on instinct, even though nobody was looking at her.  ¡°It could have been.  I have no way to know, really.  But unlike you, I did feel time pass between when the slug entered my ear and when I woke up.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Vanis said, suddenly taking in a huge yawn.  ¡°Sorry about that.  The berry is having its effect on me.  You were saying, Callie?¡±


    ¡°Mostly, it wasn¡¯t sure if it was a good use of its knowledge to bond with me.  I might find a way to go back to Earth, or decide to settle down with some boring bookkeeping job.  It didn¡¯t really seem to like either of those, and I can see how it would be a waste to carry a rare Symbiote for the rest of my life and not use it.¡±


    ¡°If this wasn¡¯t a dream, this implies that Symbiotes are sentient,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s ever been seriously considered by any Scholars in the field.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone all academic on us,¡± Lena droned.  ¡°He¡¯ll talk your ears off if you let him, Callie.¡±


    ¡°Lena, you know it¡¯s a field of interest I have,¡± Vanis grumbled.


    ¡°I know, and I guess it is actually interesting,¡± Lena said, yawning.  ¡°But she was certainly just dreaming.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Vanis agreed.  ¡°Callie, what finally convinced your Symbiote to join with you?  Dream or not?¡±


    ¡°I gave some thought to what I wanted to do if I end up stuck here for the rest of my life.  It felt like a waste to become a bookkeeper while I was still young.  I threw a few ideas around in my head, and then stole your idea, Vanis.¡±


    ¡°Oh?  Which one?¡±


    ¡°The idea of becoming a worm hunter.  I could use my Ranger skills, but not having to spend my life actually killing things.  This is assuming I get rid of this Conscription Curse and such.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s actually a really sound vocation for a Ranger,¡± Lena said.  ¡°There might be a few more skills you need, but with some study you could learn them.  I guess it depends what skills Rangers get; I don¡¯t really know them all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Symbiote approved of this?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Once I explained that ¡®hunter¡¯ in this context didn¡¯t literally mean hunting to kill, I think it was far more open to that future.  I pitched the idea as helping wild Symbiotes find their hosts.¡±


    ¡°Callie the Pretty Worm Finder,¡± Pixyl muttered in her drugged-up daze.


    Lena glanced over to the Pixie, noting a tiny pool of drool leaking out of her mouth.  ¡°She¡¯s really out of it,¡± she laughed.  ¡°I don¡¯t think Fidas took her small size into account when he gave her the painkiller.  Hopefully it wears off by morning.¡±


    ¡°Who knows what could happen in the future,¡± Callie said.  ¡°But at least having a thought about the future seemed to be the tipping point in joining with me.¡±


    ¡°If you were not dreaming,¡± Xin interjected.


    ¡°Always a downer, Xin,¡± Lena growled.


    ¡°But still true, Lena,¡± Callie said.  ¡°It all could have been a dream.  But at the same time, I don¡¯t think it really matters.  As of now, the Symbiote appears to have jo¡­¡±


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW PERK:  BOWYER/FLETCHER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie was stunned into silence mid-sentence.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lena said, sitting up to look worriedly at the Gnome.


    ¡°I think I just got a perk,¡± Callie said hesitantly.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Really?¡± Lena said.  ¡°What did you learn?¡±


    ¡°Bowyer/Fletcher.  I suppose that¡¯s knowledge of how to make arrows and stuff, right?¡±


    ¡°That is indeed a basic Ranger perk,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I think we can say without a doubt your Symbiote is working.  Congratulations, Ranger Callie.¡±


    ¡°I got a perk!  Holy wow!  I got a perk!¡± Callie said excitedly.  She started to stand up in order to jump up and down, but the world started to spin and she quickly lay down again with a groan.  ¡°Oooo, that wasn¡¯t a bright idea.¡±


    ¡°Stay down, Callie,¡± Lena chastised.   ¡°You don¡¯t want to be standing if it hits you.¡±


    ¡°When what hits me?¡±  Callie asked warily.  Suddenly, Callie¡¯s normal dizzy state turned into an acute attack of vertigo.  She groaned loudly and held a hand over her eyes.   A few seconds later, Xin moaned as well.


    It took about a minute for Callie¡¯s world to stop spinning.  When finally it righted itself, Callie groaned and held her hands over her face.


    ¡°I tried to warn you,¡± Lena said with a laugh.  ¡°When I got my skill reveal, it was followed by intense dizziness.  I wasn¡¯t sure it would happen to others, so everyone make sure you sit down or brace yourself if it happens while you are standing or walking around tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Good warning,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°Pixyl didn¡¯t mention it happening to her, but she could be so out of it she didn¡¯t even notice.¡±


    ¡°It was a twirly world,¡± Pixyl gibbered and Lena let out another snort of laughter in response.


    ¡°Someone make sure to let Tazrok know, as well,¡± Vanis suggested.  ¡°The last thing we need is an Ogre falling on someone.¡±


    ¡°No kidding.  It is like being a glass of water,¡± Callie responded with a long groan, finally feeling somewhat closer to normal drunk, not blackout spinning drunk.


    ¡°I have just received a new skill as well,¡± Xin said in a muffled voice.  ¡°Elemental Bolt.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great, Xin!¡± Lena said, obviously excited for the Lizardkin.


    ¡°So I have this new perk.  Now what?  I don''t feel any different,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the knowledge will come in time,¡± Vanis said with a yawn.


    The room got quiet as the conversation seemed to peter out.   Without moving her head too much, Callie glanced around again at her five new friends.  Xin¡¯s tail had stopped swishing at some point, and her breathing was deep.  She was probably asleep.  Vanis seemed to be having problems keeping his head upright and Lena had turned on her side and seemed to be slowly drifting off.  Pixyl hadn¡¯t moved at all, but her eyes were closed, that same silly grin still on her slightly drooling face.


    ¡°You should lie down, Vanis,¡± Callie said in a low voice.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he replied.  ¡°I just wanted to make sure everyone was set.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Vanis.  That means a lot to me.  And I¡¯m sure to everyone.  Get some rest if you need to.  We¡¯ll all be here in the morning.¡±


    The Elf nodded, and shifted on his bunk to lie down.  It took mere moments before his breathing deepened like the others in the room.  Callie herself shifted slightly to get in a more comfortable position, working to wave off the spinning feeling as she did so.  For a moment she felt nauseous, but once she was settled, the feeling faded.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT REVEALED:  MANA-ENHANCED HEARING


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie¡¯s eyes shot open in sudden surprise, and then she remembered the chaos that would soon follow.  She shifted slightly in her prone position and closed her eyes in preparation, taking in a deep, calming breath. As the world began to spin, she rode it like a tilt-a-whirl, hanging on tight and simply trying to push through.  As the episode finally began to recede, berry-induced sleep began to creep in on her, and Callie simply surrendered to it.  She was a Ranger.  She was a Ranger.

 Chapter 15 Part 1 - Like a Cup of Water

    PART I - LIKE  A CUP OF WATER


    It was dark when Callie woke, but at the same time, it was not-dark.  She could tell the lantern lights had gone out, plunging the room into blackness, yet she still easily made out the forms of Vanis, Lena and the others.  Even though it was dark, a blue-green haze seemed to cover everything, giving her a clear false-light view of the room.  Callie quickly realized this must be the ability to see in the dark that Tazrok had mentioned.


    Everyone else in the house seemed to be asleep, Lena emitting a cute little whistle with her nose every time she exhaled.   It was quiet, the sounds of crickets and other critters leaking in around the closed shutters.


    Callie slid off the bed and ducked into the latrine, having no difficulty seeing due to the Darkvision.  She had to admit not needing any light was ridiculously convenient.  Not sure what to do next, she debated going back to bed or maybe out to sit in the garden.  Callie dismissed the second idea quickly, though.  As lovely as it might be, she¡¯d probably fall asleep again and didn¡¯t want to do that outside.  So, with little else to do, she started to clamber back into her bunk.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW SKILL:  MULTISHOT


    NEW SKILL:  PIERCING SHOT


    NEW SKILL:  INSTINCTIVE DODGE


    NEW CLASS PERK:  WILDERNESS STEALTH


    EXISTING CLASS PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  ADVANCED ARCHERY


    RACIAL TRAIT REVEALED:  UNDERGROUND SENSE


    RACIAL TRAIT REVEALED:  DARKVISION


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The deluge of new reveals slammed into Callie out of nowhere.  She started to digest what had just happened when the follow-on vertigo came on in full force, multiplied by seven new reveals.  Her head swam, and she held onto the frame of the bunk for dear life, hoping that it would just end.  It didn¡¯t, and Callie slid to the floor with a soft groan.  But the spinning didn¡¯t stop and she began to feel nauseous, whatever was left in her stomach threatening to come up.


    Remembering the repeated requests to get to the latrine or outside if any of them felt sick, Callie tried to stand to dash to either.  Her feet slipped, though, and she fell back on her butt with a thump.  That was enough to do it, and her stomach heaved.  Not wanting the mess to go everywhere, Callie did the only thing she could think of and caught it all in her robe like it was a bucket.  The bile was thankfully limited since all she had eaten recently was soup and bread, plus a tiny magic berry, but there was still enough to soak right into her robe.  Then the second round hit.


    Thankfully, there was no third round and the post-reveal spinning faded eventually.  Callie sat in her puke-covered robe and sighed.  The smell was awful, but she felt worse and even more so, embarrassed.  And, oh what she wouldn¡¯t give for a breath mint.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Lena asked in a sleepy whisper.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie whispered back.  ¡°I got a whole bunch of skills and stuff at once.  It was a bit much to take and everything came up.  Careful, it will probably happen to you, too.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the warn¡­¡± Lena asked sleepily as she drifted off mid-sentence.


    Callie looked down at her vomit-stained self.  What a mess. She had no new clothes, and the robe was basically in a disgusting state.  ¡°I¡¯m going to the showers to clean up.  Ugh,¡± she whispered to Lena.  She would be able to wash herself off and rinse out the robe.  It would be wet, but not covered in yuck.


    Lena responded only with very light snoring.


    Carefully, Callie stood up, miraculously preventing anything spilling to the floor, and walked quietly to the front door.  She winced as the door squeaked open, but thankfully no one appeared to stir.  She slipped through and slowly squeaked the door closed again.


    The garden courtyard was still, the sounds of the bugs even louder than they were inside.  On the horizon, a very faint glow could be seen, threatening to turn to dawn soon.


    Callie let her robe go, some of the mess falling to the ground.  Unfortunately, most had soaked in, making the robe sickly, sticky and wet.  She sighed, and set off towards the garden center and the fountain.  There, she rinsed out her mouth, the cold liquid refreshing, blending itself with the chilly pre-morning air.  Spitting the water into the grass, she wished again for a breath mint, and suddenly wondered what people did for toothpaste and dentistry in this world.  She would have to ask Lena about that.


    ¡°Good morning, recruit,¡± a male voice said quietly.


    Callie turned to see a Dwarf wearing leather armor and boots.  She knew a cop when she saw one, and this guy was obviously walking a night patrol.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she said coldly.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake early,¡± he said.  The look in his eyes wasn¡¯t accusing, though, more showing concern.  Callie felt a little less tense.


    ¡°Yeah, I woke up and promptly vomited all over myself.  I was just rinsing my mouth out on the way to the showers.¡±


    ¡°Do you need a cleaner for your bunkhouse?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.  I caught all of it in time, I think.¡±  Callie gestured to her stained robe.


    ¡°Good reflexes, then.  You need to be careful when those first skills unlock.  Thankfully, at later tiers, the dizziness isn¡¯t so bad, just these first reveals.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I got hit with seven of them at once when I woke up, so it was really bad.¡±


    The guard winced in sympathy.  ¡°I remember when I got my very first batch.  Only three, but it was still an experience I won¡¯t forget.  Luckily, I didn''t get sick, but part of me sure wanted to.  Do you need assistance to the showers?¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m good,¡± Callie said, trying to put on a smile.  She gestured again to the front of her stained robe.  ¡°Just a mess.¡±


    The guard bid a good morning and walked on his way.  ¡°Even the cops are nice in this world,¡± Callie observed quietly.  She turned eagerly to the showers, and marched across the courtyard.


    As Callie approached the shower, she saw what looked like a bunny sitting next to the building, as she got closer, she could see it sported an impressive set of antlers.  ¡°A legit Jackalope?¡± Callie said to herself, before the little critter turned and disappeared in a flash of blue light with a ¡®poof¡¯, reappearing several meters farther away.  The sight suddenly reminded Callie once again she wasn¡¯t on Earth anymore.


    The showers were empty, and dark, the morning sun not yet high enough to illuminate anything.  Thankfully, Callie¡¯s Darkvision made this a non-issue.  She skipped the changing stalls, since her robe needed to be washed, and entered one of the showers.  Adjusting the chains to what she remembered was a nice temperature, Callie opened the valve and the water cascaded down on her face, soaking her robe.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    The hot water felt wonderful and seemed to wash the tension Callie didn¡¯t realize she had been carrying down the drain.  For a good minute, she just stood there being pelted by the cascade, before remembering what she was here for.  Callie dropped the water-heavy robe off her shoulders and then took a piece of soap from the collection basket before returning to the water.


    ¡°Hello?¡± a voice called out.  ¡°There¡¯s someone in here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just one person,¡± Callie called back, lathering up her front where the vomit had soaked through to her skin.  ¡°Careful, there¡¯s no light.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem, I have Darkvision.¡±


    Callie heard footsteps and a face peered around the stall wall.  ¡°Oh, hello, Recruit.¡±


    Callie looked up to see a Fairy looking back at her.  ¡°Commander!  Er ¡­ I mean Commandant!  Good morning!¡±


    Xera looked down to see the soaked robe on the floor of the shower.  ¡°A problem?¡±


    ¡°I woke up and learned a bunch of skills and things at once.  Got sick on myself,¡± Callie grumbled.  ¡°I needed to clean up.¡±


    ¡°Ahh.  But you are well now?¡±


    ¡°I think so.  Still a bit diz¡­¡± Callie trailed off as her mind lurched.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW SKILL:  SNIPER SHOT


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Callie said, dreading the moment a fresh wave of spinning was going to hit.  ¡°New skill!¡±  She panicked and looked for a wall to lean against.  In a literal flash of light, the Commandant was at her side, paying no attention to the fact her clothing was getting drenched.


    ¡°Just sit.  It will be over in a moment.¡±


    With Xera¡¯s help, Callie managed to sit her naked butt down on the hard stone floor.  It was slightly awkward for Xera since they had only one arm, and the downpour of water didn¡¯t help any.  Suddenly her head swam and she leaned forward just trying to stay centered, the hot water pelting her back.  It took a bit, but finally the feeling subsided.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie gasped weakly.  ¡°Man those new skills hit hard.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Xera responded, having backed out of the falling water.  ¡°I remember when I was first joined.  It was not at all pleasant.  Are you good?¡±


    Callie looked up at the Fairy.  ¡°I will be in a minute.  Sorry you got soaked.¡±


    ¡°No matter.  It¡¯s only water.  I wear my clothing for the day when I come to the showers so I can go straight to my office.  I guess I¡¯ll be late today.  I will have someone fetch me a robe to get back to my quarters, and I¡¯ll have a fresh one fetched for you as well.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, again,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°What is your name, Little One?  And out of curiosity, what skill did you learn?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m Callie.  I learned the skill Sniper Shot.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, that is a most excellent combat skill.  Use it well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure what it does or how to use it,¡± Callie said.  ¡°Although what it does is a little obvious, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Usually recruits are told how to unlock skill information on the first day of training, which would be tomorrow.  But I¡¯ll give you the secret.  Calm your mind and simply ask what the skill does.  You¡¯ll unlock the skill and receive a number of details.¡±


    ¡°Really?  Just ¡­ ask myself?  It can¡¯t be that simple?¡±


    Xera nodded.  ¡°It is, surprisingly.  That¡¯s all you need to do.  We call it a ¡®query¡¯.  We generally don¡¯t tell people until tomorrow so they don¡¯t hurt someone today trying everything out, so please keep it a secret.  I¡¯ll see to those robes now.¡±


    Xera disappeared while Callie worked to get her head focused again.  Then she remembered when Vanis had told her how to determine her class; how she just asked herself and the response confirming she was a Ranger.  She scooted out of the falling water and took a cleansing breath.


    Tell me about Sniper Shot


    Nothing happened.


    Callie worked again to clear her mind.  She blocked out the sound of the water splashing on the stone and focused on her breathing and heartbeat.  Deep breath in through her nose, blow it out through her lips.


    Tell me about Sniper Shot


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL:  SNIPER SHOT (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  HIGH


    CASTING TIME:  6 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow for extreme damage at long range. The casting process requires 6 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and range will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie was dumbstruck as the information poured in.  Again, no voice told her, or text appeared.  It was simply a case that she suddenly knew it.  As suspected, the skill¡¯s actual effects were pretty self-evident, but the addition of the how-to mechanics and restrictions, as well as a preview of what higher tiers would bring, was actually a delight to Callie.  She had to try again.


    Tell me about Bowyer/Fletcher


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK:  BOWYER/FLETCHER (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    CASTING TIME:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    RECHARGE TIME:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Provides the knowledge to craft simple arrows and bows from common components.  Higher tiers of this perk allow for advanced crafting, replicating arrows, summoning components, and imbuing crafted bows and arrows with magical runes and effects, enhancing their capabilities.  This perk synergizes with the UNREVEALED trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Like a flood, information poured into her consciousness.  She suddenly knew how to plane and shape a wood arrow shaft.  She knew how to cut and reinforce the nock on the arrow.  She knew how to attach feathers and properly tie them into place.  All of it, as if she had read a dozen books and watched every single possible YouTube video on the subject.  And more flooded in.  She knew how to make a new string for bow, and even how to tone the wood and craft a basic bow herself.  It was all just ¡­ there.  She knew she wasn¡¯t good at it, yet, but the how-to was clear as day.


    But it was what would come later that truly caught Callie¡¯s attention.  Summon components?  Magical runes?  Holy wow!  Maybe she couldn¡¯t do those things now, but to know that would come at later tiers made Callie eager to get there.  As it was, even the new knowledge she now had about making simple arrows and bows was crazy, considering moments ago she knew nothing on the topic.


    She needed to try one more, and remembered one that apparently Lena had received the night before, as well.


    Tell me about Instinctive Dodge


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL:  INSTINCTIVE DODGE (IRON TIER)


    STAMINA USAGE:  LOW (SPECIAL)


    DESCRIPTION:  Individuals possessing this skill can effortlessly evade known incoming attacks by utilizing stamina. As they progress to higher tiers, their likelihood of success increases, their stamina expenditure decreases, and they gain the capability to dodge unseen attacks.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Now that was interesting, especially at higher tiers. Callie imagined dodging and weaving between attacks while blindfolded, her new skill directing her effortlessly.  It seemed pretty badass, actually!  It made sense, though.  A Ranger would need some kind of a defensive ability, and magical dodging seemed to be the perfect answer.


    The fact that this was the same skill that Lena received the night before was also interesting.  If they both had the same skill, would they behave the same for both of them?  Or would Lena¡¯s be more advanced, or become more advanced, because she fought hand-to-hand.   And for that matter, would Pixyl get something like it as well?  Callie mentally made a note to check with both of her housemates as soon as they both knew the secret to getting the information, since she couldn¡¯t share it with them yet.

 Chapter 15 Part 2 - Waterlogged

    PART II - WATERLOGGED


    Callie quickly realized she could run down a rabbit hole of digging into each of her powers, and she needed to finish getting cleaned up.


    ¡°Did that work for you, Little One?¡± Xera called over the wall.


    ¡°Yeah!  It did.  Thanks for the heads up.  I¡¯ll review everything later.¡±  She stood, hand on one wall on the chance she was still woozy, and then heard grunting over the partition wall.  Poking her head around it, she asked ¡°Commandant, are you okay?¡±


    The Fairy was struggling to remove their boots..  Their wings, poking through a slit in the back of a button-up tunic, flapped rapidly in exasperation.  Xera belted out a frustrated scream.  ¡°Dammit!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Xera sighed.  ¡°I wear my clothes large, so I can get in and out of them without help, even with this,¡± they gestured towards their missing arm.  ¡°But because everything is wet, nothing is cooperating.¡±  Xera grunted again trying to pull themself out of their boots.  Throwing their hands up, they said, ¡°I guess I¡¯ll just skip my shower and dry out over time.¡±  Callie could see the wet state of Xera¡¯s clothing was making them almost glued in place.


    ¡°I can help,¡± Callie suggested.


    ¡°That might be a little inappropriate, Recruit.¡±


    Callie shrugged.  ¡°I¡¯m the reason you¡¯re in this mess, it¡¯s the least I can do.¡±


    Xera paused, sniffed themself, made a sour face, and finally conceded.  ¡°Sure.  Fine.  Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Whatever,¡± Callie said, rolling her eyes.¡±Your Logistics person?  Captain Kela?  She ordered us to help each other, and she reports to you, right?  So those orders were your orders.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, but that wasn¡¯t supposed to be me needing the help,¡± Xera said as they braced themself against the wall, and held up one of their feet.


    ¡°We all need help, sometimes,¡± Callie said as she worked to pull the waterlogged footwear off without knocking Xera over.  Eventually she managed to work it free, and then started on the second.


    ¡°Thorn said he wasn¡¯t completely sure you were a Ranger, but felt the risk was worth it.  I¡¯m glad to see everything worked out,¡± Xera said.


    ¡°I was worried, but I¡¯m getting the skills, so I guess I¡¯m a Ranger after all.  Who would have thought, right?  Woohoo!¡±


    Xera shot Callie a puzzled look.  ¡°You have a strange way of speaking, sometimes.¡±


    ¡°I know, my friends back at my bunkhouse call it a ¡®Callie-ism¡¯.   I¡¯m a little strange, I guess.¡±


    ¡°You are a Gnome.  Your kind is always a little ¡­ odd.  But that is part of the charm of your people, I think.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie said with a sincere grin. ¡°I like to think being odd is a good thing.¡±


    Xera gave a light chuckle before continuing.  ¡°Thorn mentioned you had lost your memory, and that was probably why the Scryers couldn¡¯t see your class.  Has it returned yet?¡±


    ¡°Only bits and flashes, many which make no sense¡± Callie lied as she helped Xera out of her pants.  Callie made an effort not to look anywhere inappropriate, remembering when she helped provide homecare for her grandmother in her last year before she passed.  You couldn¡¯t think about it; you just talk about anything else and work through the awkward to get it done.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t get your memory back in a few days, as long as you have no other symptoms, go see Master Healer Tasi for an evaluation,¡± Xera ordered.


    ¡°Will do,¡± Callie responded, before saying, ¡°Raise your right leg.¡±


    Xera did so and Callie guided it out of the soaked clothing, then did the same for their left leg.  Callie stood, and for the first time got a real good look at Fae wings.  The Commandant was twice the size of Pixyl, taller than Callie by a good thirty centimeters.  So, while Xera¡¯s wings were much like Pixyl¡¯s, in both shape and color, they were much larger.  Of course, Xera was missing half of one, from what was obviously the slice of a bladed weapon.  The wing itself was made of up hundreds of membranes stretched between tiny, visible bones no larger than a needle.


    ¡°Is everything alright?  This may be getting too awkward for you,¡± Xera asked, noticing Callie had stopped.


    ¡°What?  No, it''s fine.  I was just ¡­ and if this is rude I¡¯m so sorry ¡­ but I was looking at your wings.¡±


    ¡°You are wondering what happened to the rest of it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was just curious,¡± Callie said, trying to cover for the fact that she just thought they were really fascinating and wanted to touch them.  That definitely had to be a rude thing to do, right?


    ¡°Lost in combat,¡± Xera said.  ¡°This was the same time I lost my arm.  I was fighting an Etherdemon, which has powerful energy blades that extend from their claws.  I missed a parry, and it got both my arm and wing in one strike.¡±


    ¡°Energy blades?  That¡¯s like a Bladeweaver, right?¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Yes, actually. Very similar magics.¡±


    ¡°We have a Bladeweaver in our house.  Pixyl.  She¡¯s a Pixie.  When she had her Symbiote put in last night, her lightsabers sprung out and cut two big holes through her bed.¡±


    ¡°Lightsabers?¡±


    Callie paused for a moment, lest she say something she shouldn¡¯t before finally replying.  ¡°I just thought that¡¯s what they looked like.  Swords made of light.¡±


    ¡°I suppose that is as good a description as any.  I believe the Bladeweavers refer to them as Ethereal Blades,¡± Xera said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember that.¡± Callie said as she began to unbutton Xera¡¯s tunic.


    ¡°And you were with the Ogre, too.  The one I jokingly promoted?  The three of you, together in the same bunkhouse.¡±


    Callie stopped.  ¡°Wait, you were joking?  Tazrok thought you were serious.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I hear,¡± Xera said.


    ¡°He¡¯s taking his job very personally.  You¡¯d crush him if you told him it was a joke.¡±


    ¡°Major Celeste said the same.  She wants to keep him on this punishment and security detail, and I¡¯m inclined to agree with her.  I want to see what happens, honestly.  We tend to do a lot of ¡®let¡¯s see what happens¡¯ here.¡±


    ¡°Tazrok¡¯s not some big brute, you know.  He¡¯s apparently a Druid, and a very gentle person with an enormous heart.  You just don¡¯t want to pick on someone small; he¡¯s very protective.¡± Callie said as she returned to Xera¡¯s back and undid two buttons above the slit for their wings.  As she did, Callie accidentally bumped the underside of one of Xera¡¯s wings, close to where it met her back, and the Fairy let out a small grunt of shock.  Their legs buckled and their body tensed, and they had to extend an arm to brace against the wall.


    ¡°Oh shit!  Did I hurt you?¡± Callie said in a panic.


    ¡°N-no.  It¡¯s fine,¡± Xera gasped, trying to catch her breath.  ¡°Wings can be sensitive at times, especially if unprepared or in that area.  G-give me a moment.¡±


    Callie got a panicked look on her face.  It was purely an accident but Callie had a rushing sense of guilt.


    ¡°Very tough and rugged, just sometimes very sensitive,¡± Xera confirmed again, trying to feign a smile.


    Callie stood back, feeling guilty, while Xera recovered.  ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Commandant!  I didn¡¯t know and was just clumsy.¡±


    ¡°No matter, it¡¯s fine,¡± they grunted, ¡°more a surprise than anything.  Please continue.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re almost done, so I¡¯ll be careful.¡±  Callie said as she started to slowly peel the tunic off the stump of Xera¡¯s arm.  Only about six centimeters of it remained, ending in an ugly patchwork of old scars,


    ¡°I thought limbs can be grown back?  Tazrok and the Major talked about it.¡±


    ¡°Not when sliced off by an Etherdemon, unfortunately,¡± Xera replied with a hint of sadness.  ¡°The energy sword cauterizes everything, making regeneration impossible.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad,¡± Callie said, not sure what else to say.  She began to work on getting the Commandant¡¯s working arm out of the remaining sleeve, and free of the tunic completely.  After a bit of work and a few tugs, Xera¡¯s arm finally came free with a wet slurping sound.


    ¡°There you go,¡± Callie said as she collected Xera''s clothing and set them aside in a single pile.  ¡°I¡¯m sorry again if I hurt your wing.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t!¡± Xera said quickly.  ¡°I was more startled than anything.  No permanent damage done.  Thank you for your assistance.¡±


    ¡°No problem at all,¡± Callie said as she returned to her own shower stall to finish.  Quickly she picked up the soap and started washing again.


    ¡°Commandant Xera?¡± a female voice called out from the entrance.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Xera called back snappishly.


    ¡°I have two small robes, as you requested.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.  You can just leave them by the doorway.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Commandant.¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe we have an Ogre Druid, you and the Pixie here.  Three anomalies this term.¡±  Xera called over the wall as she turned on a low stream of water from the shower head, seeming to have recovered from the pain Callie caused.


    ¡°Anomalies?¡±


    ¡°We needed a term for what to call these strange race and class combinations that we¡¯ve never seen before, and that was best we came up with.  Maybe we¡¯ll just see more of them going forward and it will become normal.  Last term we had a Goblin Barbarian, which was until then completely unheard of.  And then this term we have three more odd combinations.  And all three of you end up in the same bunkhouse, as well.  What are the odds?¡±


    ¡°I dunno.  But don¡¯t count us out just because we¡¯re weird combinations,¡± Callie warned.  ¡°I don¡¯t want to be judged based on anything but my performance.¡±


    ¡°Oh, absolutely not!¡± Xera said quickly with a shocked tone.  ¡°Last term the Goblin exceeded all others on her training team, to the surprise of everyone.  Except for Trainer Reynard, nobody is assuming anything about the three of you.  Trainers Rowani and Olin both see it as an exciting challenge, in fact.¡±


    ¡°Reynard hates me,¡± Callie said with a snarl.  ¡°He put me through hell to prove I could shoot a bow.  But in the end I showed him, and I think we might be able to get along, or at least not kill each other.  Hopefully he stows the racism, though.¡±


    ¡°You seem to be able to hold your own, but let Master Trainer Thorn or myself know if your trainer gets out of line.  Understood?  You just worry about doing your best.¡±


    Callie had finished washing herself and put the remaining soap back where it had come from.  Pulling the chain, the shower valve closed.  She picked up her robe and worked to wring as much water out of it as she could.


    ¡°Commandant, I¡¯m finishing up.  Do you still need any more help with anything?¡±


    ¡°N-no,¡± they stuttered back, as if pulled out of a deep thought.  ¡°I¡¯m f-fine.  Enjoy your day.¡±


    Callie went to retrieve one of the robes by the door.  She saw a bin with towels, next to an empty bin, presumably for used ones.  She quickly picked up a towel and dried herself, tossing it in the dirty bin before slipping one of the robes on and cinching it tight.  She picked up another towel and the second robe and walked back to Xera¡¯s shower stall.  Hanging the robe on a hook and setting the towel below it, she said ¡°Here¡¯s your robe and a towel, Commandant.¡±


    ¡°Thanks-s-s,¡± Xera said, glancing back at Callie.  The water cascading splashed off the Fairy and struck Callie.  It was freezing and one could see Xera¡¯s teeth chattering.


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s cold!¡± Callie said, dodging back before she could get splashed again.


    ¡°Helps w-wake me up,¡± Xera said in response.


    Callie shook her head in disbelief.  ¡°Not for me.  Give me a steaming hot shower any day.  I¡¯m heading out.  Have a great day, Commandant.¡±  Callie picked up her wet robe and debated whether to bring it back to the house, before deciding to put it in the dirty bin.


    Outside, the sun had risen enough that everything was bathed in a very dim light.  With barely an accidental thought, Callie¡¯s Darkvision seemed to switch off, returning her sight to normal.  Callie frowned, concentrated, and was able to reactivate it.  ¡°Huh,¡± she said, before shrugging and switching it off again.

 Chapter 15 Part 3 - New Beginnings

    PART III -   NEW BEGINNINGS


    ¡°Where have you been!¡± Lena chided as Callie entered.  Her hands were on her hips and she wore a stern expression.  ¡°We were worried sick!¡±


    ¡°I was in the shower,¡± Callie said, confused.  Everyone seemed to be barely awake, rubbing their eyes, and the room was barely illuminated through the opened shutters.


    ¡°And why were you there?¡±


    Callie was getting annoyed.  ¡°Because I woke up and puked all over myself, Lena, and I needed to wash it off.  I told you that.¡±


    Lena was about to scold again but abruptly stopped.  ¡°You did?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did,¡± Callie said, her voice rising slightly.


    ¡°Oh, I must not have remembered.  Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I was not worried,¡± Xin said, sitting with her feet on the floor, rubbing her head.


    ¡°Nor was I,¡± Vanis said, still lying on his bunk, his arm thrown over his face.


    ¡°Was anyone besides Lena worried,¡± Callie said, looking at Tazrok.  The Ogre, lying much like Vanis was, arm thrown over his face, simply said, ¡°Nope.¡±  Callie turned to Pixyl.  ¡°What about you?¡± and Pixyl responded, head buried in her pillow, with something that sounded vaguely negative.


    ¡°What the hell,¡± Lena said, ¡°I¡¯m turning even more into my mother.  Vanis, you¡¯ve got to kill me before this transformation is complete.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you later,¡± Vanis replied, ¡°I am still trying to stop the world from spinning so much.¡±


    ¡°Callie, I¡¯m really sorry for ¡­¡± Lena began and then trailed off .  ¡°Oh hell,¡± she mumbled, and she dropped to her knees and leaned on her bunk.  She grasped her head and groaned.


    Callie rushed around the bed.  ¡°Lena!  What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Another reveal,¡± she moaned.  ¡°Give me a second.¡±  Everyone paused, waiting for the moment to pass, before Lena finally raised her head.  ¡°That¡¯s at least over.¡±


    ¡°Anything good?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Not at all.  It just revealed my racial Nightvision, so all that for something I already knew about.¡±


    ¡°Great, I still have that one to look forward to,¡± Vanis snarled.


    ¡°Did anyone else get sick?  Or just me?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Lena somehow knew to warn everyone would get hit with several when she woke us up, so we were prepared,¡± Vanis said, ¡°I take it you weren¡¯t?


    ¡°Lena knew that because I told her.  That was the same time I told her I was going to the shower.  And no, I wasn¡¯t prepared.  I was standing and seven hit me at once.  Everything came up soon after.¡±


    ¡°I swear I don¡¯t remember us talking,¡± Lena said, surprised.


    ¡°I think you may have only been half awake.  In any case, I¡¯m glad you all survived.  Me?  It wasn¡¯t pretty.¡±


    ¡°How did you get a clean robe?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°The Commandant was in the showers, too.  They asked one of their people to bring one for me.  And for them, for that matter.¡±


    ¡°Why did they need one?


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a funny story, if you want to hear it.¡±


    ¡°We are not going anywhere,¡± Xin said, lying down on her bunk again.


    Callie proceeded to tell everyone about how Xera came to her rescue when she got slammed with the after-effects of receiving her Sniper Shot skill.  How they simply flashed into position next to her, and made sure she didn¡¯t fall.


    ¡°There was literally a flash of light?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Maybe?  I think so.  I was a little preoccupied.  But they moved really fast for sure.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like they used Flashstep, or something similar.  It allows you to reappear a short distance away in an instant.  I brought that skill here with me.¡±


    ¡°Could they be a Bladedancer like you?¡± Callie said.  ¡°I didn¡¯t think to ask.¡±


    Lena shrugged.  ¡°Possibly.  But with a missing arm, they won¡¯t be able to function as that class very well, since so much of what we do revolves around dual swords.  They weren¡¯t able to regenerate it?¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°No.  They said their arm and wing were lost to an Etherdemon.  I guess they create swords like Bladeweavers, and that prevents regrowing.¡±


    Pixyl sat up suddenly paying attention at the mention of her class and Demons.  ¡°Etherd-d-demon?¡±  Her face made a scowl of pain.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t say anything about it, just that they can make powerswords like you do that come out of their claws.  Whatever they are, they sound scary.¡±


    ¡°They are,¡± Pixyl said as she looked at one of her own hands, and then at the twin holes burned through her headboard from the night before.  Her head started to spin again, and the Pixie laid down once more to listen to Callie.


    ¡°In any case, because the Commandant was totally soaked from helping me, and the one arm thing, getting out of wet clothes was pretty much impossible for them.  So, I helped them get undressed, which took a bit of doing.¡±


    ¡°Must have been awkward,¡± Tazrok said.


    ¡°It was.  And their being in charge of the place while I¡¯m only a recruit probably made it all the more weird.  But they needed assistance, so you just work through the awkwardness and help.  I¡¯d do it for any of you, if you needed it.¡±


    ¡°It was good of you to help, Callie.¡± Vanis said,


    ¡°The only thing is that I feel awful.  I hurt them by accident.  They said it was nothing, but I get the sense it was really painful.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°As I was peeling their shirt off their shoulders, I accidently bumped my arm along the inside of their wing.  They grimaced in pain and almost fell to their knees.  I feel awful.¡±


    Pixyl sat up straight again, emitting a little yelp of her own pain.  ¡°Y-y-you did what?¡± she gasped, her eyes wide.


    ¡°Oh no, was it that bad?  It was an accident, Pixyl!  My arm just bumped her wing, but Xera said they are super-sensitive and it just surprised her.¡±


    ¡°Here?¡± Pixyl said, gingerly turning her back to Callie and pointing to the underside of a wing where it met her back.


    Callie winced.  ¡°Yeah, right about there.¡±


    The Pixie scrunched up her face in a scowl.  ¡°Th-th-that is a bad place to hit.  Like kicking a m-m-male between their legs.¡±


    Instinctively, both Vanis and Tazrok made a sucking sound and winced.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Callie cried.  ¡°I feel even worse.  It was totally an accident!¡±


    ¡°She w-w-will be f-f-fine,¡± Pixyl said.  ¡°Just know about that area in the f-f-future.¡±


    Callie felt even more awful now.  Instinctively she knew it had been an accident and Xera had promised they could walk it off, but from Pixyl¡¯s telling, Xera was definitely understating how much it hurt.  Callie vowed to try to come up with something nice to do to make up for it, somehow.


    Tazrok¡¯s grunt interrupted Callie¡¯s thoughts as the Ogre grabbed his head.  ¡°New skill,¡± he said as everyone turned to look at him.  The house was quiet while the delayed vertigo spun through, although Tazrok seemed to weather the effects better than Lena had and much better than Callie had.  For Callie, these new reveals were crippling.


    ¡°Did you get a good skill?¡± Xin asked, having returned to lying back on her bed.


    ¡°Cure Poison,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°That is very good.¡±


    ¡°It sure is, Tazrok,¡± Lena said.  ¡°That skill is quite literally a life saver!¡±


    Tazrok nodded with a grunt.  ¡°Will make sure to practice, then.¡±


    Callie smiled, looking around the room at all her new friends.  All of them, just like her, were coming into their new powers.  All of them, just like her, excited and nervous and feeling like new people.  It warmed her heart for some reason.


    Regrettably, Xin was the next one to be hit with a new reveal.  She groaned and grabbed her head.  ¡°Not another one,¡± she said with a mixture of a mumble and a whine as she buried her head in her pillow..


    Vanis winced.  ¡°Shamans have a lot of flexibility and skills related to their Totem, so I think it¡¯s going to be much more frequent for her.¡±


    ¡°Was it at least something good?¡± Callie asked as Xin finally raised her head, shaking it as if to clear any residual fuzziness.


    ¡°A skill for my Totem called Healing Pulse.¡±


    ¡°Assuming it does what it sounds like, that¡¯s a great skill,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I don¡¯t know a lot about Shaman capabilities, though.  I just know most of your combat skills are elemental based.  I used to know an Elementalist, and she would complain constantly about being shown up by a Shaman she knew.¡±


    ¡°From what I have seen so far, that appears to be true,¡± Xin said.  ¡°I have learned Elemental Bolt and Elemental Weapon.  I have also learned Elemental Blast for my Totem.  This was my first skill related to my Healer side.  I am eager to know how to use them.¡±


    Callie debated passing on the information she had received from the Commandant on how to access skill details, but remembered the promise she made.  She wrestled with a way to find a loophole in the promise, but couldn¡¯t see one.


    ¡°I keep knowing ¡®requires form¡¯ on new skills,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Doesn¡¯t say name.  But learned to make healing fruit.¡±


    ¡°Requires form?¡± Callie asked out loud, but then got it.  ¡°I bet that means you need to know your shapechange animal first, and then you find out the name of the skill.  Healing fruit is good, too!¡±


    ¡°Hmm.  Yes, make sense about form.  If could be Wolficorn, would have all now,¡± Tazrok said, sounding a little sad, still dwelling on the mythical creature.


    ¡°So far, Tazrok has been the least impacted by receiving our new skills,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°Just a little disorientation for him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so awful,¡± Pixyl whined.


    ¡°No kidding, Pixyl,¡± Callie snarled in agreement.  ¡°I wonder if smaller races have more issues.¡±


    ¡°That could be,¡± Vanis pondered.  ¡°Lena, Xin and I seem to fall somewhere in the middle on the effects.  More of a momentary dizziness, whereas Pixyl needed to sit or lie down for a minute.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in this together, girl!¡± Callie said, raising a fist into the air towards the Pixie.  ¡°Power to the Puny!¡±


    Pixyl weakly returned a raised fist.  ¡°We got this!¡±


    ¡°I wonder when ¡­¡± Callie started to ask the group when the warning hit.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW PERK:  WILDERNESS TRACKING


    NEW PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  CARPENTRY


    NEW PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  BOOKKEEPING/LOGISTICS


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Callie said, her eyes opening wide in panic.  ¡°I just got three of them!¡±


    ¡°Three?¡± Lena said, just before Callie¡¯s world spun.

 Chapter 16 Part 1 - The Recruits New Clothes

    PART I - THE RECRUITS¡¯ NEW CLOTHES


    The little Gnome squeezed herself into the tightest ball she could, while trying to ride out the chaos. She felt like she was in a sadistic amusement park, riding a combination of bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl, and loop-the-loop roller coaster, all mixed into one chaotic ride. One super-awful ride. A ride that seemed to drag on, never coming to an end. The world bucked and spun, and finally seemed to throw Callie out of the proverbial door without stopping, leaving her a battered heap.


    As she started to regain a sense of the world, Callie felt something cool and wet on her forehead, and reached up to feel a water-soaked cloth, presumably placed there by Lena. Before opening her eyes, she decided to take a quick moment and check out what she had received.


    Tell me about Wilderness Tracking


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: WILDERNESS TRACKING (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION: Knowledge of the tracking of people and creatures in wilderness settings. Tracking may be enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use. Mana enhanced tracking is only effective in woodland, marsh and swamp environments. Higher tiers of this perk will enable enhanced tracking in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of quarry being able to evade the tracker.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    In a flood, all the knowledge of how to track things through the forests and swamps hit Callie. It was as if the whole thing was so simple. Simple enough she couldn¡¯t understand how she hadn¡¯t known it before. She knew how to follow game trails, follow crushed grasses and sticks, broken tree limbs, imperfections in a swamp¡¯s water. It was such a strange and fascinating feeling. And she simply just ¡­ knew it.


    Callie didn¡¯t bother looking up the two Earth perks. Neither was important right now and were also fairly self-explanatory. She did wonder if mana could be used in some fashion to enhance either, though. If so, what would a mana-enhanced carpentry perk look like?


    ¡°How long was I out?¡± Callie asked the room, coming out of her perk review.


    ¡°Only a couple minutes,¡± Lena said, coming to her side. ¡°Not too bad considering you received three things at once. The good news, they just dropped off our clothes, so we can get out of these awkward and occasionally revealing robes. I¡¯m looking at you, Tazrok.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± the Ogre said with a shrug.


    Xin had already brought one basket in, which she had handed to Vanis, since it contained Elf-size clothing with a more-masculine cut to it. He was mercifully happy to get pants rather than a warlock robe, and he set to work sorting and stowing everything in his footlocker, save one set.


    Bringing in another basket, Xin passed it to Lena. The contents appeared similar: five pairs of light-colored female-shaped Elf-sized cloth tunics and pants combination and various other accessories.


    Xin continued to bring in baskets. The first she set on her bunk, and then she retrieved a smaller one. ¡°I believe this is for you, Little One. There is not a gap in the back for wings, as well as a strange hat.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said as Xin set the ensemble on her bunk. Callie took to unpacking the contents, which began with a wide brimmed, floppy cloth hat. It was a familiar style, but she couldn¡¯t place where she had seen it before. It would definitely work to keep the sun out of her eyes, though.


    The rest of the contents appeared to be mini-versions of what Lena was wearing, sized down appropriately for a Gnome. Five light, button-up tunics, five pairs of pants. and five pairs of very unsexy underwear. There was no bra or any kind of support clothing, which seemed an oversight. Meanwhile, Lena¡¯s basket contained five strips of long, wide cloth with tiny hooks on one end. Callie quickly realized they functioned as a chest binder, which she guessed was this world¡¯s approximation of a sports bra. Maybe she¡¯d have a talk with the Quartermaster about something a little more like home.


    While Callie had been unpacking, Xin wrestled in a larger basket for Tazrok, and then a second smaller one which went to Pixyl. Everyone set to work taking inventory and packing things away. Still remaining in Callie¡¯s basket were five pairs of lightweight, yet very durable, calf-high socks, and two pairs of leather footwear. One was a pair of knee-high boots of hard leather. The second were calf-high light-leather moccasins, or what was a close approximation for this world. The leather was soft, but also seemed as if it would support one''s feet and ankles. Both were impeccably made, apparently with Brownie magic or some such to achieve such quality in only one night. Finally, the basket contained a hard leather belt with various pockets and loops along its length. On one side was a small empty knife sheath, as well as a hook attached to a smaller, Gnome sized waterskin.


    Hopping down off the bunk to start stowing everything, Callie noticed that Pixyl¡¯s accouterments including a set of chest binders like Lena¡¯s, only naturally smaller for her frame.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Hey, how do you rate a chest binder?¡± Callie said. ¡°Your boobs are smaller than mine.¡± Remembering Lena had never heard the word before yesterday, she held her hands out in a cupping position.


    Pixyl instinctively looked down at her own chest and shrugged. ¡°N-n-n-no idea. W-w-we can share, if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll see how it goes,¡± Callie said. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to the Quartermaster if I have an issue.¡± Maybe she would see about getting a sports bra made. If only she could draw decently, she¡¯d be able to show the Quartermaster exactly what she was looking for. Callie suddenly wondered if this world had elastic of some kind.


    ¡°Ok, you two boys. Get out so we can change,¡± Lena said in a commanding tone. ¡°Take a walk and then we¡¯ll switch.¡±


    Vanis looked at Tazrok. ¡°It¡¯s outside or she¡¯ll lock us in the latrines, my friend. I¡¯m voting for outside. Callie continues to say favorable things about the garden. Shall we take a better look?¡±


    Tazrok grunted an assent, and the two left the bunkhouse, closing the oversized door behind them.


    ¡°I am not sure why I have long pants and underwear,¡± Xin said, looking at her clothing with an almost disgusted expression. ¡°We do not wear clothing, except for armor in training and battle, or decorative items for ceremonies. On the way here, the wagon master insisted I put on something, but that is so uncomfortable¡±. Xin gestured down to her body. ¡°Unlike you, the Lizardkin have no bits protruding for everyone to see, so it should not matter.¡±


    ¡°There are b-b-buttons on the legs,¡± Pixyl pointed out, holding up a pair of her pants. Each pair of the dark brown pants had a series of buttons that would allow most of the leg to be disconnected, effectively turning them into thigh-length shorts.


    ¡°You non-scaled get so upset by nudity,¡± Xin said, continuing her rant. ¡°We are in the army and at war. Does it really matter? Do we not have more important things to worry about?¡±


    ¡°Everyone has a different comfort level with nudity, Xin. We can be respectful,¡± Lena said as she slipped her underwear on.


    ¡°I know. Clothing is just very inconvenient.¡±


    Xin set to work deftly removing the legs before grudgingly slipping the now-shorts on, completely skipping the underwear with a scowl. The rear area of her pants was cut to allow her tail to fit through, closed and held in place with wood buttons above it, similar to how Xera¡¯s tunic had been cut for their wings. Callie assumed Pixyl¡¯s tunic would be similar, just smaller. Finally, the pants sported a piece of rope sewn into the waist that could be tied to serve as a belt.


    Meanwhile, Callie had dropped her robe and was reaching for her own undershorts, when Pixyl let out a muffled giggle.


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said, looking around in alarm.


    ¡°S-s-sorry,¡± Pixyl said, getting slightly red-faced. ¡°The p-p-pink surprised me.¡±


    Callie tugged on her hair and then realized what Pixyl actually meant. ¡±Oh, yea. Gnomes are just full of surprises, I guess. Callie¡¯s got the hot-pink crotch.¡± Callie quickly pulled the underwear on before wondering, ¡°Hey, why would that be weird? Don¡¯t you have blue down there, Pixyl?¡±


    ¡°No. Pixies have no hair below our head,¡± Pixyl said, touching her blue hair. ¡°Really just head hair and eyebrows. I k-k-keep my hair short though, so it doesn¡¯t g-get in my face when I¡¯m flying.¡±


    ¡°Man, you got it lucky,¡± Callie said grumpily as she put her button-up tunic over her shoulders. It fit remarkably well, perfectly forming to her body, without bunching or being too tight when she bent over. Curious, she picked up the hat and walked over to the mirror to look at herself. It actually looked really good on her. It was flattering, yet simple. She felt a little like she was wearing the top part of a game warden outfit. Some kind of Steve Irwin-esque wildlife ¡­ Ranger. She finally placed where she had seen the hat before. ¡°Huh, this actually fits me really nice.¡±


    ¡°You look p-p-perfect,¡± Pixyl said.


    ¡°Aww, thanks Pixyl.¡±


    Callie returned to put the pants on, which were similar to Xin¡¯s, just sized down. They fit just as perfectly as the tunic, and completed the game warden motif. She debated whether to convert them to shorts, but decided not to for now. She could always make the change later if it got hot or was what everyone else was doing.


    ¡°How do I look?¡± Lena said, bouncing a bit and shaking everything out.


    She looked much like Callie had in the mirror, but without the hat. Her outfit fit just as perfectly as Callie¡¯s, and pushed in and pushed up in a very noticeable, and flattering, way. Otherwise, the look was a larger twin for what Callie wore.


    Xin had likewise donned a button-up tunic she had received, and while she grumbled, the Brownies had outdone themselves with the custom order and it fitted and looked great. ¡°I¡¯m not wearing those, though,¡± Xin said, pointing towards the oversized hard-leather boots that were made for her clawed feet. ¡°Those are just wrong.¡±


    ¡°Those tall boots are probably part of your armor set, Xin,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Really? That is just cruel, then.¡±


    All eyes turned to Pixyl, the last one still working on getting dressed. She was struggling to finish putting on her tunic, the buttons above her wings proving hard to use. Every time she reached back to connect them, she grimaced in pain, occasionally shouting out a yelp.


    ¡°Do you need a hand?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°No!¡± Pixyl snapped. She tried again to reach the buttons, and again hit a wall of pain. She snarled bitterly, mumbling what had to be a curse under her breath, before finally hanging her head low. Sadly, Pixyl muttered, ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    ¡°Sure, let me get those for you,¡± Callie said, but Lena stepped in her way.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t. You¡¯ve been around enough Fae wings today. You don¡¯t need to be getting into any more trouble.¡±


    ¡°Really, it¡¯s fine,¡± Pixyl said, shrugging.


    ¡°No Callie mischief,¡± Lena said, wagging a lecturing finger towards the Gnome. She turned and dropped to one knee so she was at the right height and closed the two buttons above Pixyl¡¯s wings. The Pixie turned, sporting the perfectly-fitting tunic and pants. Where before her robe was completely unflattering, the new clothes hugged in all the right places, giving Pixyl a much more feminine, yet still slightly-tomboy, look.


    ¡°You really look great, too, Pixyl,¡± Callie said. ¡°Absolutely great.¡±

 Chapter 16 Part 2 - The Onslaught Continues

    PART II - THE ONSLAUGHT CONTINUES


    Callie and company were preparing to walk out to the garden and invite Tazrok and Vanis back to swap, when Xin got hit with another skill unlock.  She handled it well, recognizing what was happening immediately and simply sitting on the floor until it had passed.


    Before anyone asked, Xin said, ¡°Gust of Wind.  Not sure what it does, but maybe to knock people down or away?  That feels right.¡±


    ¡°An effective way to clear an area, if the enemy is closing on you,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I can see several combat uses.¡±


    Xin nodded, and rose.  ¡°We shall have to see.¡±


    ¡°Is everyone ready?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Callie said, ¡°we need our waterskins.¡±


    Picking up their new utility belts, Lena and Xin had to put their current waterskins into the empty holsters, while Pixyl had been given a new smaller one like Callie¡¯s.


    They exited their house, four different people, four different races, all dressed in perfectly fitting Brownie-crafted uniforms.


    It was barely dawn, but now light enough to start seeing colors.  Several people were buzzing around, still setting clothing on porches, or making other deliveries.   Callie and the other three appeared to be the only recruits outside their bunkhouse so far, save the white forms of Vanis and Tazrok sitting in the garden, speaking with a third recruit in white.  Before they could step off to join their friends, a short little person ran up with a long, thin basket, and set it on the porch.  He couldn¡¯t be taller than a half-meter, just a little shorter than Pixyl, and he moved fast, in spite of the basket being quite oversized for him.  Before anyone could speak, he bowed curtly and ran off.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°A Brownie,¡± Pixyl responded in a whisper.


    ¡°You won¡¯t see them often,¡± Lena said in the same whisper.  ¡°They like to do their work in secret, so it was surprising he actually approached.  They are the ones that make the clothing, and small deliveries and probably do all the cleaning when we¡¯re all out.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t seem to want to chat,¡± Callie said, a little disappointed she didn¡¯t get to talk to the little Fae.


    ¡°No!,¡± Lena snapped in a low hiss.  ¡°Don¡¯t ever engage or try to talk to them, unless they talk to you first, especially if they are working.  They do not like to be bothered if they are, and Brownies have a memory loss charm that is quite potent.  I doubt they¡¯d use one on you here, but elsewhere, you¡¯ll wake up somewhere having lost six hours and with no recollection of them.  It¡¯s doubtful Elven charm resistance could fight it off.  Pixyl might be able to, but only because she¡¯s a fellow Fae.  If you see a Brownie, just let them do what they are doing.¡±


    ¡°I d-d-don¡¯t think I could hold off a Brownie charm,¡± Pixyl whispered, shaking her head.  ¡°As Lena said, j-j-just leave them be unless they speak first.¡±


    ¡°Good to know,¡± Callie said.


    Xin gestured towards the garden and the four walked that way.  A songbird of some kind was busy singing a wake-up song, with another in a far off tree singing the response.  Callie looked for the bird, and finally found it.  It looked like a male Cardinal, except for a tiny tuft of feathers on its head that glowed bright every time it sang.  Callie moved to get a closer look, but it took exception, dive-bombed the foursome and flew off into the morning.  There was so much she needed to learn about this world, and the strange variations of wildlife were just the tiniest piece of that puzzle.


    Pixyl let out a grunt and grabbed her head.  ¡°A new p-p-perk!¡±


    Callie spun and rushed towards the PIxie, catching her as she began to collapse.  But the Gnome was off balance and they fell together.  As they did, Callie remembered the damage to Pixyl¡¯s wing and twisted so she would hit the ground first.  They hit hard together, but Callie absorbed most of the impact, grunting from both the hard surface and the Pixie.  Pixyl was not heavy, but Callie wasn¡¯t much bigger than she was, and it had all happened too fast to be prepared.  Thankfully, Pixyl¡¯s wings never came close to the ground.  Callie held the Pixie tight for a second, holding her safe, arms around her body, finding the crook centered between her top and bottom wings .This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    It was a good fifteen seconds that they lay there, Callie panting from having the wind knocked out of her, and Pixyl squeezing her eyes shut, not daring to move.  Finally Pixyl slowly opened her eyes, looked into Callie¡¯s own wide eyes, and quickly beamed a half-smile.  That was until she cried out as pain from her wing injury finally registered.  Pixyl gritted her teeth and breathed through it, finally getting it back under some semblance of control.  Neither said anything more, and Pixyl finally simply nodded, indicating she was good to get up.  Scrambling, the duo parted, Lena helping Pixyl up, and Xin lending a hand to Callie.


    They heard the sound of heavy footsteps and saw Vanis, Tazrok and Koda rushing to them.


    ¡°We saw you had fallen,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I got a p-p-perk,¡± Pixyl said, feeling embarrassed.  ¡°Not much warning.  Callie caught me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.  I think I bruised my butt, though.¡± Callie said, brushing dirt off her back.  ¡°I didn¡¯t hurt you, did I?¡±


    ¡°N-n-not at all,¡± Pixyl confirmed.  ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°No problem.  Did you get something good?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  Sword and Shield fighting st-st-style.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Koda said.  ¡°That is one I possess as well!  Excellent perk, but unexpected in a Pixie.  What class are you, if I may ask?¡±


    Pixyl looked at the Bearkin, and then straightened.  ¡°I am a B-b-bladeweaver.¡±


    Koda looked confused for a moment, and then shocked, and then excited.  ¡°I am sure you will hear this often, but it''s a surprising class for your kind.  I look forward to seeing you fight.  Bladeweavers are amazing to watch!  And you are able to fly as well, so that will make you even more potent!¡±


    ¡°N-n-not yet.  My w-wing is hurt.¡± Pixyl said, gesturing towards her bruised wing.


    ¡°When you are healed, then,¡± Koda said, a big, happy bear grin on his face.


    ¡°I see you met Koda.  He¡¯s a pretty okay bear guy,¡± Callie said with a sly smile.  ¡°Did he teach you about back scratching?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes,¡± Tazrok said.  ¡°Feels good.¡±


    ¡°It was rather invigorating,¡± Vanis added.  ¡°I see why you recommended it.¡±


    ¡°Told ya,¡± Callie said, smiling.  ¡°How are you feeling, Koda?  Did you survive the night without problems?¡±


    ¡°I am well, Ranger Callie.  My night was ¡­ difficult.  But it is not so bad now when I receive my new skills,¡±  He then added, ¡±I must say to all of you, your new clothes look very nice.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Koda,¡± Callie said with a smile.  ¡°By the way, these are my friends, Pixyl, Lena and Xin.  Friends, this is Koda, also known as Bear Guy.¡±


    Koda rubbed his paw across his face.  ¡°You aren¡¯t going to let that go, are you?¡±


    ¡°Nope.  Some day, years from now, we¡¯ll meet in a bar or something and you¡¯ll still be Bear Guy.  That¡¯s what you get for being mean to us.¡±


    ¡°If it must be, it must be.  I do apologize once again, but thank you for forgiving me as well.¡±


    ¡°Vanis, Tazrok, the house is yours to get changed,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I think with dawn arriving, the breakfast bell should ring soon.  I don¡¯t know about all of you, but I am starving.  The soup last night was delicious, but not very filling.  I think I¡¯m feeling up for it.  How about you?¡±


    Quickly Vanis, Tazrok and Xin agreed, but Pixyl was a little wary. ¡°W-w-what if I g-g-get another skill while eating?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Callie said with a chipper grin.  ¡°We¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t drown in your porridge.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome to join us for breakfast, Koda,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Perhaps I will.  My house-mates are still asleep, and I do not wish to wake them.  May I come to yours to change into clothing?  It would be nice to be out of my robe.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I will take what I need from my basket and join you.¡±


    Lena made a shooing motion, sending the three guys on their way.  ¡°And remember your waterskins,¡± she called after them.


    ¡°I wonder why they are such sticklers about our water,¡± Callie wondered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but we¡¯ve been warned how many times?  It must be important for something.  Maybe just to form habits?  Besides, that Dryad, Juniper, may show up again and we¡¯ll need to stop Callie from running off with her.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie said.  ¡°Even you agreed she was hot as hell!¡±


    ¡°W-w-what is this about?¡± Pixyl asked.


    The foursome walked towards the garden as Lena and Xin filled in the story on what happened the day before with the Dryad.  Callie was pretty sure that they were embellishing a little bit for Pixyl¡¯s sake, but it was one of those cases where the more she might deny it, the more believable the story became.  Pixyl seemed to find it funny and then hilarious, before she finally scolded Callie about Dryad charms.


    They were taking turns filling their waterskins, when the warning hit Callie.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT REVEALED:  TINKER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    She had the wherewithal to instinctively sit on the ground and get into a safe position.


    ¡°Callie?¡± Lena said


    ¡°New trait, give me a moment,¡± she said, almost spitting the words out as quickly as she could.  Then it hit.  The carnival-ride spinning and whirling.  Sitting quickly became not enough, and she fell to the ground on her side.  For a good thirty seconds the world heaved, before the ground seemed to make one final buck and righted itself.  Callie opened her eyes to find Pixyl holding one hand while Lena held the other.  ¡°Thanks,¡± she croaked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this, too,¡± Pixyl said, with a bright smile of encouragement.

 Chapter 16 Part 3 - Morning Meal

    PART III - MORNING MEAL


    ¡°Is the Little One injured?¡± someone asked breathlessly as they ran closer.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine,¡± Callie said, sitting up.  ¡°Just my damn worm doing its thing.¡±  She looked up to see the beat cop Dwarf from earlier in the morning.  ¡°I felt it coming and quickly sat down,¡± she added.  The look of genuine concern on his face quickly resolved into relief.


    ¡°I am glad.  Today will be a busy day for all of us, as recruits will be falling throughout at least the morning.  We always have a few that bump, bruise or break something.  All of you, please be prepared to stop what you¡¯re doing to get safe.  If you are injured, anyone on patrol will be carrying healing potions of varying strength.  Don¡¯t be afraid to ask.¡±


    Across the yard, Koda could be seen walking from his bunkhouse towards the big-doored Ogre house.  With a sudden jolt, he stopped walking and quickly dropped to one knee.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± the Dwarf said, and started jogging towards the Bearkin.


    Koda shook his head several times, as if to clear it.  He tried to stand, but was woozy and dropped back to kneeling to collect himself.


    ¡°Bet he got a reveal,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°The effects for him were much more minor compared to you,¡± Lena said.  ¡°I think there¡¯s something to size being a factor to what happens.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Callie said sarcastically.


    Beatcop arrived at Koda, and Callie could barely hear that they were talking if she concentrated, but it was still too soft to make out any words.


    ¡°What did you get?¡± Xin asked, interrupting the eavesdropping attempt.


    ¡°A racial trait called Tinker,¡± Callie responded.  ¡°Not sure what it¡¯s for, though,¡± she added, not daring to ask her mind for details in the middle of a conversation.


    ¡°Gnomes are very good engineers and inventors.  Many become Artificers as a profession, or go into civil engineering.   Maybe this trait is involved in some way?¡± Lena suggested.


    Callie shrugged, really having no reference for Gnomish culture.  ¡°Maybe?¡±


    In the distance, there came the clear call of a ringing bell.


    ¡°That must be the warning for breakfast,¡± Lena said.  ¡°We can wait for the boys and head over.¡±


    Around the garden, others began to emerge from their bunkhouses, some rushing out to avoid getting sick inside.  Callie saw three Goblins streaming out together in a panic, only to fall to the ground on their hands and knees.  Callie began to run towards them to help, but three camp personnel swooped in from out of nowhere.   Unfortunately, two of the Goblins hadn¡¯t fully made it, and their robes were soaked much as Callie¡¯s was earlier.  They were provided towels to wipe their faces with and then gestured towards their new clothes.  Staff assisted retrieving a set of clothing from each of their baskets, before leading the three to the showers to clean up.


    ¡°Poor guys,¡± Callie said in obvious sympathy. ¡°Small people definitely have it worse.¡±


    As they watched, people continued to emerge from their bunkhouses.  They received directions from a staff member and headed off in small groups.  Some still wore their white robes, while a few others took time to change into their new clothing.  There were a lot of people admiring each other¡¯s new digs, as everything fit as well as it had for Callie¡¯s group.


    Xin gave off another groan, and worked through a double-wammy of new reveals; a skill called Cleanse Poison/Disease, and then an obvious racial trait called Chameleon Skin.  ¡°All that for something that is incredibly obvious,¡± Xin snarled, pointing at the scales on the back of her hand.  ¡°Why would I need to know that I have scaled skin?¡±


    ¡°No kidding.  Next thing you know we¡¯ll get a reveal for Eyeball Blinking,¡± Callie said, wary of whatever could be coming next from her Symbiote.


    The rest of the group finally emerged from the bunkhouse, with Tazrok carrying the soup pot, loaded with the empty bowls and used spoons, which he set on the porch. Vanis, seeing the package the Brownie had delivered earlier for the first time, looked in the basket, and even with the distance you could see his smile.  He brought it inside, emerging quickly without it.  All three looked smart in their new clothes.  Even Tazrok looked great, looking like a huge enforcer from some crime movie, but with a warm, happy look on his face.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± Xin snarled.


    ¡°This was my fault,¡± Koda said in his baritone bear voice.  ¡°I saw the pictures you drew of your Totem and was very impressed.  I am looking forward to seeing you summon it for real.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Xin said, slightly irritated at the intrusion into her privacy, while at the same time appreciative of the comment.  She hadn¡¯t shared her drawings with anyone, and in fact didn¡¯t even remember doing most of the drawing last night.  When she emerged from her Worm trance, she remembered dutifully moving to the table and picking up the charcoal to start drawing, but then little else until Lena woke everyone this morning worrying about Callie.  Xin really wasn¡¯t sure what she had drawn, and was doubtful of the compliments as she had almost no artistic talent.  This made her slightly suspect of the Bearkin.


    With a simple declaration, Tazrok informed everyone that he was now hungry, and none dared to argue.  The seven set off in the direction everyone else was being herded, looking like an odd assortment of heroes slow-walking in an action movie.   Callie smiled at that image, and imagined what her father would have thought of the spectacle.


    Breakfast was being served in a large area covered with a high, canvas tent roof and a hard, flagstone floor.  The sides had all been tied open or up, revealing several long, heavy wood tables with benches for seating, and a cafeteria-style serving area.  There was a fairly long queue, but it was moving fast.  Moving fast, that is, until a Beastkin, some kind of Catkin, dropped her tray and grabbed her head.  She had obviously just taken a hit from a reveal.  Thankfully, she had not yet loaded her tray, so outside of the spectacle and noise, there was no harm done.  The others close by assisted getting her to a vacant spot on a bench.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°Might I make a suggestion,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°We all go through together, but only half of us carry a tray.  If one of us gets a reveal, we can quickly hand that tray off to someone with empty hands before the effects hit.¡±  The idea was sound and they did so, with Callie carrying a single tray for both her and Pixyl''s food.


    The food itself was self-service, and consisted of a huge pan of scrambled eggs, another with some kind of meat that looked like slices of pan-fried sausage, and loaves of a grain bread still steaming with heat from the oven.  Two types of fruit were available, one that looked apple-ish and another resembling a pear.  Callie asked Vanis to serve her as the counter was too high, asking for a tiny bit of everything and the apple-fruit, while Pixyl skipped the sausage, saying it was too greasy for her stomach today.


    The drink was water, but there were several varieties of a sticky syrup you would add for flavor.  Only a tiny amount was needed, and not knowing what the various fruit-looking pictures were, Callie picked the apple-ish one again, while Pixyl had some kind of a round, blue-greenish berry, saying it was her favorite.


    Vanis¡¯s plan of having a backup for catching the tray paid off when Lena was hit.  Koda deftly took the tray of food in a single hand, while catching her falling body gracefully with his other arm.  Vanis stepped in quickly to take over and led Lena to a bench to recover.  They talked a minute, before both smiled and Vanis put his hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°Any issues?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°The usual.  She¡¯ll rest a moment while we finish here and then join us when we sit.  She did get the skill Instinctive Parry, however.  She was quite pleased with that.¡±


    Behind them, the line had grown as more recruits arrived.  Most were still in their robes, coming straight to the chow line rather than changing first.  The wisdom of Vanis had spread after Lena¡¯s dizzy spell, and the every-other method was being practiced by most everyone.  Things moved quickly from drinks to metal three-tined forks and table knives.


    The six converged on a table, and Lena quickly joined them.  Tazrok had to sit on the flagstone floor at the end, as it was both questionable that the bench would hold him, and he wouldn¡¯t have fit anyway.  Callie and Pixyl both had the opposite problem.  Callie was just tall enough to see the top of the table while sitting, but Pixyl was forced to stand.  Even that was barely enough and the Pixie was probably about to climb onto the table when a Goblin wearing an apron walked up with blocks of wood to use as booster seats.  Callie was now fine sitting, but Pixyl still needed to stand.


    The simple fare, obviously enhanced by Culinar magics, was just as divine as the soup from the night before.  If it was true that an army marches on its stomach, then this army would be marching triple time.  The seven were laughing it up, Koda telling some story about trouble that he and his sister got into as a young cub, when Callie got hit again.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    OFF-CLASS PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  Plumbing


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie groaned as she leaned into Lena on her left, the after-effects finally waning.  The problem wasn¡¯t that the effects were so bad.  Not completely at least.  The issue was they came on with almost no warning and could actually be dangerous if a person was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Around the table, heck, around the entire tent, people needing a moment to recover from receiving a new reveal had become so common among everyone, that the conversations just flowed around it.  When someone was hit, they¡¯d put their head on the table and whoever was next to that person would make sure they didn¡¯t fall or hurt themselves.  So far everyone in Callie¡¯s group of seven, but Pixyl, had dealt with it, the Pixie being so far spared.  Curious and having a moment before she was fully recovered, Callie made a quick query.


    Tell me about Plumbing


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  PLUMBING (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Basic knowledge of plumbing science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical plumbing components.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The new flood of information hit Callie, including plumbing concepts she didn¡¯t know nor ever could have imagined appropriate for this world.   Magic as part of the perk, though?  The idea of somehow there being magical plumbing, like in the showers, was almost impossible for Callie to get her head around, but at least she could actually see the results.  The perk also promised the ability to actually use magic as part of plumbing construction?  How would that work?  And there was the way it seemed to synergize with the Tinker trait in some way.  That must have been that UNREVEALED part of the Bowyer/Fletcher perk.  Callie vowed to get some time shortly to retrieve the information on all of her new skills to really try to put the pieces together.


    ¡°Anything g-g-good?¡± Pixyl asked as she nibbled on a piece of the wonderful bread.


    ¡°My Basic Plumbing perk,¡± Callie said.  ¡°But I knew that was coming eventually.¡±  She was really eager to find out what her full repertoire of capabilities was going to look like, and hated how it was being doled out piecemeal like this.  She imagined her emoji-talking Symbiote plugging away, trying to do all the things it was supposed to do to get the reveals done.  Maybe sitting in some control room in her brain, punching buttons and pulling levers to get the synapses to fire in just the right way, or running wires to complete circuits.


    ¡°Plumbing?¡± Koda asked, confused.


    ¡°Something my dad taught me when I was a girl,¡± Callie responded, pinching a piece of the sausage between two pieces of bread before eating it.


    The big bear rubbed his chin.  ¡°Fascinating.  I had no idea that non-class perks would be revealed by our worms.¡±


    ¡°I got Carpentry earlier, too,¡± Callie said with a shrug.


    Koda nodded sagely, absorbing the information, before shrugging himself and returning to his conversation with Xin.  Koda was a Paladin, which was a hybrid of Warrior and Healer, so Xin took an immediate interest in chatting about the Healer side with him, quickly forgiving the intrusion into her drawings.  They had been talking quietly to each other, one of them periodically laughing, for most of the morning meal.


    ¡°Are they flirting?¡± Callie whispered to Pixyl, who glanced over and seemed to notice for the first time.


    ¡°I w-w-wouldn¡¯t think so,¡± Pixyl said.


    ¡°They look kinda like they¡¯re flirting.¡±


    Pixyl shrugged,


    ¡°Oh, well.  If that¡¯s what¡¯s going on, then ¡®Go Xin!¡¯¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no¡­¡± Pixyl started to say, her eyes shooting wide.  She gave Callie a pleading look before gulping, barely squeaking out, ¡°Five of them!¡±

 Chapter 16 Part 4 - Pixie Power

    PART IV - PIXIE POWER


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Callie said, jumping up on her bench, the booster block thunking to the stone floor.  ¡°Shit shit!¡±  She knew it was about to be bad, but had no idea what to do.


    But Koda was there first.  From seemingly out of nowhere, he swooped Pixyl up under her arms and laid her quickly, but gently, face down on the stone floor.  ¡°Everyone, stay back,¡± he snarled as a few stretched their necks to get a better look.  ¡°You, too,¡± Koda directed to Lena, who was trying to stand.  Pixyl groaned hard as Callie ignored Koda, untangling herself to drop down next to her.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be okay, Pixyl.  You¡¯ve got this,¡± Callie said quietly. ¡°You¡¯ve got this!¡±


    ¡°Watch out!¡± a voice called out.  ¡°Her hands.¡±


    Callie glanced and saw both of Pixyl¡¯s hands were clenched and beginning to glow with their familiar magenta color.  Callie remembered what Tasi and her healers had done the previous night and pointed.   ¡°Koda, hold her wrists and keep them pointed away from people!¡±  Someone in the crowd whispered loudly ¡°Another Bladeweaver?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Koda asked, confused.


    ¡°Her wrists!  Hold them in place.¡±


    Koda looked and saw the problem.  He placed one huge paw firmly around each of Pixyl¡¯s wrists, holding them in place.  He snarled at someone who was standing in the likely path, and whoever it was leapt away.


    Pixyl spasmed several times, her wings flapping furiously, like a flopping fish out of water, smacking against Callie¡¯s face with a thwapping sound.  It took but another moment and Pixyl¡¯s hands finally blazed to life, her Ethereal Blades extending with a crackling sound of power, carving a deep path through the stone floor.  Now at their full length, the ends wiggled and wobbled in sync with Pixyl¡¯s twitching fists, periodically sparking against the floor, carving gouges in the stone.  Koda hung on though, using his bulk and squatting position to hold the deadly energy blades in place and safely away from anyone.


    All the while, Callie kept whispering their private mantra.  ¡°You¡¯ve got this.  You¡¯ve got this.¡±  It was all she could do.  She was too little to hold the Pixie¡¯s hands still.  She was too little to sweep her to safety.  She was powerless to make it stop.  All she could do was make sure she was there and remind Pixyl that she wasn¡¯t alone.


    ¡°Stand aside.  Make a hole!  Move!¡± a gruff voice called out, and the crowd of recruits parted like reeds before a canoe.  A tall Beastkin with leonine cat features marched up, but stopped a respectful distance away, so as to not crowd the scene.  ¡°My stars,¡± he said with a gasp.  ¡°How many?¡± he snapped at Callie.


    ¡°Five at once!¡± Callie hissed back, clutching her friend¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°My stars,¡± he repeated in disbelief.  ¡°Someone bring me a glass of water with six shots of flavor in it!  Any flavor!¡± he finally called out.  Nobody seemed to move.  ¡°Now!¡±


    ¡°Getting it, Sir!¡± someone finally called back.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Bladeweaver Trainer, Olin.  That sweetened water will help when she comes around.¡±  He glanced at a young Beastkin, another Lizardkin like Xin, standing next to him.  ¡°You wanted to see Bladeweaver power?  Well, there you go.  That¡¯s what you¡¯ll be able to do with proper training.¡±


    The Lizardkin, obvious now to be another Bladeweaver recruit, was simply stunned, ¡°That¡¯s amazing!  I can do that?¡±


    ¡°In time, young one.  In time,¡± Olin said, patting her on the shoulder.  ¡°I need you to get something for me,¡± he added, before speaking softly to his student, who quickly ran off.


    ¡°Water, sir!  Six shots!¡± a familiar beardless Dwarf, still wearing his robe, said as he ran up, gasping for breath.


    ¡°Stand out of the way, be silent and wait,¡± Olin growled.


    ¡°The Pixie?  She¡¯s a Bladeweaver?¡± Bratig said.  ¡°Is she okay?¡±


    ¡°She will be,¡± Callie hissed.  She looked up to see who it was speaking and recognized the Dwarf from the day before.  ¡°But her broken wing isn¡¯t helping any,¡± she added, trying to twist a knife.  She didn¡¯t know if that was true, but she wanted to lash out right now and a good passive-aggressive smack-down seemed to fit her mood.  Pixyl¡¯s wings had stopped thrashing, but the ugly, black bruise loomed large as a reminder of her injury, and the pain she had been suffering through.


    The color drained from Bratig¡¯s face and his expression turned turmoiled.  ¡°I didn¡¯t mean ¡­¡± he mumbled, his words trailing off.


    On the floor, Pixyl¡¯s convulsions had ended, and her breathing was returning to normal.  Callie continued to coach her through while Koda dutifully manned the Pixie¡¯s wrists.  Finally, the swords of light flickered and faded, disappearing into a cloud of magic.  Koda still didn¡¯t move, wanting to be sure the danger had passed.


    Pixyl groaned, starting to regain her senses, and Callie gave Koda a nod, allowing him to let go.  ¡°She¡¯s coming around,¡± Callie said to no one in particular.  ¡°She¡¯ll be fine in a minute.¡±  The crowd, now realizing that most of the excitement had ended, began to dissipate and return to their seats.  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The pain Pixyl felt as she finally regained her senses was brutal, and she cried out in agony, tears forming in her eyes.  Her injured wing throbbed from its chaotic use and the only thing she wanted to was to curl up and muscle through the pain alone.  But Callie had taken her hand and was holding it tight, and that also made things easier.  She glanced around, realizing where she was.  Koda was squatted above her head, with a silly, fang-filled, yet warm smile.  She saw Trainer Olin close with a serious and concerned expression on his face, like he was evaluating her every motion.


    Next to Olin was ¡­ the Dwarf.  The one that had hurt her.  The one that laughed at her speech and then destroyed her wing.  It didn¡¯t matter that the healers fixed it.  It didn¡¯t matter that Tazrok said it was all over with punishment completed.  It wasn¡¯t over.  All she wanted to do was hurt him back.  She needed to hurt him back.  She needed to show him.


    ¡°Pixyl,¡± Callie asked quietly, ¡°are you okay to stand up?¡±


    The little Pixie swallowed hard, glanced at Callie, and in a clear, steady voice said, ¡°I¡¯ve got this."  She then added with a strained tone, "At least I didn¡¯t get sick.¡±.¡±


    Callie stood, still holding Pixyl¡¯s hand, and helped her stand.  Pixyl took one step, realized how weak she felt, and leaned against the bench.  Her head felt fine at this point, but the whole episode had just sapped the strength out of her, and she just wanted to crawl back into bed.


    Trainer Olin approached, carrying the sweetened water Bratig had retrieved, and knelt in front of the little Bladeweaver.  ¡°Pixylataweneecina,¡± he began, pronouncing her name with perfection, ¡°drink this, the flavored syrup will help you feel better.  I just want to say how very sorry I am.¡±


    ¡°C-C-Call me Pixyl,¡± she said, still wincing in residual pain as she accepted the oversized cup.  ¡°Why are you s-s-sorry?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything that you are going through.  Five at once is ¡­ awful.  But I also want to apologize for ever doubting your class, even for a moment, it was shortsighted of me.¡±


    Pixyl didn¡¯t respond, but sipped at the water, making a face at how ridiculously sweet it was.


    ¡°Pixyl,¡± Olin said.  ¡°What do you need?  Anything?¡±


    The Pixie shook her head, just trying to concentrate on overcoming the pain in her wing.  It ached from use and she was angry at herself for letting it beat her, even for a short time.  Fae wings were so strong and durable, yet at the same time so fragile.  She sipped the overly-sweet water Olin had handed her again, and had to admit it did make her feel a little better.  Right now, Callie was fawning over her, which was actually great, but the others were also watching her closely and it was just too much in a situation she couldn¡¯t control.  She wanted her bed.


    ¡°I think I just want to go back home,¡± Pixyl finally said quietly, putting voice to her thoughts.


    ¡°I think that would be good, too,¡± Callie said in agreement.


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need anything?¡± Olin said.  ¡°Help back to your house?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯ve got it,¡± Callie said coldly, giving Olin the stinkiest eye that she could muster, even though he really didn¡¯t deserve it.


    ¡°Ah.  Of course,¡± Olin said, feeling the glare from the little Gnome.  He stood and stepped back a few paces.  ¡°Let anyone on the staff know if you need anything.  I¡¯ll help any way I can.¡±


    Callie slid off the bench and turned to help Pixyl down.  Lena started to stand as well, if only to assist.  ¡°No, Lena, you stay,¡± Callie said.  ¡°All of you stay.  Socialize a bit.  We¡¯ve got this.  Really.¡±


    Hesitantly, Lena returned to her seat.  ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.  All of you stay,¡± Callie said again, adding a weak smile.


    Pixyl slipped off the bench as well, wincing a bit as her wing brushed it.  She handed the mug of sweetened water to Lena, before she and the Gnome slipped through the remaining crowd to return to the bunkhouse.


    Olin stayed back, but watched the two go, actually admiring the sisterhood they seemed to have developed so quickly.  Shaking his head from his thoughts, he said loudly, ¡°Okay everyone, the excitement is over.  The lesson here is to be sure you are somewhere safe on the chance you get a new reveal.  The good news is that it should all be done by midday.¡±  Those last stragglers milling around broke up, returning to their seated groups, or otherwise being elsewhere.


    Tazrok watched Callie Gnome and Blue Pixie go.  He knew there was nothing he could do to help, and was content to let them.  But then something caught his eye, something that could prove to be trouble.  Quietly he stood, and firmly, yet politely, pushed a few people out of his way as he walked out from under the tented roof.  Callie and Pixyl were walking back up the hill together, Callie being strong, but Pixyl still being a little hesitant in her steps.  To their side, the bald-faced Dwarf, Bratig, was moving towards them.  Tazrok quickly moved into a place where he could assist if the Dwarf dared do something again.


    ¡°Pardon me,¡± Bratig said, approaching the two.  ¡°Miss Pixyl, may I have just a moment, if you are feeling better.¡±


    Callie and Pixyl stopped and gave Bratig a glare that would melt steel, and the Dwarf seemed to wither slightly for a moment, but then seemed to find a spine.  ¡°W-w-what do you w-w-want,¡± Pixyl snarled, exhaustion and bitterness mixing in her response.


    Bratig rubbed his hands together nervously.  ¡°I ¡­ um ¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, spit it out!¡± Callie loudly commanded.  Around them, the rest of the recruits with earshot stopped to look, as did many staff members.  Callie gestured imploringly.  ¡°Look, it¡¯s been a bad morning, so pardon my language, but what the fuck do you want from her?  Haven¡¯t you done enough?¡±


    The Dwarf looked around, seeing Tazrok standing by the tent, and at least twenty people watching.  He dropped to one knee and looked into Pixyl¡¯s eyes.  ¡°I just ¡­ I just wanted to apologize.  For hurting you.  I didn¡¯t ¡­ I ¡­¡± Bratig struggled with his words, before finally circling around to, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You better¡­¡± Callie started to spit back before Pixyl put her hand on Callie¡¯s arm to stop her.


    Pixyl stopped leaning on Callie and took two steps forward.  ¡°S-s-s-stand up,¡± she said loudly enough for everyone to hear her words, and the Dwarf slowly stood.


    Bratig smiled, feeling a guilty weight he¡¯d been carrying since meeting Tazrok in Druid training the day before finally lifting off his shoulders.  ¡°Thank you, I just want to sa¡­¡±.


    The rest of Bratig¡¯s words were abruptly cut off as Pixyl put all of her strength and energy into a single kick right between the Dwarf¡¯s legs.  And it wasn¡¯t a simple kick.  It was a kick that was heard across the silent hillside.  It was a thunk that resonated through the mess tent area.  It was a kick that contained all the fiery fury that a tiny Pixie could muster, magnified exponentially by the anger from a lifetime of social hell, and all that time in the Pits.


    Half of the onlookers groaned out in sympathetic pain, many crossing their legs or clutching their groins.  Others gaped in simple stunned silence.


    Pixyl took one step towards Bratig, now lying on the ground holding himself and trying to catch his breath, still too stunned and in too much agony to do anything more than whimper.


    ¡°Apology accepted,¡± Pixyl growled as she turned away, nary a trace of stutter in her words.

 Chapter 17 - Consequences

    CHAPTER 17 - Consequences


    Tazrok couldn¡¯t help but smile just a tiny amount as Pixyl turned and started walking up the hill, a stunned Callie soon catching up to her. Bratig finally seemed to collect his wits enough to groan loudly in pain, and a pair of Healers wearing bright yellow tunics swept in to provide assistance. He would be fine.


    ¡°Did she just do what I think she did?¡± Lena whispered to the Ogre.


    ¡°Yes. Was not good.¡±


    ¡°Not good? After what he did to her? That¡¯s more than fair!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Tazrok growled. ¡°No fighting in camp. Commaderant Xera say.¡±


    Lena looked up at the big Ogre with a stunned look. ¡°You¡¯re kidding me. This is Pixyl.¡±


    Tazrok looked back, a stern look on his face, ¡°No. Fighting. Allowed.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t really much of a fight,¡± a new voice said as Major Celeste joined them. ¡°Good morning, Recruit Lena, Corporal.¡±


    ¡°Major, you know what he did!¡± Lena snapped. ¡°He had it coming.¡±


    ¡°He already punished,¡± Tazrok said almost imploringly. ¡°Was over.¡±


    Lena looked into Celeste¡¯s and Tazrok¡¯s faces, seeing nothing but coldness in their eyes. ¡°Unbelievable. You actually think that wasn¡¯t deserved?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± the Major said. ¡°We can¡¯t have recruits settling their differences with violence. If we allowed that, soon every petty squabble would at minimum require Healer intervention, and maybe even lead to something serious. We simply can¡¯t have it.¡±


    Lena gaped at Celeste in stunned anger on the outside, but somewhere inside she also knew the Major was right. If people started taking things into their own hands without repercussions, it could become anarchy. But this was Pixyl, and she¡¯d already been through so much on her first day. ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°Broke rule. Must be punished,¡± Tazrok said grimly. ¡°Also must stop Dwarf from fighting back.¡±


    Out on the grass, Bratig was now sitting up. The Healers had given him a potion, and his eyes were no longer bulging out and crossed. All initial evidence was that he would recover fine. But Lena realized there was a chance he¡¯d want to retaliate, and if he did, then Lena would have to retaliate back on Pixyl¡¯s behalf, because nobody was going to hurt her found family on her watch.


    ¡°But what are you going to do?¡± Lena asked earnestly.


    Tazrok put on a frown, obviously conflicted. ¡°Don¡¯t know.¡±


    Major Celeste put her hand on Tazrok¡¯s arm. ¡°She¡¯s your friend, Corporal, so I¡¯ll talk to the Pixie instead, and determine what to do. You talk to the Dwarf to make sure nothing more happens.¡±


    Tazrok nodded. It was best this way. He was too close to properly punish Pixyl, and honestly, part of him didn¡¯t really want to. It was a good kick she gave Bratig. A really good kick. Surprising even. A Barbarian kick. Plus, the Dwarf did probably deserve it for what he had done. But the rules were the rules and everyone had to follow them, even the little people.


    ¡°Major!¡± Lena snapped. She still couldn¡¯t believe that they actually wanted to punish Pixyl. For kicking that Dwarf? He deserved it!


    Major Celeste held up her hand. ¡°Recr¡­. Miss Lena. Officially I am going to talk to the Pixie and she will be appropriately punished.¡± The extra emphasis on the word ¡®appropriately¡¯ made Lena suspicious.


    ¡°And unofficially?¡±


    Celeste shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m proud of the girl,¡± she said, flashing a smile, as she turned to follow after Callie and PIxyl.


    Tazrok puffed himself up slightly, trying to appear even bigger than he already did. ¡°Move,¡± he said to anyone in his way, and a few onlookers quickly stepped aside as he walked away from Lena. Bratig was standing now, even if a little shakily, and only one Healer remained talking to him.


    ¡°Hurt how bad?¡± Tazrok asked the Healer as he walked up.


    Surprised, the Elf gulped before responding, ¡°Bruised. Probably achy for a day. But no permanent damage. I¡¯ll get him a mild painkiller shortly just to make him more comfortable, but he should be fully mobile within an hour.¡±


    ¡°Good. Must talk with him. Private.¡±


    ¡°Oh...of course. Recruit Bratig, I¡¯ll be over there when you are finished.¡± The Healer gestured towards the food tent. You come find me when you are able.¡±


    The Elf walked away and Tazrok looked down at the tiny Dwarf. He looked ¡­ scared? Angry? Confused? Even without the beard it was hard to tell what emotions Dwarves had.


    ¡°Am I in trouble?¡± Bratig asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Tazrok responded.


    ¡°Good. Because I didn¡¯t start anything. Is she in trouble?¡±


    Tazrok narrowed his eyes, ¡°Should she be?¡±


    ¡°Of course she should!¡± Bratig snapped back.


    Tazrok just looked at him.


    ¡°Maybe. She kicked me! Hard! And where it really counts, too!¡±


    Tazrok still said nothing.


    Bratig lowered his eyes. ¡°Maybe I did deserve it. But, you know I never meant for her to fall and break her wing. I know I caused it, but the result was an accident!¡±


    Again, Tazrok said nothing, wanting to see the Dwarf talk it through.


    ¡°And you already punished me! So what she did ¡­¡± he trailed off. ¡°A broken wing is a really big deal, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Will be in pain for many days. Affects her training because cannot fly.¡±


    ¡°But I ¡­¡± Bratig trailed off as he really thought about it. Part of him wanted to hit her back. He¡¯d already been punished by the Ogre, so that kick was uncalled for. Still¡­


    ¡®What you want done?¡± Tazrok asked.


    ¡°M-me? I¡¯m not in charge,¡± he said, looking up at the huge Ogre. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°If was?¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Bratig again lowered his eyes to think. He wasn¡¯t angry, he realized. He was ¡­ hurt actually. He had sincerely tried to apologize and the Pixie had rebuffed that apology. That was the emotion. Hurt. Sadness. Disappointment in her. Disappointment in himself for maybe making her that cold and angry. What should be done?


    ¡°Just let it go,¡± he finally said. ¡°Call it even.¡±


    This pleased Tazrok. He was worried that the Dwarf might want revenge, or even to see her punished harshly. A little bit of maturity was unexpected, but also welcomed. The opinion he had of this Dwarf went up a little.


    ¡°Good. Tell friends it is even.¡±


    ¡°What? Oh, yeah. I will. Nobody will do anything, I promise.¡±


    Tazrok nodded with a grunt. ¡°Good. Feud is over. This I have decided.¡± This had gone better than he thought it might. Dwarves had a reputation for being hot-headed, and he had been worried Bratig¡¯s friends might take it upon themselves to do something foolish.


    ¡°Tazrok?¡± Bratig said weakly.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I really am sorry.¡±


    Tazrok grunted an acknowledgement. ¡°That is good.¡±


    The Ogre and Dwarf parted, Bratig seeking out the Healer, a slight limp in his step, and Tazrok returned to the rest of his new friends. To Lena Elf. To Xin-with-tail. To Vanis the Prince and Bear Guy. They were good people. So many around him were good people. Major Celeste was good people. Kitty Lady Rowani and Rat-face Thorn and Callie Gnome¡¯s showermate, Commanderant Xera, were good people. Good people helped make more good people, and Tazrok was pleased by this.


    <hr>


    Major Celeste knocked on the door to Ogre House and then let herself in. The Gnome the Pixie were both lying on their bunks as she entered. She could tell the Pixie was still riding an angry adrenaline rush from her encounter with the Dwarf, and there was furiosity in her eyes.


    ¡°Major!¡± Callie said, sitting up quickly.


    ¡°Recruit.¡± Celeste nodded to the Gnome in acknowledgement, before turning to Pixyl. ¡°May we have a conversation outside?¡±


    ¡°Is she in trouble?¡± Callie demanded. ¡°She shouldn¡¯t be! He deserved it!¡±


    Celeste looked at the little Ranger trying to gauge how to respond and her mood softened. ¡°Both of you come, then. We¡¯ll sit in the sun.¡±


    Hesitantly, Callie and Pixyl both slid off their bunks and joined the Major on the steps, each sitting on either side of the Elf.


    Celeste sighed. ¡°Do you know why we have a strict no-fighting rule here?¡±


    Neither responded.


    ¡°Imagine what would happen if the recruits, who have just been given all of their new powers that they hardly know how to use, started to settle their differences with violence? Imagine if they lose control, if even for a moment? Imagine, Pixyl, what would happen if you summoned your swords, even by accident, in a moment of anger.¡±


    Pixyl¡¯s face paled at the thought. She knew what her swords could do. They could slice through wood and flesh and bone as if they were water, and sometimes stone and steel with little more effort than that. When she got her five reveals at once, she had completely lost control, and if not for Koda holding her arms in place ¡­


    ¡°You see now?¡± Celeste said.


    ¡°Y-y-y-yes,¡± Pixyl said, her eyes falling.


    ¡°But we also have to defend ourselves,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°That¡¯s just it, you weren¡¯t defending yourself. He was coming to apologize. You struck him in anger, not in protection. That cannot be allowed. I know he hurt you, but he had already been punished. By Tazrok no less. The incident was in the past.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Pixyl snapped in return. ¡°He w-w-was p-p-punished for breaking your rules, not for breaking my wing. Not for hurting m-m-me! Nobody asked me if it was enough! All he knew was that somebody bigger than him could hurt him. That Tazrok, or the people in charge could hurt him. He needed to know the small ones could, too!¡± As she grew more agitated, Pixyl¡¯s stuttering lessened until it was almost gone.


    The Major gave some thought before answering. ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t think that was fair? What if he, or his friends, want to retaliate? What then?¡±


    Pixyl sneered. ¡°Let them come. I can take them all.¡±


    Celeste was taken aback. She had slowly been building a sense of how much anger there was in this Pixie, but apparently hadn¡¯t fully appreciated how deep it ran, and it ran very deep. She was fearless.


    ¡°We cannot have violence be a solution here,¡± the Major finally said, firmly. ¡°It is too dangerous, and when it affects someone¡¯s training, that means they go to war less prepared than they could be. That could cost someone their life. It simply cannot happen. Do you understand?¡±


    Pixyl didn¡¯t say anything, but in time her face softened, and she finally lowered her eyes, nodding slightly to Celeste.


    ¡°Do you understand?¡± Celeste asked Callie.


    ¡°Yeah, I do,¡± Callie responded grudgingly.


    ¡°If someone is hurting you, or teasing you, or affecting your ability to train in any way, then you tell someone in charge. For Star¡¯s sake, you are living with Tazrok! You know he can get it to stop with little more than a stern look. But you cannot take the matter into your own hands.¡±


    Grudgingly, both Callie and Pixyl nodded in understanding and agreement.


    ¡°Good,¡± the Major said. ¡°Now, your actions cannot go unpunished.¡±


    ¡°But Major!¡± Callie started to protest.


    Celeste silenced the Gnome with a hard glare to push a little military bearing into Callie. ¡°For violation of the camp rules prohibiting fighting among the recruits, you are sentenced to two days of house arrest. You will not leave your bunkhouse except for training, meals or the use of the bathhouse, or should you need medical assistance. You may attend the feast and celebratory festivities tonight, but your sentence begins at sunup tomorrow morning.¡±


    Callie was about to protest, but Pixyl nodded in agreement, accepting the verdict.


    ¡°Furthermore, I recommend you remain in your bunkhouse for the rest of the morning. That reveal was particularly ¡­ difficult, and it might be safer for you.¡±


    ¡°We had already planned to do that,¡± Callie said. ¡°When it happens to the smaller races, it¡¯s much worse than bigger ones. Tazrok hardly feels it at all. We were just going to stay here, or maybe in the garden.¡±


    ¡°Really? I had never made the connection regarding your size. That¡¯s good to know.¡±


    ¡°A lot of people seem to not notice the small races,¡± Callie scowled, trying to jab home a point.


    Not rising to the bait, Celeste continued, standing, ¡°One last thing.¡± She handed two strips of soft, brown leather to Pixyl.


    ¡°What are they?¡± Pixyl asked, looking at them. They were a dark brown in color and about twenty centimeters long, with a long flap on one end to connect to a buckle at the other. Sealed to the leather were three flat, red gemstones around one centimeter in diameter, and on the inside were three flat metal discs aligned with the gemstones.


    ¡°Ethereal Suppression bracelets,¡± Lena said. ¡°Trainer Olin would have given them to you tomorrow, but he had his student retrieve them while you were recovering from your reveal. They are sized for normal wrists, but should fit tightly around your upper arm. You¡¯ll need to wear them under your tunic, however, as the metal needs to touch the skin.¡±


    ¡°W-w-what do they do?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easiest to show you. Summon one of your swords. Just one.¡±


    ¡°Here?¡± Pixyl asked, warily.¡±We¡¯re not supposed to¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine. Go ahead.¡±


    Pixyl paused and finally nodded, making a fist with her right hand. She took a calming breath, concentrated for a moment, and then there was a flash of magenta light. With a spark and a crackle, the energy surrounded her fist and then extended fully.


    ¡°Whoa¡­¡± Callie said, really seeing the effect happening for the first time when she wasn¡¯t otherwise distracted. ¡°That is just amazing, Pixyl. I¡¯ll never get tired of seeing that happen.¡±


    Celeste took one of the bracelets and wrapped it around Pixyl¡¯s wrist. It was far too big, even with the buckle fully tightened, so the Major just held it in place with her own hand, assuring the gemstones touched the skin. The magenta energy sword crackled again and changed into a green color. Careful to make sure the bracelet didn¡¯t lose contact, Celeste tapped the green light against her palm. It made a solid buzzing sound as it hit and cast off a few sparks, and Pixyl could feel resistance against the skin, but otherwise nothing happened.


    ¡°It stops it from w-w-working?¡± Pixyl asked, concerned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand the magic fully, but they effectively make it so your energy won¡¯t damage another person¡¯s body, and should bounce off most solid objects. We use them so Bladeweavers may spar with each other and other sword users without risking damage that can¡¯t be healed. I want you to wear these at all times unless in your bunkhouse or the baths, at least for a few weeks while you practice all your new skills. Make sure they are worn tightly, as all three stones must touch your skin through the metal to be fully effective. Olin said he¡¯ll look into getting a smaller pair you can wear on your wrists, but it would take a few days for the enchantments to complete.¡±


    Pixyl was at a loss for words and simply nodded, before blinking herself out of her daze. She opened her fist and the crackling beam of now-green energy faded into nothingness.


    ¡°Good,¡± Major Celeste said. ¡°I¡¯m glad we had this chat. Both of you. Recruit Pixyl, I don¡¯t know your story, but I¡¯ve met enough recruits and soldiers in my years to see you have been treated poorly, probably by your family, and others. There is no doubt you have much anger in you. Use your time here to learn how to control and channel that anger and make it an ally. Some day, when you might be ready, we must share a drink. I would like to know your story.¡°


    Pixyl nodded, taking the bracelet off her arm.


    ¡°And Pixyl, if you ever need to work some of that anger out, let me know. I would be happy to spar with you any time. Properly. On the training grounds.¡± Major Celeste smiled. It felt like a little bit of a lonely smile, but it was one nonetheless. ¡°A good day to you both.¡±


    ¡°Th-th-thank you,¡± Pixyl said quietly, as she continued carefully examining the two suppression bracelets.


    ¡°Hey, Major?¡± Callie asked as the Elf started to leave.


    ¡°Yes, Recruit?¡±


    ¡°How can we get a bunch more blankets?¡±

 Chapter 18 - The Blanket Fort

    Chapter 18 - THE BLANKET FORT


    ¡°What did you get this time?¡± Callie said into the semi-darkness.


    ¡°Something called F-F-Flashbang, whatever that is,¡± the Pixyl-ish sounding voice in the dark said in return, before biting into a piece of fruit that had been smuggled into the blanket fort.


    ¡°Ooo, I know what that might be,¡± Callie said excitedly.  ¡°I¡¯ve heard that term on my world.  It¡¯s like a really loud sound and a flash of light, to disorient somebody.  Police use it when they break into houses to scare criminals.¡±


    ¡°You have a strange w-w-world.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Callie giggled, biting into her own piece of the juicy, yellow fruit.  As promised, someone had brought a big bowl of fruit and left it in the bunkhouse while they were all at the mess tent.  What Callie was eating tasted like some strange cross between a pear and a strawberry, but a little more tart than one would expect.  And was it juicy!  So much so that a blanket had been dedicated solely to the job of being a towel.


    Major Celeste had miraculously managed to locate someone to deliver a huge pile of additional blankets, and immediately Callie set to work throwing them over the spare Ogre bed, crafting the mother-of-all blanket forts.  She used some of the additional blankets to build a big nest under it to make the floor soft.  It took some convincing, but the scowling Pixyl finally surrendered to the idea of Callie¡¯s weird child¡¯s game, and Fort Puny was born.


    So, for the last hour the two had been hiding in their blanket fort, gossiping like teenagers and eating sticky, yellow pearberry fruit.  Pixyl didn¡¯t talk a lot, but seemed to be smiling more.  Callie couldn¡¯t tell if she was quiet due to her stutter, or because they weren¡¯t stories she wanted to share; maybe a little of both.   But the Pixie was content and even enraptured with stories that Callie was telling about Earth.  Pixyl hung on Callie¡¯s every word, just staring at her big purple eyes, occasionally asking for a clarification, but largely just letting the Gnome talk.  They weren¡¯t even really good stories!  Callie had spent ten minutes explaining how the automatic doors worked at the supermarket, and then needed to do a deep dive into what a supermarket was, and then how the checkout line worked.   Pixyl didn¡¯t care.  She loved it all.


    During that time, Callie received two new reveals:


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW PERK: WILDERNESS SURVIVAL


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW SKILL: FLARE


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The second came while Callie was trying to explain to Pixyl what tacos were, and trying to describe the flavor.  It was hard. and the best she came up with was ¡®spicy¡¯ and ¡®nummy¡¯, neither of which was any real help.  There had to be a better way to describe taste to someone, Callie thought, and then realized there may be.  The Culinar specialist skills might be learnable, with work and time, and maybe she could find a way to replicate ¡®spicy¡¯ and ¡®nummy¡¯ with the spices and magics of this world.  This would require a good conversation with the camp¡¯s head chef.


    When Pixyl finally got another reveal of her own, Callie held her hand and walked her through the vertigo, made much easier since they were lying down, and the fact it was only one.  Pixyl had already put her suppression bracelets on, cinching them tight around her biceps, on the off chance she lost control again.


    ¡°What did you get?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Ethereal Flare,¡± Pixyl said, a confused tone in her voice.  ¡°No idea what it d-d-does.¡±


    She knew she shouldn¡¯t but this was Pixyl and she¡¯d find out soon enough.  ¡°I know how you can find out,¡± Callie whispered.  ¡°Commandant Xera told me.¡±


    ¡°While you were naked in the shower slowly undressing them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s when,¡± Callie said, rolling her eyes.  ¡°Anyway, here¡¯s what you do.¡±  Callie spilled the beans on Xera¡¯s early-access secret.  Pixyl was skeptical at first, because it really was so simple and obvious, but trying to get her mind calm enough to even ask the question proved incredibly difficult.  It took several minutes of joint breathing exercises before it finally went through, and she got the info dump on her new Ethereal Flare skill.


    ¡°I got it!¡± she said excitedly.


    ¡°Tell me!¡± Callie squealed with equal excitement.


    ¡°It says I can launch a ball of Ethereal light up to 30 meters, and it will stick to anything solid.  It then glows brightly for three minutes.  One charge and a 5 minute recharge.¡±


    Callie tried to picture it.  ¡°Whoa!  I can¡¯t wait to see that one!  I bet you get more charges and it lasts longer at higher Tiers.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!  How about one of y-y-yours?  Maybe your Flare skill you just g-g-got?  Is it like mine?¡±


    ¡°Sure!  Let me look it up,¡± Callie said.


    Tell me about Flare


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL:  FLARE (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  LOW


    CASTING TIME:  3 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability enchants a prepped arrow, causing it to emit bright light. The casting process requires 3 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. After being fired, the arrow will begin to glow a maximum of 3 seconds (variable at cast time) after release and will glow for 20 seconds. If fired skyward, the arrow will descend gently towards the ground once it reaches its peak. As the skill advances, the casting and recharge time will decrease.  Additionally, the duration of the glow will increase, as well as the window of opportunity to fire the arrow and the number of charges available.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Now that was interesting.  It didn¡¯t say specifically, but there was no doubt that this flare, if launched into the air, would light up a wide area.  It wasn¡¯t so important for Callie and Pixyl, both of whom had Darkvision.  And even Lena and Vanis had Night Vision, which was almost as good.  But for Tazrok and Xin?  They didn¡¯t have any ability to see in low-light that they had mentioned, and surely there were other races that didn''t have sight abilities, too.  Now, with one launch of an arrow, she could light up the sky for everyone to see.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little different than yours,¡± Callie said.  ¡°Mine is basically attached to an arrow, so I could shoot it into something solid and it would stick, like yours, and it doesn¡¯t last as long.  But also I can launch into the air so it just floats down slowly.  So it¡¯s different, but still similar.¡±


    They continued the game, with Pixyl rattling off the official description of a racial trait that had been revealed when she woke up called Pixie Dust.  She had already known about this one, but knowing the official information was interesting.  This trait allowed her to blow a cloud of magical dust from her mouth that would daze a target, put them to sleep, or even in some cases charm the target, making them susceptible to orders for a short time. Pixyl said the range wasn¡¯t great, since it was just a cloud of powder, and the target had to inhale it to really be affected, or at best it might only get in their eyes.  It wasn¡¯t much, but it was a nice additional tool in Pixyl¡¯s arsenal.


    Now it was Callie¡¯s turn, and she gave some thought on which to look up, finally deciding on one she had been wondering about.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Tell me about Tinker?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  TINKER


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes have an inherent mental ability to design, engineer and create strange new ideas, contraptions, weapons, machines and projects.  Will synergize with related perks, skills and traits to expand the knowledge base that may be utilized by this trait.


    SYNERGIZED PERKS:  Advanced Archery, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Bookkeeping/Logistics, Bowyer/Fletcher


    SYNERGIZED TRAITS:  Underground Sense


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Unlike the perks and skills, Callie didn¡¯t get a huge dump of knowledge.  Really, nothing happened.  ¡°Huh, that¡¯s interesting,¡± Callie said after she shared the description with Pixyl.  ¡°It¡¯s pretty vague what it does.¡±


    ¡°Gnomes are always inventing things,¡± Pixyl said.  ¡°Their whole culture is based around strange machines and crazy ideas.  It¡¯s why a lot of Gnomes don¡¯t live to old age.¡±


    Callie remembered when she and Jesca discussed age averages of the different races the day before.  She had said Gnomes tended to die early to accidents.  If the race had a natural tendency to try weird and crazy ideas, it wasn¡¯t surprising they occasionally didn¡¯t work out as intended.  Callie wasn¡¯t sure how this trait was going to translate into her day-to-day life, but it was still interesting to know there was a racial trait related to it.


    ¡°How about another one?¡± Callie said, excited.


    ¡°Okay.  Um.  You know D-D-Darkvision already.  How about Ethereal Blast?¡±


    ¡°Ooo, that sounds fun!  Yea, that one!¡±


    Pixyl concentrated for a moment, Callie seeing she was really enjoying herself for the first time in a while.


    ¡°M-m-mana cost medium.  Recharge ten seconds.  One charge.  Fire a blast of Ethereal energy up to five m-m-meters.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.  I assume at higher tiers you get more charges and range and stuff?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Pixel said.


    Callie had a sudden image in her head of Pixel flying around the head of some big monster, throwing blasts of energy from her palms like Iron Man.   The more she thought about it, the more she got an appreciation of how powerful the Pixie would be when she mastered her skills and combined them with her ability to fly.  Lightsabers, energy blasts, disorientating flashes of light and sound.  If her small size didn¡¯t make her so fragile, she¡¯d be virtually unstoppable hand to hand.


    ¡°Your turn!¡± Pixel said.


    Callie thought for a moment.


    Tell me about Multishot


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL:  MULTISHOT (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    MULTIPLIER: 3


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to split into 3 projectiles upon release. Each projectile can be aimed at the same target or different targets within a 15-degree cone in front of the weapon. The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, projectile count, maximum charge count, and area of effect will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Pixyl¡¯s eyes went wide as Callie absorbed and then rattled off the information about the skill. ¡°So you can shoot three arrows at o-o-one time?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Callie said.  ¡°It sounds like I only fire one arrow, but it will then magically split into three, and each one can target something different if they are close enough to each other.  At higher tiers, more than three, too.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be amazing at r-r-range,¡± Pixyl said.


    ¡°Me?  What about you up close?  You got energy blasts and power swords and everything else, plus you can fly!  I bet you could literally fly circles around me.¡±


    Even in the false light, Callie could make out Pixyl blushing at the compliments.


    Their skill review was interrupted as Pixyl received two class perks at once, Ambidextrous and Dual Wield - Blades.  Callie helped her through the post-reveal vertigo, which was worse than normal as there were two.  After she recovered, Pixyl eagerly looked both up.  They did exactly what they sounded like; the ability to use both hands with equal skill and to fight with bladed weapons in one or both hands.  Pixyl was ridiculously excited as the knowledge of sword fighting techniques flooded into her mind.  She explained that her Ethereal Blades skill had been unlocked for a few years now, but the perk hadn¡¯t unlocked for some reason.  The knowledge she had actually using her swords was either self-taught or from imitating others, and was utterly inelegant.  In the moment, she came out of her shell and babbled excitedly, tripping over her tongue occasionally, talking about all the things she had been doing wrong all this time.  Callie smiled and just let her talk, almost watching the Pixie turn into someone else before her eyes when she wasn¡¯t under the glare of other people.


    The two kept chatting and chatting, about nothing really.  The game of looking up skills and sharing them, while interesting, had lost its novelty.  Pixyl was really tired, and just happy to listen to Callie talk more about Earth, especially as she tried to explain how a giant piece of metal was somehow able to fly through the air carrying hundreds of people.  More importantly, how it was possible without magic.  Soon Callie was explaining the concepts of lift and how wing shape affected it.  Callie could tell Pixyl had no idea what she was going on about, but the grin on Pixyl¡¯s face made her happy all the same.


    It was then that Callie suddenly realized she didn¡¯t actually know anything about aircraft design, yet she had just rattled off a solid Wikipedia article about the basics of flight.  How the hell did she know that?  She had honestly never known anything about the topic until she started putting the concepts together in her head just now while talking.  Was that the Tinker trait in action, maybe?  Is that how it worked?  Did she know just enough from high school and college physics classes to trigger a logical leap to aerodynamics?


    Callie¡¯s brain, now solidly pondering concepts of flight, had a sudden curiosity.  ¡°Hey Pixyl, is it okay if I ask you an odd question?¡± Callie asked, wiping some fruit remnants from her cheek.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Pixyl responded.


    ¡°How are you able to fly?  Because your wings don¡¯t seem like they¡¯d be enough to provide lift.¡±


    ¡°Th-th-they don¡¯t,¡± Pixyl said flatly.


    Callie gave Pixyl a perplexed look.  ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°The wings are for control.  We have a t-t-telek-kin¡­  t-t-telek-kin¡­¡± Pixyl got frustrated trying to get the word out.  ¡°We p-p-push on the ground with magic.¡±


    Callie thought a bit and jumbled that through her head.  ¡°Do you mean telekinesis?¡±


    ¡°Yes!  That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°So, you use telekinesis to push yourself through the air, and your wings to keep control.  Is that right?¡±


    Pixyl nodded.


    Callie hadn¡¯t expected that.  She had just assumed it was all in the wings.  Even knowing that telekinesis was a thing in this world was an interesting fact, although really she shouldn¡¯t be surprised.  But to know that you could use it to achieve what was effectively a form of flight ¡­  So much she didn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°Nobody in your world flies all by themselves?  J-J-Just in these aerothings?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°No.  Well, they do in the movies, like Iron Man or Superman.  But they are just stories.¡±


    ¡°Like your W-W-Wizard academy you didn¡¯t get to go to?


    Callie laughed.  ¡°Yeah, just like that.  They are fun stories, but they are just that, stories.  Tony Stark doesn¡¯t really exist, nor does Clark Kent.¡±


    Pixyl wasn¡¯t getting it.  All the fantastical things that Callie described from books and movies, which were so obviously make believe to her, were in many cases completely in the realm of reasonableness here.  A man in an armor suit flying and shooting blasts of energy?  Super strong men able to lift impossibly-heavy things?  That was practically a Tuesday in this world, or whatever they called Tuesday here.  Trying to explain the separation between real and not was so difficult to the rest of her friends.


    ¡°This man of iron, he is not real then?¡± Pixyl asked, the confused look still on her face.  ¡°And there are no W-W-Wizards?  And your Healers use no m-m-magic?  Your world sounds ¡­ it sounds a little boring, even with those ¡­ ¡®aerojets¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Compared to here, yeah, it could be.  Maybe that¡¯s why we have so many stories of people and heroes with powers we can lose ourselves in, instead.¡±


    Pixyl frowned.  ¡°Tell me one of your stories then.  Maybe about this Ring Lord?¡±


    ¡°Ring Lord?  Oh yea, the Lord of the Rings.  That¡¯s a long, complicated one, but really good.  Where do I start?¡±  If only she had a movie projector of some kind, and the movies of course.  Or even her father¡¯s gift for storytelling.


    ¡°Just start at the b-b-beginning,¡± Pixyl suggested, wide-eyed and eager to know more.


    Callie nodded.  ¡°I don¡¯t know all the words of the story, but I remember how it starts from when my dad read the book to me as a little girl.¡±  The little Gnome smiled, and began at the beginning as Pixyl moved close and put her head on Callie¡¯s arm.  ¡°In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit¡­¡±

 Chapter 19 Part I - High Speed Jesca

    PART I - HIGH SPEED JESCA


    The large door of Ogre House opened, held by Tazrok. Lena and Xin walked through, followed closely by the Ogre. ¡°Callie? Pixyl? We¡¯re back,¡± Lena called out. The two were nowhere to be seen. ¡°Are they out in the garden?¡±


    Xin turned to look, but Tazrok waved a hand and pointed to the oversized bed on the left. It was draped with multiple blankets. Perplexed, Lena approached and heard a soft quiet voice.


    ¡°There were now thirteen dwarves in Bilbo¡¯s kitchen, throwing dishes and cups around while they sang, but never dropping a single one.¡±


    Lena knelt and picked the edge of a hanging blanket. It was dark inside, but there was more than enough light to see with her Night Vision. ¡°Callie, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± the little Gnome replied, ceasing her story and pointing down to her right. Next to her, Pixyl had curled up tight against Callie¡¯s arm, and was fast asleep.


    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Lena whispered. ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    Callie nodded and whispered, ¡°We¡¯re fine. I think we both just needed to be away from people for a bit, and then she fell asleep while I was telling her a story.¡±


    ¡°Where did you get all the blankets?¡±


    ¡°Major Celeste found them for us, when she sentenced Pixyl to house arrest for kicking that Dwarf.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I heard. The Major told me a little while ago. Two days isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    Callie carefully untangled herself from the little Pixie to not wake her, and shuffled out from under the bed. Lena stood and helped Callie stand. ¡°I understand why, but at the same time it doesn¡¯t feel very fair,¡± Callie grumped in a whisper.


    ¡°I know,¡± Lena said, gesturing with her head to go outside.


    Callie followed Lena into the sunlight, where Tazrok and Xin had both retreated. The outside air had warmed up substantially, compared to the darkened interior of the bunkhouse, and the sun felt really nice. Callie raised a finger in the universal ¡°hang on a sec¡± gesture and ducked back inside the house to grab her utility belt with its attached waterskin, as well as her ranger-hat. The sun was only going to get brighter, and she didn¡¯t want to need it later.


    ¡°How is she doing?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Good. Just tired. The reveals are getting to her. And to me for that matter. They just keep coming and coming, and I¡¯m getting a little tired of having to drop everything to ride it out.¡±


    ¡°When I was talking to the Major, she said that they should end soon, by early afternoon at the latest, so that¡¯s just a couple hours.¡±


    ¡°It is? What time is it?¡± Callie wondered aloud. How much time had she and Pixyl spent inside the blanket fort?


    ¡°Almost noon. You two have been up here for a few hours. If you get hungry, the mess is serving some simple lunch fare. Slices of meats and cheeses and the like. Nothing fancy, but better than the travel rations that will be our normal lunch out on the training field. I guess the big meal comes this evening.¡±


    ¡°There was a big bowl of fruit here when we got back, so we ate a bunch of juicy yellow pear things,¡± Callie said. She then noticed someone was missing. ¡°Where¡¯s Vanis?¡±


    ¡°He went to see the Healers to get his Curse Rot healed,¡± Xin said. ¡°He was unsure how long it would take, and said he would find us later.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah. I¡¯m supposed to go to the weapons forge to talk to them about a replacement bow,¡± Callie remembered. She debated staying close to Pixyl, worried that she¡¯d wake up confused. ¡°If I go now, are you able to stick around on the chance Pixyl wakes up? She¡¯ll probably get hit with a bunch of reveals and will need the support.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Lena said. ¡°We were all going to lie down for a little while since we woke up so early, and then go exploring before Tazrok¡¯s punishment event with the Major this afternoon. Can you believe he still won¡¯t tell us what he¡¯s going to do?¡±


    Tazrok put on a sly grin. ¡°It is secret. But will make point.¡±


    ¡°See? Not even a little hint! I¡¯m not sure whether I should be aggravated or excited for the surprise.¡± Lena then oddly added, ¡°If you want me to, I can come with you to the forge.¡±


    Callie looked at Lena with a little suspicion. ¡°No, that¡¯s ok. I think I can handle it.¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Oh, alright,¡± Lena said, disappointment evident in her tone. ¡°You¡¯ll be able to find us when you¡¯re finished?¡±


    Callie furrowed her brow. ¡°First, Lena, yes, I should be able to find you. I can just ask where the Ogre is and I¡¯m sure everyone will be able to point the way. Second, you¡¯re mothering again.¡±


    ¡°What? I am?¡± Lena said with a shocked look. ¡°My stars, I really am! I need to get Vanis to kill me soon or I¡¯ll become an incarnation of evil, just like her.¡±


    Callie frowned, remembering one of the racial trait reveals she had received a short time ago.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: CHILDLIKE CHARM


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes emit a mild charm that affects individuals with nurturing tendencies, even if subconscious. Those affected may view the Gnome as a vulnerable child in need of help or protection, rather than a potential threat. However, this charm is only suggestive in nature and cannot coerce someone into doing something they are not inclined to do. As this trait operates as a suggestive charm, it will bypass most passive charm defenses. Beings who are Gnome-sized or smaller are immune to this charm.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure if she could tell Lena about the charm without giving away the secret of getting detailed information, and more importantly, if she even should. The whole idea of charms being able to control a person¡¯s mind was really weighing on Callie. The experience with Juniper, as beautiful as she was, had left her a little shaken and feeling a little violated when she thought back on what happened. Now to think that she was somehow controlling Lena¡¯s mind without even knowing it? What would Lena say if she found out? That detail about it being ¡®suggestive¡¯ made her feel a little better. It seemed to imply that it wasn¡¯t quite like with Juniper, but still it didn¡¯t feel right. She needed to talk to someone she could swear to secrecy. Pixyl? She had a charm ability of her own, and one that sounded more potent, although it was more of a weapon. Maybe Vanis? He¡¯s pretty academic and objective, and would probably keep a secret if she asked him to. Of course, he could be charmed by Callie just like Lena. She was going to have to give this a lot more thought.


    The four parted, Callie quickly tiptoeing inside to pick up Master Trainer Thorn¡¯s bow to use as a reference for the bowmaker, before she set off for the forge via the gardens. The remainder of the house went inside to take a brief nap.


    ¡°Callie!¡± a voice called, and she turned to see Jesca waving viciously and running towards her. ¡°Did you get it? Did you get your Ranger class?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie said as the Cheetahkin lifted her in the air and spun in a big hug. ¡°I¡¯ve been getting skills and stuff all morning.¡±


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m so glad! I was worried that your worm was going to reject you because of your class void problem. And more importantly, I won the bet with Thucax! He¡¯s going to be so cranky! More cranky than usual, that is. I saw Shul¡¯an earlier, too, and they were wondering if your worm worked, so if I see them again I¡¯ll let them know it worked. What are you doing with your bow?¡±


    Jesca¡¯s words came out as a single, unending torrent of words, with not even a breath taken. Callie had to fight hard to follow the ever-changing train of thought before finally settling on what the actual question was.


    ¡°Since this bow is just a loaner, I need to go to the weapons forge and talk to someone about getting a new one.¡±


    ¡°Oooo maybe you¡¯ll meet the Lamia that works there. Remember, don¡¯t call them snakes, they hate that, but she should otherwise be really nice. Lamia can be a little strange sometimes because their body has no legs, but they are nice.¡±


    Callie chuckled, trying to slow Jesca down just a little bit. ¡°I remember you telling me, and I¡¯ll be sure to be polite if I meet them.¡±


    ¡°By the way, I saw what the Pixie did to that Dwarf earlier? The one you walked off with? She¡¯s not supposed to be fighting with other recruits. I heard she¡¯s your housemate. Did she get into trouble? I heard from Shul¡¯an that they heard from Kiasess that he heard from someone I¡¯m not sure who heard from the Ogre that the Dwarf just wanted to drop the whole thing.¡±


    Callie shook her head to get the confusion of that never-ending sentence processed and finally emerged with, ¡°She did get in trouble, yes, and will be confined to quarters for two days starting tomorrow morning. I guess that was fair, but that Dwarf still deserved it after breaking her wing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯s the one I heard about that did that,¡± Jesca said. ¡°It¡¯s hard to know which side to be on, then. Hmm, I guess I can see why the Dwarf would just want to call it even. How is her wing, by the way? I saw it was all bruised and stuff. It must hurt.¡±


    ¡°It hurts when she moves it, or if she moves her body wrong. It will be that way for a few days.¡±


    ¡°Too bad. But she¡¯s allowed to go to the party tonight, right?¡±


    Callie nodded.


    ¡°Good, I want to meet her. If you like her, then I¡¯m sure I will as well. Will you introduce me? By the way, do you know what the Ogre is doing one hour before the evening feast that we¡¯re all supposed to go to? Since you live with him, you might know. Rumor has it he¡¯s going to tear limbs off of someone.¡±


    ¡°Uh,¡± Callie said. Keeping up with Jesca today was proving exhausting. She wasn¡¯t sure if this was the Beastkin¡¯s natural state, or if maybe she had too much caffeine with breakfast. Or catnip, maybe? She was literally changing topics faster than Callie could follow. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you meet her if I can. As for Tazrok, some people got in trouble for brawling, so they are going to be publicly disciplined. I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s doing, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not that.¡±


    ¡°Ooo. I hope he doesn¡¯t tear anyone¡¯s limbs off. That would be messy and it¡¯s so much work to grow a limb back so you must be right that it¡¯s something different.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really sure it¡¯s not that,¡± Callie said, and then quickly added before Jesca could ask anything more, ¡°I do need to get going to meet with the weapons people. I¡¯ll see you later, though, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay! I¡¯ll see you later!¡± the Cheetahkin said, waving. And just like that, Jesca turned and ran off.

 Chapter 19 Part 2 - Spycraft

    PART II - SPYCRAFT


    Callie heard a deep, baritone chuckling to her right.  Koda sat on one of the benches, eyes full of mirth at what Callie just had to go through.  ¡°The Cheetahkin can be hard to keep up with, sometimes,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yesterday she seemed mostly normal, but today ¡­¡±


    ¡°She was trying extra hard to slow down and be your normal yesterday.  But naturally, Cheetahkin are very ... chatty and emotive, with little filter to what they may say or do.  So, now that she knows and likes you, and is comfortable around you¡­¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s being her normal,¡± Callie said with a slight groan.  ¡°So she¡¯ll be like this a lot?¡±


    Koda nodded.  ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.  She means well, though."


    Callie sighed.  ¡°I know.  I guess I¡¯ll just have to get used to it.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s Pixyl,¡± Koda asked, breaking Callie¡¯s train of thought.  ¡°Her kick to the Dwarf was impressive, but it was good she was punished for it.¡±


    ¡°I know, but it still feels like the Dwarf deserved it.  As for Pixyl, she¡¯s sleeping.  All of the reveals have been exhausting for her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure.  I hope she feels up to the festivities tonight.  Word is that it will be a lot of fun.¡±


    ¡°I think she will be, with a little sleep and her reveals finally ending.  How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Good, good.  I haven¡¯t had any reveals for a while, so maybe I am through everything.  I don¡¯t feel like anything is missing from what I was told to expect, but I could yet be surprised.¡±


    ¡°Lucky you.  I have a gut feeling I have a few more still.  I haven¡¯t received anything for hand-to-hand combat yet, except Instinctive Dodge.  I know Rangers work with a bow primarily, but I¡¯d think we would receive something for close range too.  It feels like it¡¯s lurking in the shadows of my brain waiting for the worst time to reveal itself.¡±


    Callie had finally received her Electrical reveal while telling her story to Pixyl, which wasn¡¯t much of a surprise, but she had also received two more that were unexpected.  Rapid Fire and Burst Shot.  The first was a little like Multishot, except it would shoot four arrows at a single target in rapid succession.  Burst Shot, on the other hand, would create a flash and loud concussive blast where the arrow struck, so it was in many ways almost the same effect as Pixyl¡¯s Flashbang skill, except in arrow form rather than emitting from her hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious, what exactly is a Paladin, Koda?¡± Callie asked, changing the topic.  ¡°I heard Xin say it was a Warrior and Healer hybrid, but I¡¯m having a hard time picturing what that would look like.¡±


    Koda looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.  ¡°In group combat, you often need someone to be at the front and engage the enemy directly.  We call this a Guardian role.  Whoever this is needs to be able to take the hits, or avoid them, and keep whoever or whatever you are fighting occupied.  That way, the ranged people, like you for example, will have time to get their attacks in from afar.  A Paladin is one of these Guardian types, and to help absorb those hits, I have many shield skills.  Plus, as a hybrid with Healer, I have ways to heal myself, and anyone close to me, so I can keep taking those hits.¡±


    ¡°So in groups, everyone has a specific role that they will play in a fight?¡±


    ¡°Right, Little One.  Guardians engage the enemy hand-to-hand.  You Rangers and other long-range damage types, like Xin for example, will hit them from afar.  Strikers are a third role that concentrates on doing damage at close range.  They run in and hit hard, but make sure to stay out of the way, sacrificing defense for offense.  And finally, Healers concentrate on keeping anyone that is hurt from staying hurt.¡±


    ¡°I get it.  It¡¯s like ¡­ tactics.¡±


    Koda nodded.  ¡°Exactly.  These are the basics of four-role tactics.  There are more advanced ones, but I don¡¯t know how much we will be learning of them while we are here.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Callie said, pondering Koda¡¯s tutorial.  ¡°So Pixyl would be one of those Striker types, right?  And Lena, too, since she uses swords.  Get in there and hit the enemy, but stay out of the way.¡±


    ¡°Lena is a Bladedancer, correct?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh.¡±


    ¡°A Bladedancer is a form of Guardian, believe it or not.   But instead of taking the hits, like a Paladin does, a Bladedancer is able to block with her swords, and will dodge and parry the enemy, often able to counter-attack when a strike misses her.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Callie said, trying to picture the two different styles of Guardian roles.  ¡°The end result is the same, though.  Keep the enemy occupied so those that specialize in damage can do their thing.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Koda said, pointing at the Gnome.  ¡°The training we receive here won¡¯t just be how to use our skills.  That is important, yes, but also how to work together in groups where everyone knows their role, and you can rely on someone fulfilling it without worry.¡±


    ¡°So what role does Tazrok take on as a Druid?¡±


    The big Bearkin chuckled.  ¡°All of them.  Druids are able to use their different animal forms to do whatever needs doing.  They may be a Guardian, maybe as a strong, tough beast.  They may be a fast and vicious creature, and thus would be one of the Strikers.  And if not needed to do either, Tazrok will be able to cast spells from range, or take on the Healer role.  Druids are the most-flexible of all the combat classes.¡±


    Callie had perfectly understood that Tazrok was going to get different animal forms, but now that Koda had talked about tactics, she was able to truly see what a Druid¡¯s flexibility could bring to the battlefield.  Her mind wandered a bit, trying to imagine what kind of animals Tazrok might become for the two melee roles.  At first pass, maybe a big bear as a Guardian seemed like a natural fit.  As Striker, though?  Maybe a great cat like a tiger?  No, that was too small, and not really Ogre-like.  Something with big claws for sure, though.  ¡°Maybe a giant honey badger,¡± Callie thought to herself with a laugh.  ¡°Because Tazrok won¡¯t take no shit!¡±


    Koda yawned, gazing into the overhead sun.  He was relaxed and content, smiling his big bear smile.


    ¡°Strange question, Koda, but why do you know so much about this stuff?  Tactics, that is.¡± Callie asked curiously.  Koda¡¯s knowledge of tactics and class capabilities seemed oddly deep compared to the rest of the recruits.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been a Paladin and a town guard for over twenty years, Little One.  I¡¯ve unlocked several skills through luck and hard work, but never with a worm.¡±


    ¡°With all that knowledge and experience, you aren¡¯t an officer?  Why are you here?¡±


    Koda patted the seat next to him.  ¡°If I tell you this, you must keep it a secret.  Would you do that?¡±


    Callie paused longer than she would have liked, before nodding and climbing on the seat next to Koda.


    ¡°I actually am an officer in my guard, but I am in disguise.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Koda thought for a moment.  ¡°I am here to see how this place works, but as a recruit.  To take that knowledge back home to help with training our own militia members.  Plus, I get my Symbiote, many new skills, and at least one additional tier for my work. I am currently Silver tier, so I will reach Gold for sure.¡±


    ¡°Does the Commandant know about this?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, they do.  As does the Legate, but only those two.  When the term is finished, I will have learned Xera¡¯s command techniques first hand, and can bring that home.  I will also provide the Commandant veteran insight into how the experience is for the recruits, but from the recruit¡¯s point of view.  It is good for everyone.¡±


    ¡°So you aren¡¯t Cursed and are not expected to go to the front?¡±


    ¡°I am not, on both points.  Remember, some people need to stay back and maintain internal security.  There are bandits to fend off, monsters that roam the lands and crime to keep in check.  That¡¯s my job, just as your job will be to go to the front lines.¡±


    Callie pondered for a moment.  ¡°Why are you telling me?¡±


    ¡°I was going to find you to have this discussion later today, but you happened by.  I am perplexed by the anomalies.  The Goblin last term I heard about is intriguing, but now there are three of you this term.  When the Commandant told me this, it caught my attention.  I would like to know more.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Koda seemed to think for a moment.  ¡°If this becomes common, I think these new combinations of race and class could lead to new skills and tactics.  As an officer, innovating new ways to fight is critical.¡±  He grinned and then added, ¡°I also like mysteries.¡±


    ¡°What do you want me to do,¡± Callie said warily.


    ¡°I would like you to report to me information about the experiences each of you face.  I think each of you are going to have very unique challenges, and understanding them could be helpful to my time here.¡±


    ¡°What kinds of things?  I¡¯m not a spy.¡±


    ¡°No no.  Just general observations.  And, of course, I ask you to keep my secret, so as to not hurt my work with the Commandant.¡±


    ¡°Ok, but what kinds of things should I report?  I have no idea what might be out of the ordinary.¡±


    Koda pondered for a moment.  ¡°For example, if any of you get any unique skills or perks that are related to your race and class.  Or if some part of your training is far more difficult for you than it should be, or far easier for that matter.  Truly, I am not sure what I¡¯m looking for.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you just housing with us, then?  It would be just as easy to get that information directly.¡±


    ¡°Everything with you three happened so quickly, there was no time to make that arrangement.¡±


    ¡°There is an empty bed,¡± Callie pointed out.  ¡°It¡¯s Ogre-sized, but it¡¯s available.¡±


    Koda tilted his head in thought, before shaking it.  ¡°I¡¯m housing with your fellow Rangers, Jesca and Thucax.  I might learn things about your Ranger training from them that you wouldn¡¯t think to provide.  It¡¯s just another way to get information.  But if something changes, I¡¯ll keep the open bunk in mind.¡±


    ¡°Koda, I¡¯ll be really honest here.  This feels a little shady,¡± Callie said with a skeptical sigh.


    Koda huffed in laughter.  ¡°Yes, I can see why you believe that.  I swear everything I said is true.  You could even ask the Commandant if you wished.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t think the Commandant and I are going to be having anything to do with each other,¡± Callie said, still feeling bad for accidentally hurting them.


    ¡°Did something happen between the two of you?¡±


    Callie waved her hand dismissively.  ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.  Look, will you promise me this is legitimate?  I have a bad tendency to believe what people tell me, so you¡¯re only going to get one shot to be honest with me.¡±


    ¡°I do swear, Callie.  Nothing evil or dishonest intended.  Truly just a desire to learn from the inside, and a separate curiosity about the anomalies.¡±


    Callie looked at Koda skeptically.


    ¡°On my honor, Callie.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Callie said.  ¡°I¡¯ll think about being your spy.  But I will keep your secret about being in disguise.  But if I ask Xera about you and they don''t know what I¡¯m talking about¡­¡±


    Callie slid off the bench, giving Koda a healthy measure of side-eye, trying to see if there was any inkling of dishonesty.  Nothing.  How the hell did she get roped into some secret spy stuff?  Could the day get any more weird than it already was.  Better not ask that, it¡¯s just tempting fate.

 Chapter 19 Part 3 - Enchanting Relatives

    PART III - ENCHANTING RELATIVES


    Koda and Callie parted, Callie continuing on her way towards the forge and crafting area. Koda¡¯s secret about his reasons for being here weighed on her mind though. As she thought about it, the incognito-as-a-recruit plan made a lot of sense. He¡¯d learn from the camp, and get a Symbiote and skills, while reporting back vital observations to the Commandant and Legate. But his request to tell him information on the experiences of Pixyl, Tazrok and herself just felt ¡­ off. If it was truly a big deal that three of these ¡®anomalies¡¯ were present this term, it could be good information. At the same time, though, it felt like a violation of trust. Callie concluded she would need to give the matter more thought.


    The camp at this point was bustling. A few recruits were in this area, walking around in small groups, but most of the activity was staff. Baskets of materials were being brought to the various class tents from a large building with a warehouse feel to it. If not destined for the tents, then they were hauled off towards the training grounds. Callie concluded that this was all setting up for the kick off of training the next day, and she had to admire the logistical organization it must take to keep it all functioning. The patterns in the chaos of transport were fascinating to watch.


    Thankfully, Callie was next to a tree when the next reveal hit, and she was able to stabilize herself and quickly sit under it before the after-effects set upon her. The result was a surprising one that hadn¡¯t occurred to her a Gnome might receive, and she quickly looked up the details to see what it was about.


    <table>


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    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: RESIST FEAR


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL


    CASTING TIME: NONE


    RECHARGE TIME: 10 MINUTES


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes possess a natural resistance towards situations and influences that evoke fear. If they happen to be affected by an active Fear effect, they may choose to spend mana in an attempt to fend it off. The amount of mana required for this depends on the intensity of the effect. This trait is ineffective against self-generated emotional fear-effects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie remembered back to her first encounter with Koda the day before. How Thucax was terrified, Jesca was, at best, incredibly nervous, yet Callie herself was never really afraid. In fact, she had stood right up to ¡®Bear Guy¡¯ and called him on his shenanigans. In retrospect, given the secret about Koda she now knew, his brusqueness was all for show, but at the time it seemed very real. Still, she never actually felt truly afraid. Was it this Resist Fear trait?


    A pair of Elf recruits checked in with Callie while she was recovering, making sure she wasn¡¯t in trouble. Once she explained it was just a reveal, they nodded knowingly and moved on. Callie continued to rest in the shade, just watching the people. A few staff Sprites and Pixies were fluttering through the air, and Callie took the time to really watch their flight behavior in action. Knowing from Pixyl that the wings were only for control, and that lift was supplied by pushing against the ground telekinetically, Callie could start to see the mechanics in play as each flying Fae bobbed slightly as they flew. She could see the wings catching the air to turn their bodies and make subtle changes to direction, before a new invisible push would send them on again. It was all rather mesmerizing to watch, in fact. Callie reasoned that Fairies used the same flight mechanics, since they were essentially the same as Pixies, simply scaled up for size.


    A large cloud finished passing overhead, exposing the sun, and Callie was glad she had remembered her hat. Just as yesterday, the sun was bright and bordering on painful. She¡¯d give a lot for a pair of sunglasses to fall through a hole in the universe. That thought suddenly made her wonder if eyewear was even a thing here, and what someone with poor vision might do. She hadn¡¯t seen anyone with eyeglasses. Maybe Healers can correct a person¡¯s vision so there''s no need for glasses?? Magic LASIK?


    As Callie approached the forge area, she could see it was actually made up of several different sections. One section was the forge itself, belching heat and fire as several different people were making use of it. Callie found an out of the way spot and just watched for a few minutes, more curious than anything. People with huge muscles, mostly Dwarves, would pound on a glowing piece of metal vaguely in the shape of a sword or maybe a piece of armor, and then shove it in the fire to heat up again.


    That¡¯s when Callie saw her; the Lamia. A little taller than Lena and Vanis, she slithered through the forge with a determined grace. Just as Jesca had said, she had two arms. From the navel up she looked like a standard human female form, complete with non-pointed ears, wearing the common tunic, and a dark, heavy apron over that. This was in fact the first normalish human form Callie had seen since arriving. But, behind that human face was the hood of a snake, almost like that of a cobra. It began at the base of her neck and widened as it went up, melding in with her forehead. But from the navel down, it was a clothing-less thick body of a serpent, holding the rest upright. The Lamia¡¯s scales along her back and sides were a dark red that flickered in the competing light of the sun and forge. On the underside, though, the color changed, and instead of overlapping scales, her body was a repeating series of horizontal pale-yellow patches, with visible muscles that rippled as she moved. It was obvious she was descended from snakes, but equally and terrifyingly obvious why it would be considered bad form to remind them of that. Of all the Beastkin she¡¯d met, it was this one that seemed the most strange, even moreso than Shul¡¯an.


    Shaking her head to stop staring, Callie looked around. Another section of the area seemed more conducive to workbenches and fine craftsmanship. Most workbenches were empty, projects of various sorts left partially done on the tops of most. Maybe they were at lunch? But three or four people were still sitting, working intently on their projects.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    A flash of blue caught her attention. It wasn¡¯t the same shade as Pixyl¡¯s hair, maybe more of a blue-green than true blue, but it was bright. Callie craned her neck the best she could to see who it was, and finally he walked out from behind some shelves. It was a Gnome! Another Gnome. And a male Gnome at that. Except for the skin and hair color, the build was remarkably similar to the male Goblins that she¡¯d seen, which was to be expected given the history. But to see another Gnome. Callie suddenly felt just a little bit less alone to know she wasn¡¯t the only Gnome here.


    ¡°Uh hello?¡± Callie called out, waving her free hand in the air.


    She had to do it a second time, but finally the Gnome turned and saw her. His face lit into a smile and he held his finger up, asking her to wait a moment. He finished chatting with his co-worker and then removed a lightweight apron he was wearing. Motioning towards a workstation away from the rest of the activity, he started walking. Callie ran to meet him.


    ¡°Hi!¡± she said.


    ¡°Hello!¡± the Gnome said with a bright smile. He reached out and gave Callie a surprise hug, before sitting in a Gnome-sized chair and motioning for Callie to sit in another as well. Now that she was close, she could see he was quite a bit older. Perhaps what one would call ¡®middle-aged¡¯? Maybe fifty or sixty in human terms? A few lines of life lay on his face, but his eyes seemed to say he was young at heart.


    ¡±Good to see you,¡± he continued. ¡°Master Trainer Thorn told me you would be coming by. How did your bonding go?¡±


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Callie said, taking the offered seat. ¡°The reveals are awful, but it seems everything is working like it should. At least my Symbiote didn¡¯t reject me. I¡¯m Callie, by the way.¡±


    ¡°Fizzlebek,¡± the Gnome said, extending his slightly greasy hand. ¡°How is your memory loss coming?¡±


    ¡°Thorn told you about that, too, did he?¡±


    ¡°He did. I couldn¡¯t imagine what that was like.¡±


    ¡°Scary when I first woke up, but I found some good people and they helped a lot. Unfortunately, I still have a lot of holes and missing chunks in my memory,¡± Callie lied.


    ¡°Hopefully it will come back to you soon,¡± Fizzlebek said. ¡°I wanted to introduce myself yesterday, since you¡¯re the only Gnome recruit, but I know the first day is just too chaotic.¡±


    ¡°Are you the only other Gnome here?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°No. My wife is also on staff. She¡¯s the head Culinar. But we are the only two.¡±


    ¡°She is! Make sure to tell her that everything I¡¯ve eaten so far has been great! And the soup last night was really amazing!¡±


    Fizzlebek chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to let her know. If you see her though, do introduce yourself. Her name is Pama, and you¡¯ll recognize her bright yellow hair.¡±


    Callie suddenly made the connection with the story Vanis had told the night before about a Gnome Culinar with bright yellow hair. He had the name wrong, but it was close, so it had to be this person. She would definitely need to seek her out. ¡°What do you do here?¡± Callie finally asked.


    ¡°I am in charge of the workshop,¡± Fizzlebek said, gesturing around himself, ¡°as well as the head Artificer and Enchanter. That blue stone on your bow for Endless Arrows? That¡¯s my work.¡± Fizzlebek beamed with pride.


    ¡°It works really well. I had to shoot over one-hundred twenty times in a row just to show my Trainer I knew how to do Archery. It didn¡¯t falter once.¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe we have a Gnome Ranger here,¡± shaking his head in amazement. ¡°The Goblin last term shocked me, but now we have you! I¡¯m really glad your joining worked. There¡¯s a lot the Gnomes and Goblins have riding on you doing well. It¡¯s hard for us to be appreciated outside of being Scholars, Wizards and Healers.¡±


    ¡°Wow. No pressure or anything,¡± Callie said, suddenly unsure of herself.


    ¡°You¡¯ll do great. We¡¯re all rooting for you. Now, tell me, what brings you here? Thorn said something about needing a new bow?¡±


    ¡°Before I get to that, can you tell me what an Artificer is? I¡¯ve never heard that term.¡±


    ¡°Ahh! I¡¯d be happy to. We make gadgets and devices, often magical ones. The best Gnome engineering, but we sometimes infuse it with magic, too. Here, come see.¡± Fizzlebek hopped off the chair and walked excitedly over to another Gnome-height workbench. Callie quickly followed.


    On the bench was a small, egg-shaped metal object.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°This is a really simple one I¡¯ve been playing with. I call it an Egg-sploding Screamer.¡± Fizzlebek grinned, proud of the pun name. ¡°You use a key to wind it up which starts a timer, and then throw the egg at the enemy. In a few seconds, it will emit a loud, piercing scream that will deafen and stun everything around it. If someone touches it while it¡¯s screaming, it shoots out a small, stunning explosive, hopefully adding to the carnage.¡±


    Fizzlebek twisted the egg open to show Callie the inside mess of gears and sprockets and a small glowing green crystal in one half, and a similar yellow crystal in the other. Callie squinted and was able to see the mechanics.


    ¡°When you wind it, the yellow one will start moving towards the green one, right?¡± Callie asked, pointing at the mechanism. ¡°Then I assume when they touch, that¡¯s when the scream goes off?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Fizzlebek said.


    ¡°And this spring over here,¡± Callie pointed, ¡°will trigger the ejection thing if it¡¯s disturbed, by pulling that hook out of the way.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Exactly!¡±


    Now wait a minute, how did she see that? She didn¡¯t know anything about clockwork mechanisms and the like! But looking into the opened device, all the parts just ¡­ made sense. She could see how every little gear and spring would tighten and loosen when activated and when disturbed. The Egg-sploder wasn¡¯t a complex device by any means ¡­ or ¡­ it wasn¡¯t complex for Callie the Gnome. Callie the Human would have looked at the puzzle and tossed it aside in frustration.¡±


    ¡°Huh, I don¡¯t know how I was able to figure that out,¡± Callie said. ¡°Is that Tinker?¡±


    Fizzlebek nodded with a huge grin on his face. ¡°Fun, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I guess. It¡¯s all new to me with the holes in my brain.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it. Back to your visit, though. Thorn said something about needing a bow?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah.¡± Callie held up the bow she¡¯d been carrying around. ¡°This is Thorn¡¯s, for his son in a couple weeks. But he¡¯s loaning it to me because all the longbows for the Rangers are too big for me. He told me to ask for a replacement.¡±


    ¡°We certainly can make a new one, but it will take a while. It also depends what enchantment you want on it, if any.¡±


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re saying I can get another magic bow?¡±

 Chapter 19 Part 4 - New Weapons

    PART IV - NEW WEAPONS


    ¡°Sure. Enchanting the crystals isn¡¯t hard,¡± Fizzlebek said with a shrug. ¡°The process needs them to sit for about a week with occasional attention, so by that measure it takes time.¡±


    That made Callie stop and think for a minute. What kinds of enchantments could you put on a bow? Endless Arrows was absolutely great, and she¡¯d be loath to give that one up. But if there was something better¡­


    ¡°What are my options?¡±


    ¡°In the timeframe you are talking about and with the quality of bow that Vonn would be able to make, I would be able to add two enchantments. I can do Endless Arrows, one for range, one for damage, one to put fire on all the arrows¡­¡±


    ¡°Fire?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t get that one. Rangers get an elemental attack at Bronze tier, so it overlaps, and there may be times when you don¡¯t want your arrow to be on fire. I can also do ice or poison, but that¡¯s a lot like fire, they overlap. I have one that gives the arrows a minor homing effect, but you have Homing Shot at some point, too, so it would be just like the elemental ones; simply redundant. Oh, I can also enchant the bow so it slowly repairs itself over time if you feed the crystal mana from time to time.¡±


    Callie gave her answer some thought. Endless Arrows was just too good to pass up, and with all of her Ranger skills, she didn¡¯t really need to add an overlapping effect. So now it comes down to damage, range, or repair. ¡°No way to put three on?¡± she had to ask.


    Fizzlebek shook his head. ¡°Vonn might be able to inscribe it for a little extra boost, but I doubt we could do three full enchantments.¡±


    ¡°Inscribe?¡±


    ¡°While she¡¯s making it, she can infuse runes into the wood. It¡¯s like an enchantment, but far less potent. She can probably inscribe two, maybe three, and they can be the same. Runes have to be pretty simple though; damage, range, the like. Complex things require a full enchantment.¡±


    ¡°I got it then,¡± Callie said definitively. ¡°Do Endless Arrows, Repair, and then as many runes as you can do for range. A small bow is going to have limits.¡±


    Fizzlebek thought for a minute. ¡°Let me bring Vonn over to make sure, but I think that would be possible.¡±


    The Gnome walked off to get whoever this Vonn person was, and Callie thought some more about her new bow. She was actually really excited. Her own magic weapon! How cool was that! Hopefully Reynard wouldn¡¯t get his fluffy tail in a twist about it for whatever reason he might come up with.


    ¡°Callie,¡± Fizzlebek called. ¡°I¡¯d like you to meet our resident Bowyer, as well as one of our blacksmiths. She¡¯s also a retired Gold Tier Ranger.¡±


    Callie turned to see him leading the red-scaled Lamia towards her. Callie¡¯s eyes went huge and she almost said the S-word out loud, managing to barely catch the sounds before they left her lips. Part of her was actually legitimately frightened, and she knew it as she took an instinctive step backwards. She promptly backed into one of the workbenches before realizing what she was doing. Taking deep breaths to try to steady herself, there was an instant rush of warmth that swept through her body and in the blink of a moment, that primal fear that she was sensing simply evaporated. What the heck? How did that just happen? Then she thought of a possible answer. Did she just unknowingly activate her Resist Fear trait? That had to be it, it¡¯s the only explanation for how she was simply suddenly no longer afraid.


    ¡°Hell-oooo, Callie,¡± Vonn said, bowing curtly and drawing the first word out. ¡°Fizzlebek was asssking about making a new bow for you. He wanted to know if I could put any runesss on it.¡±


    ¡°Uh, hi,¡± Callie said, swallowing hard. ¡°He suggested it might be a way to round out the capabilities a bit.¡±


    ¡°I would be able to craft you a Gnome-ssssized bow that could contain three runesss with the quality of the wood I have available to me. But making them all the sssame may not be the bessst choiccce. As you add more than one of thhhe sssame type, they add lessss and lessss additional improvements. I would recommend one each of range, reduccced activation time and mana cossst to maximissse the benefitsss.¡±


    ¡°We call that diminishing returns,¡± Fizzlebek said.


    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯d be willing to let the two of you decide what¡¯s best. Vonn, you probably know better than me what would make the most sense for a Ranger, if you used to be one, but for sure I think those two enchantments Fizzlebek and I talked about would be good ideas.¡±


    ¡°I do as well,¡± Fizzlebek agreed. ¡°Not having to worry about arrows or the bow wearing out are certainly good options.¡±


    ¡°Do I need to do anything?¡± Callie asked.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°I will need to measure you and your ssstrength,¡± Vonn said. ¡°But all of my bow crafting racksss are in ussse right now, ssso there¡¯sss little point today. Come back in two daysss and I will have one free to get ssstarted with your new weapon. I will then be able to make sure it is the correct sssize for you. But do be aware, even withhh a rune for additional range, thhhe sssmall sssize of your bow will put you at a sssevere range disssadvantage compared to thossse withhh a longbow. It will be a limitation you will need to learn to work around.¡±


    Callie frowned. With a smaller bow, it would obviously be naturally weaker compared to a larger one. That was just basic physics, after all. Would range be that much of a problem? And would it even matter? No matter what, she would never be easily able to shoot a longbow, so why worry about it. That limitation was a limitation of her size, not the weapon. If Reynard wanted to make an issue of that, then he would just have to deal with it.


    ¡°Thanks, Vonn. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll find a way to¡­¡± Callies words were cut off as she received not one, but two reveals.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW PERK: AMBIDEXTERITY


    NEW PERK: DUAL WIELD - BLADES


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°What¡¯sss wrong, Callie?¡± Vonn asked.


    Callie looked up at the Lamia with a panicked expression. ¡°I just received two reveals at once!¡± Quickly she dropped to the floor to prepare for the inevitable.


    Vonn quickly slithered away as Fizzlebek dashed in front of her, falling to his knees to be supportive. There was little he could do, so he simply held Callie¡¯s hand. To Callie, the spinning vertigo was as bad as every other time. But this time, flashes of faces began to cascade through her head like a pounding kaleidoscope. Pixyl, Lena, Tazrok, Grig, Jesca, Thucax, Reynard, Thorn, Xera. The visions swirled past her mind''s eye and before fading into nothingness. Vanis, Xin, Bratig, Earick, Tasi, Olin, Koda. The crazy ride finally slowed and the slideshow of faces slowed with it. Shul¡¯an, Kiasess, Galin. The final image flashed ¡­ Pixyl again, a bright toothy smile growing as she slowly waved at Callie in a painkiller haze.


    Callie¡¯s eyes opened to Fizzlebek looming over her, a concerned look on his face. Behind him, Vonn looked down with equal concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Callie moaned out. ¡°Just give me a minute.¡±


    Fizzlebek helped her sit up, and then backed away to give her some space. Her head was no longer spinning, but it certainly hadn¡¯t calmed. She pulled her knees tight to ride through the last vestiges and took an opportunity to see what the new perks were. They seemed to be the same two that Pixyl had received, in fact.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: AMBIDEXTERITY


    DESCRIPTION: The ability to use either hand to perform actions without penalty.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: DUAL WIELD - BLADES


    DESCRIPTION: Proficiency in combat using a one-handed bladed weapon in one or both hands without penalty.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Just as Pixyl, Callie received a flood of knowledge from nowhere and everywhere all at once. She knew how to hold a sword. How to use it to block a strike or parry one. How to stand for maximum effect, and how to bend and twist in that delicate dance of death. More importantly, she could do it with a sword in each hand. Blocking and parrying and striking faster than the eye could see based purely on instinct. She knew it all. And she hadn¡¯t known any of it only moments before. She also knew instinctively that she wasn¡¯t any good at it.


    At the same time, her normal right-handedness had ceased and she realized both hands were now equally adept. She wasn¡¯t in a place to test the new perk, but vowed to do so at first opportunity. Maybe she could play catch with Pixyl to try it out.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Callie finally said, extending a hand to Fizzlebek. He took it and pulled Callie to her feet before giving her another unexpected hug.


    ¡°Tell me Little One, what new ssskillsss did you get,¡± Vonn asked curiously.


    ¡°Two perks,¡± Callied said, rubbing one hand down her face to brush out the last of the mental cobwebs. ¡°Ambidexterity and Dual Wield - Blades.¡±


    ¡°Ahh!¡± Vonn said in surprise. ¡°I remember when I reccceived thhhose myssself. It quite changed my life from thhhe poor sssword capabilitiesss I had prior. Once you unlock them, thhhey will be quite life-changing for you.¡±


    Callie shrugged, speaking before she could stop herself. ¡°I actually know how to unlock things.¡±


    ¡°You do?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh. It is so odd suddenly receiving this huge flood of information I didn¡¯t have before. I don¡¯t know if I will ever get used to it. I¡¯ve never even held a sword before.¡±


    Vonn cocked her head as if she was pondering something. ¡°You¡¯ve unlocked bothhh of thhhem? In that cassse, would you like to try out your new perksss?¡±


    Callie blinked. ¡°Are you serious? Do we need to go to the training grounds or something?¡±


    ¡°No no. We have a circle marked out so people can test new weapons for balance and feel. Fizzlebek, if you can take her over, I will retrieve a few things.¡±


    Vonn turned and slithered off, while Fizzlebek jerked his head for Callie to follow him. He led her to what was indeed a large, marked circle in a cleared area behind the forge and had her remove her utility belt. The sun had dipped behind another cloud so it wasn¡¯t quite so bright now, and the air was still comfortably warm. Callie looked down at her hands, almost feeling the new knowledge how to fight with a sword coursing through them.


    ¡°Little One! Catch!¡± Vonn called out as she lightly tossed a short blade towards Callie, handle first. On instinct, Callie reached out, snatching the pommel in a single fluid motion. ¡°Again!¡± Vonn called, throwing a second sword in the same manner. Callie had to twist her body so her left hand could catch the sword in the correct position, but she caught it with the same grace as the first, feeling for the first time the results of the new Ambidextrous perk. Her body spun with the momentum, stopping in a near-perfect garde position that minutes ago she didn¡¯t even know existed.


    Callie looked at the swords she was holding. They weren¡¯t long by normal sized standard, but were likely the Gnome equivalent of a longsword. The pommel was a simple piece of steel crudely wrapped in leather and tied with a leather cord. The blades were both in rough shape, full of uneven edges and slightly bent. Definitely not a sword you would want to truly fight with, but they were at least generally the correct size and weight to make a point.


    ¡°Excccellent catch,¡± Vonn said, holding out a much longer single blade of her own. ¡°I am ssstill completing the crafting of that ssset you hold, but for now¡­¡± Vonn swung her single sword towards Callie in a sudden overhand motion.

 Chapter 19 Part 5 - First Lessons

    PART V - FIRST LESSONS


    Callie blinked and saw the sword falling towards her. It wasn''t a fast swing, and it was well-projected, designed really to just give Callie something to swing her rickety blades against. Instinctively she crossed her swords and caught the falling blade between them.


    ¡°Good reflexesss,¡± Vonn called. ¡°How about thisss one?¡±


    Again, Vonn swung, this time from Callie¡¯s right side. As before it wasn¡¯t coming fast, but Callie¡¯s own sword in her left hand intercepted it, almost as if she¡¯d done the same motion a hundred times, deflecting the swing and sending it up and over her head. Callie saw an opening, and without even thinking she lunged forward with the half-completed blade in her right hand. Vonn gave a startled expression before effortlessly bringing her own long blade down to knock Callie¡¯s thrust aside.


    But Callie wasn¡¯t done. Vonn¡¯s parry sent the Gnome into a clockwise spin, and Callie controlled the motion, using the movement so her own left blade could now lunge forward. Vonn¡¯s sword swooped down and back, deflecting the second thrust just in time for Callie¡¯s right sword to come back yet again for another attack. CLANG CLANG CLANG the three swords danced in a rhythmic pattern. Vonn was effortlessly blocking every one of Callie¡¯s attacks as the Gnome kept going, the new combat perks blossoming within her. Callie started to see a rhythm. Use one sword to get Vonn¡¯s out of the way before trying to strike with the other; either hand, it didn¡¯t matter, she could use them both equally well now.


    ¡°Very good, Callie,¡± Vonn said, a bright smile on her face as the swords again glanced off each other. ¡°I¡¯m going to come back on the attack now. Concccentrate on defending, not attacking."


    Callie jumped back and set herself, grinning back, a crazy excitement building within her. ¡°Come at me!¡± she hissed.


    Vonn raised one eyebrow in surprise. ¡°As you wish!¡± The veteran Ranger darted to Callie¡¯s left, lashing out with her blade. Callie¡¯s swords were in poor position to intercept, but she instinctively lept backwards out of this swing¡¯s path. Vonn¡¯s fluid motion continued into an overhand strike, a little faster this time. Callie once again blocked with her crossed blades, before using her right sword to smash the long blade away from her. She danced back again and got into a low, crouched pose, a sly grin on her face. She was starting to breathe hard, but having a blast doing it.


    Vonn grinned in return and the two slowly started to circle each other. Vonn noted several recruits had stopped to watch, and saw both the Training Master, Thorn, as well as Major Celeste, watching at a distance. The Lamia giggled to herself, deciding to let Callie give a show, and lunged.


    Callie easily saw the move and used her crossed swords again to catch and send Vonn¡¯s blade to her right side, before taking another step backwards. Not stopping, Vonn spun, her serpentine body twisting in a corkscrew before dashing to Callie¡¯s right. Callie had a confused sense of Vonn¡¯s direction with her legless lower body, and Vonn¡¯s sword strike came swooping in from the side. Callie twisted, just managing to slip under the blade as she dove to the left and rolled with Vonn¡¯s swing. Callie leapt out of the roll as Vonn again swung and Callie swung in turn to block. But Vonn was enough of a veteran to know the path the Gnome¡¯s sword would take, and changed her own. Callie missed the parry and over-extended, falling forward off balance. Vonn smiled, turned her sword sideways and smacked the little Gnome on her butt.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Callie called out, but Vonn didn¡¯t stop to let the Gnome recover. She launched another overhand swing, slow enough for Callie to see it coming, which she took advantage of as she smacked it fiercely, almost angrily, away with one blade. Callie¡¯s eyes had completely changed. She had a much more serious look on her face now, and gone was the wide-eyed and crazy excitement, replaced with an unexpected determination. Now the Gnome meant business!


    The tiny Ranger slashed upwards with her left blade, grunting in determination. Vonn¡¯s sword was thus out of position as Callie lunged forward with her other sword, forcing Vonn to backslither to avoid getting hit. Callie pressed the momentum as Vonn reset herself, and again the three swords clanged in a staccato rhythm as Callie repeatedly blocked more strikes and then dodged, rolling backwards before springing to her feet. Vonn wasn¡¯t trying hard, nor was she using the height difference to her advantage. That wasn¡¯t the goal. Callie was too new and too slow and projected her movements what seemed like minutes in advance. No, this was all about letting Callie just get used to holding a blade, some basic movements and to gain a little confidence. Her new perk was working fast, though!


    Tenaciously, the little Ranger kept coming, the confidence Vonn was cultivating welling like an eruption within her, and Vonn slowly backed away, content to let the Gnome keep attacking. Callie was really beginning to get tired now, and it was starting to show.


    Vonn pressed an opportunity and swung again, but this time as Callie counter-swung to intercept, Vonn snagged the Gnome¡¯s little sword with her own and ripped it from Callie''s right hand. It flew a good five or six meters away, landing outside the ring at the feet of Celeste and Thorn, who had both moved closer to watch. But Callie didn¡¯t even notice she¡¯d been partially disarmed. Her remaining sword seized at the gap Vonn had opened in order to fling Callie¡¯s sword, and lunged forward. Surprised, Vonn attempted to dance backwards to dodge the strike. She almost managed to completely, but Callie¡¯s sword was fast and the mostly-dull blade actually landed a nick across the Lamia''s lower body.


    Vonn winced at the tiny cut. It certainly wasn¡¯t serious, but it showed that Callie was actually playing for keeps, now, losing sight that this was a simple sparring match. Vonn grinned and pressed the return attack, driving the little Gnome backwards as Callie ducked, weaved or blocked every slow strike.


    As they clashed, Vonn used her long body to encircle the little Gnome. She feigned a lunge, causing Callie to properly step to the rear, where she promptly tripped over the end of Vonn¡¯s serpentine tail and fell backwards with a thump. Callie was about to roll and leap up again when she noticed the end of Vonn¡¯s sword holding steady just a few centimeters from the end of her nose.


    ¡°Do you yield, Little One?¡± Vonn said with a cool tone, not even breathing hard.


    Panting, Callie seriously considered getting back up for a moment before she looked around. At least twenty recruits and staff had stopped to watch. She even noticed Kaisess was standing there with his mouth hanging open, while front and center were both Major Celeste and Master Trainer Thorn, now joined by Vanis. How long had they been watching? Callie looked back at Vonn, and for the first time since the fight started, really realized how much taller the Lamia was, and how much her rookie skills were completely outmatched. Vonn¡¯s sword was not wavering in the slightest, and with a deep breath, Callie nodded. ¡°I yield.¡±


    To a smattering of applause from the onlookers, Vonn extended a hand to Callie and helped her to stand with ease. A moment later, Fizzlebek stepped close with a metal cup of water for each of them. ¡°I think it¡¯s safe to say you now know the basics of wielding a sword,¡± the Artificer said.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    As Vonn and Callie sipped their water, Major Celeste and Master Trainer Thorn both approached, along with Vanis, Celeste holding the sword Callie had lost. Thorn and Vanis were chatting quietly with each other, but with the blood still pounding in Callie¡¯s head, she wasn¡¯t able to make out what they were saying, even with her enhanced hearing. Callie¡¯s sword in Celeste¡¯s hand was so tiny compared to the relative size of the weapon in her own, almost embarrassingly small. Seeing the little sword, it was a painful reminder of, once again, how small Callie really was, and what a liability that size might be in a real fight.


    Outside the circle, a gaggle of four Goblin recruits, three males and a female, were still still applauding Callie¡¯s performance, while a few other recruits were chatting together, periodically looking or pointing in Callie¡¯s direction. Kaisess was still there too, talking with an Elf Callie didn¡¯t recognize, and gesturing towards Callie.


    ¡°I think you dropped something,¡± Celeste said as she arrived with Thorn and Vanis. She held out the partially crafted sword, pommel first, and reluctantly Callie accepted it.


    ¡°Uh, thanks,¡± the little Ranger said, feeling a little guilty for losing her sword like she had. Callie knew Vonn had been holding back. Holding way back, in fact. So there was no real reason she should feel like that. But now that she had an idea what she was doing, she saw mistake after mistake that she made during that brief sparring match, and was mentally kicking herself for each and every one.


    Thorn cleared his throat. ¡°Recruit Calliope, first I¡¯d like ¡­¡±


    Vanis whispered something in Thorns ear.


    ¡°Ahh. Recruit Callie, then. I¡¯d like to congratulate you on a successful binding with your Symbiote. I had some concern I had made the wrong choice about your class, but it appears not to be the case.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said, taking in a deep breath, trying to get her panting and heartbeat to settle down. ¡°Before this, I¡¯d never held a sword before. I hope I did okay.¡±


    ¡°What? You¡¯ve never held a sword before?¡± Celeste asked, looking at Callie incredulously. She turned to look at Vonn and then Vanis, getting no explanation from them.


    Callie shrugged, still breathing heavy. ¡°At least not that I know of. Memory holes, remember? I just got my Dual-Wield Style and Ambidextrous, what, ten minutes ago? Twenty? Vonn suggested trying them out.¡±


    ¡°That was with no training? Just brand new perks?¡± the Major asked, skeptically. ¡°You unlocked them just now? You know how to unlock things?¡± Celeste added in a terse, quiet voice.


    Callie nodded her head. ¡°Uh huh. No training. Just the sword perk and Ambidextrous. Long story, but the Commandant told me how to unlock things earlier today.¡±


    ¡°She did what?¡± Celeste sputtered in disbelief, but then turned to Vonn, snarling. ¡°You put her in a ring wielding two swords not ten minutes after unlocking her combat perks? Are you mad?¡±


    Vonn shrugged. ¡°We were confined to the combat cccircle, as we should be. And I did not try very hard. I only wanted to give the little Ranger a sssmall experienccce.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Callie said, ¡°She was hardly trying at all. I could tell.¡±


    ¡°And look what it got you, Vonn!¡± Celeste growled, gesturing to the centimeter-long cut on the Lamia¡¯s stomach.


    ¡°Barely a scratch,¡± Vonn said with a smile, dismissing Celeste¡¯s concern with a wave.


    The Major threw up her hands in exasperation. ¡°Crazy! And now I need to spend the rest of the day and night worrying when a bunch of stupid recruits are going to start sparring just because they saw the crazy, pink-headed Gnome doing it!¡± Celeste spit out a loud grunt of frustration.


    Vonn simply shrugged and extended her hand to Celeste. Rolling her eyes, the Major reached back and they clasped each other''s wrists, before Vonn pulled her into a back-patting embrace.


    ¡°Bah,¡± Celeste said, breaking the hug. ¡°Fine. But only because we were on the lines together, Vonn. And off the record Callie, you looked pretty good out there for a first timer. On the record, though, please don¡¯t make my job any harder? You and your Pixie friend seem to always be cropping up when something is happening, so I¡¯ve got my eyes on both of you now. And whatever you do, do not tell anyone how to unlock things!¡±


    Callie beamed at the unofficial praise, and oddly, also at the idea she and Pixyl were becoming the center of mischief, too. ¡°Understood, Major.¡±


    ¡°Duwana, Recruit Vanis,¡± Celeste said with a nod.


    ¡°Duwanai,¡± the Warlock responded.


    ¡°I¡¯m off to babysit, then,¡± Celeste said. As she walked away, she called out, ¡°Hey! You two! Whatever you¡¯re thinking of doing, you better stop!¡± at a pair of Catkins that were looking suspiciously suspicious.


    Thorn chuckled at the Major as she walked away before turning back to the rest of the group. ¡°She is right, you know, you probably shouldn¡¯t have done that, Vonn.¡± He then added, ¡°But also unofficially, you did very well, Recruit. Recruit Vanis, it was a pleasure to chat and I wish you all a good day.¡±


    ¡°You as well, Sir,¡± Vanis said in return.


    <hr>


    As Thorn took his leave, Vanis introduced himself to Vonn and Fizzlebek as they all moved under the shade of the crafting building, Callie picking up her belt on the way. If Vonn knew who Vanis really was, she didn¡¯t give any indication, and neither did Fizzlebek. Vanis, himself, proved adept at socializing and easily engaged both the Artificer Gnome and the Lamia in smalltalk, and Callie was content to stand back and listen, learning about Vonn¡¯s former life as a professional adventurer before she was Conscripted. Vonn was actually a graduate of the training camp, receiving her Ranger Symbiote with the third class that had gone through. She finally retired from Rangering, after serving her Curse, in order to take up crafting, her Ranger skills and experiences proving invaluable in weapon making.


    ¡°I mussst return to my dutiesss,¡± Vonn finally said, taking the two small swords from Callie. ¡°Ranger Callie, I am going to complete these ssswordsss and see them sent to you, blunted of courssse, as required by the training rulesss. They are a little long, so I will fix that asss well. But with your permission, I¡¯d like to work on another ssset that would be sharpened for when the needsss arissse. We must ssspar again when next you visssit ssso I can sssee how you have progresssed and we can discusss what ssstyle and sssize would work bessst for you.¡±


    ¡°Of ¡­ of course,¡± Callie said, dumbfounded.


    Vonn looked briefly at Vanis, before turning back to Callie. ¡°Many of usss are perplexed by a Gnome Ranger, but at the sssame time, we wish very much for you to do well. If anyone here in Crafting can asssist, pleassse do not hesssitate to asssk.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie said, still a little shocked about the sword offers. ¡°I really appreciate everything.¡±


    ¡°We, too, the little people here in camp, are excited to see another one of us in a new role,¡± Fizzlebek added. ¡°Both you and the blue Pixie, actually. I heard she also has a strange class?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie said. ¡°She¡¯s a Bladeweaver.


    ¡°Interesting. She will not need much equipment from us, as she can make her own from Ether, but do know we are happy to help if we are able.¡±


    ¡°Thank you both, again. It means so much,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°For now,¡± Vonn said, ¡°return in two daysss and I will measure you properly for your bow. We can finalize your rune ssselection then and discuss proper swords.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I will begin on the enchanting stones so they are ready when Vonn needs them,¡± Fizzlebek added.


    The four broke up, Fizzlebek giving Callie another hug. What was it with him hugging so much? Was it just him or was it a Gnome thing? Vonn and Fizzlebek returned to their work, Callie retrieving Thorn¡¯s bow. Callie and Vanis walked away from the crafting area together, not really having any particular destination. ¡°Where should we go?¡± Vanis finally asked.


    ¡°Back to the house to join the others, maybe? If they¡¯ve left we can catch up.¡±


    ¡°Sounds delightful,¡± Vanis said with a smile. ¡°Home it is, then.¡±

 Chapter 20 - Charm School

    Chapter 20 - CHARM SCHOOL


    As Callie and Vanis approached the central garden, Callie poured her waterskin out onto the grass. Once at the fountain, she refilled it with fresh, cold water, drank down half, still feeling parched from the sparring match. She topped it off again, and Vanis did the same, before walking the rest of the way to Ogre House.


    On the porch were two baskets. Callie looked in one and saw the clothing everyone had been wearing the day before. Each person¡¯s set had been cleaned, folded and tied tight with a long piece of brightly-colored cloth of varying colors, much like a ribbon. Callie and Vanis each took a basket and went inside, Vanis calling out ¡°Hello?¡± to no response.


    ¡°Nobody home,¡± Vanis said as Callie entered behind him.


    Callie set the basket she was carrying on her bed, before taking a quick look in the blanket fort, finding no Pixyl. ¡°Lena said they were going to go exploring, so Pixyl must have woken up and they all went. We¡¯ll be able to catch up I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Vanis had set his own basket on his bed, and pulled out two of the ribbon-wrapped bundles. Callie did the same and the two sorted all six bundles, placing each on the corresponding footlockers.


    Opening the tied pack of clothing, which consisted of everything she had been wearing the day before, including the moccasin boots, Callie dropped it all to the bottom of her footlocker. Keeping the long strip of bright cloth, Callie said, ¡°Hey, I have an idea. Vanis, you said you had a knife, right?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­ yes,¡± he replied with some reluctance.


    ¡°Great! Can you cut this for me, right here?¡± Callie held out the colored strip of cloth that had wrapped her clothing, folded into two half-sized lengths. ¡°And then both in half again.¡±


    From somewhere, Callie couldn¡¯t see where for sure, Vanis produced a knife with a six or seven centimeter blade. With a quick motion, he made three clean cuts before the knife disappeared just as quickly.


    Callie was slightly perplexed, a bit unsure where the knife had come from and where it had returned too. Before she could ask, Vanis simply waved a finger saying, ¡°a gentleman never tells¡±, forestalling the obvious question.


    Picking up the booster step still next to Pixyl¡¯s bed, Callie walked over to the table and mirror. Stepping up, she pulled her hair back into a pair of pigtails, using a length of the blue ribbon-like fabric to replicate what the twine had been doing the day before, but now with cute colored ribbon instead.


    Something caught Callie¡¯s attention. ¡°Hey, Vanis, are these Xin¡¯s totem drawings?¡± Laid out on the table in front of her were at least twenty charcoal drawings showing various shapes and forms. Some were closeups, while others detailed a single totem in its entirety, with multiple faces and facets.


    ¡°Those? Yes, they are. She worked on them for almost two hours when she came out of her Symbiote trance last night, before the dizziness got to be too much for her and she had to lie down.¡±


    ¡°Is it just me, or do they seem to get significantly better as they go?¡± Callie asked. And they did. It may not be the exact order, but as Callie leafed through the pages, there was definitely a pattern of improvements. The pictures started at very basic, smudge-covered line drawings, ending at ones that were so fine-detailed they should be framed as legitimate artwork.


    ¡°They do,¡± Vanis confirmed, looking over Callies shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s also what caught Koda¡¯s attention when we were all changing earlier. I¡¯ll admit, up to that point I hadn¡¯t looked through them, but several are quite spectacular.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think she improved so much in such a short time? Her Symbiote, probably, right?¡±


    ¡°That would be my guess,¡± Vanis said with a nod. ¡°Xin mentioned that her trainer suggested drawing her totem while the joining was still fresh. Perhaps the act of drawing immediately after the joining helps meld the final form into the connection or something. Regrettably, I know very little about the Shaman class beyond the rudimentary.¡±


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll find out tomorrow when we¡¯re on the training fields,¡± Callie said with a shrug, placing Xin¡¯s artwork back in a pile where she found it.


    Vanis excused himself for the back room, and Callie returned Pixyl¡¯s booster block to the side of her bed, before climbing into her own to sit. She was still reliving the sword fight with Vonn in her head blow by blow, and still kicking herself for every mistake she realized she had made. Why had she blocked that blow when she should have parried to open up a counter strike? Why did she dodge in that place instead of blocking and adding a spin?


    ¡°Shall we go find the others?¡± Vanis asked, emerging.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie said, but then paused just before she slid to the floor. This was actually a good opportunity to ask Vanis in private about that Childlike Charm trait that was revealed earlier, and her concerns about what to do. She was fairly sure she could trust Vanis to keep it private. ¡°Hey Vanis, before we go, can I talk to you about something? Something a little sensitive?¡±


    Vanis was in the process of buckling his utility belt on, but stopped. ¡°Of course, Callie. What is the matter?¡± Vanis set his belt on his footlocker, before sitting on his bed, giving Callie his complete attention.


    Callie fidgeted. ¡°So, I have what I guess I¡¯d call an ethical issue, and I need to talk to someone about it. In confidence, though.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°This morning, when I was in the shower with Xera, they told me something I¡¯m supposed to keep secret, but because of what that secret is, I now know something that is really bothering me.¡±


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± Vanis asked, the sincere concern showing both on his face and in his voice.


    ¡°Remember when you told me I should ask myself what my class was? When I came out of my trance last night?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Well, like I mentioned to the Major, Xera told me how to find out more things about my skills and perks and stuff. Details and how to unlock them, that is.¡±


    ¡°Of course, how to query your Symbiote,¡± Vanis said flatly.


    ¡°You ¡­. you know about that? Why haven¡¯t you said anything to us?¡±


    ¡°I gathered that if the people in charge wanted everyone to know, they would have told us. Given they have such a concern about recruits using their powers before they are ready, I didn¡¯t think it was something I should share.¡±


    Callie nodded. ¡°That¡¯s what Xera said too, and I guess it makes sense. They said we would all get told about it tomorrow in training.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s bothering you?¡± Vanis asked.


    Callie took a deep breath. ¡°Okay. One of the traits I received is called Childlike Charm. It affects people around me, making them feel like they should protect me like a parent might. We¡¯ve all seen how mothering Lena¡¯s been, almost to the point of it getting a little weird. I¡¯m worried it¡¯s affecting her, and not sure if I should tell her about it. And if I am affecting her, I feel bad about it because I know I wouldn¡¯t want anyone messing with my head. Especially after seeing what happened to me with Juniper.¡±


    Vanis stared blankly at Callie, his face unreadable. Finally he said, ¡°Tell me what the trait information is.¡±


    Callie queried her Symbiote and then relayed the details.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Vanis made a contemplative face as he mulled the trait description over in his head. He remembered Lena¡¯s panic attack when Callie had overheard them talking the day before, and Lena¡¯s constant need to know where the Gnome was, or why she wasn¡¯t back sooner. With the information Callie had just provided, he now saw the connections. Eventually he smiled, and then laughed.


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said, trying to smile along.


    ¡°It really does explain a lot, actually.¡±


    ¡°How do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Lena and I have been doing everything we can to keep you protected. Your little charm would explain much of it, in addition to fully explaining what¡¯s happening with Lena.¡±


    Callie got a concerned look on her face. The idea that she was controlling other people¡¯s actions with a charm of her own already wasn¡¯t sitting well, and Vanis suggesting it as the reason everyone was helping her actually pained her and made her question the sincerity of her new friends.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you need worry,¡± Vanis said comfortingly, seeing the look in Callie¡¯s eyes. ¡°Based on that description, there are three key things to know.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, a little worried.


    ¡°First, and most important, you cannot control it. It just is part of who you are. It¡¯s no different than the fact you have pink hair or purple eyes or you are short. Just as Lena and I have Danger Sense or Xin has her color changing skin, Gnomes have this weak charm. It¡¯s a racial trait, and not one you are able to cease using, unlike Juniper and her seduction charm.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t really think about it like that,¡± Callie said. ¡°It would be different if I was doing it on purpose. Still, I have a bit of an icky feeling about it.¡±


    ¡°Second,¡± Vanis continued, ¡°as to the effect, remember the description? It¡¯s a suggestive charm, Callie. Lena couldn¡¯t be made to do anything that part of her didn¡¯t want to. None of us could be. Truth be told, I certainly have been affected as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Callie cried out.


    Vanis laughed. ¡°Suggestive, Callie. If some part of me didn¡¯t want to be parental and nurturing, it wouldn¡¯t have done anything. That said, I¡¯m not so sure about Tazrok and Xin. I think Tazrok is naturally protective of anyone that is small, maybe just a little more of you. As for Xin, if I recall, Lizardkin don¡¯t raise their own young. Instead, hatchlings are sent to a communal care for their childhood. I suspect that she¡¯s affected the least, if at all.¡±


    ¡°I wonder about Pixyl,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°I think she sees you more as a sister than anything,¡± Vanis said with a chuckle. ¡°And she is smaller than you, so it wouldn¡¯t affect her anyway.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it does sort of feel like that, I guess. I was an only child, so I don¡¯t have a great reference of what having a sister would be like, though.¡±


    ¡°What I find quite amusing,¡± Vanis said with a snicker, ¡°is that despite all her claims to the contrary, Lena must harbor some pretty deep parental inclinations. It¡¯s possible, she doesn¡¯t even realize it. She¡¯ll beg me to kill her again, I¡¯m sure, if she finds out!¡±


    Callie giggled a little along with Vanis, before frowning and saying, ¡°Still, I¡¯m really sorry if I¡¯m putting a charm on you, or on any of you for that matter. I don¡¯t mean to.¡±


    Vanis held up his hand. ¡°That¡¯s just it. Why would you need to apologize? You have no way to control it, and more importantly, as I said, any action I took that may have been paternal in nature was because at least part of me wanted to. Your minor charm? If anything, it removed an inhibition. It did not force an action.¡±


    Callie¡¯s face was frowning, trying to process what Vanis was telling her.


    Vanis attempted to give a comforting smile. ¡°Tell me, Callie, on your world, if someone saw an infant that needed help, what would they do?¡±


    ¡°Most people would help it, of course.¡±


    ¡°And how many of those people would go beyond simply helping because part of themselves had a parental or nurturing instinct triggered? How many would take in that infant temporarily, or defend them without mercy?¡±


    Vanis had a point, Callie had to admit. A lot of people would go out of their way to aid a helpless baby. She¡¯d never had any real desire to have children, but Callie remembered she once climbed a tree to get a little kitten that was stuck far up. If she thought about it, there was a deep feeling of responsibility that led to that, not just a desire to be nice. Was that akin to a motherly instinct? On another occasion, she found a stray puppy down the street, and when that puppy looked at her with those big brown eyes, she distinctly remembered the moment her heart melted and she would have done anything for her. Was this charm really just the psychic equivalent of big puppy-dog eyes?


    ¡°What¡¯s the third thing?¡± Callie finally asked.


    Vanis shrugged. ¡°As charms go, it¡¯s incredibly weak. You¡¯ve seen what Juniper was able to do with her seduction charm. Thankfully, it was one she was able to cease using at will. But there are combat charms and curses out there much worse than you can imagine, and take much harder control of your mind than even what Juniper did to you. I myself have a spell that will so fill the target¡¯s mind with nightmares and horrors that they are petrified with terror or run with fright.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Callie said, digesting that statement. ¡°I wonder if I¡¯d be able to resist that spell.¡± Seeing the confused look on the face of Vanis, Callie continued. ¡°Gnomes have a Resist Fear trait. And apparently, using mana you can try to overcome it if you are currently in fear of something. I actually think I accidently used it earlier.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Vanis said, rubbing his chin. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that about Gnomes. But that could explain the many crazy gadgets and contraptions they are constantly creating. If you have no fear of something exploding, you are more likely to try making it. Of course, that doesn¡¯t help you if it does explode. You said you used it earlier today?¡±


    Callie nodded, and relayed the story about her meeting Vonn for the first time and how afraid she felt of the Lamia. How there was a sudden burst of warmth through her, and the fear just seemed to suddenly disappear.


    Vanis smiled. ¡°I can almost assure you that is exactly what happened. You were afraid, and you unknowingly triggered your Resist Fear trait. Good for you. Remember that feeling. Remember what may have happened in your head to make that trait activate. It could save your life someday.¡±


    ¡°I also wasn¡¯t afraid the first time we met Koda, when he was being a jerk and trying to scare us. But Jesca was scared and Thucax was almost petrified. I also wasn¡¯t all that afraid of Tazrok when I met him in the wagon, and honestly I should have been terrified. This trait has a passive anti-fear part to it, right?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Vanis said. ¡°With this trait, I suspect you are generally less likely to be afraid than others. If you are affected, you have a way to attempt to magically counter it with the active part of your trait. It¡¯s an amazingly useful racial trait, actually.¡±


    ¡°I feel like I have so much to learn.¡± Callie said glumly.


    ¡°You do. But I also think you are doing very well. You¡¯ve also made friends here, and not just the people in this house. Jesca and Thucax. Koda, Fizzlebek and Vonn, Thorn and Celeste and Tasi, and even Xera, as awkward as that was; you¡¯ve connected with all of them. The hardest part for you isn¡¯t going to be learning how things work. It¡¯s going to be keeping your secret from the people who become your friends.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s strange, Vanis, back on my world I don¡¯t really have any friends anymore. I had lots of friends in college, and partied a lot at the clubs and stuff. But now that I¡¯m back home, the kids I grew up with have all moved away. With my dad gone, it¡¯s really just me and my mom, and maybe a few people I know online.¡±


    Vanis gave a confused look. ¡°Online? This is that inter-web global library you talked about, right?¡±


    ¡°It is, but that¡¯s not really important here. I¡¯m just suddenly realizing that I¡¯ve been here barely a day and I¡¯ve met more people and made more friends than I have in probably two years back in Chicago. It¡¯s just ¡­ strange to me. And really overwhelming in a way. Since my dad died, I¡¯ve gotten comfortable not being around people much anymore, although at the same time, now that I¡¯m here, I am also really missing the parties and socializing like I did in college.¡±


    ¡°You have strength, and you¡¯ll get through. And we¡¯re happy to help,¡± Vanis said with a smile, before with a wink he added, ¡±Whether you are controlling our minds or not.¡±


    Callie chuckled, but it was a bit of an empty laugh. ¡°So what do we do about Lena? Should I tell her? I mean, she¡¯s going a little crazy with the mothering. She wanted to walk me to the forge earlier! Like I was just a little kid going to her first day of school!¡±


    Vanis smiled. ¡°I think that might change when she sees you fight and realizes you are capable. Your sparring match was quite the sight considering you had never wielded a sword before. But, in the meantime, I¡¯ll talk to her. If possible, I won¡¯t tell her about the charm, but I¡¯ll strongly remind her that you are a grown adult and that she needn''t worry so much.¡±


    ¡°And I guess kill her if she becomes her mom, right?¡± Callie said with a weak laugh.


    ¡°Oh absolutely. It would be a mercy killing.¡±


    ¡°What about Tazrok and Xin?¡±


    ¡°Their responses seem much less ¡­ acute ¡­ than Lena¡¯s. Again, likely because it¡¯s harder for either of them to subconsciously think of themselves in a parental role to you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Callie said, part of her still a little uneasy, but feeling immensely better than she had. ¡°Thanks for talking to me about this, Vanis. It means a lot.¡±


    The Elf smiled. ¡°Any time, Little One.¡±


    For a moment, Callie resisted the urge to run over and hug Vanis, but that resistance faded in only a second and she did just that. Vanis slid off his bunk to his knees, and they embraced. ¡°Any time, Little One,¡± he said again, quietly, holding her tight and knowing, both of them knowing, without a doubt, it was because he wanted to.

 Chapter 21 Part 1 - Public Relations

    PART I - PUBLIC RELATIONS


    Vanis and Callie left Ogre House to look for the rest of their housemates. By now, the sun was well past noon, edging towards midafternoon.  The sun was bright, and Callie was once again happy for her wide-brimmed ranger¡¯s hat.  It was getting warm, though, and Callie briefly debated going back inside to remove the lower legs on her pants, but decided against it largely out of a sense of afternoon laziness.


    They walked together, periodically asking if anyone had seen the Ogre, and half the time getting a vague direction down towards the mess tent.  It was a nice day, and neither felt like they were in a rush.


    ¡°Have you had any more reveals lately?¡± Callie asked Vanis.


    ¡°Now that you mention it, it has been some time since my last one.¡±


    ¡°Same here, since before my sword fight with Vonn, in fact.¡± Callie said with a slight worry.  ¡°I wonder if they are all done.¡±


    ¡°We were told that most of the reveals should be done by midday, so that could be.  Obviously, be vigilant.¡±


    ¡°It will be nice if they are, that¡¯s for sure.  It was awful for me, but Pixyl had it even worse.¡±


    ¡°I remember.  The one at breakfast was dreadful.  Five at one time?  The worst I had was three when I first woke up.  You had a six, right?¡±


    ¡±Seven, and that got me sick,¡± Callie said, with a shudder.  ¡°And then another three-at-once when I got back from the showers.¡±


    ¡°Well, with luck, we¡¯re through it.  I personally am eager to try out some of my new skills.  I received some new summoning abilities.¡±


    ¡°Oh?  So more than just your Imp creatures?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Vanis said with a smile.  ¡°I am now able to summon a Lesser Fiend, which appears to be a tough, durable brute that is able to fight hand to hand.¡±


    ¡°A Guardian, right?  Or would it be a Striker?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know of group tactics?¡±


    ¡°A little,¡± Callie said sheepishly.  ¡°Koda and I were talking earlier.  He knows a lot about it and gave me a lesson.  Guardians and Strikers, right?  And then Ranged and Healers.¡±


    Vanis motioned to the shade of a nearby tree and invited her to sit down with him while they talked, since they were in no real hurry.  ¡°That¡¯s right.  There are other groups and tactics as well, but you have the basics right there.  As such, Fiends function as a Guardian, and as I rise in Tier, I¡¯ll be able to summon stronger Fiends.  Imps would be considered Strikers in combat, but they are very small, so to make up for that, they swarm the enemy in mass numbers.  A Nether Bat is much like an Imp, in that they are small and do best in swarms.  However, A Nether Bat is able to fly and has a short-range acidic spit attack as well as dangerous claws.¡±


    Callie tried to imagine swarms of bats spitting acid and ripping an enemy apart, and then shuddered.  ¡°How many different types of Demons are you able to summon?  Something for every role?¡±


    ¡°I believe so, in time.  I¡¯d need to speak with Terrin, my trainer, in more detail to know what comes later.  But as I understand, by the time I reach Gold tier, I may have seven or eight different demon types I am able to summon, depending on the need at the time.¡±


    ¡°Xera said they lost their arm to an Etherdemon, so I¡¯d guess that¡¯s one of them,¡± Callie said. ¡°Apparently, they have energy swords on their arms like Pixyl does.  The cauterizing effect of the blades is why Xera isn¡¯t able to grow back their arm or wing.¡±


    ¡°I know of that effect,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°The Ethereal magics would have not just cauterized the wound, but also burned out the nerves in what remained of her arm.  Thus, one couldn¡¯t just cut off the damaged part and grow anew.  Ethereal magic like what Pixyl has is quite devastating.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I was wondering why she couldn¡¯t cut off the end to regrow it.  That really sucks.  At least you¡¯ll get to summon one of those ¡®Etherdemons¡¯.  That will be nice to have on our side.¡±


    ¡°I suspect the skill to summon them comes at a much later Tier,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°At least I haven¡¯t received it yet, and wouldn¡¯t expect it before Gold, if not Platinum.  Tactically, such a beast would function as a melee Striker, I would presume.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense.  You just have those three summons, then?  Imps, bats and the Fiend?¡±


    ¡°I received one other.  A Nether Horror.  It appears it has a powerful ranged attack similar to my Deathbolt skill, as well as an ability to apply minor curses to the enemy, sapping their movement capability.¡±


    Callie chuckled.  ¡°Deathbolt?  Nether Horror?  Fiends?  Curses?  You Warlocks sound a little creepy and evil if you think about it.  You need better public relations.¡±


    Vanis laughed heartily.  ¡°I know!  It¡¯s dreadful.  Imagine what happened as people across the kingdom learned that the Prince was a Warlock.  The only class considered more creepy and evil would be the Necromancer, and I don¡¯t believe any are here this term.  Unfortunately, Warlock was the class I received, so there¡¯s little I can do about it.  Just remember that good or evil depends ultimately on what you do with the power you have.¡±


    ¡°You should still work on that public relations, though,¡± Callie said, patting Vanis¡¯s arm.  Then a thought occurred to her.  ¡°Do you think being a Warlock has anything to do with the effort to remove you from the line of succession?¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Vanis started to reply, but stopped, a puzzled expression on his face.  ¡°It¡¯s possible, I suppose,¡± he finally said with a shrug.  ¡°But it seems like an odd reason.  I wasn¡¯t actively pursuing my Warlock class, after all.  I even issued a public statement that I wasn¡¯t seeking a Symbiote as it would be better given to a combat Warlock, at least until I was Cursed.¡±


    ¡°Still,¡± Callie said with a shrug.  ¡°The evil and creepy Prince could turn into the evil and creepy King.¡±


    Vanis let off a huff.  ¡°Who knows.  They did try to curse my father, though, so that certainly couldn¡¯t be the only reason, or they¡¯d have been satisfied with the change in the rules of succession.  Or just assassinated me, if they were motivated enough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad they didn''t, Vanis.  And if it¡¯s any consolation, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re evil.¡±


    ¡°What about creepy?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Callie said, smiling wide.


    <hr>


    Ten minutes later, Callie and Vanis finally were directed to the training grounds to track down their wayward housemates.  Thirty or so recruits were standing or sitting around in various groups chatting with each other.


    The entirety of the training grounds itself was huge.  Various partially-covered shelters were littered throughout, providing a way to sit in small groups and be shaded from the sun and elements.  Dozens of sparring circles dotted the field, some small for fights of two to four, others larger to handle at least a dozen.  Long target ranges were off to one side, rising up a gentle incline.  Some were as long as three-hundred meters, perhaps longer, presumably for Rangers and other ranged classes to work on those skills.  Other, smaller areas had fighting dummies and various contraptions set up to practice close-range skills.  Callie¡¯s head swam as she absorbed it all, and then her brain started to imagine the logistics of scheduling all these different class groups into their correct area with the correct equipment, and rotating them around as needed.  Captain Kela was right, she probably was the most-important person here!


    Tazrok, even sitting in one of the shelters, stood out amongst everyone sitting around him.  His broad shoulders and frame looked like a wall of Ogre meat compared to the diminutive Pixyl on one side, and what looked like Jesca.


    Vanis raised a hand in a distant greeting to Lena, and with Callie next to him, they set out to join the others.  Off to one side, Vanis saw his fellow Warlock, Dunni, sitting with two Fairies he did not recognize, as well as an unfamiliar female Elf.  ¡°Everyone seems to be getting along,¡± Vanis said with a smile.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie agreed.  ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±


    Callie and Vanis joined the rest and settled into a spot on the ground in the shade of the shelter.  In addition to Jesca, both Thucax and Shul¡¯an had joined the group, the Salamanderkin lying outside of the shade, happily soaking in the sun.  Jesca and Pixyl were in rapt conversation, apparently no longer needing an introduction.


    ¡°You took your time, Callie.  I was getting worried.¡± Lena said.  ¡°Thanks for bringing her back, Vanis.¡±


    Callie glanced at Vanis, who she swore rolled his eyes slightly.


    ¡°Yes.  I happened upon Miss Callie as I was returning from the Healers. It was quite fascinating, actually.  I happened to see a small crowd watching something, and what do I find?  Our little Callie, fighting with a Lamia!¡±  Vanis ruffled Callie¡¯s hair lightly.


    ¡°What?¡± Lena said, concern immediately in her voice.   ¡°What did she do to you?  Are you okay?  Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°Fighting!¡± Tazrok said gruffly, standing up and almost knocking Pixyl over.  ¡°No fighting!¡±


    ¡°Not just any fighting, Tazrok.  Sword fighting!  With two swords, even!¡± Vanis said, adding an exaggerated inflection to the statement.


    ¡°Vanis!  Stop trying to get me in trouble!¡± Callie whined, giving the Elf a backhanded slap.  ¡°Tazrok, I wasn¡¯t real fighting, it was a sparring match!  And Lena, I¡¯m fine.  The only thing hurt was a smack on my butt and a bruised ego.¡±


    Slowly, Tazrok sat back down, still eyeing Callie suspiciously.  ¡°Sparring good fighting.  Other fighting bad.¡±


    ¡°You were sword sparring with a Lamia?  She¡¯s at least three times your size!  And why would she put two swords in your hands and spar with you?¡± Lena lectured, her ire rising.


    Callie sighed.  ¡°Just as I got there, I got two reveals.  Ambidextrous and Dual-Wield with Blades.¡±


    ¡°J-J-Just like m-m-me?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°Yup, the same ones, Pixyl.  And I assume you have them as well, Lena, since you used two swords.¡±


    ¡°I do, actually,¡± Lena confirmed, taken aback suddenly.


    ¡°I thought you would.  Anyway, Vonn is a retired Gold Tier Ranger, so she put a pair of Gnome-sized practice blades in my hands and let me swing them around a bit, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°The truth is, everyone,¡± Vanis said, ¡°she actually did very well for having never held a sword, let alone two of them.  She was quite outmatched by the skill of her opponent, but managed to ¡­ uh ¡­ swing with conviction.¡±


    ¡°Bah.  Vonn spanked my ass.  Literally actually.  I did manage to nick her at least, so I guess that¡¯s something.  Both Master Thorn and Major Celeste were watching, too.  Officially, they said I shouldn¡¯t be sparring but,¡± Callie lowered her voice to a loud whisper, ¡°unofficially they said I did a good job.¡±


    Lena frowned, ¡°So you didn¡¯t get hurt or anything, then?¡±


    ¡°No, mom, I¡¯m fine,¡± Callie said dryly, to the chuckles of everyone around her.  ¡°It was all very safe and controlled.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, but I don¡¯t want you taking unnecessary risks.¡±


    Callie again locked eyes for a moment with Vanis, and he returned the tiniest of nods.  Lena was just a little out of control on the Mother Hen front.


    ¡°Jesca, Thucax, Shul¡¯an, you should make sure to introduce yourself to Vonn,¡± Callie suggested.  ¡°She¡¯s a little scary at first, but super nice and knowing another high tier Ranger is a good thing, too.  I bet she¡¯d have a lot of fun Ranger stories.  She was apparently an adventurer for a while!¡±


    ¡°Uh, she¡¯s the Lamia?  I ¡­ suppose we could try ¡­¡± Jesca started to respond nervously before trailing off, nowhere near the unending fountain of words she was earlier.  Thucax said nothing, simply remaining stoic as usual.


    ¡°Better yet, I¡¯ll introduce the three of you, and Kaisess, too.  We should have some time tomorrow or the next day I¡¯d think.  Maybe after class or when we¡¯re on break.¡±


    Thucax grunted an unhappy grunt, and Jesca had a worried look on her face.


    ¡°Where d-d-did you get the ribbons?¡± Pixyl asked, pointing to Callie¡¯s head.  ¡°They look really p-p-pretty on you.¡±


    ¡°They do?¡± Callie said, reaching up and touching the ribbons.  She beamed a smile at the Pixie, ¡°Thanks, Pixyl!  We got our clothes back from the Brownies while we were all gone, and they wrapped them in this ribbon.  If you don¡¯t want your ribbon, I¡¯ll take it, because they are different colors and then I can change things out for variety.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Pixyl said with a happy nod.


    Lena turned to her fellow Elf.  ¡°Did you get cleared of your Curserot, Vanis?¡±


    ¡°I did, thank you.  Healer Tasi made me drink a dreadfully foul healing potion, but promised me that whatever minor Curse damage I have would be healed by tomorrow.  All I know is it better be, after having to drink that¡­¡± Vanis¡¯s voice trailed off as he slowly stood and looked worriedly out over the training field.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie said, standing up.  ¡°Vanis?¡±


    ¡°What the hell is he doing?¡± Vanis said quietly, raising a hand to his eyes to shield them from the sun.  ¡°No.  He can¡¯t be that stupid¡­¡±


    Pixyl joined Vanis and Callie, looking across the field as well.  ¡°W-w-wait, is he doing w-w-what I think he is?  I don¡¯t see a ¡­¡±


    ¡°Dear stars!¡± Vanis cried out, cutting Pixyl off.  ¡°Without a Ritual Circle!¡±  With that he took off at a sprint across the field, catapulting over a surprised Fairy.  ¡°Stop!  Damn you, stop!¡± Vanis screamed in panic.

 Chapter 21 Part 2 - Ive Got This

    PART II - I¡¯VE GOT THIS


    Callie turned to ask Pixyl what was going on, but the little Pixie had run off as well, hot on the heels of Vanis and picking up speed. ¡°Guys?¡± Callie called out sheepishly as the rest of the group all stood to see what was happening.


    Vanis bolted across the field, hoping to make it in time. It was Dunni, he was casting a spell. But not just any spell, a summoning of some kind. That was foolishness by itself. But he also hadn¡¯t laid down a Ritual Circle first. If the summoning succeeded¡­ ¡°Stop!¡± Vanis called again. ¡°Dunni! You must stop!¡± But the Fairy ignored him, or was so wrapped up in his stupidity that he couldn¡¯t hear the shout.


    Despite running all out, Vanis just seemed to know he wasn¡¯t going to make it. He could see a ring of purple already forming that would bring the creature through the Nether. What could he do? He glanced around and saw no trainers. No staff. No officers. ¡°Stop!¡± he cried out again, his voice cracking hoarsely. Think, Vanis! He only knew one spell that would be helpful, Deathbolt, but he couldn¡¯t use that. If he missed it could literally kill someone, and even if he managed to land it on target, the splash effect would certainly hit Dunni, and probably the others cheering behind him. Think, Vanis.


    Wait! Of course! He had all of his skills now. But what to use! What to use! There! Would that one work? He quickly searched his brain to recall the effects he had queried earlier that morning. Yes! That would work! It was channeled, so it would not work for long, but it would work at least long enough for people to get away. The ring was rising and he could make out the shape of something forming. He couldn¡¯t cast too soon, but if he waited too long, the young Warlock Dunni was going to be ripped apart. Vanis ran, and tried one last time, knowing it wouldn¡¯t work. ¡°Dunni, stop!¡±


    With a vague whooshing sound, the purple ring finished rising from the ground, disappearing into nothingness. In its place was a squat, horned Demon with a row of visibly sharp teeth. It was short, maybe a meter and a half tall, but it was built like a wall of razors and muscle. Its skin was a sickly reddish brown and at the end of each of its oversized arms was a four-digit hand with long, dagger-like claws. And it was pissed! Really pissed! The first thing it did was to turn to its summoner.


    Dunni smiled as he worked to finish casting the Summon Fiend spell. He¡¯d done it on a dare, but would have done it anyway if just asked by the cute Elf he had been chatting with. Grinning, he looked up for the briefest of moments and saw Vanis running full out trying to get to him, waving his arms in panic. What was the Prince¡¯s problem? He had cast the spell correctly. Summon Fiend. Here it was, a Fiend, just like was expected. But Dunni soon sensed something wasn¡¯t right. The monster was not happy, not happy at all! What did he miss? Dunni started to slowly back away, his three friends already turning tail and sprinting. Something was going very wrong.


    Vanis saw the Fiend fully materialize. Without a Ritual Circle to bind it, nothing was there to hold it in place while the Summoner took control. The Fiend was now wild. It was beyond wild, it was feral! And it would go after whomever caught its attention, and that person was Dunni. Vanis had never cast the spell that he must, so he hoped he could do it right. If he was wrong, people would probably die. Vanis screeched to a halt and dropped to one knee for stability, calling out the words in his mind¡­Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    NETHER HOLD


    There was a flash of his own purple energy as Vanis let fly the only spell he could think of in that moment that wouldn¡¯t kill a bystander. A tendril of violet snaked out, followed quickly by another and then two and then a dozen. They reached for the Fiend, the first tendril wrapping itself around its neck. A heartbeat later the others arrived and began to encircle the monster like a cocoon. A few more loops and the Fiend was bound, but only for a moment. ¡°Run! Get help!¡± Vanis screamed out to anyone that might listen, but so many people were petrified with fear or confusion, or just gawking like fools. He couldn¡¯t hold this spell. It was a channeled spell and one that was grossly inefficient since he¡¯d had no practice with it. He could feel the Nether Hold draining his mana reserves like a bucket with a hole in it. He had maybe ten seconds, at best.


    Vanis saw a flash of blue in his periphery. He couldn¡¯t turn his head to look, but he sensed who it was. Pixyl was standing there, not even breathing hard. The foolish Pixie had run here with him!


    Pixyl knew this spell, and it was the wrong one for this circumstance, plus Vanis hadn¡¯t had time to put down his own Circle to assist. She glanced at the face of Vanis, seeing the sweat starting to bleed out of his forehead, knowing this spell couldn''t last long in the hands of someone inexperienced, and it was new to Vanis she was sure. She had seconds. ¡°I¡¯ve got this!¡± she snarled to the Elf and turned towards the held Demon.


    Vanis barely heard anything over the pounding in his ears, but he heard Pixyl¡¯s words clear as the sun shone down on him. ¡®I¡¯ve got this¡¯ she had said. But he couldn¡¯t shout to stop her. He couldn¡¯t dare let his attention falter more than it already had or the hold would break. He couldn¡¯t dare tell Pixyl to get back, to run, to save herself. What had he done!


    Pixyl ran towards the Fiend, summoning her two deadly Ethereal Blades. On instinct Pixyl triggered her new ability, Dash. She had queried what it did to unlock it earlier, and wasn¡¯t shocked at all when her running speed increased ten-fold for a brief moment, a trail of Ethereal mist left in her wake, and she closed the gap to the creature in nearly the beat of a Pixie¡¯s wing. She skidded around face-to-face with the Fiend, ready to engage as soon as the spell ended. ¡°Let it go!¡± she called out.


    Vanis was getting exhausted. He could feel his mana reserves were nearly drained. If that happened, he¡¯d actually start draining his stamina and could actually injure himself. At that point it would be just a matter of moments before he collapsed. He saw Pixyl take off like an arrow, faster than imaginable, her blades of power flashing into existence. Did she mean to fight it? He poured new reserves into the spell, in panic of what the Fiend might do to his tiny new friend. He barely heard the words when she said ¡®let it go¡¯, but heard them clear enough. He saw the look on Pixyl¡¯s face. The intensity in her eyes was focused and white hot.


    ¡°On three!¡± he called out weakly.


    1¡­ Vanis took a deep breath, holding it to manage just a little more time.


    2¡­ The Pixie set herself, her two glowing swords of energy at the ready.


    3¡­


    The Nether Hold dropped, revealing the rather shocked Fiend. Before it could think, there was a fountain of sparks as Pixyl¡¯s Ethereal Blades snaked out to sever the creature''s leg at the hip.


    And then the blades of power bounced off!

 Chapter 21 Part 3 - Let Them Fight

    PART III - LET THEM FIGHT


    Pixyl looked shocked for a moment as her sword rebounded off the Fiend¡¯s skin. This wasn¡¯t right. They should have passed right through it like water. She¡¯d fought Fiends dozens of times in the Pits and these small ones were practically harmless before her Ethereal Blades.


    Her normal blades¡­


    These blades were green!


    Fiend and Pixie looked at each other surprised, but the Fiend was the first to get its wits together. It reached for the tiny Fae, and without thinking, Pixyl¡¯s Dodge ability executed, and she rolled to the left, leaving the monster finding only air. Again Pixyl looked at her green swords, realizing the game had to change. She couldn¡¯t kill it with these useless blades. But she could at least keep the Demon busy until someone arrived!


    The Fiend turned to face her and crouched, and Pixyl jabbed it in the face, sending it staggering backwards, in surprise more than anything. Pixyl again lashed out, smacking the training blade into the Fiend¡¯s side like a thick stick. It did no damage, but it did hurt. She spun, dropping to a knee and jabbing both blades upwards into the creature¡¯s belly, causing the Fiend to grunt and reach for her. She rolled again, rising back to her feet, her wing suddenly throbbing in residual agony. The beast lowered its head and charged. Pixyl yelped, dodged again, willing her mind to forget the pain as she twice more smacked the Fiend on its head. Again the green blades of uselessness bouncing off like the Demon was made of rubber.


    Both stepped back, squaring off against each other, just getting their bearings. ¡°Come on!¡± the Pixie hissed in a battle rage, and the Fiend took the bait. He ran for her and Pixyl pushed off the ground with her flight telekinetics just enough to jump over the charging beast, despite him being over twice her height. She landed, spun, and flashed a savage grin. Spying a small rock, she called on her Minor Telekinesis and flung it at the Fiend. Instinctively, the Demon raised a hand to block the harmless stone, and Pixyl used the distraction to once again jab both swords into its belly. They didn¡¯t go through anything, but that much Pixie power at the end of a blunt tip hurt like hell.


    Trainer Olin had heard the screams and saw a few recruits running from the training fields. He didn¡¯t have to know what happened to know that it had to be something bad. He looked, saw a clear path through panicked people, and executed his own Dash ability, running at unbelievable speed towards the danger, a magenta mist dispersing behind him. He arrived in the blink of a moment, seeing the Elf Prince staggering to his feet and a throng of people standing in a large circle. He heard the crash of an Ethereal Blade and feared the worst.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Olin demanded as he got to Vanis. For the first time, he saw what everyone else saw. There was a Demon, a small Fiend, and then a flash of blue color. Olin¡¯s eyes grew wide as comprehension began to come to him..


    Vanis panted. ¡°Someone summoned¡­without a circle.¡±


    ¡°Is that...¡± Olin gasped, his words finally catching up with his brain. In the middle of the makeshift combat ring was a grinning Pixyl fighting a Demon at least twice her size. With green swords!


    ¡°Those swords will be useless!¡± Olin snapped out to nobody.


    Callie ran up, the rest of her housemates right behind her, and burst through the line of onlookers to see Pixyl dueling with a monster of some kind. Her friend didn¡¯t seem hurt, but she couldn¡¯t see how her friend wasn¡¯t moments from death. The Fiend stood twice her size and was just savage, the claws seeming to be as large as Pixyl¡¯s face. Pixyl again dodged an attempt to rip her throat out, smacking at the claws of the Fiend for its attempt. It pulled its arm back and shook his hand, trying to get the sting off it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t like that, do ya?¡± Pixyl snarled with a mocking grin. No stutter. No uncertainty.


    The Fiend roared and charged, determination in its eyes. With a flash, Pixyl¡¯s left sword vanished, replaced with a buckler made of green Ethereal mists. The monster¡¯s attack glanced off the shield, allowing Pixyl to get another stab into its belly, sending the monster off balance yet again. The Pixie lashed out with her foot, initially hoping to trip the Fiend, but had to settle for a kick to its knee. The creature howled in pain and backed off.


    Olin had finally taken stock of the action, and was about to step into the ring and end this before someone got hurt. But before he could move, a hand fell on his shoulder and a low voice said ¡°Just wait.¡± He turned to see the Master Trainer standing next to him, having just arrived and keenly watching the fight. ¡°Let them fight,¡± Thorn said quietly.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Olin asked, astounded.


    ¡°End it when she starts to falter.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Olin said with a nod, and then circled the impromptu ring to take a position where he would be able to enter the fight in a moment.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Vanis snapped at Thorn.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Training,¡± Thorn responded, not taking his eyes off the fight.


    Pixyl sidestepped the Fiend again. She needed to conserve her energy. Pit fights never lasted this long with her normal swords unless she wanted them to, but with these useless things the fight was dragging. She buckler-blocked another swipe, the claws leaving sparks against the magical barrier. Stabbing again, she drove the Fiend back two more steps as the green blade pummeled it. She wasn¡¯t quite winded yet, but could feel the first hints of it coming. Where were the people in charge?


    Another charge by the Demon, and once again Pixyl sidestepped, smacking it on the back of its head yet again. That just made it more mad, if that was even possible. She ditched the shield and brought her second blade back into being, jabbing the Fiend with both sword ends simultaneously in the chest and its face. The monster roared and banged its chest in defiance, giving the Pixie a fraction of a moment to look around. Pixyl saw Vanis, now back on his feet but wavering, standing next to some officer that was just watching her. Why wasn¡¯t he helping? Then she saw Olin. His lion-headed body was ready to literally pounce, but he also was doing nothing.


    Before she could give it more thought, Pixyl barely dodged a series of four claw strikes as the Fiend executed a flurry of fast attacks. She flight-jumped backwards to get distance, her wings spreading out on instinct to control her fall. She screamed in pain, before focusing that pain back towards her enemy in a series of fast return swings. The Demon backed off to reposition, angry and red-eyed. It roared out again in defiant anger and started to circle, all its focus still on the blue-haired Pixie.


    Pixyl risked a look at Olin, seeing he was still in a ready position and doing nothing. Then she got it. This was a test. Not a planned test, but had become one nonetheless. Olin was ready to step in when she failed. Well, not this Pixie! She was in charge here. This was her show! She needed a plan.


    Olin stood by, ready to intervene at a moment''s notice, but so far, the Pixie surprisingly had everything under control. At least a dozen of her strikes would have incapacitated or killed the Fiend, save for wearing the suppressor bands. He watched as she side-stepped another swipe, smacking the back of the monster¡¯s legs in a deft response. He stayed ready, waiting for the slimmest sign she was losing control of the fight, but so far, there had been no need to step in. In fact, the Demon hadn¡¯t even laid a claw on the little Pixie yet.


    Pixyl had come up with a five-step plan, and it was a really bad one. It would require perfect timing and a whole lot of luck to pull off, but it was all she could quickly think of to end this without calling for Olin. The problem was the suppressor bands. With them on, none of her deadly powers could finish this, and they were under the sleeves of her shirt, unreachable. The Demon was circling like a starving wolf now and Pixyl grinned back in a savage display of Pixie fury. ¡°Come on, take the bait!¡± she hissed. The Fiend finally roared defiantly and charged.


    Pixyl dropped her left sword in exchange for the green Ethereal Shield again. The Demon raced towards her, intent on bowling her over; only to be stopped cold by a smash to the face with her shield. The Fiend staggered back, in shock more than anything and roared again.


    Turning her right shoulder towards the beast, Pixyl gave the Fiend an obvious opening and saw its hand go up for another swipe. The dagger-like claws could tear her apart and she had to judge the distance perfectly. Too far away it wouldn¡¯t work, too close, she could bleed out in moments. Pixyl hoped there was a healer here because she was going to need them soon. The Fiend¡¯s deadly claws raked down her right arm. The instant pain was excruciating, and out of the corner of her eye she saw a sudden splash of red and felt the tearing of muscle and sinew. But finally, there was that momentary tug that she needed to feel, before the pressure ceased.


    Now for the next part. She pulled away, using her flight telekinetics to execute a backflip, dropping her into the perfect position for the next step in this ridiculous plan. She¡¯d never cast this next spell before and all she could hope was that it worked. Dropping her Ethereal Shield, she extended her left hand while her mind formed the word ¡­


    FLASHBANG!


    There was an explosion of light and sound directed outward from Pixyl¡¯s outstretched hand and the Demon reached for its ears, staggering back and wobbling chaotically. Behind it, several watching recruits fell to the ground, hugging their own ears, while others staggered, rubbing their eyes. Thankfully, Pixyl was unaffected by the spell¡¯s effects. With a moment to work, Pixyl used her left hand to reach through the ripped hole in her right sleeve, digging for the suppression band. It was hot and sticky and everything was slick with blood, and she was having problems finding it. The Demon began to collect itself, shaking its head to clear it. Time was running out! There! A band of leather! She grasped it as hard as she could and pulled. The suppressor had been cut by the Demon¡¯s claws and came out effortlessly, spraying a cascade of Fae blood across the field as she threw it to the ground.


    Her sword stopped being green¡­


    Pixyl grinned, shouted her own feral scream, and charged. The Demon almost had his wits about it and it was going to be close, too close. The monster saw the Pixie charging and started to reach for her, so Pixyl dropped to the ground. Momentum carried her forward as she slid between the Fiend¡¯s legs, her tiny frame barely fitting through. She stopped, spun around and drove the spike of energy straight through the Demon¡¯s back. Time froze a moment as the Fiend looked down to the pillar of light emerging from its abdomen. But all it had was that moment, as Pixyl ran the blade up the monster¡¯s body and out the top of its head.


    Pixyl faced away from the Demon, who did not yet realize it was dead, breathing heavily. She looked up and saw the crowd of stunned onlookers. She saw a hesitant smile forming on Olin¡¯s furry face. She saw Callie, still holding her sensitive Gnome ears in pain and staring at her. Callie had a cascade of emotions in those eyes; terror, worry, shock, wonder, panic, relief, amazement. But all Pixyl could really see was that those eyes were just so beautiful.


    Pixyl blinked and cleared her mind as behind the tiny Bladeweaver the Fiend slumped to its knees, still upright, still struggling to accept the fact it was already dead. With a savage scream, Pixyl leapt into the air, spinning, her sword of light neatly cleaving through the Demon¡¯s neck. She landed on one knee facing the circle of recruits, her wings spread wide and seeming to pulse with an adrenaline-fueled excitement, her deadly blade outstretched and crackling with anger. Behind her, the severed head fell to the ground with a thump and rolled, coming to rest staring into the horrified face of the Warlock Dunilawal.

 Chapter 22 Part 1 - Life-Saving Measures

    PART I - LIFE-SAVING MEASURES


    A small smattering of applause started as Pixyl held her pose.  She unclenched her fist, causing the crackling energy sword to fade into a cloud of Ethereal mist.  Slowly, the little Pixie collapsed to a sitting position, starting to look a little woozy.


    Callie broke from the crowd, ignoring the pain and ringing in her ears, and started to run to Pixy¡¯s aid, her head filled with panic and dread.  No this couldn¡¯t be happening!  Not to Pixyl!  Not to her new friend!


    ¡°None of you recruits are to leave.  Nobody moves!¡± Master Trainer Thorn commanded the assembled crowd.


    But Callie''s fear for her friend made her ignore Thorn¡¯s order, and she ran, sliding to the ground next to Pixyl, instinctively slamming her hand over the Pixie¡¯s bleeding arm.  Pixyl groaned in new pain as Callie cried out ¡°Someone do something!¡±


    ¡°Healer!¡± Thorn commanded.


    With a shrill cry, a golden hawk none of the recruits had noticed above streaked down from the sky, landing a few meters away from Pixyl.  With a ripple of magic, the hawk became the elder Druid trainer, Rowani.  She walked towards Pixyl, pausing just long enough to kick the still-upright decapitated corpse of the Fiend over to its side with a scowl.


    ¡®Where are my baby Druids?¡± Rowani called out, scanning the crowd of onlookers.  ¡°Are any of them here?¡±  She couldn¡¯t see either of her Dwarves, nor the Elf, Wallir.  Only the Ogre was present, towering over the other recruits.  Sighing, she gestured towards Tazrok.  ¡°Ogre!  Come heal her injury.¡±


    Tazrok pointed at himself in surprise.  ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Move it!¡± Rowani commanded.  ¡°The Pixie is bleeding out.  Little Gnome, you must move aside!¡±


    The few recruits in front of the Ogre parted instantly as Tazrok dropped his surprised look and rushed towards his fallen friend.  ¡°What do I do?¡±


    ¡°Little One, make room,¡± Rowani commanded in a firmer voice.  ¡°Tazrok, you must cast Mend Wound.  Put one hand under her arm to support it, but do not grasp it.  You¡¯ll likely break it, if you do.¡±


    Tazrok dropped to his knees to get closer, and one could swear the earth rippled as he did so.  Tazrok didn¡¯t know what to do.  He had no idea how to cast Mend Wound.  He didn¡¯t know how to cast any spells.  The only reference he had was his Berserker and Barbarian abilities, but they weren¡¯t spells.  Tazrok still wasn¡¯t even sure what mana was.  Vanis had said something about it being all around and that a caster stored it, but that just sounded like Elf gibberish.  He looked at his hands in confusion.  ¡°How?¡± he asked in a frightened voice.  He was scared for his friend, and scared he couldn¡¯t help her.


    ¡°Little Gnome, I said move aside!¡± Rowani commanded.


    ¡°She¡¯ll start bleeding again!¡± Callie snapped.


    ¡°Move aside!¡± Rowani commanded again.  She didn¡¯t need a Command Aura pulse to get her point across, but that was surely going to come next if Callie didn¡¯t get out of the way.


    Callie glared hard at the Beastkin, before letting go and scooting behind Pixyl to her left side.  She took the Pixie¡¯s bloody left hand in her own.  Everything was covered in red.  ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± Callie cried to her friend.  ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡±


    ¡°I got it?¡± Pixyl said, looking towards Callie with a dazed expression.  ¡°It¡¯s dead right?¡±


    ¡°Yea, you got it,¡± Callie said, her throat feeling as if it might choke in worry.  ¡°Everyone is safe.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°I will tell you how to unlock the skill,¡± Rowani said quietly.  She leaned in and whispered in the Ogre¡¯s ear.  ¡°That is all you must do.¡±


    But Tazrok had a panicked look on his face.  ¡°I do not understand?¡± he cried.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Just do as you are told,¡± Rowani snapped.  ¡°Quickly!¡±


    Tazrok swallowed hard and took a deep breath, trying to center himself enough to do the query.   He shook his head in frustration, and opened his eyes, catching Callie¡¯s look.  He remembered back to how she had helped him to meditate and took a deep breath again.  It took another moment, but his face finally lit up.  ¡°I understand!¡±


    ¡°Good!  Hold your other hand over her wound, but don¡¯t touch it.¡± Rowani commanded Tazrok as she pointed.  The Ogre was still confusedly staring at his own hands.  ¡°Hand. Over. Her. Wound!¡± Rowani repeated tersely.  ¡°Now!¡± she added for emphasis, pulsing her Command Aura to focus the Ogre¡¯s attention.


    Without any more delay, Tazrok did as he had been instructed, holding his one hand under Pixyl¡¯s arm, supporting it, and his other a few centimeters above.  ¡°Now what?¡±


    ¡°Clear your mind and cast Mend Wound,¡± Rowani growled.  ¡°Don¡¯t think about it, just do it.  Your time is running out.¡±


    Callie noticed Tazrok¡¯s hand was shaking.  ¡°Breathe, Tazrok.  You can do this.¡±


    Tazrok quickly nodded and tried to relax again , drawing in a big breath, before blowing it out.  ¡°Mend Wound,¡± his deep voice said as calmly as he could muster.


    Nothing happened.


    ¡°Again!¡± Rowari chided.  ¡°Clear your head.¡±


    As Tazrok took another deep breath as Rowani waved her hand, creating a small piece of red fruit in it.  Reaching down, she shoved it into Pixyl¡¯s mouth.  ¡°Eat this!¡± she commanded.  ¡°Bite once and swallow.¡±


    Instinctively, Pixyl bit into the fruit.  It was incredibly juicy and exploded in her mouth. Before she could swallow though, a gush of red liquid erupted from her mouth and nose and she started to gag.  Pixyl spit the piece of fruit out, where it continued to gurgle out a sticky red liquid.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Rowani said.  ¡°Here¡¯s another, one bite and swallow fast.  It will help with your blood loss.¡±  Again Rowani waved her hand and shoved the summoned fruit into Pixyl¡¯s mouth.  ¡°Bite once and swallow immediately!¡± she ordered again.


    Pixyl nodded in understanding.  She bit once, and before it could explode out of her face again, she swallowed it down, gagging as it burst in her throat, but managing to keep it from coming back up.  A small part of Pixyl¡¯s brain noticed it had a surprisingly pleasant, sweet taste to it, as her body felt slightly refreshed.


    Meanwhile, Tazrok was trying to do his breathing exercises.  Breathe in.  Blow out.  Breathe in.  Blow out.  What was he doing!  His brain slug had just told him the rules to healing, but he had no idea how to cast a spell.  He wasn¡¯t a Healer!  He was supposed to be a Berserker!  He was supposed to be a Barbarian!


    Right?


    Tazrok¡¯s mind floated back to the day before.  It went back to when the Tree Lady told him he was a Druid.  What did she call him?  A ¡®beautiful hybrid of Scout, Warrior and Healer classes¡¯.  In a mad rush he tried to think this through.  Hybrids were more than one class.  He mostly understood that concept.  Tree Lady said he was in fact three classes in one, and that one of these classes was Healer!   And Kitty Lady said he was one of her baby Druids.  So that meant Kitty Lady also said he was a Healer, even if he was only a baby one.


    And Healers ¡­ healed.


    In fact, Kitty Lady had made him get healing rules from the brain slug!


    This must mean ¡­ he could heal.  That made sense, right?   If the people that knew what was true said he was a Healer, who was he to argue?  Healers healed, and part of him was Healer!  Could he actually do this?


    Tazrok again looked down at the little Pixie, her face and tunic now covered with a bright red sticky goo, nearly matching the color of all the blood.  The Little One, Callie Gnome, was holding her hand and seemed so afraid.  Pixyl¡¯s face was starting to look a little flush.  She wasn¡¯t dead yet, but she was bleeding; she was dying!  There was so much blood for such a tiny thing.  He had to heal her, but he knew he could, because he had been told he was a Healer and the sluggo had told him how.  More importantly, now he believed he was a Healer.  And Healers healed!


    MEND WOUND


    The call to power streamed across his mind almost unbidden, and Tazrok felt that energy flow from somewhere in his body and down his arm.  It focused in his hand, and then leapt the gap between it and Pixyl¡¯s wound.  Tazrok could feel the injury and it was deep.  He could feel the torn skin, the sliced muscle, the nicked artery, spraying just a little lifeblood with every terrified heartbeat of his tiny friend.


    He directed the power as if by instinct and it wrapped around that bleeding vessel.  His magic forced the little gash closed and sealed it for good.  He moved up a layer and started to weave the muscles back together.  Tazrok forced it anew, one sinewy strand at a time.  A Healer heals and he was doing it!


    Pixyl gasped in new pain and felt the urge to pull her arm away, but the Ogre¡¯s hand supporting it tightened just a little in reflex, and she resisted.  The pain ran deep, though and she bit her lip to hold in the scream, while squeezing Callie¡¯s hand tighter than she thought possible.


    One muscle fiber after another, Tazrok repaired them all.  He stitched them together as if they had never been torn.  The spell continued and Pixyl¡¯s nerves and skin, unseen under all the bloody mess, began to knit together.  Tazrok had now closed his eyes and was calmly directing the power where it needed to be, guided by an unseen hand.  The power of healing poured out of him as Pixyl¡¯s skin bonded itself whole.  He was doing it, and his friend was going to be fine.


    After what seemed like minutes to Tazrok, but was really only a few seconds, the Ogre opened his eyes, locking them with Pixyl¡¯s.  He smiled.  She smiled back.  ¡°You are fixed,¡± he said in a low, quiet voice.  ¡°And you are mighty.¡±

 Chapter 22 Part 2 - After Action Report

    PART II - AFTER ACTION REPORT


    Druid Trainer Rowani looked down at Tazrok¡¯s handiwork.  The bleeding was stopped, the muscles and skin repaired, and there was in fact very little likelihood that the wound would leave a scar, or if it did, a very faint one.  All in all, it was a very good first casting, especially for such a significant wound.


    ¡°Good work, Ogre,¡± she said loud enough for everyone to hear.  ¡°You will need to learn to not cause more pain while healing, but your work is above average.  You must also develop your confidence so you react faster.  I give you seven of ten on this attempt.  Little Pixie, how do you feel?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Pixyl croaked quietly, suddenly nervous being the center of attention.  She turned, looked at the decapitated body of the Fiend beginning to hiss and melt back into the Nether, and said ¡°I¡¯m j-j-just glad no one else got hurt.¡±


    ¡°Are you able to stand?¡± Rowani asked.


    ¡°I th-th-think so,¡± Pixyl said, dropping Callie¡¯s hand and struggling to rise.  Tazrok extended a single finger, and the Pixie grabbed it, allowing him to lift her to her feet.  She groaned as her wing pain hit her again, but she winced hard and fought to force it to the side.  A few more light applause went through the crowd.


    ¡°Is everything under control, Trainer Rowani?¡± Thorn asked.


    Rowani turned from the Pixie.  ¡°Yes, I believe so.  Now, can someone tell me what the hell happened?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Thorn said with a scowl.  ¡°Who is able to tell us all what happened?¡±


    There was a cold silence.


    ¡°Recruit Vanis, you seemed to be part of this skirmish.  Please tell us all what occurred.¡±


    Without missing a beat, Vanis straightened to regal attention and took a step forward, as if trying to set an example.  There was no Command Aura, this was all Vanis.  ¡°Yes, sir,¡± he began.  ¡°From across the field I observed another recruit attempting a Demonic summoning without the proper preparation.  As I ran towards the recruit, I made several efforts to warn the recruit to cease casting, but was not successful.  Seeing no officers or staff were present, as soon as the Demon materialized, I captured it in a Nether Hold spell, with the hope I could hold it until the others escaped, or proper help arrived.  Regrettably, I was unable to maintain the channeling as long as I wished, in part because I was not able to get a Ritual Circle created in time to tap into.  When my spell failed, Recruit Pixyl engaged the Demon before it could set upon its summoner or someone else.¡±


    ¡°I see.  And why did you choose that spell?¡± Thorn asked, looking out at the throng of recruits, not at Vanis.  This conversation was for the benefit of all the students.


    ¡°Sir, I judged it the least likely to cause harm to anyone,¡± Vanis said, his bearing perfect.  ¡°Prior to arriving yesterday, I did know Deathbolt.  But if I was to use that spell, and my aim was off, or if someone was too close to the target, it would have dire consequences.  I recalled my list of new skills and picked one I hoped would suffice with the least risk to bystanders.¡±


    ¡°Excellent logic, Recruit Vanis,¡± Thorn said, continuing to turn and face the circle of recruits.  ¡°Next time, consider the spell Banish.  It only works on Demons, but would have returned the Fiend to the Nether and not required channeling.  Still, you made a solid choice of attack.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the advice, sir,¡± Vanis said with a sharp nod, before taking a step backwards.


    Master Trainer Thorn swiveled his head and sighed.  ¡°Look, I¡¯m tired of spinning in circles.  Everyone gather up; short people in front.¡±  He motioned towards half the circle to usher the thirty or so recruits into a single large group.  ¡°You two stay here,¡± he added, indicating Pixyl and Tazrok.  ¡°Recruit Calliope, join the rest if you would.  Recruit Vanis, would you also join me here.¡±


    Reluctantly, Callie left Pixyl¡¯s side and walked to the gathering gaggle, passing Vanis on the way.  She took a spot in the front between a Fairy and a Dwarf, two down from a very pale and nervous Dunilawal.  Her hands were covered in Pixyl¡¯s blood, as was her clothing,  Even her hat had a bloody handprint on it where she must have grabbed the rim to make an adjustment.


    <hr>


    ¡°Recruit Dunilawal!¡± Thorn snapped, blasting out a Command Pulse and causing the Fairy to jump.  The rest of the recruits quickly took notice and fell into some vague form of attention.


    ¡°Y-y-yes, Sir?¡± the Fairy squeaked in return.


    ¡°I know Recruit Vanis did not do the summoning and do not see your other fellow Warlock recruit here.  Would you kindly explain to me why there is a rotting Fiend on my training grounds?¡± Thorn asked in mock politeness.


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡± Dunni looked over at the corpse of the Fiend, which was actively beginning to disintegrate into purple mist.  He started to respond, before his voice faded to a whisper.


    Thorn looked the recruit in the eye.  ¡°Well?  We¡¯re waiting.  Please explain to me and your fellow recruits why there is a Fiend on my training grounds.¡±


    All eyes were focused on the young Warlock.  ¡°I summoned it?¡± he finally answered with a questioning inflection.


    ¡°Oh?  You did?¡± Thorn asked sarcastically.  ¡°That¡¯s good, at least.  I was worried we had a true Demonic incursion on our hands.  That would have been really bad, because none of the recruits have any training in their new skills.  In fact, even one rampaging Demon could have killed several untrained recruits.  Did you know that?¡±


    Dunni swallowed hard.


    ¡°Has your trainer instructed you on how to properly perform a Demonic summoning, Recruit Dunilawal?¡±


    ¡°N-n-no, Sir,¡± Dunni choked out.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t?  Let¡¯s just make sure,¡± Thorn said.  He narrowed his eyes and fixed them on the now-petrified Fairy, calling out, ¡°Trainer Terrin, by any chance, have you instructed this recruit in the proper technique for summoning Demons?¡±  He didn¡¯t even have to look to know the Warlock trainer was behind him.


    ¡°I have not,¡± growled the aging Warlock trainer, who had indeed just arrived, along with Major Celeste.  ¡°In fact, I¡¯m fairly sure I mentioned something about not doing any summoning without myself being present.  Now, I¡¯m old, so I could be mistaken.  Would you check for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Trainer Terrin,¡± Thorn said, his eyes still staring at Dunni.  ¡°Recruit Dunilawal, would you help refresh the Trainer¡¯s memory?  Did he in fact instruct you not to attempt any summoning without him being present?  This is important, because if his mind is slipping we must know.¡±


    There was a smattering of chuckles amongst the recruit formation.  Thorn ignored them, never removing his eyes from the young Warlock.


    Dunni seemed to stiffen of his own accord, perhaps realizing he wasn''t getting out of this, or maybe just finding a thimbleful of courage to take responsibility for his actions.  ¡°He did say that, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Good news, Terrin.  Your job is safe,¡± Thorn said over his shoulder.


    ¡°Well, damn!¡± Terrin replied.  ¡°So much for my retirement.¡±


    Again, there was a ripple of laughter through the ranks.


    ¡°Recruit Dunilawal,¡± Thorn began with an increasingly angry glint in his eyes, any levity among the recruits quickly vanishing.  ¡°Another question, and this is an important one.  Why did you decide to summon a Fiend, when in fact you had been instructed not to do so unless Trainer Terrin was present?¡±


    Dunni fidgeted trying to find the words that might not state the obvious.  Finally, he settled on ¡°I was dared to, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Oh!  That makes sense, now,¡± Thorn said, throwing his hands up in mock understanding.  ¡°There¡¯s nothing like winning a good dare to make it right.  Of course, you knew you were going to die because you didn¡¯t lay down a Ritual Circle to contain the Demon, and maybe a few of your fellow recruits would probably die too, but at least you would win the dare.  Just so you know, if you are suicidal, we can kill you now and at least get your worm back.  You aren¡¯t suicidal, are you?¡±


    ¡°No, Sir, I am not suicidal.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not?  But, you did know that without a Ritual Circle, the Demon would get loose and kill you, correct?¡± Thorn asked, cocking his rat-like head.


    The Warlock shook his head, ¡°I did not know that, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Ah. I see, I see. So you did something you were specifically told not to do, having no idea at all how dangerous it was, but you say you aren¡¯t suicidal.  Trainer Terrin, tell me, what would that make Recruit Dunilawal?¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°A fucking idiot,¡± Terrin sneered, his arms crossed.  There was a roll of laughter from the recruits that quickly evaporated under a sharp look from Thorn.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Thorn said, continuing to mock.  ¡°A fucking idiot.  Tell me young Master Idiot, why are you still alive after doing something so monumentally stupid?¡±


    Dunni looked at Vanis, who was wearing a cross, judgmental expression focused right on him.


    ¡°Prince Vanis saved me.¡±


    ¡°Recruit Vanis saved you.  I see.  Did he have any help?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°He did,¡± Dunni said.  ¡°The Pixie helped.¡±


    ¡°That teeny tiny little Pixie over there?¡± Thorn pointed towards Pixyl.  ¡°The one with the broken wing?  The one covered in her own blood?  The one that almost died right before your very eyes?  She saved you?¡±


    ¡°She did, Sir.¡±


    Thorn bent down and picked something up.  ¡°Good for you she wasn¡¯t a coward.  I mean, she attacked a Demon knowing her swords didn¡¯t work.  Bladeweavers wear Ethereal suppression bracelets that make their blades harmless.¡±  He showed everyone the torn, blood-covered suppression band, holding it high.  ¡°That way, they don¡¯t accidentally cut your arm off while sparring.  Did you know that, Recruit Dunilawal?¡±


    ¡°No, I did not.¡±


    Thone nodded mockingly.  ¡°Yes, you can tell when the bands are active as their Ethereal powers will be green.  Thankfully, this recruit got lucky, and her mistake allowed the Demon to cut one of those bracelets, enabling her sword¡¯s power.¡±


    Pixyl screwed up her face in surprise and a little anger.  ¡°N-n-no!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that, Recruit Pixylataweneecina?¡± Thorn said, turning to face the PIxie.  His pronunciation of her name was spot on.


    ¡°It w-w-was¡­  It w-w-was¡­¡± Pixyl furrowed her brow seeing all eyes turn to her, and growled loudly in tongue-tied frustration.


    Someone in the crowd snickered at Pixyl, before Thorn snapped a glare, ¡°Silence, Recruit.¡±  He then turned back to Pixyl, adding in a more-gentle tone, ¡°Take your time.  What did you need to say?¡±


    Pixyl swallowed hard.  All these eyes on her and she was covered in blood and berry juice and completely unable to speak.  She felt like a useless mess.  But Thorn had asked, and she was going to answer.  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  ¡°N-n-not a mistake.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Thorn said, turning back to face the crowd, still holding the bloody suppression band.  ¡°It wasn¡¯t a mistake.¡±  He had already known Pixyl did it on purpose.  ¡°This tiny Pixie charged a Demon with swords that she knew wouldn¡¯t cut anything.  She allowed herself to be grievously injured to get those swords to work properly.  She risked her life with never a thought for her own safety, and she did it to save all of you.  If not for her courage, it¡¯s very likely some of you would be dead.  If not for a Healer,¡± he gestured to Tazrok, ¡°she would be dead.¡±


    A tiny murmur rolled through the recruits as they again took in the blood and fruit-goo covered mess that was Pixyl.  She shrunk from all the eyes, folding her wings down to try to appear even smaller than she already was.  In her head, Pixyl debated whether she should tell the officer she had, in fact, completely forgotten she was wearing the bracelets, but quickly decided against the idea.


    There was an oppressive stillness in the air.  Thorn could tell the attention was giving the Pixie anxiety, but the recruits needed to hear this and see her.  ¡°Dead,¡± he said once again, flatly, dropping the bloody leather band to the ground, the leather landing in a tangled heap.


    The crowd of recruits stood nervously unmoving as Thorn¡¯s statements rattled through their heads. There was no Command Aura needed any more, there hadn¡¯t been for a while, just cold hard facts.


    ¡°That tiny Pixie is the bravest person on this field,¡± Thorn hissed out pointing his blood-stained hand sharply at Pixyl.  ¡°Don¡¯t any of you ever forget that!¡±


    Thorn spun in a barely controlled fury, his hairless tail flying through the air fast enough for a whip-like crack to wash over everyone present.  ¡°Major!  If anyone needs to clean up, see that it happens.  Everyone is confined to quarters until we muster for your punishment detail.   Trainer Terrin, see to your idiot recruit.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master Trainer,¡± Celeste snapped.


    Thorn stomped off down the hill, the anger roiling around him like a storm cloud.  Anyone that was even remotely in his way seemed to scatter.


    ¡°You heard him!¡± the Major called out.  All of you are confined to quarters until the muster bell sounds.  Move!  Now!¡±  She pointed at Callie, adding, ¡°You!  With these other three.¡±


    Callie quickly scampered over to stand next to Pixyl.  The anger in Celeste¡¯s voice was obvious as she stared after the crowd moving quickly back to their bunkhouses.  Terrin had pulled Dunni out of the crowd by his ear and was stiffly marching off with him, the trainer¡¯s anger rivaled only by Thorn¡¯s.


    As the last of the dismissed recruits disappeared down the hill, Major Celeste turned to look at the four remaining, along with Trainers Olin and Rowani.  Her face softened as she looked down at Callie and Pixyl, both covered in varying amounts of drying blood and sticky berry juice.  ¡°Of course it¡¯s you two.  Why am I not surprised?  How many times in one day are you two going to be a pain in my arse?¡±


    <hr>


    ¡±Let me start with this,¡± Celeste said as she eyed the four recruits.  ¡°You are all unhurt, right?  Nobody has any injuries remaining?¡±


    Everyone looked at each other, before mutually shaking their heads.


    ¡°Good.  Now I¡¯m going to kill all of you!  What the hell were you thinking?¡±


    Vanis cleared his throat and started to respond, but Celeste cut him off.  ¡°Shut up!  That was a rhetorical question!  I heard what Thorn said, but it was still a stupid, foolish thing to do, especially you, Pixyl.  You could have been killed!  You should have been killed considering you had your bands on.¡±


    Pixyl glared at Celeste, actually feeling anger.  She did what she had to do because she could, and she could kill a half-dozen Bronze Tier Fiends without even breaking a sweat, even Silver in single combat.  Well, she could if her swords were actually working.  A fight with a single Iron Tier Fiend should have been over before it even started.


    ¡°And you, what were you thinking?¡± Celeste snapped at Trainer Olin.  Confused, he pointed to himself.  ¡°Yeah, you!  You were right there!  How could you put her in danger like that?¡±


    ¡°Major, Recruit Pixyl had that fight well in control, and I assure you, I was ready to end it the moment it was needed.  She didn¡¯t even get hit until the strike that severed her suppression bands, and that was purposeful.¡±


    ¡°Really?  Not even a scratch?¡±  the Major said, taken aback and looking at the blood-soaked Pixie.


    Pixyl shook her head and shrugged.  ¡°Not until th-th-the end.¡±


    ¡°The right call was made, Major,¡± Trainer Rowani said curtly.  ¡°We do not often get a chance for live, uncontrolled combat, so we must take advantage of every opportunity.  Like Olin, I was prepared to step in if needed.¡±


    ¡°For Star¡¯s sake, it¡¯s not even day one!¡± Celeste cried out, flapping her arms in exasperation.  ¡°Do you really think tossing our smallest recruit into a live battle with an uncontrolled Demon is a good way to start her training?¡±  She gestured towards Rowani.  Do you really think forcing an Ogre, who''s having an identity crisis mind you, to heal for the first time under such pressure is a good way to start his training?¡±


    Olin and Rowani looked at each other, shrugged, and in unison replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re reckless, all six of you!¡± the Major growled, gesturing at all four recruits and the two trainers.  ¡°But, unofficially, I will say good job.  I only wish I had been here to see you fight, Pixyl, quite honestly.¡±


    ¡°Oh, It was truly a sight to behold, Major,¡± Olin said almost proudly, ¡°My only question is of you, Pixyl.  Where did you learn to fight like that?  I assume you three know how to unlock your powers, right?  But you¡¯ve had experience, too.¡±


    Pixyl just shrugged.  ¡°Just w-w-watching other p-p-people.¡±


    Olin boggled, wide-eyed.  ¡°Truly?  I guess that does explain your technique.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her technique?  She got the job done, didn¡¯t she?¡± Callie snapped.


    Olin was stunned by the Gnome¡¯s sharp tongue and snapped back.  ¡°It was sloppy, Little One.  Effective, but inefficient, and anyone with any decent sword skill would exploit that sloppiness.  This is common for someone with no formal training, that¡¯s all.  Surely you saw where she made multiple mistakes; you have the same dual-wielding perk as a Ranger, do you not?  I heard about your sparring match with Vonn, so you know full well that swordplay is not just about getting the job done.  You have to be controlled, as well, to protect yourself and to protect your allies around you.  On the battlefield, Pixyl¡¯s sloppy technique looks amazing to onlookers, but might have struck a friendly combatant, or left open an obvious counter.¡±


    Callie was about to go off on Olin for that whole comment, but bit back her words.  As she thought back to Pixyl¡¯s fight with the Fiend and replayed what she saw of it in her head, she could see what the Bladeweaver trainer was saying, just as she was able to see the mistakes in her own fight with Vonn.  Pixyl¡¯s swings were wild.  Olin was right, they absolutely looked spectacular, but the style was incredibly sloppy.  Of course, if her swords had been working, it really wouldn¡¯t have mattered.  They would slice through most anything in a single swing, and the fight wouldn¡¯t have lasted long enough for style to even matter.


    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± Pixyl said.  ¡°Now that I have my p-p-perks, I can see and feel w-w-what I did wrong.  It will be hard to break old habits.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I guess I see it too, now that I think about it.  Still, she saved everyone,¡± Callie said with a sigh.  ¡°And Tazrok saved her.¡±


    ¡°Am part Healer,¡± Tazrok said, shrugging.  ¡°I now heal.  Brain sluggo told me how.¡±


    ¡°Yes, your healing was satisfactory,¡± Rowani said.  ¡°My hope is you fully accept you are a Druid quickly, so you may learn your forms without delay.  You made a noble first step today.¡±


    Tazrok nodded.  ¡°Still want to be ¡­¡±


    ¡°You cannot be a Wolficorn,¡± Rowani said with a chuckle.  ¡°Sorry.  But, I am sure whatever you end up being will be appropriate.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Celeste said, retaking control of the conversation.  ¡°I want the four of you to go get cleaned up.  Vanis, since you aren¡¯t a bloody mess, and are just sweaty, please carry fresh clothes for the others and then all of you get to the showers.  When you¡¯re done, just stay in your cabin and maybe try to stay out of trouble for the rest of the day.  And for Star¡¯s sake please do not tell anyone how to unlock things!¡±


    Callie was about to make a snarky comment in retort, but bit it back after a preemptive glare from Vanis.


    ¡°Trainer Olin, if you would get a new suppression band to Pixyl, it would be appreciated.  I think her reveals are all completed, but let¡¯s not take chances.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Major.  I will see a new one sent to her house right away.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Olin.¡±  Celeste turned to address the gore-covered Pixie.  ¡°Pixyl, for your heroic actions in saving me from dealing with the headache of multiple dead recruits, I¡¯m officially commuting your two-day house arrest to a stern warning.  But my order still stands.  No fighting!  Got it?¡±


    Pixyl nodded quickly.


    ¡°What is ¡®commuting¡¯?¡± Tazrok asked, a confused look on his face.


    ¡°Changing the sentence she received for kicking the Dwarf into a lesser one,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Because she killed melted monster?¡±


    All eyes turned to the remains of the Fiend, which was by now little more than a small pile of gelatinous goo throwing off a cloud of purple smoke.  Soon it would all be gone, returned to the Nether from where the Demon had been summoned.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°She did a good thing, so is being rewarded by not having to serve house arrest.¡±


    ¡°Alright, enough,¡± Major Celeste said sharply.  ¡°The four of you, go.  Get cleaned up.  Tazrok, I¡¯ll retrieve you early so we can prepare for your punishment assembly.  I checked and everything is in order, just as you requested.¡±


    The big Ogre smiled, a tiny glint of something ¡­ maybe slyness ¡­ in his eyes.  ¡°Good.¡±

 Chapter 23 Part 1 - A New Artist

    PART I - A NEW ARTIST


    Vanis left the bathhouse feeling much better than he had going in. He hadn¡¯t been the bloody mess that Pixyl, Callie and Tazrok were, but with the amount of mana he exhausted casting his Nether Hold spell, he had completely soaked his clothing with sweat and would have surely smelled ripe in no time. He was still a little shaky from the near mana exhaustion, but thankfully, Pixyl had taken control of the fight before he was completely dry.


    He¡¯d been dwelling for some time on the spell he had cast. It was the first time he¡¯d ever cast that spell, and Vanis was shocked at how quickly his mana reserves had drained away. On some level, he knew it would happen, but didn¡¯t expect it to happen in mere seconds. How was a combat Warlock supposed to be successful if they couldn¡¯t hold something captive for more than ten seconds? Of course, he knew the answer - practice. With practice came efficiency, and with efficiency you became a better combatant. It was really that simple. Still, he was still exhausted from the drain even now, and it would still be a while before his mana reserves were at a comfortable level again without a potion. It would be a waste to ask for one though, time would take care of the issue.


    While he had showered, his thoughts drifted to the fight earlier and to the Fiend that Dunni had summoned. The truth was that Dunni had actually done a great job summoning the Demon. The spell was well-crafted, especially for what was Dunni¡¯s first time. The rift to the Nether formed properly and the Fiend was pulled through without delay. The fool had simply not put down a Ritual Circle first, either because he didn¡¯t remember to, or more likely didn¡¯t know he needed to. At that point, the Demon was unbound and not happy at all. Vanis chuckled as he imagined the conversation that Dunni must be having with Trainer Terrin, and found himself wondering what the penalty for his stupidity might be. It would likely depend entirely on Dunni taking responsibility and learning a lesson from his foolishness.


    Something else besides the exploits of a foolish Warlock had Vanis worried, though. Something that could be nothing, or it could be something serious. As he had left the bathhouse, Tazrok had still been in his shower stall washing Pixyl¡¯s blood off. But he was more than just washing, he was scrubbing, hard. Very hard. In fact, he was nearly in a panic about it, despite the fact that there was no remaining blood visible. Vanis had heard the Ogre mumbling, but couldn¡¯t make out what was being said over the running water and Tazrok seemed to be completely focused on his task. Vanis had tried to ask what was wrong, but the Ogre just shot a glare at him and snapped a flat ¡°I am fine. Leave me be.¡±


    So Vanis had left, but with worry for his new friend hanging heavy on his mind. He debated going straight to the bunkhouse, which he should do with the bundle of clothing in his hands anyway, or maybe tracking down Major Celeste to seek advice regarding Tazrok. Vanis looked around the area again and saw no officers, and with a weary sigh, he decided to go back to Ogre House to get advice from Lena, as she had known the Ogre longer. He entered to find Lena pacing stiffly back and forth across the floor.


    ¡°Callie?¡± she said immediately as she looked up in surprise. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Pixyl mentioned she wanted to soak in the hot waters,¡± Vanis stated, setting his dirty clothing in a basket under his bed, ¡°for her wing. I suspect she and Callie will be gone for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Lena said, slightly crestfallen.


    ¡°She will be fine, Lena. They both will,¡± Vanis assured the Elf. He could see the worry in her eyes, though, and vowed to pull her aside at the first opportunity to attempt to calm her intense mothering nature that was so evident now that he knew to look for it. Hopefully, reassuring her that Callie was an adult would be sufficient to get Lena to ease up a little.


    ¡°Where is Tazrok?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°He was covered in quite a bit of Pixyl¡¯s blood, and needed more time. But mentioning him, I have a concern and I want your thoughts; both of you.¡±


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± Lena asked.


    Vanis ran his hand through his hair and blew out his cheeks. ¡°I don¡¯t think Tazrok is handling what happened very well. He appears quite shaken by the experience, actually. Before he demanded I leave him be, he was mumbling to himself and maddingly scrubbing his hands and arms, even though he¡¯d long since removed any blood.¡±


    Lena cocked her head. ¡°That is odd.¡±


    ¡°It almost feels like some form of panic attack,¡± Vanis said. ¡°It¡¯s not something I would expect from him, though. Not just because of his size, but he¡¯s trained in the way of an Ogre Warrior and has been all his life. Honestly, if it is indeed some form of panic that is happening, I have no experience in what I might say to him.¡±


    ¡°Surely he¡¯s seen blood before,¡± Lena said, ¡°and combat wounds. Why would this happen to him now?¡±


    ¡°You have seen how much he is protective of the Little Ones,¡± Xin said. ¡°The Pixie was hurt very much and he was forced to heal her quickly without knowing how to do so. I could see it leaving one in such a state. The worry and the pressure of the moment can leave a lasting impression.¡±


    ¡°What should we do?¡± Vanis asked. ¡°Should we alert someone? The Major?¡±


    Lena shook her head. ¡°Nothing yet. Let¡¯s give him some time alone. Hopefully relaxing in the shower will do him some good and he can put his thoughts in order. You could go check on him in a little while if he doesn¡¯t come back. The Major will be here to get him before long, as well, if it¡¯s still an issue come then.¡±


    Vanis nodded, a concerned look still on his face.


    ¡°That does bring up something I¡¯d also like to talk about, though,¡± Lena said, changing the topic.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Vanis replied, happy to be broken out of his ongoing concern for Tazrok.


    ¡°Pixyl. Specifically, I want to talk about what happened in that fight. What the hell was that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Where did she learn to fight like that? There¡¯s no way her skill comes from just ¡®watching people¡¯. It comes from being in combat. A lot of combat, for that matter. How does a Pixie fight hand-to-hand that much?¡±


    ¡°Trainer Olin said her technique was ¡®sloppy¡¯,¡± Xin reminded everyone.


    ¡°It was very sloppy by the standards of any sword expert, but it was still exacting. But she wasn¡¯t just fighting that Demon, Vanis, she was also showing off to the crowd, and she was enjoying doing it. All those jumps and flips and rolls? Totally unnecessary if she was fighting with proper training. By the stars, she was grinning the entire fight!¡±


    Vanis simply shrugged. ¡°Honestly, I was in a daze from channeling that spell far longer than I should have. I wasn¡¯t paying attention to her technique, Lena. I was more concerned with the Demon landing a strike, or turning on someone in the crowd. She seemed to have everything well in control.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just it. She was never even touched by that thing until she had it cut her suppression band off on purpose. She charged in without a second thought, even knowing her swords weren¡¯t going to work. It was almost as if it was something casual for her; something fun. First, that¡¯s not normal, but second, it speaks to something about her background we don¡¯t know.¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Vanis rubbed his chin as he sat down on his bunk, remembering the Pixie¡¯s confident, grinning words to him; ¡®I¡¯ve got this¡¯ and then demanding he let the Demon go so she could engage. He remembered that look of tenacity in her eyes when he finally dropped the Nether Hold. Or was that the look of absolute confidence?


    ¡°I have very little experience with sword techniques,¡± Xin said. ¡°But Pixyl surely demonstrated surprising skills that I would not expect from one so small, no matter her class.¡±


    Lena held out a hand towards Xin. ¡°See? Even she saw it, Vanis. You both think I have a mysterious past? I guarantee you that Pixyl¡¯s is far more interesting than mine could possibly be.¡±


    Vanis gave that idea a little more thought, before finally arriving at one simple conclusion. ¡°So?¡± he asked Lena.


    ¡°So!¡± she sputtered in return.


    ¡°Exactly, Lena. So what? Each of us has our own past, but you heard the Legate yesterday. We are all just recruits now. Our pasts do not matter. Let¡¯s assume you¡¯re right. Let¡¯s assume Pixyl has some kind of mystery combat training. What difference does it make? Trainer Olin will hone it properly, so that ¡®sloppiness¡¯ you are so worried about will be driven from her. Maybe she has an advantage over the other Bladeweavers in her group, or even other recruits for a week or two in terms of experience and skill. But otherwise, her past simply doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡± Lena began to respond.


    ¡°Vanis is right,¡± Xin added. ¡°It does not matter, except as an interesting thing to know about her. It doesn¡¯t affect you or I or anyone else. Unless something from her past comes for her, and that would be foolish given the combat capabilities of the people in this camp, it is irrelevant.¡±


    Lena looked gape-mouthed at the other two. ¡°You don¡¯t want to know?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s her mystery,¡± Vanis said with a shrug. ¡°If you truly want to solve it, ask her. She¡¯ll either tell you or she won¡¯t. But she¡¯s known us for less than a day, Lena. You can¡¯t expect her to open up in just that short of a time.¡±


    ¡°Callie did!¡±


    ¡°Callie is ¡­ Callie. I don¡¯t think one could expect anyone else to be like Callie,¡± Vanis said with a smirk. ¡°Give Pixyl the space she needs. Show her you¡¯re a friend. Your mystery will solve itself in time.¡±


    <hr>


    Lena threw up her hands in obvious frustration and started to pace again, stopping next to the table and mirror. ¡°Xin, are these your Totem drawings? I hadn¡¯t noticed them before.¡±


    ¡°They are, but I do not remember drawing them,¡± Xin responded, standing. ¡°I have not even looked at the results yet.¡±


    Vanis rose from his bed and stepped aside to make room for Xin to join Lena. ¡°Xin, you should know, some of your drawings are quite remarkable,¡± Vanis added.


    ¡°They are?¡± the Lizardkin replied, surprise in her voice.


    ¡°They are, Xin,¡± Lena said, holding up a detailed drawing of Xin¡¯s totem showing four abstract faces and a vaguely round shape at the top of the totem, each reflecting one of the five Shaman elements. ¡°This one is gorgeous.¡±


    ¡°It is? But, I have no artistic ability,¡± Xin said, puzzlement in her voice, as she took the page. Sure enough, drawn in fine charcoal was a flawless representation of Xin¡¯s Totem. Every curve, every line, every crevice was detailed, save the faces which were more amorphous in detail. Still, each face seemed to come to life, roaring out one of the elements of a Shaman, with a beacon of Life at the top. As Xin examined the parchment, she lightly touched it with her claw, trying to remember how she had made such a thing of beauty. As she gazed into the eyes of those faces, the image seemed to mesh and meld with an identical image forming in her mind, as if puzzle pieces were coming together and locking into place. It was a disorienting feeling and Xin quickly had to sit on Vanis¡¯s bunk.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lena asked, looking through more of the pages.


    ¡°Just a strange feeling came over me as I saw this drawing,¡± Xin said. ¡°I cannot properly explain, but it was very odd. It is as if this,¡± Xin gestured towards the picture, ¡°has been somehow etched into my very being. It is strange and very unnerving.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t your trainer mention these drawings would help with your Totem summoning? Maybe this ¡®etching¡¯ is just part of that process,¡± Vanis suggested.


    ¡°Xin, some of these drawings aren¡¯t very good, honestly, but others are quite lovely, see?¡± Lena held out another image of Xin¡¯s totem that was barely a stick design with wobbly lines and gross representations of what was on the perfect image Xin held.


    ¡°Callie and I were looking at them earlier,¡± Vanis said. ¡°I think we left the order reversed. The simple ones were the first you drew, and then your technique improved as you continued. In fact, that one you are holding, Lena, is my favorite.¡±


    In Lena¡¯s hand was another amazing picture. It was a landscape showing Xin¡¯s Totem standing in solitude in the middle of a field. Behind it, the sun appeared to be setting behind a row of mountains, which caused the lone Totem to cast an eerie shadow. Yet, the shadow wasn¡¯t an image of the pole, it was in fact a creature of some kind. A creature of terror and strength. Whatever it was, it had long claws and its eyes seemed to blaze with fire, despite the picture being all done in black charcoal. But, as scary as the creature was, it seemed to be benevolent and non-threatening at the same time.


    Xin took the image from Lena and examined it, running her claw carefully along the mountain ridges and then the creature¡¯s outline. ¡°I believe this is a Fire Elemental,¡± Xin said. ¡°But I do not know why I would know that. I have heard of them, but I have never seen one, or even heard one described.¡±


    ¡°Are Shamans able to summon elementals?¡± Vanis asked. ¡°Do you recall from any of your reveals earlier today?¡±


    Xin shrugged. ¡°There were so many. I thought they would never end. I do not recall one for Fire Elementals, though. But many of my skills were element-based, so perhaps at a higher tier? I will have to ask my trainer, or at least ask the nice one.¡± Xin handed the picture to Vanis. ¡°A gift.¡±


    ¡°Why, thank you!¡± Vanis said, surprised. He accepted the parchment, but then he paused. ¡°Xin, keep it with you for training tomorrow. If you do not not need it, then I would be honored to accept it from you.¡± He returned it to the Lizardkin.


    Xin nodded, handing both pictures back to Lena to sit with the others. The Lizardkin tried to imagine such images somehow coming from her hands, and just couldn¡¯t see how it was possible Obviously, it was influenced by the Symbiote, but now Xin was curious.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Xin said. Replacing Lena at the table, she set down a blank piece of parchment. In one clawed hand, she grasped a piece of drawing charcoal and began to work. She drew very fast and very simple, purely from memory. Lena and Vanis both tried to peek over her shoulder, but space was limited so they couldn¡¯t see anything. After about a minute, Xin stopped, cocked her scaled head, and was utterly stunned.


    ¡°What did you draw?¡± Lena asked, sensing the puzzlement emanating off of Xin.


    The Lizardkin turned and held up the parchment for the others to see. It was a simple drawing, if only due to the limited time that was spent doing it. Before Lena and Vanis was an accurate rendition of Lena¡¯s head and face. It was uncanny in some of the details; the dimples of her nose, the crease of confusion that often appeared on her forehead, the way a lock of hair had come undone and was hanging in front of her left ear. Xin¡¯s drawing captured it all.


    ¡°I do not understand,¡± Xin said. ¡°I have never been an artist.¡±


    Lena took the page from Xin, and then reached up to touch the wayward lock of her own hair. ¡°You are now, Xin. This is ¡­ amazing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s amazing?¡± Callie asked as she and Pixyl entered the house. Both carried bundles of bloody clothing, Pixyl¡¯s being the reddest of the two..


    Lena didn¡¯t know what to say, and simply turned what she was holding to face the newcomers.


    ¡°I somehow can draw,¡± Xin said with a surprised shrug.


    ¡°Did you just do that?¡± Callie asked


    Xin nodded. ¡°Just now as a test. I was unsure if I was only able to draw last night, but apparently it continues.¡±


    ¡°I was looking at your totem drawings earlier. It looked like they really improved as you went along,¡± Callie said, putting her blood-covered clothing into her empty basket from the morning.


    ¡°We were discussing that too,¡± Lena said. ¡°Honestly, we¡¯re all at a loss for what to think.¡±


    Pixyl, who had not yet seen Xin¡¯s Totem drawings, had a confused look on her face, and quickly asked to be filled in. Xin shuffled through her drawings, putting the worst of the lot on the top and the rest in order, before handing the pile to Pixyl. As she paged through them, her eyes got wider and wider at the noticeable increase in quality. Everyone watched, taking some small delight in the Pixie¡¯s growing surprise. Finally, she handed the stack back, stopping briefly for one more look at the final picture. ¡°Th-th-those are great.¡±


    ¡°Keep at it, Xin,¡± Callie said. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to be a visual artist of some kind, but never seemed to have that spark. I¡¯m super jealous.¡±


    Xin couldn¡¯t blush, her skin color didn¡¯t react to emotion in that manner. But still, you could tell she was feeling some sheepish embarrassment about the whole thing. At the same time she was enjoying the praise. She would need to find a way to keep drawing, somehow.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Tazrok?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Maybe I should go check on him?¡± Vanis suggested. ¡°Perhaps you can let them know what¡¯s going on, Lena?¡±


    ¡°Sure, you go do that.¡±


    As Vanis walked out the door, Callie turned a fearful gaze to Lena. ¡°What¡¯s happened to Tazrok?¡±

 Chapter 23 Part 2 - Foolish Self-Care

    PART II - FOOLISH SELF-CARE


    Vanis stepped to the ground and began walking towards the bathhouse. Up ahead, he saw a Fairy wearing a familiar colors. The timing was serendipitous and he called out, ¡°Healer Tasi?¡±


    Tasi turned. ¡°Greetings Recruit. All is well?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps not. Might you have a moment?¡±


    ¡°Of course, what seems to be wrong?¡±


    Vanis asked if Tasi had heard about the Demon summoning and the fight, and after she confirmed she had not, quickly filled her in on what had transpired. He then went on to discuss Tazrok¡¯s behavior in the shower, and the concerns he had.


    ¡°Hmm, was this his first time healing someone?¡± Tasi asked.


    ¡°Yes. Trainer Rowani talked him through casting the spell, but he had some difficulties with it. There was a lot of pressure at that moment as Pixyl was still bleeding heavily.¡±


    Tasi nodded sagely and pondered the situation, before finally saying ¡°Let¡¯s go check on him together.¡±


    As a pair, the Elf and Fairy walked to the bathhouse. As they entered, Tasi called out ¡°Female in the room!¡± in a loud voice. Nothing stirred, save the sound of water falling from the stall at the far end. Tasi picked up two towels and handed them to Vanis. As they walked down the row, they heard the low, baritone grunt of Tazrok.


    ¡°Tazrok?¡± Vanis called out.


    The Ogre¡¯s grunts and growls didn¡¯t change, and Tasi¡¯s expression grew even more concerned. Together, they carefully looked around the wall into Tazrok¡¯s shower stall to find him sitting cross-legged on the tile, the water falling in a constant rain from the showerhead above. In Tazrok¡¯s hand he held a sharp piece of wood that he had just used to gouge open a wound on his upper thigh. It wasn¡¯t terribly deep, but red blood was rising, mixing with the deluge of water before disappearing down the drain.


    ¡°Oh dear,¡± Tasi said as she started to rush for the Ogre.


    But Tazrok had dropped the stick, and started to hold his hand over the bleeding wound, closing his eyes in concentration.


    Vanis grabbed Tasi¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Wait a moment,¡± he said. Tasi then saw it, too.


    Tazrok concentrated and the jagged cut began to knit itself back together. The bleeding slowed and stopped, the water now running crystal clear around the Ogre¡¯s leg. He moved his hand away to inspect his handiwork. The tear in his skin was gone, healed whole by Druidic magic. All that remained was a slight pink color in a line where the injury once was. It was then that Vanis noticed multiple such lines on Tazrok¡¯s arms and his other thigh.


    ¡°Turn off that water,¡± Tasi ordered Vanis, gesturing upwards.


    Vanis set the towels aside and, using a hook, pulled the Ogre-height chain that closed the showerhead far above. The water slowed to a trickle, and finally stopped.


    Tazrok was busy catching his breath, obviously exhausted, and didn¡¯t even notice the water had ceased falling. He slowly reached for the pointed piece of wood, but Tasi was faster and she kicked it out of his reach. ¡°Hey!¡± the Ogre said, surprised.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing!¡± Tasi demanded. She didn¡¯t seem to be using a Command Aura, but the angry tone of her voice was just as effective.


    ¡°Must practice healing. Must get faster and not cause pain. Trainer Kitty Lady say so.¡±


    Tasi looked at Vanis, confused.


    ¡°Trainer Rowani did, in fact, say exactly that.¡±


    Tasi looked up at the Ogre. Even seated, Tazrok was half-again her height and still a giant wall of solid muscle. ¡°So you are cutting and healing yourself? How many times?¡±


    ¡°Um. Ten and four. Doesn¡¯t hurt much now with practice, but still must get faster.¡±


    ¡°Fourteen times?¡± Tasi said incredulously. ¡°How did you have enough mana for that? You must be exhausted.¡±


    Tazrok shrugged. ¡°Got tired, so sat down. But kept going. Must get it right. Almost killed Blue Pixie. Was slow to heal.¡±


    Tasi muttered a stream of muffled obscenities. ¡°Tazrok, you need to stop doing this.¡±


    ¡°Why? Practice healing is good, no?¡±


    The Healer rubbed her hand across her face. ¡°You¡¯re out of mana, meaning you can hurt yourself if you keep casting.¡±


    ¡°But if hurt, can just heal,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°I am Healer now.¡±


    ¡°No, not this kind of hurt,¡± Tasi said, trying not to yell, but obviously getting frustrated. ¡°When you hurt yourself by running out of mana, it¡¯s damage that can¡¯t be healed magically and takes a long time to heal naturally.¡±


    Tazrok frowned. ¡°Still not understand mana.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Vanis quickly searched his mind for an analogy, and found one that wasn¡¯t great. Hopefully the Ogre would understand it. ¡°Tazrok, how many mugs of ale can you pour from one barrel?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ About ten.¡±


    ¡°Wow, those are really big mugs,¡± Tasi said quietly, shaking her head in disbelief, before deferring apologetically to Vanis to continue with the explanation.


    ¡°So pretend that every time you cast a spell, you drink one mug of ale,¡± Vanis said. ¡°What happens when you¡¯ve cast ten spells?¡±


    ¡°I get another barrel,¡± Tazrok said with a shrug.


    ¡°I suspect you would,¡± Vanis said with a chuckle. ¡°But if you have no more barrels, what actually happens is that you¡¯ve run out of ale. You cannot drink any more. Mana is like that barrel of ale, and each spell uses up some of that ale.¡±


    Tazrok thought about that. He understood the dangers of running out of ale. Barrels were never big enough for Ogres, so it happened far more than it should. ¡°So if cast spell when out of mana ale, it hurts?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vanis said with relief as he picked up one of the towels on the floor. ¡°So you have to learn to not cast too many spells; not to use too much mana.¡± He handed Tazrok the towel, indicating he should spread it across his naked lap. Nobody really needed to see all that.


    ¡°So when casting magic makes me tired, then I am out of mana ale?¡± Tazrok said, still a little confused, but starting to see things.


    ¡°Exactly. At that point, you drain your stamina, and that can cause injury. The good news is that your mana will slowly refill itself. Then you can cast more without getting hurt.¡±


    Tazrok was getting the analogy now. As long as he didn¡¯t cast too fast or too much, the refilling mana barrel would never be empty, but if he did cast too much Healing, then it would run out and make him tired and hurt. That was simple enough. He¡¯d have to learn how many times was too many, but he thought it might be around eight. That was when he got tired when he was Healing himself in the shower and had to sit down.


    ¡°Tazrok, Trainer Rowani will help you learn how to know how much ale, I mean mana, you have left,¡± Tasi said. ¡°And how much each spell uses. But until then, you must be careful and not push yourself so hard. In fact, you aren¡¯t even supposed to be casting spells until tomorrow!¡±


    Tazrok looked glum. ¡°I know. But want to get healing right. Blue Pixie almost died because I was slow and Kitty Lady said I must get better. Because I was not good Druid. So must practice.¡±


    Vanis chuckled lightly. ¡°Tazrok, your dedication is admirable, but I think you¡¯ve done enough practicing for today. From now on, only practice when and how your trainer tells you, until you learn what you need to know about mana control. Do you understand? It¡¯s the safest for you.¡±


    The Ogre sank into thought for a moment, before sighing and nodding his head in agreement. ¡°Understand. Running out of mana ale is bad.¡±


    Tasi reached for her belt and brought forth a vial with a thick, purple liquid in it. ¡°Here. Drink this. It¡¯s only a small rejuvenation potion, especially for your size, but it will give you a little stamina and mana at the same time. Also, these potions are the only thing that can reverse mana drain damage, but must be used immediately.¡± She pulled the cork out of the vial and handed it carefully to Tazrok.


    The Ogre took the vial gingerly between his thumb and forefinger, being careful not to crush it, and drank the contents down in a single gulp. He made a puckered face, before saying ¡°Bleh! Very sour!¡± He held out his hand to Tasi, and she retrieved the empty vial.


    ¡°Tazrok,¡± Tasi began crossly, pointing at the Ogre¡¯s thigh, ¡°You must not injure yourself like that, even to practice your healing, understood? And I cannot emphasize enough, never cast spells when out of mana unless you have no choice, or you can truly hurt yourself.¡±


    The Ogre nodded, a somewhat ashamed look on his face. To Tazrok, his actions made perfect sense. He had to get better at healing, so he needed something to heal. He couldn¡¯t ask someone else to get hurt for him to practice healing, so the natural conclusion was that he practice on himself. ¡°Understand,¡± he finally mumbled.


    Tasi eyed Tazrok a little suspiciously. As promises went, that one felt a little lacking. She glanced at Vanis, who caught her eye. His face showed true concern for his housemate, but no longer the extreme worry from when the two of them had entered the building.


    ¡°Tazrok, are you able to stand and get dressed?¡± Vanis asked. ¡°The Major will be coming for you soon for the gathering later. You need to be refreshed and ready when she arrives.¡±


    The Ogre struggled, but managed to stand, the potion having restored a bit of his body strength. However, he had a massive headache from the lack of mana, and the paltry amount the rejuvenation potion provided wasn¡¯t enough to alleviate it. He would either need a legitimate mana potion or time for his reserves to recharge naturally. ¡°Will go dress,¡± Tazrok mumbled, still sounding a little down, as he started walking to the oversized changing stall.


    Tasi and Vanis had both turned their backs as the Ogre walked by to avoid the risk of seeing any towel slippage. ¡°I need to speak to you outside,¡± Tasi whispered sharply to Vanis.


    The Elf nodded. ¡°Tazrok, I¡¯ll see you back at the house,¡± he called out, gesturing to Tasi to walk ahead, ¡°Don¡¯t be long.¡±


    Tazrok grunted a vague affirmative, still seeming tired and a little distracted as he sorted through a fresh set of clothing.


    As they walked outside, Tasi let out a long groan, holding her hands to her face in frustration. ¡°This is why Ogres are so difficult to work with if they aren¡¯t a Warrior class, they take everything so literally. She really told him he needed to practice and get faster?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± Vanis said. ¡°The words were to the effect he needed to heal without causing more pain and learn to react faster.¡±


    Tasi ran her hand down her face, and seemed to stifle an angry scream. ¡°I¡¯ll have to talk to Rowani. She has no experience with how Ogres think or even Ogre culture. If she doesn¡¯t understand him, he¡¯s going to get into trouble again. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any harm done here. Ogre constitution is really strong. Even though he was casting without mana, he should be able to handle it, and the potion will reverse any damage that may have happened.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Vanis said with a nod.


    ¡°Recruit Vanis, if you are willing, please do what you are able to make sure he doesn¡¯t do something like this again. At least until he learns some mana control and understands better. There are so few Ogre mana classes, we forget they generally don¡¯t know anything about spellcasting. Someone watching out for him would be helpful.¡±


    ¡°Certainly. I will let the others know as well,¡± Vanis said with a nod. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, I have spent several days traveling with Tazrok, and Lena has known him even longer. Please let Trainer Rowani know, on the chance she¡¯d like any insight into his nature and personality we may have.¡±


    ¡°I will do that. Thank you. We¡¯ll get him straightened out, I¡¯m sure. I think this is all just outside of his experience. Obviously, an Ogre Druid is a new phenomenon for everyone, too, so there will be ¡­ interesting challenges.¡±


    Tasi turned to leave, but Vanis interrupted. ¡°A request, Healer Tasi.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Would you have a spare stamina potion? Tazrok has his ¡­ event ¡­ shortly, I would think it would be best if his strength was fully recovered.¡±


    Tasi quickly checked her belt, frowned, and said, ¡°Sorry, I do not, only one more rejuvenation which I would prefer not to use since they are so much harder for an alchemist to make. I will have a Sprite bring one to Ogre House shortly, if that would work.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. Thank you,¡± Vanis said with a slight bow.

 Chapter 23 Part 3 - Music, Photographs and Memories

    PART III - MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES


    ¡°What happened! Is Tazrok okay? Please tell me he¡¯s okay!¡± Callie pelted Vanis as he walked into the bunkhouse. Both Pixyl and Lena were eagerly awaiting news as well. Xin, on the other hand, was working on drawing something at the table, and barely took notice of Vanis returning.


    ¡°Calm down, calm down,¡± Vanis said, holding up his hand. ¡°I believe the situation has been resolved and our friend is currently getting dressed.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Lena asked, genuine concern showing on her face.


    ¡°I ran into Healer Tasi on the way and we went to check on him together. He had run himself out of mana and was sitting exhausted in the showers. It appears he took the Druid trainer¡¯s suggestion to work on his healing quite literally. We spoke with him about mana conservation and gave him a small potion. He should be fine.¡± That wasn¡¯t the whole truth. Vanis hadn¡¯t mentioned that Tazrok had been purposely wounding himself in order to have something to heal, and it didn¡¯t look like Callie had made that connection yet. The frown on the faces of both Lena and Pixyl confirmed they knew what had happened, though.


    ¡°Whew!¡± Callie said in relief. ¡°You made me worried. You¡¯re sure he¡¯s okay?¡±


    ¡°He is, yes. Although he¡¯s likely exhausted. Healer Tasi is sending a stamina potion over for him shortly, so he¡¯ll be in prime form for whatever he is planning shortly.¡± Vanis gestured towards Xin questioningly, who was still lost in her work.


    ¡°She w-w-wanted to try drawing something c-c-complicated,¡± Pixyl said.


    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s completely engrossed in it,¡± Callie added.


    ¡°I see,¡± Vanis said, moving to relax on his bunk. ¡°How was the hot bath on your wing, Pixyl?¡±


    ¡°G-G-Good! Great even! I feel almost no p-p-pain.¡±


    ¡°I sat in the pool for a few minutes too,¡± Callie said sheepishly. ¡°The water was SO HOT! It was amazing! But we couldn¡¯t stay in for long or we¡¯d probably get cooked.¡±


    Pixyl let out an embarrassed giggle. ¡°Very cooked.¡±


    ¡°Healer Tasi told us to make sure you soak at least once a day, Pixyl,¡± Lena said in a motherly fashion. ¡°And to help out any way we can. Don¡¯t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it, even if you are able to slice up Demons with ease. We¡¯re all here to help each other.¡±


    Pixyl nearly snapped a snarling response of pure independence, but caught herself and simply nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    A light thumping from outside signaled the approach of Tazrok, which was soon confirmed by the heavy thump of his feet on the steps, followed by the door opening. The Ogre that entered carried a bundle of bloody clothing.


    ¡°Tazrok!¡± Callie exclaimed happily. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Tired. Ran out of mana ale. Foolish of me.¡±


    ¡°Aww, it¡¯s ok. That¡¯s why we are here for training, so we make mistakes now and learn to do it right.¡± Callie said with a smile, trying to be chipper. ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up too bad.¡±


    ¡°She is correct, Tazrok,¡± Vanis said as the Ogre lay down on his own oversized bunk, having shoved his clothes into a basket under his bed. ¡°We make mistakes now, so that we don¡¯t make them when it really matters. As for your fatigue, I asked Healer Tasi for a stamina potion, and she¡¯ll be sending a Sprite with one shortly. You¡¯ll be feeling much better by the time the Major comes to retrieve you.¡±


    Tazrok nodded as he stretched out and leaned back against the wall. ¡°Good. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°In the meantime,¡± Vanis said as he stood, ¡°let me show you something my trainer was able to procure for me.¡± He bent down and retrieved a long basket. Setting it on the bed, he reached in to remove a well-crafted lute. Stylewise, there wasn¡¯t much to it, but the care that went into the craftsmanship was evident. ¡°In addition to wanting me to practice my Dancing Light skill, Trainer Terrin suggested I play occasionally for the other recruits. He even gave me permission to use my Inspiring Melody skill in the garden.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you could play at the party tonight,¡± Lena suggested. ¡°Hopefully you know something a little more rousing than the usual dirge you hear from most Bards.¡±


    Vanis pondered the suggestion for a moment. ¡°Perhaps something like this?¡± With that, the Elf began to slowly walk around the little house, playing a quirky upbeat melody on the little wooden instrument. The simple, happy tune brightened the moment. Callie and Pixyl both clambered up on their respective bunks, grinning to the music, as Tazrok¡¯s huge, booted foot swung to and fro. Only Xin failed to partake, as she was still concentrating on her picture, lost in her own thoughts.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Lena said. ¡°I think something just like this. I¡¯m not familiar with it, though. What is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a nursery song called Dorie the Dour Sheep.¡± Vanis said with a laugh. ¡°I learned it when I was a small child.¡± Smiling at Callie and Pixyl, he began to sing in an unwavering, practiced tenor voice.


    Dorie the Dour Sheep was always so blue,


    She never would play like other ewes do.


    She''d just mope and sigh, all day and all night,


    Until one day, she saw a star so bright.


    ¡°I remember this one,¡± Lena said with a smile of recognition. ¡°My mother used to tell me this story as a child, although it was a Grumpy Puppy, not a Dour Sheep. She never sang it, though.¡±


    ¡°Is there more?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°There are two more verses that I remember,¡± Vanis said, ¡°but I think there are more, too.¡±


    She followed that star, as it led her along,


    To a meadow of flowers, where she heard a sweet song.


    And as she danced and sang, she realized with glee,


    Being dour was not her, she was meant to be free!


    So now Dorie skips with all her might,


    She''s the happiest sheep, on the hillside so bright.


    So if you''re feeling blue, just remember Dorie''s fate,


    And let your spirit soar, it''s never too late!


    ¡°Aww, that¡¯s sweet, Vanis. And the music is cute, too.¡± Callie said. ¡°I have a bit of musical ability, but I¡¯ve never played a lute, mostly just guitar, which I guess is probably a little like a lute. And you sing way better than I do, too.¡± Callie had been around music all her childhood, because her dad would still jam with his buddies in an informal garage rock and blues cover band. Callie used to sit in the corner, playing with dolls and tapping her feet as the band would play rock classics and old Chicago blues on a Saturday afternoon and evening while her mom was working her side job at the local Krogers. Once in a while, her dad and the boys would land a gig at some small bar or lounge or wedding, and if it was relatively safe enough, she¡¯d get to come along and watch the band make some damn fine music.


    When she got older, her dad taught her to play the guitar. She knew she would never play nearly as well as he could, he was just a gifted natural at it, like his own father was. But Callie learned enough to handle chord changes, a little picking, and some of the classic rock songs her dad would play with the band. In fact, some of her favorite memories were the many times they sat in Grandpa¡¯s basement, the three of them playing old sixties and seventies songs from his generation, and rock classic¡¯s from her dad¡¯s, not long before her grandfather passed. It wasn¡¯t at all her kind of music, but still she learned the chords and the words as the men sang the lyrics from Dylan to The Beatles to Springsteen and Skynard and a dozen others from their era. The memories were priceless. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Once, she even surprised them both with acoustic versions of a couple songs by Lady Gaga and a few other more-modern ones. Together they all laughed as Callie brought the songs up on Youtube and the men tried to sing and play along with the fast-changing words. Of course, all the sing-alongs began to wind down with her Grandpa¡¯s death. And later, after her dad had died, it became really hard to even pick up the instrument and play again. She tried a few times, singing and playing for her mom favorites by Simon and Garfunkel or Janis Joplin, but it only served to make them both sad. Callie had played for her dad and grandad, and now she couldn¡¯t do that any more. The music was just too empty now.


    ¡°Perhaps some time you can share what you know of the music of your world,¡± Vanis suggested. ¡°It might give me something new to play for this one.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Callie said quietly, still feeling introspective, as there came a light knock on the door.


    Before Vanis could move to answer the door, Pixyl hopped off her bed to open it. Fluttering at eye height for normal-size people was one of the tiny Sprites, holding a flask of yellow liquid tightly to her chest. The Sprite blinked in surprise, seeing no one there, before she looked down and saw Pixyl. With a surprise flip in the air, she darted down to eye level with the Pixie. ¡°Hello!¡± she said in a cheery voice.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Pixyl responded flatly. ¡°How m-m-may I help y-y-you?


    With a harrumph, the Sprite said no more and held out a vial of thick, yellow liquid. Pixyl reached out and took it. ¡°Goodbye!¡± the Sprite said with a cheery wave to everyone in the room, before she scowled at Pixyl and darted up and away, her little wings fluttering rapidly.


    ¡°They don¡¯t seem to say much,¡± Callie said. ¡°I¡¯ve only ever heard ¡®hello¡¯ and ¡®goodbye¡¯ from any of them.¡±


    ¡°Usually they are m-m-more chatty,¡± Pixyl said with a shrug. ¡°If you get a Sprite talking, they can go for hours if you let them. They get distracted easy, so I bet they keep it short while w-w-working.¡±


    Pixy held the vial out to Vanis, who set his lute on the bed and took it.


    ¡°Tazrok,¡± he said, ¡°this would be for you. It will give you your strength back.¡± Vanis removed the cork stopper and held the potion out for the Ogre.


    Making a face of dread, Tazrok gingerly held the potion daintily between his fingers. With a gulp, he drank it down with a loud, ¡°Bleh!¡± It was not tasty at all. But, in a moment the Ogre stretched his arms out and made a grunt of approval. ¡°Taste bad, but feel more good.¡± He handed the vial back to Vanis, who set it on the table against the wall, skirting carefully around Xin.


    ¡°That¡¯s the undeniable truth, Tazrok,¡± Lena said. ¡°All the best potions taste absolutely awful. You¡¯d think they¡¯d be able to do something about that with a Culinar, but I guess it messes with the effectiveness if you combine Alchemy and Culinar magics.¡±


    <hr>


    It was about an hour later that Major Celeste walked to Ogre House to retrieve Tazrok. As she approached, she could hear bursts of occasional laughter, with the deep voice of the Ogre standing out amongst them. It was good to hear everyone having a good time, especially considering what had transpired on the training field only hours previous. Given how all of that went down, and what Pixyl had to go through to save everyone, emotions could be much different. Tazrok¡¯s laughs seemed to show that the experience of healing the Pixie hadn¡¯t left any lasting scars, either.


    She knocked firmly, and in a moment, the door was opened by her student, Lena.


    ¡°Major!¡± Lena said with a happy smile. ¡°Are you here for Tazrok?¡±


    ¡°Recruit,¡± Celeste snapped gruffly in greeting. ¡°Yes I am.¡±


    ¡°Come in, please,¡± Lena said, standing aside.


    The Major entered to find the rest of the bunkhouse all relaxing, save the Lizardkin who was busy, appearing to be doing something at the table. Tazrok was sprawled out on his bunk, his back resting against the wall, as was the other Elf, Vanis. The Gnome and the Pixie were both sitting cross-legged on their bunks as well, looking a little guilty about something. Celeste couldn¡¯t help but to think that was going to be a recurring look on their faces.


    ¡°I also have a new suppression band for you, Pixyl. Olin knew I was coming this way, so handed it off to me.¡± She held out the leather strip, which Pixyl took with reluctance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll p-p-put it on in a bit,¡± the Bladeweaver said.


    ¡°Hi, Major,¡± Callie said with a wave. ¡°Tazrok is feeling better now, so he should be good to go.¡±


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± the Major asked.


    ¡°He overdid it a bit earlier,¡± Vanis said. ¡°But Healer Tasi sent a potion.¡±


    ¡°Anything serious?¡±


    Vanis shook his head, ¡°Not at all, just a little mana exhaustion.¡± He then silently mouthed the words ¡®it¡¯s fine¡¯ to her with a knowing nod. Celeste caught the words and gave a brief nod in return.


    With a groan, the big Ogre stretched and then swung his long legs to the floor. ¡°Am ready.¡±


    Before Tazrok could walk over and join the Major, Xin set down her charcoal and exclaimed, ¡°Done!¡±. She turned to hold up the picture she had drawn, an excited happy smile exposing her sharp teeth.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Lena said in amazement.


    Xin held up not a mere sixty-second sketch like she had done of Lena, but an intricately detailed drawing. It showed the six members of Ogre House as if they were standing outside, with the bunkhouse behind them. Pixyl and Callie were in front, big smiles on their faces. Behind them were Xin, Lena and Vanis, also wearing warm smiles. Behind those three stood the towering feature of Tazrok, his big arms outstretched so his hands rested on the shoulders of Xin and Vanis as if gathering them all in for a hug. It looked to Callie like a typical family photo you might see on someone¡¯s holiday greeting card.


    ¡°Holy cow!¡± Callie said. ¡°That¡¯s great, Xin!¡±


    Celeste moved to get a better view of what the Lizardkin was holding up for everyone else to see. Callie was right, the picture was absolutely marvelous. Not just in its quality, that much was evident, but also in the emotion it conveyed. It showed these six, who had been strangers just a day before, as if they were a simple, happy family. The Major couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight pang of regret, having never had a family of her own growing up. ¡°That¡¯s really lovely.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Major,¡± Xin said. ¡°Until this morning, I had never been able to draw or even been much of an artist of any kind, but all that seems to have changed. This would be my Symbiote¡¯s doing, yes?¡±


    ¡°Maybe?¡± Celeste said with a shrug. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell you. Master Healer Tasi is the real expert on Symbiotes here in camp. But if this is new as of this morning, it could be. You¡¯d really need to ask her.¡±


    Xin nodded. ¡°I shall do that then. I worry this new talent will fade, but I hope it is permanent.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps it might even be useful to the war,¡± Celeste thought out loud. The re-addressed Xin. ¡°There is always the need for mapmakers and tactical scribes when strategizing or mapping new areas. Keep practicing. I¡¯ll requisition some additional materials for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Major. I will keep at it, and let you know how it goes. If my new skill continues and can be of assistance, then please make use of it.¡±


    The Major nodded, before turning her attention back to her reason for coming. ¡°There¡¯s been one small change, Tazrok. We would like to add a fifth person to your punishment, if that would be permitted,¡± Lena said. Then she added with glint in her eye, ¡°We will have plenty extra of your ¡­ items available.¡±


    ¡°Who added?¡±


    Celeste scowled. ¡°The Fairy Warlock from earlier. The one that summoned the Demon. Trainer Terrin has him scared senseless that he is to be punished publicly, in addition to whatever Terrin is doing to him.¡±


    Tazrok nodded. ¡°Can include him. Vanis, Warlock does not need legs, right?¡±


    Vanis gulped. ¡°One could argue they are not required. But they are helpful.¡±


    The Ogre shrugged. ¡°Can grow back in time.¡± He then gave the Warlock a wink.


    Vanis chuckled. ¡°You should be fine, then. Just ensure his arms are able to be waved around. He¡¯ll need those.¡±


    ¡°You ¡­ You aren¡¯t really going to tear his legs off, are you?¡± Callie asked.


    Tazrok turned to Callie and put on the biggest, scariest, and evilest grin he could muster.


    ¡°Major?¡± Callie said shakily, suddenly a little concerned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me, Callie. The Corporal is the one in charge here.¡±


    With that, the Ogre turned and walked past the Major and out the door.


    As Celeste turned to follow she stopped, turning to look at Pixyl and then at Callie. ¡°Since this morning, I¡¯ve had to deal with multiple incidents with the two of you. I¡¯d really appreciate no more shenanigans today. It¡¯s crazy enough around here without you two helping.¡±


    Callie looked at the Major and then narrowed her eyes slightly. ¡°Hey, Pixyl?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± the Pixie responded.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s really important we come up with a fresh list of shenanigans we can pull¡­¡±


    Major Celeste started to respond, but before she could get a word out, Callie added a simple ¡°... tomorrow.¡±


    Lena laughed with a snort as the Major sputtered, stumbling for words. Finally, Celeste sharply pointed two fingers at her own eyes, before turning them and jabbing them towards the not-at-all-innocent, grinning short ones.

 CHARACTER SHEET - Callie Archer (Iron Tier)

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    Name:  Calliope (Callie) Willow Archer


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    Age: 26


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    Class:  Ranger


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    Race:  Gnome


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    Level:  Iron Tier


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    Gender:  Female


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    SKILLS


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    SKILL:  BURST SHOT (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME:  INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME:  30 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to create a burst of bright light, sound, and concussive force upon impact. However, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill advances, its recharge will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the number of charges will increase.


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    SKILL:  FLARE (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  LOW


    CASTING TIME:  3 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability enchants a prepped arrow, causing it to emit bright light. The casting process requires 3 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. After being fired, the arrow will begin to glow a maximum of 3 seconds (variable at cast time) after release and will glow for 20 seconds. If fired skyward, the arrow will descend gently towards the ground once it reaches its peak. As the skill advances, the casting and recharge time will decrease.  Additionally, the duration of the glow will increase, as well as the window of opportunity to fire the arrow and the number of charges available.


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    SKILL:  INSTINCTIVE DODGE (IRON TIER)


    STAMINA USAGE:  LOW (SPECIAL)


    DESCRIPTION:  Individuals possessing this skill can effortlessly evade known incoming attacks by utilizing their stamina. As they progress to higher tiers, their likelihood of success increases, their stamina expenditure decreases, and they gain the capability to ultimately dodge unseen attacks.


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    SKILL:  MULTISHOT (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    MULTIPLIER: 3


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to split into 3 projectiles upon release. Each projectile can be aimed at the same target or different targets within a 15-degree cone in front of the weapon. The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, projectile count, maximum charge count, and area of effect will increase.


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    SKILL:  PIERCING SHOT (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME:  2 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  50 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow with enhanced power, allowing it to penetrate hardened targets with ease. The casting process requires 2 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and piercing capability will increase.


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    SKILL:  RAPID FIRE (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME:  40 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    MULTIPLIER: 4


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow to release 4 arrows in rapid succession, in the direction aimed at time of each release.  The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and number of arrows fired will increase.


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    SKILL:  SNIPER SHOT (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  HIGH


    CASTING TIME:  6 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow for extreme damage at long range. The casting process requires 6 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and range will increase.


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    PERKS


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  ADVANCED ARCHERY (IRON TIER)CLASS PERK:  ADVANCED ARCHERY (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL (LOW)


    CASTING TIME:  NONE


    RECHARGE TIME:  NONE


    DESCRIPTION:  Individuals possessing this perk are more likely to successfully hit their intended target. As the tier level advances, they gain the ability to utilize a minor amount of mana to enhance their chances of hitting their target or execute challenging, perhaps even seemingly unfeasible, trick shots.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


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    CLASS PERK:  AMBIDEXTERITY


    DESCRIPTION:  The ability to use either hand to perform actions without penalty.


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    PERK:  BOWYER/FLETCHER (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    CASTING TIME:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    RECHARGE TIME:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Provides the knowledge to craft simple arrows and bows from common components.  Higher tiers of this perk allow for advanced crafting, replicating arrows, summoning components, and imbuing crafted bows and arrows with temporary magical runes and effects, enhancing their capabilities.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    CLASS PERK:  DUAL WIELD - BLADES


    DESCRIPTION:  Proficiency in combat using a one-handed bladed weapon in one or both hands without penalty.


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    CLASS PERK:   WILDERNESS TRACKING (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION:  Knowledge of the tracking of people and creatures in wilderness settings.  Tracking may be enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use.  Mana enhanced tracking is only effective in woodland, marsh and swamp environments.  Higher tiers of this perk will enable enhanced tracking in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of quarry being able to evade the tracker.


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    CLASS PERK:  WILDERNESS STEALTH (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION:  Knowledge of stealth techniques in any wilderness environment.  Wilderness Stealth may be further enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use.  Mana enhanced stealth is only effective in woodland, marsh and swamp environments.  Higher tiers of this perk will allow enhanced wilderness stealth in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of the user being detected.


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    CLASS PERK:  WILDERNESS SURVIVAL


    DESCRIPTION: Those who possess this perk have the aptitude to sustain themselves in the wild by utilizing the natural resources available to them. They possess knowledge of essential wilderness survival skills such as hunting, trapping, foraging, fire-making, constructing shelter, and more.


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    OFF-CLASS PERKS


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  CARPENTRY (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Basic knowledge of carpentry and woodworking science, construction and regulations.  Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical construction components.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  ELECTRICAL (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Basic knowledge of electrical science, construction and regulations.  Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical electrical components.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  PLUMBING (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Basic knowledge of plumbing science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical plumbing components.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  BOOKKEEPING/LOGISTICS


    DESCRIPTION:  Knowledge and skill in money, inventory and logistical practices and record keeping.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    TRAITS


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    RACIAL TRAIT:  CHILDLIKE CHARM


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes emit a mild charm that affects individuals with nurturing tendencies, even if subconscious.  Those affected may view the Gnome as a vulnerable child in need of help or protection, rather than a potential threat. However, this charm is only suggestive in nature and cannot coerce someone into doing something they are not inclined to do. As this trait operates as a suggestive charm, it will bypass most passive charm defenses. Beings who are Gnome-sized or smaller are immune to this charm.


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    RACIAL TRAIT:  DARKVISION


    MANA USAGE:  MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION:  Provides the ability to see in the dark with a monochromatic, false-light vision.  Effect may be activated or deactivated at will. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


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    RACIAL TRAIT:  MANA-ENHANCED HEARING


    MANA USAGE:  MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes possess highly sensitive hearing, enabling them to detect even faint or far-off sounds with careful concentration.  When underground, a Gnome can accurately discern the direction of sound regardless of any echoes present. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


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    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  RESIST FEAR


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL


    CASTING TIME:  NONE


    RECHARGE TIME:  10 MINUTES


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes possess a natural resistance towards situations and influences that evoke fear.  If they happen to be affected by an active Fear effect, they may choose to spend mana in an attempt to fend it off. The amount of mana required for this depends on the intensity of the effect.  This trait is ineffective against self-generated emotional fear-effects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  TINKER


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes have an inherent mental ability to design, engineer and create strange new ideas, contraptions, weapons, machines and projects.  Will synergize with related perks, skills and traits to expand the knowledge base that may be utilized by this trait.


    SYNERGIZED PERKS:  Advanced Archery, Basic Carpentry, Basic Plumbing, Basic Electrical, Bookkeeping/Logistics, Bowyer/Fletcher


    SYNERGIZED TRAITS:  Underground Sense


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  UNDERGROUND SENSE


    DESCRIPTION:  Like Dwarves, Gnomes have a natural affinity for underground environs.  They can sense direction and grade of underground passages, and will seldom get lost. They can easily discern the stability of ceilings or floors, and how to remove rock and earth without causing collapse, etc.  They possess knowledge of essential underground survival skills.  Provides a premonition-like danger warning in underground areas giving the Gnome up to thirty seconds warning, as well as the general direction of the danger.  This danger sense does not function during combat or other periods of high activity.  This trait synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of trait-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 24 Part 1 - The Queen of the Marandine Pits

    PART I - THE QUEEN OF THE MARANDINE PITS


    About thirty minutes after Tazrok and Major Celeste left, the clear call-to-muster bell could be heard. Word had rapidly spread among the recruits of the upcoming public punishment, with rumors of public limb removal by the Ogre running rampant, with mixed amounts of seriousness. As a result, many were morbidly curious as to what might happen, while others were looking a little pale at the prospects.


    Within minutes of the first bell, staff were going from house to house ordering all recruits to head to the parade grounds immediately, and to drop whatever they may have been doing to pass the time. With a slow, unorganized march, the sixty-plus recruits began to gather, with the shorter races naturally moving towards the front, while the taller ones such as Kodan stood in the rear. As they arrived, the Rhinokin and the Wolfkin were both pulled out of formation, as were their two fellow Dwarves. They were all nervous, but the two Beastkin were trying to make light of the situation as much as they dared.


    Callie and the other four from Ogre House gathered in a small group to one side of the formation, with she and Pixyl taking up spots at the front where their view wouldn¡¯t be blocked.


    ¡°Recruit Vanis.¡±


    Vanis turned to see the Warlock Trainer, Terrin, approaching. ¡°Trainer Terrin,¡± he acknowledged with a nod of his head. ¡°All is well?¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Terrin replied, joining the five. ¡°Everyone seems to be excited about what the Ogre may do. Any hints?¡±


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t tell us anything,¡± Lena said with a shrug.


    ¡°We have a small wagering pool going as to what the punishment might actually be,¡± Terrin said with a sly smile. ¡°So far only the Major knows what he really has planned. My money is on a public spanking.¡±


    ¡°Knowing Tazrok,¡± Lena said, ¡°It will probably be something to remember. He¡¯s taking his responsibilities as ¡®Corporal Punishment¡¯ incredibly seriously. Although I think most of the dismemberment rumors were started by the Major to insert a little fear.¡±


    ¡°As I understand, Recruit Dunni is going to be part of the event?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Yes. It seemed fitting given his absolute fuckup earlier today,¡± Terrin hissed angrily. ¡°That reminds me, I wanted to personally thank you, Vanis, for your help eliminating the demon. I didn¡¯t arrive in time to see your actions, but for a first casting of Nether Hold, even the temporary delay you provided was admirable.¡±


    ¡°You are too kind,¡± Vanis said.


    Terrin looked at Pixyl and bowed just slightly. ¡°And I especially want to thank you, Recruit. If not for you, I fear things could have gone catastrophically for the rest of the recruits on the field. We certainly would have lost a few.¡±


    ¡°G-G-Glad I was able to help,¡± Pixyl said, blushing slightly and shrugging nervously. Her wings fluttered slightly with embarrassment.


    ¡°You both did more than you think,¡± Terrin said. ¡°In addition to defeating the Demon, you both set an example to the rest of the recruits, and a standard for all of them now to strive for. I¡¯ve been a trainer here since the camp¡¯s inception, and while we always have a few stand-out recruits that others try to measure up to, this is the first time it has happened before training has even begun.¡±


    ¡°You are far too gracious,¡± Vanis said with another bow of his head.


    ¡°Tell me, Recruit Vanis,¡± Terris said inquisitively, ¡°if it was your call, given what happened, what do you think would be an appropriate punishment for Recruit Dunilalwal? I¡¯m curious as to your thoughts.¡±


    Vanis paused a moment before answering. ¡°If the scenario played out as it did, and no one was killed or permanently injured, it would depend on how contrite Dunni was. If he showed no remorse or appreciation for what a mistake he made, I¡¯d immediately eject him from camp, sending him to the front. It would likely result in the recovery of his worm quite quickly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s cold, Vanis,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°And if he realized the error of his ways?¡± Terrin asked, ignoring the little Gnome. ¡°What would you do then?¡±


    ¡°Besides having him face the mysterious public punishment from Tazrok?¡± Vanis said, gesturing towards the stage. ¡°Assuming he was apologetic, and seemed to realize he needed to play by the rules, take his training seriously, and that there were no shortcuts, then minimal punishment. Perhaps make-work in the kitchen or around the grounds for a day or two, or house confinement for a few days. But it would do little good to waste a potential fully-trained Warlock who realized the folly of his ways. Plus a warning that should something like it ever happen again, the resulting punishment would not be at all lenient.¡±


    Terrin nodded appraisingly. ¡°Interesting. I had much the same thought. Thankfully, Dunni was very apologetic about the whole thing; I think the demon¡¯s head landing at his feet when the Pixie sliced it off may have helped. You had recommended that he might need a good scare to get him to take his training seriously, and it looks like he got exactly that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re letting him off?¡± Callie said with shock. ¡°Pixyl almost died!¡±


    ¡°It was f-f-fine,¡± Pixyl said, trying to calm Callie. ¡°I was n-n-never in any r-r-real danger.¡±


    ¡°There was a Gold Tier Druid right there,¡± Terrin said, ¡°and all the officers present had healing potions. If Tazrok hadn¡¯t cast his spell in a few more seconds, Trainer Rowani would have taken over.¡±


    ¡°But seriously? You¡¯re just letting him off?¡± Callie asked again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say that he is on probation,¡± Terrin said with a nod. ¡°If he fucks up again¡­ well ¡­ he had best hope he doesn¡¯t fuck up again.¡±


    ¡°At least Tazrok will be able to punish him,¡± Xin suggested to Callie as a consolation.


    ¡°Well, he better make it worthwhile, then,¡± Callie grumped in response.


    ¡°What would you have done if someone had been permanently injured or killed?¡± Lena asked both Terrin and Vanis.


    The two Warlocks looked at each other, and then Vanis glanced sidelong at Callie.


    ¡°He would have been hanged,¡± Terrin said flatly. ¡°At least we¡¯d get our worm back.¡±


    Callie gasped, and then gulped.


    ¡°You need to understand, Little One,¡± Terrin said. ¡°He intentionally disobeyed direct orders not to summon anything. Orders designed to prevent exactly what happened from happening. If someone had died? It would have been out of my hands.¡±


    ¡°And your verdict, Vanis?¡± Lena asked.


    Vanis glanced once again at Callie before hesitantly responding. ¡°It would have been a matter for a Military Tribunal at that point. However, I would have made the case for mercy, as it happened before training had even formally begun. He¡¯d be on probation, and if he was to disobey the rules up again, the Tribunal¡¯s punishment would stand. Let us be thankful it did not play out that way.¡±


    Callie frowned hearing those words coming from her friend¡¯s mouth. Logically, she got it. People who got people killed needed to be dealt with, and the rules were far different in the military. Heck, the rules were different here in general than they were back home. But it was still hard to imagine a summary execution for what was an incompetent mistake. Callie realized that she might need to have a conversation with Vanis about how the criminal justice system worked here.


    ¡°I must take my leave,¡± Terrin said. ¡°It was good to speak, Recruit Vanis.¡± With a nod to both Lena and Vanis, he added, ¡°Duwana.¡±


    ¡°Duwanai,¡± the two Elves responded in unison.


    ¡°Recruit Pixyl,¡± Terrin said, ¡°might I have a word with you in private?¡±


    Pixyl pointed towards herself, surprised. ¡°Um, okay.¡±


    Terrin turned and began to walk away, the little Pixie trailing behind him with a confused look on her face.


    The remaining four watched their friend go, before Callie interrupted their thoughts. ¡°You told me yesterday to be extra observant, so tell me if I have this right. ¡®Duwana¡¯ and ¡®Duwanai¡¯? That would be some kind of an Elven goodbye, right? I¡¯ve only seen it between you and other Elves.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Vanis and Lena looked at each other. ¡°Essentially,¡± Vanis said, ¡°although there is a little more history to it than that.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really just used as a farewell today, but originally it was used as a statement that said ¡®this conversation has ended¡¯. Queen Duwana, a Legacy Queen in one of the other kingdoms perhaps eighty years ago, and still a Queen Regent mind you, was famous for putting her foot down to end bickering about a subject, stating debate was over and the topic would no longer be discussed unless there was a new reason to.¡±


    ¡°So her name, the word ¡®Duwana¡¯, evolved to mean exactly that, and the response is an acknowledgement?¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Essentially,¡± Lena said with a shrug. ¡°Although over the years it has become just as much a common farewell as anything, I suppose. The important thing is, that it is only said between Elves.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Cultural?¡± Vanis said, also shrugging. ¡°It just ¡­ is. I¡¯m not quite sure why that is the case, but if you or Xin were to say it, or to respond, it would be considered a social misstep.¡±


    ¡°Huh. Good to know, then,¡± Callie said with a shrug. ¡°At least I didn¡¯t put my foot in it trying to emulate you two with that one.¡±


    <hr>


    Pixyl and Trainer Terrin walked a short distance away to get away from the crowd. Terrin kept his pace slow so the Pixie did not have to race to keep up, which was both polite and showed he¡¯d spent enough time around the small people to know to do so. Pixyl was curious what Terrin might possibly want with her, unless it was something related to the Fairy that did the Demon summoning.


    Terrin waved at someone, and soon, Master Trainer Thorn joined the two.


    Thorn gave Pixyl a welcoming nod, before turning. ¡°Trainer Terrin, you wanted to speak with me in private? I have little time, unfortunately. They want me on the stage for this ¡­ event with the Ogre.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m short on time, as well. They have me also playing a part, apparently. This should not take long, though.¡±


    Coming to one of the class tents, Terrin checked for occupants and then motioned Pixyl and Terrin inside. He took a seat on one of the seat pillows and invited the others to do the same.


    ¡°I apologize for taking you away from your housemates,¡± Trainer Terrin began, speaking to Pixyl. ¡°I thought this might be a conversation the three of us would want to have in private.¡±


    Pixyl furrowed her blue brow. ¡°What¡¯s wr-wr-wrong?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. Nothing is wrong,¡± Terrin apologized. ¡°Quite the opposite, actually.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s g-g-good at least.¡±


    Terrin cleared his throat. ¡°About a year ago, maybe fourteen months, I was in the city of Marandine visiting some old Warlock compatriots of mine.¡±


    Pixyl¡¯s face immediately lost all its color, and she swallowed hard.


    ¡°While I was there, my colleagues and I went to see some of the local arena fights. Specifically, this was a bit of a ¡­ shall we say ¡­ off-the-path arena.¡± Terrin looked uncharacteristically sheepish. ¡°I¡¯ll admit it¡¯s a weakness of mine that I still enjoy attending the underground fight clubs. Something I picked up a hundred years ago when I was much younger.¡±


    Pixyl said nothing, but she was feeling quite worried now.


    ¡°Still visiting the Pits, I see?¡± Thorn said with a chuckle. ¡°I had no idea that was still something you did.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s one of my few vices, Thorn. You wouldn¡¯t deny an old man some joy, would you?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. I still remember that time you and ¡­¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t really need to talk about that time,¡± Terrin interrupted while clearing his throat. He gestured with his head towards a very confused Pixyl.


    ¡°I suppose we don¡¯t,¡± Thorn replied with a chuckle.


    Terrin sat up straight again to get back on topic. ¡°As I was saying, while I was in Marandine, one of the more interesting matches I witnessed was between a small, blue-haired Pixie fighting with two swords against not one, not two, but three Iron Tier Fiends. Remarkably, this Pixie handled that fight without even breaking a sweat, her swords ¡­ her glowing swords ¡­ finally slicing through the Demons like they were made of fabric. They called her the ¡®Pit Queen¡¯. That was you, wasn¡¯t it.¡±


    Pixyl nodded slowly , wondering where this conversation was going. She was the only Pixie in the Marandine Pits, so there would be little point in trying to deny it.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Thorn said with shock. ¡°She fought in the Pits?¡± He turned to Pixyl. ¡°You fought in the Pits?¡± Pixyl just shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°At the time,¡± Terrin continued, ¡°I thought you were using normal swords in the arena and they were just enchanted to glow for the crowd, at my distance I didn¡¯t realize you were actually manifesting them. You should know, you cost me ten Gold Crowns!¡±


    ¡°You bet against me?¡± Pixyl said incredulously, raising one eyebrow.


    Terrin winced. ¡°In my defense, it was three demons and you¡¯re ¡­¡± He gestured vaguely towards all of Pixyl. ¡°I thought for sure someone would have to intervene. But I¡¯ll say this, it was worth every Crown to watch you fight. I heard yesterday we had a Pixie Bladeweaver here this session, but didn¡¯t make the connection until I saw you on the training field and recognized your blue hair.¡±


    ¡°This one was easy. I¡¯ve fought Silver T-T-Tier Fiends and Nether Hounds. Up to three Bronze Nether Hounds at once, t-t-too,¡± Pixyl said flatly with a shrug. ¡°Even a dozen Imps at one time.¡± She wasn¡¯t bragging, just being honest, but she was curious what Terrin¡¯s reaction might be.


    ¡°You have? And you¡¯re only Iron?¡± Thorn said. ¡°That would be a sight to see.¡±


    ¡°It certainly would,¡± Terrin agreed.


    ¡°W-W-Why are you telling me this?¡± Pixyl asked, still confused.


    ¡°Right, of course, my apologies. Earlier I was quite serious when I said the way you and Vanis dispatched that Fiend set an example to the other recruits. As I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware, when it comes to magic, confidence and morale matter as much as anything, especially when it relates to combat magic. Showing half the recruits that a Pixie, of all people, was able to easily hold off and then kill a Demon will do more to inspire many than any words or Aura we could bestow upon them.¡±


    ¡°It was only Iron T-T-Tier,¡± Pixyl scoffed dismissively.


    ¡°Yes, but they don¡¯t know that,¡± Terrin said with a chuckle. ¡°By the time they realize it, they¡¯ll have enough confidence that it won''t matter.¡±


    Pixyl narrowed her eyes, suspecting there was an ask coming. ¡°W-W-What do you want from m-m-me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Thorn agreed. ¡°What are you planning?¡±


    ¡°Am I that transparent?¡± Terrin asked.


    Pixyl shrugged in return. ¡°Usually people w-w-want something from m-m-me.¡±


    Terrin winced. ¡°Then I will apologize for my brazen request. Normally as we progress through the training program, we will have the recruits battle stronger and stronger summoned Demons. We even have high-ranking Warlocks arriving in a few weeks to help keep up with the demand for summonings. With you here, we have a unique opportunity. I would like to use you as our ¡­ demonstrator ¡­ to the rest of the recruits when we introduce new Demons at the higher Tiers.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Pixyl asked, her look confused.


    ¡°Yes, Terrin, what are you hoping to accomplish?¡± Thorn asked, echoing the Pixie¡¯s question.


    ¡°For two reasons. First, I believe seeing a tiny Pixie fighting and winning against the higher-tier summons will be inspirational. Far more than simply seeing one of their instructors doing the demonstrations. I assure you, Pixyl, it will all be safe and controlled, or as safe as we are able to make it, and you won¡¯t have your suppressors holding you back if you don¡¯t want them.¡±


    Instinctively Pixyl felt for the leather band around her left bicep, covered by her tunic¡¯s sleeve. She had a flashback to fumbling through the torn hole, looking for the band in all that sticky, wet blood. Her blood. An involuntary shiver went up her spine, causing her wings to twitch.


    Thorn scratched his furry chin as he contemplated Terrin¡¯s reasoning.


    ¡°Second, and more importantly,¡± the Warlock continued, ¡°I think you are well-suited to doing these demonstrations because you know how to control a fight to keep it from ending too quickly. You could have ended that fight in the Pits at any time, but you dragged it out, didn¡¯t you? For the crowd?¡±


    Pixyl nodded skeptically.


    ¡°Military combatants are trained to end the fight as quickly as possible, Recruit Pixyl, but you would be able to prolong it, just like you do to build excitement in the Pits. If you can do that, the recruits will be able to see all the power of the Demons in action before you finally end it. That is immeasurably helpful.¡±


    ¡°Interesting idea,¡± Thorn said. ¡°It certainly would change those demonstration dynamics.¡±


    Pixyl pondered the request some more. Could she do this? She had been the reluctant center of attention so many times in the past, even if she hated it. Was this really any different than all the times in the Pits? There, all she had to do, after all, was to get into the ring, put on a show, fight some Demons or other summoning for a while, and finish with a flourish. Pixyl¡¯s instructions always were to stretch out the fights and make them look harder than they were, so that the bets stacked up. This was basically what Trainer Terrin was asking for here, although his reasoning was different.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s a big request,¡± Terrin said defensively. ¡°It¡¯s just that you are an obvious expert in hand-to-hand Demon combat, and presumably the only Recruit here with significant experience fighting any of them. I didn¡¯t want to ¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll d-d-do it,¡± Pixyl said curtly.


    ¡°You will?¡± both Terrin and Thorn said together.


    ¡°Yes. But in exchange for t-t-two things.¡±


    Terrin¡¯s face fell slightly. ¡°What would those be?¡±


    Pixy held up a finger.. ¡°First, teach me the spell Banish Demon.¡± If she was going to be fighting armies of Demons, additional skill options were always good, and it would be an incredibly useful and showy spell to use in Pit fights.


    The Warlock cocked his head. ¡°I ¡­ might be able to do that. Bladeweavers are a Wizard Hybrid, right Thorn?¡±


    ¡°They are, Wizard and Warrior, with the Wizard being primary.¡± the Ratkin Trainer confirmed. ¡°It would take some work, but not as much as something outside of one of her Hybrid classes.¡±


    Terrin pondered before nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll see if I am able to track down training materials for the skill. With all my students learning it via Symbiote, I don¡¯t keep any here. It might take a week or two to put it all together. As for training, once you have learned the skill, Vanis would be able to assist by summoning Demons for you to practice the spell on; or really any of the Warlock recruits could help for that matter.  Any concerns with that, Thorn?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, as long as your recruits are able to keep their summons under control. And only on the training field, obviously. You¡¯ll want to coordinate with Olin, though, to make sure her Bladeweaver studies aren¡¯t interrupted.¡±


    ¡°I''ll be sure to do that. Pixyl, I¡¯m sorry to ask so directly, but are you able to read?¡± Terrin said with an awkward wince.


    Pixyl nodded, not insulted by the question, but curious if her speaking problems were part of the reason Terrin wanted to know. ¡°I am. It¡¯s only m-m-my mouth that d-d-doesn¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°No! Terrin said quickly. ¡°That wasn¡¯t why I was asking! It¡¯s simply much easier to get the instruction tomes if the student is able to. There are instructions for non-readers, but as you can imagine they are not as common and would be more difficult to locate. I¡¯d probably have to order something from the Nexus Library in that case.¡±


    Pixyl relaxed, glad that her stutter wasn¡¯t the reason for Terrin¡¯s question. It was far too often people simply assumed she was stupid because she couldn¡¯t speak right. Rarely, she could take advantage of that naivety by playing the part, but more often it was just frustrating.


    ¡°What was your other requirement?¡± Terrin asked.


    ¡°You owe me t-t-ten Crowns,¡± Pixyl shot Terrin a mischievous grin, ¡°for betting against me.¡±

 Chapter 24 Part 2 - Big Inspiration

    PART II - BIG INSPIRATION


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Callie asked as Pixyl returned to the rest of the group. ¡°What did the Warlock trainer want with you?¡±


    Pixyl shook her head. ¡°Nothing important.¡±


    It was a big deal, the truth was. A part of Pixyl was dreading that she had agreed to be this ¡®demonstrator¡¯. Not only would it further make her the center of attention, but it would probably require her to talk, at minimum to Callie, about her past and where she learned so much about fighting Demons. It really wasn¡¯t a conversation she wanted to have, but she knew there was no way she could say no to Callie¡¯s big eyes if she was insistent.


    A week previous, once she had been informed that she was being sent for advanced training, Pixyl had promised herself she would absolutely learn everything she could. Not just to be more effective when the time to fight in the war came, but also to frankly prove her mother wrong; prove that being a Bladeweaver wasn¡¯t a mistake; that she wasn¡¯t a mistake. Even thinking about her mother¡¯s lifelong words made Pixyl¡¯s belly want to retch, so it was imperative she overcome, it was imperative that she excel, just like she¡¯d always done, no matter how difficult the obstacle. Learning Banish Demon would be an excellent additional power. And when this was all over, if she went back to the Pits at Gold Tier, maybe even higher, she was going to absolutely destroy anything and everything that was sent against her, maybe starting with the Pit Boss.


    Pixyl was snapped out of her introspection by someone clearing their throat. She turned to see a nervous Lizardkin along with two others standing a couple meters away looking at her. The Lizardkin looked much like Xin, except her scales displayed random flashes of vibrant reds and blues in the sun, in addition to the traditional greens. To her left was another Beastkin, this one a female Tiger variant. However, the Tigerkin¡¯s odd coloring was centered on dark-green fur, with stripes of muted oranges. The third was also a Beastkin, but one rare to the area. His bestial background appeared to be that of a squirrel. He was covered in gray fur and his ears sported little tufts of white in them. A fluffy gray tail poked out from his pants.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Pixyl said, a confused look on her face.


    ¡°Hi!,¡± the new Lizardkin said. ¡°I¡¯m Nola. We saw you standing over here and wanted to come and introduce ourselves. We¡¯re also Bladeweaver recruits. We missed you yesterday when we met Trainer Olin, but he told us what happened and why you weren¡¯t there. How is your wing feeling?¡±


    ¡°Sore,¡± Pixyl said, looking down and grinding the toe of her boot into the dirt. ¡°B-B-But it feels better than yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Oh! This is Dermic,¡± Nola said, gesturing to the Squirrelkin recruit. She turned to the green Tigerkin, ¡°And this is Rakona.¡±


    ¡°P-P-Pixyl.¡±


    Nola looked expectant, waiting for an introduction to the rest of Pixyl¡¯s housemates. Pixyl faltered, and Lena stepped in. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Lena, and this is Vanis, Xin and Callie.¡± Nola bowed her head slightly each in turn, before reaching out to touch Xin¡¯s left shoulder with her right hand. Xin returned the gesture, touching Nola¡¯s left shoulder with her own right.


    ¡°Pixyl, Dermic and I saw your fight with the Demon earlier,¡± Rakona said. ¡°I¡¯ve only been a Bladeweaver for a short time, and had never seen one fight. You were amazing!¡±


    ¡°I must agree,¡± Dermic said, his voice much deeper than it seemed it should be. ¡°All of us are very new to our class, so seeing your fight was really quite inspiring to us. I really didn¡¯t appreciate that we could make those swords of light! I had heard of it, but had never seen it in person.¡±


    Pixyl blinked, suddenly understanding what Trainer Terrin meant about her and Vanis setting an example to the rest of the recruits. Was that really a level of responsibility she wanted; or could even handle? She would have to. After all, she had agreed to Terrin¡¯s request to do exactly that. What had she gotten herself into?


    ¡°All three of you are new? How long? How old are you?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°I just turned fifteen,¡± Nola said, straightening her back with pride. ¡°But I¡¯ve had my class for almost ten weeks now.¡±


    Everyone from Ogre House looked at each other, suddenly feeling ancient.


    ¡°Four months for me,¡± Dermic said. ¡°I was seventeen when it finally revealed, so I was very late. I did learn one skill before I came here, though, Ethereal Armor. But now I have so many to choose from.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky, you got one before arriving, Dermic,¡± Rakona said with a sigh. ¡°At least you know how to cast a spell. As for me, I¡¯m sixteen, and have had my class for just over three months. I didn¡¯t learn anything before arriving, though, so I¡¯m really nervous about how to cast something, especially with all these skills in my head now.¡±


    Callie glanced at Pixyl before hesitantly saying, ¡°I¡¯m sure the instructors will give everyone good directions to help us all figure out what our new skills do.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s n-n-not hard,¡± Pixyl told the young trio. ¡°You¡¯ll learn quickly. J-J-Just be careful with your blades. They will c-c-cut through everything.¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°I was there this morning at breakfast,¡± Nola said. ¡°Your swords cut right through the stone floor! That was so awful watching you get all those new reveals at once. I felt really helpless because there wasn¡¯t anything I could do to help. It¡¯s a good thing we get suppression bands. Otherwise, I¡¯m sure we¡¯d cut our own limbs off!¡± The other two young Bladeweavers nodded vigorously in agreement.


    ¡°All of our powers are dangerous,¡± Vanis said, slipping naturally into an instructive mode, given how young the other Bladeweavers were. ¡°It is paramount that each of you listen to your trainer, and don¡¯t try to experiment. You saw what happened when a recruit tried something foolish. It nearly killed him.¡±


    ¡°And you,¡± Rakona said, gesturing to Pixyl. ¡°Where did you learn to fight like that?¡±


    Pixyl shrugged. ¡°Here and there.¡±


    Lena looked skeptically from Pixyl to Vanis. ¡®Here and there¡¯. There was no way that was from ¡®here and there¡¯. Vanis subtly shook his head; now wasn¡¯t the time.


    Before the conversation could continue, there was a sound of a smaller bell being run three times from the stage area, and the general murmurs of the crowd began to settle to shift their attention forward. The bell was rung again three times.


    Centered on the stage stood Commandant Xera, Master Trainer Thorn, and Legate Galin with Major Celeste and Sergeant-Major Natala behind and to the Legate¡¯s right. Behind all of them, stood Tazrok, towering over all with a grim expression on his face. Various additional staff personnel were milling around behind them, including Trainer Terrin. Off to one side stood the five guilty, shifting uncomfortably in a small cluster. The bell was rung another three times, followed a short time by another trio.


    As the day before, an Elf approached the Legate and drew a series of symbols in the air before pushing them into the Legate. He stepped forward, his words now quite loud.


    ¡°Yesterday, all of you received very clear instructions,¡± Galin began, his amplified voice loud and strong and tinged with anger. ¡°For your own safety and for the safety of your fellow recruits, a minimal standard was set. It was a simple standard. Do not run, do not fight and follow the orders you are given. Those that failed to do so would be punished. Publicly.¡±


    The crowd was silent and expectant as the Legate spoke. ¡°Yesterday, there were instances of ten recruits fighting. Two have already been disciplined. Four were ejected from the camp and will be sent to the lines. Four chose to remain and accept their punishment.¡± He nodded vaguely to the group of five to the side. ¡°One additional person irresponsibly refused to follow orders, which almost got himself and several others injured or killed. If not for the actions of two recruits, that most-certainly would have been the case. He, too, will be punished.¡±


    The Legate turned, stepping aside. ¡°Corporal Tazrok, you may proceed.¡±


    Tazrok nodded curtly and stepped forward. As the Elf stepped forward to apply the sound spell, Tazrok waved her off as unneeded. He took center stage.


    ¡°I am Corporal Tazrok Thunderfist,¡± the Ogre said. His deep voice needed no amplification as it washed out over the assembly, clear and loud. No attention swayed as eyes and focus fixated on the gigantic Druid. ¡°Is time,¡± he continued, ¡°to grow up. You children no more!¡± Tazrok¡¯s speech was slow, clear and measured.


    Tazrok looked to his left to Trainer Terrin and gave a nod. Terrin raised his staff in one hand, and made a series of motions in the air. With the height of the stage, those on the ground couldn¡¯t see what was happening on the floor, but there was a glow of green that rose up. A moment later, a swirl of purple energy began to coalesce. It twisted and whirled like a cloud of chaos before it finally solidified into the form of a ¡­ something born from nightmares.


    The four-legged monster took two steps forward to the edge of the stage and roared, a blast of dread emanating out of it. It was a dark gray in color, with tinges of white and red streaks across its face and body. Standing next to Tazrok, it did not look big, its head only coming up to his mid-thigh. But that was chest-height for most everyone else, and for the smaller races, easily as big as they were, if not larger. Spittle dripped from its fangs and hunger from its eyes.


    ¡°Nether Hound, I believe,¡± Vanis said quietly.


    Pixyl shrugged with dismissal, whispering back, ¡°Only Bronze Tier.¡±


    Tazrok pointed down to the creature at his side. ¡°This is face of enemy. Enemy wants to kill you. Kill family. Kill children. It not stop until each of you dead. This is why fight.¡± Tazrok¡¯s speech continued to be low and loud.


    But the audience wasn¡¯t looking at Tazrok. Nearly all were fixated on the Nether Hound towering above them on the edge of the stage. Its muscles rippled, and its glowing red eyes seemed to pierce their way into your soul. It was raw Hell on four legs, and demanded both fear and respect. It roared again.


    ¡°You now soldiers,¡± Tazok continued after the monster¡¯s echo of horror had faded. ¡°You not children.¡±


    The Ogre¡¯s face seemed to fluster and falter for a moment, before he mumbled something to himself. His expression changed as he stood up straighter, his demeanor growing more confident, his speech more fluid, his emotions more sincere. Gone was the stilted speech, replaced by something ¡­ different. ¡°It is now time to leave behind the innocence of childhood and embrace the responsibilities of being an adult, for we are now soldiers of the Free Folk! You have been chosen to be here to learn from the best, and we must do our part with bravery, determination, and unwavering commitment to protect those who cannot protect themselves.¡±


    Something in the air had changed, and no longer were the gazes of the recruits fixed on the Demon before them. Instead, all eyes had swiveled to the Tazrok. His gaze was firm as he returned the stares of his audience. ¡°This is not a burden, but an honor. You are here because you have inside that bravery, that determination, and that unwavering commitment to save our people. And now, it is time to rise to our fates and prepare to face the hordes that threaten us all.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s happening,¡± Callie whispered, looking up at Vanis and Lena with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Tazrok? He¡¯s talking ¡­ normal.¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± Vanis whispered back, not taking his eyes off the Ogre.


    ¡°When faced with the unknown, it is easy to cower in fear. But you will not do that. You will embrace your duties as defenders of the realm, and train harder than all that came before you. For in this fight, it is not about how big you are, or what race you are, or what class you are, but how ready you are. And I, Tazrok Thunderfist, have no doubt that each and every one of you will be ready to overcome anything that stands in your way.¡±


    Even the officers on the stage were now riveted by Tazrok''s speech, most with rather confused expressions on their faces. To the side, the five facing punishment shifted uncomfortably, feeling guilty and alone. Slyly, Scryer Earick, who had been among the group of various staff on stage, pulled out a gem and peered through it, his eyes opening wide.


    ¡°We are children no longer. We are now the advanced soldiers of the Free Folk; the best soldiers of the Free Folk. Our deeds will be a testament to what we learn here and our bravery and commitment will inspire the world. We are the guardians of freedom, the protectors of life, the shining stars of hope in a world filled with darkness, and we shall become the songs of legend. You and I, together, will vanquish that which threatens our world. This,I have decided!¡±


    Tazrok nodded once and took a step back. His words were final, and a silence hung in the air.

 Chapter 24 Part 3 - Tazroks Verdict

    PART III - TAZROK¡¯S VERDICT


    Somewhere in the throng of recruits, a solitary slow clap started. It was soon joined by another, and then two and then a dozen. The field erupted in applause and then in cheers. On the stage, only Xera, Galin, Thorn and Celeste remained confused and unmoving, all the others were clapping along with the rest; soldiers and staff alike.


    It took a good long minute for the cheering to settle enough for Tazrok to regain control of the stage and his audience. Waving his hands to settle the crowd, Tazrok finally grunted, ¡°Bring prisoners.¡±


    Major Celeste snapped out of her confused moment, making a sharp whistle and circling a finger in the air. ¡°Bring them!¡± Quickly, the assistant Elf appeared, tapping the Major so her voice was amplified.


    As a group, each of the five was brought forward and lined up across the stage. The Rhinokin and Wolfkin were on one end, followed by the two Dwarves and finally Dunilawal. The five looked both resigned and scared as each escort produced a piece of rope, and looped it around each prisoner¡¯s wrists, loosely securing their hands behind their back.


    ¡°This five still behave like children,¡± Tazrok said, gesturing to the prisoners. ¡°So, like children they be treated!¡±


    Sergeant-Major Natala had appeared and joined the Major. Together they walked down the line, stopping in front of each Dwarf. ¡°Dwarf Children do not have beards!¡± came the Major¡¯s amplified voice. In a flash, before either could even register, Celeste and Natala each whipped out a sharp knife and in a single motion sliced off each Dwarf¡¯s beard. The locks of hair fell to the ground with a lifeless thump. Both turned and stiffly returned to the side.


    The Major spun, calling out, ¡°Each of you down on one knee.¡± Collectively, each of the five dropped to a single knee, the two Dwarves looking down at the beards lying at their feet with an obvious sense of loss across their faces. Dunni¡¯s Fairy wings, normally out and unfolded, had rotated down and flat against his body, making him look sad and pitiful. The Major gave a sharp nod, and behind each of the five, one of her people stepped up. Each was an appropriate height to be visible behind the kneeling forms.


    ¡°If you behave like children. You shall dress as children!¡± Tazrok said with a coldness in his voice.


    As one, each soldier reached forward and in a single fluid motion put a ¡­ BABY BONNET on each of the prisoner¡¯s heads. Each head cover was pastel pink and trimmed in white lace, with pink lengths of fabric to tie them in place, and looked absolutely ridiculous. Like ripples on a still lake, the audience of recruits began to chuckle. Xera, Galin and Thorn all looked at each other with questioning disbelief.


    Still amplified, the Major called out, ¡°Each of you is hereby demoted to the rank of Baby! And that rank you shall remain for five days. You shall not be seen in public without wearing your bonnet. Do you babies understand?¡±


    Each of the five looked at each other, seeing the pink bonnets on their compatriots for the first time and realizing they must be wearing one as well. In stunned shock, they each mumbled out a vague acknowledgement.


    The Major stiffened. ¡°I said, ¡®Do you babies understand?¡¯¡± There was no need for a Command Aura pulse to get their attention.


    ¡°Yes, Major!¡± each called back as one, their gazes returning forward.


    ¡°Stand at attention,¡± Celeste barked, and as one, the five rose and stiffened.


    ¡°All shall call you by rank of Baby,¡± Tazrok said before another wave of giggles could tumble through the crowd. ¡°In five days, punishment over. You will then be adult and act adult. This, I have decided!¡± The Ogre turned back to Legate Galin, and nodded sharply, before stepping aside and yielding the stage. Quickly, the assistant Elf tapped the Legate¡¯s shoulder to move the amplification from Celeste to him.


    As the Legate walked to the center, Trainer Terrin waved his hands and the Nether Hound quickly dissolved into purple smoke, blowing away in the breeze. ¡°Are we done?¡± he quietly asked Major Celeste, but with the amplification spell in effect, all could hear the question. The Major quickly nodded back.


    Clearing his throat, Galin again looked out over the crowd, his face returning to its normal stern expression. The flood of giggles that had been threatening to take control of the crowd seemed to wither and die, perhaps having missed its moment, or perhaps under the seriousness of Galin¡¯s gaze. ¡°With that, this detail is concluded,¡± he said, ¡°release the prisoners. All recruits are confined to quarters or the garden until the dinner bell, which should be in about thirty minutes. You are all dismissed.¡±Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Behind each of the five, someone unbound their wrists. The Major walked up to them collectively saying, ¡°Each of you tie your bonnet in place. You¡¯re dismissed to your bunkhouses.¡± Celeste turned to one of her soldiers. ¡°You, see that these are hung by the bell with the other.¡± She gestured towards the two limp Dwarf beards on the floor of the stage.


    <hr>


    Rubbing their wrists, the five tied their baby bonnets in place, before joining the rest of the recruits in returning to their homes. Celeste stood next to Tazrok, watching the recruits leave. ¡°I do think that went rather well,¡± she said to the Ogre, a crooked smile on her face. ¡°I believe you made your point.¡±


    ¡°Should all behave now,¡± Tazrok said with a grunt and a nod. ¡°They will hear my words.¡±


    ¡°I should hope so,¡± Legate Galin said, joining the two. ¡°Your words were ¡­ inspiring, and your punishment unique. Thank you, Recr¡­. I mean Corporal.¡±


    Tazrok looked down at the Elf, and repeated his grunt and nod to him as well. ¡°Need me more?¡± he asked the Major. ¡°Otherwise will go home. Want to rest before later.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t believe so. You go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Tazrok said, before unceremoniously jumping down from the stage with a thud, and following after the rest of the recruits.


    ¡°That was ¡­,¡± Legate Galin said, trailing off. ¡°This was all his idea?¡±


    ¡°All the way down to the fact they needed to be pink,¡± Celeste said with a smirk. ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was going to give a speech, though.¡±


    ¡°I knew he was going to say a few words,¡± Trainer Terrin said, joining the other two. ¡°He told me at one point I¡¯d need to summon a quote, ¡®scary monster¡¯, to show the recruits. I assumed he had permission to make that request.¡±


    ¡°Not from me,¡± the Major said.


    ¡°Nor I,¡± Galin added.


    ¡°Oh dear. My apologies then. I assumed it had been cleared with at least one of you.¡±


    Legate Galin waved his hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s of no matter. What I want to know is what that Aura was. I¡¯ve never encountered anything like it."


    ¡°You felt it as well?¡± Commandant Xera interjected as they joined the group. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if it was just me. Was this what you felt yesterday, Major? Was that some kind of a skill?¡±


    ¡°It had to have been,¡± Celeste said, before adding, ¡°The speech wasn¡¯t really that good, so a skill is the only thing that makes sense. Don''t get me wrong, it was well-delivered with solid sentiment, but a little bumbling. You see now what I was saying yesterday about how primal that was, though?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± Galin said. ¡°It felt, in a way, like Command Aura, but at the same time, completely different. Xera?¡±


    The Commandant shrugged. ¡°I am unsure what to make of it.¡±


    ¡°I may have an answer, or at least part of one,¡± Scryer Earick said, also joining. ¡°I took a quick reading while the Ogre was speaking. I didn¡¯t push hard, so I have very few details, but it was most-certainly a skill. Something called Chieftain¡¯s Inspiration. I¡¯ve never heard of it. There were some similarities with Command Aura, but at the same time it¡¯s not anything like it. I apologize, it¡¯s very hard to explain a scry¡¯s readings.¡±


    ¡°Chieftain¡¯s Inspiration?¡± Xera pondered. ¡°It¡¯s not hard to figure out what it does just from the name, but it certainly works differently than Command Aura. I¡¯ve never heard of it, either. Anyone else?¡± All heads shook. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you see this at intake?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t explain it,¡± Earick said. ¡°He was scryed multiple times, and nobody saw it, including Juniper.¡±


    ¡°How very odd,¡± Galin said, rubbing his chin.


    ¡°Did you notice how his speech pattern changed?¡± Celeste asked.


    ¡°I did,¡± Earick replied, ¡°I¡¯m not sure how that would be possible, at least from a skill. But he certainly seemed far more eloquent than normal when he was speaking to the recruits.¡±


    ¡°Thoughts?¡± Xera said, opening the topic for next steps. ¡°How do we find out more about this skill? Does anyone know his background? His life before coming here?¡±


    ¡°How about you just ask him,¡± Master Trainer Thorn said. He¡¯d been standing back listening to the conversation. ¡°He will know tomorrow how to query his Symbiote. Just ask him to explain what this Chieftain¡¯s Inspiration is. If need be, do a deeper scan. It¡¯s painful, but I suspect he¡¯d consent to it if you asked.¡±


    ¡°I could do that,¡± the Major said. ¡°We¡¯ve had a good rapport so far and he¡¯s been quite pleasant to work with.¡±


    ¡°In the meantime, I¡¯ll advise Trainer Rowani of what we¡¯ve learned,¡± Thorn said. ¡°She indicated she was going to watch for this Aura when we discussed it yesterday, thus will need an update. I¡¯m actually surprised she wasn¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°One last thing, as long as we¡¯re all gathered,¡± Galin said. ¡°I suspect the answer is no, but I have no concerns in allowing Tazrok to continue in his role as this ¡®Corporal Punishment¡¯. His responses have been unique, to say the least, but appropriate. Any objections?¡±


    Heads all shook again, before the Major responded with a light laugh, ¡°He was very proud of the baby bonnet response. I get the feeling he has an odd sense of humor underneath that giant exterior. However, I will continue to watch over him, just to make sure he doesn¡¯t get out of line.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Major,¡± Xera said. ¡°Let¡¯s do what we can to cultivate him. Depending on the details of this ¡®Chieftain¡¯s Inspiration¡¯ skill, we could actually have an officer candidate here. Wouldn¡¯t that be interesting?¡±


    ¡°An Ogre that is both a Druid and an Officer?¡± Legate Galin muttered. ¡°Could things get any stranger around here?¡±


    ¡°Sir, why did you have to say that?¡± Celeste groaned. She could almost feel the fates turn their gaze the camp¡¯s direction.

 Chapter 25 - Armored

    Chapter 25 - Armored


    Callie and the others of Ogre House, minus Tazrok, took their leave from the three Bladeweavers and started the walk back towards the bunkhouse. The remnants of Tazrok¡¯s speech, the ridiculousness of the ¡®punishment¡¯, and the still-fresh horror of the Nether Hound all swirled together into a scramble of thoughts.


    ¡°Callie!¡± an excited voice called out. As a group, everyone turned to see Jesca literally bounding towards them, leaping deftly over a hedge before skidding to a stop.


    ¡°Hi Pixyl!¡± the Cheetahkin added. ¡°Did you all know what Tazrok was going to do? Everyone said he was going to pull their legs off, but I knew he wouldn¡¯t do that. He¡¯s too nice to everyone, but I didn''t know he¡¯d make them wear baby bonnets. That¡¯s so silly! And what was with that speech he gave! It was really inspirational and completely made me forget that scary Demon dog standing next to him. What was that thing, anyways? It¡¯s really scary!¡±


    Lena huffed a quick laugh. ¡°You need to slow down a little bit. You¡¯ll trip over your tongue.¡±


    ¡°Like Lena said,¡± Callie scolded lightly as she reached out and took Jesca¡¯s paws, one in each hand, pulling her arms tight to keep her from bouncing. ¡°Girl, you need to take some deep breaths. You just asked us like ¡­ eighty-seven questions.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Jesca responded. Then she got it. ¡°Oh. I sometimes talk too fast because my brain sometimes thinks really fast. I know it can get annoying for some if I do that, but if I¡¯m excited I can¡¯t help it.¡± Jesca suddenly put her paws over her mouth, clamping it shut, a frustrated look on her face. Finally she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± with a somewhat crestfallen look on her face.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Jesca. We had no idea what Tazrok was going to do,¡± Callie said with a giggle. "He refused to tell us all day long, even though we tried to pry it out of him several times. I don¡¯t know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn¡¯t that!¡±


    ¡°I knew he wasn¡¯t going to do anything too mean,¡± Lena added. ¡°I managed to at least get that much out of him. But never in a hundred lifetimes could I have imagined baby hats!¡±


    ¡°Bonnets,¡± Vanis clarified.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°They are called baby bonnets.¡±


    Lena shrugged. ¡°Baby hat, baby bonnet, same thing. Not like I ever wanted to be a mother. I didn¡¯t think I did, that is. Huh. Strange. Anyways, I don¡¯t think anyone was expecting that! So do we all call those recruits Baby now?¡±


    ¡°Those were the orders given,¡± Xin said. ¡°We should follow them of course.¡±


    ¡°As for the Demon that was summoned, Jesca, that was called a Nether Hound,¡± Vanis said. ¡°It is one of the many types of Demons we will encounter in combat. It was only a small one, Bronze Tier I believe.¡±


    ¡°Only a small one!¡± Jesca croaked with a bit of panic in her voice. ¡°They get bigger? How are we supposed to fight that!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re Rangers,¡± Callie said with a grin. ¡°We shoot them from far away.¡±


    ¡°What if we miss?¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t miss,¡± Xin suggested with a shrug.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Jesca sputtered with confusion.


    ¡°Do not worry, Jesca,¡± Vanis said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m sure the training you receive will alleviate your concerns.¡±


    ¡°If the arrows don¡¯t work, then we use our swords and stick ¡®em with the pointy end,¡± Callie added, only somewhat helpfully.


    Jesca swallowed hard, and then nodded.


    ¡°Jesca does raise a good point,¡± Vanis continued, addressing everyone present. ¡°What was with Tazrok¡¯s speech? I too found it quite wonderful, honestly.¡±


    ¡°But why was he speaking normally?¡± Callie asked. ¡°I mean, he was using complete sentences and big words. That wasn¡¯t like him. ¡®Shining stars of hope in a world of darkness¡¯? Does that sound like something that would come from him?¡±


    ¡°It is odd,¡± Vanis agreed. ¡°How about we ask him?¡±


    Tazrok was approaching, his head downturned and barely watching where he was going, as if he was lost in thought. It wasn¡¯t until Lena sharply called his name that he broke out of his reverie and looked up, stopping as he joined the rest of the group. The look on his face was quite strange.


    ¡°Hi Tazrok. How are you doing?¡± Lena asked, a note of concern in her voice.


    The Ogre shrugged. ¡°Feel bad. Have headache. Will just go home.¡±


    ¡°That ¡­ uh ¡­ was some speech you gave, Tazrok,¡± Lena said, prodding. ¡°It was very inspirational for all the recruits, and I think even a few of the officers and staff. Did you practice it?¡±


    The Ogre looked confused. ¡°Speech? Just told recruits to not be babies. Showed them Demon Dog. Hope they understand.¡±


    ¡°Uh, what about us having to ¡®rise to our fates and prepare to face the hordes¡¯?¡± Callie said. ¡°Those were good words. Very good words, in fact. Did the Major or someone help you come up with them?¡±


    The Ogre looked blankly at Callie, and then at the questioning expressions of the others. ¡°Major must have helped,¡± he finally mumbled with a shrug.


    If Callie didn¡¯t know better, it seemed Tazrok was depressed about something, or at least lost in his own world. She looked up at her friend with concern in her eyes. ¡°Tazrok? Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Brain tired. Go home now.¡± With that, he shuffled around everyone, making sure not to step on any of them, before heading off to Orge House. He walked with a slow gait, running his big fingers through his hair and down his face, almost oblivious to the world around him.


    ¡°Lena, you know Tazrok better than all of us. Have you ever seen him looking so ¡­ down?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Lena said, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve seen him angry, confused, and protective, but I¡¯ve never seen this before. And I¡¯ll tell you this much, I have never heard him speaking as eloquently as he did during his speech. Something happened to him up on that stage, and I have a feeling he doesn¡¯t know what it was. Do you think we should tell someone?¡±


    Everyone collectively shrugged, not sure what the next actions should be. Finally, Pixyl spoke up. ¡°They obviously saw the ch-ch-change during his speech. The officers, that is. We should let them w-w-worry about it.¡±


    Another round of collective shrugs went through the small group, as if resigning to not having a better plan at the moment, although it was obvious everyone was still a little concerned with Tazrok¡¯s behavior.


    <hr>


    As the quintet entered Ogre House, Jesca having returned to her own, there was a strange new scent in the air. Callie immediately recognized it from more than a few stores and biker bars back on Earth. The smell of leather.


    Tazrok was lying on his bed, his arm over his eyes. He wasn¡¯t sleeping, but it seemed he didn¡¯t want to chat. But that didn¡¯t matter. Next to everyone¡¯s bed was a set of pristine new armor hanging on the rack that had been vacant since they arrived. Callie¡¯s and Pixyl¡¯s had been replaced by a stand that was smaller, sized for their height. Each set of armor seemed distinct, as if custom made for the person and their class.


    Callie and everyone else immediately went to check out their new deliveries. She lifted the top half of hers off the rack, laying itout on the bed where she could get a better look, and setting aside what looked like a shoulder piece. Before her was a suit of hardened brown leather, similar to what she¡¯d seen in movies, although not quite as decorative as she¡¯d expect from the same. The front had a series of criss-crossed heavy strings designed to tighten everything like a backwards corset, although if it was anything like the clothing, it was designed to fit perfectly and wouldn¡¯t need much. A few other buckles and belts were also present, to help cinch things into place as needed. To call it a work of art didn¡¯t give it proper respect. And this was just ¡®training armor¡¯?The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    At the top corners of the chest area was a strip of yellowish fuzzy something about six centimeters long that had been attached to the leather with some kind of an adhesive. A similar strip was at the top of the backside as well. It took Callie a minute to realize their purpose, but finally she figured it out. A set of hard-leather shoulder pads was on the bed where she set them, designed to fit around the head and buckle in the front to keep them tight. The shoulder armor consisted of a series of overlapping pieces, designed to allow for flexibility as well as protection. But to help keep the shoulder armor in place, on the inside was a similarly sized piece of material to the one on the chest, this one with tiny little grabby hooks. Velcro! They had Velcro here!


    ¡°What do you call this stuff,¡± Callie asked the room in general pointing to the Velcro-like strips.


    ¡°Gripping Scufrow,¡± Lena said, seeing what Callie indicated. ¡°It¡¯s a type of tree bark.¡±


    ¡°Really? We have something like this back home, but it doesn¡¯t come from a tree. It¡¯s manufactured.¡±


    ¡°If you cut the bark off the tree, you can pull it apart and dry each side,¡± Lena continued absently, still checking out her new outfit. ¡°It continues to be flexible and you cut it into strips and use it just like you have there, to keep pieces of armor attached and in place. It¡¯s used in a lot of places where you might have something you want secured but easy to move if needed. Just glue one side of the bark to the object and the other to where you want to stick it. Because it¡¯s flexible, light, and really strong, it¡¯s especially great for armor.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Callie said, surprised that it was a naturally-occuring material, but then quickly realized she shouldn¡¯t be. ¡°Gripping Scufrow. Neat!¡± It was then she noticed another long strip of Scufrow down the side of the torso piece, allowing the entire top to be removed by just tearing it open, and also easily allowing one to put it on just by wrapping it around.


    Callie returned her attention back to the clothing rack, seeing a pair of light leather pants colored a forest green, along with a new utility belt designed to be worn outside of the armor. The pants, however, weren¡¯t nearly as hard, retaining their flexibility while offering some protection.


    Looking around, from what she could immediately see, it appeared Tazrok and Xin both had armor of hard leather almost identical to hers, simply sized appropriately. However, both sets were missing any buckles, relying on the Scufrow strips to hold everything in place. In fact, there appeared to be no metal of any kind on either set. Poor Xin was looking at her armor with distaste in her eyes.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Xin?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°I hate clothing. Even though this is armor, which is acceptable in times of combat, it is still annoying to wear. At least they have a hole for my tail to fit through and this is much better than robes would have been.¡± She held up the leather pants, and sure enough there was a split in the back her tail would be able to fit through comfortably, which would then be secured by a strip of Scufrow at the top.


    Turning to Pixyl¡¯s set, Callie could see it was quite different from her own. Rather than hardened leather, the entirety of the leather in the Pixie¡¯s suit was made of a softer, more flexible and form-fitting leather, very similar to what Callie¡¯s pants were made of. Given Pixyl¡¯s role as a Striker in combat, it made sense her set would be lighter, to allow for maximum mobility, especially since she also was able to fly. Like for Xin¡¯s tail, a similar slit was in the back of Pixyl¡¯s armor to allow her wings the full freedom they would need. Also like Xin, a strip of the natural Velcro would keep everything in place.


    Vanis had a set of lightweight armor just like Pixyl¡¯s, albeit without the accommodation for wings. Callie reasoned this was likely to allow the caster the flexibility he would need for spellcasting. As Vanis had specifically said he didn¡¯t want robes, it seemed the natural alternative to allow maximum movement while still providing protection.


    Finally, Lena¡¯s armor was more like the hardened sets, but also sported metal in the chest area, along the forearms, and a metal mesh under the arms and down the side of her torso. It was still reasonably light, but afforded even better protection than what Callie, Xin and Tazrok would be wearing. Obviously, this was needed for someone in that Guardian role like a Bladedancer, as they were much more likely to take a wayward strike.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯d have time to try all this on before the bell,¡± Callie said, walking to the mirror while fitting the shoulder piece around her neck to check its look and fit. ¡°But I can tell you one thing, we¡¯re all going to look amazing when we¡¯re wearing these,¡±


    Xin snarled a little at the reminder she¡¯d have to put the armor on.


    ¡°Why is there no m-m-metal on your¡¯s, Xin?¡± Pixyl asked. ¡°Tazrok¡¯s is the same.¡±


    Xin pondered the question for a moment, poking at her leather suit with a sneer, before finally answering. ¡°I believe it is so we can shape shift into our animal forms.. My trainer told me only natural materials, or things inside of natural materials, will stay on when a Shaman changes forms. Otherwise, metal would drop to the ground. Druids must be the same way. It is why if I use a spear, it must be made of wood. She was not sure if stone would transform, so we will have to test that when I learn a form.¡±


    ¡°And since the Scufrow is a tree bark, it¡¯s a natural material,¡± Callie mused out loud. ¡°What a perfect alternative solution to having to use a buckle to hold armor in place.¡± Then Callie wondered, ¡°Xin, I¡¯m curious, do you know how many animal forms you get to learn?¡±


    ¡°I do not. In fact, I know very little about Shaman forms, only that we will get at least one. But, none of the skills I learned from my Symbiote had to do with shapeshifting, so it must come at a higher tier. I¡¯m actually rather eager to find out what I will be able to turn into. My elder trainer was able to transform into a wolf.¡±


    ¡°I w-w-won¡¯t be able to wear any of this for a few days I think. It will put some stress on my wing that would be p-p-painful,¡± Pixel said with a sigh, tossing the shoulder piece onto her bed.


    ¡°Healer Tasi had warned us that might be the case, or that you might need help putting it on,¡± Lena said, standing in front of the mirror checking out what she looked like with the shoulders in place.


    Pixyl was just about to snap back that she didn¡¯t need any help, but caught herself. These people were her friends and they were happy to be of assistance. She finally answered with a ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°Remember, yesterday they said this was only training armor,¡± Vanis said, returning his suit to the rack. ¡°This will allow us to get used to fighting and casting while wearing something. After that, we will likely be given something better to wear, either here or when we arrive at our final destinations.¡±


    ¡°Fizzlebek, he¡¯s the Gnome Artificer and Enchanter in charge of the workshop, is going to put enchantments on my new bow,¡± Callie said. ¡°I wonder if they¡¯ll do something like that for everyone¡¯s armor, or everyone¡¯s weapons. He said enchantments weren¡¯t difficult to do, but take a while because they needed to be stirred every few hours, or whatever the enchanting equivalent of that is.¡±


    ¡°If we were provided magic armor, I would probably be willing to wear it,¡± Xin said, hanging her own suit back in place. ¡°I still don¡¯t see how I¡¯m going to wear boots, though. If I do, I lose the use of the claws on my feet. Why would I give up that advantage?¡±


    ¡°Because someone laced the battlefield with poisoned spikes?¡± Vanis suggested.


    Xin paused, as if that sour thought never occurred to her. ¡°Perhaps boots would have uses. In certain situations, that is.¡± But quickly she added, ¡°I don¡¯t have to like it, though.¡±


    ¡°Tazrok, how are you feeling?¡± Lena asked the Ogre.


    His arm still over his face, Tazrok shrugged. ¡°Head still hurt.¡±


    ¡°Would you like me to see if we can get something for that? I could flag down an officer, or run over to the medical tent and get you a mild painkiller.¡±


    Tazrok paused before answering. ¡°No. Will be fine. Resting is good,¡± he said finally.


    Lena glanced worriedly at the others, saying, ¡°Sure thing. You just let us know if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here for you, big guy,¡± Callie added, returning her own armor to its stand.


    <hr>


    Time passed as everyone chatted about nothing in particular. At one point Callie walked back to the mirror, taking her hair down, before putting it back up in fresh pigtails secured with her colored ribbon. Since the baths, it had loosened a bit. ¡°There¡¯s supposed to be a feast tonight, followed by a party. Any social customs I need to be aware of?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s like a truly traditional group feast,¡± Vanis said, ¡°it will be a long meal. Portions are generally small, but there are many courses. Eating is encouraged to be slow, and conversation is a big part of it. I suspect the Commandant and others will speak between courses.¡±


    ¡°There will be both meat and non-meat options, depending on your preference,¡± Lena said. ¡°Some of the Beastkin can¡¯t eat meat, while others can¡¯t eat plants or mushrooms. If you are asked which you¡¯d like, ask for either, or a bit of both is fine, too.¡±


    ¡°Often,¡± Vanis continued, ¡°between each course, people will change seats to eat with someone else for the next, the hosts will move around as well, joining guests. Usually a game is made to make finding your new seatmates interesting. The whole thing is as much a social event as a mealtime.¡±


    ¡°And remember you are small,¡± Xin said. ¡°Do not drink too much. You are easy to carry back here, but it would be embarrassing for you.¡±


    ¡°Embarrassing? Xin, I was shooting my bow half-naked in front of half the recruits earlier. It can¡¯t get much worse than that,¡± Callie said. ¡°What happens at the party?¡±


    ¡°More socializing, always with food and drink,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Someone will probably be playing music, and maybe even dancing. Who knows. I suspect our hosts have a plan.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Maybe you could play something!¡±


    Vanis winced. ¡°I¡¯m not terribly fond of playing to a raucous crowd. I prefer more ¡­ intimate venues.¡±


    ¡°He means he plays to impress the ladies,¡± Lena said in a teasing, singsong voice. ¡°Then again, who doesn¡¯t love a musician,¡± she added with a sly twinkle in her eyes and a sultry pose.


    ¡°Yes. Well ¡­¡± Vanis stammered, his normal fluent speech temporarily stymied and his face growing a little red in the cheeks.


    ¡°Ah hah! Yup, I knew it!¡± Lena said, pointing with both hands. ¡°Girls, a bit of advice: Never trust a musician as a lover. They may be all handsome and even good in bed, but there are always ladies lined up behind you that he¡¯ll move on to.¡±


    ¡°Meh,¡± Callie said, dismissing Lena¡¯s warning with a casual wave. ¡°Not my type.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! You have a th-th-thing for the Dryad,¡± Pixyl said mockingly.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie snapped. ¡°She was totally hot! Even Lena said so.¡±


    ¡°She was, Pixyl. Callie¡¯s right about that,¡± Lena confirmed.


    ¡°See!¡± Callie¡¯s face was blushing hard, and so was Pixyl¡¯s for some reason. But the friendly banter made all the teasing okay.


    ¡°Still too bony,¡± Tazrok said matter-of-factly, his deep voice breaking through the giggles. ¡°Very easy to break. Give me Ogre woman with big hips. Very solid.¡±


    Somehow that statement just made the mood all the more jovial, and you could see a smile on the big Ogre¡¯s face as his arm continued to cover his eyes.

 Chapter 26 Part 1 - A Rainbow of Delightful Tastes

    PART I - A RAINBOW OF DELIGHTFUL TASTES


    Callie welcomed the bell calling all to the meal. At some point in the last thirty minutes, she realized she hadn¡¯t eaten anything but some fruit earlier that morning, and the promise of a Culinar-created feast added to the allure and left her feeling famished.


    Together, the six walked out of Ogre House, Tazrok seeming reluctant to get out of bed. It was obvious he still wasn¡¯t feeling the greatest, whatever having happened to him earlier still leaving lingering effects. But, he was smiling to everyone, even if you could tell it was a little forced.


    At least twenty recruits had been milling around the garden, and now the remaining emerged from their own houses, blinking at the early-evening sun. Callie felt it was far too early for dinner, especially something formal, but she was hungry, and Vanis said it was a long meal, so she just decided to go with it.


    ¡°Callie!¡± came the hyper voice from Jesca as she bounded forward. ¡°Did you get new armor? I did and it¡¯s really well made. I¡¯m sure it was more Brownie magic. Thucax is all grumpy because ¡­. I don¡¯t know why, he just was grumpy about it for some reason, but I love mine!¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie said, trying to get a word in before the Cheetakin could launch in another direction. ¡°We all did. Each of us got different types. I¡¯m guessing that was based on what class we are. I didn¡¯t have time to try it on, though. ¡°


    ¡°I was going to, but Koda suggested not doing that for now since we¡¯d be eating soon. So I didn¡¯t. Is it ok if I sit with all of you?¡±


    ¡°Sure, Jesca, that would be fine,¡± Lena said. ¡°Although if this is traditional, we¡¯ll be moving around.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, I forgot¡± the Cheetahkin said, a little crestfallen. ¡°Still, I¡¯ll at least start with you all, then.¡±


    As the now-seven started to walk in the direction of the mess, Callie could hear a lot of whispers from people referencing Pixyl in some way. Word of her fight with the Demon had quickly spread to those that weren¡¯t there apparently, and everyone was wondering what to make of the little Pixie. As for Pixyl, she didn¡¯t hear the whispers, or at least gave no sign of it, and Callie decided not to worry her by saying anything.


    Poor Tazrok was left confused, though, as people were constantly giving him a ¡°Good evening, Corporal¡±, or in a few cases, they even stopped to salute him. At first, the Ogre kept up his smile, returning the greetings with a simple hello, and once even saluting in return. But after a few rounds of this, the responses started to become more of a simple growl or grunt. Interestingly, one of those that saluted was one of the Dwarves from the punishment event, properly wearing his pretty pink bonnet. Tazrok gave him a curt, ¡°Hello, baby,¡± in response as they all walked past.


    The food tent had been rearranged. Gone were the self-service areas, as well as the stacks of trays and utensils. Even the station for making the sweetwater was nowhere to be seen. Instead, two long tables with at least twenty chairs on either side were set, creating a wide center aisle between them. Each had been laid out with white linen tablecloths. In the center of each table were baskets of long bread that looked like what had come with the soup the night before. Arrangements of brightly colored flowers along with various spreads and condiments filled in the gaps between the baskets.


    At the front, raised up on a platform, was a long table perpendicular to the rest with nine chairs behind it, facing forward. A podium stood centered at floor level in front of the long table. Green-skinned Goblins, at least a dozen, raced around, putting the last touches on everything in order to make it just right for the grand event.


    Ogre House plus Jesca found an open spot at the end of one of the table rows, which would allow Tazrok to sit on the ground and not feel excluded due to his size. Slowly all the recruits filed into the tent, many forming up into groups to take a seat, and a few singles or duos finding a spot where available. Many chairs were still sporadically open around both long tables.


    As the group started to get settled, a Goblin ran up carrying two semi-firm booster cushions, one each for Callie and Pixyl. Around the room, boosters were being given to the other short races as well. ¡°When changing seats,¡± the Goblin said, ¡°carry this with you.¡± Callie and Pixyl both nodded and the assistant quickly ran off.


    Callie saw Xin starting to sit, and started to scramble into her chair as well,but a light chime sounded, and Vanis quickly whispered, ¡°Stay standing,¡± to both of them.


    From each side, trainers and a few officers filed in. The officers moved to the seats at the front table, while trainers filled in spots around the room, sitting with the recruits where empty seats were available. Centered on the dais table was an empty chair, with Master Trainer Thorn on one side and Legate Galin on the other. Next to Galin was Major Celeste, with Tasi sitting next to Thorn..


    Again, a bell sounded and any remaining general murmurs quickly quieted.


    A hush filled the area, and in a loud voice, someone called out, ¡°Commandant Xera Dalnara¡±. Those that had already inappropriately sat rose quickly, some tossing pieces of bread they had already started to eat on the table. A round of applause rang out and Commandant Xera walked casually down the center row, smiling and waving at everyone as they passed. Callie, now realizing there were protocols at work here, did her best to emulate everyone around her and clapped along.


    Xera finished their walk and stepped up to the podium, and the applause quieted. Xera seemed to touch something, and a white sigil flashed for a moment along the wood. ¡°Good evening,¡± Xera''s voice called out, amplified for the entire audience. ¡°A welcome to all the recruits, trainers and officers. A special welcome to all our new Symbiotes, as well. I know all are eager to get started, so I will save my words for later this evening. For now, to begin everything properly, may I introduce the artiste behind what will truly be a meal to remember, our Master Culinar, Pama.¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Another round of applause rang out as Xera stepped aside and a Gnome took center. She was similar in height to Callie, but noticeably older, and a lot rounder. Yet, her most striking feature, aside from her big, green eyes, was her long, bright-yellow hair tied back in a ponytail with a red ribbon. Pama padded her hands to quiet the room. ¡°Good evening,¡± she began as everyone finally stopped clapping. ¡°Tonight, I am pleased to present a feast of fine food. Eight courses of delight for tongue and tummy. Pace yourself, for the best way to enjoy such sensations is with the company of new friends, and we all have so many new friends with us tonight.¡±


    Again, everyone in the room clapped, a couple people even shrieking out a whistle. Pama smiled, seeming to blush a little, while she waited for the room to quiet again. ¡°We shall begin with a wine-infused cakelet. Nibble slowly and enjoy the sensory overload of six fantastic flavors!¡± As she had been speaking, one of the kitchen Goblins had brought out a small plate sitting on a tray. Pama waved her hand over the plate and both her hand and the plate began to glow. The light intensified and then with a flash she flicked the magic into the air. Perfect copies of the plate, a tiny fork and a rainbow-colored cake appeared before each person.


    ¡°May the feast ¡­ begin!¡± Pama called out as another round of applause rang out.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if they were going for a full formal feast,¡± Vanis said. ¡°It appears that they are. This will indeed be a night to remember. I recognize Pama, and she is truly a master Culinar.¡±


    With scrapes of chair legs, everyone began to sit.


    Callie and Pixyl both struggled to get into their chairs and get the boosters in place as well, Callie eventually managed it with a little grunting and a couple choice words. Pixyl kept wincing in pain as she struggled, and she finally asked Lena for help, the Elf quickly lifting her into place. Finally seated, Pixyl¡¯s booster was taller, putting her at a close-enough level to see everyone and everything without needing to stand.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding about small portions,¡± Callie said with a grump, looking at her tiny cakelet. It was only about three centimeters in diameter, and maybe one in height and she was starving. Snow white around the edges, there was an inner circle of rainbow swirl. The fork had what seemed like a normal-sized handle, but the two tines on it were tiny in comparison.


    Callie saw Vanis bend over his cakelet and waft the air to his face, followed quickly by a loud sigh and a smile. Callie emulated the gesture and soon the most-amazing scent flowed into her nose. Fruits and flowers and smells indescribable. Like Vanis, she couldn¡¯t help but to moan in enjoyment.


    Picking up the tiny fork and eager to dig in, Callie cut the tiny cake in half and stabbed a piece. ¡°No! No!¡± both Lena and Vanis snapped. Callie stopped, the piece halfway to her mouth, as did Xin, who was about to make the same apparent mistake.


    ¡°Like this,¡± Vanis said as he cut a small piece, just big enough for the fork to sink into. ¡°You nibble this. It¡¯s all about flavor!¡±


    At the table end, Tazrok held his tiny fork between thumb and finger. ¡°Tiny bites,¡± he said. Next to him, Jesca confirmed, holding up her fork with just a nibble on the end.


    Callie glanced at Pixyl, who like Vanis and Jesca had just a morsel on her fork. With a grin and a waggle of her blue eyebrows, the Pixie promptly popped it into her mouth. Almost immediately she rolled her eyes back in what could be best described as an intense foodgasm. ¡°That is so good!¡±


    Trying again, Callie did the same with her own tiny nibble, and the explosion of flavors that hit her were like nothing she had ever eaten before. Sweet and tart and sunshine and laughter and love and bliss all rolled up into a nugget of a rainbow. Like Pixyl, she groaned in culinary ecstasy.


    ¡°Water, wine or mead?¡± sounded a voice from behind Callie. She turned to see a Goblin with a cart with glasses of a clear, amber and red liquid.


    ¡°Can we switch later?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Of course. Just let someone know when we come around to refill.¡±


    ¡°Water for now, then. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Wine f-f-for me,¡± Pixyl added.


    ¡°Take your drink with you when you change seats,¡± the Goblin said, handing over both their orders before continuing down the line.


    ¡°I thought about wine,¡± Callie said, ¡°but I didn¡¯t want to drink on an empty stomach.¡±


    ¡°Wine doesn¡¯t really affect m-m-me,¡± Pixyl said with a shrug, offering the glass for Callie to sip.


    Callie tried it and It was good. Sweet yet bold, with a deep accent of a dark berry of some kind. ¡°After a bit I¡¯ll definitely switch,¡± she said, handing the wine back to Pixyl with an affirming nod. ¡°It¡¯s really good.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like they are taking orders,¡± Vanis said, leaning into the group, ¡°using Culinar magic to serve everyone instead. If there¡¯s something on your plate you can¡¯t eat, you may leave it. Xin, I know your kind can only handle small amounts of plants. Pixyl, same with the winged Fae and overdoing it with meat.¡±


    Xin nodded, putting another nugget of cake into her mouth. She moaned for a moment like the others, before saying, ¡°Thank you. This is a new experience for me. We do not do formal meals like this in my Valley.¡±


    Around the pavilion, the Goblins finished serving drinks to everyone, while a low murmur of voices filled the tent. The initial gasps of wonder at the cakes had now reduced to periodic ¡®mmmm¡¯ sounds from everyone. At the front, Pama was working with a Goblin who was holding a tray. She fiddled and fussed, seeming to want to get everything presented just right. Satisfied, Pama stood on her toes to look down one of the long tables and then nodded to one of her assistants, who rang a light bell.


    ¡°What¡¯s that mean?¡± Callie asked quietly.


    ¡°About one minute until the next part,¡± Vanis said.


    Callie had two little morsels remaining, and quickly ate both, remembering to take just enough time between each to savor the experience. Again the bell dinged out.


    ¡°Now that your mouths are awakened and primed for more delights,¡± Pama said from the podium, ¡°it is time to prepare for the next part of our feast. Place your utensils on your plates, please.¡± There was a universal clinking all around. ¡°Now, everyone stand, leave your seats and join with your trainers, wherever they may be. Remember to bring your drinks with you.¡±


    ¡°Time to move,¡± Lena said, standing. She quickly helped lift Pixyl off her seat.


    Pixyl looked really nervous, almost scared. You could tell she didn¡¯t want to leave the rest of her housemates. It was literally dumping her into her worst nightmare; social interaction.


    ¡°It will be fine, Pixyl,¡± Lena said warmly. ¡°You¡¯ve already met them, and you know your trainer. No need to be nervous.¡± Lena handed the little Pixie her wine glass.

 Chapter 26 Part 2 - My Dinner With Reynard

    PART II: MY DINNER WITH REYNARD


    Callie grabbed her own drink and her booster, before joining Jesca and starting to wander the hall, looking for the other Rangers. Around the tent, all the recruits were milling in confusion and chaos, looking for their own trainers or the familiar faces of their classmates. For Callie and Jesca, It proved not difficult, as Shul¡¯an¡¯s midnight-black skin quickly stood out, and soon they all saw Trainer Reynard as well, with his red fur and fluffy tail, already sitting and speaking with Thucax and Kaisess.


    While the chaos of everyone locating their new seats played out, Pama worked her feastly magics. Throughout the pavilion, the plates and anything remaining on them, in this case the utensils and any remaining cake, disappeared with a flash of orange light, making way for what was sure to come next.


    As Callie, Jesca and Shul¡¯an weaved through the mass of recruits towards Reynard, Callie stopped and quickly whispered up to Jesca. ¡°Hey, getting into these chairs is a real pain, especially trying to balance this booster seat. Could you just lift me? I don¡¯t want to be a complete klutz in front of him.¡± With her head, Callie gestured towards Reynard.


    Jesca looked at their trainer, and then down at the Gnome, before nodding briskly.


    In short order, all took their seats, Jesca discretely lifting Callie onto her seat and sliding her chair a little closer. Across the table from Callie sat Reynard, flanked by Thucax and Kaisess. Reynard was giving Callie a hard stare.


    ¡°Hi!¡± Callie said to the Foxkin with a smile, adding a wave for good measure. ¡°How are you tonight?¡±


    ¡°I take it that the joining with your worm was successful?¡± Reynard asked in a low growl.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie said with a cheery mood. ¡°When I woke up everything confirmed I¡¯m a Ranger.¡±


    ¡°Mmmm,¡± Reynard said coldly. ¡°I guess we will see in time how much of a Ranger you become, won¡¯t we.¡±


    ¡°I just suppose we will,¡± Callie responded, her eyes narrowing and adding her own slight chill in her voice. Under the table, Jesca gave Callie¡¯s thigh a light ¡®stop-provoking-him¡¯ slap.


    Again a light chime sounded and the din of conversation died away. Pama smiled broadly, opening her arms to the entire room. ¡°As we continue our feast, I bring you four kinds of delicious cheeses, and a rich mushroom spread for the same. Please take your drinks from the table and hold them in your hand.¡±


    Everyone did as instructed, clearing the table to make way as the Culinar wove her magic yet again. With deft precision and a flash of light, Pama replicated her carefully arranged tray out to all her guests. A small plate, similar to the one that held the cakelets, flashed into existence. Laid out were four small slices of cheese, a utensil similar in size to the fork in the first course, but this time a tiny spoon on the end. Next to the cheeses was a small mound of finely diced mushrooms in a rich, dark sauce.


    Everyone dug in, although Jesca pushed the mushrooms to the side; apparently they were not her thing. It was, of course, all absolutely delicious. The cheese was rich and smooth, and the diced mushrooms over it added a slightly acidic taste, a little like balsamic vinegar. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Did you all hear about Callie and her sword fight?¡± Kaisess asked the assembled Rangers, finally breaking the silence.


    Jesca nodded, while everyone else shook their heads. Reynard glared intently at the little Gnome. ¡°No, I hadn¡¯t. What trouble did you get into this time?¡±


    Callie stopped her hand, a piece of mushroom-covered cheese almost to her mouth and slowly set it back down on her plate. ¡°Oh, you know. Just waving some swords around to see what would happen,¡± she said with a smirk and toying inflection.


    ¡°I was there!¡± Kaisess said excitedly. ¡°She was sparring with a ¡­ Naga? Lamia? I always get them confused. Which ones have only two arms?¡±


    ¡°Lamia,¡± Reynard said, his gaze never moving from Callie. ¡°What were you doing sparring with Vonn, Recruit Calliope?¡±


    ¡°First,¡± Callie said, ¡°it¡¯s ¡®Callie¡¯, not ¡®Calliope¡¯. Please. Second, it was Vonn¡¯s idea when I received my Dual-wield and Ambidextrous perks while talking with her, since I had never held a sword before.¡±


    ¡°She did really well, Trainer Reynard. Both the Master Trainer and the Major were there to see it, and I overheard them say so,¡± Kaisess added. The other Ranger recruits were all taken aback, while Reynard just narrowed his little Foxkin eyes further.


    Callie, who had been spreading mushrooms on another piece of cheese, finally decided to be the bigger Gnome and set down her tiny spoon. ¡°Okay Reynard. We have two choices. You and I can snip and snipe at each other for the next ten minutes or however long this course lasts before we move again. It¡¯s not going to do much more than just irritate us both and honestly I don¡¯t need that negative energy tonight. This is supposed to be a celebration.¡±


    ¡°Callie!¡± Jesca hissed.


    ¡°What¡¯s the other choice?¡± Reynard sneered.


    ¡°The other choice is that we can all be quiet and you can tell us a story about when you were a young Ranger.¡± All of the other recruits stared with shocked gazes at the audacity of the little Gnome, who smiled and quietly went back to the piece of cheese she had set on her plate. As one, they swung their looks to the glaring Foxkin.


    If not for the fur on his face, one could almost assuredly see Reynard¡¯s twitching face turning crimson, but when he saw all his recruits looking at him expectantly, including Callie, his gaze softened and he remembered he was their trainer. And so between bites of mushroom-smeared cheese, he told the story of when he was training as an Iron Tier Ranger, and had been sent to track down an escaped Vone, which sounded similar to a livestock animal like a goat. Apparently, it was a test for his Tracking skill, and he spent nearly a day and a night trying to find it. He often would come back to places where he was sure it had been, only to lose it again in the wilds. Finally, dejected and full of failure, he returned, only to find the Vone quietly nibbling grain in the barn.


    ¡°... and that¡¯s when he says to me, ¡®Reynard, it appears that the Vone can find herself just fine without your help.¡¯ I must say I was never more angry and embarrassed than at that moment,¡± Reynard said with a light chuckle. ¡°It was ¡­ humiliating. And humbling.¡±


    The Ranger recruits all joined in the laughter, as had a couple other recruits within earshot who had been listening in on the story.


    ¡°So! The lesson here,¡± Callie said, sopping up the last of her mushroom sauce with her last piece of cheese, ¡°is to check back at the barn first, before chasing off into the wilds.¡± Another round of laughter went around the group.


    ¡°Yes, well ¡­ that is one lesson you could take,¡± Reynard said, his own posture having noticeably relaxed during his story, and the corners of his eyes betraying at least a moment of enjoyment.


    Another clear chime of the dinner bell rang out, signaling it was time to wrap up this course. Callie locked eyes momentarily with her Foxkin trainer. ¡°Truce?¡± she asked.


    Reynard peered at her. Not a hard or angry look this time, but an evaluating one. ¡°Truce,¡± he finally agreed. ¡°At least off the training field, that is.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way,¡± Callie said with a twinkle, sliding off her chair as the chime rang again.

 Chapter 26 Part 3 - Recognitions

    PART III - RECOGNITIONS


    Pama again returned to the podium, continuing her Mistress-of-Ceremonies responsibilities. ¡°Utensils on your plates please.¡± Again, a few clinks could be heard. ¡°This time,¡± Pama continued, ¡°those on the center side of each table will change places with those across the aisle from them. Recruits on the outside shall remain. Trainers, mix yourselves up and find new seats.¡±


    ¡°Recruit?¡± Reynard said quietly to Callie, leaning across the table, as the others started to move.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I trust you are not telling people how to unlock skills?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°Nope. I¡¯ve already been warned, and saw what happened with the Demon when someone didn¡¯t know better.¡±


    ¡°Good. Thank you.¡±


    Callie joined Jesca and Shul¡¯an as they crossed the aisle to the other table, passing their opposites in the middle of the room as if they were ships in the night, as a flash of light gave away the dishes being magically bussed to wherever dirty plates magically went to. Callie briefly saw the blue hair of Pixyl, but didn¡¯t have time to track her further and lost her in the crowd. With Jesca¡¯s help, she took her seat again. This time, the three seated across from the Rangers were three Elves in yellow robes. Their expressions were oddly ¡­ snooty for lack of a better word.


    ¡°Hi! I¡¯m Callie. This is Jesca and Shul¡¯an. We¡¯re all Rangers.¡± She put on the brightest smile she could.


    ¡°Charmed,¡± the Elf in the center said sarcastically. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize the Rangers had sunk to using Gnomes.¡±


    Before either Jesca or Shul¡¯an could respond in Callie¡¯s defense, the chime sounded again.


    ¡°As we continue our meal,¡± Pama narrated out, ¡°I bring you a rich, dark bone broth in a field of fresh edible leaves with a lovely citrus dressing and even more new friends. Please hold your glasses to make way, and eat well.¡±


    Again the magic flashed and before them was another small plate. Centered in it was a small cup of brown broth, similar to what had been served the night before and still steaming with heat. Surrounding the broth were light, lettuce-like leaves of greens and yellows. Both a spoon as well as a fork were included this time.


    The conversation during this course was virtually non-existent. The Elves responded with monosyllabic answers, and obviously had no desire to chat. It was work, but the Rangers were able to at least get the fact that two were Geomancers, who were able to manipulate stone and earth with magic, while the third was a Combat Healer, but beyond that, they were not at all social. Their attitudes were aloof and dismissive, and Callie couldn¡¯t tell whether it was the fact they were Rangers, or that the three of them were not Elves or if the three Elves were just cranky asshats. The Rangers ate their soup in near silence, although neither Jesca or Shul¡¯an touched their pseudo-lettuce. Luckily, Jesca was able to swap her salad with her Fairy neighbor for their broth, which she then split with Shul¡¯an. With the Elves across the table non-talkative, they settled on listening in to the next group over talking excitedly about some kind of a coliseum game in a big city that sounded vaguely like rugby.


    At some point, the Goblins came through again with refills for everyone¡¯s drinks and Callie made the switch to wine, the lack of communication from the Elves convincing her that alcohol was now a must. It didn¡¯t pair as well with the soup and salad as it would have with the previous courses, but was still delicious and left a little warm spot in her belly that she appreciated in the face of the Elves¡¯ sour attitudes.


    The chime of the bell signaling the next step in the feast startled Callie, as she was deeply engrossed in the rugby conversation, trying to get a sense of geography and what city life would be like, without asking any foolish or revealing questions. All eyes turned to the front, expecting Pama to come out to announce the next course. Yet, this time the Commandant was front and center.


    ¡°This is often the point,¡± Xera began, ¡°where I say some inspiring words to all of you to get you all excited about the coming weeks. Luckily, that¡¯s being delayed until after the next course.¡± From the front table, a mock cheer went up among the senior officers, some of whom seemed they might be getting a wee bit tipsy. ¡°My biggest fans,¡± Xera said with a smile, the audience joining with a light laugh. ¡°No, tonight, I¡¯m going to do something that has never been done before, and in a way is something that I hope is never done again. Or at least, never done again for the same reason.¡±


    Xera cleared their throat and took a breath, as if getting centered. ¡°Earlier this afternoon, an incident occurred. Many of you witnessed it. Most of the rest of you have assuredly heard about it. But to clear up any rumors, I will say exactly what happened. Today, on the training field, a Warlock recruit summoned an unbound Demon. It was done through carelessness and foolishness, and in disobedience of a direct order to not do that exact thing. The guilty individual has been punished. I am not here to speak of that further.¡±


    A wave of mutters went through the assembly.


    ¡°Two people,¡± Xera continued, ¡°Two recruits, two of your fellow recruits, put themselves directly in harm''s way to both contain the Demon, and finally to defeat it. They did this on instinct, and without regard to their own risk of injury or death, one even knowing she could not summon the very weapons she needed to slay the foul thing. Without their actions, some of your fellow recruits would very likely have been killed, and tonight we would have been mourning their loss, instead of celebrating the start of a new term. Recruit Vanis del Montano and Recruit Pixylataweneecina, please come forward.¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    There were murmurs from the audience, punctured by the sounds of chairs scuffing, and Vanis could be seen rising farther down the table from where Callie was seated. Trainer Terrin also stood and started walking to the front. On the other side of the aisle, a Lizardkin, it was the Bladeweaver Nola, stood and pulled out a chair, revealing the blue-haired PIxie, as Trainer Olin also left his seat. Pixyl slid to the floor and started the long walk towards the front of the room, her tiny moccasin boots slapping lightly on the stone floor; her wings folded tight and drooping. She looked so very very small and you could see the nervousness on her face.


    As everyone waited, a few people tried to get a round of applause started, but it quickly withered and died, tamped down by the reason for the moment. Vanis arrived first, joined quickly by the two trainers. Vanis clasped wrists with Terrin, followed by the two patting each other¡¯s shoulders, before he likewise clasped wrists with Olin. They turned to wait as Pixyl continued her long, lonely, short-legged march to the front.


    The slap slap slap of her footsteps on the cold floor seemed to grow louder in the oppressive silence as Pixyl walked, eventually arriving at the front with the other four. Trainer Olin dropped to one knee, extending his hand. Pixyl reached forth and they clasped wrists. Olin leaned forward to whisper something in his recruit¡¯s ear, and she looked away briefly in embarrassment, before looking back and nodding. Pixyl turned, facing the rest of her fellow recruits and opened her wings wide, putting them on full display, as Vanis stepped beside her.


    Xera cleared their throat again. ¡°As this has never happened before, I don¡¯t really think I have the best words to say for this moment. In the past, at the end of every term, I and the trainers have made a special effort to recognize those recruits who have gone above and beyond; those who have shown leadership, ingenuity, courage and who have set the best examples of what it means to fight for the Free Folk. But those honors have always been camp honors. They have been my honors and the honors of our trainers. Tonight, it is different. Tonight, the honors come not from me, but from a grateful Army, on behalf of all The Free Folk of the North.


    Xera took a deep breath again, before continuing. ¡°To begin. It is my great and humble honor to award Corporal Vanis del Montano the Free Army Medal of Distinction for his deeds in combat,¡± Xera placed an emphasis on the new rank being bestowed. ¡°His actions with a just-learned and never-used spell subdued the Demon for precious seconds, allowing his fellow recruit, Pixylataweneecina, to position herself to engage the threat.¡±


    While Xera spoke, Trainer Terrin walked in front of a suddenly quite demure Vanis, and placed a green sash over his head and around his neck, upon which hung something. Again, they clasped wrists with each other, nodding. Terrin stepped aside to retake a spot behind Vanis. At this distance, no detail could be seen on the medal, save that it glinted as it reflected the light around it. Applause rang out, with a few recruits rising to their feet and a few more whistling. Xera raised one hand and called for silence, and the din quickly stilled, those standing returning quickly to their seats.


    Commandant Xera continued as Trainer Olin began to move. ¡°For receiving life-threatening combat injuries in the direct defense of others, Recruit Pixylataweneecina is hereby awarded The Red Heartstone Star.¡± This time, Trainer Olin had stepped in front of the little Pixie as Xera spoke, and dropped to one knee. His huge mane and leonine form blocking everyone¡¯s view. He nodded, saying something, stood and stepped aside. Pixyl now wore a red sash around her neck upon which hung a medal. Like Vanis¡¯s, it was too far away to make out detail, but on her tiny body, it seemed much larger than one would expect. Thankfully, the sash had been cut to an appropriate length to assure it didn¡¯t drag on the floor. Still, Pixyl was being crushed by the attention, and Callie could see she was doing all she could to not fold her wings back in the instinctive attempt to disappear.


    Again a round of applause started up, but was quickly shushed as it was obvious Xera had more to say. Xera again cleared their throat. ¡°For courage in rushing to the protection of her fellow recruits without regard for her own safety, for risking her life in the defense of the same, and quite honestly, for kicking that Demon¡¯s ass, it is my great personal privilege to award Corporal-Major Pixylataweneecina The Bronze Sword of Valor.¡±


    At once the whole tent exploded. Recruits, officers and trainers all leapt to their feet as one, cheering, whistling, clapping and whooping. Sergeant-Major Natala, who had been standing aside in the shadows, approached as Xera stepped from the podium. The Sergeant opened a small wood case she had been holding and Xera took a medal out of it, this one on a sash of dark blue or black with a stripe down its center. Xera bent, placing it around Pixyl¡¯s neck as the applause rang forth. Vanis, Olin and Terrin all joined in the applause, having taken a respectful step aside to assure the focus was the little Pixie. Xera had private words for Pixyl as they spoke for several seconds while the roars of the tent surrounded everyone.


    With a nod, Xera turned back to the podium and Natala backed away. Compared to her Heartstone Star, Pixyl¡¯s new medal hung higher, almost at her neckline, seeming to shine with its higher significance. Maybe not everyone noticed, but Callie saw Pixyl rub her hand under each of her eyes, wiping away what surely had to be the start of tears. Xera waited patiently for a little more time while the acclamations rang out before finally raising their hand and calling for silence. Slowly, everyone retook their seats. Callie waved Jesca off, choosing to stay standing for the rest of Xera¡¯s remarks.


    ¡°It is with a humble respect for these two when I say this, but I sincerely hope I never have to do that again as Commandant of this facility. Corporal Vanis and Corporal-Major Pixylataweneecina have set an example to you all by showing you extraordinary bravery and cunning. One, the smallest of you all, has shown that size will never be a measure of courage or skill, and she did this on day zero of her training. All of you have eight weeks ahead of you. I dare you to do better.¡±


    Another round of applause rang out as Xera stepped away again, stopping once more to clasp wrists with Pixyl and Vanis. Together, the two recruits joined Xera and the two trainers as they walked away from the center podium. Slowly the tent shifted from the sounds of applause to the sounds of normal conversational background noise, coupled with the sounds of shifting seats as everyone sat.


    ¡°Did you know that was going to happen?¡± Jesca asked Callie. ¡°Vanis probably knows how to handle the attention, given who he really is, but poor Pixyl must be mortified.¡±


    Callie shook her head, trying to see where her Pixie friend had gone, but having lost her in the crowd of tall people. ¡°I had no idea. And from what I could tell, neither did she. I know the Warlock trainer mentioned that she and Vanis were inspiring, but I had no idea she was going to get a medal. Two medals actually! And apparently a promotion?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Promoted to Corporal-Major. I think that makes Pixyl a higher rank than Tazrok is. And Vanis now, too. I actually don¡¯t know all the army¡¯s ranks. Koda was saying that when we finish training we all become a Private, though.¡±

 Chapter 26 Part 4 - Plant Magics

    PART IV: PLANT MAGICS


    Around them, Callie could hear multiple conversations regarding Pixyl, and to a lesser extent Vanis. Most everyone was in awe, while a few questioned whether Pixyl really deserved a medal. The doubters were quickly put down, though, most everyone rising to the Pixie¡¯s defense.


    And then the rumble started. It was quiet, almost a whisper, and all saying the same thing. ¡°If a tiny Pixie could do it, then so can I¡±. The Elf with her? He was known to be the Prince and pretty much expected to excel at everything. But a Pixie? She had killed a Demon; in hand to hand combat no less. She had saved lives, maybe a lot of them. And she did this in spite of being the tiniest of all of them. If she could do all that, then what excuse did they have to not do better? One by one, a great many unsure recruits suddenly found themselves no longer doubting themselves.


    Across the table, the three monosyllabic Elves seemed downright stunned at everything, as if their entire worldview had just been flipped sideways. Callie chuckled inwardly, adding a pointed, ¡°I guess size doesn¡¯t matter, does it,¡± to Jesca, but obviously directed to the anti-social Elves.


    With a light chime of the bell, all eyes turned front as Pama returned, her Goblin assistant behind her holding a tray. ¡°Be sure to place all your used items back on your plate and take your glasses, It is time to mix you all up again,¡± the Gnome cooed with a smile. ¡°This time, all the males will sit at this table,¡± Pama gestured to the table on Callie¡¯s side of the room, ¡°and everyone else will be over here,¡± and she gestured to the other. ¡°Trainers, please pick the appropriate table if there is space, otherwise, wherever you are able to fill in.¡±


    With the sound of chairs scraping the stone, people started rearranging themselves to the appropriate side. Those that were already seated at the proper table largely stayed where they were, though a few took the opportunity to move just to get a fresh location and meet more people. The bussing-of-dishes flash blazed briefly as the soup and salad dishes were cleared, making way for whatever was to come next.


    ¡°I believe I am going to sit with a new group, to meet others,¡± Shul¡¯an said, nodding to Callie and Jesca, before walking off into the crowd.


    Seated alone, about two-thirds of the way down the table the trio was relocating to, sat a female Goblin. She was dangling her feet, swinging them nervously in the air. It seemed as if people were going out of their way to sit elsewhere, the seats next to and across from her noticeably vacant.


    ¡°Hey, Jesca?¡± Callie said. ¡°Let¡¯s go sit by that Goblin. She looks sad.¡±


    ¡°I was thinking of sitting with some others, too. Is that okay?¡± Jesca said, wincing. ¡°I mean, since we¡¯re supposed to be mingling around.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sure! Go ahead,¡± Callie said. ¡°We¡¯ll meet up later.¡±


    Callie walked up to the lonely Goblin. ¡°Is this seat taken?¡±


    With a gasp, the little green Goblin squeaked out, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s you! No, it¡¯s not taken!¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Callie said with a smile, setting her drink on the table and then navigating the gauntlet to sit on her booster.


    ¡°I¡¯m Callie,¡± she said.


    ¡°I know!¡±


    ¡°You do?¡±


    ¡°I mean, I didn¡¯t know your name, but we all know about the Little One Ranger! I even saw you sparring earlier. We all did.¡±


    ¡°I remember! I saw you, too,¡± Callie said. ¡°There were four of you, right? I appreciated you cheering me on. What¡¯s your name, by the way?¡±


    ¡°Oh! I forgot to tell you? I¡¯m Lhawni.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good to meet you, Lhawni. You say ¡®we all know¡¯ about me. What did you mean?¡±


    Lhawni frowned briefly. ¡°Well, you know, a Little One that is a Ranger? I¡¯ve never heard of that happening. We are all really hoping you do well. ¡®We¡¯ being the other Goblins and some of the Fairy I¡¯ve talked to. You¡¯re an inspiration.¡±


    Callie shook her head dismissively. ¡°You want inspiration? Look at Pixyl. Look at what she was able to do. I mean, she got a medal for it.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, her too! You are both really special. My only hope is that you do so well people stop thinking we are so ¡­ useless. When it comes to the small races, we don¡¯t get a lot of respect sometimes.¡± The little Goblin looked down, seeming ashamed. ¡°We aren¡¯t very strong.¡±


    Callie frowned at that. Seeing the resignation in Lhawni¡¯s eyes, that the Goblins and other small races were assumed to be weak, was painful. Callie was starting to see what her being one of Xera¡¯s ¡®anomalies¡¯ could actually mean to people, and to see what Fizzlebek was talking about when he said everyone was rooting for her. She reached out and touched Lhawni¡¯s arm. ¡°I can¡¯t make promises, except to say I will try my best, and I don¡¯t give up.¡±


    Lhawni smiled, seeming to relish the statement.


    ¡°Hello, Little Ones,¡± a voice said, and Callie turned to see a female Elf had taken the seat across from her and Lhawni. She wore a silky green robe with white trim and a lovely necklace of mixed, polished stones drawn tight to her neck. Her eyes were green, much the shade of her robes, and her hair was a vibrant silver, cropped close at the sides, but the top and back long enough to be drawn into a ponytail that hung to her shoulders.


    ¡°Hi!¡± Callie said.


    ¡°I saw you both alone, so thought you must both be far too fascinating for the others, and thus two I must get to know. I am¡­¡±


    Before the Elf could introduce herself, the dinner chime rang again and those few remaining standing quickly found seats. All eyes turned expectantly towards the front, where a beaming Pama was putting the final touches on the next course being held by her assistant.


    ¡°Our next course is a special one,¡± Pama called out. ¡°Grilled mussels from Sweetwater Lake topped with a rich butter and herb drizzle, with a side of wine-braised mushrooms. Both to be dipped in a light cream sauce should that be to your palate¡¯s liking. Please hold your glasses and good eating to you all.¡±


    With the now-familiar flourish of light, new delights appeared in front of everyone. The small plate had three pieces of a white meat that looked very similar to scallops, lightly grilled with a buttery sauce over them. On the other side of the plate were six slices of cooked mushroom, glistening with a thick reduction. In the center was a small bowl with a thick, white sauce for dipping with a garlicky, butter flavor. At once, the smell overwhelmed Callie¡¯s senses and she couldn¡¯t help but be a little uncouth and simply inhale it deeply with a hearty ¡®mmmmmm¡¯ sound.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Oh how delightful!¡± the Elf said. ¡°Pama always has such amazing fare.¡±


    ¡°Everything I¡¯ve tried has been so good,¡± Callie concurred. ¡°I¡¯m Callie, by the way.¡±


    ¡°I know of you, Little One,¡± the Elf said. ¡°The Ranger with no memories. Have any returned to you?¡±


    Callie shook her head, being ready for this question if it came up this evening. ¡°Only bits and pieces, and many that make no sense.¡±


    ¡°A shame,¡± she said with a frown. ¡°And you are?¡± she asked, gesturing to the Goblin.


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m Lhawni.¡±


    ¡°Splendid, I am Trainer Eirlys. I am the Sylvan instructor.¡±


    Callie furrowed her eyes. ¡°Sylvan? What class is that?¡±


    Eirlys held up a finger as she finished chewing. ¡°So good,¡± she said swallowing, before continuing, ¡°Sylvans are Wizard specialists. We are formally called Floramancers, but Sylvan is what we tend to use instead, it sounds much less ¡­ academic. Our specialty is plant magic.¡±


    ¡°Does that overlap with Druids?¡± Callie asked. ¡°I¡¯m housemates with Tazrok, the Ogre Druid.¡±


    ¡°Ahh! The Corporal of Punishment!¡± Eirlys said excitedly, before shaking her head, her ponytail swishing. ¡°Not really the same. Druids learn some plant magic, but their realm tends to be focused on their forms and spells derived from Nature magic. Sylvans just create and control plants, but do it with Arcane Wizard powers.¡±


    ¡°What could plants do in combat?¡± Lhawni asked, confusion on her face.


    ¡°Imagine a twenty meter tall tree charging across the battlefield? Or a flower that grows to the size of Callie¡¯s Ogre friend and devours someone? That¡¯s what Sylvan magic does.¡± Eirlys popped a sauce-dipped mushroom into her mouth, grinning mischievously and waggling her eyebrows.


    ¡°Tell me, Recruit Lhawni,¡± Eirlys continued, ¡°what class are you training for?¡±


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m a Shaman, as are two of the other Goblins.¡±


    ¡°Hey, my housemate is a Shaman, too,¡± Callie said. ¡°Her name is Xin; a Lizardkin. She¡¯s very nice.¡±


    Lhawni frowned. ¡°We are not used to their kind. We may have treated her rudely yesterday. But if you say she is nice, I will make sure to make up for it.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Eirlys said, biting down on a piece of mushroom, ¡°Trainer Cheena is a magnificent instructor. As is Trainer Maugra, although she can be a little ¡­ short with her students. She means well, though, and has a lifetime of experience. You would do well to listen closely to her instructions.¡±


    ¡°I just hope I can make my Totem summon tomorrow,¡± Lhawni said with a worried and sad tone. ¡°I tried drawing it, but I just didn¡¯t seem to have much inspiration. The other two didn¡¯t have much luck either.¡±


    ¡°Talk to Xin,¡± Callie suggested. ¡°She did some great drawings, so she might have some ideas.¡±


    Lhawni nodded. ¡°I will do that, maybe when we move chairs again.¡±


    The three chatted some more, Eirlys talking some more about combat tactics using plants that truely sounded horrifying in Callie¡¯s mind. Ogre-sized flowers eating people was one thing, but walls of brambles that could spurt dissolving acid when touched was the stuff of nightmares!


    In time, a chime sounded again, and this time Xera returned to the podium. They were wearing a big smile, as if coming out of a fun conversation. It was then that Callie noticed that both Vanis and Pixyl, along with Terrin and Olin, had joined Xera and the other senior officers at the front table, their backs to the room. Despite everything, Pixyl seemed to be enjoying herself as Vanis animatedly told some story to Thorn, sitting across from him, with others listening in. The Pixie was smiling and sipping on her wine, her wings on display and not drooping at all. She almost seemed ¡­ happy.


    Xera cleared their throat and the room quieted. ¡°Hello everyone. It¡¯s me again.¡± A light ripple of laughter flowed through the crowd. ¡°I do have a few things I''d like to share as we embark on this training term. I promise, it will not take long.¡± Someone let out a whooping sound. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll find out who that was,¡± Xera added, pointing in the general direction of the heckler.


    Looking down at what Callie presumed was notes of some kind, Xera straightened. ¡°First, I would like to once again welcome you all to advanced recruit training. The road ahead of you all over the next eight weeks will be challenging, but in the end, it will be rewarding. For those here as a volunteer, the Army thanks you for your service. For those here for other reasons, the Army thanks you for your service. It does not matter what brought you here, we are all grateful for your presence.


    ¡°When I first proposed the idea of investing the time and resources needed for training select advanced classes, and more importantly, incurring the expense of Symbiotes for them all, I was nearly laughed out of the room. It was even suggested I had lost my mind on the battlefield, along with the arm and wing I left behind. Eventually, probably just to get me to shut up and go away, I was given five Symbiotes and told to prove their worth. We did. Those five recruits have gone on to become some of the finest soldiers I have ever seen. One of them, a young Bladedancer recruit, has been awarded no less than eight medals for valor in battle, including the Radiant Cross.¡± Xera turned and gestured to the table at the front. ¡°That young Bladedancer recruit is now a Major, and serves as both trainer and as the finest of officers. Major Celeste, we humbly thank you for your continued service to the Free Folk.¡±


    The Major had stood when gestured to, and bowed her head slightly as applause rippled through the crowd. Down the recruit table, Callie saw Lena stand, along with a Tigerkin with white fur, and clap in support of their trainer. Soon, two more stood on the other side of the aisle, another white Tigerkin and a short, multi-colored Catkin, who added a sharp whistle to the noise. From Lena¡¯s description the day before, these must be the other three Bladedancer students.


    ¡°That brings up something important that all of you should know,¡± Xera continued, as everyone settled. ¡°Before traveling here, you met with a panel of three, maybe more, people who asked you questions about what you might do in this or that circumstance. That was all for a purpose, and that was to find those that are special. It is not enough to be an advanced class to come here. No, we are looking for something greater. A spark. A drive. A potential to be something more. We seek not soldiers in this camp. If we did, we would be making you march in straight lines and yelling at you. No, we seek leaders, thinkers, and strategists. We seek those that might have the aptitude to become field sergeants and even officers, like our very own Major. We seek those that will, with guidance, become the best.¡±


    A collective murmur went up around the tent as the audience digested what Xera had said. Everyone had assumed it was simply being a hybrid or specialist class that brought them here, but to know there was more to it than just that caught many off guard.


    ¡°Something else for you all to be aware of. Every trainee can be assured that they will leave here as one of our finest. But also know, for the first time we are offering a unique opportunity for exceptional individuals to extend their training period by four weeks. This extended term will involve rigorous leadership, strategic, and special forces combat training. We will prepare these select few to become the very leaders we require to ultimately defeat the Demon scourge. Should this be something you wish to aspire to, you need only excel and the opportunity will come to you.¡±


    Again, a murmur rumbled around the tent.


    Xera smiled and allowed the chatter to continue for a few moments. Finally, they spoke again. ¡°I would like to conclude my remarks by once again welcoming you all. I know each and every one of you has the courage and the spirit to become the very best of yourself, and we, the officers, trainers and staff look forward to aiding you in becoming just that.¡±


    Again applause sounded out, with many people rising to their feet as Xera stepped down and away. Quickly, Pama returned and the din subsided, most returning to their seats.


    ¡°For this next round, everyone please stand and join together in the center,¡± the Gnome instructed. ¡°Remember to put everything back on your plate and take your drinks with you.¡±


    The throng of people all stood, working their way to the wide aisle between the two tables. As expected, there was another flash of plates and utensils being whisked away to somewhere. Callie and Lhawni kept close to each other, trying to make sure they weren¡¯t stepped on as everyone joined together in a big crowd.


    ¡°Now, everyone mix yourselves up,¡± Pama commanded, waving her hands frantically in the air. ¡°Keep moving randomly until the music stops.¡±


    With that, one of Pama¡¯s Goblin assistants, this one wearing a white apron with some grease stains on it, stepped up. He raised a flute to his lips and began to play a perky melody that vaguely reminded Callie of ¡®All Around the Mulberry Bush¡¯. A few chuckles rang out from people that seemed to recognize the simple tune, and everyone started moving randomly in a chaotic throng. After thirty seconds or so, the music stopped. ¡°And now,¡± Pama said excitedly, ¡°Everyone find the closest available seat!¡±

 Chapter 26 Part 5 - Assuredly Deserved

    PART V: ASSUREDLY DESERVED


    At once, the crowd began to disperse. Somewhere in there, Callie had lost contact with Lhawni, but saw that Pixyl and Vanis had rejoined the crowd. She pushed her way towards her friends, barely managing to reach them before they grabbed two seats together. Looking around, they found a different spot with three chairs and quickly sat.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, Pixyl!¡± Callie squealed, grabbing Pixyl¡¯s hands. ¡°You got a medal! Two even!¡±


    Pixyl simply blushed, embarrassed.


    ¡°I would safely say we were both quite surprised,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°May I look?¡± Callie asked. Pixyl nodded and held up the first medal. It was silver in color and shaped like a hexagon, with a six-pointed raised star embossed on the center. In the center of that was a red gemstone similar to a ruby, but also shaped in the same six-pointed star design. ¡°This is beautiful,¡± Callie said, tracing the lines and gemstone with her fingers.


    She reached out to look at Pixyl¡¯s other medal. With it riding much higher on Pixyl¡¯s neck, the little Pixie had to lean awkwardly close to let Callie look. This medal was a dark, bluish metal with a detailed bronze sword embossed in the center, tip facing downwards. A small six-pointed star of the same bronze color was below the tip of the sword. It was of much-simpler design than Pixyl¡¯s first medal, having no gem, but the contrasting dark and bronze colors, along with the blue and bronze ribbon sash holding it, made for a striking vision. ¡°This one is beautiful, too,¡± Callie added.


    ¡°Th-th-thanks,¡± Pixyl said with a blush, slowly pulling away.


    ¡°Now that all are seated,¡± Pama called out with a warning, causing a few left standing to scramble for any open seat they could find, ¡°we shall cleanse our palates with a citrus gelatin as we prepare for the main dish to follow.¡± She flourished her Culinar magic and with a flash plates appeared with a small cup, about the size of a shot glass, in the center, and one of the mini spoons on the side. Inside the cup was a bright yellow gelatin that wiggled when bumped.


    Callie took a tiny bite of citrus treat, remembering this time to keep bites small, and the taste was both tart and sweet, very close to a lemon drop. As Pama had said would happen, it seemed to wash away the herbs and other flavors of the last few courses. Pixyl let out another one of her foodgasm moans, enjoying the flavors as much as Callie was.


    Even though she had a hundred questions for Pixyl and Vanis, like what they talked with the officers about, or what a ¡®corporal-major¡¯ was, Callie had a sense Pixyl needed a break from being social for a bit. Even Vanis seemed content to just enjoy relaxing for a while. So they ate their lemonish Jello-shots in silence, with the only interruption being a Goblin coming by to refill their wine glasses.


    Strangely, as she watched her friends eat, Callie felt a sense of pride in both Pixyl and Vanis. The medal and recognition obviously suited Vanis, being so used to being in the spotlight. But as she watched Pixyl, Callie saw a tiny and subtle change in her. It was hard to explain, but it was almost like a seed of confidence had been planted in her. Not so much a confidence in her abilities, she had that by the bushel, but a ¡­ belief that she mattered. Time would tell if that seed would take hold.


    Pixyl caught Callie staring at her and blushed. ¡°What?¡± she asked, pushing her hair back from her pointed ear and looking away.


    ¡°Sorry, my mind was just drifting,¡± Callie said, blushing herself, not really knowing how to explain what she was thinking.


    ¡°The good news is only a couple more courses,¡± Vanis said. ¡°The main course is apparently next, and then a dessert, and finally we¡¯ll do a toast to Pama and her staff. There might be one more speech in there, too. If I had to guess, it would be from Master Trainer Thorn, since the purpose here is training.¡±


    ¡°You seem to know all about these things. How often did you have to do this back home?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Ugh, at least once a month since I was a teen. Someone important was always visiting, which invariably would lead to a formal dinner of some kind. This one is simple in comparison. I once did a formal feast that was seventeen courses. With speeches no less! It was agonizing.¡±


    ¡°That truly sounds awful, Vanis,¡± Callie said in agreement.


    As if on cue, the chime sounded telling everyone to finish. Soon, Pama returned. ¡°I have been told we are running late, so for this next seat change, you need not move unless you wish. But, utensils to your plates and cups in your hands so the way may be cleared.¡±


    Clinking rang out as everyone followed instructions, the plates soon disappearing in a flash. Callie, Vanis and Pixyl all looked around, seeing maybe a quarter of the people moving, before agreeing in unison and without a word they were perfectly content to stay where they were. However, two empty chairs across the table were quickly occupied by Koda and Lena.


    ¡°Congratulations to both of you,¡± Koda said, grinning his warm, bear grin. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Vanis said with a nod. ¡°As I told Callie, it was most unexpected.¡±


    ¡°The Bronze Sword,¡± Koda said, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°You are truly a marvel, Miss Pixyl, and a wondrous example for all."


    ¡°I d-d-don¡¯t think I deserve it,¡± the Pixie said sullenly with a shrug. ¡°It was j-j-just an Iron Tier F-F-Fiend.¡± She didn¡¯t add that she had forgotten her swords weren¡¯t working, and had expected there to be no real fight at all.


    ¡°The fact you don¡¯t believe you deserve it only proves most assuredly that you do,¡± Koda said, pointing at the little Pixie. ¡°Plus, you now outrank us all, Corporal-Major.¡±


    Pixyl visibly deflated, having no idea how to even begin to digest that fact.


    ¡°Well, I am very proud of you, too, Pixyl,¡± Lena said. She glanced at Vanis. ¡°You, too, I guess, even though you¡¯re only a Corporal.¡±


    Vanis smirked at the backhanded compliment.


    Pama cleared her throat and the low chattering ceased. ¡°And now for our main dish. A tender, slow cooked Vone steak, seared with herbs and imported sea salts, served with roasted green vegetables splashed with a light wine reduction. Good eating to all.¡± She once again threw her magics to the winds and with a flash the replicated course appeared in front of all.


    This main course was, of course, as delectable as everything that had preceded it. Pixyl had so far mostly avoided meat out of habit, saying it tended to sit heavy and make her flying more difficult. With a warm wine buzz inside her, Callie happily reminded Pixyl she wasn¡¯t going to be flying any time soon, which suddenly allowed the Pixie to dive into her steak with reckless abandon. The Vone had a similar consistency to beef, and with Culinar magics was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The vegetables were a sliced root veggie similar to carrots, mixed with what seemed to be this world¡¯s analog for green beans. Delicious, of course.


    ¡°Some day,¡± Callie said between bites, ¡°I am going to have to learn all this Culinar stuff. To be able to do anything close to this would be great.¡±


    ¡°No reason you couldn¡¯t,¡± Koda said. ¡°It just takes time and practice. As I understand, there are some very simple Culinar skills that most anyone could learn quickly, almost mandatory for adventurers and traveling merchants. Nothing as grand as this feast, but enough to do more with only a few ingredients found in the wilds.¡±


    ¡°Vanis, you gotta help me get those cookbooks!¡± Callie begged.


    The Elf chuckled. ¡°I know very little of Culinar magic. But I bet if you talked to Pama, she¡¯d be able to at least give you some pointers.¡±


    Callie rubbed her hands together. ¡°Oooooo. I¡¯m gonna make her teach me all of it.¡± A fuzzy part of her brain realized she might be getting a little drunk. Another fuzzy part of her brain realizing she didn¡¯t really care that much.


    The five chatted more about nothing of substance. Callie and Koda kept exchanging glances, somehow acknowledging the shared secret between them. Koda seemed to have a mostly-truthful cover story to tell everyone. He was in the watch and had been for some time, but he didn¡¯t mention he was an officer or, of course, anything about his secret mission to learn training techniques first hand. While he acknowledged he had a rank before arriving, he was essentially reset to the rank of recruit until training was concluded. He also interrogated Pixyl some, pressing her about where she learned to fight. Of course, she demurred with a ¡°here and there¡± vague response, to which Lena seemed skeptical.


    The chime finally dinged, everyone happily full of food. Callie looked around at all the contented faces, and even caught sight of Tazrok, still seated in the same spot at the end of his long table, with a smile on his face. He was actually seated with both the Rhinokin and the Wolfkin, replete in their pink bonnets, and the three seemed to be having a splendid conversation, or at least all three were smiling.


    Callie¡¯s attention was snapped away by someone speaking. ¡°Good evening, everyone.¡± She turned to see, as Vanis suspected would happen, that Thorn had stepped up to the podium. ¡°I am Colonel Thorn, and I serve as the training master for this facility, and all of your trainers report to me. You all may refer to me as Master Trainer Thorn. My words are not as eloquent as the Commandant¡¯s, but like them, I would like to welcome you all, and thank you for your service. Many of you I¡¯ve met, at least briefly, and for those I haven¡¯t, I¡¯m sure I will soon. I very much look forward to that meeting.¡±


    Thorn cleared his throat, looking down at apparent notes.


    ¡°Many of you are wondering how training will work. Every class and instructor¡¯s methods are different, but in general training will run from three hours after sunrise, to one or two hours before evening meal. Depending on the demands of your lessons, it¡¯s possible you may also be doing further training after that, or even at night. Every day, be sure to eat a hearty breakfast, bring some dried snacks to training, and then a hearty evening dinner. Your trainer will make arrangements for a midday meal. Please use the showers before the evening meal so everyone is fresh.¡±


    Again, Thorn looked at his notes before continuing.


    ¡°Your training armor should be worn at all times when training, so wear it tomorrow morning. If you aren¡¯t sure how to put it on, then bring it and you will be shown. Backpacks will be delivered to each of you by morning and are considered part of your armor. They take longer to make, hence the delay. Drink plenty of water, and keep your waterskins full when you take breaks. There¡¯s another fountain on the field.¡± Thorn began to leaf through some things, before shrugging. ¡°That¡¯s all obvious,¡± he mumbled, before looking out at the crowd before he stiffened, ignoring his notes. ¡°Look, all of you, I¡¯m going to keep things simple. Your trainers know what they are doing. Shut up and learn to do it the way they tell you. There¡¯s a reason for everything we do here, so don¡¯t second guess or think you have a better way. That¡¯s what leads to the events of earlier today.¡±


    Out in the audience, several eyes turned to the little Fairy with the pink bonnet.


    ¡°Last things. If you are injured in any way, let someone know. We have plenty of healing available, from both casters and potions, including pain potions should you take a hard fall or strike while sparring. Don¡¯t let something minor become something more, and our Healer classes need the practice as well. When sparring with each other, remember that sparring isn¡¯t about winning, it¡¯s about learning control. If you accidently draw blood, you stop. Period. Casters and archers, be aware of anyone that might be downrange. People downrange, don¡¯t be downrange. I know all this seems obvious, but watch your targets at all times and don¡¯t become one. Help each other out and keep each other safe.¡±


    Thorn picked up what appeared to be a few pieces of paper or parchment and leafed through them, finally folding the pages. ¡°That¡¯s it, that¡¯s all I have to say,¡± Thorn said with a nod, starting to back away from the podium.

 Chapter 26 Part 6 - All Eyes North

    PART VI: ALL EYES NORTH


    There was general murmuring and then Pama¡¯s attention chime sounded and everyone refocused their attention to the front. ¡°As we come towards the end of our meal, it is time for dessert. But first, everyone stand and return to where you started the evening; back with old friends. Please ensure all items are returned to your plates and take your drinks with you."


    With a shuffle of bodies, people returned to the seats of the first course. Callie and her immediate group bid farewell to Koda and shuffled through the crowd towards Tazrok, who had stood to stretch his legs, but had never left his end-of-the-table spot. The flash of Culinar power cleared the tables and slowly everyone retook their old seats.


    ¡°Our dessert this evening,¡± Pama cooed, ¡°Is a wine-infused berry tart with a dusting of powdered sugar. This is a special recipe that I learned long ago from my own great-great-grandmother, and to this day is one of my favorites.¡± Pama patted her belly before adding, ¡°As I¡¯m sure many of you can tell. Cups in your hands everyone, and here we go.¡±


    With a bit of Gnomish abracadabra, Pama¡¯s Culinar delectables flashed out for all, revealing a small crusted pastry covered in berries swimming in a thick syrup. A thin layer of powdered sugar covered both the dessert, as well as the rest of the plate. Callie nibbled on the dessert and it was every bit as delicious as everyone had come to expect, especially when a bite was dredged through the powder first.


    ¡°Tazrok, we saw you talking to your two baby Beastkins. You seemed to be having fun,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Yes. Good people. Be better when not baby,¡± the Ogre said, cutting a piece of his tart.


    ¡°Congratulations on your medals,¡± Xin said to Pixyl and Vanis. ¡°You must be very happy to win them.¡±


    Pixyl shook her head. ¡°N-N-Not happy, just honored.¡±


    ¡°I must agree,¡± Vanis added. ¡°I do not seek medals or accolades. I am only here to do the very best I am able. And military medals are not won, Xin; they are awarded. There is no contest to win, and I am simply honored should I receive one.¡±


    Xin frowned, trying to digest the responses. She started to reply, but closed her mouth again, retreating into more thought.


    ¡°It is good you get medals,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°Deserve. Set example for all.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we were told as much several times while we were seated with the command staff,¡± Vanis said lightly, gesturing to the table at the front. ¡°We shall both do our best to be the inspiration they seek from us.¡±


    ¡°Mmmm-hmm,¡± Pixyl added, her mouth full of berry tart.


    As Callie finished the last of her dessert, belly full of food and body warm with wine, the chime sounded again. Pama once again stood at the front. ¡°Please prepare your plates and hold your glasses,¡± she said. Clinks were heard as utensils were placed, and with a flash the plates disappeared, once again clearing the tables.


    As everyone chattered, four Goblins, each pushing a cart, walked along each row of chairs. They were collecting everyone¡¯s glasses and mugs, whether they were empty or not. Seeing what was coming, Callie quickly drank down the last of the wine in her own glass.


    As the Goblin came by them, Vanis warned Xin and Callie, ¡°When the toast drink comes out, don¡¯t touch it, I¡¯ll assist both of you when it¡¯s time.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Before Callie could get clarification, the chime rang again. Eyes turned front and this time the Legate stood at the podium. He cleared his throat and everyone quieted. ¡°Good evening. We all met briefly yesterday, my name is Colonel Galin Molanar, and I am Legate of this training camp. Tonight, it is my honor to call our toasts as our meal concludes. Please make space if needed, so Pama may serve. For those unfamiliar with this tradition, I will guide you."


    With a final flourish of magic, Pama waved her hands. As the light descended, in front of Callie were three small glasses sitting on a small plate, each containing a cloudy, gray liquid. They resembled shot glasses, but this time with the business end on long stems.


    ¡°All rise,¡± the Legate instructed.


    Callie looked briefly at Vanis, just to be sure she was following instructions correctly, and he gave her a brief nod. It was very quiet, and there were solemn looks on everyone¡¯s faces.


    ¡°All take one glass,¡± the Legate instructed. ¡°Tall people hand one to the short if you would.¡±


    Vanis reached over, handing a glass to Pixyl and Callie with a quiet, ¡°Don¡¯t drink it yet,¡± directed to the Gnome in a whisper. Across the table, Lena whispered the same warning to Xin.


    All eyes fixated on Legate Galin, who now had a glass of the cloudy liquid in his own hands. In a calm, clear, commanding voice, Galin called out ¡°ALL EYES NORTH!¡± as he turned to his right. There was no Command Aura; there was no need. As one, everyone turned, including those at the command table, to face the same direction as Galin, seeming to stomp their feet down in unison.


    The Legate held his glass before him and began his toast, his voice calling clear and slow. ¡°Let us raise our glasses in memory of the fallen soldiers, who gave their lives in service to our land. Tonight we honor their sacrifice and remember their courage and their selflessness. May their memory be a blessing and inspiration to us all. To the fallen.¡±


    ¡°To the fallen,¡± almost everyone chanted back as one, with Callie adding her own whispered response once she knew what had been said. Up the hill on the training grounds, a distant, mournful, slow horn sounded. It wasn¡¯t Taps, which Callie remembered from the military honors at her Grandfather¡¯s funeral, but it was this world¡¯s equivalent. As the notes played, everyone continued to hold their glasses high.


    When the final sad note had played, Galin once more called out ¡°To the fallen!¡± which was solemnly echoed. Together, everyone tilted their drinks back. Callie copied everyone and if she didn¡¯t know better, what she had just drank was a real close approximation to the Irish Cream liquor, Baileys. It was smooth, with a sweet, vaguely chocolate-like taste, and it warmed her tummy as it went down easy. There was alcohol in it, but it was a very small amount, most of the drink seeming to be cream and other rich flavors.


    Quietly, everyone returned their empty glasses to the table, picking up another. Vanis assisted both Callie and Pixyl with the swap and everyone again faced Galin, holding their drinks.


    ¡°Tonight we honor all who serve. We honor those who serve on the lines as defenders of the land. We honor those who serve the watch as our protectors. We honor those of the civil service who serve the people in all ways. For your unwavering commitment, strength and dedication, may the blessings of the North keep you safe and strong, giving you the fortitude and courage to face whatever challenges may come your way. May you always know how deeply appreciated and valued you are, not just tonight, but on every night. To those who serve.¡±


    ¡°To those who serve,¡± came the response as the second toast was completed. Callie drank with the rest, honoring those around her, and those she had never met; might never meet. Again, everyone swapped glasses, this time for the last one.


    ¡°Finally, we honor our host and all her staff,¡± Galin said, raising his last glass. Quietly, Pama had taken position at the front, surrounded by her Goblins and a few other races. ¡°We raise a glass to our talented Culinar and her amazing staff, who brought us tonight¡¯s feast. We are so grateful for the care you have put into each and every dish. Thank you for making this meal an unforgettable experience, starting this term off with perfection, and cheers to your incredible talent and passion! To our host!¡±


    Everyone echoed ¡°To our host!¡± as Pama and her people folded their hands and bowed slightly in thanks for the accolades. Everyone drank, and then burst into a round of applause. The honorees had to bow a few more times before the cheers finally faded.


    ¡°As our meal concludes,¡± Galin said, ¡°I wish to welcome you all one more time. Train hard and train safe. Thank you all for your service. We shall reconvene here in one hour to celebrate the start of term. You are all dismissed.¡±


    One last round of applause started to ring out as Legate Galin left the podium. On cue, the meal seemed to come to an abrupt end, and slowly the recruits meandered up the hill to their houses or the garden to pass the time until the next event.

 Chapter 27 Part 1 - The Spy in the Forest

    PART I: THE SPY IN THE FOREST


    An hour later, Callie and the rest of Ogre House walked out the door of their cozy home. By now, the sun had dipped below the trees, the daylight turning to twilight and the sky showing the deep reds of the fading day. For some reason, Callie was pumped up; hyper even. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was from the food, or the lingering wine buzz, as both she and Lena had cajoled a fresh glass from the Goblins to continue nursing as her group was leaving the mess tent to return home. Maybe it was an excitement for what Vanis had assured would be a truly exciting party.


    Ever since she had moved home after college, Callie¡¯s days of going out had seemed to fade to a distant memory. Her childhood friends were gone. Her college friends had gone on to lives of their own. She didn¡¯t really know people in her age group any more. And dating? That was a pointless pursuit! Pickings were slim enough out there for her without adding a layer or three of disappointment on top of it all. So she had books. And Netflix. And ¡­ more books.


    Fuck, she was boring!


    Callie suddenly realized a part of her could really use this. Not so much as distraction, but as release. Not just from the bad events of the last two days, but also from her introverted shell that, like Vanis mentioned earlier, had been cracking ever since she arrived here, with a part of her now wanting to break free like she used to do in college. She was only bummed there wasn¡¯t any way for her to dress for the event. She had always enjoyed the pre-clubbing ritual of finding that perfect tight outfit, putting on a little makeup ¡­ or not, and just that teeny spritz of a scent. The lights. The sounds. The beat. The best she could do was to unbutton a couple buttons in an attempt to show a little tiny cleavage, and use some of her ribbon cloth as a choker to add a little color and flair, with mixed results. Lena said it looked a little odd, but Pixyl said she looked ¡®really pretty¡¯, so Callie was going with Pixyl¡¯s opinion. Okay, it was definitely the wine.


    A few people were milling around in the garden, the trees having tiny magic globes of light attached to them for people to see. Magic. Spells. Was this truly her new reality?


    As they all approached the mess tent, Callie realized there was something missing. There was none of the ever-present ¡®untz untz untz¡¯ beat of a club. No deep base line thumping out. The only thing resembling music was the faint sound of a guitar, or lute or something else boring as hell. Callie intellectually knew she shouldn¡¯t be surprised. This was a medieval world after all, and she should be expecting medieval music. But the words ¡®party¡¯ and ¡®dancing¡¯ were just so ingrained in her mind, she had instinctively gone into this with completely the wrong presumptions, and it was a bit of a letdown as a result.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lena asked.


    Callie frowned. ¡°Nothing. Just not what I was expecting for some reason.¡±


    ¡°Why? Seems like it will be a delightful party,¡± Vanis said. ¡°It sounds like they even have music.¡±


    ¡°If you say so.¡±


    Arriving at the pavilion, they found the inside of the mess tent had been completely cleared, the long tables and benches gone. Towards the front was a bar with a trio of Goblins tending. Next to the bar was a table with various foods that were hard to distinguish at this distance. Several small, chest-high tables, well, chest-high for normals, dotted the floor, with an open space presumably for dancing, or whatever it was you could do to this ¡­ so-called music. Opposite the bar, on a small raised platform was an Elf lightly playing a lute similar to the one Vanis had received, but there were several other unfilled chairs around him, promising additional players eventually.


    The tent was dimly lit with dozens, maybe even over a hundred, glowing balls of light of various colors attached to the ceiling or high on the walls. It reminded Callie of a few low-key jazz and blues lounges her dad and his band had played when she was younger. If they weren¡¯t rowdy places, she''d get to tag along and watch from the sides, sipping Shirley Temples and pretending to be the band¡¯s manager. When she finally got a little older, occasionally she¡¯d snag a dance with a waitress or even help serve in exchange for tips, which was pretty good money for someone that couldn¡¯t even drive yet.


    ¡°This looks ¡­ fun,¡± Callie mumbled sarcastically as they all entered.


    As a group, they weaved their way through twenty or thirty people gathered in groups until they found an unused table and claimed it. Someone helpfully pointed out there were booster steps off to the side one could use to get height, so both Callie and Pixyl grabbed one and now everyone was at least able to see over the tabletop. Tazrok ended up sitting on the floor again lest he have to constantly bend over.


    ¡°What would everyone care for?¡± Vanis asked, gesturing towards the bar. ¡°I¡¯ll fetch for everyone.¡±


    Callie and Pixyl both asked for wine, while Xin and Tazrok wanted mead. Lena asked for ¡°something hard to get things started¡±, and Vanis promised he¡¯d bring the perfect drinks. He invited Tazrok along, worried an ogre-sized mug might be too much to handle, and the huge Druid unfolded himself to assist.


    As they all waited, various friends drifted by. Jesca came through, babbling at high speed about everything and nothing at the same time, as did two of Lena¡¯s fellow Bladedancers, the white Tigerkin twins. A lot of people also made side-eye at Pixyl as they walked by repeatedly, probably trying to get a better read on the little Pixie who had been honored earlier that evening. Callie could tell it was making her friend nervous, but she could also tell Pixyl was trying to stay strong because she kept her wings unfolded and largely ignored the gawkers.


    Vanis and Tazrok finally returned. Tazrok had the handles of two huge, ogre-sized mugs in one hand, and in the other, the handles of two normal-sized mugs pinched between his thumb and forefinger. Vanis had a tray with six wine goblets, as well as three bottles. As he set them down, Callie could see six shot-glass-sized metal cups on the tray as well.


    ¡°Ooo! Shots!¡± Callie said, her eyes opening wide. ¡°That¡¯s always a good way to start a party off! At least then we won¡¯t care if the music is lame.¡±


    ¡°Then drink with me, Callie,¡± Lena said. She removed the stopper on one of the bottles and poured an amber-colored liquid into all of the tiny cups. Callie noticed that with Lena being still a little intoxicated from the wine at dinner, the obsessive need to mother her had lessened dramatically. It was nice to have Lena treating her as a friend, and not acting like a parent.


    ¡°To Callie, the naked Ranger!¡± Lena said loudly, picking up a shot and spilling a bit.


    Callie quickly amended to herself that It was mostly nice Lena was treating her as a friend.


    Everyone, including Callie, reached for their own shot, although Vanis helped Tazrok by handing one to him lest his huge hands knock something over.


    Before Callie could raise her own cup in a return salute and drink, a somewhat slurring male voice somewhere behind her echoed out, ¡°To the naked Ranger!¡± quickly followed by a few other deep voices all echoing the same. Callie turned to see at least six heavily muscled males, one of them Wolf-descended and wearing the goofy pink baby bonnet, all holding their own cups high. Even the pink-hatted Rhinokin was in on the toast, and everyone was looking right at her. These all had to be part of the Warrior Row crowd the day before.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Fuck me,¡± Callie mumbled to herself. She shook her head, glared hard at Lena, who was grinning stupidly. Needing to do something, Callie held up her own cup, loudly proclaiming to the crowd of fighters, ¡°To hell with it! The naked Ranger!¡±


    A cheer roared out from what seemed like almost everyone in the area, as well as her friends at the table, as everyone tossed back their drinks. As the liquid hit her tongue, Callie was momentarily pulled through time and space and back to her Chicago of a few years ago, sipping whiskey with her dad at a blues club the few times when she had come home from college. She wasn¡¯t a connoisseur, but this was a dead ringer for a premium Jack Daniels, or something real close to it, perhaps with a light flavor of honey hinted in the background.


    Poor Pixyl let out a long cough as her own Fantasy Jack went down and bit into her. But she smiled, shaking her head to clear it, before adding ¡°It¡¯s really good.¡± Xin had difficulty too, but even worse, and she fought several moments of spluttered coughing trying to catch her breath.


    As for Callie, she just stared at Lena. ¡°You¡¯re a bitch, you know that right?¡±


    Lena placed her hand innocently on her chest. ¡°Who? Me?¡±


    Before Callie could work on insulting Lena some more, someone else sounding a little more drunk shouted out, ¡°Another toast! To the Blue Haired Pixie who¡¯s name I can¡¯t remember or pronounce, and His Royal Highness whatever his name was, the heroes of the training field!¡±


    Pixyl almost dropped the bottle she was pouring into her wine goblet, using two of her small hands to hold it steady. Callie distinctly heard a muttered f-bomb identical to her own. Lena held up a finger to the crowd, quickly pouring liquid into each of the shots and spilling quite a bit of it. Everyone picked up a shot, Vanis again handing one to Tazrok. Vanis raised his shot to the room, and Pixyl turned to face everyone, raising her own, slowly shaking her head in disbelief.


    By now, the number of recruits in the tent had grown, and several trainers had joined. There was a mad scramble for everyone to get a drink of some kind in their hands.


    Seeing most hands raised, Lena shouted out, animatedly pointing at both Pixyl and Vanis with her free hand, ¡°To these two!¡±


    Another cheer roared up as everyone toasted to their fellow recruits. This time Pixyl didn¡¯t have coughing problems, but poor Xin almost collapsed in another hacking fit trying to toss back her shot. She finally recovered enough to gesture at the bottle and hoarsely cried out ¡°No more!¡±


    And so it went. Toasts were called out for this person or that, or to the Free Folk, or to defeating the Demons or even to someone¡¯s grandmother. Callie quickly had to switch to sipping the wine after her third shot, because she could feel the creeping warmth of high-proof intoxication rushing towards her, and Xin¡¯s warning about having to carry home her small body rattled in her brain. Xin, on the other hand, took the full blow from even two shots, and started to wobble a bit before too long. Vanis quickly found some water, and forced the Lizardkin to switch to it until she felt a little bit better.


    By now, additional musicians had joined the lone lute player, and the pace of music had at least picked up a bit. It all had a vaguely Celtic vibe to it, with someone adding a soft beat by slapping hands to a small drum, and a few people had started dancing now that alcohol had loosened everyone up. Even Lena got in on the action as one of her Bladedancer classmates, the Catkin Dregorio, bowed deeply and asked her for a dance, oozing sly charm. With a waggle of her eyebrows to Callie and Pixyl, Lena downed another shot, shouted ¡°Woo!¡± and offered her hand, Dregorio taking it suavely in his own paw. It still wasn¡¯t Callie¡¯s type of music, but at least it was faster, although it still needed an actual beat, not this weak tappity-tappity stuff.


    It was dark now, or close enough to make no difference. While the sun was gone, there was just the smallest hint of a glow on the far horizon. Callie caught movement she recognized in the bushes outside. She tried to switch her Darkvision on, but there was too much light still in the tent, and she had to quickly switch it off again. But, she was still able to make out someone lurking in the trees outside; someone vaguely familiar. ¡°Hey, Pixyl. Join me for a little air?¡±


    Pixyl was about to drink some of her wine and stopped. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because!¡± Callie whispered with a snap. ¡°Vanis, we¡¯ll be back in a little bit,¡± she added.


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Elf replied with a slight nod.


    Callie took Pixyl¡¯s hand and dragged her away and out of the tent. ¡°Put your Darkvision on. There¡¯s someone in the bushes over here,¡± she hissed.


    ¡°Why do you c-c-care?¡±


    ¡°Because of who it is, and because I am a little buzzed and want someone with me just in case.¡±


    ¡°Of what?¡±


    Still holding Pixyl¡¯s hand, Callie led the two as they ducked out of any light and stepped quietly through the underbrush. With their Darkvision now active, seeing was no problem, and quietly they approached a woman sitting on the stump of a tree. She seemed to be swaying slightly to the music, her eyes closed as her legs dangled and wiggled to the music, lost in her own little world. Her long hair had been braided into a single long ponytail that swung to her lower back, tied at the end with a vine. Flowers and leaves had been woven into the braid and it moved in time with the music like the pendulum of a metronome.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Callie said, making the woman jump, slipping off the stump and landing on her feet. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interfering! I promise!¡± Juniper said, spinning to face Callie and Pixyl. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, I thought you might be Xera.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®not interfering¡¯?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Um. That¡¯s my agreement. I can watch, but I can¡¯t interfere.¡±


    Callie and Pixyl stood there with confused expressions.


    ¡°My agreement with Xera. You can all use this space for your little war camp, but I can come and go as long as I don¡¯t interfere, and the camp will come to my aid if there¡¯s a need. Oh, and you will replant all the trees when you leave. I swear, I was just watching.¡±


    Juniper cocked her head slightly, finally realizing who she was talking to. It was the pink-haired Gnome from the day before, the one she had accidentally beguiled. Next to the Gnome, she was leading a blue-haired Pixie by the hand who had narrowed her eyes towards her suspiciously. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you, Little One.¡±


    Callie cocked her own head at the Dryad. Juniper appeared nervous, but was at least dressed this time, wearing a lovely woven dress of reeds adorned with tiny flowers. She had a large flower behind one ear as well. She was absolutely the perfect image of lovely. The dress was so form-fitting to her curves. Such perfection¡­


    Pixyl smacked Callie¡¯s arm, hard, breaking her concentration. ¡°So why were you watching us all? I saw you.¡± Callie said, shaking her head, her brain refocusing.


    ¡°I just ¡­ like to watch everyone. Every term I get to watch all of you grow so quickly. It¡¯s quite fun.¡± The Dryad then added sadly, ¡°It¡¯s taken me decades to learn what I have of my own few skills, and you all do it all so fast.¡±


    ¡°So why not join in the festivities? Or ask for help learning more?¡±


    Juniper looked down and away. ¡°That¡¯s not in our agreement. So I just watch,¡± she said sullenly.


    ¡°Are you that bored?,¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°What? Me? No! I have ¡­ all my forest friends,¡± Juniper sputtered in return waving a hand vaguely to the world around them. ¡°It¡¯s just nice to see ¡­ people. And I do learn things from time to time by watching.¡±


    ¡°What class are you?¡± Callie asked.


    Juniper shrugged, and then sounded a little sad. ¡°I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ve never found out. I can see into others, but unfortunately not myself. But it doesn¡¯t matter, I only know of plants and trees, I don¡¯t have any real powers like you are all being taught. I can only pass through the roots and bring life and fertility to the land by raising plants, oh, and talk to some of the animals. I am not a combatant like all of you.¡±


    Callie was shocked for a moment, realizing this was sounding familiar. ¡°Wait! Plant magic? Are you a Sylvan?¡±


    ¡°A Sylvan? I ... don¡¯t know what that is.¡±


    ¡°I literally had a conversation with the Sylvan trainer, Eirlys, earlier this evening,¡± Callie said. ¡°She¡¯s a plant Wizard, a Floramancer I think she called it, which sounds a little like you. You know what a battle-trained Sylvan can do, right? Raise flowers that can devour people? Armies of trees on the battlefield? Acid spitting walls of thorns?¡±


    Juniper thought for a moment, ¡°I do recall seeing recruits in the past using such magic with plants, but I have no skills like that. That¡¯s done by this Sylvan class?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what Eirlys talked about,¡± Callie said, shrugging.


    ¡°You think I could do such things?¡±


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go find out,¡± Callie said, gesturing slightly-drunkenly towards the tent. ¡°There has to be a Scryer around somewhere, and maybe Eirlys is here, too.¡±


    ¡°No no! I can¡¯t interfere. I made that promise,¡± Juniper said, stepping back.


    ¡°It¡¯s a party. You aren¡¯t interfering.¡±


    ¡°Callie!¡± Pixyl hissed. ¡°This is a b-b-bad idea. What if she charms everyone.¡±


    ¡°Good point. Juniper, promise to keep the sex magic turned off, or you¡¯ll be swarmed by every horny person here.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡± Juniper said.


    ¡°Besides, it was my idea, so just blame me if you get in trouble.¡± Callie pointed out, refusing to take no for an answer. ¡°Come on.¡±

 Chapter 27 Part 2 - Sophisticated Mischief

    PART II: SOPHISTICATED MISCHIEF


    Together, the three emerged from the darkness of the trees into the dim light. They entered the tent together, and if this world had records, you could have heard the needle scratching as everything went quiet, the music seeming to deflate as it died away.


    Ignoring the staring crowds, Callie gestured towards the table with the rest of her housemates, seeing Tazrok scrambling to his feet, while Vanis just stared in disbelief.


    ¡°Hey everyone, you remember Juniper. She ¡­ thought it might be nice to enjoy the evening, too.¡°


    ¡°Hello,¡± Tazrok said, appearing particularly nervous.


    ¡°Uh ¡­ hello, Tazrok,¡± Juniper, fully aware of all the eyes that were on her. ¡°How is your evening?¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± the Ogre said. ¡°Can now heal people. Healed Blue Pixie when she killed Demon and mostly died.¡±


    Juniper looked at Pixyl with a look of confusion and surprise. ¡°Killed a Demon?¡±


    ¡°I shall explain,¡± Vanis said. As Vanis began to tell the story of the events earlier in the day, slowly the crowd returned to their socializing, and the music started playing again, but not as peppy as it was before. There were still a lot of sideways glances and muffled whispers, people wondering what to make of the pale-green Dryad, and wondering why she was here. A little ways away, Callie could see Xera, Galin, and Celeste chatting with each other, the Legate looking quite animated as he gestured towards Juniper while Xera tried to calm him.


    Vanis finished the story, and Juniper had a shocked expression, before looking at Pixyl and then at Tazrok and simply adding a, ¡°Goodness!¡± Quickly, she started to grill both the Ogre and the Pixie for more details.


    ¡°Vanis!¡± Callie whispered loudly to catch his attention. As he looked, she jerked her head in a follow me expression, grabbed her filled wine goblet, and led him away a little. ¡°I want you to dance with her.¡±


    ¡°What? Why? Why is she even here?¡±


    ¡°She was hiding in the bushes outside, wanting to come in. And as for why? Three reasons. First, it¡¯s because she¡¯s a sophisticated lady and you¡¯re a sophisticated prince. Second, because if you don¡¯t it¡¯s just a matter of time before everyone starts trying to hit on her.¡°


    ¡°What¡¯s the third?¡±


    Callie sighed, glancing at the Dryad. ¡°Because, if you don¡¯t dance with her, then I¡¯m going to dance with her. And if I start dancing with her, then even odds I¡¯ll probably end up waking up with her.¡±


    It took a moment, but Vanis finally seemed to understand the innuendo. ¡°Ah. I see the issue.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± Callie said, gesturing to the wide-eyed Nymph, ¡°go offer her some wine, be sophisticated, and when the music gets going again, take her out on the floor to dance and show her a nice time for a little while.¡±


    Vanis was still having trouble deciding what to do.


    ¡°Vanis, I need to go get yelled at by the Commandant and the Legate,¡± Callie added, gesturing to the three officers still in conversation. ¡°So please, work with me here. I have a plan.¡±


    Vanis glanced where Callie pointed, seeing what she meant. ¡°You don¡¯t need my assistance with them?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°This was my idea, I¡¯ll take the heat.¡±


    ¡°Then I do believe I shall dance with the, as you say, ¡®sophisticated lady¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Vanis departed, returning to the rest of the group, while Callie took a deep breath, trying to center herself. She took a sip of her wine for courage, then a long gulp for more, and with a little trepidation, walked toward what was probably going to be an awkward conversation.


    ¡°... can¡¯t have her coming around here making such mischief!¡± Legate Galin was finishing.


    ¡°Hi, everyone,¡± Callie said with a smile. ¡°Great party.¡±


    Legate Galin swung his gaze and glowered down at Callie. He was assuredly about to yell at her before the Major put her hand lightly on his shoulder. She whispered in his ear, but Callie was close enough to hear, ¡°Mind your bearing, Colonel.¡±


    That seemed to be enough to reduce the fire in his eyes slightly, and the rage-face was replaced by an obviously fake smile. ¡°Good evening, recruit. Might you help us understand why there is a Dryad in this tent?¡±


    ¡°Sure. I invited her to join us,¡± Callie said in a perky way. She saw the briefest hint of an amused smile on the Major¡¯s face, but just for an instant.


    Before the Legate could respond, Xera interrupted. ¡°Recruit, we have an agreement with the Dryad. She¡¯s not supposed to be here.¡±


    ¡°I know. Juniper told me about your agreement,¡± Callie said. ¡°She said the agreement was that she couldn¡¯t interfere. She¡¯s not interfering, she¡¯s participating.¡±


    Xera started to respond, but stopped, open-mouthed, as they realized the loophole. The Major let out a quick squeak of laughter while Galin¡¯s eyes regained a very slight amount of the annoyance that had previously subsided.


    ¡°Let me ask you a question,¡± Callie said, taking advantage of the stunned silence. ¡°Why do you think Juniper is always hanging around the camp? Why do you think she agreed to let you build here, but made it a requirement that she could come and go as she pleased?¡±


    Nobody responded to the question, wondering what this recruit was getting at.


    ¡°Please, just humor for one minute,¡± Callie said, holding up a finger.


    ¡°Because Dryads are nothing but trouble,¡± the Legate said. ¡°I¡¯m beginning to believe it is only outdone by the trouble of Gnomes.¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± Callie said, ignoring the dig. ¡°Commandant? Major? Seriously, why do you think she made it a point in her agreement that she could be around all of you.¡± Callie was doing everything short of drawing a picture in brightly colored crayons.


    ¡°Curiosity?¡± Celeste said, deciding to indulge Callie.


    ¡°She¡¯s bored,¡± Xera added.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Really close, Commandant. Think about it, though. Don¡¯t you all see? She¡¯s lonely! So lonely, in fact, that she was out there hiding in the dark, just watching everyone and wishing she was in here with people. It was kinda sad, actually. She¡¯s not here to make trouble, Commandant, she comes around because she¡¯s looking to make friends, and either doesn¡¯t know how to make them, or is too ashamed to say she wants them.¡±


    All three looked down at Callie smiling back up at them while she sipped her wine.


    ¡°But wait! There¡¯s more!¡± Callie said, excitedly.


    ¡°Oh shit, Callie. What trouble are you brewing,¡± the Major said skeptically. ¡°I¡¯ve seen that look on your face before.¡±


    Callie grinned at the Major, the alcohol helping, before returning to her task. ¡°Earlier this evening, I was seated with Trainer Eirlys. She¡¯s the Sylvan trainer.¡±


    ¡°We know who she is,¡± Galin snapped.


    Ignoring the cranky Elf, Callie continued. ¡°Eirlys was telling us about her class that does plant magic. When I was talking to Juniper outside, I asked her what class she was, and she didn''t know. She can only scry other people, not herself. But the powers she described are all based around plant magic too.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re saying she¡¯s a Sylvan?¡± Celeste asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Callie shrugged, ¡°but she could be. So I thought it might be worth someone taking a quick look with their scrying thingy, and maybe she could have a conversation with some of you. At minimum, we can all be polite and let her join the party.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be seri¡­¡± Legate Galin started to retort.


    Xera held up their hand to silence their subordinate. ¡°She might be a Sylvan, you say.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Callie said, shrugging again.


    ¡°Xera!¡± Galin said incredulously.


    ¡°Do you think she¡¯d take a worm, recruit?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It didn¡¯t come up. But if I had to guess, probably. She indicated that she¡¯s sad about everyone else getting their powers so quickly, when she¡¯s only unlocked a few in several decades.¡±


    ¡°Xera? You¡¯re considering listening to this Gno¡­¡± the Legate started to say before Callie shot him a stare. He quickly cleared his throat ¡°... recruit?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a scry and a conversation, Galin. That¡¯s all it is right now,¡± Xera said, still looking at Callie skeptically.


    The Legate stared at Xera, and then at Callie, before turning his gaze to where Vanis was leading Juniper out onto the dance floor. ¡°Major,¡± he finally said with a deep sigh, ¡°your observation was quite correct. This little recruit is going to be an absolute handful.¡±


    Callie had been taking a long sip of her wine and promptly choked on it.


    ¡°As I suggested,¡± Celeste replied.


    Galin shook his head. ¡°Major, when you have a moment, would you ask Thorn and a Scryer to find us in, say, thirty minutes. Tasi, too. For now, we¡¯ll let the Dryad and the Prince have their dance.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and you, recruit, you¡¯ll join us as well. Bring your new Dryad friend.¡±


    Callie swallowed hard, trying to hold down the remnants of her coughing. ¡°Of course, Sir,¡± she finally managed to croak out.


    <hr>


    Callie returned to her table, where she found Lena had also returned from dancing and was being filled in by Pixyl as to what Callie had done, and why Vanis was off dancing with the Dryad.


    ¡°What? She was sitting outside in the dark all pathetic-like, Lena. You can¡¯t leave a person like that,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re sure she didn¡¯t sex-charm you to make you do something.¡±


    Pixyl giggled, catching Callie¡¯s eyes before pushing her hair back and looking away.


    ¡°No, she didn¡¯t ¡®sex-charm¡¯ me. I don¡¯t think, at least. Pixyl was there to protect me, anyway. Besides, Juniper might have a class that could be useful, so I suggested Xera and the others check her and see.¡±


    ¡°Wait, now you want to make her a recruit, too?¡± Lena said as she stopped pouring wine into one of the goblets. ¡°The Commandant couldn¡¯t have been happy with that idea.¡±


    ¡°They were fine with it, actually. The Legate was the one that was grumpy about the idea.¡±


    Lena was about to respond, but a voice interrupted her.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± the voice said. ¡°Corporal-major Pixyl?¡±


    The Pixie turned and the rest looked to see who it was. Bratig stood there, looking a little sullen and maybe a little worried. Behind him, a half-dozen other Dwarves, including both with pink bonnets, were there providing moral support.


    ¡°W-W-What?¡± Pixyl snapped.


    ¡°I know I said it this morning, but I really wanted to just come and apologize one more time. You don¡¯t have to accept it, and I¡¯d understand if you don¡¯t. But I needed to say it again. I am truly sorry.¡±


    Callie was about to yell at the Dwarf again, but Pixyl held up her hand to stop her. Then the Pixie changed her hand to a single finger, signaling Bratig to wait. She turned around while the Dwarf instinctively moved to protect his groin. Pixyl picked up the nearly-empty Fantasy Jack bottle and filled two shots. She turned, handing one to Bratig.


    The Dwarf''s eyes seemed to both relax and light up at the same time. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯d be happy to share a drink. Peace?¡±


    Pixyl¡¯s hard expression started to shift. It moved towards a smile, but then seemed to skip right over that smile, becoming an almost-creepy grin. She held out her drink and slowly started to pour it on the floor. Behind Bratig, there was a loud, ¡°Oooooooo!¡± sound from those supporting him and they all seemed to take a step backwards. Those who hadn¡¯t been paying attention suddenly took notice of what the Pixie was doing.


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± Lena said. ¡°Pixyl, don¡¯t do something foolish!¡±


    Bratig looked at Pixyl with a shocked expression. Gradually, the shocked expression morphed into a surprised smile of his own as a crowd started to form around them. ¡°Oh, lass. Are you sure you want to do that? It¡¯s not going to go well for you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Pixyl said, shaking the last drops out of her cup.


    ¡°You may have received a medal for valor, but you¡¯re going to get another one for stupidity for trying to take me.¡± Slowly, Bratig turned his own cup, likewise pouring it out onto the floor.


    Another round of ¡°Oooooooo!¡± went up. ¡°Clear a table!¡± someone called out.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Callie asked as the way parted, Pixyl following after Bratig as he walked towards the just emptied table.


    ¡°She just challenged him,¡± Lena said, hurrying after, grabbing Pixyl¡¯s booster steps.


    ¡°She challenged him? To what?¡±


    ¡°This be bad,¡± Tazrok said, having stood, shuffling after his tiny housemate.


    ¡°I thought for sure it would be you we would carry home,¡± Xin said as she walked by Callie, following the rest and shaking her scaled head in disbelief.


    ¡°What challenge?¡±


    <hr>


    Lena set the steps on the floor and Pixyl walked up to take a spot on one side of the table. Someone had found a booster for Bratig, and he took a spot on the other side.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure you want to do this, lass?¡± he asked. ¡°You can back out now if you¡¯d like. No harm done and no one will think less of you.¡±


    Slowly, Pixyl shook her blue head, saying nothing and simply grinning that creepy grin. Her wings were on full display for all to see, an excited energy fluttering off of her and infecting everyone around her. This was her show.


    ¡°My money is on the Dwarf,¡± Callie heard someone whisper.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any money here.¡±


    ¡°Well, pretend money then.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re on.¡±


    Kaisess, the Tigerkin Ranger, emerged from the crowd carrying two bottles of Fantasy Jack, followed quickly by a second person with a tray. Both bottles were set on the table, along with the tray, which held eight of the little metal shot cups and a small hourglass. Quickly Kaisess started pouring the amber liquid into each of them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll lead,¡± Pixyl said in a clear, stutter-free voice.


    Bratig shook his head, pitying the poor Pixie. ¡°Oh lass. It¡¯s your funeral.¡± Nodding to those behind Pixyl, he added ¡°Make sure one of you catch her so she doesn¡¯t hurt her wing again.¡±


    Pixyl picked up one of the cups, and slammed the shot back. ¡°Wooo!¡± she cried out as the alcohol bit briefly. She flipped the cup in the air, caught it, and slammed it upside-down on the table with a loud THUNK. She slapped the table in rhythm a few times before saying, ¡°Your turn!¡±


    Callie finally got it. It was a drinking contest! She looked at the profile of her friend, half the size and less than one-fourth the weight of the one she challenged. And she challenged a Dwarf no less! Callie may not have an encyclopedia of fantasy knowledge in her head, but one thing she did remember was when it came to booze, nobody could outmatch a Dwarf. Pixyl was doomed!

 Chapter 27 Part 3 - Pixyl vs Bratig: Round 3

    PART III: PIXYL vs BRATIG, ROUND 3


    Bratig picked up his ninth shot, paused a moment, and then took a deep, steadying breath. He tilted his head back and quickly sipped it down in several small swallows. A little uncoordinated, he turned his cup over and slammed it to the table. Cheers from behind him rose up. ¡°Your move, wee one,¡± he said with a touch of a slurred snarl.


    The rules were simple, once Callie finally made Lena tell her what they were. They had to go drink for drink, with about two minutes between each round, measured by the hourglass that would be flipped by the Tigerkin referee. The first of the two to surrender or pass out was the loser. There was nothing riding on the contest except the pride of a Pixie versus the pride of a Dwarf.


    Word had quickly spread, everyone of course knowing who Pixyl was from the feast earlier in the evening, and most having also heard about what the Dwarf had done the day before, and what Pixyl had done that morning in response. As a result, the contest was seen as a continuation of their animosity, and by the fifth round, the music had stopped and everyone gravitated towards the excitement.


    The whole tent had split into three camps. One side was crowded behind Pixyl, including everyone in her house, as well as the other Bladeweavers and a whole lot more people, with the towering form of Tazrok standing in the back. All four Goblin recruits were there cheering on their fellow small one, as well as all the Fairy recruits, including the pink-headed Dunni. Bratig¡¯s side had all of the Dwarves naturally, as well as most of the burly Warrior-types, supporting their part-Warrior hybrid brother. Pixyl¡¯s cheering section was probably twice as large as Bratig¡¯s.


    Even the trainers and officers were getting in on the challenge. They all stood in a third group, which became the de facto ¡®neutral¡¯ camp, enjoying the show but not rooting for either combatant. Xera, Galin and the Major, having been joined by Thorn, Yulayla, and Tasi, even stood in neutral territory watching the show but not interfering.


    Vanis and Juniper had stopped dancing when the music had died. Juniper was quietly sipping her wine and watching the spectacle, seeming to enjoy the taste and warm feeling it gave her, bouncing slightly every time she drank. Both had taken up a position on Pixyl¡¯s team, of course, with Vanis loudly reassuring everyone that ¡°Pixie-power will reign supreme.¡± A few were even starting to think he might be right.


    They all thought that Vanis could be right because the moment the last grain of sand dropped from the top of the hourglass, Pixyl snatched up her shot. She saluted Bratig with it and swallowed it back in one gulp. With another scream of ¡°Woooo!¡±, she flipped the cup in the air, turned, and caught it behind her back, before turning back towards the Dwarf and thunking it down in further challenge. She was showing off to the crowd, in a zone, and having a great time doing it.


    A chuckle rippled through neutral ground as Pixyl once again drummed her hands happily on the table several times, leaned in and said, ¡°Your turn.¡± A combination of cheers and more ¡°Ooooooooo¡± sounds filled the tent as all eyes turned to Bratig.


    You could almost hear a whimper from Bratig as he reached for his shot, missing the first time. The second time, he found it. He held it. Looked deep into it. He seemed to whimper again and finally slowly sipped it down. ¡°How can you schtill be going?¡± he quietly blubbered to Pixyl. With another deep breath, he flipped his cup and half-slammed/half-tossed it on the table. The Tigerkin flipped the hourglass and the clock started again.


    Pixyl was animated. Callie could see her getting a little woozy, but she was smiling and excited. She fluttered her wings, hopping from foot to foot, like a boxer warming up in a ring, as she eagerly watched the sands tick their way towards two minutes, drumming her hands on the table in excited anticipation. Callie was absolutely dumbfounded that her friend was still vertical, let alone that the Dwarf nearly wasn¡¯t. She tried to ask Vanis how it was possible, but he shook his head, saying not to spoil it.


    Around them, the crowds made a new round of bets. Some betting make-believe money they didn¡¯t have, others betting minor tasks like carrying meal trays and filling waterskins. But the animated Pixie on one side standing against the bleary-eyed and increasingly uncoordinated Dwarf had moved the betting from who would win, to how much longer Bratig would last.


    Staring at the hourglass again, Pixyl seemed to tense like a cat ready to spring. She wiggled her body in anticipation, still drumming her hands on the table in a staccato, coordinated rhythm. Finally, the last grain fell and she snatched her cup. Holding it up, she once again saluted the Dwarf with her drink, before turning to salute his cheering squad, then her own, and finally the neutral group of trainers and officers. Tossing it back, she sucked in air sharply as the burning hit, before once again tossing the cup in the air. She caught it with her other hand, then tossed it back to her first. Two or three more times she juggled the cup, before snatching it from the air in front of Bratig¡¯s face. She held it upright between her thumb and forefinger to show the Dwarf, his bleary eyes barely focusing on it. Slowly Pixyl allowed the cup to flip upside-down. The Dwarf¡¯s gaze followed it as Pixyl bit-by-bit lowered it to the table, slapping it down loudly the last few centimeters.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Bratig said with a slurred and nearly sobbing mumble.


    With obvious trepidation, the Dwarf''s hand snaked out towards his own drink. Once again he missed the first time. There was a pause while he seemed to work to find the energy to try to grab for it again. He didn¡¯t get a chance. With a groan, his eyes rolled back in his head as he crumpled into a heap. Two of his friends had quietly moved up to catch him, already sensing that the end was near.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    There was a long silence as everyone waited to see what Pixyl would say or do. She reached out, picked up Bratig¡¯s shot he never completed and quickly slammed it down herself. ¡°Thanks for the drink!¡± she loudly called out, leaning over the table to see the fallen Dwarf on the floor. She turned to her team and raised her hands in triumph as her fans burst into cheers. Team Neutral all burst into mutual laughter while Team Bratig stood in a stoic gaggle, trying to figure out what the hell just happened, their Dwarven and Warrior pride completely shattered.


    Pixyl started to walk down the booster steps, wobbling for a moment. Callie was there in an instant and caught her, being careful to not bump her wing with her hand. Pixyl slumped slightly, looked into Callie¡¯s deep, purple eyes and grinned. ¡°You have really pretty eyes, you know that? At least two of them, actually.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how the hell you did that,¡± Lena said as she retrieved Pixyl¡¯s booster steps. Callie led Pixyl back to their table, the crowd dispersing to return to their own celebrations. Lena set the booster down and Pixyl sat on it.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Callie asked her friend.


    Pixyl looked up, her eyes increasingly unfocused. ¡°I¡¯m getting really drunk, really fast. I just need a few more minutes, though, and I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Callie looked at Lena, who was just as confused as she was.


    Pixyl reached out, searching for Callie¡¯s hand, eventually finding it. ¡°Just sit with me and keep me awake. I¡¯ll be better. I just need another couple minutes.¡±


    Still confused, Callie kept hold of Pixyl¡¯s hand and sat down next to her. Pixyl smiled and leaned against the Gnome, making happy little noises. ¡°You¡¯re soft,¡± she drunkenly slurred out, closing her eyes and snuggling in like Callie was a warm blanket.


    ¡°Hey, you said to keep you awake,¡± Callie whispered, jostling the Pixie.


    ¡°I¡¯m awake. Just enjoying the moment.¡±


    Callie couldn¡¯t help but notice that Pixyl wasn¡¯t stuttering at all. In fact, she hadn¡¯t stuttered since the drinking contest had started. As Callie thought more about it, she realized there were a lot of times when Pixyl didn¡¯t stutter.


    ¡°Hi, Pixyl,¡± Healer Tasi said, walking up. ¡°How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Good. I¡¯m good.¡±


    Tasi laughed. ¡°I¡¯m sure you are. Are you going to need a detox potion?¡±


    ¡°Just a couple more minutes, and I¡¯ll be good,¡± Pixyl said, waving her free hand dismissively in a lazy, drunken flop. ¡°The Dwarf will need one though. Maybe two. Maybe three.¡±


    ¡°Good, I thought as much. I just wanted to make sure,¡± the Fairy added with a caring smile. ¡°You sure put one over on him. Good for you.¡± She turned to the rest of the group, handing a small vial of pink liquid to Lena. ¡°She should be fine as long as she doesn¡¯t fall asleep in the next few minutes. Have her drink this when she¡¯s able to stand back up. It will help if she has a headache. I need to go help the other one.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Lena said, still perplexed.


    Callie looked down at Pixyl. She had snuggled up really close to her arm, and her wings were slowly swishing in time with her breathing. Quietly, the Pixie hummed a seemingly random tune.


    ¡°I just want to say thank you,¡± Pixyl slurred out suddenly, looking up towards everyone. ¡°You¡¯ve all been really nice to me. I thought you were all going to be mean like everyone else is to me, but you weren¡¯t. And you should all know that Callie is really soft, too.¡±


    Everyone was simply dumbfounded, except for Vanis, who had a big grin on his face. ¡°Just wait,¡± he mouthed, padding the air with his free hand, while Juniper, still clinging to his other arm, giggled softly. ¡°Give her a moment,¡± he added in a low whisper.


    Finally, Pixyl took a deep breath, sighed and sat up. She wiggled a little like the dance of a dog shaking off water and opened her eyes wide. ¡°That¡¯s b-b-better.¡± She looked at a confused Callie, patted the Gnome¡¯s shoulder with her free hand and then stood up quickly, all signs of her nearly fall-down drunk state completely gone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Lena said, slowly handing the pink vial to Pixyl. ¡°Can someone explain what just happened?¡±


    Callie climbed her own booster to get to table height and saw Vanis had a stupid smirk on his face. ¡°You know something!¡± she hissed at him.


    Vanis gestured at Pixyl, who had finished downing the foul, pink liquid, and was now pouring wine into one of the goblets. ¡°You¡¯ll need to ask her.¡±


    ¡°Spill!¡± Callie demanded, turning to the Pixie and narrowing her eyes at her friend.


    The little Fae took a long sip from her wine, a twinkle in her eyes, as everyone stared, demanding an explanation. ¡°Pixies have Poison Resistance. And can cleanse poison once every ten minutes or so.¡±


    Callie thought back to everything that had just happened. The evil grin on Pixyl¡¯s face as she issued the challenge. Vanis¡¯s insistence that Pixie Power was going to win out. She even recalled a little dance Pixyl had done after the fifth or sixth round that now seemed vaguely reminiscent of the wiggle she had just done. She remembered Pixyl saying at dinner that wine didn¡¯t affect her. Callie remembered all the officers and trainers laughing their asses off as the Dwarf passed out. They knew! They all knew that it was a rigged competition! Pixyl had set Bratig up! Her power had to be just like her Gnomish Fear Resistance. Higher tolerance for poisons, and a way to clear them away with magic. A racial trait!


    Tazrok started to laugh. It started low, but seemed to grow. Slowly, everyone else that had not been in the know around the table started to put the pieces together. They joined Tazrok, the roils of laughter building. Finally Vanis, and even Juniper, who was standing gracefully at the Prince¡¯s side, still one arm wrapped around his as she sipped her own wine, joined as well. As a group, the seven of them celebrated in merriment what had happened. Pixyl peeked over the rim of her goblet at the rest of her group, a sly, devious sparkle in her eyes, and a grin big enough to be seen, despite the oversized goblet in the way.


    ¡°You are very sneaky,¡± Xin finally said.


    Somehow that statement of utter obviousness restarted the laughter all over again. Vanis called for a toast, and everyone joined in, enjoying Pixyl¡¯s victory along with her.

 Chapter 27 Part 4 - The World Changes

    PART IV: THE WORLD CHANGES


    Major Celeste stepped up, and seeing the raucous laughter said, ¡°I see you all figured it out? Good job, Corporal-major Pixyl,¡± she added, ruffling the Pixie¡¯s hair. Pixyl just beamed with the praise and sipped her wine, not minding being touched. It seemed maybe her trait hadn¡¯t quite removed all the alcohol out of her system, as she was solidly in a ¡®happy-drunk¡¯ state.


    The Major cleared her throat. ¡°Recruit Callie, Miss Juniper, would you join the rest of us, please. We¡¯re going to talk about your ¡­ idea.¡±


    Juniper looked perplexed, but Callie gave her a reassuring nod. The three of them joined the other officers standing with Xera, and together they walked towards the back corner of the tent.


    ¡°We need this table, and leave those boosters!¡± Galin gruffly said, scaring away three Goblins and a pair of Elves. All told, in addition to Callie and Juniper, around the table stood Xera, Galin, Celeste, Thorn, and Yulayla. Tasi was missing, still attending to Bratig apparently, but space was made for someone to use the third booster, so likely she was expected.


    Juniper looked nervous and she scanned the faces of the officers around her. ¡°I didn¡¯t break the rules,¡± she said defensively. ¡°I¡¯m not interfering. Or if I am, I don¡¯t mean to and I will depart.¡±


    Xera held up their hand. ¡°You¡¯re fine. As the recruit has so graciously pointed out, you are in fact participating, not interfering. I hope you are enjoying yourself.¡±


    Juniper relaxed and then nodded her head quickly. ¡°Oh, I see. Then, yes, I¡¯m having a lovely time. The Prince is quite charming company, and this ¡­ wine I think you call it ¡­ is very good.¡± She was still clutching her goblet in her hand. ¡°I¡¯ve never had it, and it makes me feel warm and tingly inside.¡±


    The Legate let out a short laugh, amused by the simple innocence of Juniper¡¯s statement.


    ¡°Well, we won¡¯t keep you from enjoying your evening for long,¡± Xera said. ¡°Recruit Callie informs us that you might be interested in participating in what we do here.¡±


    Juniper looked down at the drink in her hand, trying to think how to respond. ¡°You all seem to have so much fun learning your new skills, and I don¡¯t know very many. And the Little One says I might be a plant magic class. I forget what she called it, a Florasomething.¡±


    ¡°A Floramancer,¡± Thorn interjected. ¡°Also called a Sylvan.¡±


    Juniper shrugged. ¡°I can see into people. That''s how I knew Xera was a good person when they approached me about building here. But I can¡¯t see my own aura, so I don¡¯t know mine.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to find out?¡± Thorn asked.


    Juniper nodded her head briskly. ¡°If it wouldn¡¯t be much trouble, that would be fun.¡±


    Everyone looked at Yulayla. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to see,¡± she said nervously.


    Juniper was directed to stand off to the side, and Yulayla fished her Scrying gem out of a bag hanging on her belt. Holding it up, she started to look through it, carefully rotating the facets as she read Juniper¡¯s aura. ¡°Your name is something I can¡¯t pronounce or really comprehend, actually. You must just go by Juniper. You are indeed a Floramancer. You have ¡­¡±


    Yulayla¡¯s scrying gem suddenly flashed a bright red, and she was thrown back a good two meters, as if struck by a powerful force, sliding across the floor with a groan. Tasi, who was walking towards the table, launched instinctively into the air, flipping once and wings flapping to control her direction. She landed with pinpoint accuracy next to the Scryer, her hand glowing with Healing magic. Around them, several of the recruits, seeing the flash of light or the flying Fairy, stopped what they were doing to watch.


    ¡°As you were!¡± Galin snapped to the onlookers, pointing. They quickly looked away, returning to whatever they were doing rather than anger the Legate.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Yulayla said with a grunt as Tasi helped her sit up and placed her glowing hand on Yulayla¡¯s arm. The Scryer shook her head as if to clear it, and held out a hand for assistance standing. Galin reached over and pulled her to her feet. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Thorn asked.


    Once again, Yulayla shook her head to clear it. ¡°Her aura is strong. Amazingly strong. Juniper, how old are you, if you don¡¯t mind me asking?¡±


    ¡°Um. I¡¯m not sure. But I do remember when the Beastkins first came to our land. So that would be ¡­ forty years ago, maybe? Or one-hundred? I¡¯m not sure. The seasons all sort of flow together over time.¡±


    ¡°That would have been at least four-hundred years ago. Probably closer to five.¡± Thorn said.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Juniper said, surprised by the number.


    Yulayla sighed. ¡°That would explain it. Dryads are already incredibly magical, and with your age, even more so. I was able to see you are indeed a Sylvan, but looking any deeper just overloads my senses. Congratulations on having the specialist class, though.¡±


    ¡°Oh, how delightful!¡± Juniper said. ¡°This Little One told me about how the Florasylvans can make those magic combat plants. That sounds exciting.¡±


    All eyes swung towards the little Gnome, who couldn¡¯t do more than shrink under their collective gazes. Major Celeste reached out and patted Callie¡¯s shoulder reassuringly. ¡°I thought you were going to wait until tomorrow to start making more mischief,¡± Celeste said.


    ¡°Uh ¡­ I got an early start?¡± Callie replied weakly with a questioning inflection.


    That statement brought some levity to the group and the tension seemed to drop by several degrees. Galin took the momentary break in conversation to dismiss Yulayla. With her scrying duties completed, she wished everyone a good evening and returned to the party.


    ¡°Juniper,¡± Xera began, ¡°do you remember when I came to you about building our camp here? Do you remember why we need to be training everyone?¡±


    ¡°Of course. You said there were many feral Demons to the south, and you need to build an Army to kill them all. You said this location was far enough away from any settlements to be safe from the prying eyes of your superiors because you didn¡¯t want them to meddle.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Xera confirmed hesitantly, glancing quickly at Callie. ¡°Are you interested in being a soldier? Would you go and fight if needed?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Juniper said simply. ¡°I am bound to my Heartwood tree in the center of my forest, so I cannot travel that far.¡±


    A collective disappointment rippled around the table as everyone realized that even with skills, the Dryad would be of no use at the front lines if she couldn¡¯t actually travel to them.


    ¡°That settles that, then,¡± Galin said with a growl, throwing up his arms in exasperation..


    Juniper looked at the Legate, perplexed. ¡°How do you mean?¡±


    Xera held up their hand to forestall a snippy response from Galin, so they could reply instead. ¡°Juniper, We use the Symbiotes to unlock everyone''s skills, so that we can send those recruits to fight the Demons. If you are unable to go that far, then it¡¯s hard to justify the expense of using one. They are just too rare.¡±


    ¡°You mean the cute little caterpillars? The ones with the hard shells? I¡¯ve heard someone here call them by that name.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°They aren¡¯t that rare,¡± Juniper said with a shrug.


    ¡°What do you mean they''re not that rare?¡± Thorn asked.


    Juniper shrugged. ¡°I see at least two-hundred of them in my domain right now. And those are just the ones on the trees. I¡¯m sure there are more, but I¡¯d have to look a little harder for them.¡±


    Every face at the table turned and stared at the Dryad in shocked silence, mouths hanging open.


    ¡°What?¡± Juniper asked, sipping her wine. ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡±


    ¡°You are able to see over two-hundred Symbiotes in the area, right now,¡± Thorn asked in a shocked tone. ¡°And there are more?¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh. If you need an exact count, it will take me a little while, I¡¯m afraid. My apologies.¡±


    ¡°Could¡­ Could you take someone to them? Would you take someone to them? In exchange for a Sylvan Symbiote, that is,¡± Galin croaked out, his voice unsure.


    ¡°Of course. In fact, there¡¯s one in the big tree right over there.¡± The Dryad pointed to a tree growing in the center of the camp. ¡°It¡¯s about ¡­ two Tazroks high on that branch.¡±


    All the officers looked at each other, stunned. If Juniper knew the exact location of over two-hundred Symbiotes¡­ If she could lead people to them with such ease¡­ Even if they were for standard classes, everything had just changed.

 Chapter 27 Part 5 - A Formal Request

    PART V: A FORMAL REQUEST


    Before anyone could say more, Xera held up their hand to keep everyone silent. ¡°Juniper, just to be sure we all understand, you would be open to joining with a Symbiote to unlock your powers, in exchange for helping us find more of them?¡±


    ¡°This is what you all mean by ¡®joining¡¯? Join with the creatures? Little One, is that what you did to unlock your powers?¡±


    Callie nodded. ¡°Uh huh. It doesn¡¯t hurt. It just feels a little weird and you¡¯re dizzy for about half a day when you wake up.¡±


    ¡°Well, that sounds ¡­ fascinating. This doesn¡¯t kill them, does it? I couldn¡¯t abide helping you find more if that was the result.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Thorn said. ¡°They are too precious.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good,¡± Juniper said with levity. ¡°Then that sounds like a very fair and exciting trade, and it would help you kill more Demons, right?¡±


    ¡°It would very much help,¡± Xera said quickly.


    ¡°You have no idea how much it would help,¡± Galin added.


    Turning to their fellow Fairy, Xera asked, ¡°Would a joining work with a Dryad, Tasi? You know more about Symbiotes than anyone. Please tell us it would work.¡±


    Healer Tasi shrugged. ¡°It should. Dryads are highly magical, but their head is basically like any other Fae, and obviously she has a class as well. She might not want to use the trees as portals for a day or two, just to be sure it¡¯s settled into place, though. I could look into it more; see if there is any historical record of a joining with a Dryad. But it would take a couple weeks and could ¡­ raise questions. But I don¡¯t think there¡¯d be any risk if it didn¡¯t work. The Symbiote would just crawl back out.¡±


    ¡°We do have two Sylvan Symbiotes remaining,¡± Thorn said. ¡°They were for the two recruits that never arrived.¡±


    ¡°Recruit, Mistress Juniper, would you two mind giving us a moment? Don¡¯t go far.¡± Xera asked, directing Callie and the Dryad to let the officers have some space to talk in private.


    Callie stepped a few meters away, Juniper close behind, still sipping happily on her wine.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Juniper asked.


    ¡°Let me find out, shhh.¡± Callie concentrated and carefully listened in on the ad hoc group of senior officers as they chatted.


    ¡°If we are down a Symbiote, the bastards are going to want to know where it went,¡± Galin hissed. ¡°When you tell them, they¡¯ll want to know why!¡±


    ¡°And if it is found out we are getting dozens, or even hundreds of new Symbiotes because a Dryad can lead us to them, Dryads are going to be rounded up as worm hunters across the land,¡± Thorn added. ¡°They can¡¯t be forcefully taken away from their Heartwood trees for long without killing them.¡±


    ¡°We need a legitimate way to give her a Symbiote that won¡¯t raise questions,¡± Xera said. ¡°And we absolutely have to keep her tracking ability quiet. It can¡¯t leave this camp. It shouldn¡¯t even leave this group. Any ideas?¡±


    There was a pause as everyone reflected on the issue.


    ¡°We could say one died,¡± Celeste suggested.


    Thorn shook his head. ¡°No, that will just bring a different kind of scrutiny that we don¡¯t want here, although I guess that¡¯s at least an option.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to justify it as an experiment,¡± Xera pondered out loud. ¡°It¡¯s too rare of one.¡±


    ¡°What about swapping it for a standard worm, saying the initial scrys were wrong?¡± Tasi suggested. ¡°Then give Juniper the Sylvan one.¡±


    ¡°They would never believe that,¡± Thorn said. ¡°The Scryer audits along the way are too detailed and numerous.¡±


    As Callie overheard the private discussion, she contemplated the ramifications of Juniper¡¯s ability to so-easily track the Symbiotes, and what Thorn had said. He was right, if word leaked out, other Dryads could be tricked or forced into tracking down more Symbiotes. There was simply too much money involved, and that sounded deadly for the Dryads. Secrecy was a must. What had Xera said? They needed a way to legitimately give Juniper a Symbiote? Callie had a sudden idea.


    ¡°Juniper, I think I know of a way to make this work,¡± Callie whispered. ¡°But you need to say exactly what I tell you.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Little One. What must I do?¡±


    <hr>


    Callie led Juniper back to the group of officers, still heavily engaged in their whispered conversation. Carefully, Callie cleared her throat.


    ¡°Recruit?¡± Xera asked, more confused than annoyed by the interruption.


    ¡°Right. Um ¡­ Commandant, Juniper has something she wanted to ask,¡± Callie said, shrinking slightly as Galin gave her a harsh glare.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Xera said, looking at the Dryad.


    ¡°Oh! My turn. Of course. I would like to formally request ¡­¡± Juniper got a confused look. ¡°Forgive me, my head is a little fuzzy. What was I supposed to request?¡±


    Callie groaned and rolled her eyes as the fact she was prompting the Dryad became so obvious. Quickly, she whispered the words into Juniper¡¯s ear.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Oh yes. I would like to request, per our agreement that you would aid me in defending my domain, that you give me one of those adorable little creatures and help me learn to use my powers. It would be of great help. Was that right, Little One?¡±


    If not for the background noises of the party, you could have heard a pin drop. In fact, with her Gnome hearing, Callie probably would have. The officers all slowly turned their gaze from Juniper to the little Gnome.


    Quickly, Callie groaned and pointed to her ears with each of her hands, and then made a ¡°come on¡± motion, practically begging Xera to get the hint. It took a moment, but Xera finally perked up.


    ¡°Oh dear,¡± they said, speaking a little too obviously monotone and fake, but playing along. ¡°It does appear that Mistress Juniper is correct. We did promise to aid her in defense of her lands. Oh my. I suppose we have little choice but to give her a Symbiote and train her in the ways of a Sylvan.¡±


    Thorn jumped in, also finally picking up on the technicality. ¡°Yes. It must be that way. After all, our superiors would not want us to violate our sworn agreements.¡±


    Celeste giggled in an un-Majorlike way before voicing her agreement as she sussed out what was happening, with Tasi happily echoing the Major. Finally, Legate Galin, the last to deduce what Callie was playing at, caught on. ¡°Yes. The Little One ¡­ I mean, the Dryad is correct. We must always honor our agreements. Should Command ask, I will simply advise we had no choice but to do as we were requested.¡± He looked at Xera, nodding quickly, as if asking if he got his response correct.


    ¡°Then I am afraid it must be this way,¡± Thorn said, winking at Callie. ¡°We shall honor our obligations to our gracious host, as part of our agreement to use her lands.¡±


    ¡°Tasi, get with Eirlys. I will rely on you both to work with Juniper to arrange for her joining and training regimen,¡± Xera ordered. ¡°She may have unique needs as a Dryad , and duties to the lands she protects as Warden, that you will need to account for, but I am confident you will all find a way to make it work.¡±


    ¡°As two of the Sylvan students did not arrive,¡± Thorn said, ¡°I am sure the sole remaining one will appreciate having another to train with.¡±


    ¡°Recruit,¡± Xera warned Callie, ¡°the information about Juniper¡¯s ability must be kept absolute secret and within this group. You can imagine what could happen to Dryads if the word got out. Not even your housemates may know, understand?¡±


    Callie nodded sharply. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    ¡°Then it is settled,¡± Xera said, clapping their hands. ¡°We have a plan.¡± Xera dismissed everyone, bowing their head slightly to Juniper, who giggled as she bowed hers before returning to happily sipping her wine.


    <hr>


    The informal Command gathering began to break up. Tasi guided Juniper off for further discussion. Callie was about to return to her group when Legate Galin gruffly called out a simple, ¡°Wait.¡±


    Callie slowly turned, swallowing hard. ¡°Sir?¡±


    Galin opened his mouth to say something, but stopped and looked away. ¡°Come with me,¡± he finally said, as he turned and walked out of the tent and into the darkness of the camp.


    Nervously, Callie looked at Major Celeste, who returned an affirming nod, whispering, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Go.¡± With trepidation, Callie followed the Legate into the night.


    Gallin was facing away as Callie approached. He seemed to be lost in thought, and didn¡¯t acknowledge her presence. She finally asked, ¡°You wanted to see me, Sir?¡±


    For a long moment he didn¡¯t say anything. Callie was about to ask again when he finally spoke, still facing into the darkness. ¡°Four-hundred twenty-seven soldiers died on the front lines last week, Little One. It was one of the worst weeks in almost two years, and it was also the first death of a graduate from this camp. I just received the report this afternoon.¡±


    Callie just stood silent, sensing Galin had more he needed to say.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIKbHSP_eVQ


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. Finally she settled on a simple, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°She was a Paladin we had trained to Silver Tier last term, and she had subsequently ranked to Gold, probably close to Platinum.  She waded through dozens, maybe hundreds, of Demons to reach a family of six trapped in their home, forming an escape route for them.  As they retreated, she held the horde back, keeping the family safe, slaying dozens more ¡­ before finally being overwhelmed.  Her name was Utora, a Gnoll, and she was ¡­ amazing.¡±


    Galin turned. There were actually tears forming in his eyes. He knelt down to get closer to eye level with Callie. ¡°If Juniper can easily lead us to more Symbiotes¡­¡± he started to say, turning his head to look up at the tree where she had indicated one was sitting. He paused, the words seeming to get caught in his throat, as the threatening tear finally formed and fell down his cheek. ¡°Your little stunt of bringing her to the party,¡± he finally started to say, ¡°your crazy Gnome mischief and twisting of words to find a way, may save hundreds, if not thousands of lives; soldier and civilian alike.¡± He locked eyes with Callie, and his already softening expression simply seemed to melt. Legate Galin pulled Callie into a tight hug. ¡°Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.¡±


    Callie had no idea how to react to Galin¡¯s emotional embrace. Up until this moment, the only views of the Legate she had were of a stiff, military officer with a rather grumpy demeanor. Now, he was here in tears, gushing in thanks. In a way, Callie had to admit, it was actually nice to see there was more to him than first appearances, and his reaction was certainly a testament to how much he truly valued the lives of everyone the war touched.


    Callie was also still trying to comprehend Galin¡¯s revelation that her simple act of trying to do something nice for Juniper had somehow spiraled into something so significantly important to the war as a whole. Potentially saving hundreds of lives? Or even more? Needing to do something, hesitantly she stiffly returned Galin¡¯s hug, trying to figure out what to say that was appropriate. Finally, she settled on ¡°I¡¯m just happy to help, sir.¡± The response had the benefit of being true.


    The awkward moment continued for a few more seconds before Galin released Callie and started to stand. ¡°I ¡­ um ¡­ apologize for my emotional outburst. It was inappropriate.¡±


    Callie looked at the Legate, holding his eyes in her own. She grabbed his hands to prevent him from standing and shook her head. ¡°Something important happened, sir. It¡¯s ok to be emotional about it. No judgment by me.¡±


    Galin paused a moment, before saying ¡°I appreciate your understanding. Still, why don¡¯t you return to the party. A good evening to you.¡±


    ¡°To you as well, sir.¡± Callie said, releasing Galin and turning. But after two steps she stopped, turning back. ¡°Legate, would it be okay for me to make a recommendation?¡±


    ¡°What would that be, Recruit?¡±


    ¡°I think one of you needs to sit down and have a very long conversation with Juniper. She doesn¡¯t understand how the world works, and what a big deal this actually might be. I just don¡¯t think she¡¯s been exposed to anything outside this area, so she¡¯s more na?ve and isolated than anything. Without knowing why she shouldn¡¯t, it¡¯s very likely she could let something slip.¡± Callie didn¡¯t go on to mention that she was just as na?ve as the Dryad was about the world outside the walls.


    The officer nodded. ¡°You make a good point. I¡¯ll discuss with the Commandant what might be best. I appreciate the advice.¡±


    ¡°Good night, sir,¡± Callie said as she turned again. Inside the tent, she could see a sea of faces, many she recognized. At the far side, she saw Tazrok standing, towering above everyone with a bright smile on his face, laughing at something or with someone. When she considered all the things that had happened today, it was nice just to see a moment of normal. No Demons, no sparring with a Lamia, no skill reveals, no crazy games of musical chairs at dinner. Just one of her friends being happy around more of her friends.

 Chapter 27 Part 6 - People Always Matter

    PART VI: PEOPLE ALWAYS MATTER


    Callie stopped at the bar, hoping to snag another bottle of wine or two to bring back to the table. The bartender was Grig, the Goblin that delivered the soup the night before, and on recognizing Callie, reached under the counter and handed her what he promised was ¡°the good stuff¡¯. Next to the bar, the small table had an assortment of finger-foods, and she put together a small plate of strange raw vegetables and large, sliced mushrooms. Thankfully, someone had the foresight to put steps in front of the table so she could get high enough to see what all there was.


    By now, the music had actually become fairly lively. It was still completely lacking a beat, but the vague Celtic overtones had morphed and combined into something that seemed a little more akin to bluegrass. In addition to the lute, Callie could see a banjo-like instrument being picked by another Elf player, as well as this world¡¯s analog for a fiddle being played by a Goblin. It still wasn¡¯t her type of music, but the dance floor had picked up several couples and even a trio, all having a good time as they swung in circles, hand-in-hand and arm-in-arm.


    ¡°I return and I bring wine!¡± Callie announced as she rejoined her friends. The five from her house had been joined by Jesca and Koda, all seven laughing it up. Someone had already brought over a big plate of foods that had become community eating and made Callie¡¯s small plate pale in comparison. Jesca slid aside to provide access to the booster steps and took the wine bottles. ¡°Grig was tending bar, and he promised me that this is ¡®the good stuff¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Where is Juniper?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Missing your dance partner?¡± Callie asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°She was quite a charming person, Callie,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Thank you for advising me to entertain her.¡±


    ¡°She was heading off with Master Healer Tasi to talk more about possibly giving her a Symbiote and training. I think they were going to find the Sylvan trainer.¡±


    ¡°Sylvan?¡± Xin asked, unfamiliar with the name.


    ¡°A Wizard specializing in plants,¡± Callie clarified. ¡°That¡¯s what class Juniper appears to be. Although the Scryer had problems fully reading her aura apparently. Something about Dryads being super magical and Juniper¡¯s age.¡± Callie shrugged. ¡°They¡¯ll figure it all out.¡±


    While Calllie was speaking, Lena had opened the new bottle of wine and tried a small amount. ¡°This is really good,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m no wine expert, but it¡¯s definitely better than the other bottles.¡±


    Vanis poured for all, Xin being reluctant, but finally giving in and accepting a small amount, which she diluted with quite a bit of water to ¡®make it much less evil¡¯. Lena was right, it was amazing. Dark and bold with vague flavors of fruits and other mysterious undertones.


    Pixyl was still managing to stay in her ¡®happy-drunk¡¯ sweet spot, sipping her own wine and alternating between listening to the chatter around the table, and turning around to people-watch for a while. A couple times, Callie caught her eye, but Pixyl would immediately blush and look away. Callie couldn¡¯t help but notice once again how much Pixyl felt like the sister she never had.


    Vanis interrupted Callie¡¯s introspection. ¡°Just so you know, Callie, we¡¯ve been advised that the party will be ending in about one hour, so everyone is able to get a good night¡¯s sleep before tomorrow. We¡¯ve all been provided with anti-hangover potions to drink before we sleep.¡± He pointed to a small basket on the table with a dozen vials of pink liquid like what Tasi had provided for Pixyl.


    ¡°They taste awful,¡± Pixyl advised with a snarl. ¡°Wash it d-d-down with something.¡±


    ¡°Good to know,¡± Callie replied, slightly wary of the impending awfulness.


    As the final hour slowly ticked away, people came and went. Some just wanted to meet Pixyl or Vanis, others just being friendly in general and mingling. At some point, Jesca and Koda left to socialize on their own. The party was certainly helping everyone get introduced to each other, and the socially-lubricating effects of the drinks and being moved around at dinner to meet new people wasn¡¯t hurting any either. Lhawni even came by the table, pulling Xin away to chat together with two other Goblins. Callie presumed they must be the other Shamans and she saw from a distance Xin¡¯s demeanor brighten significantly as they chatted. Vanis was also pulled aside for a discussion with a young Lionkin named Fynisse, who he introduced briefly as one of his fellow Warlock recruits.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    One interesting person that briefly came by was a race Callie hadn¡¯t yet seen. She stood about as tall as the Fairies, about a head or so taller than Callie, or twice the height of Pixyl. She was quite petite, with pale skin and a small, adorably-freckled face. Her long, reddish-brown hair was braided in a single tail, and she brought it around to hang down her chest. The end was bound with a piece of green wrapping ribbon, much like Callie had done with her own hair. Bright green eyes caught your attention, as did the large, furry, pointed ears that occasionally wiggled.


    But all that was normal compared to the rest of her features. From the waist down, she had legs that more-closely resembled a goat or deer or other two-toed hoofed creature. She wore her pant legs undone at mid-thigh like Xin, everything below the makeshift shorts covered in short, red-brown hair the same color as that on her head. She had a long, thin tail that ended with a tuft of hair that was a slightly lighter color than the rest. To complete the motif, the top of her head sported two small deer-like antlers, each with four points.


    She¡¯d tapped on Pixyl¡¯s shoulder hesitantly to get her attention.


    Pixyl turned and suddenly got a shocked expression on her face. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± the girl said nervously. ¡°Um ¡­ I just wanted to come by and meet you. I¡¯m Ambria.¡±


    ¡°Pixyl. And this is Callie.¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± Callie said, mostly resisting the urge to stare too hard.


    ¡°I just wanted to say I was really scared to come here,¡± Ambria said, looking sheepishly down at the ground. ¡°Here to the camp, that is,¡± she amended. ¡°I was worried everyone was going to be so big or mean to me. But seeing you get your medal and watching you win against that Dwarf a little while ago, it just made me feel a little better about being here. I¡¯m still a little scared because I don¡¯t know anything about fighting, but at least seeing that I¡¯m not the only Fae helps.¡±


    ¡°Where did you c-c-come from and how did you end up here?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°My family still lives deep in the Fae Woods where we have a mushroom farm. I¡¯m only here because I decided to go with my great-grandfather to trade in the city, and then got picked by the lottery. It¡¯s funny, if we hadn¡¯t made such good time getting there, I would have missed the choosing. I hate that he had to go home alone and explain to my family why I didn¡¯t come back with him. My mother must be so angry.¡±


    Callie was a little confused. She had assumed Ambria was a Beastkin of some kind; a deer-based one. Apparently, though, she was another Fae like Pixyl. She wracked her brain trying to think through all the tales of the Fae she could, to try and figure out what she was.


    Before she could ask anyone, Lena entered into the conversation.


    ¡°Hello! You¡¯re a long way from home, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Ambria looked up at Lena, who was speaking a little louder than she should be, and slurring her way through the words, obviously quite drunk. ¡°Uh ¡­ hello.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s, Lena. Don¡¯t mind her,¡± Callie said. ¡°She¡¯s hammered.¡±


    ¡°I am not!¡± Lena said, obviously not believing it herself.


    Ambria smiled weakly. ¡°It¡¯s okay. The wine was good tonight.¡±


    ¡°What class are you that made you end up here?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Combat Healer. I was a newling Healer back home, apprenticed to our village Healer, so I was still learning.¡±


    ¡°Healer?¡± Lena said. She turned to look across the table. ¡°Hey Tazrok! I found another Healer for you to meet.¡±


    The Ogre, standing off to the side, broke from his conversation with an Elf Callie didn¡¯t recognize, leaned over the table, and looked down on Ambria, who suddenly shrank back nervously. Tazrok¡¯s smile brightened even more as he said ¡°Hello little Faun.¡±


    ¡°A Faun! That¡¯s what she is!¡± Callie thought to herself, putting all the pieces together.


    Ambria swallowed hard, and her voice barely cracked out a weak ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°D-D-Don¡¯t worry. He is very n-n-nice,¡± Pixyl said.


    ¡°He¡¯s a Druid, so another Healer class like you,¡± Callie added. ¡°Or at least part Healer-class.¡±


    Ambria¡¯s expression brightened and relaxed at the mention of Tazrok¡¯s class. ¡°Oh! I knew a Druid back home. She could turn into a cat, and a raven, too.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Am Druid. Learn to heal today,¡± Tazrok said very proudly. ¡°Healed dying Blue Pixie. Still not know animals, yet.¡±


    ¡°I heard about your fight with the Demon earlier this afternoon, before dinner,¡± Ambria said to Pixyl. ¡°But I wasn¡¯t there to see it. Seeing you get your medal is amazing, though. Makes me feel less like I don¡¯t matter here.¡±


    ¡°People always matter,¡± Tazrok said encouragingly, pointing at the little Fae.


    Ambria stayed to chat for a little longer before taking her leave to rejoin her housemates at another table. At this point Callie turned back to her own table as Xin returned from the conversation with her fellow Shamans. ¡°Something occurred to me while talking to Ambria. Lena is completely drunk. That means, it¡¯s time for her to tell us all about her secret past.¡±


    Lena gasped. ¡°I am not drunk!¡± She then noticed the two empty bottles of Fantasy Jack, and the half-dozen wine bottles, and her body sunk. ¡°I am, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°You are,¡± Callie, Xin and Pixly confirmed in unison.

 Chapter 27 Part 7 - The Story of Lenora Mosswood

    PART VII: THE STORY OF LENORA MOSSWOOD


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll tell you. But I¡¯m going to preface everything by saying I was a dumb kid that became a dumb young adult, and I¡¯m making up for it now. So none of you get to judge me!¡±


    Lena quickly filled her wine goblet and took a long sip. ¡°Okay, you remember I told you about the cave when I was young, right? Well, after that, I swore to become self-reliant and became friends with a lot of questionable people. I didn¡¯t really have parents. My father was long gone; never met him. My mother would show up a few times a year, be absolutely dreadful, and then disappear again. It really messed with my head until I got old enough to just give up on her. But, because I was such a pain in the arse in foster care, nobody would ever adopt me, so I just was shuffled from one foster family to another, assuming I wasn¡¯t in the group home. Eventually, I just left the system; walked away and went to the capital city. There, I found a few like minded people and created my own family of other outcasts.¡±


    Lena took another long sip of her wine before continuing, while everyone else followed along in rapt attention. ¡°I was nearly seventeen when I finally received my class, so it was very delayed. Upon finding out I was a Bladedancer, a pretty rare specialist, suddenly people were interested in my talents. I fell in with this Elf guy named Hoxx, who was a low-level fence among other things. Actually, he was more of a small-time nobody, now that I think about it. An absolute master of messing with the head of a seventeen year old. He dangled out a promise to make sure I got all the training I needed.¡±


    ¡°But, for a price,¡± Vanis said, having rejoined the group.


    Lena nodded. ¡°First it was simple things he needed me to do. He taught me how to pick pockets and sneak into buildings to swipe things, and in exchange for lifting a few things from a few people, he gave me a roof and a meal and even some bed companionship. He never really saw to my Bladedancer training, though, but I was able to pick up a few things on my own, and even unlocked the Triple Riposte skill, which also gave me my Dual-Wield and Ambidextrous perks. Eventually, I got smart enough to realize he was using me, and I let him know it. That didn¡¯t work out so well for me. He played all apologetic and then to try to make up for it, he pointed me towards a job that fell apart.¡± Lena rubbed her shoulder.


    ¡°That led to your tattoo, right?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°My first one, yeah. It was a petty break in, and Hoxx had set me up to get caught. His form of ¡®disciplining¡¯ me for daring the stand up to him. Looking back, I have no idea what I ever saw in him. Well, actually, he did have a really nice arse. I was just a stupid kid, so maybe that was enough to hook me.¡±


    ¡°He sounds like a complete, grade-A jerk,¡± Callie snarled.


    Lena sighed and continued. ¡°Yeah. He was. Anyways, for that botched job, I got my thief tattoo and I¡¯m sentenced to eight weeks to ¡®cool off¡¯. All in all it was really a light sentence, honestly. I think the magistrate hoped I¡¯d learn a lesson, and maybe even spill some information about the people I was running with. But, I followed the code and kept my mouth shut about Hoxx, and that impressed another guy named Flick.¡± Lena gestured to Callie. ¡°He¡¯s a Gnome, like you, and he runs a very organized smuggling ring. He offered to take me on as one of his people once I was released, and more importantly promised me actual training, which of course, I had long realized Hoxx was never going to do."


    ¡°I take it this ¡®Flick¡¯ was as bad as the previous?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Actually, no. He¡¯s actually quite pleasant, and treats his people very well. He¡¯s gentle as long as you don¡¯t cross him professionally, but quite fierce if you do. I actually trained and legitimately learned some things well enough to fully unlock a few thieving skills. I did a few jobs, sometimes functioned as a guard for this deal or that, and generally was taken care of. He always treated me honorably, and unlike Hoxx, he never tried to bed me. I probably would have if he¡¯d wanted to, though.¡±


    Lena topped off her wine, as did a few others around the table.


    ¡°After I spent a couple years working for Flick, I decided I wanted to go independent, which he encouraged. I¡¯d still work for Flick occasionally on contract, but I just really wanted to try my hand at running my own life, y¡¯know. Not be beholden to anyone but me for the first time. Unfortunately, the results were ¡­ mixed. I got the bad side of a lot of deals early on. That¡¯s why I learned Truthseeking. Nobody would expect a Bladedancer to know that skill, so once I had it, I was able to sniff out who was going to do me wrong, and even saved a few of my friends from getting taken advantage of as well.¡±


    ¡°So how did you end up with two m-m-more tattoos? And the Curse?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°I was dumb and got greedy. I took this job I shouldn¡¯t have. It was a high-risk high-reward thing, swiping something from some noble of some kind.¡± Lena chuckled and gestured to Vanis. ¡°Probably someone snobby rich boy you know, Vanis.¡±


    Vanis just raised an eyebrow. ¡°You got caught, didn¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°Yup. I actually could have escaped, but by now I had a half-dozen people working for me, so it was either them or me. I chose me and they were able to get away. Probably not the wisest of choices, although it was honorable, so I guess that¡¯s something. That led to a public lashing as well as two more criminal tattoos. One for attempted theft, and one for being the leader of a criminal gang, although I don¡¯t know how eight people are a gang. But as part of the punishment, I was also sentenced to three to six years indentured servitude.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Who bought your contract?¡± Vanis asked. ¡°Flick?¡±


    ¡°No. Flick was away on extended business, so he didn¡¯t even know I was in trouble. No, Hoxx was going to buy it, just to spite and take advantage of me. He even sent the bidding so high that the others in my little tribe of misfits couldn¡¯t afford it, and they tried, too. Then, just before the bidding closed, the bastard came by the jail to actually gloat, saying he finally had me back where I belong! It would have been six years of absolute misery. Oh, he even dangled buying it down to the minimum, but for him to do that I¡¯d have to be basically his ¡­ ¡®subservient concubine¡¯ I guess would be a polite way to put it.¡±


    ¡°I thought they outlawed that?¡± Vanis said, a perplexed look on his face.


    ¡°Nah,¡± Lena said, shaking her head. ¡°Like anything, there¡¯s always a loophole. If the buyer and the indentured ¡®negotiate¡¯ it in advance, then it¡¯s considered a consensual agreement. You just can¡¯t demand it of someone as a condition on an existing contract any more.¡±


    ¡°Wait, so you¡¯d basically be his slave for six years?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It works this way. Rather than have someone just rot in jail for years being of no use to anyone, the convict''s sentence can be assumed by someone. Hoxx could bid, say, five thousand gold crowns for my six year contract. Absent any other agreement, I¡¯d just have to do general labor. As long as it was legal, I¡¯d have to do it, although with the new rules a general laborer can''t be made to work in a brothel. If he had me work somewhere earning a wage, that went to him, minus a portion that was held aside for me when my sentence ended.¡°


    ¡°What if you didn¡¯t want to work where he told you to?¡± Callie asked, quietly.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t do as told, I could be sent to the penal mines as ''unindenturable'' for a time, or at minimum have my term extended. As part of the arrangement, he¡¯d need to provide me food, shelter, clothing, care for my health, and the like, at least to a minimal standard. But, if I agreed to the terms he really wanted, he could pay maybe an extra twenty thousand crowns, and the term would be only three years before I was free. See Vanis, that¡¯s how you get around the rules.¡±


    ¡°I honestly didn¡¯t know,¡± Vanis said, his hand making a fist. ¡°Damn, I thought that was addressed with the new restrictions.¡±


    Lena shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s the way of rich and powerful people. They always can find a way to make the rules work in their favor, Vanis. You certainly have seen this. You seem pretty honorable, from what I can tell, but if you didn¡¯t want to be, you¡¯d still get away with it.¡±


    There was a long silence at the table, nobody sure what to say as the mood turned slightly dour and politically tinged.


    Finally, Lena shook her head and looked up, a weak smile reforming on her face. ¡°Sorry, that was a rant. In any case, obviously there was no way I was going to be indentured to Hoxx, either as a general laborer or as anything else, especially what he wanted me to do. I went and begged the magistrate for any other option. The other option she offered me was Conscription. I didn¡¯t even have to think about it. I chose that in a heartbeat instead of one minute under Hoxx¡¯s power. Coming here and getting a worm? That I never could have expected.¡±


    ¡°And somewhere in there you met Tazrok?¡± Callie asked.


    Lena nodded. ¡°After I took the option for conscription, three people came and questioned me for nearly an hour. From what Xera said this evening, that must have led to me being assigned here instead of basic training. I guess they saw something in me, maybe because I was head of my little tribe of misfit thieves? This trio told me when and where to report, put the Curse on me, told me to check in every few days, and I had about ten days to get my affairs in order and say some goodbyes to my people. The going away party? It lasted three days and was absolutely phenomenal.¡± Lena laughed, a lost twinkle sparkling in her eyes. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t remember half of it. Lots of drink and dancing and a few illegal things. It¡¯s fair to say a good time was had by all, that was for sure.¡±


    Lena signed deep, her thoughts lazily looking back at what had been her life just a short time ago. Good people. Good friends. Good times. And now she was here, in a new life, with new friends, and all of them good people.


    ¡°As for how I met Tazrok?¡± Lena eventually continued after drinking back most of her wine and refilling it. ¡°Just before we were to leave, I stupidly went to tell Hoxx off once and for all; to rub his face in the fact that he didn¡¯t get my service contract no matter how much money he bid, and would never, ever, have me again. Hoxx was still livid, having lost out on his chance to have me truly back under his control. By now, he had a sizable group of people working for him, and he ordered several of them to kill me. I don¡¯t know if it was out of spite and anger, or something else, but I was being hunted. I ran as fast I could to where we were supposed to muster for the journey here, being chased the whole way.¡±


    ¡°I see Lena Elf running from many others,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°So help tiny Lena Elf.¡±


    Lena laughed. ¡°Yeah. By coincidence, as I¡¯m running down the street, I pass Tazrok, who is also on his way for the trip here. He steps in, saves my arse, and a few of those people chasing me won¡¯t be walking for a few months.¡± Lena made a popping sound with her mouth, and gestured with her hands someone¡¯s legs being pulled off.


    ¡°Am big hero,¡± Tazrok said, pointing to himself with his thumb, grinning.


    Lena smiled, patting Tazrok¡¯s arm. ¡°Tazrok and I had a few days traveling together to get to know each other. Along the way, the wagon stopped occasionally to pick up another recruit or two. During the trip, Vanis showed up and joined us. The rest you pretty much know.¡±


    ¡°Any concerns that this Hoxx guy is going to come after you again?¡± Callie asked,


    ¡°Nah. If he does, I¡¯ll be at least Silver Tier, if not Gold. That won¡¯t go well for him,¡± Lena said with a smirk. ¡°He¡¯ll never have that kind power over me again. Ever. No person will ever have that kind of power over me.¡±

 Chapter 27 Part 8 - The Callie Archer Guide to Being a Gentleman

    PART VIII: THE CALLIE ARCHER GUIDE TO BEING A GENTLEMAN


    The musicians gave a warning that there was only one song remaining, something apparently familiar to most everyone, and urged all interested to find a partner and join in the final dance. Dregorio reappeared from seemingly nowhere, and once again took Lena¡¯s hand in his paw, leading her suavely to the dancefloor.


    Soon after the music started, Juniper had reappeared, back from her conversation with Tasi. Once Vanis explained it was the final song for the night, the Dryad insisted on having one last dance with the Warlock. She pulled his arm, dragging him to the dancing crowd. The two swayed to the music, Vanis trying to keep things proper and formal, while Juniper grinned and laughed and bounced and twirled, obviously a little drunk, but also having a marvelous time of it.


    Like her thoughts yesterday, watching so many different kinds of people dancing and socializing together was just beautiful to Callie. Lena with a Catkin, the green-skinned Juniper with an Elven Prince, one of the Goblins dancing with a Dwarf, and on and on. Strangers a day before, friends today, who knows come tomorrow.


    ¡°You should g-g-go dance,¡± Pixyl said to Callie.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m too drunk to do it very well, right now,¡± Callie said in response, taking another draw on her wine goblet. ¡°I absolutely know I¡¯ll either stumble into someone or get stepped on.¡±


    ¡°Me, too,¡± Pixyl said. ¡°Less drunk, but d-d-definitely would get stepped on. We can just w-w-watch, together.¡±


    As the Gnome and the Pixie people-watched, Pixyl leaning against Callie¡¯s shoulder, the music eventually came to an end. A round of applause went up for the musicians, who stood and bowed to their audience. The bar had been closed, the food table picked nearly clean, and it was obvious that the evening was being quickly ushered to a close. Juniper giggled, thanking Vanis for the dance with a peck on his cheek, to which he blushed and stammered a mumbled, ¡®You¡¯re welcome.¡¯ He quickly recovered, though, taking the Dryad¡¯s hand in his and bowing deeply over it. Juniper giggled once again, seeming to blush herself, before she bade goodnight to all, skipping lightly into the night and twirling before disappearing into the woods.


    ¡°I do believe it is time,¡± Vanis said, smiling distantly as he watched the Dryad leave. ¡°We all have a big day tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m nervous as hell,¡± Callie said flatly. ¡°Besides the problem of having no idea what I¡¯m really doing, I have a feeling Reynard is going to make things particularly unpleasant. At least all of your trainers actually like you.¡±


    Each grabbing a pink potion for bedtime, the six of Ogre House mustered their energy, and began the walk home, Callie and Pixyl leading the way. The evening was pleasantly warm, but had turned cloudy so the stars were no longer visible. With the glow of the wine ever present, both Callie and Pixyl were still in the ¡®happy-drunk¡¯ zone, as was Jesca, who had bounded out of nowhere to join Callie¡¯s returning group. Lena was leaning on Xin, wobbling a little, while Vanis and Tazrok both seemed pretty sober and primarily served to shepherd the ladies along.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± a voice said.


    Callie turned to see a Dwarf asking for her attention. He seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn¡¯t remember from where.


    ¡°And what do you want?¡± Callie asked, her voice coming out more snippy than she meant it to be, as she staggered lightly into Jesca.


    The Dwarf glanced for just a split moment at Tazrok. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you remember me. My name is Halc, and I was in the wagon when we arrived yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah! You were one of the guys who were being jerks to me when I woke up.¡± Behind Halc, a few meters away, stood a few more Dwarves, including both with pink bonnets. ¡°So again, what do you want,¡± Callie deadpanned.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Halc took a deep breath. ¡°The Ogre¡¯s words meant a lot this afternoon; to many of us. I just wanted to come over and apologize for how we behaved. He¡¯s right. We need to grow up. Truly, we¡¯re sorry.¡±


    Callie looked blearily at Halc and then at his friends, who were nodding in agreement with their spokesperson.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Callie said after an awkward pause. ¡°I¡¯m drunk and in a good mood, so apology accepted. Just stop being jerks to people in the future, got it?¡±


    Halc nodded vigorously. ¡°I do. We will. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Callie said, waving her hand floppily in the air dismissively. ¡°You guys have a good night.¡±


    ¡°You, as well,¡± Halc said, backing away quickly.


    Callie turned back to the rest of her group. She put out her arms in a shrug. ¡°Huh, what do you know? Little boys can grow up.¡±


    ¡°Actually unexpected,¡± Lena said with a bit of a slur in her voice and surprise on her face.


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Callie said, her own face suddenly painted with a confused look. She turned back towards Halc, who was joining his friends. ¡°Hey! You! Did one of you really touch my butt when I was unconscious?¡±


    Halc looked at his buddies, and then at Callie. Sheepishly he nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m afraid. I¡¯m really sor¡­¡±


    ¡°GET YOUR ASS BACK OVER HERE!¡± Callie screamed, all semblance of intoxication seeming to evaporate in an instant.


    Halc pointed at himself, confused.


    ¡°Yes! Get over here! Now!¡±


    ¡°Callie, what are you doing?¡± Jesca said in a loud whisper. Callie just ignored her as several other recruits and a few others stopped to see what the commotion was.


    There was fury in Callie¡¯s eyes as Halc slowly returned to stand in front of the pissed off Gnome. She looked up at the scruffy Dwarf, standing a good thirty centimeters over her, and didn¡¯t flinch at all. Callie stiffly pointed a finger and jabbed it towards Halc. ¡°You listen to me real, real good and you tell your friends. You do not put hands on someone like that without their consent ever again. Ever!¡± As she spoke, her finger jabbed closer and closer to the chest of Halc, forcing him to actually lean back slightly. ¡°If you want to grope someone, you get their permission first, like a gentleman, otherwise, it¡¯s HANDS OFF! Got it?¡±


    ¡°But, I¡­¡±


    ¡°GOT! IT!¡± It was no longer a question.


    ¡°Yes. Understood,¡± Halc said, nodding his head. ¡°Never without permission.¡±


    ¡°If I ever hear of you or one of your fratbros groping someone without their explicit say so, I will personally rip your nuts off and toss them in the fires of the forge. Never. Without. Consent. Asshole.¡±


    Halc swallowed hard. Next to Callie, Pixyl had placed her hands on her own hips and was glaring daggers up at the terrified Dwarf. Standing over them, Jesca, Lena and Xin stood, likewise posed in support, although Lena was a little wobbly and seemed to be vaguely trying to copy the others as much as anything. Looking around, Halc saw at least a dozen faces, most of them female, all looking at him hard. Halc nodded vigorously once again. ¡°Absolutely understood.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Callie said, relaxing slightly. Once again the little Gnome dismissed Halc with a wave of her hand. ¡°Now, get the fuck out of here.¡±


    You could almost see clouds of dust behind him as Halc bolted for the protection of his friends. Callie continued to glare for a moment, before completely relaxing and turning around seeing a sea of her friends¡¯ eyes just staring at her.


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said with a shrug.


    ¡°Recruit!¡± a stern voice commanded from behind.


    Annoyed, Callie turned to the new voice and snarled, ¡°What the hell now!¡± Then she saw the speaker and quickly amended, ¡°... Commandant?¡±


    ¡°Recruit Calliope Willow Archer, did you just threaten to castrate that recruit, along with all his friends?¡±


    Callie stiffened instinctively. ¡°No, Commandant. I simply warned him of a dangerous side effect of their actions, on the chance they weren¡¯t aware.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see¡± Xera said. They looked at the retreating group of Dwarves. ¡°Carry on, then.¡±


    With that, Xera turned and started walking back down the hill towards the nearly empty party tent, joined quickly from the shadows by Major Celeste and Master Trainer Thorn. Both were actually trying hard not to laugh, the Major not doing a very good job of it.


    Around Callie, a smattering of applause rose up. Callie turned, acknowledging her fans with a sly grin and a deep, semi-drunken curtsey, before turning back to her own group. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to think I have an appropriate response to that,¡± Vanis said, ¡°but words fail me.¡±


    ¡°You are very fierce, Little One,¡± Xin said, breaking the tension. Somehow, that just made everyone keel over in laughter, save poor Xin, who just stood there confused.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Callie finally said, between breaths. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

 CHARACTER LIST - End of Chapter 27

    <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><colgroup><col width="198"><col width="123"><col width="95"><col width="59"><col width="103"><col width="73"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"></colgroup>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Name</td>


    <td>Gender/Race</td>


    <td>Class</td>


    <td>Tier</td>


    <td>Rank</td>


    <td>First Mention</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Notes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>"Beatcop"</td>


    <td>Male Dwarf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 15</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Was walking patrol when Callie woke the morning after her Symbiote joining</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Alena del Montano</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Legacy Princess and sister of Vanis, Age 8, presumptive heir to the del Montano Legacy Kingdom</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Ambria</td>


    <td>Female Faun</td>


    <td>Combat Medic</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 27</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Combat Medic recruit, comes from the Fae woods where her family has a mushroom farm, was apprenticed to the local healer, was visiting the city when she was unfortunately chosen for the lottery</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Balneis</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 7</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Part of the Quartermaster and Logistics staff</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Bratig</td>


    <td>Male Dwarf</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Pushed Pixyl causing her to break her wing, was disciplined by Tazrok which included removing his beard. Pixyl responded by kicking him hard in the crotch, both also participated in a drinking contest, which Pixyl won.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Callie (Calliope) Willow Archer</td>


    <td>Female Gnome</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Prologue</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human transported from Earth into pink-haired Gnome body, Conscription Cursed and currently in advanced class training, Is a race/class combination not seen before, has background archery and accounting</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Celeste</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Gold</td>


    <td>Major</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Senior officer in Camp, doing double-duty as Bladedancer Trainer and head of training camp internal security</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Cheena</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Trainer under the mentorship of Trainer Maugra, acts as her interpreter and assistant, but is ready to assume role of lead trainer, should Maugra ever finally retire</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Chown</td>


    <td>Male Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, learned Arcane Blast from grandmother, who is a Wizard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Dermic</td>


    <td>Male Squirrelkin</td>


    <td>Bladeweaver</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 24</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Dregorio</td>


    <td>Male Catkin</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, Catkin with Domestic Housecat background, comes from far to the south along the sea, but came north to be with his love - alas it did not work out and he was Conscripted before he could return home</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Dunni (Dunilalwal)</td>


    <td>Male Fairy</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for six months, used to be in service to Duke Rallaxe and recognizes Vanis from that time, seems lazy about his Warlock studies</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Earick</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Scryer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Eirlys</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Sylvan</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 26</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Floramancer/Sylvan trainer, expert in plant-related magics</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Fidas</td>


    <td>Male Fairy</td>


    <td>Healer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch.14</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer on staff. Served as monitor for Ogre House while they recovered from their Symbiote joining</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Fizzlebek</td>


    <td>Male Gnome</td>


    <td>Enchanter</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 19</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of the workshop section of the crafting area, Enchanter (class) and Artificer (vocation), Married to Pama, the head Culinar.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Flick</td>


    <td>Male Gnome</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Crime Boss</td>


    <td>Ch. 27</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still in organized crime, treated Lena well and made sure she was trained</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Fullo</td>


    <td>Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 8</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Quartermaster in charge of laundry, tailoring and training armor, leads a team of Brownie tailors, yellow Tigerkin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Fynisse</td>


    <td>Female Lionkin</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for one month</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Galin Molanar</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Legate</td>


    <td>Ch. 3</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Second in command of training camp, reports to Commandant Xera</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Grig</td>


    <td>Male Goblin</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kitchen staff member</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Halc</td>


    <td>Male Dwarf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 27</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Dwarf that harassed Callie when she woke in the recruit wagon, apologized to her for his behavior and received a harsh lesson on the importance of consent.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Hoxx</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Crime Mini-boss</td>


    <td>Ch. 27</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still in organized crime, treated her poorly and attemted to have her killed, before Tazrok was able to stop the attack</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Jesca</td>


    <td>Female Cheetahkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 9</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Fellow Ranger recruit and friend of Callie</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Juniper</td>


    <td>Female Dryad</td>


    <td>Sylvan</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious and mischievous Dryad that lives close to the training camp, has some arrangement with Xera but is considered a nuisance by most officers and staff, is recruited into camp training in exchange for agreeing to lead camp personnel to Symbiotes in the area</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Kaisess</td>


    <td>Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, yellow Tigerkin, learned the Parkour skill</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Karen</td>


    <td>Female Human</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Prologue</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Interviewed Callie Archer for a poor accounting position</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Kela</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Captain</td>


    <td>Ch. 3</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of Quartermaster and Logistics at the training camp, reports to Legate Galin, arguably the most-important person at the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Koda (aka Bear Guy)</td>


    <td>Male Bearkin</td>


    <td>Paladin</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Large Bearkin that accosts Callie, Jesca and Thucax, before turning polite, nicknamed ''Bear Guy'' by Callie, seasoned soldier in the militia and going through training to provide feedback and take training info back home.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Koka</td>


    <td>Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin sister (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Moka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Lena (Lenora) Mosswood</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 1</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, has a mysterious and criminal past, powerset includes multiple Thief skills as well as Truthseeking</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Lhawni</td>


    <td>Female Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Maugra</td>


    <td>Female Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Very old Goblin Shaman Trainer, requires walking-staff for assistance in bi-pedal fom, unable to speak well and uses Shaman Trainer Cheena to translate a form of sign language, refuses to retire so Cheena can take over training duties, Known Animal Forms: Wolf</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Melga Fireheart</td>


    <td>Female Dwarf</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Meyra</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Healer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer and assistant to Master Healer Tasi</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Moka</td>


    <td>Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin brother (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Koka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Natala</td>


    <td>Female Dwarf</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Sergeant-Major</td>


    <td>Ch. 6</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Master Trainer Thorn, battle veteran with lingering mobility injuries</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Nola</td>


    <td>Female Lizardkin</td>


    <td>Bladeweaver</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 24</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Olin</td>


    <td>Male Lionkin</td>


    <td>Bladeweaver</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 9</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Trainer for the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Pama</td>


    <td>Female Gnome</td>


    <td>Culinar</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 11/19</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Head Culinar for the camp. Mentioned (Ch. 11) by Vanis using incorrect name as someone that once cooked for a feast in the royal court, Married to Head Enchanter/Artificer Fizzlebek</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Pixyl (Pixylataweneecina)</td>


    <td>Female Pixie</td>


    <td>Bladeweaver</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Corporal Major</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Blue-haired Pixie who''s wing was seriously injured after altercation with Bratig, housemate of Callie Archer, generally quiet and introverted, fiercely independent with few friends. Is a race/class combination not seen before. Used to fight in the Marandine underground fighter pits and is quite used to fighting demons. Pixyl received two medals for her courage and injuries when fighting a demon on the first day. Pixyl responded by kicking Bragig hard in the crotch in response to him breaking her wing, both also participated in a drinking contest, which Pixyl won.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Rakona</td>


    <td>Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td>Bladeweaver</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 24</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time, green tigerkin variant with orange stripes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Rallaxe</td>


    <td>Male (Unknown)</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Duke (Nobility)</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kingdom nobility known to Vanis, used to employ Warlock Recruit Dunni on his staff, before forcing him to quit to devote time to studying his new class.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Reynard</td>


    <td>Male Foxkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 7</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Trainer, good friends with Master Trainer Thorn, not happy with having a Gnome recruit or with Callie''s stubbornness</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Rowani</td>


    <td>Female Pantherkin</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Gold</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 5</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid trainer, Elder battle veteran. Known Animal Forms include: Black Panther, Golden Hawk</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Sania</td>


    <td>Female Dwarf</td>


    <td>Scryer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 11</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Shul''an</td>


    <td>N/A Salamanderkin</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Bronze</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, Fire Salamander background, pitch-black skin with red highlights, hails from the Great Oasis in the Southern Desert and when Conscripted was too far to return home, able to shoot flammable spit, served as trade caravan guard and has learned several Ranger skills, plus Earthen Wall (Geomancer) and Burning Hands (Wizard) which can be used to ignite flammable spit (NOTE: Salamanderkin are hermaphroditic and use neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Solva</td>


    <td>Male Human</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Governor</td>


    <td>CH. 6</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human nobility and friend of Vanis before the Humans isolated, Vanis was courting his daughter at one point.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Swopik</td>


    <td>Male Goblin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, was part of the town militia before being Conscripted, so knows some warrior skills</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Tasi</td>


    <td>Female Fairy</td>


    <td>Healer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Master Healer</td>


    <td>Ch. 9</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Supervisor of Healers and healing services at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Tazrok (Deathstorm) Thunderfist</td>


    <td>Male Ogre</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Corporal</td>


    <td>Ch. 1</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Berserker and Barbarian skills, Is a race/class combination not seen before. "Promoted" to Corporal and takes his disciplinary duties quite seriously, Is still trying to wrap his mind about being a Druid, as it is outside is worldview.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Terrin</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Trainer, old friend of Commandant Xera forced out of retirement to serve as trainer, has very little patience for young people, 236 years old</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Thorn</td>


    <td>Male Ratkin</td>


    <td>Martialist</td>


    <td>Platinum</td>


    <td>Master Trainer</td>


    <td>Ch. 6</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Officer in charge of all recruit training. Reports directly to Commandant Xera.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Thucax</td>


    <td>Male Gnoll</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, generally sour disposition (common for Gnolls), his family owns several warehouses and distribution centers in large cities</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Utora</td>


    <td>Female Gnoll</td>


    <td>Paladin</td>


    <td>Gold</td>


    <td>Soldier</td>


    <td>Ch. 27</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Graduate of training camp, killed in action saving a family from demons, first combat death of camp graduate</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Vanis del Montano</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Warlock</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Corporal</td>


    <td>Ch. 2</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, Son of Legacy King Feldwin del Montano. Powerset includes Dancing Lights (Illusionist) and Inspiring Melody (Bard) plus instrument perks</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Vonn</td>


    <td>Female Lamia</td>


    <td>Ranger</td>


    <td>Gold</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 19</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Ranger (retired) turned craftperson (forge), used to be an adventurer until Conscripted, fought on the line with Celeste, is able to craft swords and bows, and will be making both for Callie</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Wallir</td>


    <td>Male Elf</td>


    <td>Druid</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 10</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Woman in the Red Hat</td>


    <td>Female (Unkown)</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Prologue</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious woman in a bright yellow dress and large red hat. Pushed Callie Archer in front of a train in Chicago, IL (Earth)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Xera</td>


    <td>Between Fairy</td>


    <td>Bladedancer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Commandant</td>


    <td>Ch. 3</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Commander of training camp, missing one arm and a portion of their wing due to presumed combat injury. Holds the rank of General. (NOTE: Fairy are able to change gender as desired, Xera is between genders and uses neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Xin (Xinchaine), Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe</td>


    <td>N/A Lizardkin</td>


    <td>Shaman</td>


    <td>Iron</td>


    <td>Recruit</td>


    <td>Ch. 2</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, volunteered for duty, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Spearmaster Skills (NOTE: Lizardkin are hermaphroditic and use female pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Yulayla</td>


    <td>Female Elf</td>


    <td>Scryer</td>


    <td>--</td>


    <td>Staff</td>


    <td>Ch. 4</td>


    <td colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 28 Part 1 - Ranger 101

    PART I - RANGER 101


    Callie, Pixyl and Jesca crested the hill to the training grounds in a laughing run, having raced there from the bottom, Pixyl wincing slightly in lingering pain from her wing. Slowly, the rest of Ogre House joined them, also accompanied by Thucax. They were all wearing their new armor, save Pixyl, and Callie had to admit they looked spectacular in it. They all also had nifty leather backpacks filled with jerky, nuts and dried fruits liberated from breakfast for later snacking.


    The backpacks were interesting additions to the armor set, and Callie could see why they took a little longer for Fullo¡¯s Brownies to craft. Lots of pockets and loops adorned the exquisite pack. No buckles, but Scufrow was used on everything, which made opening, closing and adjusting easy. The straps were padded with something firm but cushioned, stuffed into soft leather, which made the whole thing extremely comfortable. Pixyl¡¯s was of slightly different design, shaped roughly like an upside-down ¡®T¡¯, with a fanny pack under the wings and a thinner section designed to fit between them. This allowed her to maintain full wing movements. Like her armor, though, Pixyl wasn¡¯t wearing her backpack, choosing instead to carry it and its snack contents.


    Morning had come too quickly, and all the recruits had risen to the sounds of the ringing bell, or, soon after, someone pounding on the bunkhouse door warning everyone to get up and get moving. All of Ogre House was already moving by that point, but very slowly. The expected hangovers were missing, at least, thanks to the pink potions. Missing for all except Lena, who was still in miserable shape as she had imbibed much much more than everyone else, save Pixyl, who was largely immune. Luckily, Vanis had swiped a few extra potions and passed one to the grateful Elf who made a sour face as she drank it down.


    Curiously, Callie¡¯s Symbiote didn¡¯t make an appearance overnight. Callie had been wondering if it might, and when morning came with no contact, she was a little disappointed. She wondered if it was because of all the alcohol the previous night, or if maybe communication would simply occur sporadically. Time would tell.


    Breakfast had been similar to the day before, with eggs, meats and fruits. Without reveals happening to everyone, the meal was far less eventful. In fact, most everyone was rather subdued, mostly due to exhaustion from the night before. But the fresh food was fueling everyone up, and moods slowly improved. Callie saw many of her new friends and other familiar faces that morning, all excited and nervous for the start of training, but everyone was providing mutual strength and support, as well.


    Now that they had arrived on the field, called to it a short time ago by the thirty-minute training bell, they all looked out on a sight far different than the day before. Dotted around, seemingly random, were tall flags with class colors on them, obviously indicating where each group was supposed to gather. Off to one side was a stand of rising seating, very similar to bleachers, large enough to hold all the recruits with room to spare. A long, vaguely oval-shaped circle in front of the seats, similar to the one in which Callie sparred with Vonn, promised demonstrations and fights for the entirety of the recruits.


    ¡°I guess it seems pretty obvious where we are going,¡± Vanis said, gesturing to the flags.


    <hr>


    As the group broke up, going their separate ways, Callie, Jesca and Thucax looked carefully for the flapping flag of brown and yellow. In a few minutes, they found it next to a small structure to allow for shelter from the sun and any rain, should it come some time. In front of that was a long shooting range, with straw targets set up at various distances in what was an obvious setup for bow practice. The range was on a gradual incline, allowing targets at farther distances to be seen over the ones that were closer. On either side of the Ranger range were a few similar long sections filled with targets, but with no flags calling for other classes to come work on ranged skills today.


    Soon joined by Shul¡¯an and Kaisess, the five Rangers fiddled and futzed, waiting for Reynard to arrive. It was several minutes, but Thucax finally saw Reynard come over the rise of the hill and enter the training field. Next to him, a Goblin was leading one of the six-legged pack animals pulling a cart.


    ¡°I see Trainer Reynard,¡± the Gnoll said, ¡°and it looks like he might have a cart of supplies.¡±


    ¡°We will need arrows, I suppose,¡± Kaisess said with a shrug.


    ¡°And we all need bows, too, for that matter. Except for Callie, that is,¡± Jesca added.


    As Reynard arrived, the five recruits stood in a vague form of attention to see what was next. He looked at each of them, and then turned to the Goblin, who was unhooking the creature. ¡°Thank you for your assistance.¡±


    The Goblin nodded an acknowledgement and left, leading the animal off with him.


    Turning back to his students, Reynard gestured for them all to sit.


    With no preamble, Renard launched right into it. ¡°The first thing you are going to learn is what is likely the easiest lesson you will receive from me. However, it is absolutely critical you learn to do this, as it will allow you to unlock the full potential of all your skills and perks.¡±


    Callie had a sense she knew where this was going, but stayed mum.


    ¡°Each of you, now that you have a Symbiote, has the ability to retrieve details on all your skills and perks with merely a thought. We don¡¯t tell you about this, because if we did, foolish recruits would start doing crazy things like summoning demons and getting each other killed. As you learn these details, do me a favor and do not try to do anything until I am able to demonstrate first, understood?¡±


    Most everyone had a confused look on their faces. Callie knew what he meant, even if his statement was confusing, but she didn¡¯t volunteer to clarify.


    ¡°Let me try again,¡± Reynard said, taking a seat and crossing his legs. ¡°Everyone, calm your mind, take a deep breath, and think to yourself the question ¡®What is my class?¡¯. No need to speak it, just ask it of yourself with a simple, quiet thought.¡± He demonstrated, taking a deep breath himself, and closing his eyes to relax.


    Callie did as instructed, and once again received the confirmation of her Ranger class, as had happened under the direction of Vanis. At least she was still a Ranger today!Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Shul¡¯an received his response first, and you could see it on his face when it hit him. Before he could say anything, Reynard shook his head, using a finger to signal him staying quiet. Kaisess was next, followed by Thucax. Jesca was having problems, though.


    ¡°Nothing is happening,¡± Jesca said sourly, as the others eventually explained how they had received their own internal class confirmations. ¡°My mind doesn¡¯t seem to get calm. What am I doing wrong?¡±


    Before Reynard could answer, Callie spoke up. ¡°Getting your mind quiet is the most important part, Jesca. What is something that makes you feel super happy and relaxed?¡±


    Jesca thought for a moment, before finally saying, ¡°Lying in the warm sun.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Callie said. ¡°I just so happen to have a little warm sun right over here.¡± She stood, glancing briefly at Reynard who gave her the tiniest of nods. Leading Jesca, she walked a few feet away from the shelter and sat down in the bright mid-morning sun, motioning Jesca to sit across from her. ¡°Okay, take my hands.¡±


    Jesca did, feeling ashamed for having difficulties, but trusting her Gnome friend.


    ¡°Good!¡± Callie said with a smile. ¡°Now, concentrate on two things. First, close your eyes and slowly breathe in through your nose and blow out through your mouth. Feel your chest and body move as you do. Ignore everything else around you, just focus on your breathing and your body and your breath going in and out.¡±


    The Cheetahkin did as instructed. After a few breaths, Callie quietly added, ¡°Now, feel the sun hitting your body and the warmth that comes with it. Let that warmth mingle with your breathing; let it wrap around you.¡±


    Callie noticed Jesca¡¯s tail had stopped twitching and her breathing had become less forced. ¡°Good. Now, breathe in, and as you breathe out, think to yourself ¡®What is my class?¡¯¡±


    Everyone collectively held their own breath, the only sounds the birds in the trees and the low voices of a few other trainers speaking to their recruits in the distance. Jesca breathed in, and then blew out slowly. She jumped suddenly. ¡°I got a response!¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Reynard said, clapping his paws once. ¡°This critical capability is something we call a ¡®query¡¯. There are a few queries like this you are able to ask and receive answers to. Everyone try it one more time and indicate when you have completed it.¡±


    Within a few seconds, everyone had succeeded, although Jesca was once again the last to get her response. ¡°My head does not like to be still,¡± she literally growled to herself.


    ¡°It will come in time,¡± Reynard said. ¡°I actually had similar difficulties as well, early on. Soon you¡¯ll be able to do it by instinct. Are you all ready for your next lesson?¡±


    Everyone nodded, looking towards the Foxkin trainer in eager anticipation.


    ¡°One of the perks you received was Bowyer/Fletcher. Just as with your class, ask yourself ¡®Tell me about Bowyer/Fletcher¡¯.¡±


    Callie, of course, already knew this one, but called it up again to refresh her mind, once again curious about the synergy it had with Tinker. Unbidden, a few stray thoughts leaked into her head about various contraptions and weapons based partially on bow-like mechanics. She quickly realized this would be a bad distraction in the middle of training day one, and shook the approaching daydream out of her head.


    Quickly, Shul¡¯an and Kaisess received their answers. Shul¡¯an didn¡¯t seem at all shocked and simply nodded appreciatively. As Bronze Tier, he either had already unlocked the perk, or generally knew enough on the subject to have a solid foundation, and was unsurprised by the influx of new knowledge. For the Tigerkin Kaisess, though, you could see his eyes widen in wonder as the knowledge flooded in. He looked at his own paws, and then mimed slowly to himself as if he was constructing an arrow, a huge grin growing on his face. To his credit, he kept quiet, so as to not disturb everyone else, but you could see how much he wanted to talk about it.


    Thucax didn¡¯t handle it so well. He leaped to his feet and staggered back in surprise. ¡°What is this?¡± he called out. ¡°How do I suddenly know this?¡±


    ¡°Shhh!¡± Reynard hissed sharply. ¡°I¡¯ll explain momentarily, Thucax.¡±


    Callie turned back to Jesca, and could see she was suddenly quite nervous after her housemate¡¯s outburst.


    ¡°Look at me!¡± Callie ordered and the Catkin snapped back to look at the Gnome. ¡°Same thing. Calm your mind. Concentrate on your breathing. Nothing bad is going to happen, and it is actually really cool. Remember ¡®cool¡¯? Say it with me.¡±


    Jesca looked at Callie and then nodded trustingly. ¡°Cooooool¡± the two said together. ¡°Coooooool¡±. It took a bit, but Jesca got it together finally. Her eyes shot open in equal surprise to Thucax. ¡°I know how to make arrows!¡± she squeaked to Callie.


    ¡°Told you it was cool,¡± Callie said with a grin.


    ¡°Good,¡± Reynard said, standing. ¡°I know you will all do it anyway, so I won¡¯t tell you not to. You are able to use the same query for any of your skills, perks and traits. Doing so for the first time will cause them to ¡®unlock¡¯, and make you able to use them, or give you the knowledge if it is a perk. However, once again, don¡¯t try to use any of your skills until I can guide you through each of them, understood?¡±


    Callie nodded in quick agreement with Reynard, but she could see her four fellow recruits ignoring him and diving into their own heads as they started pulling up all the details of their new powers.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t doing your queries?¡± Reynard asked.


    ¡°Remember? I figured it out yesterday,¡± Callie said with a wince. ¡°I¡¯ve looked them all up already.¡±


    Reynard seemed to almost make a snippy retort, but stopped himself in time. ¡°That¡¯s right, I had forgotten. Fine, come and assist me.¡±


    "You knew about this yesterday?" Jesca asked, seeming a little hurt.


    Before Callie could answer, Reynard interjected, "She did. You can talk about it later. Concentrate on your own." Jesca grudgingly abided, closing her eyes and once again looking inward.


    Together, Callie and her trainer walked over to the cart, which was loaded with multiple baskets and burlap sacks. ¡°I appreciate you didn¡¯t share that knowledge prematurely with the other recruits.¡±


    ¡°I did with one person,¡± Callie said, wincing once again. ¡°Pixyl. But only her.¡±


    ¡°The Pixie?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sorry,¡± Callie said meekly. ¡°I think doing that helped her fight that Demon, though. She didn¡¯t know her Flashbang skill until yesterday, and it saved her butt, and everyone else¡¯s, too.¡±


    Reynard nodded, simply grunting a low acknowledgement. Instead, he handed Callie a basket, and then set a cloth bag on top of that. ¡°Bring that over to the shelter.¡±


    Callie did so, Reynard arriving quickly behind her with a large sack over one shoulder, and another basket under his arm. Callie took the heavy basket from the trainer, setting it with the other, while Reynard dropped the sack with a thump, a wooden clacking sound coming from it.


    ¡°Recruits, listen up,¡± Reynard said, pulling everyone¡¯s attention from their self-queries. ¡°You all now know your Fletcher perks. Over there are all the parts you need to make arrows. Make some. I¡¯ll be back in a couple hours.¡± With that, he abruptly turned, and walked away.

 Chapter 28 Part 2 - Waiting for Gaia

    PART II - WAITING FOR GAIA


    Tazrok Thunderfist was sitting. He had been sitting for a while now. He was getting bored. Around him sat the three other Druid recruits, likewise sitting. Likewise getting bored. Bratig was asleep in fact, or he was until Trainer Rowani walked by and smacked him lightly on the side of his head.


    Earlier, when Tazrok had arrived at the Druid flag, Rowani was already waiting. Once the three other recruits arrived, she led them into the forest. They hiked as a group through the trees for about fifteen minutes before coming to a clearing with a single tall tree standing in its center. Rowani had them all take sitting positions with their backs against the tree and proceeded to teach them all how to ask the brain slug questions, just like she had Tazrok do the day before. Tazrok had then spent some time asking his sluggo about his skills, but a lot of them didn¡¯t make sense or were confusing, requiring him to know his animal forms. But, Tazrok had learned a little about Healing Berry, and Entangling Roots and even how to create water from nothing. His brain slug flooded him with the knowledge of surviving in the wilderness and how to get wild animals to be friendly instead of trying to bite him.


    With Rowani¡¯s guidance, the Druids all reviewed what Tazrok was now calling ¡®The Rules¡¯. Tazrok had learned that all the Druid skills and perks had rules, as did his racial traits. Even his Berserker and Barbarian skills had rules, although he already knew what most of those rules were, even before he was told by his brain slug. It was interesting to know what the rules were in detail, and that, more importantly, the rules would change and get better as he reached higher Tiers. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    But one new skill is where they all stopped and were to concentrate today. Wild Form. This is the one that made the Druid extra special and let them turn into animals. There were lots of rules for it, but Rowani said not to worry about them yet, and just to concentrate on meditating. So they did that, waiting for some woman named Gaia to come and choose the animal forms for the new Druids. Tazrok had no idea who Gaia was, and kept waiting for her to arrive. Maybe Gaia was like Tree Lady who had danced with Vanis Elf and made the Little One¡¯s heart race with an extra-fast pitter-patter, and would emerge from the tree. So far, there had been no sign of her, though. He hoped she arrived soon, because he wanted to ask one last time about being a Wolficorn, hoping she could overrule the trainer. After all, it really did seem the most-efficient animal he could be.


    Tazrok and his fellow recruits sat some more, trying to meditate as instructed. Supposedly, the harder they meditated, the sooner the mystery woman would arrive and give everyone their animal forms. Tazrok remembered how Callie Gnome had taught him to meditate, and did all the slow breathing like before, thinking about wind and trees and little streams of water, but nothing happened. He tried to meditate harder and better, but still no Gaia. So, now Tazrok was bored, and so were the other three baby Druids.

 Chapter 28 Part 3 - Perfect Circles

    PART III - PERFECT CIRCLES


    ¡°Excellent demonstration, Recruit Vanis,¡± Trainer Terrin said. ¡°That is a fine example of an Iron Tier Ritual Circle. There are a few minor things you could improve, but you have the skill well in hand.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sir,¡± Vanis responded with a nod.


    The two remaining Warlock recruits were sitting in rapt attention, watching their fellow recruit cast his spell. Terrin had already instructed them on how to query their Symbiotes, and focused all their attention to one skill in particular, the Ritual Circle. In fact, this morning, the only spell the Warlocks were going to cast was Ritual Circle, over and over, until they each had it perfect. ¡°You will need to learn to cast this spell without even a thought, near instantly and while moving, and perfectly every time,¡± Terrin had lectured. ¡°With it, your Nether-based attack spells are significantly more powerful, and without it, your Demon summons cannot be held in place and they will kill you, and everyone around you in moments.¡± He sent a not-at-all-subtle glare at the pink-bonneted Dunni, who shrunk under the gaze. ¡°Our Demons are critical to our battlefield power, and the tiniest of mistakes will be absolutely dire.¡±


    Dunni looked guiltily into his lap. Terrin had explained to Fynisse that Dunni was effectively on probation after his little demon-summoning stunt, and that there was no room for any more disobeying of orders. Dunni, to his credit, had apologized to everyone for bringing discredit to the Warlocks and vowed to take things seriously going forward, and the pompous attitude he¡¯d displayed previously had nearly evaporated, leaving him quiet and attentive.


    ¡°Vanis, since you largely have the spell perfected, work directly with Fynisse. I¡¯ll work with Dunni.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sir,¡± Vanis said. He and the Lionkin stepped away, finding a spot partially shaded by a large tree.


    ¡°I¡¯m really nervous,¡± Fynisse said in a whisper, glancing briefly at Terrin, who was speaking with Dunni. ¡°I¡¯ve never cast a spell before.¡±


    ¡°It will come quickly,¡± Vanis assured her. ¡°And more importantly, there is no risk if you get it wrong with this spell, unless you run out of mana. So if you feel weak in any way, we¡¯ll take a break.¡±


    Fynisse nodded. ¡°Would you cast it one more time? I think it will help to see it again.¡±


    ¡°Of course. The most-important first step is to calm your mind. You¡¯ll be able to feel the mana within you, and then direct it how you wish. You just focus your thoughts and will the Circle into being.¡±


    RITUAL CIRCLE


    At the Elf¡¯s feet a two-meter wide circle of green flashed into existence. It glowed with power and seemed to pulse with a life of its own. ¡°There you are. One direct link into the Nether. Anything I cast while standing in the circle that uses Nether energy will be much more effective, and anything I summon into it will be barricaded until I can take control. Just don¡¯t be standing in the circle when you summon something.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Fynisse knelt and looked at the glowing lines on the ground. As she touched one, she felt a little resistance and a prickling sensation, and quickly pulled her hand back. ¡°That is so amazing,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡±


    Vanis waved his hand and the circle evaporated. ¡°You try now. Calm your mind just like you did when you queried your Symbiote, and simply call forth the spell. In the words of a friend of mine, ¡®you¡¯ve got this¡¯.¡±


    Hesitantly, Recruit Fynisse stepped a short distance away. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve got this,¡± she said as she hesitantly put out her hand and for the first time ever poured mana through it. There were a few sparkles of light along the ground that quickly faded as the young Catkin suddenly gasped, eyes opening wide in shock and excitement.


    ¡°So, tell me, what happened?¡± Vanis asked in a tone more inquisitive and educational than worried.


    ¡°I felt it! I felt the mana leaving me!¡± Fynisse said with obvious wonder. ¡°It just surprised me, that¡¯s all,¡± she added sheepishly.


    ¡°Very good. Try again, but this time, maintain your focus and push through, so the casting is able to complete,¡± Vanis guided. ¡°Remember, it can¡¯t hurt you.¡±


    Swallowing hard, Fynisse closed her eyes and tried again. ¡°Ritual Circle,¡± she mumbled quietly, even though she knew she didn¡¯t need to say the words out loud. As she held out her hand, sparks of green flashed again in intricate patterns around her as mana poured from her outstretched hand. Focusing, she held her surprise in check this time and kept going. Slowly the circle wove itself together, creating the tap into the Nether. Vanis could see it was a sloppy, slowly created, and barely-woven circle, but it was indeed actually functional. Fynisse slowly opened her eyes, looked at the circle on the ground around her, and then hopped in giddy excitement, clapping her paws together. ¡°I did it!¡±


    ¡°Very, very good, Fynisse!¡± Vanis cheered. ¡°Especially for your second try. It took me at least four dozen attempts before I could barely close my own circle when I first learned it. Now, before you dismiss it, kneel down and look at your work closely.¡±


    Holding the channeled spell in place, Fynisse knelt, running her fingers along the lines and patterns, which weren¡¯t prickly to her touch this time. Looking closely, she could see tiny gaps and wobbles, but also could feel the circle was closed enough that the way into the Nether was functioning. ¡°Not very good, is it?¡± she asked with a disappointed tone.


    Vanis knelt, reached out and put his hand on the Catkin¡¯s shoulder, ignoring the discomfort of invading another Warlock¡¯s circle. ¡°Only your second try,¡± he said quietly. ¡°You¡¯re a natural.¡±


    Fynisse brightened at the praise, but then frowned. ¡°I can feel the mana draining from me as I hold it open.¡±


    Vanis dismissed her concerns. ¡°Shortly the mana needing to be channeled will become hardly noticeable. Efficiency improves with practice, but again, if you start to feel weak, we must take a break. Never exceed your mana pool unless you have absolutely no other choice.¡±


    Fynisse nodded, only half-hearing the lecture, as she continued to explore the Circle¡¯s green patterns at her feet.


    ¡°Next, before you dismiss your circle, use your mind to explore it, not your eyes. It has a connection to the Nether, and you can use that to empower your spells. At higher tiers it will also restore our mana, as well.¡±


    Fynisse once again put out her hand, touching the glowing, bright green center of her Circle. ¡°I can feel something. It¡¯s powerful. Is that what you mean?¡±


    ¡°Precisely. That is Nether magic. That is what Warlocks manipulate.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a little scary how much is out there on the other side of the Circle. I can sense it. Is it dangerous?¡±


    ¡°Any power is dangerous,¡± Vanis warned, ¡°and raw Nether will annihilate anything it touches, with quite destructive results. But, heed your lessons well, and the danger will be minimized. Are you ready to continue?¡±


    The Lionkin stood, shaking out her arms. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m ready. What next?¡±


    ¡°Now, Warlock Fynisse, dismiss your Circle and we shall do it again. In time, this will become as simple as walking.¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 4 - Hard Light

    PART IV - HARD LIGHT


    ¡°That casting is as pitiful as your drawing! Go to the back of the line!¡± Cheena interpreted for Maugra as the elder Shaman clocked Lhawni on her head with the end of her staff. Sullenly, Lhawni stepped aside, rubbing her head and whimpering as she walked to stand behind Chown. ¡°You! Lizard. It is your turn. Show me your drawings.¡±


    With trepidation, Xin handed her stack of totem drawings to the Shaman trainer.


    ¡°These are at least not awful,¡± Maugra signed after leafing through them and handing the stack of pages to her assistant. ¡°Now, let¡¯s see if you can at least do the very basic requirement of being a Shaman. You best not disappoint me, because all of the others are useless.¡±


    A short while ago, the four Shaman recruits had assembled on the field awaiting their Trainers. In time Maugra, in wolf form, arrived at the flag. Cheena accompanied her in the form of a wolf-sized white cat with black spots. Quickly, Maugra had explained how to query one¡¯s Symbiote for information and she allowed the four recruits about fifteen minutes to review all their skills and perks.


    ¡°There are so many!¡± Xin had thought to herself as she queried each one. It seemed for every skill she had, there was a similar skill for her totem, and the deluge information was almost overwhelming. Even her Spearmaster skills could be queried, and seeing the details of how they worked was fascinating considering she had been using them without that information for quite some time.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Maugra said through Cheena. ¡°Summon your totem! We¡¯re waiting!¡±


    Xin visibly gulped, extended her hand just as Maugra had curtly demonstrated and tried to calm her mind in spite of the pressures from both trainers. She thought back to the lessons the Gnome had given the Ogre about slow breathing to still one¡¯s mind, and Xin tried to do so as well. In through her nose. Out through her mouth.


    SUMMON TOTEM


    The mana sprang from Xin¡¯s body, and before her the Totem began to assemble. Tiny pieces of light sprang into being and slapped into place, forming an outline of the final form. Once the outline was completed, more pieces of light began to fly in, piece by piece assembling the Totem, starting at the ground and working its way upwards. The first face fell into place, forming that of a Gargoyle, a creature of stone and earth. The Totem built upon itself, higher and higher, another face soon revealing itself. It was that of a toothy fish, an embodiment of Water.


    The three Goblins behind Xin had fanned out to watch, and were staring in awe as they watched Xin¡¯s Totem slowly come into being, the tiny lights reflecting off their wide eyes. Compared to Xin, their attempts had been so poor in comparison. In fact, Swopik was barely able to get even an outline of his Totem to form, let alone a face to come into being.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    A third face finally revealed itself as the head of a great Eagle materialized, a pure embodiment of the element of Wind. Slowly the Totem built upon itself, higher and higher, but Xin¡¯s own energy was beginning to falter. And although Xin couldn¡¯t sweat, you could see the fatigue beginning to show on her face as her mana reserves began to run low. This was her first casting of this spell, and her inexperience and inefficiency was evident. But still, Xinchaine, Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe, pressed on, vowing to herself to complete the summoning task.


    The fourth and final face began to build itself as the shards of light continued to knit themselves into place. Xin¡¯s embodiment of Fire began to take final form, but this time much slower than the previous faces had, as she struggled against exhaustion to keep going. Finally the face became recognizable as that of a great Dragon, one of the nearly-mythical beasts far to the west and the true Masters of Fire.


    But that was all Xin could do, and the spell began to falter before her final representation of Life could make its appearance. As she watched in horror, her mana reserves beyond empty, the Totem began to crumble upon itself, its pieces turning back into remnants of light as they fell, disappearing like a melting snowflake before they even reached the ground. Xin collapsed, falling on her rear and panting in exhaustion. Xin had made a mistake she had known not to; she had run out of mana. At that point, her spell began to drink her stamina and devour her strength. She knew better and she knew she was a fool.


    ¡°Very very good, Xin!¡± Cheena cheered, using her own words.


    Maugra quickly signaled the Elf to be silent, and then addressed Xin. ¡°That was pathetically slow and you continued casting far longer than you should have. Never run out of mana unless it is a matter of life and death. Get to the back of the line to try again! And, drink a purple Rejuvenation potion from that basket over there to unmelt your brain!¡±


    Maugra began to swing her staff to hit Xin on the head as she had the others, but Xin¡¯s clawed hand snapped upwards and caught the falling cudgel. There was a moment of sudden stillness. ¡°You do not get to strike me,¡± Xin hissed at the old Goblin, still fighting to catch her breath. ¡°You will never get to strike me!¡± Xin looked at the other three Goblins, her fellow recruits. ¡°In fact, you will never strike any of us again. Do you understand?¡±


    Maugra glared at Xin, but the Lizardkin refused to waver and glared in return. Slowly Xin rose from the ground, assuming her full height, twice that of the old crone. She never let go of Maugra¡¯s staff, holding it firm and unmoving. ¡°Do you understand?¡± Xin bitterly asked once again as the two tested their wills against each other.


    Trainer Maugra began to seethe with anger at Xin¡¯s insolence and pulsed out a blast of her Command Aura, focusing it on this ¡­ pathetic Lizardkin. Xin took the blast and staggered, holding her free hand to her head. But still, she continued to stare at the tiny Goblin trainer, and still, she refused to release her grip on the staff. ¡°Do ¡­ you ¡­ understand?¡± Xin hissed once again, barely pushing the psychic aura¡¯s effects aside.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Cheena snapped. ¡°Xin! To the end of the line!¡±


    With a push against the staff, Xin released it, never wavering her gaze from Maugra. The staredown held for another moment, before Xin turned her back and began to walk to the end of the line, the anger as evident in her steps as it was in the fiery glare of Trainer Maugra.

 Chapter 28 Part 5 - Dance Lessons

    PART V - DANCE LESSONS


    Major Celeste was glancing at some notes she had written as her students sat in rapt attention, waiting for her to start the next part of class. So far, they had learned how to query their Symbiotes, but that task completed, they were ready for the next lesson, and Celeste was realizing she was in way over her head. Finally, she looked at her students and tried to give them a comforting smile, with poor results.


    Drawing one of her swords she held it out, using one hand to point. ¡°Um ¡­ this ¡­ this is a sword. It has a pointy end and usually one or two sharp sides. The trick is to stick the enemy with the pointy end. Or cut them with the sharp part. Or I guess you could bonk them with this handle part. Any questions?¡±


    Celeste¡¯s students looked at one another in disbelief, and she could see tiny clouds of worry crossing their faces. She had lost them already, she realized, and class had been in session for about ninety seconds. ¡°Fuck,¡± the Major muttered to herself.


    Lena winced in sympathy. ¡°Try again? It¡¯s okay. We all know this is new for you.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± the Major said with an uncharacteristic sheepish look. ¡°I just haven¡¯t had a lot of time to plan this out. I appreciate the understanding.¡± Celeste could tell by the returned looks they truly did understand, but were still worried. She took a deep breath and sat, inviting the recruits to sit with her. Celeste started again.


    ¡°The Bladedancer is a Guardian class, and we serve a critical role in any fight,¡± Celeste began. ¡°We have two jobs, and if we don¡¯t do them right, people die. First, we keep the enemy¡¯s attention focused on us, so that the others can do their jobs. Second, we do everything we can not to get hit in the process. Our armor is light, and so our defense is our nimbleness and misdirection. Most of what we will be practicing for the first week is going to be about exactly that ¡­ not getting hit.¡±


    Koka and Moka simultaneously raised a paw, both asking ¡°Guardian class?¡±


    And so, for the next thirty minutes, Major Celeste, with occasional assistance from Lena, explained the basics of four-role tactics. Of Guardians vs Strikers. Of how important it was to aid the Healers best by not actually getting hurt, and how the ranged classes served their critical function. All three Catkins peppered her constantly with questions, and at times she¡¯d use Lena to demonstrate a stance or maneuver. It was a crash course demonstration, but the three recruits absorbed it all, and even Lena learned a few more things related to her new skill unlocks.


    ¡°Finally, we get to your defensive skills,¡± Celeste said. ¡°The most-critical two you have now are Instinctive Dodge and Instinctive Parry, and they do exactly as they sound. You¡¯ll get a third at Bronze Tier. Anyone with basic sword perks is able to parry or dodge a blow, if they see it coming and have time to prepare, but these two skills will activate without even a thought given to them, seeming to guide you out of the way or position your sword just right for the parry. In fact, at higher levels, you don¡¯t even need to know that the blow is coming. Everything we do as a Guardian relies on understanding them.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°What about Flashstep?¡± Koka asked. ¡°That¡¯s one of our defensive skills, too, right?¡±


    ¡°It can be a defensive skill,¡± Celeste said with a hesitant nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you, though, I seldom have used it in that way. My primary use is to get me into a fight even faster, or to reposition myself for a strike or the defense of another. That¡¯s because with Flashstep, it nullifies our Taunt skill, which may allow the enemy to lose its focus on you. And if that happens, well, we know what could happen next.¡±


    ¡°Explain Taunt again, if you would, Major. I assume it is more than just calling someone bad names or insulting their mother,¡± Dregorio said, getting a chuckle from the rest of the recruits.


    ¡°It¡¯s a very strong, short-duration charm,¡± Celeste said. ¡°It will focus the enemy¡¯s attention towards you, and only you. It will also anger the target, so be prepared when that happens. As a Guardian, this skill is critical to learn to manage. One drawback is that if the enemy is resistant, or worse, immune to charm effects, you have to get ¡­ creative ¡­ to keep its attention. Luckily, because the skill is so focused and short-duration, it will get past most charm resistances.¡±


    ¡°I see, Major,¡± Dregorio said, pondering what she said. His eyes seemed to flutter for a moment, before adding, ¡°I see that Blur also breaks the Taunt charm as well.¡±


    Celeste nodded. ¡°At Iron and Bronze Tier, yes. Blur is a great way to drop Taunt, especially if you are working with another Guardian class, so they can take over. For example, if you need a moment to drink a potion or need to go help someone. Visually, it will make you harder to see for a few seconds as well. At Silver, you may retain your Taunt if you wish, when you use Blur.¡±


    Lena proceeded to demonstrate the Blur skill. Her form began to shimmer and shake, seeming to disappear and then appear a meter away randomly, making it nearly impossible to tell exactly where she was standing. The effect only lasted a few seconds before she broke the spell, reappearing in a slightly different location than she started.


    Dregorio pondered all Celeste had just explained, his paw on his chin and an extended claw tapping on his cheek. ¡°So basically, our job is to distract the bad guy, dancing around and saying ¡®look at me over here!¡¯ while our allies shoot at it from safety.¡±


    ¡°You got it,¡± both Celeste and Lena said together.


    ¡°Sounds quite dangerous,¡± Dregorio said introspectively. Slowly a grin began to form on his furry face. His eyes took on a mischievous look. ¡°But it also sounds quite fun!¡±


    Koka and Moka looked at the Catkin in horror.


    ¡°Oh come now, my dear fellow Kittykin!¡± Dregorio said with a flourish. ¡°If we are to be the Guardians, would not doing it while dancing be better than just standing there being beaten upon? Bladedancer is the name of our class, after all.¡±


    ¡°Did anyone ever tell you ¡­¡± Koka started.


    ¡°... that you¡¯re a little crazy?¡± Moka completed.


    ¡°Why yes!¡± Dregorio said excitedly. ¡°Many times I have heard such high praise, usually as I am sneaking out of her window with the break of dawn.¡±


    Koka seemed to blush, while Lena and Celeste both rolled their eyes. Lena had to admit, though, Dregorio was certainly a charming person, and their dances the night before were quite ...

 Chapter 28 Part 6 - States of Magic

    PART VI - STATES OF MAGIC


    ¡°Does everyone have their bands properly fitted?¡± Olin asked. ¡°Remember, the metal behind all three stones must touch your skin for them to be effective, so make sure they are good and tight.¡± The trainer walked by everyone, checking to make sure their suppression bands were snug. With two of the Beastkin having fur, the design of their bands were changed slightly to have metal nubs that would allow the metal for each of the enchanted gems to reach the skin. It made them slightly more uncomfortable, but was an unfortunate necessity. Thankfully everyone was properly fitted.


    Once checked, Olin provided the Bladeweaver recruits with the instructions on how to query their Symbiote, and they had become understandably distracted for a while trying to run down the information on all their spells, perks and traits. Olin let them have time to learn what they could, but it was now time to get to work.


    ¡°For a few weeks, your Suppression Bands are to be worn at all times, unless you are in your houses or the baths. It only takes a momentary lapse to accidentally summon your swords, and we don¡¯t want anything getting sliced off accidentally. Remember, if it¡¯s cut off by your blades, it cannot be grown back! If you are ever sparring with someone, and see so much as a hint of a color other than green, you end the fight immediately, understood? It is better you take a training hit to your body, than remove the hand of another; the injury to you can be healed.¡±


    The three new recruits looked at each other in concern, swallowing hard, before nodding. Of course, Pixyl was nonplussed about the whole thing, having had years of practice with her blades.


    Olin took a deep breath to get himself centered and into instructor mode. ¡°We exist in a world with many different types of magic,¡± Olin began lecturing his well-honed lesson. ¡°These include Arcane, Nature, Nether and Ether. There are a few others too, such as Astral, but Ether is the one we care about, and the type of magic Bladeweavers control.¡± With a flash of power, he made a fist and extended his own magenta Ethereal Blade, holding it out for the class to see. It crackled and popped ominously, a quiet humming making it sound sinister and terrifying.


    ¡°Ether is power,¡± Olin continued, ¡°and Ether can be deadly.¡± He turned, and in an instant sliced cleanly through a heavy log that had been propped up next to him. It was thick, too, at least forty centimeters in diameter. The wood offered no resistance to the trainer¡¯s blade, and a chunk fell to the ground with a heavy thunk, smoke rising from it. The remaining log likewise was smoking, but the cut was so clean it hadn¡¯t even moved.


    Gasps went up from the three young recruits as they stared wide-eyed at the smoking log. Of course, Pixyl wasn¡¯t shocked, or honestly even impressed, but she understood the purpose of the simplistic demonstration, so made an effort to seem interested.


    Just as the recruits seemed to get grounded again after seeing Olin slice the log, he dispelled the sword, which disappeared into the mists. ¡°Very, very deadly,¡± he admonished as an additional warning. In a single fluid motion, he turned and dropped to one knee, extending his hand. There was a flash of power and a ball of Ethereal energy shot forth, slamming into a hay bale about twenty meters away. The entirety of the pile exploded with a deafening sound, obliterating it completely, tiny pieces of smoking debris slowly fluttering down from the sky.


    Pixyl, of course, knew about Ethereal Blast from looking it up the day before, but to see it in action was actually quite amazing. Quickly reviewing the skill, she saw that hers only had a range of five meters, so she deduced Olin¡¯s must have improved range from a higher Tier. She imagined what she could have done with this skill if she had it in the Pit fights. Certainly she would be able to handle multiple Silvers, maybe even a single Gold with proper preparation.


    ¡°And just as there are different forms of water; liquid, solid ice, and steam,¡± Olin continued, ¡°Ether has forms as well, and not all are destructive.¡± Closing his eyes, there was a shimmering of color over his entire body, wrapping it in a layer of ¡­ something. Anyone watching was left with a vision that was obviously Olin, but seeing him through the veil surrounding him was like looking at someone through magenta-colored water. He rippled and pulsed, never seeming to be still.


    ¡°This is Ethereal Armor,¡± Olin instructed, his voice slightly warbling. ¡°It is a channeled skill, like with your swords, but requiring much more mana. Until you are proficient with the skill, this Armor will drain mana incredibly quickly. You will be spending much of your time in the next few days practicing your channeled skills until you get them all perfect.¡± Olin turned to Pixyl. ¡°If you would as we discussed?¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Pixyl nodded. Flipping out her hands, her swords flashing into being, green practice-blades of power humming and snapping in focused Ether. The other recruits gasped at the sight as the tiny Pixie sprang at Olin, pushing just slightly off the ground with her telekinetics for effect. Her swords crashed into Olin¡¯s magic shell, bouncing harmlessly off with a chaos of sound, light and sparks.


    ¡°Our armor is very, very good at deflecting Ethereal powers,¡± Olin lectured, ¡°as well as crushing blows from a weapon such as a warhammer or staff. It is less effective against slicing attacks from a sword or the sharp edge of another blade. And finally, against piercing attacks, like a spear, arrow, or the tip of a blade, your Armor will quickly fail. Pixyl?¡±


    Once again, Pixyl nodded, dismissing her green swords. Walking to a small basket next to the still smoking log, she retrieved two things. One was a long dagger, while in the other she held a small wooden mallet. In her tiny hands, the dagger looked more like a short sword, and she spun it a couple times, tossing it briefly into the air, to feel its weight. Returning to Olin, she awaited confirmation, which he granted with a quick nod.


    ¡°Crushing,¡± Pixyl said, swinging the mallet so the blunt side struck Olin¡¯s leg. It bounced off, much like her own Blades had done, producing a similar flash of light and sound. Tossing the hammer to the ground, the squared off with the dagger. ¡°Slicing edge.¡± Once again, she swung, this time hitting Olin with the razor-sharp edge of the Pixie-sized sword, and once again, there was a crash. For a moment, the recruits could see cracks on the Armor¡¯s haze as it absorbed the more-effective strike, but they faded quickly as the spell continued, Olin filling in the damage with his mana reserves. ¡°Piercing,¡± Pixyl said as she jammed the blade forward. As it hit Olin, you could see an even greater effect. The blow was absorbed, deflecting the hit, but the Armor itself seemed to crumble and retract from the strike point, opening a momentary gap in the protection. Olin grunted slightly, taking a half-step backwards.


    ¡°Wow,¡± the trainer mumbled under his breath, but loud enough to be heard, as he focused his mana to fill the gap Pixyl¡¯s strike had created. Readdressing the recruits, he continued. ¡°You see the differences. There is one other weakness to be aware of, however.¡± He knelt and held up his hand, giving Pixyl another nod. She aimed the large dagger at Olin¡¯s outstretched armored hand and pushed the blade¡¯s tip slowly against it. As she pushed, the blade slid through the Ethereal Armor with almost minimal resistance. Pixyl aimed the blade to pass between Olin¡¯s fingers, letting go when the hilt finally passed the barrier and touched his hand.


    ¡°The slow blade penetrates the armor,¡± Olin lectured calmly. ¡°In fact, anything moving slowly, except Ethereal Swords, will pass through. Demons generally can¡¯t take advantage of this, as they are simply feral creatures, but any decently trained combatant would, and they would be happy to slowly slip a poisoned blade into you. Understand this weakness.¡±


    All four recruits gulped, including Pixyl. This power was new to her and she had no idea how it worked until she had unlocked it the day before. But the information she had received hadn¡¯t gone into the effectiveness against various weapons, especially a slow-moving blade. Olin was right, though. The Demons likely wouldn¡¯t be able to exploit the slow-blade weakness, but many of their attacks were with claws and teeth, both of which were fairly pointy and thus quite a danger.


    Olin stood and straightened, dropping the Ethereal Armor and catching the falling blade. He deftly tossed it towards the basket, where it landed perfectly, not even touching the sides. He cracked his neck, glancing at Pixyl, who nodded, indicating she was ready.


    ¡°Okay, one more thing to show all of you, and then we¡¯ll get started,¡± Olin said as he held out his right arm. ¡°There is another state of Ethereal power. Unlike our armor, it is incredibly hard and inflexible, so think of this as the solid state of Ether.¡± There was a flash, and a buckler-sized disk formed on his forearm. ¡°Those who saw Pixyl¡¯s fight yesterday saw her use this skill to great effectiveness. This is called Ethereal Shield. It mimics the function of a normal shield, and each of you learned the Sword and Shield fighting style perk. Your shield can appear on either arm, but only one at a time. Ethereal Shield, like the armor, is channeled, so practice and proficiency are critical for its use, and at higher tiers the size can be varied.¡±


    Olin knelt and held out his forearm, and Pixyl called forth her blades, striking at Olin¡¯s hazy shield. As expected, they bounced off in a cascade of sparks and sound.


    ¡°Unlike your armor, this is just as effective against piercing and slow-moving attacks as it would be against any others. It¡¯s nearly indestructible, as long as you keep feeding mana into the channeled casting, but each strike will require additional mana to reinforce the damage. If you run out of mana, it falls. If it falls, or your armor falls, you are virtually defenseless except for your Dodge skill. Always be aware of your mana. For now, as we start practicing with these, when you feel tired, stop and rest. Don¡¯t reach the point of mana exhaustion as that could actually harm you, understood?¡±


    Everyone nodded, including Pixyl. She knew about the importance of mana preservation, but with a newly learned channeled skill, she also knew she could run out quickly until she had enough practice. She¡¯d gone well past her mana limits before, when she first learned her Ethereal Shield, and the psychic injury had resulted in several weeks of convalescence until she was well enough to return to her Pit duties. ¡®Mana must never be exhausted, unless it¡¯s life or death¡¯ was the mantra her caregiver had repeated over and over, and one Pixyl vowed she would never forget.


    Olin stood again, dismissing the shield. ¡°Everyone spread out, and we will begin.¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 7 - Mass Assembly

    PART VII - MASS ASSEMBLY


    ¡°How are they doing, Reynard?¡± Master Trainer Thorn asked, walking up to his friend. The Foxkin was sitting in the shade of a tall tree quite a distance from his recruits, using his Eagle Eye skill to zoom in and watch them almost as if he were standing there.


    ¡°Almost immediately she organized them into an assembly line,¡± Reynard growled. ¡°Usually it takes them a good hour to figure that one out.¡±


    ¡°I told you she would. Logistics, remember?¡±


    Reynard grunted. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s where she belongs instead.¡±


    Thorn chuckled.


    ¡°I had assumed Shul¡¯an would take control since he¡¯s Bronze,¡± Reynard said, sounding almost perplexed. ¡°But instead the Gnome seems to be directing everyone and they are letting her. She¡¯s even making sure to have them change duties so they each work on every step. I¡¯ve never had a group do that! Usually they each pick a role and stick with it.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Thorn said.


    ¡°She also took over the class earlier, or at least partially did,¡± Reynard added with a huff.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°One of the students, the Catkin, Jesca, was having problems making her first query. Before I could even say anything to help the girl through it, the Gnome pulled Jesca aside and guided her through some exercises to calm her mind like she was in charge. She did it twice, actually.¡±


    Thorn comfortingly patted the Foxkin on his shoulders. ¡°Sounds like they are all working well together, then. How many arrows have they completed?¡±


    ¡°About twenty or so. They are limited while the glue sets, so they can¡¯t go any faster than they already are.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the best any of your groups have done in two hours?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°Fourteen,¡± Reynard said with a scowl.


    <hr>


    The five recruits of Team Ranger were busily trying to make arrows. Their first attempt was clumsy and slow, with everyone getting in each other¡¯s way and only two of the arrows barely passing a quality vote by the group. That was enough to irritate Callie, and she took control, wanting a more-organized setup than the chaos they were dealing with. With a few directions, Callie set the newling fletchers up with an assembly line.


    The first person screwed a pre-made metal tip to the shaft, held in place with a dab of a fast-setting glue, then did the same with a pre-made metal nock at the other end. The second recruit would trim feathers to the correct size and shapes. The third and fourth used a simple wood and metal template to line up the feathers at one-hundred twenty degree spacings and glue them to the arrow. Once the glue had hardened enough, the last person would wrap string around the feathers, knotting them securely into place. To make sure everyone got practice on all steps, Callie rotated the duties every fifteen minutes, and together they managed to get a really fast rhythm down.


    Callie was irritated, though. They could go faster; should go faster, but they only had ten of the feathering templates, and they were all in use. At this point, they had a pile of arrow shafts waiting, another pile of trimmed feathers waiting, and only about twenty-some arrows fully completed.


    ¡°Time''s up!¡± Reynard said, walking up to his recruits.


    ¡°Dammit,¡± Callie said with a slight whine, dropping the tip she was about to apply glue to. ¡°How many did we end up with?¡±


    ¡°Um, twenty-five,¡± Shul¡¯an said, quickly counting.


    ¡°And we still have another ten curing,¡± Thucax said, gesturing towards the arrows waiting for the feathers to set, ¡°if that counts for anything.¡±


    Callie looked up at Reynard, a slight pout on her face. ¡°Sorry. We got backed up waiting for the glue on the fletching, otherwise we¡¯d have more.¡±


    Reynard shook his head slowly with a sigh and then gave a light chuckle. ¡°Honestly, the whole purpose of this exercise was to teach you to all work together.¡± He gestured towards the completed arrows lined up and leaning against the wall. ¡°I think the five of you managed fine.¡±


    Reynard walked over and ran his fingers along the line of completed arrows, inspecting each of them. He selected two, and then a single third. ¡°This is probably your best quality arrow,¡± he said, holding the single one up for everyone to see. ¡°These two are your worst, and even they would be usable in an emergency, but we¡¯ll exclude them for the next demonstration.¡± He set the two low-quality arrows aside.Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Still, in two hours we could only make twenty-five,¡± Kaisess said with regret. ¡°Surely we would need many hundreds for our training. Even with many experienced craftspeople, it would take weeks to keep an army properly supplied with what I assume are thousands of arrows.¡±


    ¡°Very true, but remember the details of your Fletching perk?¡± Reynard said as he gathered the remaining arrows, adding it to the one he was still holding and laying them down in a pile on the ground. With a bit of concentration, there was a flash of pale, blue light and the stack of twenty-three arrows became a stack four times that.


    The five recruits gasped, and Shul¡¯an looked at his clawed hands in wonder.


    ¡°Arrow Replication,¡± Trainer Reynard said. ¡°It¡¯s a skill you all will receive at Bronze that has a synergy with your Bowyer/Fletcher perk. At Platinum, I am able to duplicate up to one-hundred arrows, triple up to fifty, or quadruple up to twenty-five.¡± The Foxkin waved his paw again, and the stack doubled in size yet again. ¡°That should be about ¡­¡± Reynard trailed off as he started to mentally calculate the results.


    ¡°One-hundred Eighty-four,¡± Callie said, having instantly done the math in her head.


    ¡°... right,¡± Reynard replied, eyeing the Gnome.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m good with numbers,¡± Callie said sheepishly.


    Shaking his head in amusement, Reynard said, ¡°Shul¡¯an, you should be able to do simple replication now, doubling up to ten arrows. The rest of you will be able to do that when you get the skill at Bronze Tier. Whenever we are taking a break, and you have mana to spare, work on perfecting it.¡±


    ¡°But Callie doesn¡¯t need arrows,¡± Jesca said.


    ¡°But someday ¡­¡± Reynard started to reply.


    ¡°I may not always have my Endless Arrows bow,¡± Callie interrupted, gesturing to the red bow leaning against the shelter-wall, ¡°so I need to know this, too. Plus I could magic up some arrows for other archers.¡±


    ¡°¡±Exactly,¡± Reynard said dryly, the little Gnome stealing the words right out of his mouth. ¡°Your goal is to become proficient enough that you are able to replicate the arrows already in your quiver in the middle of a fight, so that you never run out. It¡¯s not as useful as Callie¡¯s enchantment, and takes finer control so the duplicates don¡¯t all drop to the ground, but with practice you will always have an arrow available.¡±


    Reynard had Shul¡¯an attempt their own duplication, and after two attempts with unusable results, the third nailed it and ten quality arrows became twenty. A fourth attempt was just as successful, leaving them with a pile of thirty. The rest of the recruits cheered their comrade on, while Reynard gave a stiff, ¡°Good job.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a synergy skill?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°It is a skill that is either related to or relies upon another skill, perk or trait,¡± Reynard said. ¡°In this case, Arrow Replication pairs with one¡¯s Bowyer/Fletcher perk. If you didn¡¯t have the perk, the skill wouldn¡¯t function. You¡¯ll see synergized skills more-often as you reach higher tiers. This is important if you ever try to learn an off-class skill, as sometimes there may be one, or more than one, required for it. Do your research.¡±


    Callie had deduced that synergies worked something like this, based on the description several of her perks had in relation to her racial Tinker trait. It made sense. One couldn¡¯t Tinker-up something about plumbing if you didn¡¯t know anything about plumbing, or at best it would take much longer to get good quality results.


    Reynard looked skyward, checking the position of the sun. ¡°We have a little less than an hour until we break for lunch. Let¡¯s do some basic, non-magical target practice. When we return, we¡¯ll try some castings, and then we¡¯re joining with the Bladedancers, Bladeweavers and Duelists at the end of the day for some very basic sword practice.¡±


    The Recruits followed their trainer over to the cart and he handed each a simple longbow and a leather quiver, filled with two-dozen arrows. He almost handed one to Callie, and then remembered there was no need, instead handing her three quivers and ordering her to set them in the shelter as spares. The arrows were nearly as long as Callie was tall, so it was awkward moving them all. Eventually, Shul¡¯an relieved Callie, and set them where needed.


    As Kaisess had only minimal archery experience, and with Thucax having none, Reynard started at the beginning, explaining the parts of an arrow, the bow and emphasizing some basic but critical safety rules. Callie wasn¡¯t sure if this lesson was needed, due to the Advanced Archery perk¡¯s knowledge, but Reynard walked through everything anyway, not missing a detail.


    ¡°Recruit Callie, would you demonstrate a proper shooting stance for us?¡± Reynard asked. ¡°Don¡¯t draw, just the form.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Callie said, remembering back to the basics of form she learned when she first took up the hobby as a little girl. Holding her bow out, she straightened her body and raised her elbow up.


    ¡°There,¡± Reynard said. ¡°Hold that for now. Everyone, look closely.¡± The Foxkin, using one of the unused arrow shafts from the crafting session as a pointer, reviewed proper stance, arm position and everything else required. Eventually, Reynard released Callie and had the other four practice their own stances. It was old information for Shul¡¯an, given their years as a caravan guard, but they followed along anyway, picking up a couple minor changes that would correct some less-optimal habits. Jesca also had a pretty good form, although one could tell it was largely self-taught. Quickly, between the instruction of their trainer, a few interrupting pointers from Callie, and the knowledge from their Advanced Archery perk, everyone had that basic first lesson down pat.


    Next, Reynard used Shul¡¯an to demonstrate the sequence for nocking an arrow, drawing the bowstring and finally loosing, while holding the proper stance. Lesson lectured, everyone took a position on the line, and step-by-step went through the same process, with Reynard calling out a slow cadence. With the perk playing out in their heads, it took hardly any time before even Thucax was able to draw an arrow from his quiver, nock it, and release, all in a single, smooth action. As arrows ran low for each recruit, Reynard would walk behind and replicate a fresh batch into each person¡¯s quiver so they could maintain cadence. Callie, not needing to use an arrow, was still made to go through the motions as if she was drawing an arrow from an imaginary quiver on her back, before dropping every magic arrow into the target a short distance away.


    What was super strange for Callie, and for the others, was that with Ambidexterity, she could now shoot easily using either hand. Instinctively, she still used her right, but Reynard pressed everyone to switch back and forth in order to get used to it, and encouraged continuing to do so until it became second nature. Callie simply found it weird and foreign.

 Chapter 28 Part 8 - The No-Show Ghost

    PART VIII - THE NO-SHOW GHOST


    Tazrok was growing tired of this. He¡¯d been sitting under the tree for hours now, listening to the annoying wind and the squawking birds, and he was utterly and completely bored and frustrated. The Gaia person, it turned out, wasn¡¯t really a person at all. Rowani had tried to explain that Gaia was something called a ¡®personification¡¯, whatever that made up word meant. After several attempts to help Tazrok understand, Rowani finally said to think of Gaia as the ¡®Ghost of Nature¡¯. Tazrok could understand ghosts, and hoped Gaia wasn¡¯t a bad ghost.


    Wallir was the first to be visited by the Ghost Gaia. He yelped loudly when he learned his first form; that of his stealth animal. There was confusion, though, because he didn¡¯t actually know what his animal form was. Rowani explained that until you turn into your form for the first time, it will be a mystery. Wallir wanted to change right then and there, but the trainer told him no. Instead, there was to be a big ceremony at the end of the day where the Druids revealed all their forms to everyone. Wallir was sad about this, and Tazrok was worried. What if the Ghost Gaia never talked to him? Would all the other recruits think he was not a Druid after all?This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    As the four Druids settled back into meditating, it was not long before Bratig received his Striker form, followed by Melga receiving her form for flying. Still, there was no ghost for Tazrok. So the Ogre tried even harder to meditate, hoping for the Gaia ghost to come soon. But the Ogre¡¯s frustration was amplified even more when Bratig received yet another, this time his flight form. Why should the Dwarf get two so quickly? And what was he doing wrong?

 Chapter 28 Part 9 - Its Time

    PART IX - IT¡¯S TIME


    ¡°I think at this point I could cast Ritual Circle in my sleep,¡± Fynisse said as she took another bite of her lunch. She was sitting in a group with Vanis, several from his house, and a few others she didn¡¯t know well. ¡°Every time I blink I see the patterns behind my eyelids.¡±


    ¡°That is the whole purpose,¡± Vanis said with a chuckle, likewise taking a bite. ¡°The goal is to drop a circle with nary a moment of hesitation.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I have all these other skills I want to try!¡± the Lionkin said with an excited, but exasperated, sigh. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to pull a Dunni and cast something I shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    Vanis coughed on his bite. ¡°Pull a Dunni?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ve been calling doing something really dumb,¡± Fynisse said with a smirk.


    ¡°A very apt phrase, then.¡± Vanis said. He turned to Callie. ¡°And how has your morning been?¡±


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Callie responded around nibbling on her own lunch. ¡°Simple stuff so far. Reynard had us making arrows for a couple hours, which it turns out isn¡¯t really needed since anyone Bronze Tier or higher can just magic up duplicates. Then we worked on shooting stances and then some basic target practice.¡±


    ¡°Was that b-b-boring?¡± Pixyl asked. ¡°Since you know all th-th-that? Much of my c-c-class today was things I already knew.¡±


    ¡°Nah. It was fun watching Thucax and Kaisess learn it all so quickly, since they hadn¡¯t really used a bow before. But I sooooo wanted to try out some of my skills, too. I also knew that would really piss Reynard off, so I held back. Hopefully this afternoon we¡¯ll play with them.¡±


    ¡°Later we are going to work on swords with the Bladedancers and ¡®Weavers,¡± Jesca added excitedly. ¡°I think that¡¯s going to be really fun and I am excited to see Pixyl¡¯s swords again.¡±


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Lena said, slowly getting a grin on her face.


    ¡°I bet Pixyl could take you, Lena,¡± Callie said with a laugh.


    Pixyl choked on her water. ¡°Wh-wh-what?¡±


    ¡°With her real swords? She¡¯d just chop me off at the knees!¡± Lena warily said. ¡°If she has her practice bracelets on, maybe it would be an interesting fight.¡±


    ¡°My money is still on Pixyl,¡± Vanis added, giving his fellow Elf a wink.


    There were several murmurs of agreement and Lena pretended to be insulted.


    While they had been chatting, Bratig walked by with a trio of other Dwarves. Callie was initially worried that there was going to be another fight, or at minimum a really tense moment. It didn¡¯t happen, though. Bratig simply held his hand to his chest, smiled, and bowed very low to Pixyl. In turn, the Pixie smiled back, raising the waterskin she had been drinking from in an acknowledgement, before Bratig turned and continued walking.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°What was that about?¡± Callie asked. ¡°You¡¯re not pissed at each other any more?¡±


    ¡°We settled it,¡± Pixyl said with a shrug, biting into a yellow carrot-like root vegetable.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Pixyl, Vanis and Lena all took turns explaining. Within traditional Dwarven custom, disagreements would be settled via the drinking contest. In ancient times, the loser would become the dishonored party, often having to pay or even be in service to the winner. But these days, the drinking contest was ceremonial, and didn¡¯t really determine who ¡®won¡¯, per se. It was more of a very loud and public way to agree to move on, with the loser being required to make a first-overture public apology, or to pay whatever restitution was needed, to have their ¡®honor¡¯ returned. Bratig had just done that, to which Pixyl accepted. Everyone, of course, still knew he had lost to a tiny Pixie, and by now were probably aware that Pixyl had set him up, so there was no doubt he¡¯d be hearing about it for a long time to come. The important part was, however, the animosity was gone.


    ¡°Man, if only all problems between people could be solved that way,¡± Callie mused. ¡°Vanis, if we ever get a chance to end the Demon War this way, I nominate Pixyl as our contestant!¡±


    A round of agreements went around the group, with poor Pixyl blushing in embarrassment, but smiling in spite of the attention.


    ¡°No sign of Tazrok?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Or Xin?¡±


    Vanis shook his head. ¡°I saw the Druid trainer leading them off into the woods, so I suspect they are spending the day talking to trees or whatever it is that Druids do. As for Xin, no sign of her, or the Goblin Shamans, for that matter. They all must be hard at work.¡±


    As conversation shifted, and Pixyl began to talk about her new Ethereal Armor power, Callie glanced at Vanis. ¡°Could we talk for a minute?¡± she asked quietly, gesturing with her head.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Vanis replied, rising.


    The two walked a short distance away. Callie had been weighing this decision since she had gone to sleep the night before, and finally had decided what she needed to do.


    ¡°What is it, Callie?¡± the Elf asked in a low tone, kneeling to get to the Gnome¡¯s level.


    Callie frowned, having momentary second thoughts, but then pushed ahead. ¡°We need to go to Xera. About me that is,¡± she finally said. ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±


    Vanis was taken aback. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Callie nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to say why, but I think we can trust them not to turn me in. Probably the Legate and Master Trainer, too. Maybe even a couple others, but Xera for sure.¡±


    ¡°Does this have something to do with Juniper?¡±


    Callie shook her head, ¡°Please, on this one I really can¡¯t say.¡± She gave Vanis a stern look. ¡°I just believe we can count on them, and maybe most of the senior officers, to not go running to their superiors.¡±


    The truth was, something Juniper had said the night before had helped Callie make this decision. When Xera had asked the Dryad if she remembered why the camp needed to be built here, Juniper had said it was in part so Xera¡¯s superiors ¡®didn¡¯t meddle¡¯. That, combined with the conversation she had overheard between the officers with her Gnome super-hearing, led Callie to believe that Xera, and probably the others, had their own agenda at play, and were unlikely to turn her in. Juniper also declaring Xera a ¡®good person¡¯ helped, too.


    ¡°What do you need of me?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°I think if you set up the meeting, it would be better,¡± Callie said. ¡°More ¡­ formal I guess, since Thorn appointed you as my guardian. And I want you there, too. Just you, though, not the rest of the House.¡±


    Vanis seemed torn.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can do it alone, Vanis,¡± Callie said. ¡°Please.¡±


    Vanis smiled warmly. ¡°If you are confident of this plan, then of course, however I may help.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that because I just Gnome-charmed you?¡± Callie asked, suddenly suspicious and narrowing her eyes.


    Vanis shrugged, ¡°Do not worry, I shall be by your side only because I wish to be. I will make the inquiries and attempt to get an audience this evening after our meal.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Vanis,¡± Callie said, a huge weight lifting off her shoulders.

 Chapter 28 Part 10 - Totems! Totems! Totems!

    PART X - TOTEMS! TOTEMS! TOTEMS!


    ¡°Only twice?¡± Maugra scowled at Chown as he ceased casting, the sweat on his forehead evident, and his panting showing how exhausted he was. ¡°I am very disappointed. You should be able to cast your Totem four times in a row by now. Go to the end of the line and drink a purple potion!¡±


    Chown muttered something spiteful under his breath and stepped aside, but to her credit, Maugra made no attempt to hit him with her staff this time.


    ¡°Now you,¡± Maugra said shortly to Xin. ¡°Cast it there!¡± she snapped, pointing to a spot a few meters away from the Lizardkin.


    Xin had been prepared, and with a flourish of magic, her Totem built itself from shards of light in nearly an instant. Xin¡¯s Totem had changed slightly, and each face now appeared three times, facing in three directions at one-hundred twenty degree angles. Trainer Cheena had been impressed, saying that many recruits could not get all three directions to appear until Bronze, but of course, Maugra found some flaw to complain about. In this case, she was unhappy with the top of Xin¡¯s Totem, which was that of a single flower, held aloft by a trio of twisting vines, Xin¡¯s symbol for the element of Life. In Maugra¡¯s opinion, the symbol was not that of a ¡®proper combat Shaman¡¯.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Again! Over there!¡± the trainer commanded, pointing to another spot. With a mere thought, Xin tore the Totem down, returning it to nothing before it sprang into existence in the new location.


    ¡°Two meters behind you!¡± Maugra snapped, before adding, ¡°Do not look!¡±


    Behind Xin, the Goblin recruits scattered as the Lizardkin ripped her Totem apart. Xin didn¡¯t turn and the Totem started to reform, a little more hesitant this time, but building itself quickly. It took longer than the previous to form, made all the more difficult because Xin couldn¡¯t see it, but the manifestation finally completed itself.


    ¡°Again! As far forward as you can! Do not look behind you!¡±


    Keeping her eyes front, Xin again dissolved her Totem using only her sense of its location, bursting it with a thought into mere whispers of magic. With an effort of sheer tenacity, she threw her clawed hand forward, letting the mana once again flow from her body. Nearly five meters away, the Totem began to build yet again. But the distance was at the absolute edge of her range, and her power had already been fading. Xin pushed, realizing it was a race against exhaustion to get the Totem completed. She strained, watching the distant form take place, building one elemental face after another after another after another; Gargoyle, Fish, Eagle, Dragon. Sheer willpower carried Xin the final distance, and finally her symbol of Life slowly came into being, the casting completed.


    ¡°I can do no more,¡± Xin said, trying to catch her breath. Her mana was nearly depleted, but not quite, and to continue was madness. She looked to Maugra for any sign of approval.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Maugra said, evaluating Xin¡¯s distant summoning. Finally, she commanded, ¡°Go to the end of the line! Next!¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 11 - Tazroks Apologies

    PART XI - TAZROK¡¯S APOLOGIES


    Ghost Gaia had visited again, but like before, not to Tazrok. She bestowed Wallir his Guardian form, giving him two now. At this point, the only thing Tazrok could imagine was that he had offended Ghost Gaia and she would not talk to him until he had apologized. But no matter how much he tried to think, he didn¡¯t know why he should be sorry. Tazrok squeezed his eyes and tried to meditate super extra hard, repeating ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ghost lady¡± over and over in his head as the pressure of not yet receiving his forms mounted.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

 Chapter 28 Part 12 - Small, but Accurate

    PART XII - SMALL, BUT ACCURATE


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Reynard asked Callie.


    The Gnome took a deep breath as she eyed the various targets spaced down the range at incremental distances before her. Shaking out her arms one last time, she grasped her bow tight. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this.¡±


    Reynard looked the Gnome over before calling out, ¡°Fifty Meters, Multishot!¡±


    Callie snapped the bow to attention and sighted at the second target downrange. She drew back the string on her enchanted bow and formed the word in her mind¡­


    MULTISHOT


    She loosed, and the magic arrow leapt forward. Time seemed to slow as Callie sensed the arrow begin to fly forward. It traveled only a few meters when it suddenly broke apart, an additional arrow forming on either side of the first. Like synchronized dancers, all three spun at the same time-slowed rate passing just over the twenty-five meter target. Callie¡¯s sense of time slowly returned to normal and the trio of arrows slammed into their target, the center one striking the red, the duplicates close on either side.


    Before Callie could even appreciate the results, the next call came. ¡°Fifty Meters, Rapid Fire!¡±


    On instinct, Callie drew and once again formed the call for magic.


    RAPID FIRE


    Again, she loosed. This time, as soon as the first arrow had left her bow, a second one formed, seeming a hazy, shadow-like image of the first. Twice more this happened, the attack now consisting of four arrows. They flew in their perfect, elongated formation, finally striking the target four times in near-instant succession and within centimeters of each other.


    ¡°Twenty-Five meters! Piercing Shot!¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Callie called the magic, this time needing two seconds for the spell to wrap around the arrow before she could loose it. It slammed into the short-range target, blasting right through it and out the other side, the arrow sticking into the grassy ground, and a few chunks of cloth and straw scattering. Callie wobbled a moment as she experienced her first ever effects of low mana.


    ¡°Do you have enough for another?¡± Reynard asked. ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself.¡±


    Nodding, Callie took a deep breath. ¡°I think I''ve got one more in me. Hit me with your best shot.¡±


    ¡°Two-hundred meters, then. Sniper.¡±


    ¡°I can do this,¡± Callie mumbled to herself as she aimed down the field. Two-hundred meters was a near-impossible shot, and far beyond any competitive range. With this small bow, it would be all the harder. But with the Sniper Shot skill and Ranger perks, maybe it was reasonable. She drew the string just slightly, the glowing arrow materializing on demand, as she tried to focus on the distant target. Her mind formed the command¡­


    SNIPER SHOT


    This time, Callie had to concentrate for six seemingly endless seconds before the spell finally attached itself to the magic arrow. She drew back as far as she could, relying on years of training and her new Ranger instincts to judge the high angle and distance. She loosed, and like a rocket the arrow flew, passing over seven targets at twenty-five meter intervals before finally hitting the far off target quite high and to the left of the bullseye. Unfortunately, the arrow barely penetrated and simply dangled limply for a moment, before fading into nothing.


    ¡°Good accuracy,¡± Reynard said, ¡°but no power to it.¡±


    Callie was panting, the final shot running her reserves down to empty, maybe beyond. ¡°Small bow ¡­ just doesn''t have ¡­ the range,¡± she blubbered out between gasps, feeling woozy. ¡°Even with the Sniper spell.¡±


    ¡°Rangers need to be hitting with Sniper Shot at least twice that range,¡± Reynard said, scowling.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s so,¡± Callie retorted, holding up Thorn¡¯s bow, ¡°but it¡¯s not ¡­ going to happen with this bow. Like you said, it''s a kid''s toy. Hopefully Vonn ¡­ can make something stronger and add a rune for range.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± the Foxkin muttered introspectively. ¡°Recruit, you pushed yourself too far. Go drink a purple potion to offset any possible mana exhaustion, and sit for a few minutes¡±


    Callie nodded, dreading having to drink a foul-tasting potion, but suspecting she needed it.


    ¡°Alright, who¡¯s next,¡± Reynard called out.


    ¡°Kaisess, you¡¯re up!¡± Callie said, still trying to catch her breath. She smiled at the Catkin and yielded the line to him.

 Chapter 28 Part 13 - Little Consolation

    PART XIII - LITTLE CONSOLATION


    NETHER HOLD


    Fynisse formed the command in her mind and for the first time in her life, Nether poured from her body, tendrils of its energy snaking from her hand, wrapping tightly around her target. In this case, it was Vanis¡¯s turn to be the target. Trainer Terrin stood by to help break the spell if something went awry, but so far his student¡¯s casting was very well-crafted and controlled.


    It took but a moment, and Vanis was fully cocooned. The constriction was absolute, and stiffly he fell sideways to the ground with a grunt. Fynisse held the confinement as long as she could, but within seconds her mana plummeted and she had to quickly break the channeled casting. As she did, the tendrils of Nether evaporated into a puff of purple smoke. Now freed, Vanis slowly rose to a sitting position, rubbing his elbow.


    ¡°Wow!¡± the Catkin said, holding a paw to her head, before her legs finally gave out and she fell with a thump on her rear. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding, Vanis. That mana usage is intense!¡±


    Terrin started to rush to her side, but she waved him off. ¡°I¡¯m okay. That was just ¡­ surprising, even with your warning, Vanis.¡±


    Terrin nonetheless handed the recruit a small, purple potion. ¡°It¡¯s one of the most mana-intensive spells we get at Iron Tier. If you cast from within a Circle, it will be much easier and you¡¯ll last longer, but when starting off, even that won¡¯t be enough. Practice is the only way to improve yourself, and all of you are free to practice this spell on your own against a target dummy, as long as you don¡¯t hold it for more than five or six seconds or so, and don¡¯t do it from within a circle. You¡¯ll learn faster if you don¡¯t have that additional aid. Above all, whatever you do, do not push yourself past mana exhaustion!¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    All of Trainer Terrin¡¯s recruits had quickly learned the basics of Ritual Circle, and as a reward he allowed them to try out another spell under close supervision, before taking a break and returning to Circle drills. Each recruit had taken turns being the target, to get a feel for the effects, as well as being the caster. Now, Dunni sat leaning against the shelter wall, only partially recovered from his casting, and Fynisse wearily scrambled to sit next to him, downing the Rejuvenation potion and making a sour face. Vanis had fared better this time with his casting, and managed to at least stay standing with his spell, cutting it off before the drain hit.


    ¡°Have a snack and rest for a bit,¡± Terrin ordered, ¡°then we¡¯ll get back to work.¡±


    Vanis joined the other two recruits in the shade of the shelter, and fished jerky from his backpack, handing a piece to the other two. Fynisse gave a purr of appreciation as she took the salty snack, thumping her head against the wall with a strong exhale of exhaustion.


    ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯re going to work on curses a bit,¡± Terrin said, a warning tone in his voice. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s going to be rather uncomfortable, because each of you will be subjected to the effects of both Curse of Fear as well as Curse of Weakness. Neither will harm you, at least physically, but mentally you need to be prepared.¡±


    ¡°Why do we need to be the target?¡± Fynisse asked, her voice slightly shaky.


    Trainer Terrin sighed slightly, taking a seat on the ground opposite. Vanis offered a piece of the dried meat to him, which he accepted. ¡°The unfortunate truth is that being afflicted by a curse helps your understanding of the curse¡¯s effects and construction. More importantly, once you understand how battle curses work, you will be able to use your Combat Decurse skill to remove those curses far more effectively, not only from yourself, but also from your allies. It¡¯s a ¡­ gauntlet ¡­ we all regrettably have to pass through. I¡¯m telling you now so you have some time to prepare. Just remember, the fear isn¡¯t real, and the weakness can¡¯t actually hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Well, that only makes me slightly less terrified,¡± Fynisse said sarcastically.


    ¡°I agree,¡± Dunni added.


    ¡°I must agree as well,¡± Vanis echoed. ¡°Sir, I was politely informed yesterday that Warlocks have an image problem and could be perceived as, and I quote, ¡®evil and creepy¡¯. Your encouraging words are doing surprisingly little to alleviate that perception.¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 14 - Identity Crisis

    PART XIV - IDENTITY CRISIS


    Trainer Rowani gently bumped Tazrok¡¯s arm with her staff, waking him from his dozing. Around the Ogre, the other three baby Druids were each up to three forms each. Or had been when Tazrok had fallen asleep! Wallir had received his last one while Tazrok had been napping, giving him all four now. Tazrok had still received none.


    The realization that he was the only one failing began to raise questions in Tazrok¡¯s mind. What if he wasn¡¯t really a Druid? What if the Scryers and Tree Lady had been wrong? What if Sluggo had been deceived and would soon realize its mistake, and then melted his brain as it tried to escape from his non-Druid head?


    But ¡­ no ¡­ he had to be a Druid, right? He had healed Blue Pixie after all, and Druids were part Healer, and only Healers could Heal. And he had learned Healing Berry, which Kitty Lady said only Druids could do. Thus, logicalness said he must be a Druid. So the same logicalness said he must simply meditate harder, and hope harder for Ghost Gaia to visit him. Tazrok squeezed his eyes shut, but instead of calming his mind, he could only feel an ever-approaching sense of inadequacy.


    <hr>


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Rowani finally said to Tazrok with a sigh, silently leading the Ogre away from the rest of the group and into the woods. They walked for a few minutes before coming to a huge rock that jutted upwards to look over the forest. The incline up the boulder wasn¡¯t steep, although Rowani assumed her panther form to make it easier for her, and the two walked to the top. They sat, looking out over the canopy of trees stretching into the distance, their legs draped over the edge. The sun was high, slightly at their back, feeling warm and embracing.


    ¡°What do you think the problem is,¡± Rowani asked after a long minute of quiet.


    ¡°What mean?¡±


    ¡°One would expect you to have at least two or three of your forms by now. So why do you think it has not happened?¡±


    Tazrok shrugged, not sure how to answer.


    Rowani looked up at the huge Ogre, seeing a storm of confusion on his face. Master Healer Tasi had pulled her aside the previous evening, providing some background on what had happened with Tazrok in the bathhouse, as well as Ogre culture and how it might factor into training Tazrok, She was starting to see why Tasi made sure to provide that information and suggested the stern approach wasn¡¯t going to work as well, at least not yet.


    ¡°Ghost Gaia won¡¯t talk to me,¡± he finally said, crestfallen.


    Putting aside the fact that this wasn¡¯t really how it worked, Trainer Rowani pushed further, using the Ogre¡¯s own metaphor. ¡°Why do you think she wouldn¡¯t want to talk to you?¡±


    Tazrok shrugged again. ¡°Am Ogre. Am ¡­ different.¡±


    ¡°Why would that matter?¡±


    ¡°Ogres cannot be Druids, say everyone.¡±


    ¡°You healed the Pixie yesterday, and your Symbiote has accepted you,¡± Rowani pointed out. ¡°Both show you are a Druid, no matter what people say.¡±


    Tazrok looked at his hands, remembering the healing magic coursing through them and into his tiny friend. He remembered her muscles and skin knitting back together under his direction. Then he remembered the blood. Pixyl¡¯s blood. So much blood.


    ¡°Druid is special,¡± Tazrok finally said. ¡°Am only Ogre.¡±


    ¡°Can an Ogre not be special?¡±


    ¡°We are Warrior people. Is all we are. We are slow in head, but strong in body. Druid deserve strong in both. Are three classes in one.¡±


    The Pantherkin cocked her head, encouraging the Ogre to keep thinking it through.


    Once again, Tazrok looked at his hands, again seeing Pixyl¡¯s blood. He saw the fear in her eyes as she looked Death in the face. What if he had been too slow? What if her injuries had been too great? What if Kitty Lady hadn¡¯t been there? He imagined holding tiny Pixyl¡¯s dead body in his hands, and felt a tear roll down his cheek.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Rowani suddenly saw it in the giant¡¯s big eyes. ¡°You are afraid, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Tazrok instinctively started to object, but stopped. As a Warrior trained, he only had to defeat the enemy, or defend the weak. It was simple. It was what Ogres were built for. Strong! Fierce! Mighty! What if that¡¯s all he really was, and he was only barely a Druid? What if his animal forms were the wrong ones? What if he couldn¡¯t learn to heal better? What if so many other things were wrong or he couldn¡¯t fulfill the tasks needed of him? If any of those things were so, then so many could die relying on him to use all these strange powers that he shouldn¡¯t have anyway. Again, he saw Pixyl sitting on the ground, covered in blood with fear in her eyes, as he desperately tried to calm himself enough to help her.


    ¡°Yes, am afraid,¡± he finally said, using all of his courage to utter even that single word.


    ¡°Hmmph,¡± Rowani grunted. ¡°That is good, then. I would be worried if you were not afraid.¡±


    ¡°Am Ogre. Should not fear anything.¡±


    ¡°When I was a cub growing up, my mother wanted me to be just like her,¡± Rowani said, starting a story. ¡°She was a Scholar, as was my father. They taught me of books and art and music to prepare me for my future. When the day came that my class was revealed, my parents, indeed my whole family, were shocked to know I was ¡­ different. For me, I was plunged into a class like nothing I had been prepared for.¡±


    Tazrok looked down at his Trainer, resonating with the story.


    ¡°So, I ignored it,¡± Rowani said with a shrug. ¡°None in my family wanted me to be a Druid, and I was content not following that path. But one morning, I woke to find I had learned Mend Wound, and now I really couldn¡¯t pretend I wasn¡¯t different.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I sought out another Master Druid, because I needed to learn what was really happening to me. She took me in, became my mentor, and showed me that my class was not a curse. In time I became who I am today. But I remember, the very first time she made me use Mend Wound on someone truly injured. I was so scared! It was a farmer who had been hurt by a bladed farming tool of some kind; huge gash across his stomach. There was so much blood ... so much ¡­ screaming.¡±


    Tazrok wiped his huge hand across his already-dry eye as he listened to the story.


    ¡°I did it though,¡± Rowani finally added with a smile, patting Tazrok on his leg. ¡°I completed the casting, and did a far, far worse job than you did yesterday. Unlike your Pixie friend, he ended up with a huge scar on his belly that he carries to this day.¡±


    ¡°How end up as Trainer?¡±


    Rowani smiled.  ¡°In time, she taught me much.   I returned to the village I grew up in and became a local healer.  Didn¡¯t like it, though, so I became an Adventurer for many years.  A few years ago, I was Conscript Cursed, towards the beginning of the war, even though I am old by most opinions.  I did some time on the line as a combatant, some more with the combat medical teams, and finally came here when asked by Xera to be the Trainer.  It was only then that I received my Symbiote.  Being an adventurer and then serving my Curse had already made me Gold Tier, and I quickly reached Platinum as I began my work here.¡±


    Tazrok nodded, taking in the story.


    ¡°Your problem, Tazrok, isn¡¯t your class,¡± the Catkin said, pointing to her own head, ¡°but your mind. You must not just accept you are a Druid, whether you want to be or not. You must accept that being one doesn¡¯t make you less of an Ogre, nor less of a Warrior. You also must believe you are worthy of it. You are lacking in confidence, just as I did when I found out I was a Druid, because you¡¯ve never imagined you could be anything other than what you knew.¡±


    Tazrok stared off over the forest below him, drinking in Rowani¡¯s words.


    ¡°I have little doubt you are a great Warrior,¡± the Trainer continued. ¡°And all that you have learned is valuable. After all, part of the Druid hybrid is Warrior. Now, though, you can be more. There is no need to be afraid.¡±


    They sat in silence for a few minutes, continuing to be warmed by the sun as they listened to the sounds of the world. Slowly, Tazrok digested all the words Rowani had shared, juggling them in his mind as he tried to make sense of it all. He was three classes in one, he understood that. But had he truly accepted it? His thoughts drifted to Callie Gnome, all that she had been through, and how she seemed simply to accept the world around her. What had she said? That she might end up a bad Ranger, but she was going to do the best she could, and he would be the bestest Druid he could be, even if he wasn''t good at it? Is that all he needed to do? Just not fear these changes and do his best? Could he do that?


    ¡°I understand,¡± Tazrok finally said. He held out his hand, palm up.


    HEALING BERRY


    He formed the power he had unlocked that morning, and in his hand appeared a pale light, quickly replaced by a small piece of red fruit. Immediately, though, the berry lost its shape, collapsing into a gooey, sticky liquid that slipped through his fingers, falling to the ground far below.


    ¡°That was ¡­¡± Rowani began to say.


    ¡°... really bad,¡± Tazrok finished with a grunt of laughter. ¡°Really, really bad.¡±


    ¡°I was going to say, ¡®a noble attempt¡¯,¡± Rowani said laughing as well. ¡°But you¡¯re right, that was absolutely terrible.¡±


    Tazrok laughed again, flicking the remaining goo off his hand to the forest below. ¡°But, will get better,¡± he said, turning to his trainer.


    Rowani wasn¡¯t sure if he meant the spell, or if Tazrok was referring to himself, but she put her hand on his arm and said quietly, ¡°You will.¡±


    Together, they rose, Beastkin and Ogre, teacher and student, mentor and newling, and in silence began their walk back to the meditation grove.

 Chapter 28 Part 15 - They are Made of Wood

    PART XV - THEY ARE MADE OF WOOD


    ¡°They are made of wood,¡± Callie said, looking disappointedly at the ¡®swords¡¯ being handed out to everyone.


    ¡°Of course they are,¡± Major Celeste said with a laugh. ¡°We don¡¯t need anybody cutting anything off on the first day.¡±


    ¡°Right! That comes tomorrow,¡± Lena added, lightening the mood.


    The Rangers had finished working on their shooting practice, and had now joined with the Bladedancers, Bladeweavers and a new class Callie hadn¡¯t heard of, the Duelists. As far as she could tell, they were a Scout Specialist class that took on a Striker role, similar to Pixyl and the Bladeweavers, but using two real swords and specializing in ambush tactics and stealth. There were three of them, two male Elves and a female Cat-based Beastkin.


    ¡°Alright, all of you listen up, please,¡± Bladeweaver Trainer Olin said, addressing all four groups of recruits. ¡°We are not sparring today. Today is only to get you all used to holding your swords and swinging them around. I know several of you have sword fighting experience, but not today. Just do what we tell you. There will be plenty of time another day to experiment.¡±


    The Major and the Duelist trainer, an Elf named Cylanae, started pairing everyone up, making sure that everyone¡¯s partner was a different class.


    ¡°I¡¯m putting you two together,¡± Celeste said, pointing at Callie and Pixyl, ¡°because you¡¯re both short. Pixyl, no beating the snot out of her!¡±


    Each matched pair of recruits spread out while Reynard and Cylanae both took the center ring to demonstrate. A few swung their wood swords around to feel the weight, while the Bladeweavers were practicing calling and dismissing their Ethereal Blades. Olin had only allowed them to start doing that a short time ago, and the novelty had yet to wear off.


    ¡°Now watch!¡± Cylanae ordered. With a very lazy arc, she swung her right sword roughly towards Reynard. With equally slow speed, he used his own right sword to intercept the Duelist¡¯s with a loud clacking sound. Cylanae repeated the action with her left, to which Reynard dutifully responded with his. Next, Reynard attacked, first right, then left. They set up a slow rhythm, Reynard calling out a number for each part of the repeating exercise, showing in near slow-motion how a sword worked. 1-2-3-4¡­Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°This is it, this is all we want you to do for now,¡± Olin said as the two trainers continued to demonstrate, Reynard still calling out the slow, numbered cadence. ¡°Learn how the sword feels in your hands, how much of an extension of your arm it is. Don¡¯t get cute and try to hit each other, just hit each other¡¯s swords. Call for a stop if you need to. Bladeweavers, if your mana reserves get low, stop and we¡¯ll get you a potion. Fortunately, the channeling for our blades doesn''t drain much.¡±


    ¡°Again,¡± the Major said with authority, ¡°do not be trying to hit each other! If you do miss a block, and get hurt, we¡¯ve got healing available. Stop your actions and ask for it.¡±


    It took only a few minutes, but soon all pairs of recruits were swinging in rhythm as Reynard continued to call out a loud cadence. The other three Trainers walked among the trainees, occasionally correcting an action or offering input.


    Callie and Pixyl dutifully played along, both occasionally rolling their eyes at the simplicity of the motions. 1-2-3-4. Over and over Callie¡¯s wood swords would spark against one of Pixyl¡¯s green powerswords. Getting bored, at one point Callie attempted to add a flourish in one of the swings, blocking Pixyl¡¯s as usual, but then attempting an immediate strike with the same blade. Pixyl caught the change-up easily, but so did the Major. She cleared her throat and shot them both a stern look and a shake of her head, forcing them to return to the metronome-like rhythm.


    ¡°We¡¯re adding another piece,¡± Reynard said. ¡°If you hear ¡®left¡¯, you both take a step to the left, and if ¡®right¡¯ go the other way, as if you are circling around the center.¡±


    The rhythm continued, each beat leading to the clacking of wood on wood or the static of power blades, occasionally interrupted as each pair would dance left or right. 1-2-right-3-4. They kept this up for several minutes, with the right and left shuffle added randomly to the sequential beat of numbers.


    Olin¡¯s next change started to mix up the numbers, breaking the rhythm. 1-4-left-2-3-right. Each sequence was now random. Several students were tripped up initially, missing a block and getting thumped, but nobody really got hurt, the training armor doing its job. Pixyl had no issues with blocking all of Callie¡¯s blows, which was good as she was the only one without her armor and would get a good bruise if she missed said block. Soon though, everyone was back in sync, even with the chaotic cadence being called to them now.

 Chapter 28 Part 16 - Elation

    PART XVI - ELATION


    Returning to the meditation grove, something happened. Tazrok, walking slowly next to his trainer, suddenly stopped, putting his hand to his head, a confused look on his face.


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± Rowani asked, concern evident in her voice.


    ¡°I ¡­¡± Tazrok began, shaking his head to clear it. ¡°Get stealth form.¡±


    Rowani¡¯s eyes widened as a smile came to her face.


    ¡°Get stealth form!¡± Tazrok exclaimed, eyes wide and excitement in his deep voice.


    ¡°Very good!¡± Rowani said, congratulating her student, true excitement in her voice. Internally, she heaved a silent sigh of relief. She had become quite worried that Tazrok was going to continue to struggle with his identity issues, which would obviously quickly become a detriment to any training progress.


    As they continued to walk through the woods, an obvious spring now in the big Ogre¡¯s step, Trainer Rowani couldn¡¯t help but feel a little guilty. Most of the story she had told Tazrok was true. She was indeed terrified her first time casting Mend Wound, and did leave the farmer with a truly impressive scar. But when she had come of age, her family and friends didn¡¯t shun her. In fact, they were all quite excited, and encouraged her learning. Her parents even sought out a great Druid for her to apprentice under. Rowani had never had to deal with the sense of being an outcast that Tazrok was feeling. It was more than just a small lie, but one that hopefully would do no harm.Stolen story; please report.


    Tazrok almost bounded back into the meditation grove, startling his fellow Druids with his excitement. Once he managed to explain what had happened, that one of his forms had finally come to him, they congratulated him and shared his excitement, too. With a smile on his face, Tazrok the Druid once again sat down, his back against the tall tree, and closed his eyes.


    It didn¡¯t take long, and Tazrok once again received a form, this one his Guardian. He was quite excited for this one, because he knew it was one that most-closely resembled his training as a Warrior and Barbarian. And although he nearly begged, Trainer Rowani simply would not let him try it out, saying that tradition demanded he wait until the end of the day.


    As the sun filtered through the leaves and branches of the big tree, Bratig received his final form, leaving Melga still with only three. Tazrok soon tied the Dwarf as his Flight Form was received. They eyed each other warily, now making it an all-in-fun contest of who would get their final form first. But the moods were now light, Tazrok¡¯s excitement becoming infectious and making it difficult for Trainer Rowani to calm the remaining two for meditation.

 Chapter 28 Part 17 - Sequence of Magic

    PART XVII - SEQUENCE OF MAGIC


    Xinchaine, Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe, ran across the practice area, diving behind a makeshift barrier of logs. Ten meters away was a similar barrier. Xin poked her head up and nodded sharply to the ground two meters away, calling Shaman power. Her twelve-faced Totem, topped with a beacon of Life, formed in an instant at the directed location.


    From behind the opposite defense, a target dummy popped up, wearing a burlap sack as clothing. With almost no thought given, Xin raised her hand, calling forth her spell.


    ELEMENTAL BOLT - LIGHTNING


    There was a sharp crack as tendrils of electricity shot from Xin¡¯s hand, striking and shattering the wood-frame target. A moment later, another target snapped upwards. This time, Xin called to her Totem.


    ELEMENTAL BLAST - FIRE


    Xin¡¯s Totem belched forth a narrow cone of immolating fire, blasted out from one of the Dragon faces. As the inferno cleared, the target was left smoking, with small flames still burning in a few places on the exposed wood frame. The burlap sack that had been covering the target was gone, turned to ash.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    For the final spell in this exercise sequence, Xin again commanded her Totem, calling this time on the forces of Life.


    HEALING PULSE


    The Totem complied, and Xin could feel a soft ¡®thump¡¯ through the ground as power poured out from it in an ever-growing sphere. As the effects flowed over and through her, they seemed to touch her very core, leaving a sense of blissful contentedness. She was uninjured, though, so the spell had no physical effects. But if she, or anyone else close by had been, minor cuts, scrapes and bruises would have been healed by her Totem¡¯s Shamanic magics. Slowly, the Lizardkin stood, looking through the clearing smoke to her Trainers for their evaluation.


    ¡°Very good!¡± Trainer Cheena said, bouncing slightly and lightly clapping. ¡°I can see your training as a Spearmaster in how you moved. We must try again, but get you a spear to use as part of the exercise, and incorporate Elemental Weapon into the sequence.¡±


    ¡°You were adequate,¡± Maugra quietly grunted, waving her hand dismissively. Her voice came out as a soft, hoarse, barely audible croak, and explained why she used Cheena as an interpreter. Maugra lightly slapped Cheena¡¯s arm to get her attention and began to sign.


    ¡°Oh, of course,¡± Cheena said apologetically. Speaking for Maugra, she said, ¡°Clear the field and reset the targets! Who is next?¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 18 - Predicting Chaos

    PART XVIII - PREDICTING CHAOS


    Olin had continued to add complexity to the sword exercises, now adding an ¡°and¡± to each count, turning it into an eight-count routine. This gave each strike a riposte as part of the parry, now coupled with a counter-parry. He also added a ¡®switch¡¯ movement, where the two fighters would move past each other, switching sides of their ring. 1and-4and-left-left-switch-2and-3and.


    It had taken Callie a little time to fully realize what Olin and the other Trainers were trying to do. She finally understood that these simplistic exercises were building a foundation of moves and etching them into muscle-memory, then adding complexity at each step to expand them, like that old ¡®wax on, wax off¡¯ karate movie. As a result, no longer were Callie and Pixyl rolling their eyes at the simplicity of the actions. They could appreciate what was happening, and even Pixyl, with her extensive self-taught sword training, was seeing aspects of her ¡®sloppy¡¯ techniques against the new foundational moves.


    ¡°Good, good!¡± Olin said, ceasing his count and giving everyone a moment to rest, and for the Bladeweavers to recharge their mana with a small, awful-tasting blue potion. After a few minutes, he ordered everyone to ready themselves. ¡°This time, I won¡¯t be counting. One of you take lead while the other applies the correct counter. Remember, you¡¯re not trying to hit the person, just parry and position for now.¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Callie and Pixyl looked at each other and by some unsaid mutual agreement, Pixyl was elected to take the lead.


    ¡°Begin!¡± Olin said. Hesitantly, each pair of recruits started their dances. Attack, parry, riposte, counter-parry, move, switch. The lead would try to mix up the sequences, hoping to trip up their partner, but quickly their partners were able to get in their own groove with the proper response. Callie and Pixyl were no different, and their swords clashed together in a staccato rhythm of wood-on-Ether as the two giggled.


    ¡°Who do you think it will be?¡± Olin quietly asked the other trainers as they watched their students match movements.


    ¡°I have a guess,¡± Reynard replied.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Major Celeste asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, this is your first time as Trainer,¡± Cylanae said with a smirk. ¡°We always wonder which pair is going to be the first to start legitimately sparring, requiring we break them up.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy,¡± Celeste said, casually gesturing towards Callie and Pixyl. ¡°Those two.¡±


    ¡°Definitely those two,¡± both Reynard and Olin echoed simultaneously.

 Chapter 28 Part 19 - Tazroks Call of Nature

    PART XIX - TAZROK¡¯S CALL OF NATURE


    Tazrok and Melga sat under the meditation tree, their eyes closed. Occasionally, one or the other would open one eye just long enough to check on what the other person was doing, making sure they hadn¡¯t won the ad hoc contest. The feeling in the air was one of excitement, now that Tazrok¡¯s glum mood had ceased. Rowani finally had to put her foot down, ordering all four Druids to sit quietly and say nothing, in the hopes Tazrok and Melga could get their final forms soon.


    After a few minutes of meditative quiet, Tazrok began to sing. The sound was low and melodic, sounding much like slow, hypnotic chant. The notes were clear, and one could almost hear multiple harmonized notes produced from deep within Tazrok¡¯s body and throat with each breath. The music took on a flowing tribal rhythm, and the Ogre¡¯s tones seemed to sweep everyone into a warm embrace, carrying them gently along with no particular destination.


    Rowani had never heard such a song, having no knowledge of Ogre customs or tribal chants, and was about to stop him so everyone could focus. But as she walked by Melga, the Dwarf held out a hand and stopped the Catkin. Shaking her head quickly, she whispered, ¡°this is helping.¡± The trainer looked at the other two recruits, seeing they had calmed as well, each entranced by Tazrok.


    And so Tazrok sang, filling the clearing with the soft, low song of the Ogres. And while the atmosphere became much less jovial, it seemed to invite a unity among all five Druids, and an introspective unity with the world around them. Rowani couldn¡¯t help but wonder why they hadn¡¯t started the day with this, because if they had, all the recruits would have had their four forms by noon.


    Tazrok won the contest, his final Striker form quietly coming to him as he chanted. He stopped his singing, ready to gloat to Melga, but she looked at him, and said simply, ¡°Congratulations, please continue if you would.¡±


    ¡°Of course, we would be happy to,¡± Tazrok said as he bit back the barb he was going to use, and returned to singing out the inspiring song of his people.


    Trainer Rowani herself sat a short distance away enjoying a warm beam of sunlight, trying to understand the effects of what Tazrok was doing. It seemed much like the strange power similar to Command Aura the Major had described when the Recruits had arrived, and what he apparently used at his discipline assembly. What had Thorn called it? Chieftain¡¯s Inspiration? Rowani wasn¡¯t sure about the ¡®Chieftain¡¯ part, but the music was certainly proving to be inspiring, in its own unique way. She closed her eyes, deciding not to analyze it any more right now, and just see what happened.


    The clearing slowly became a field of solemnity, Tazrok¡¯s strange magics flowing outwards like a sphere. Small animals quietly emerged from the woods. Some nibbled on grasses, while others simply lay down in the bright sun. As everyone had their eyes closed, nobody noticed the small creatures, but then a crack of a stick breaking wrested Rowani¡¯s attention from her introspection. A white shape slipped through the brush on the clearing¡¯s edge, followed by a second smaller shape. Hesitantly, it emerged from the forest, taking a few careful steps forward.


    She was of the purest of whites, with a slightly-glowing silver-colored horn on her head. Rowani had never seen one, only paintings or heard descriptions, and the creature was absolutely beautiful. With a bound, a small, Unicorn foal leaped from the brush and joined its mother, bending its neck to the ground for a tuft of grass, its own horn tiny in comparison to its mother¡¯s.


    ¡°Nobody move or make a sound,¡± Rowani ordered quietly. ¡°Tazrok, keep singing.¡± Quiet gasps went up as the recruits opened their eyes to see why, and saw the Unicorns.


    Unicorns were rare. Extremely rare. Even more rare than Symbiotes. Most would never see one in their lifetime, and likely only if they were to look hard for one. Even then, that seach might yield only the briefest of glimpses. A Unicorn¡¯s horn was a precious item, capable of healing with merely a touch, so highly sought for that reason and for use as wands. Unfortunately, the creatures were tracked and hunted, not just for the healing horn, but because a Unicorn¡¯s blood would restore youth, and was used to aid those who had lost years to aging attacks from undead. Even armor made from its hide would protect from magic.


    The larger Unicorn stomped her hoof several times, perhaps in warning, and then slowly began to circle the tree, keeping a distance as she did. The smaller one bounced happily around, staying reasonably close to its parent, while keeping suspicious eyes warily on the Druids sitting nearby. Finally, the mother stopped and settled down into the tall, sunlit grass, folding her legs under herself as she watched.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Bratig whispered.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Rowani hissed, trying not to spook the creatures. ¡°Just ¡­ nothing.¡±


    And so they did nothing for several minutes, just taking in the experience.


    ¡°I ¡­ I got my last form,¡± Melga whispered, as she gazed at the Unicorns in the clearing. ¡°Just now.¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Rowani whispered. ¡°Tazrok, please keep singing.¡±


    Tazrok continued his deep guttural chanting, all five pairs of Druid eyes staring at the pair of Unicorns looking back at them. It was a moment in time for all of them, an experience they knew was impossible to happen, yet had somehow graced them. Wallir slowly reached out and took Melga¡¯s hand. She looked up at him, seeing a tear of wonderment in his eye, and lay her head on his shoulder, a tear forming in her own. It wasn¡¯t really meant as a romantic gesture for either of them, but just the sharing of a precious moment of wonder between two people.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    For several more minutes Tazrok sang, and nobody moved or spoke. The larger of the beautiful creatures kept careful watch, while the foal scampered around, sometimes startling a Jackalope or other critter, or stopping to nibble on something tasty. It even followed a butterfly for a while, until it started to fly towards the Druids and got too close for the young Unicorn¡¯s comfort.


    With a sudden quiet, Tazrok stopped his singing, a confused expression on his face. He looked at the other recruits, and then at Trainer Rowani. ¡°Trainer, it¡¯s quite strange, we just received another form,¡± he said quietly, shock evident in his voice.


    ¡°What? How?¡± Rowani whispered.


    ¡°Which one?¡± Wallir asked.


    ¡°Draft Form,¡± the Ogre replied.


    While they were trying to keep their voices quiet, the sudden noise of the multiple surprised whispers, coupled with the cessation of Tazrok¡¯s singing, was enough to spook the Unicorns. The foal shot for the woods, bounding over a bush as it plunged into the undergrowth. The mother trotted quickly to the edge of the clearing, never removing her gaze from the Druids. The Unicorn stopped, stomped the ground several times with her front left leg as a final statement of annoyance before walking into the forest after her foal, the bright white quickly lost among the trees.


    The experience suddenly over, all attention now focused on the Ogre.


    ¡°I thought we only get four forms?¡± Bratig asked Rowani.


    ¡°At Iron Tier, four is all you should get,¡± Rowani said, her face showing perplexion. ¡°You¡¯ll get additional at higher Tiers, but I¡¯ve never heard of Draft form. I¡¯m not even sure what it is.¡±


    Rowani thought for a moment, and then said, ¡°I¡¯m going to break tradition just this one time, because I don¡¯t want this one to be a surprise later. Tazrok, please walk into the clearing and assume this ¡®Draft¡¯ form, if you would.¡±


    With trepidation, Tazrok left the shade of the tree, and walked several meters away. This would be his first time assuming an animal form, and while Rowani made the transformation seem easy, his dreadful casting of Healing Berry crept into his head. He took his position and stilled his mind, which wandered back to the two Unicorns that had just visited them. The thought of the two creatures gave Tazrok a sense of connection to everything around him; the clearing, the solitary tree at its center, and the forest itself.


    WILD FORM - DRAFT


    The Ogre opened his eyes, and realized he was different. Holding up one of his hands, he saw he actually didn¡¯t have one. He had a huge, wide hoof of some kind, and his arm ¡­ now his front leg ¡­ was covered with long hair. He looked to his friends, and saw all four, including his Trainer, standing under the tree with shocked expressions on their faces. Concerned he made a mistake, he turned his head, trying to look behind himself. It was hard, though, his massive body was in the way; his massive hair-covered body. Annoyed, he swished his tail in frustration, then realized he now had a tail to swish.


    Rowani''s head was a mixture of so many emotions. Shock, confusion, and surprise chief among them. Iron Tier Druids only got four forms, so the fact that Tazrok received a fifth couldn¡¯t be explained by anything she knew. This ¡®Draft¡¯ form was also one she had never heard of, and the creature in front of her was an amazing sight to behold.


    Tazrok had transformed into a Brontorn, a creature often used by trade caravans to move merchandise long distances. These massive animals, often weighing over twelve tonnes, hailed from the plains far to the west and thus were never spotted in this vicinity, except when traveling with said caravans. Standing at a height of almost four meters at the shoulder, and draped in shaggy hair, Brontorns moved at a slow, leisurely pace but possessed the strength and stamina to bear or pull immense loads almost indefinitely.


    Rowani broke away from the group and approached Tazrok. Deep black eyes looked at her, and she saw a hint of fear in them. The Brontorn had two massive, long, curved horns, one on either side of his head, which in turn had an enormous mouth large enough to easily hold the entire head of a person.


    ¡°You have become a Brontorn, Tazrok,¡± Rowani finally said, putting a hand on the side of her student¡¯s transformed head.


    Tazrok-the-Brontorn suddenly had a flashback. When he was a child, his grandmother told him stories of when she was a little girl herself, growing up in the Great Plains. Her family raised Brontorn, using the milk, hair, meat and hide. When the herd got too big, they would bring them to the city to sell or trade for other goods they needed back home. After her marriage, she and her new husband chose to move to the city, being allowed to take a handful of the creatures with them to sell and have enough to start a new life. It was also Tazrok¡¯s grandmother that had taught him the guttural, harmonic throat singing technique he had used earlier, saying it was an important part of Ogre tradition that he had to know and pass on when he had children of his own.


    Tazrok could see how this was, indeed, a correct form for him, even if he had no idea why he had received a fifth, when Druids should only receive four.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Rowani asked, seeing a far off look in the Brontorn¡¯s deep-black eyes.


    The creature responded with a long, low moaning call, as if to acknowledge the Catkin. Confused, the Brontorn made several other noises, as if trying to talk.


    ¡°You cannot speak in this form,¡± the Trainer said with a chuckle. ¡°But nod your head if you understand.¡±


    In response, Tazrok nodded his massive head.


    Melga approached, looking up at the gigantic beast. It was nearly four times her height, and she only came up roughly to the knee of one of Tazrok¡¯s Brontorn legs. ¡°He¡¯s so ¡­ big!¡± she said, gesturing to point out the obvious.


    The Brontorn made a series of grunts, which everyone quickly realized was an attempt at laughing.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Rowani finally said, her own laughter in her words. ¡°Please change back into your normal form.¡±


    Tazrok thought back to the beginning of the day, when he had learned the ¡®rules¡¯ for Wild Form. Now he just needed to remember how to turn back into an Ogre. He did not want to be stuck as this huge beast, after all.


    WILD FORM - NONE


    Opening his eyes, Tazrok once again saw he had his normal hands. He was no longer covered in long hair, and no longer had a tail to swish around. He looked down at Melga and Rowani, gave them both a big smile, simply saying, ¡°Am back.¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 20 - Swordplay, Interrupted

    PART XX - SWORDPLAY, INTERRUPTED


    Callie and Pixyl were actually having a lot of fun with their swords. Pixyl had proved a great counter for Callie, as she quickly had to learn to parry and then riposte against Pixyl¡¯s random attacks. It took a little bit, and she got whacked several times, but eventually she was able to see the Pixie¡¯s attacks forming early enough to get the correct counter in the way.


    After a few minutes, again by some mutual unsaid understanding, the role of lead switched from Pixy to Callie. For Pixyl, it was easier for her to adapt to Callie¡¯s attacks, her experience helping see them coming. Once they both had the sequences down without a called cadence, they then started to toss the lead back and forth. First Pixyl would use perhaps twenty different sword or step movements, and Callie would take command of the match and randomize twenty or so of her own.


    As the lead passed back and forth, they became comfortable, beginning to speed up their cadence. It reached a point where Callie¡¯s Instinctive Dodge triggered on a few occasions, because things were happening too fast for her to counter. They sped up even more, playing all the sequences at almost twice the speed they had begun. Random actions, requiring the appropriate counter-random action.


    The clash of wood on Ether grew faster and faster, and you could tell by a change in the hum of her swords when Callie had to dodge one of Pixyl¡¯s swings, the sword meeting only air. As the two girls traded blows, sidestepping or switching sides occasionally, they started to first giggle, and then openly laugh, having an absolute blast sparring with each other.


    One by one, the other students stopped fighting, either from the change in the rhythm of the short ones¡¯ swordplay, or the loud laughter coming from them. Olin whispered something to Reynard and Celeste, and the three Trainers slowly walked up to each pair of confused students, telling them to step to the side to make room for the dueling Gnome and Pixie.


    The two short ones were in their own world, doing their sword dance even faster now, too fast for the eye to follow their weapons. Unconsciously, the two realized there was more room for sparring and slowly they gravitated towards the middle of the cleared area. The rest of the onlookers backed away to make as much room as they could, while a neighboring class of recruits, the two Elven Geomancers, became distracted enough from their training that their instructor called a break so they could join the crowd.


    Soon, Pixyl and Callie were no longer sticking with the moves they had been taught, instead each started to put their own personal spin on each swing, changing it slightly. This led to even more chaotic swordplay, actually making Pixyl¡¯s Instinctive Dodge skill activate.


    Once again, Olin whispered something to Lena, and her face lit up at the suggestion.


    ¡°Dregorio,¡± Celeste whispered to the Catkin. ¡°Pretend the Pixie is part of your combat squad.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Dregorio hesitantly replied.


    ¡°Your Striker is under attack! What do you do to help?¡±


    ¡°Taunt, of course,¡± he responded with no hesitation.


    ¡°Well, get ready to go out there and Taunt the Gnome,¡± Celeste ordered, this becoming a teaching moment. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when.¡±


    ¡°Major!¡± Reynard snapped out, suddenly unhappy, but Celeste dismissed him with a wave.


    Dregorio swallowed hard, suddenly under assignment in front of four other class groups. He took a couple hesitant steps into the fight area. Readying his fake swords, and looking to Celeste for the signal.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Callie had found a hole in Pixyl¡¯s sword skills. She was using the same sequence of attacks over and over; she had become predictable. No wonder Olin called it sloppy! Now she just had to figure out how to exploit it ¡­ and there it was. Callie pulled back slightly as Pixyl swung towards her, causing the Pixie to over-extend. That left an opening for her swords to smack her on the thigh or take a jab to her shoulder. It was like chess, you just had to think a couple moves ahead, and Pixyl would be forced to block one or the other.


    In the space of only a frozen moment, Pixyl realized too late she had been suckered into a fateful mistake. She was going to get hit by one of Callie¡¯s practice swords, either to her side or shoulder. She was out of position for her Ethereal Shield, too. This was going to hurt, particularly because she wasn¡¯t wearing her armor today. Wait ¡­ armor ¡­


    ETHEREAL ARMOR


    The thought called out and the Ether answered. Pixyl¡¯s body was instantly covered by her green spell, which with a crash absorbed both incoming attacks effortlessly. The sudden mana drain in response to the hits surprised her though, and Pixyl let her guard down entirely for a distracted moment, staggering slightly.


    ¡°Now,¡± Celeste said sharply.


    Dregorio called forth his new power, having no idea what was really about to happen, and launched it towards the Gnome.


    TAUNT


    Callie suddenly stopped her fight with Pixyl mid-swing, turning to the asshole cat standing a few meters away being an utter asshole. ¡°You want to fight?¡± Callie snarled, glaring up at Dregorio and pounding one of her swords to her chest like a gladiator. ¡°You want to fight?¡± she demanded again, this time even louder and this time with definite anger. ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll kick your fuzzy little ass!¡± She charged the Catkin, ready to smack him with one of her cute training swords ¡­ for a reason that was completely unknown to her.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Dregorio yelped. He raised his swords in front of himself and caught Callie¡¯s falling overhand blades. Callie¡¯s next attack forced him to back away, completely on the defensive against this really pissed off Gnome. Callie lunged again, and the Catkin took off, running around the edge of the area, Callie right on his heels.


    ¡°Come back and fight me, kitty!¡± Callie yelled out.


    As Dregorio ran by Celeste, the Major moved to intercept. She grabbed Callie under her arms and lifted her off the ground, holding her outstretched like an angry, squirming badger. Callie grunted and hissed, still focused on the terrified Dregorio.


    ¡°Let me at him! Let me go!¡± Callie snarled, trying to break free. ¡°I¡¯ll smash his fuzzy little face in!¡±


    ¡°Cast Blur, you idiot,¡± Celeste said, barely able to get the words out over her laughter.


    Dregorio looked around, seeing everyone else was in various stages of giggles, and then looked at the rabid, determined face of the Gnome, Callie Archer.


    BLUR


    The image of Dregorio wibbled and wobbled for a few seconds, making it difficult to pin down his location, but immediately Callie stopped squirming. The Blur effect faded, returning to the face of a very confused Catkin.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Callie said, wondering why she was suddenly being held in the air. Then she remembered. She had wanted to beat the crap out of Dregorio. Why would she want to do that? What had he done to make her so angry at him? He had done something, that was for sure, and definitely deserved a good beating. And why was everyone laughing?


    Pixyl had joined the rest of the recruits and was laughing along with them. She¡¯d never seen a Taunt used before, but the image of the poor, terrified Dregorio, nearly twice as tall as Callie, being chased around the field by the tiny pink-haired Gnome waving two small, wooden swords in the air was just too much. It took nearly a minute for everyone to calm their laughter.


    Celeste set Callie down. ¡°Okay, everyone. Someone explain what just happened,¡± she asked, instructively, working to push aside the last of her giggles.


    ¡°The Little One almost kicked his ass,¡± Dermic said, still trying to catch his breath and leaning against Nola for support.


    ¡°True,¡± Celeste said, ¡°although running away isn¡¯t generally a tactic we encourage.¡± This, of course, just elicited another round of laughter.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this from a combat standpoint.¡± Olin said, trying to reground the conversation.


    ¡°The Catkin did something,¡± Kaisess said. ¡°Something that made Callie chase after him instead of continuing to fight with Pixyl.¡±


    ¡°Correct,¡± Major Celeste said. ¡°It¡¯s called a Taunt, and it allows a Guardian class, like Bladedancers, to direct the target¡¯s attention to them. In this case, Dregorio used it to pull the attacker¡¯s attention away from an ally.¡±


    ¡°So she could chase him around the field,¡± someone added from the back.


    ¡°She was terrifying!¡± Dregorio said defensively. ¡°Look at her!¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie snarled, eyeing the Catkin. ¡°We can go again if you want, Puss-in-Boots!¡±


    ¡°See? She is absolutely terrifying!¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 21 - Introspection

    PART XXI - INTROSPECTION


    Having returned to the form of an Ogre, Tazrok found himself not feeling well, much as he had after the punishment assembly the day before. He had a headache, and he found his thoughts jumbled and confused. He told the others he needed to sit for a while, and took up his spot under the tree again.


    They rested for a time, talking in subdued voices about the Unicorns, or Tazrok¡¯s Brontorn form. Curious, Melga asked what was going to happen when they revealed their forms to everyone. Rowani replied that it had become a tradition that new Druids would learn their forms at the same time as the entire recruit body. In part, it was a fun surprise for everyone, including the Druids, but also so nobody would panic if they saw a Druid-turned-animal wandering through the compound. Apparently there had been ¡­ incidents.


    ¡°So we all just turn into each animal at the same time?¡± Melga asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Rowani replied.


    Melga looked over at Tazrok, who was still resting his head. ¡°Let¡¯s do Tazrok separate, after the rest of us. I want to see his new forms, along with the looks on everyone¡¯s faces, because I think his other forms will be really interesting too.¡±


    Wallir and Bratig quickly concurred, and Rowani reluctantly agreed. She was reluctant because even though the Ogre was unique, she didn¡¯t want to give the impression to the rest of the recruits that he was somehow different, from a Druid standpoint at least, than the other three. Of course, the fifth form sort of ruined that idea, so the entire plan had probably been spoiled.


    They sat a while longer, Tazrok continuing to rest his head against the tree. With a groan he sat up fully, and stretched, his huge arms long enough to nearly wrap around the tree itself.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Tazrok said, seemingly out of nowhere.


    ¡°For ¡­ for what?¡± Bratig asked, confused.


    ¡°For giving¡­¡± the Ogre began, his face getting puzzled for a moment. ¡°For giving support.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Wallir said, still a little perplexed.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Tazrok shook his head. ¡°You treat me like Druid. Helps. Being Druid was shock, and I handle bad. Ogres are slow of brain, not like Druid should be. But you all still support. Mean much in here.¡± The Ogre thumped his chest with his giant hand. ¡°May end up bad Druid, but have accepted the way. Will try special hard. This, I have decided.¡±


    Nobody was quite sure how to respond. Tazrok was generally not much for words, his inspirational speech the day before notwithstanding, and certainly not much for conversation.


    Melga walked up to Tazrok, placing her tiny Dwarf hand on his arm. ¡°You¡¯re one of us, even if it¡¯s a surprise. We¡¯re here for you, whatever you may need.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Tazrok said again. ¡°Us go now.¡±


    The Ogre stood, and they walked back towards the rest of the camp, Rowani leading the way and Tazrok bringing up the rear, taking small steps so as to not overtake anyone. They walked slowly, simply drinking in the forest around them, closer to nature now than they had been on the walk in. All four recruits had a newfound appreciation, respect, or maybe even love, for the balance that was the world they had stepped into. Perhaps it was the encounter with the Unicorns, or maybe just their first real steps on their Druid journey, but they felt like they had become different people than they were when the day had started.


    The Unicorns had had a profound effect on Trainer Rowani, even if she didn¡¯t let it show to the others. She had spent most of her Druidic life as an Adventurer or eventually as part of the Army, and as a result had never really developed the true oneness with nature that more healing- or ritual-centric Druids would. Sure, she could talk about the importance of balance and communing with nature to recruits, but it had never really been her path, which made her an excellent choice as a combat trainer.


    Rowani was nearly seventy, growing old by Beastkin standards, and the twilight of her years was something that had been occasionally on her mind for a while. Her continuing work as Trainer had generally allowed her to ignore it, but the Unicorns had affected her significantly, and she found herself feeling slightly lost and melancholy. She knew by the time the Unicorn mother had left and entered the forest that this would be her last training class, and it was time for her to find her next path in what little life she had remaining. What that meant, she couldn¡¯t say yet, but she knew it was not going to be here.


    The five Druids left the forest, stepping back onto the training grounds where they had left. The sun was beginning to slide towards late afternoon, and the four recruits were finding themselves exhausted, despite doing very little all day except sit under a tree. It was a mental fatigue, and more than anything they each wanted a little time alone to self-reflect. But, they still had tradition to uphold, and despite how tired they felt, they were equally excited to find out their new animal forms.


    As they walked as a group towards the bleacher area, where they were planning to just relax until it was time for their form reveals, they spotted a crowd of almost twenty recruits all in various stages of laughter. Curious, they walked closer, finding one of the craziest sights any of them had ever seen. They saw a tiny, meter-high Gnome with bright pink hair waving two wooden practice swords in the air and chasing the poor, terrified Catkin Dregorio, while screaming, ¡°Come back and fight me, kitty!¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 22 - Violations and Revelations

    PART XXII - VIOLATIONS AND REVELATIONS


    Callie walked towards the bleachers, with Lena, Pixyl and Jesca walking close. Her mind was preoccupied, though, after the whole incident with Dregorio. Major Celeste had called it a ¡®teaching opportunity¡¯, but as the explanation of what happened had been made clear, Callie couldn¡¯t help but to feel a little violated. On one hand, she could absolutely see the combat usefulness of the skill. But she was the one that got Taunted, and it was her mind that had been charmed, yet again. It made her, however briefly, do something that she would never do.


    After Celeste and Olin had explained exactly what happened in detail, and how Taunts factor into group combat, Callie and Pixyl proceeded to get seriously reprimanded by the Major for going off-script with their sparring match. Celeste explained to all the recruits how important it was to stick with the training routines for their own safety, and that there would be plenty of time for more interesting things in the future. She concluded by asking both troublemakers why they shouldn¡¯t be punished for disobeying orders.


    ¡°Because everyone got a great laugh?¡± was the best snappy retort Callie could come up with. As the crowd chuckled at Callie¡¯s answer, and before Celeste could respond, Reynard interjected. He sharply pointed at Callie in genuine anger, snarling, ¡°Don¡¯t ever fucking do it again!¡± It was a sudden and harsh verbal disciplining that immediately silenced the otherwise jovial recruits, and made Callie feel absolutely awful and even more small than she already was. The long silence of surprise after his words only made the moment more uncomfortable.


    Thankfully, before things got any more awkward, a bell rang out with a thirty-minute warning to assemble, and rather than try to salvage any remaining time for more training, all the recruits were summarily dismissed. Callie thought briefly about trying to talk to Reynard in private, but she saw him in animated, angry conversation with the Major and Trainer Olin, and thought better of it.


    ¡°Is what happened still bothering you?¡± Lena asked, seeing the introspection on Callie¡¯s face.


    ¡°A little,¡± Callie finally said. Reynard¡¯s harsh tone had given Callie flashbacks to when she was a teen, and the many, many times she had gotten in serious trouble and heard that same tone from her parents or school officials. But she realized it was what had happened with Dregorio that was really weighing on her mind. ¡°I really wanted to hurt him, Lena. That isn¡¯t me.¡±


    ¡°I know. We all know. Even Dregorio knows.¡±


    ¡°I suppose,¡± Callie said glumly. ¡°But still ¡­ with only a flick of magic he forced me to do something I would never do. I don¡¯t blame him, but ¡­ Lena, I can¡¯t get past how much I really wanted to just hurt him! Fighting with Pixyl, that was all in fun, but with Dregorio¡­¡±


    Lena didn¡¯t really have anything to say that would help at this moment. It was a simple truth that this was a world with charms and ways to control a person¡¯s actions. For Lena and the rest, none of this was a shock. Sure, it wasn¡¯t pleasant, and charms could be used for great harm, so intent was a big part of how you had to evaluate, and no ill intent was intended with what had happened. Unfortunately, there was really no way to communicate that to Callie, without it sounding like her feelings were being dismissed.


    ¡°If it m-m-makes you feel any better,¡± Pixyl said, putting her hand on Callie¡¯s arm, ¡°You got me g-g-good at the end there. It was a good match, even if we got into trouble.¡±


    Callie smiled at her friend, but it was a weak smile. Really, she just needed time to process what had happened.


    Together, they found a spot in the bleacher seating and settled in to kill time until whatever was to happen began. Callie saw Tazrok off in a group with Bratig and two others, along with Trainer Rowani. All seemed as if they were exhausted, and were leaning back with largely blank looks on their faces. She debated going to say hello, but was interrupted by Vanis approaching, accompanied by his fellow Catkin recruit, Fynisse.


    ¡°I am so tired,¡± Fynisse groaned, flomping down on the hard seating and stretching out. ¡°I have no idea how many times I¡¯ve cast Ritual Circle today.¡±


    ¡°But you have become quite adept at it,¡± Vanis pointed out.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Fynisse responded with a simple groan, and was about to say more when a hush came over the murmuring of the recruits as Juniper suddenly made an entrance to the area.


    She was decked out in the standard recruit clothing of tan tunic and dark-brown pants, unbuttoned mid-thigh to make them short, and exposing her long, muscular legs. On her head, she was wearing a wide-brimmed hat identical to Callie¡¯s, making her look like a green-skinned naturalist. She also wore her calf-high moccasin boots, which led to a look that somehow just worked for her. The Dryad scanned the audience, her eyes lighting up as they fell on her friends from the night before, and she walked to join them. Slowly, the background noise of conversations resumed, although a few eyes hungrily followed the Nymph and her long legs.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Juniper said brightly as she arrived.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Juniper,¡± Vanis said, standing and bowing slightly.


    ¡°What do you all think?¡± the Sylvan said, spinning to show off her clothes. ¡°Wearing clothes seems very inconvenient, but quite stylish.¡±


    ¡°You look really nice,¡± Callie said, somewhat dreamily. Pixyl frowned and lightly slapped the Gnome¡¯s shoulder, who shook her head to clear it.


    ¡°Oh, thank you Little One. I asked for a ¡­ hat I think you call it ¡­ just like yours. It seemed quite cute and fun.¡±


    Vanis let off a slight huff of a laugh. ¡°Would you care to join us?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Why thank you, your Majesty ¡­ I mean Recruit Vanis!¡± Juniper said, correcting herself.


    ¡°I understand you are to be a recruit as well,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Why yes. I am to be ¡­ joined you call it ¡­ with my little Symbiote shortly. I needed to sleep in my tree last night to refresh, but now I have three days before I have need to again. Healer Tasi has been so kind to me, so to thank her I located three of these Symbiote creatures and brought them back with me. I understand they are quite important to everyone. She was quite pleased!¡±


    ¡°You located three ¡­ back with you?¡± Vanis asked, a look of both shock and confusion on his face.


    ¡°Oh yes. They are ever so exciting to chase.¡±


    Callie cleared her throat loudly, interrupting Juniper, a hard glare on her face. ¡°Ixnay! Shhh!¡±


    ¡°Oh my! That¡¯s right. I¡¯m not supposed to talk about how I am able to locate them,¡± Juniper said, seeing Callie¡¯s expression. ¡°Everyone, forget I said anything about that.¡±


    The dumbfounded expressions on everyone¡¯s faces were nearly identical, save for Callie who slapped her hand to her face in disbelief.


    ¡°You are able ¡­¡± Vanis began to stutter, but Callie interrupted him by clearing her throat loudly before he could finish.


    The Gnome looked at everyone, and whispered just loud enough for them to hear. ¡°Nobody says anything! This is Top Secret!¡± Then she added with a hiss, ¡°Juniper, stop talking about it!¡±


    Vanis and Pixyl looked at each other, both seeming to immediately register the implications of what they had just heard, with Lena and Jesca showing understanding a moment later. Fynisse looked confused, finally raising her paw as if to ask a question.


    ¡°TOP! SECRET!¡± Callie hissed again in warning.


    The confused Warlock looked to Vanis for guidance, and he leaned in to whisper in her ear. After a moment, her eyes widened as she looked at the Dryad, and then she returned her gaze to Callie and nodded her head briskly.


    ¡°This cannot be a topic for discussion,¡± Vanis warned. ¡°Juniper, that must include you!¡±


    ¡°I order everyone to s-s-say nothing,¡± Pixyl abruptly added, an actual warning in her voice. It was a sudden and surprising statement of authority from the Pixie, who had so far wanted no part of the fact that, as of the night before, she outranked all of the other recruits. Everyone quickly saw from the look on her face, though. She was absolutely serious.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Vanis said quietly with a nod, with the rest echoing his acknowledgement in short order. Even Juniper nodded, with a light ''mmm-hmm'' sound. The exchange seemed to sap any levity from the group, and conversation abruptly ended for a few minutes.


    Finally, with an extreme effort, Jesca hesitantly tried to restart conversation by asking Callie, ¡°When do you get your new bow?¡±


    Thankful for the question, Callie responded, ¡°I need to meet with Vonn tomorrow so she can fit me. After that, it takes a week or so because of the enchantments. I¡¯ll probably stop by after training tomorrow, before dinner.¡±


    ¡°Enchantments?¡± Fynisse asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Fizzlebek, he¡¯s a Gnome and the head Enchanter, is going to add two of them. One so I have an endless number of arrows and another so the bow will repair itself.¡±


    ¡°Only two? That seems rather paltry,¡± Juniper said, somewhat judgmentally.


    Callie shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know how it works, but I guess that¡¯s all the bow will hold due to the quality of the wood. But Vonn is going to add some runes for a little extra power, too. That¡¯s good, because I¡¯ll need everything I can get. Anything I use is going to be underpowered compared to a longbow.¡±


    A light bell rang, causing conversations to sputter to a stop, as Master Trainer Thorn walked out onto the field facing the assembled recruits.

 Chapter 28 Part 23 - The Carnival of Animals

    PART XXIII - THE CARNIVAL OF ANIMALS


    ¡°Congratulations to all of you on completing your first day of training,¡± an amplified Master Trainer Thorn began, addressing the crowd. ¡°I know most of you are tired, but we have just a few announcements and then something fun, before you will be dismissed.¡±


    Ogre House had just been joined by Koda, accompanied by one of his fellow Paladins, a well-muscled female Elf named Jitta. The remainder of the recruits had all filtered into the bleachers, with Xin and her fellow Shamans being the last to arrive. The Lizardkin broke off and joined the rest of Ogre House. All the trainers and several staff were also in attendance, either standing around, or a few seated along with the recruits. Callie saw Reynard standing off to one side, still a sour look on his face.


    ¡°I would like to remind you all,¡± Thorn continued, ¡°that there will be absolutely no use of your new skills outside of the presence of your trainers, unless you have been cleared to use them otherwise. Violators will be treated far more harshly than you saw yesterday. Don¡¯t test me on this one, am I clear?¡±


    An agreeable murmur sounded among all the recruits, several looking at the pink-bonneted Dunni, who visibly shrunk under the multiple gazes.


    ¡°Good enough,¡± Thorn said, before continuing. ¡°Evening meal will commence two hours after training concludes for the day and be available for one hour. That will give you time to use the bath if you should need to, and change clothes. You¡¯re sweaty, and probably smell, so my advice is to do so. The evenings after dinner are yours, but if you use them to do any practice, you must be on the field to do so. Occasionally, there may be night activities as part of your training and you will assemble as your trainer orders.¡±


    Master Trainer Thorn gestured to Trainer Rowani, who had been standing off to the side, and the Elf in charge of the amplification spell ran up and passed it to her.


    ¡°Good afternoon. I am Druid Trainer Rowani. As you all know, one of the skills that makes a Druid so versatile, is the ability to change into animals appropriate for whatever situation may present itself. The animal forms that each Druid receives is unique, and known not even to them until the first time they make the change. It has become tradition for that first change to occur here, so that everyone, including the recruit, may be surprised together.¡±


    A general murmur went up among the bleachers, with everyone starting to speculate as to what they may be seeing next. In the ring, Rowani gestured and Bratig, Melga and Wallir all made their way, spreading out to give each other space.


    ¡°¡±Why isn¡¯t Tazrok out there?¡± Callie asked her friends. It was quite noticeable that Tazrok had not joined them.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but he looks happy, so there must be a reason,¡± Lena responded, gesturing toward the smiling Ogre standing off to the side.


    ¡°A Druid learns four forms at Iron Tier,¡± Rowani continued, ¡°each for a different role they may need to be in. In this case, each of these recruits have received forms for stealth, flight, Striker, and Guardian. Try to remember their forms, as you may see them walking, crawling, slithering or flying through the camp at some point. They won¡¯t be able to speak, but will be able to hear and understand you.¡±


    Rowani cleared her throat before continuing. ¡°We will begin with stealth. The purpose of this role is to sneak for infiltration and spying, as well as the ability to hide should the need arise. It is generally a small creature and something one would overlook as harmless.¡± Rowani turned to the three recruits, stiffly calling out an order. ¡°Recruits, assume your stealth form.¡±


    You could see the nervous look on each face, but the three Druids closed their eyes, concentrating on calling forth the Nature magic needed for the transformations.


    With a shimmering of power, Wallir assumed the form of a small, pitch-black, Dire Rat. You could see the surprised look on his new furry face as he looked down, seeing he suddenly had paws, and his glowing red eyes seemed to suggest something darker than the rat face implied. His transformation was quickly followed by Bratig, who became what appeared to be a small, fast-moving six-legged lizard with skin that would blend into its background, known as a Pygmy Forest Grist, while Melga became a Rolli, a small, armored rodent, similar to an armadillo. Rowani quickly called out the animals so those in the audience that couldn¡¯t see the small creatures well due to distance knew what they were. Melga proceeded to curl herself into a small ball, and roll quickly around the field, exhibiting the reason for the animal¡¯s name.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    With the light applause of the audience, the three changed back into their normal forms, huge grins on their faces and generally looking pleased with what they had received. Melga, in particular, was jumping in joy at her new form, making it known she had never expected anything like it.


    ¡°Our next form is the flight form. Druids, please do not take off and fly around. We don¡¯t have time today, and when you crash into something, we will all laugh at you. Go ahead and assume your forms.¡±


    Once more, with Rowani calling out each creatures¡¯ names, the trio underwent a transformation as first Bratig morphed into a Blood-faced Owl almost as large as Pixyl. It was a dull-yellowish bird with striking red features encircling its huge eyes that seemed keen to pick up the slightest of movements in the darkest of light. Next, Wallir assumed the guise of a black Dire Bat, which was nearly as tall as Callie, and sported the same angry, glowing red eyes as his rat form. Finally, Melga transformed into a winged Drakeling, a green-scaled reptile, slightly smaller than Wallir¡¯s bat, with two long horns jutting back from her dragon-like head. Upon Rowani''s command, they swiftly reverted to their original forms, before anyone got any bright ideas about trying to fly around.


    The three Druids¡¯ Striker transformations boasted an impressive array of diversity, with Bratig leading the way, morphing into a long, muted-yellow lizard with black highlights, reminiscent vaguely of a Komodo Dragon but with six lengthier limbs and incredibly fast and agile movements. Known as a Rockjaw, this form boasted formidable teeth and claws capable of tearing through almost anything, an acidic bite, and finally a heavy, muscular tail said to be able to smash apart boulders, hence the name.


    Melga, on the other hand, transformed into a lightly-scaled creature vaguely built like a great cat, standing a little over a meter-and-a-half at the shoulder. She was roughly silver in color, although the scales reflected a rainbow of colors depending on the angle of the sun. Her head sported a pair of sharp-tipped horns that could easily impale anyone she might charge at. Known as a Horned Ice Uraxe, in addition to sharp teeth and deadly retractable claws, she also had a ice-based breath attack that could freeze an enemy. As the crowd cheered, Melga playfully swished her newly acquired tail, chasing it in circles a couple times to add to the thrill, before sitting to gaze at her paw and flexing her razor-sharp claws for the first time.


    Lastly, Wallier continued his theme and shifted into a colossal, black Dire Wolf, also towering about one-and-a-half meters tall at the shoulder, perhaps slightly larger and heavier than Melga¡¯s Uraxe form. His eyes emanated the same furious blaze red as his bat and rat forms, and his dagger-sized teeth and claws appeared ready to shred anything that they might seize. He let off a long howl to the cheers of the crowd, now getting excited by finally seeing the more-dangerous creatures.


    For their final act, their Guardian forms, Melga was the first to finish transforming. She became a huge Owlbear larger than Wallir¡¯s Dire Wolf form. She was covered with thick, brown fur which covered rippling muscles, while her huge paws were easily larger than a person''s head, with claws that could rip said-head apart in an instant. The Owlbear¡¯s face was less owl-like than the name suggested, having no feathers, but it did feature a strong and incredibly sharp beak. Large eyes, just as with Bratig¡¯s owl form, were capable of picking up even the tiniest of movements and could also see in even the dimmest of light.


    Bratig¡¯s new form was quite impressive in its own way. While smaller than Melga¡¯s Owlbear, his form as an Armored Cyophroda was absolutely built to be a Guardian. Just shy of one-and-a-half meters in height, and nearly four meters long, Bratig-the-Cyphroda had a wide, squat body, with six thick legs that ended in broad, flat feet sporting sharp, retractable claws. Its entire body, from head to tail, was covered in thick, bony plates, including many that were quite sharp, that acted as an additional natural defense. The head was small in proportion to the rest of the body, with a sharp beak-like mouth and exceptionally powerful jaws. Perhaps most distinctive, though, was Bratig¡¯s tail, which ended in a large, club-like appendage made of solid bone with a pair of spikes on it.


    Wallir''s Guardian form kept his personal theme going and turned into a gigantic, black Dire Bear. He was similar to Melga, in that he was a slightly-larger bear shape, but at that point the comparison ended. The absolute-black of his fur and glowing, fiery-red eyes like his other Dire forms remained, adding an extra layer of fear to the sight. Wallier roared, showing long, sharp teeth lining a powerful jaw. There was no doubt that this was a form for fighting, and absolutely able to take a hit and return it ten-fold over.


    At Rowani¡¯s request, the three Druids shifted back to their native forms, to the ongoing applause from the audience of recruits and others. The exhausted mood had evaporated, as everyone enjoyed the spectacle of the new animal forms, as well as watching the Druids themselves discover them for the first time. Waving to the crowd, the three left the center ring, leaving Rowani alone once again. Once out of the way, the three Druids engaged in excited conversation, congratulating each other on all their new forms.


    ¡°Many of you may have noticed that one Druid wasn¡¯t up here. That was on purpose for reasons I¡¯ll explain soon. Everyone, I give you your very own Corporal of Punishment, Druid Tazrok.¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 24 - Adorable ... and Not

    PART XXIV - ADORABLE ¡­ AND NOT


    There was another round of cheering as Tazrok walked into the ring, waving to the onlookers, which helped everyone really get into the show they were witnessing. Now knowing he was excluded for a reason, and that indeed he was also going to be getting his forms, the excitement was quickly growing as to what could possibly happen.


    ¡°Corporal,¡± Rowani began as the cheers finally died off, ¡°If you would assume your stealth form.¡±


    Tazrok nodded, letting his mind drift, and shutting out the other recruits, trainers and everyone else looking at him. He looked to the stands, easily picking Callie Gnome and Blue Pixie out of the crowd, both smiling in joy alongside Lena Elf and all the rest. His friends. He closed his eyes.


    WILD FORM - STEALTH


    The world rippled, and he re-opened his eyes to find he was looking up at the smiling face of Trainer Rowani. In fact, he was looking way, way up at her! He looked down, seeing he was only centimeters from the ground, and then he noticed he had not Ogre hands, but a tiny paw with tiny claws, even though the paw was perfectly the right size for what he had become. He looked behind him, able to easily twist and bend, and saw he was covered in dull white fur with black highlights, and his tail was long and likewise covered in fur. Finally, he could see that the skin between his front and rear legs was stretched, and could sense it would allow him to glide through the air if he launched from a height.


    ¡°Sky Weasel!¡± someone in the front row cried out, pointing at the tiny Tazrok. At once, there was a unified ¡®awwwww¡¯ sound from much of the audience as they looked down at the little creature that was formerly their Corporal Punishment.


    ¡°He kinda looks like a ferret,¡± Callie said to the rest of her group, not quite able to make out detail at her distance. ¡°If so, that¡¯s absolutely adorable.¡±


    ¡°For stealth, that¡¯s a great form,¡± Lena said. ¡°They are incredibly nimble and able to get into some of the smallest of places. Plus you''re right, they are really cute.¡±


    ¡°They can f-f-fly, too, sort of,¡± Pixyl added. ¡°Well, they can glide really well, that is,¡± she amended.


    With a blink, the Sky Weasel disappeared, replaced by the smiling Ogre, looking at his transformed hands. He acknowledged the few applause, and then waved up to the rest of Ogre House who were clapping along as well.


    After a moment, Rowani nodded. ¡°Flight form, if you would.¡± Then she quickly amended. ¡°No flying around.¡±


    Tazrok nodded, shook out his arms like he was limbering up, and took a deep breath. With a warble of magic, he was replaced by ¡­ a tiny housecat. The mood of the audience went still as a moment of confusion reigned, wondering why a little kitten was the flight form. Tazrok-the-Cat was a very light, tan color from whisker to tail, save darker tips on his ears, nose, and feet.


    ¡°He has become a ¡­ a cat,¡± Rowani called out apprehensively for those at a distance. ¡°Most unusual.¡±


    The little kitty Tazrok looked up at his trainer, and then extended a pair of small, feathered wings, letting out a single, plaintive ¡®meow¡¯.


    ¡°He has become a cat ¡­ with wings!¡± Rowani announced, confused relief evident in her voice. Then she followed up with, ¡°I do not know this animal. Does anyone know what this might be called?¡±


    The audience was quiet as everyone looked at each other, shrugging, having no idea what a winged cat might be. After a moment a voice called out, ¡°I do.¡± Shul¡¯an had stood, his hand raised. ¡°I know of these creatures. They are native to my home and the deserts south of the Great Oasis. They are known as Khaprexi. They are said to bring great luck to those they befriend, and are distantly related to Griffins.¡±


    ¡°I see, thank you.¡± Rowani said, being aware for the first time that winged housecats actually existed. She then shrugged, and simply announced ¡°Tazrok has become a Khaprexi!¡±


    ¡°Whatever he is, he¡¯s really cute!¡± one of the female Dwarves called out, with a few more people echoing the sentiments as a new ripple of excitement rolled through the audience. A grinning Dregorio, who was the only one with domestic housecat heritage in the audience, gestured and labeled Tazrok ¡®simply magnificent!¡¯.


    ¡°A kitty and a ferret,¡± Callie cooed. ¡°I wonder if the other two will be as cute and fuzzy?¡±


    ¡°You had to say that, didn¡¯t you,¡± Lena groaned.


    With a ripple, the Khaprexi kitten returned to being a gigantic Ogre, and Rowani waved her hands to get everyone¡¯s attention so they all could continue. With a nod, she announced, ¡°Tazrok¡¯s Striker form.¡±


    With another burst of magic, Tazrok changed shape. Those that were expecting another adorable creature of some kind were completely shocked when the result was anything but. Standing before them was nearly the exact opposite of an adorable creature, and a few people in the lower rows briefly screamed in surprise. Trainer Rowani herself, who had been standing close, was knocked backwards and nearly fell, before instinctively turning into her hawk form to not hit the ground. She quickly reverted back and looked up at the visage in front of her.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°T-Tazrok has become a Hellhound,¡± Rowani finally managed to say, a combination of shock and dread evident in her voice, as several of the trainers instinctively had moved initially to a fighting stance. ¡°A really big one!¡±


    To call Tazrok a hound would be akin to calling a Dragon an ¡®oversized lizard,¡¯ it simply did not do him justice. Tazrok stood on four legs, each sporting five gigantic, semi-retractable claws. The Hellhound rose to a height of well over two meters to his shoulders, with his monstrous head even taller than that and sporting a pair of glowing, yellow eyes. He was vaguely shaped like a huge dog, but that was where the similarities ended. Completely hairless, he had taut, midnight-black skin rippling with muscles that seemed to radiate with rage and dread. Behind, a long, thin tail was weighted at its end, similar to Bratig¡¯s Cyophroda form but without spikes, able to be swung and smashed into anything or anyone, providing the claws or teeth hadn¡¯t already handled the problem.


    Tazrok raised his head to the sky and roared, the sound a deafening cacophony of horror. As the roar ended, still echoing in the distance, everything went silent.


    Callie stared in awe at what her friend had become. His soul rattling, horrific roar reminded her of the roar of Godzilla, and a part of her instantly felt sympathy for anyone, or anything, that might be on the receiving end of Tazrok¡¯s Striker form. Then she wondered, if this is his Striker form, what could his Guardian look like?


    ¡°He¡¯s still a little cute,¡± someone said hesitantly, breaking the awed silence, ¡°in a terrifying ¡®going to eat you¡¯ kind of way.¡±


    That comment served to break a lot of the tension, allowing the initial shock to end and everyone to get a much better look at Tazrok-the-Hellhound. As scary as he was, he really was a magnificent animal. Everything about him was custom built to intimidate or destroy whatever might get in his way, yet you could still see a vague sense of Tazrok in its eyes, letting you know the Ogre was still in there.


    Rowani finally broke the moment, asking Tazrok to return to native form, which he did immediately. Returning to her announcer duties, she said ¡°Now for his final form. When you need a Guardian, you only need to call upon¡­¡± With that, the Catkin gestured to the Ogre, who nodded once and took a deep breath. While the Hellhound had elicited a few screams of shock, now there were several screams of actual fear.


    Callie was one of those that screamed in horror, and she actually hid behind Lena and Vanis, peering over their shoulders and between their heads.


    Rowani was speechless, although not terrified like some of the others, but simply having no words to say that would be close to appropriate.


    Tazrok looked all around him. This was confusing, because he could look all around him, in all directions, without even moving his head. He held up his hand, which was covered with a very light layer of dark-blue hair, ending in three sharp claws. His arm, which was now very long, was likewise covered in a sparse amount of blue hair up to his elbow, and then black hair above that. As was his other arm, and his other arm, and his other arm ¡­ and his four other arms, too. Behind him, his huge, chitin-covered abdomen was also layered with a light covering of black hair, and he knew at his rear he had a long, venomous stinger that could pierce through even steel armor. He was a spider. A really, really, really, big spider.


    Standing at slightly under three meters, Tazrok had become a giant Blue-footed Cave Spider. Normally, even in the deep caves they often dwell in, they would never get much larger than about forty centimeters tall, although reports have been made of them reaching almost one-and-a-half meters. The Cave Spiders were venomous with a potent limb paralytic in their bite, and they would span the tunnels with webs in the hope to catch bats, rats, and anything else small enough to get tangled up in them. Once ensnared, the Cave Spiders used their sting to deliver a highly-effective sleep poison, allowing them to keep their prey alive until it was time to eat them. They were sometimes territorial and could be aggressive, especially if encountered in numbers, or worse, in a nest. Tazrok, a few years previous, had helped to clear out such a nest that had invaded a subsection of the city sewers, and unfortunately captured and killed a few Goblins before they could be dealt with. Now, Tazrok Thunderfist, had become one, and he wasn¡¯t quite sure what to make of that.


    It took nearly a minute for everything to calm enough for the assembly to continue. Several recruits were still quite terrified, obviously dealing with an acute attack of arachnophobia, while a few others were more curious as anything, having never seen anything like Tazrok-the-Spider.


    ¡°I guess I don¡¯t have to say the obvious,¡± Rowani began, ¡°but Tazrok is a spider.¡± She gestured weakly to the huge beast, before quickly signaling Tazrok to drop form. He did so, and a wave of relief went through many. ¡°So just know, if you see a giant spider walking through the camp, it¡¯s probably friendly.¡±


    ¡°¡®Probably¡¯ isn¡¯t really great odds!¡± someone shouted out, being quite serious, but actually managing to break some of the tension that Tazrok¡¯s Guardian form had created. The levity lasted a few moments, before Rowani cleared her throat, and quickly everyone settled down, returning their attention to the front, seeing there was more to come.


    ¡°There is a reason why Tazrok was done separately, after the other three,¡± Rowani said, now that she had everyone''s attention again. ¡°Something happened that I have never known possible. Tazrok, who is only Iron Tier, received a fifth form.¡± A subtle murmur went through the audience, especially the trainers, who were quite familiar with what was normal for Druid recruits.


    ¡°Yes, it was quite a shock for us all, and we did have Tazrok try it out, unsure what it was. So while not a surprise to him, I think you will all be quite impressed. Tazrok, if you would assume your Draft form.¡±


    The big Ogre nodded as Rowani stepped several paces away. With a deep breath, a moment of concentration, and a wobble of magic, Tazrok¡¯s huge Brontorn form replaced his own. Gasps went up as they looked out at the gigantic beast. Master Trainer Thorn was awestruck, having been around even Platinum Tier Druids for years and never seeing something this enormous. In an instant, his mind started to spin with the combat possibilities of such a huge animal, and he realized he would need to have some serious conversations with both Tazrok and Rowani about the form¡¯s limitations and possible tactics.


    Rowani walked up to Tazrok, and patted him gently on the side of his giant head. ¡°I present to you, Tazrok, the Brontorn!¡±


    Surprisingly, several recruits wanted to inspect Tazrok close up, having never actually seen a Brontorn before, and they rushed forward. Quickly, at least twenty people surrounded him, touching his legs or horns. To his credit, Tazrok remained still, allowing everyone to check him out and occasionally grunting out nonsensical responses to a deluge of random questions. It was only when someone suggested riding the beast, that Rowani had to put a stop to things, ordering Tazrok back to Ogre form. There was a collective groan of disappointment, and everyone returned reluctantly to their seats.

 Chapter 28 Part 25 - Scorekeeping

    PART XXV - SCOREKEEPING


    The Druid activities now concluded, Rowani turned the proceedings back over to Master Trainer Thorn, as he assumed the amplification sigil.


    Thorn worked to get everyone¡¯s attention, but with all the new forms, especially those of Tazrok, almost all attention to the assembly had faded. Thorn finally was forced to send out a Command Aura pulse to get everyone settled and facing forward. ¡°We only have one more thing to review, and trust me you¡¯ll want to pay attention to this next one,¡± he said, once he had control of the proceedings.


    ¡°To begin, thank you to all the Druids for sharing that experience with all of us. All of you should feel honored to be part of our little tradition, and remember this day. You¡¯ve witnessed the ¡­ birth if you will ¡­ of four new Druids.¡± He led a short round of applause, to which the five Druids bowed their heads in acknowledgement.


    ¡°One last thing, then,¡± Thorn began, re-addressing his audience. ¡°I¡¯m going to tell you another secret query you can make.¡±


    Instantly, there was silence and absolute focus on the Ratkin.


    ¡°Yes, I thought that might get your attention,¡± Thorn said with a chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ll keep this simple. If you ever want to know how close you are to your next Tier, you need only ask ¡®What is my level¡¯.¡±


    Almost in perfect synchronization, every single recruit suddenly became still and looked inward, and Callie was no different, immediately submitting her query.


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: IRON.056


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Within a moment, people started calling out various random numbers, trying to see who was the highest. Many seemed to be below one-hundred, and a notable number of those below fifty. Quickly, Callie asked Jesca her number.


    ¡°IRON.198,¡± Jesca said with a shrug.


    Callie polled everyone else in her group and Pixyl revealed her IRON.781 rating, Lena IRON.551, Xin IRON.219, and Vanis a whopping IRON.941, eclipsing every other number she heard being shared around her. Fynisse had a depressing IRON.000, and was a little bummed about that. Juniper, of course, had no idea what they were really talking about, but just seemed happy to sit next to Vanis and be with people.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Koda said his score was SILVER.169, wowing everyone with his high Tier. He reemphasized he was only a recruit though, and that by the end of training, everyone would catch up and surpass his current score.. His compatriot, Jitta, ranked like most as Iron, with a score of 175.


    ¡°On the chance any of you are wondering,¡± Thorn called out, everyone immediately going quiet, ¡°My own class is Martialist, and my level today is PLATINUM.982.¡±


    There were several murmurs as people tried to put the pieces together as to what the numbers could mean, although to Callie it was pretty self-evident.


    ¡°When your number reaches one-thousand, you will rise to the next tier,¡± Thorn continued. ¡°Using this query, you are able to track your progress, and not wonder what your status may be. However, one thing you all need to know: Progress will only occur when you are in deep sleep, and it must be a natural sleep where you are dreaming. No spells. No potions. Simple herbal sleep aids are fine if needed, though. For those of you with low numbers, and I suspect there are a few zeros out there, rest assured you¡¯ll be well into the triple-digits come morning. By the end of the week, all of you currently at Iron will progress to Bronze.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so close!¡± someone called out to Thorn.


    The Master Trainer chuckled. ¡°Yes, I know. Your number increases when you learn something new or different, or apply what you know in a newly creative way. Doing the same thing over and over doesn¡¯t raise your score much, or eventually raise it at all. As a result, at high Platinum, there¡¯s not a lot for me to do that is actually new and different. I had been stuck at .981 for a while now, and only rose to .982 this morning.¡± Thorn shrugged. ¡°Do your best, and the numbers and new Tiers will come. That¡¯s absolutely the best advice I could possibly give you. Wasting energy worrying about your rank is just a distraction.¡±


    ¡°Vanis, you are almost there, too¡± Callie said to the Warlock.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vanis confirmed. ¡°Yesterday morning, I was in the low eight-hundreds, but apparently with Dunni¡¯s summoning shenanigans yesterday, I rose this morning.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Lena snapped, ¡°You knew about this whole ¡®query¡¯ thing before today? Why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡±


    Vanis shrugged. ¡°It was not my place to share that information. Obviously some people knew; Dunni for example, as he was able to unlock his Summon Fiend skill. But you saw what happened there. Now, imagine the chaos if word got out to all the recruits?¡±


    Lena frowned, knowing Vanis was right. She smacked his arm, ¡°Still, you should have told us at least.¡± But there was a smile on her face, and she bore no grudge. But suddenly, Lena frowned again, looking at Callie. ¡°You knew, too, didn¡¯t you? Your little sword fight ¡­¡±


    Callie winced, ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Xera told me, when I got my Sniper Shot skill in the shower and was recovering. But they swore me to secrecy.¡±


    Lena threw up her hands. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m the last to know everything around here!¡±

 Chapter 28 Part 26 - Misdirected Anger

    PART XXVI - MISDIRECTED ANGER


    Thorn¡¯s level-check revelation concluded, he dismissed everyone with another stern reminder to use no skills not cleared with one¡¯s trainer, followed by wishing all a pleasant evening. The mood was jovial as most conversations between the recruits were swirling around their level numbers, or in a few cases back to the Druid animal forms.


    Callie¡¯s group began to break up, everyone off to clean up or otherwise pass time before the meal bell. Juniper bid them all farewell and walked away towards the woods, saying she wanted to take care of something before she was to report to the medical tent and Master Healer Tasi for her Symbiote joining. As she parted, she added that she looked forward to seeing everyone the next day. Vanis stayed back, and pulled Callie aside when the others were out of earshot.


    ¡°I spoke briefly with Training Master Thorn,¡± he said in a low tone. ¡°We¡¯re to meet with the Commandant in their office two hours after the meal concludes.¡±


    Callie swallowed hard, suddenly nervous, but acknowledged the information.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t provide any details, but did have to at least imply this was related to my position in the nobility to be taken seriously. As a result, others of the senior staff will likely be present as well. I should also warn you, when you reveal this information, you will likely be examined under Truthseeking. It will be painless, but you must avoid any subterfuge.¡±


    Knowing about Lena¡¯s Truthseeking skill, Callie wasn¡¯t particularly shocked that this conversation might entail that examination, but a tiny part of her couldn¡¯t help but be disappointed she might not be taken at her word. Of course, if the positions were reversed, and she had such a tool available, she honestly would probably do the same.


    ¡°Okay, thank you, Vanis, for everything.¡±


    Vanis gave Callie¡¯s shoulder a squeeze of support, before following after the rest of the recruits to clean up and prepare for dinner. As she watched him go, Callie saw a subtle difference in his stature that was hard to define. He had always been confident, but now seemed a little more authoritative, and she wondered if it was from him needing to throw his princely weight around a bit on her behalf, the medal and promotion the night before, or something else. Whatever it was, it suited him well, and Callie found herself grateful for his friendship.


    As Callie¡¯s started to follow the rest, the sound of someone clearing their voice startled her. She turned to find Trainer Reynard lurking, apparently waiting for her. Callie gulped as she immediately thought back to the reprimand and its tone an hour earlier, as her stomach twisted itself into a nervous knot.


    ¡°Trainer!¡± she croaked out, her throat suddenly dry.


    ¡°Recruit,¡± he responded stoically, before adding, ¡°might we have a word?¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said weakly, before immediately launching into apology mode. ¡°I really want to say I¡¯m sorry for ¡­¡±


    Reynard waved her silent. ¡°Please, let me speak for a moment first.¡±


    Callie swallowed hard, but managed to nod her head.


    ¡°My tone with you was incredibly out of line, and I¡¯m the one that needs to apologize, and probably to your Pixie friend as well. My anger was misdirected, when in truth I was furious at the Major and Olin.¡±


    Confused, Callie simply asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    Reynard ran his paw along his head, breathing out a heavy sigh. ¡°I do not care for charms and curses. They obviously have great combat usefulness, but they are a violation, especially on someone not prepared. In this case, neither you nor the Catkin were made aware this was to happen. If he had engaged with you, rather than running in fear, you could have been seriously injured. Or, if you had cornered him, you may have hurt him as well. In my opinion, this was an unacceptable intrusion without a warning, and an unnecessary risk. Obviously, the Major disagreed. I lashed out at you in the heat of the moment. I¡¯m dreadfully sorry.¡±


    Callie blinked, trying to process words she had never expected to hear from her trainer. ¡°So ¡­ so you¡¯re not mad we were sword fighting?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, we fully expected someone to exceed the lesson, and had planned to use that eventuality to demonstrate the need for restraint and safety once a recruit was injured. In fact, we all, the trainers that is, had a quiet bet going on which pair it would be.¡±


    Callie narrowed her eyes. ¡°Who did you pick?¡±


    ¡°You, naturally. In fact, we all chose you. It really wasn¡¯t a contest. A Gnome and a Pixie are no doubt a volatile combination of trouble no matter the circumstance.¡±


    Callie couldn¡¯t help but laugh at that answer, and was comforted to see Reynard smile as well. A part of her was actually beginning to enjoy the reputation as the mischief-maker in camp, especially when paired with her sister-like friend, Pixyl.


    ¡°But,¡± the Foxkin continued with a warning, ¡°the Major was correct in one thing. It is critical to restrain yourself to the training routines, at minimum for your own safety, but also so you don¡¯t pick up any bad habits like your friend has. I presume you saw her obvious openings?¡±


    ¡°I did, eventually. She was repetitive in her sequence of attacks.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, and we could all see you were figuring that out as the fight progressed, hence why the Major waited until you finally struck her to issue the Taunt. Your swordplay has great potential, you should know. Vonn said as much when I spoke with her earlier today.¡±


    Callie felt her face warm with the praise, especially coming from Reynard, and indirectly from Vonn for that matter. Needing to respond in some way, she simply replied, ¡°Thank you, Sir.¡±


    ¡°But, Recruit, you also must be well honed, especially due to your size being such a detriment. So please, for your own good, stick with our lessons for now. Eventually, you¡¯ll be able to experiment on your own when your core techniques are well established.¡± Reynard looked as if he was going to say more, but he seemed to change his mind stating, ¡°I¡¯ll apologize to the rest of the Ranger recruits in the morning, with the same message. Get some rest if you can, we have a busy day tomorrow. Please, have a pleasant evening.¡±


    The Foxkin trainer began to walk off, but stopped. Without turning to look at Callie, he added, ¡°Watching you chase that Bladedancer around the field was probably one of the funniest things I¡¯ve ever seen, but I¡¯ll deny it if you tell anyone I said that.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it, Sir,¡± Callie replied, grinning.

 AUTHOR NOTE - The State of the Story (end of chapter 28)

    Greetings my lovely readers,


    The end of Chapter 28, the completion of the first day of training, represents a milestone for me on the progress of Callie¡¯s Heroes. I had no idea last December if I¡¯d ever even get to this part, as so many of my previous writing projects have eventually fell by the wayside. I thank each and every one of you for reading and keeping me on task.


    As of September 12, 2023, I¡¯ve finished writing Chapter 44 (which is a big fight chapter), and Chapter 45 (which is a post-fight comedown chapter), plus a solid draft of Chapter 46 (needs polishing, including cleaning up a minor action scene) bringing the total written text to just shy of 400,000 words. At this point, I¡¯ve also plotted out in broad strokes the entire story, and have even written a draft of the very ending epilogue, which is quietly waiting to be dusted off some day when the time comes. It is my hope that this backlog will allow me to stay far enough ahead of the posting rate should I need to take a break due to short-term burnout, holiday, or crazy things like real-world stuff (*cough* Starfield *cough*).


    This backlog will also give me an opportunity to do something I¡¯ve been wanting to do for several months, and that is to do a rewrite on Chapters 1-4, in particular, and possibly a few additional beyond that. They suffered from being early in the story before a lot of the deep details had gelled together, and honestly the pacing and writing leaves something to be desired. Callie also comes off as completely ¡°ditzy¡± far too long, until the explanation is delivered at the end of Chapter 8 - it needs to be toned down a bit and/or better explained earlier in the story. The infodumps are too much, too hard and need to be spread out and more organic. A few minor retcons are probably also needed (simple things like character power sets, for example, and threads I initially dangled that I¡¯ve realized I don¡¯t wish to pursue). My plan is to make these rewrites my NaNoWriMo project this year.


    There are some fun and exciting things coming up. As always, shenanigans will ensue at every turn. Callie will continue to be her crazy, snarky blend of Kaylee (Firefly) + Harley Quinn (with a handful of other personality inspirations in the mix), while her friends will grow with her as she continues to be the nexus of chaos for everyone she meets. She¡¯ll soon reach Bronze tier, which opens up even more powers in her repertoire and you¡¯ll begin to see her unique potential really start to shine as a Ranger, a Gnome and as a person in this new land.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    I know there have been some justifiable concerns (complaints?) about the slow-pace in terms of in-world time passage, as Chapter 28 only puts us at Day 3. I hadn''t really intended the pace to be this slow, but it somehow just evolved out that way as I wrote, with outlined plot-points getting pushed back in favor of making the characters feel more real. I hope to speed things up with larger and larger time skips, occasionally stopping for an event or fight that might occupy a chapter or three, before another block of time is allowed to pass. I hope the character-based storyline is keeping you all engaged, despite the pace and the anticipatory shadow of the war on the horizon. Personally, I''ve been finding that I look at the story in the context of Callie, as if her finding her way is as much the adventure, as is what ultimately awaits beyond the walls.


    Speaking of characters, it is my goal to start coloring in some of the side characters we''ve met. Slowly, you''ll learn more about the personal motivations and background of the officers, trainers and the other side-cast. Several have small mini-arcs coming up, sometimes only a chapter or two, while others will start to interweave more deeply into Callie''s story.


    As a final thought, I have noticed is that the commentary on each chapter has become a little sparse, and I¡¯m not sure why this is. It does pick up a bit on Tazrok chapters, and I''m gathering he''s a fan favorite, as well as a bit more activity as the recent Chapter 28 came to a close. There are over 800 people reading this story on a regular basis (based on pageviews and follower analytics), but with little feedback, it¡¯s really tough to get a read on whether you are all actually, you know, enjoying it, and what your thoughts are.


    So that said, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you all to add chapter comments on what you like (or don¡¯t like) about what you''ve read, speculations, and what moments may have brought you joy. As you can imagine, positive feedback, excitement and interaction goes a long way towards keeping a writer motivated on any RR or other serial work. If you like what you¡¯ve read, please click the follow icon. If you¡¯ve already followed the story, and have enjoyed Callie¡¯s Heroes to this point, I encourage you to add it as a favorite. Both actions help the RR algorithm get the story noticed. If commenting publicly isn''t to your taste, please feel free to DM me your thoughts as well.


    As a final thought, I just wanted to thank all of you one last time for reading and supporting the story. I hope you are all getting as much enjoyment out of reading it as I am getting out of writing it.


    RAH


    <hr>

 Chapter 29 Part I - Loose Lips

    PART I - LOOSE LIPS


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Vanis asked a visibly nervous Callie.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Callie mumbled. She took a deep breath and sighed, before finally adding, ¡°But, let¡¯s do this.¡± Together, Elf and Gnome walked the last twenty meters to the steps leading up to the Commandant¡¯s office.


    The Commandant¡¯s office looked from the front very similar to Ogre House, sporting a small porch and a large, Ogre-sized door, inlaid with a standard-sized one. But it was much longer, reflecting the likelihood of multiple rooms inside appropriate for the responsibilities of command.


    Vanis knocked lightly on the inset door, and a soft voice called, ¡°Enter,¡± from within.


    Together, Callie and Vanis entered into a waiting area with two Ogre-sized chairs, and a half-dozen standard ones, which each had built-in steps to allow easy access by the smaller races. Behind a simple desk sat the same Elf that had been responsible for the amplification sigil used so often when public addresses were being done. She offered a warm smile.


    ¡°Good evening,¡± Vanis said, graciously.


    ¡°To you as well. I am Kyra, the Commandant¡¯s assistant. I was told to expect you and will pass word you are here, but I believe we are still waiting for two more arrivals. If you would make yourself comfortable in the meantime.¡±


    Together, the two recruits sat, Callie fidgeting nervously, while Kyra stepped through an inset door into the next room, gently closing it behind her.


    Seeing Callie fretting, Vanis asked, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Just nervous,¡± Callie replied. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m waiting to see a judge or something.¡±


    Vanis raised an eyebrow. ¡°A judge?¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°I got into a lot of trouble as a teen. Dumb stuff, really. Nothing tattoo-worthy, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re wondering. Well, maybe a couple tattooable things.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see,¡± the Warlock responded, with a nod. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll give you the same advice I¡¯m sure you received at that time. Be polite. Be truthful. Try not to be emotional.¡°


    ¡°Yup, that¡¯s pretty much what my lawyer and parents told me then, too. Didn¡¯t always work, though. But if I get out of line in any way, just pinch me or something.¡±


    The smaller outside door opened, and Legate Galin walked in quickly. Seeing the two waiting he added, ¡°Good evening to you both. Apologies if I¡¯m late.¡±


    ¡°We only just arrived,¡± Vanis assured him.


    ¡°Colonel,¡± Kyra said in a chipper greeting, emerging from the back and closing the door behind her.


    ¡°Kyra, lovely to see you again.¡±


    ¡°You as well. You are to go right in. I understand Tasi will be delayed, but I was asked to show these two in after you¡¯ve had a few minutes to get settled with the rest.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Galin said, as he started to walk towards the closed door.


    ¡°Galin?¡± Kyra started, the Legate stopping his march towards the back. ¡°I am not sure how late you will be, but on the chance I am done for the evening when you leave, I just wanted to thank you for the book you lent me. It was quite ¡­ inspiring. I look forward to discussing it in greater detail soon.¡±


    Galin almost seemed to blush as he stammered out a quick, ¡°Of-of course. I will look forward to it as well.¡± He shot a quick, almost embarrassed look at Callie and Vanis, before coughing politely and quickly disappearing through the door.


    ¡°You did that on purpose,¡± Vanis said with a sly smile.


    ¡°He is so easy to fluster, sometimes,¡± Kyra said with a slight giggle and a coy smile of her own.


    ¡°What book, if I may ask?¡±


    ¡°The Tales of the Pirate Queen Diondra.¡±


    ¡°I know of it. Quite the ¡­ ribald story as I recall.¡±


    ¡°It is, at that, isn¡¯t it,¡± Kyra added with a wink. She then clarified as she walked towards the door to the next room, ¡°The Colonel and I have an ¡­ intense friendship would be the best way to put it, slowly becoming more.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean they are a thing?¡± Callie whispered, trying to assemble everything from context.


    ¡°I suspect the Legate may be courting her,¡± Vanis whispered back.


    For some reason, it made Callie feel a little better about what was coming up to know there was yet even more to the Legate than he projected. She¡¯d seen him emotional, for good reason, the night before. Now knowing he had a personal life, one that was apparently a little risque, made him more of a person rather than just a superior officer.


    A light bell chimed out on the wall. ¡°They are ready for you,¡± Kyra cheerfully said, gesturing to the now-open doorway. ¡°Duwana, Your Highness.¡±


    The two stood, Vanis adding a polite, ¡°Duwanai, Miss Kyra.¡±


    <hr>


    Through the door was a conference room, with seating for perhaps ten around a large, oval table made of simple, minimally decorated wood. Additional chairs were aligned along the two side walls, and a small table with metal cups and pitchers was in the corner to the left.


    At the far end of the room was another Ogre-sized door with the expected inset smaller one, along with a large map hanging on the wall. Callie was immediately drawn towards said map, ignoring everything else as she quickly tried to take in as many details as she could about the geography in just a few moments. She could see a large indicator of a city in the center, with lines showing two rivers converging on the city from roughly the northwest and northeast, before continuing on as one almost due south. This served to divide the area shown into three sections, each with a slightly different color. Before she could look further, to maybe try to determine where the camp was located, Xera spoke up, startling Callie from her map-gazing.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°Good evening to you both. Master Healer Tasi is finishing with Juniper¡¯s joining, and will be with us as soon as she is able.¡±


    Xera walked to the table, the giant wall map now behind them. They were flanked by Galin and Thorn on either side, all three with a metal cup on the table in front of them. Celeste was already seated next to the Legate, pouring from a pitcher into her own cup. Next to Thorn had been set a fifth spot, apparently for Tasi when she arrived, with a waiting cup as well. On their side of the table, there was a pitcher with what Callie assumed was water, as well as a cup for both her and Vanis.


    ¡°Thank you for seeing us,¡± Vanis said, taking an even more-formal tone than usual. ¡°We both appreciate you all taking time from your schedules.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Xera said. ¡°Master Trainer Thorn indicated you were quite insistent on meeting this evening, implying there was a timely need for a discussion regarding Recruit Calliope.¡±


    Callie winced momentarily at the use of her full name, the stifling situation suddenly taking on an even more-serious feeling with that alone.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m afraid so. As I assured the Master Trainer, I do not believe this is a dangerous issue, but one I¡¯m sure you would wish to be apprised of, and one requiring your considered guidance.¡±


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s have it then,¡± Galin said, pulling his chair out and sitting. Xera gestured, indicating for everyone still standing to be seated.


    Carefully, feeling the scraping of the chair on the floor was incredibly loud, Callie pulled out her own chair, seeing there was a booster seat that could be lowered into place for her to sit on. Next to her, Vanis carefully filled both cups with what was indeed water, before sitting himself.


    ¡°Before we begin with Recruit Callie, I have another matter I feel I need to raise, first,¡± Vanis began. ¡°A matter that if not curtailed could prove quite dangerous for one of the recruits.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Celeste asked, suddenly concerned.


    ¡°A short time ago, at the training ground assembly, a small group of us were made aware of Juniper¡¯s ¡­ uh ¡­ ability ¡­ with regards to ¡­¡± he trailed off, trying to find the right balance of words. Finally he landed on, ¡°Her ability to assist in tracking certain things. Based on my observations last evening, I believe everyone in this room is aware of what I speak, but I¡¯m being cryptic on the off-chance I¡¯m incorrect.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?!¡± Legate Galin snarled to Callie with a hiss. ¡°You swore secrecy.¡±


    Vanis quickly held up his hand, ¡°Sir, Callie said nothing, quite the opposite, in fact. Juniper joined us and regrettably let it slip during casual conversation. This recruit immediately urged her to be silent, but by that point, Juniper had said enough.¡±


    ¡°Who was there?¡± Thorn snapped, a concerned look on his face.


    ¡°Myself and Callie, Bladedancer Recruit Lena, Bladeweaver Recruit Pixyl, and Warlock Recruit Fynisse. The implications as it relates to Dryads were immediately obvious to most everyone, save the young Warlock. Corporal-Major Pixyl immediately exercised her rank and ordered everyone¡¯s silence, including Juniper.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? The Pixie actually gave you all an order?¡± Galin said, shocked.


    ¡°I told you,¡± Celeste said quietly with a singsong tone, a brief look of smug satisfaction on her face.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Vanis continued, trying to ignore the Major. ¡°Had it occurred to me, I would have given a similar order, but honestly my mind was still recovering from what I had just learned.¡±


    The four officers exchanged hard glances at each other, before Celeste finally asked, ¡°Recruit, where do you see the issue? With your fellow Warlock?¡±


    ¡°No, Major. As it relates to Fynisse, I have every reason to believe she is trustworthy. Her first day of training proved her to be a committed young student of the Warlock arts, and seems genuinely interested in succeeding. I would suggest either the Legate or the Commandant pull her aside simply to remind her again of how secret this information must remain. No need for a harsh directive, just a subtle reminder that you know she knows, and that you trust her to keep confidence. As a formality, probably Lena and Pixyl as well.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Juniper. She¡¯s your concern, isn¡¯t she¡± Galin said with a groan.


    Vanis nodded. ¡°Indeed. Based on her statements this afternoon, I don¡¯t believe she fully comprehends what her ability may mean. For that matter, after my brief time spent socializing with her last night, it is apparent she knows little of the world outside her forest domain, save what she¡¯s learned from observing the camp. She needs to be educated about the world, and quickly.¡±


    Galin glanced at Callie, nodding his chin towards her. ¡°She made the same suggestion last night. We didn¡¯t have time to do anything like that today. Juniper needed most of the day in her tree, and only had a brief period when she returned before getting her Symbiote, so she went to the end-of-day assembly.¡±


    ¡°Regrettably, that brief time was all she needed,¡± Vanis said.


    There was a light knock on the door, and Master Healer Tasi slipped in. ¡°Apologies for my delay. Juniper apparently forgot to do something at her tree, so we got a late start.¡±


    ¡°How is she?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s tranced. The joining was uneventful.¡± Tasi shrugged. ¡°Assuming no issues, she should be awake in a little under an hour. I¡¯d like to be there when she wakes if we finish here in time.¡±


    ¡°No other concerns, then?"


    ¡°Only that we need to keep her isolated from everyone for a while,¡± Tasi said, with a slightly exasperated chuckle.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°She is ¡­ too chatty,¡± Tasi said, warily eyeing Vanis. ¡°¡°I was able to interrupt her before she said too much, but I don¡¯t want to say more.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he knows,¡± Galin said with a sigh, vaguely gesturing to the Warlock.


    ¡°He does? How?¡± Tasi said with a surprise as she turned a glare on Callie.


    ¡°Not me!¡± Callie said defensively, raising her hands.


    ¡°Juniper apparently let it slip to a few of the recruits,¡± Xera said. ¡°It seems likely the information was contained, however.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Tasi said, relief showing on her face. ¡°Then you should all know that when Juniper returned from her tree this afternoon, she brought three Symbiotes with her as a way to say thank you.¡±


    Callie and Vanis already knew this from Juniper¡¯s earlier comments, but the other four officers were all quite shocked.


    ¡°When she was delayed further, she came back with a fourth to apologize,¡± Tasi added with a chuckle, sweetening the information.


    ¡°Amazing,¡± Galin gasped.


    ¡°My curiosity got the best of me,¡± Tasi said with a laugh, ¡°and I had to have them Scryed. Two Scholars, a Warrior and a Duelist. We also managed to catch the one in that tree she mentioned last night. It was for a Wizard.¡±


    Galin and Thorn both fell back in their chairs. ¡°This might work,¡± Galin whispered loudly. ¡°It just might actually work.¡±


    ¡°Still, we need to keep her away from people, at least until she understands she can¡¯t talk about this,¡± Tasi said, returning to her earlier warning.


    ¡°Yes, we know,¡± Galin said with a sigh. ¡°Callie said the same thing last night, and Vanis just before you arrived. Once her reveals are finished tomorrow, I think her afternoon needs to be a crash course on reality. I¡¯ll make sure to find some time, maybe we can all trade off and take a turn?¡±


    ¡°It would be best if she was in training as soon as possible,¡± Thorn interjected. ¡°All of the foundation elements are in those first days.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how tomorrow goes,¡± Xera said. ¡°Assuming she understands what she needs to know about keeping quiet as to her capabilities, she should be able to join the next day, only missing two days of training.¡±


    A general grunting of approval went around the table as the plan was agreed to.


    ¡°Now, to the matter at hand,¡± Xera said, shuffling in their seat and refocusing on Vanis. ¡°What is it we need to discuss?¡±


    <hr>

 Chapter 29 Part 2 - Laying Everything Bare

    PART II - LAYING EVERYTHING BARE


    ¡°I am here this evening in my role as the guardian for Callie, a duty assigned to me by the Master Trainer,¡± Vanis stated as the room was yielded to him.


    ¡°Has she recovered her memories?¡± Xera asked, sounding hopeful. ¡°Does she know what happened to her?¡±


    Vanis looked askance at Callie, before replying, ¡°Not exactly, Commandant. I¡¯m afraid the situation is quite a bit more complicated. I ask you all to keep an open mind.¡± Vanis gestured, turning the floor over to the little Ranger.


    Callie looked at her hands, which were sweaty and fidgety with nervousness. For a brief moment, she considered just running out the door, but realized it was too late to back out now. She took a deep breath, blowing it out slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to decide how to tell you this all day,¡± Callie began, ¡°and I didn¡¯t know it would be all of you. I¡¯ll be honest, I haven¡¯t really been able to come up with the right words, and I¡¯m really scared.¡±


    Xera cocked their head, suddenly much more attentive and quite concerned. ¡°Recruit? What is wrong?¡±


    Callie glanced from her hands up to Xera, and then to each of the other officers. Taking another deep breath, she said, ¡°I¡¯m going to tell you a story, and none of you are going to believe me. And then I¡¯ll explain why you should believe me. Please, let me finish before you interrupt, because this is really hard.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Recruit,¡± Xera said, leaning forward and resting their arms on the table, a concerned yet caring tone in their voice.


    And so Callie told them everything. She started at the interview and ended when she and Vanis stepped into Xera¡¯s office a short time ago. How she woke not knowing where she was, and what the Dwarves had done. How Vanis, Lena and Tazrok took her under their wing, with Xin joining soon after, and Pixyl soon after that. Even the charm Juniper had put over her and her argument with Reynard. She tried her hardest not to embellish, to not go into stories about her parents or the technologies and things of Earth that would be so hard to explain without becoming a distraction and take too much time.


    At the beginning, Legate Galin seemed dismissive, but slowly he grew more attentive as Callie continued. Xera was riveted from the start, as was Tasi. Thorn seemed contemplative and calculating, as if he was trying to weave some kind of order into the chaotic tale Callie was sharing. Celeste was a hard read, her face remaining stoic and unemotional.


    Finally, Callie got to the important part, reviewing the same logical breakdown that she had for her housemates, and showing how her explanation was the only one that really made sense. By this point, the little Gnome was almost in tears. Not for any particular reason, but more as a result of the stress that came from telling her superiors her story, and the relief from finally reaching the end.


    There was a long, long silence after Callie finished as all five officers sat in quiet introspection. She was about to say something more, just to fill the nervous silence, but Vanis quickly held up his hand, signaling Callie to keep quiet.


    Legate Galin finally rose, walking slowly over to a window with actual glass in it, looking through it at nothing in particular. ¡°Damn,¡± he finally said. As he walked back to the table, he reached into a pocket, pulling something out. Sorting through whatever it was, he pulled out a single coin, which he slid across the table to a smug-looking Xera.


    Xera turned their gaze to Thorn and raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Bah! Fine!¡± Thorn snarled, fishing a coin out of his own pocket and sliding it to the Commandant. However, he again seemed to turn inward, as if wrestling with something mentally.


    ¡°You had a wager?¡± Vanis asked, his lips turning slightly upwards in amusement.


    Xera pointed to Thorn. ¡°Memory loss.¡± Pointing at the Legate, Xera added, ¡°Gnome mischief.¡± Finally pointing to themself, Xera concluded, ¡°My choice was, ¡®Something very strange.¡¯ I think this qualifies.¡±


    At that, the mood in the room seemed to lighten quite a bit and Callie realized she could breathe again.


    Xera addressed the room. ¡°First, everyone, given the Recruit¡¯s logical assessment, I¡¯d like to proceed with this discussion on the assumption she is being truthful. It will simply make things easier. Perhaps in time we find out otherwise, but for now we¡¯ll focus on that as the basis for conversation this evening,¡± Xera flatly stated, looking at her officers. She then looked to Callie. ¡°However, Recruit, would you be willing to consent to Truthseeking? It would help to eliminate many doubts or concerns,¡± Xera asked.


    Callie had assumed this would be coming after the warning from Vanis, so wasn¡¯t surprised, although a little part of her hated the mental intrusion that the skill implied. ¡°I figured you¡¯d want to do that,¡± Callie said with a nod. ¡°Whatever you need.¡±


    Xera reached under the table, and from beyond the door to the waiting area, Callie¡¯s Gnome ears heard the bell sound again. Momentarily, Kyra opened the door. ¡°Commandant?¡±


    ¡°Would you ask a Sprite to retrieve Scryer Yulayla. If she¡¯s on duty in her office, she may leave it unattended on my order. Tell her we need an Advanced Truthseeking. And quickly, please.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Elf responded, before backing out and closing the door.


    ¡°While we wait ¡­¡± Xera began.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Thorn suddenly snapped, looking at Vanis. ¡°She should not have received a worm. You should have told me, or any of us.¡±


    ¡°It was a decision we all chose to make,¡± Vanis said stiffly. ¡°We did not know whom we could trust, and had very little time to make any decisions. With her being Conscript Cursed, and your confidence that the Ranger class was appropriate, there was no reason to second guess that decision. At that point, it seemed best to take time to evaluate who among the officers and staff could be supportive. Callie has seen something in all of you that makes her feel she can trust you, now.¡±


    ¡°Assuming this is true ¡­¡± Thorn began, seeming to think out loud, a dazed look still on his face. ¡°The ethical implications ¡­¡±


    ¡°No kidding,¡± Tasi added, also lost in thought.


    ¡°Thorn? Tasi?¡± Xera said, seeing their friends¡¯ worried expressions.


    ¡°I am so sorry,¡± the Ratkin finally said, looking forlornly at Callie. ¡°I was blinded by the possibility of another anomaly. I ¡­ was so wrong to force this on you.¡±


    This was not at all the response Callie was expecting from anyone. She had expected disbelief, or even anger and yelling. Not this. Thorn was genuinely having a crisis of conscience and almost had a panicked look on his whiskered face. Tasi wasn¡¯t far behind him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Callie instinctively responded.


    Vanis again held up his hand to silence Callie.


    ¡°Sir, if I may. Your actions were completely appropriate given what you knew at the time,¡± Vanis said quite diplomatically. ¡°It was our choice to withhold, and our choice to proceed with the joining given what we knew. Master Healer Tasi even confirmed Callie¡¯s decision one last time before the procedure.¡±


    ¡°Still, there is no way ¡­¡± Thorn began to reply.


    ¡°Enough,¡± Xera said sharply, a slightly-frustrated look on their face. ¡°The joining is done and no value will come from recriminations. With Juniper¡¯s assistance, the newly found Symbiotes should make up for the loss of a Ranger worm if this recruit¡¯s joining ends up a mistake. Duwana!¡±


    Now that Callie knew the historical meaning of the word, Xera¡¯s harsh use of the Elven ¡®end of conversation¡¯ invective, despite not being an Elf, had the desired effect. Thorn quickly swallowed any other concerns he had been planning to voice on the subject with a simple, ¡°Yes, Commandant.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, she¡¯s made a pretty good Ranger so far,¡± Celeste added with a shrug, pouring fresh water into her cup. ¡°Her archery has been excellent, and even her swordplay was very good for a beginner. You saw that yesterday, Colonel. This afternoon, it was on display again and had only improved. She has quite the potential.¡±


    Thorn shook his head with a laugh, still seeming introspective. ¡°Reynard is going to kill me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe this isn¡¯t something to share with him,¡± Tasi warned.


    ¡°This is definitely something we do not share with him,¡± Legate Galin amended with a laugh.


    ¡°Everyone,¡± Xera snapped, ¡°until we have at minimum completed a Truthseeking, nobody is going to do or say anything outside of this room. Are we clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commandant,¡± the four officers responded sharply, acknowledging the sudden order just given them.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± Xera asked, refocusing and leaning in towards Callie. ¡°Why were you chosen? Who were you on this other world?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve discussed it extensively and ¡­¡± Vanis began to answer, but Xera held up their hand to silence him.


    ¡°I mean no disrespect,¡± Xera said, interrupting the Prince, ¡°but I would like the recruit to answer questions going forward. As you are her guardian at this time, if she needs your assistance, she may ask.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Commandant,¡± Vanis said, bowing his head in acknowledgement.


    Callie shrugged as all eyes swung back to her. ¡°I¡¯m nobody. I can¡¯t think of a single reason why someone would pick me.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t the daughter of some nobility, or someone important?¡± Xera asked, probing the question.


    ¡°No. My dad died a couple years ago, and before that he worked in construction and was a part time musician. My mom¡¯s a retired teacher who occasionally does volunteer work. I¡¯m just an accountant, a bookkeeper that is, and not a very good one at that.¡±


    ¡°You arrived with the Advanced Archery perk. Why would you have that?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°I was a competitive archer as a teen; it was a hobby. I started around ten and did that for about ten years or so. But it¡¯s something I stopped doing a few years after I left home.¡±


    ¡°How good were you?¡± Thorn continued.


    ¡°I was ¡­¡± Callie struggled for the right words and tone, worried she¡¯d come off as bragging, ¡°pretty good? I won a bunch of competitions, and placed at the state level. I certainly wasn¡¯t Olympic material.¡± She saw confused looks on the officer¡¯s faces, as they had no idea what those words meant. Callie tried to come up with a better reference. ¡°I was in the top three within several hundred kilometers for people in my age range, but not good enough to compete on a larger scale. Certainly not good enough to justify sending me here.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°And the other perks?¡± Thorn probed.


    ¡°My guess is it¡¯s because my dad taught me how to build and fix things. Like I mentioned, he worked in construction.¡±


    ¡°So somehow his teachings were turned into perks here,¡± Thorn mumbled to himself, trying to talk himself through what happened. ¡°The same with your Bookkeeping perk, then? Fascinating.¡±


    ¡°I guess,¡± Callie said. ¡°That¡¯s what I studied at college.¡± Suddenly she had a thought as she considered Thorn¡¯s questions. ¡°One of my perks is Basic Electrical, and you don¡¯t have electricity here.¡±


    ¡°Electrical?¡± Tasi asked. ¡°What is that? Isn¡¯t that like lightning?¡±


    Callie frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll try to keep this simple. I¡¯ll compare it to something here, so you have a reference, but it¡¯s not a perfect analogy. Think of electricity a little like mana, but it can be created, stored and instantly sent long distances. It¡¯s used to power things like lights or machines, as well as a lot of other things. Lightning is a natural and unharnessed form of electricity.¡±


    ¡°Stored? Like a mana stone? It can store mana for use by constructs or in long ritual magic,¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°I ¡­ don¡¯t know what that is, but the electricity storage device is called a battery.¡±


    ¡°What does this perk do, then?¡± Xera asked, interrupting before Thorn could ask more.


    ¡°Like lightning, electricity can be dangerous, so training is needed to know how to control it. I have some training at, say, an apprentice level, on how to properly build the infrastructure needed to keep it safe. But that¡¯s about it; I don¡¯t have the knowledge to create it or anything like that. Nothing about the perk seems applicable to this world, at least as far as I¡¯ve been able to figure out.¡±


    There was a long silence as the officers, as well as Vanis, tried to digest Callie¡¯s poor description of what electricity was and what it could do.


    ¡°Let¡¯s ¡­ move on,¡± Xera said slowly. ¡°This is probably a much longer and complex conversation than we have time for, and it sounds like her knowledge is lacking in many critical places.¡±


    ¡°Sorry I can¡¯t be of more help,¡± Callie apologized.


    ¡°A discussion for another time, that¡¯s all. I would, however, like to discuss another part of your tale,¡± Xera said with a dark frown on their face. ¡°You say that this Earth is populated only by the Human race, and that in fact you were once Human. I don¡¯t know if you know the history of our relations with the Humans to the southwest. I survived the Battle of Betrayal,¡± Xera glanced over to their missing arm, ¡°well, most of me survived I suppose, and to say there is not a lot of love for Humans in the land would be a gross understatement.¡±


    ¡°I understand. Vanis and the others filled me in on the history and even about the big battle,¡± Callie said, glancing down, almost ashamed. ¡°It is true that Earth is all Humans, of many different variations. Fey and Elves and Ogres and all the rest are all the stuff of stories and legends. They aren¡¯t real. To see them all here, heck, to be one of them, is all fantastical to me.¡±


    ¡°We ¡­¡± Xera struggled for words, and started again. ¡°To think you were once Human brings up some dark emotions for me, and I¡¯m sure for the others. Perhaps not towards you specifically, but as a general view, it¡¯s hard to look beyond that day. It may be wise to be wary of how you share this part of your story should you need to in the future.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Callie said quietly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell you why the Humans did what they did, and a part of me feels ashamed for their actions. I am so sorry for what it cost everyone.¡±


    From beyond the waiting area, Callie heard faint hurried footsteps and the sound of a distant door opening. Soon after a small bell lightly rang from the corner of the room, followed a few moments later by Kyra opening the door.


    ¡°Commandant, Scryer Yulayla has arrived, do you need her to wait?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead and bring her in,¡± Xera said to their assistant.


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    Yulayla entered, carrying a small, leather satchel and breathing heavily. ¡°I came as quickly as I could. Sorry for any delay.¡± She looked around the room, spotting Callie sitting next to Vanis. ¡°Little One, it¡¯s good to see you again. You as well,¡± she added, nodding towards Vanis.


    ¡°Thank you for coming so quickly. We are in need of an Advanced Truthseeking,¡± Xera said. ¡°However, you may hear and learn some things that must be kept completely confidential. The highest level of secrecy. Would that be a concern?¡±


    The Elf shook her head. ¡°As you know a Scryer¡¯s Oath is to keep confidence. If you wish, however, a Brownie could hit me with a memory loss charm. I¡¯d lose about six hours, and would need to begin the book I just started over again, but otherwise no harm. I would ask to wait until after midnight, so I don¡¯t lose the fun Druid reveals from this afternoon, though.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how things go,¡± Xera said. You could see her seriously pondering the idea, however, as were the other officers.


    ¡°Who is the Truthseeking for? And how invasive do you need me to be?¡±


    ¡°The Gnome,¡± Galin said starkly. ¡°And as deep as you need to go.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Little One,¡± Xera said, eyeing Galin slightly. ¡°She has brought us some information we need to understand better, and we need to be absolutely sure.¡±


    ¡°Ah! Of course.¡± Yulayla turned to Callie, ¡°Has your memory returned?¡±


    Callie looked to Xera, unsure if she should answer. Xera returned a slight nod of permission. ¡°I never lost it,¡± Callie said slowly. ¡°I needed to keep a secret for my own safety, because I had no idea what was going on. I had to know who I could trust. I apologize for not being honest.¡±


    Yulayla was taken aback. ¡°Truly? No memory loss? That makes the lack of class in your reading even more odd than before."


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie said sheepishly, ¡°this secret might explain that.¡±


    ¡°Then we will find out.¡° The Scryer set her satchel on the table, taking from it what appeared to be two leather bracelets, one longer than the other. Each had a single cloudy crystal inset into the leather, in a style similar to the gems on Pixyl¡¯s suppression bands, with metal on the back designed to touch the skin. ¡°If we¡¯re going for a full reading, I¡¯ll start by putting this on.¡± She wrapped the shorter bracelet around her left hand.


    The Scryer held up the longer bracelet. ¡°I¡¯ll need to place this on your neck.¡±


    Callie, raised her head as Yulayla wrapped the leather around her neck, held in place with matching pieces of Scufrow. She spun the now-choker until the metal under the crystal was against the side of Callie¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Commandant,¡± the Scryer began as she fiddled and settled everything, ¡°the band at her neck measures purposeful deception. However, it¡¯s rather easy to fool if the wearer believes they are correct, or are well-skilled in deception. I will also be casting a spell that reads her magical aura, which focuses on overall intent, and will see if answers may be incomplete, inaccurate or vague.¡±


    Scryer Yulayla turned to the Commandant. ¡°I will be in a form of trance once you begin your questions, so you won¡¯t be able to speak to me, although I may say a few things or ask clarifying questions. You also will only have about ten minutes before I¡¯ll be mana drained, and then there¡¯s a long cooldown on the spell, so I¡¯ll give you a signal when time is running low. The necklace and bracelet will stop working once I¡¯m out of mana, as well.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll make do with the time,¡± Xera said. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Yulayla nodded and shifted in her seat to get more comfortable. ¡°Keep your eyes focused on me, as it makes the reading easier,¡± she said to Callie, ¡°and try not to get distracted or look away. You may blink as normal.¡±


    Callie swallowed hard, tried to settle her breathing and then nodded to the Scryer. Yulayla closed her eyes in concentration, and then opened them. Callie was immediately drawn towards the Elf, seeing a faint sparkle of dancing lights in the Scryer¡¯s gaze and feeling no desire to look away.


    ¡°Good,¡± Yulayla said. ¡°Please answer with a lie. What color is your hair?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Callie stammered for a moment. ¡°What color is my hair? It¡¯s uh ¡­ Green?¡± Although she couldn¡¯t see it, the stone on Callie¡¯s neck began to glow with a deep red color, and the matching bracelet Yulayla wore glowed the same.


    The Scryer touched the stone on her bracelet, causing it to return to a neutral setting. ¡°Excellent, and what is your full name?¡±


    ¡°Callie Willow Archer,¡± Callie confirmed. Yulayla¡¯s wrist did not change color, but the Scryer immediately frowned, adding, ¡°Please be more specific.¡± Rolling her eyes, she answered again. ¡°Calliope Willow Archer.¡± This time, Yulayla nodded, indicating the answer was truthful.


    ¡°Well, that was a good test, actually,¡± the Scryer said. ¡°I was able to see that she gave a partially incorrect answer by only stating her nickname, even though she actually answered the question truthfully in her view. You may begin as soon as you are ready.¡±


    ¡°Has anything you told us been a lie,¡± Xera came right out and asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Callie replied confidently.


    Nothing happened.


    ¡°Tell us your story again, from the beginning, and quickly.¡±


    And so Callie repeated her tale for Yulayla and as a repeat for everyone else, starting from the beginning and ending at the doorway to Xera¡¯s office, quickly over the course of a fast five minutes. Occasionally, Yulayla would ask for a clarification, but largely she kept silent. The Scryer¡¯s bracelet never changed color, however, nor did the Scryer raise any significant concerns.


    ¡°Are you positive that your story is true?¡± Tasi asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Callie responded


    ¡°That isn¡¯t true,¡± Yulayla interrupted.


    At the end of the table, all five officers stiffened suddenly. ¡°You have doubts?¡± Xera asked.


    Callie thought for a moment, trying to review her answer in her head. Numbers eventually seemed to race through it and she finally understood. ¡°There¡¯s a non-zero possibility that one of my other two options could be true, despite the evidence. I believe the chance is very low, but statistically it¡¯s there. Remember, Bookkeeping; I¡¯m a numbers person.¡±


    This time, Yulayla said nothing.


    ¡°Tell us a lie,¡± Celeste said sharply.


    ¡°Um, my skin is purple and I have twelve arms,¡± Callie said, rattling off the first crazy thing that popped into her brain. Immediately, the stone turned a deep crimson and Yulayla raised her hand, indicating a falsehood, before she instinctively reset the stone again.


    ¡°Just testing,¡± Celeste mumbled with a shrug.


    ¡°Are you in league with the enemies of the Free Folk?¡± Galin asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°In that case, do you consider yourself an ally of the Free Folk?¡± the Legate asked as a follow up.


    ¡°Yes ¡­ maybe ¡­¡± Callie scowled as both the stone and Scryer indicated deception.


    ¡°Explain,¡± Xera ordered.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been here only three days,¡± Callie replied carefully, not wanting to set the band or the Scryer off. ¡°I don¡¯t even know where we are located on that map behind you. I¡¯m having a hard time using the word ¡®ally¡¯ for some reason, because I don¡¯t know enough. I might consider myself an ally of Vanis and my friends, and many of the people here also have become or are becoming my friends. I care for them.¡±


    No indicator went off, although Yulayla held up two fingers on her unbraceleted hand, indicating about two minutes remaining before she had to end the casting.


    ¡°Will you fight for the Free Folk?¡± Galin asked.


    Callie took another moment to answer, hoping that nothing would get triggered as she did so. ¡°I will defend the weak if I am able. I will fight with and fight to save my fellow soldiers and my friends. If the Demons are as evil as I¡¯ve been told, I have no problems fighting against them. But I do it to help people, not for a people, if that makes sense.¡±


    Galin sat back to think about that answer, and the nuance that Callie had expressed with it, but Yulayla indicated no falsehoods.


    ¡°Do you wish to continue training?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± Callie said flatly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Xera asked.


    Callie had expected this question, and had given it some thought during the day as to how she might answer it. ¡°Because I have this Conscription Curse, and because training provides the best likelihood of being able to survive.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s more to it,¡± Yulayla quickly said, although neither stone went off.


    Callie thought for a moment, trying to figure out why else she would want to continue training. ¡°Because I¡¯m here and don¡¯t have other options?¡± Callie said, thinking out loud and letting the words spill out like a stream of consciousness, as if she was trying to find the exact combination to satisfy the Scryer¡¯s lie detection. ¡°Because it¡¯s the best way to defend my friends? Because I promised my Symbiote? Because the powers are cool? Because I have to show Reynard that Gnomes can be Rangers.¡± Callie ran out of breath, taking a moment to check with the Scryer.


    ¡°What else?¡± Yulayla said. ¡°There¡¯s more.¡±


    Callie thought deeper, and finally found her answer. ¡°Because I can¡¯t disappoint my dad. He taught me I have to do the absolute best I can, no matter the circumstances,¡± Callie quietly said, realizing that all this time, that single gigantic reason had been staring her in the face. ¡°I cannot allow myself to give up, until I reach a point where I cannot go further. I¡¯d dishonor his memory if I did.¡±


    That final statement seemed to satisfy the Scryer, and she nodded, holding up one finger to indicate time remaining.


    ¡°Do you have any idea who may have brought you here? Or how? Or why?¡± Tasi quickly asked, trying to cram all the questions into the time remaining.


    Callie sputtered with the deluge of questions. ¡°Again, I have no idea why. As for how, I assume magic of some kind. As for who, you¡¯ve got me.¡±


    Neither Yulayla or her bracelet indicated a deception.


    ¡°Are you in league with the Humans?¡± Galin blurted out. Celeste, lightly slapped his shoulder, to which he snarled back.


    ¡°I owe them no allegiance, Legate.¡±


    ¡°Explain further,¡± Yulayla said. ¡°Your answer is incomplete.¡±


    Callie frowned and tried to dig deeper into her answer, realizing she was on a countdown. ¡°Given that I was a Human on Earth, I can¡¯t help but feel close to them on some level. But I have no allegiance to them here beyond that. I am not working for them in any way.¡±


    The Scryer nodded, confirming that was a more-complete answer.


    ¡°Are you scared of what will happen to you?¡± Xera asked finally.


    ¡°Despite Gnome Fear Resistance, I¡¯ll be honest, I¡¯m plain terrified of what comes next,¡± Callie flatly replied.

 Chapter 29 Part 3 - You Are Here

    PART III - YOU ARE HERE


    Yulayla shook her head as the Truthseeking spell came to an abrupt end. There were large beads of sweat on her forehead and she was breathing deeper than normal. ¡°Sorry, I held it as long as I could. I¡¯d started to tap Stamina and had to stop.¡± She wiped across her forehead with the back of her arm, before falling back in her chair.


    Quickly, Tasi rose from her seat to check on the Scryer.


    ¡°Is she alright?¡± Xera asked, a concerned tone in their voice.


    ¡°She should be, she didn¡¯t dip too far,¡± the Healer said, holding the Elf¡¯s face and looking into her eyes. With a lecturing laugh, she handed a purple potion to her impromptu patient. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done that, you fool. Drink this and try to avoid any casting until at least noon, tomorrow. Come see me if you have any issues. You know how this goes.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Tasi,¡± Yulayla responded, patting the Fairy¡¯s arm. ¡°I should know better.¡±


    ¡°Scryer, I need your assessment,¡± Xera asked directly. ¡°You said very little while the recruit was relaying her experience.¡±


    Yulayla shook her head as if still trying to clear it, a scowl from the foul-tasting elixir on her face. ¡°Yes. Of course. My read on her is that she was being truthful. There was no significant sign of deception. Some elements seemed to be lacking specifics or details, but she was pressed for time, so that was likely what I was seeing. It was very similar to when I asked her to further explain her answers to your questions at the end.¡±


    Galin grunted, and ran his hands down his face, as if he was trying to come to grips with everything. Two seats away, Thorn did something similar, his whiskers twitching as he tried to absorb what he¡¯d been hearing.


    ¡°What are you scared of, Little One?¡± Xera asked, turning her attention to Callie.


    Callie shrugged, almost feeling ashamed. Xera and all the others had been quite honestly very nice to her. In fact, nearly everyone here, in general, had been nice to her, Reynard¡¯s initial reaction really being the only exception. Even he seemed to be warming to her, especially given his apology after the Druid reveals. ¡°I¡¯m worried you¡¯ll turn me over to people that will hurt me. Lock me away. Dissect me. Like I told Vanis, in all the stories I know, it never goes well for the person from another world. I really don¡¯t know what happened or how or why, and that¡¯s not the kind of answer people may want to hear.¡±


    ¡°Why did you tell us, then?¡±


    ¡°Because you have a right to know, and sooner or later my memory loss story wasn¡¯t going to work any more. You yourself already thought something weird was going on.¡±


    ¡°Let me rephrase the question,¡± Xera said. ¡°What made you believe we were trustworthy? Recruit Vanis indicated that something changed and you felt comfortable coming to us.¡±


    Callie paused, glancing briefly at both Vanis and Yulayla. Neither had been part of the conversation about Juniper, nor overheard what the officers had spoken of privately.


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Xera said, sensing Callie¡¯s reluctance. ¡°It¡¯s fine if they hear.¡±


    ¡°Lots of things, I guess, and some of them probably seem minor, but they actually said a lot to me.¡± Callie said, shrugging. ¡°For one, all five of you have been really nice to me, despite all the trouble I¡¯ve caused.¡±


    Major Celeste let out a brief laugh, quickly holding up a hand to her mouth and mumbling a quick, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Trying to ignore the Major, Callie continued, gesturing towards Xera. ¡°You were super helpful in the shower with that skill reveal and didn¡¯t care you got wet; that showed empathy. I still feel bad about your wing, though. Sorry.¡±


    Xera held up a hand dismissively as the other four officers looked to her, wondering what Callie was talking about. ¡°Details are unimportant for right now,¡± they said. ¡°What else, Recruit?¡±


    Callie shrugged again. ¡°Juniper said you were a good person, when she had looked into you with her Scry ability; I think that means a lot, because I¡¯m not sure she knows how to lie. She also said that you wanted to build the camp here so that your superiors ¡®didn¡¯t meddle¡¯ in what you were doing, which implies you do your own thing.¡±


    You could see a wave of uncomfortableness cross over the faces of the five officers, and Callie glanced at Vanis to see if he had any reaction. His face was diplomatically blank, of course.


    ¡°And finally, I guess, when I overheard your conversation discussing what to do about Juniper to justify giving her a Symbiote, and how we came up with a solution together.¡± Callie looked up from her lap, glancing at Legate Galin. ¡°Oh, also, seeing how much the Legate really cared about people when he ¡­ cried and hugged me.¡±


    As all eyes shifted to Galin, he seemed to shrink slightly. He cleared his throat trying to maintain his bearing, but it didn¡¯t work very well and he finally said, ¡°Well, Juniper¡¯s help changes things. I just wanted ¡­ aw hell, I had an emotional moment, we¡¯ll leave it at that. You were all there. You know what it means.¡±


    Celeste reached over and patted Galin¡¯s arm in a patronizing ¡®there, there¡¯ pat, but beyond that, nobody showed any sign of giving him serious grief. At least not yet.


    ¡°So really, the question is what do we do now that we know this,¡± Xera said, addressing the entire room. ¡°Thoughts? Around the table please, starting with you, Legate.¡±


    Callie quickly raised her hand, saying, ¡°Wait, please.¡±


    Quietly, Vanis cleared his throat in a subtle warning to his ward.


    The Legate stopped what he was about to say and looked at the Gnome. ¡°What is it, Recruit?¡± he asked rather brusquely.


    Callie swallowed, her throat dry and her hands fidgeting again. She knew what she wanted to say. She had mentally practiced it in some form all day. In fact, she¡¯d said these same words, or something close to them, more than a few times in her life, most-recently two nights before. Yet, the words were struggling to get out, and she had to concentrate to get past the anxiety. She took a deep breath and looked at the five officers. ¡°I have a lot of flaws, but I have one really big one,¡± she said quietly, seeing a knowing smile come over the face of Vanis as he recognized the words. ¡°That flaw is that I believe what people tell me. You can imagine how many times I¡¯ve been hurt because of that; by friends, by people close to me, by people I¡¯ve loved. So I simply ask that whatever you decide, good or bad, don¡¯t lie to me about it, because I will believe you. But know you only ever get to lie to me once, and after that, I will never believe you again.¡±


    The silence hung in the air as Vanis reached under the table to squeeze Callie¡¯s hand in support, showing no sign he had heard nearly the same words from her that first day. Unbidden, a tear leaked down Callie¡¯s cheek, and she quickly wiped it away with her free fingers, trying to give Xera and the rest a smile, but knowing it was a weak one at best.


    ¡°We understand, Recruit,¡± Xera finally said quietly, genuine care in their voice. ¡°You have my promise, no matter what, no lies to you on this matter will pass my lips.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± was all Callie could mutter in return.


    ¡°Legate, if you would. Your thoughts please,¡± Xera said, gesturing to the Elf.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Galin glanced at Callie, and in a low, almost apologetic voice, he said, ¡°One could argue we have a duty to report this up the chain.¡±


    ¡°So, let¡¯s play that out,¡± Xera said. ¡°I inform the District Commander. What does she do next?¡±


    ¡°She would likely take Callie into custody and inform the High Commander,¡± Galin said.


    ¡°And what does he do?¡± Xera asked, pressing the scenario.


    ¡°He¡¯d order Callie brought to the Capital,¡± Celeste added, a tiny hint of anger in her voice. ¡°Hell, he¡¯d probably tell the King, since ultimately King Feldwin is the head of the military, even if it¡¯s largely ceremonial.¡± She gestured to Vanis, ¡°Right?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± the Warlock replied. ¡°In addition to my father ostensibly being the Supreme Commander, the two are quite good friends. My father would be made aware, if only for the advice he might provide. If I were still there, even no longer being in the line of succession, I likely would have been informed as well, in my own role as advisor to my father.¡±


    ¡°After that? What would happen next once Callie is in Imor?¡± Xera asked Vanis.


    The Warlock pondered for a moment. ¡°Either she¡¯d remain in the military''s care, or be put under the care of the head Scholars in The Nexus. It depends on whether the High Commander would consider it a military matter. However, she¡¯d have to remain around someone with an active Command Aura, because of her Curse, so she''d be held at minimum at some active fort or camp like this one for ¡­ ongoing discussions, whether with the military or the Scholars.¡±


    ¡°Interrogation is more like it,¡± Galin mumbled.


    ¡°I want her training.¡± Thorn announced flatly, having come out of a deep thought, and not even waiting for his turn. ¡°However she got here, she¡¯s an anomaly, and we need to see what happens. We learned so much from the Goblin last term. We can¡¯t pass up the opportunity. It¡¯s that simple.¡±


    Turning to Major Celeste, Xera asked, ¡°Your thoughts, Major?¡±


    ¡°Well, if we stuck her in Logistics, she''d be a lot less trouble, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Celeste said, a laugh in her eyes. ¡°But, so far she seems like a pretty good Ranger. I¡¯ll figure out how to deal with her mischief. We should keep her here.¡±


    Xera laughed lightly at the Major¡¯s evaluation of Callie as a troublemaker, before they looked at Tasi. Before the Healer could respond, though, Xera held up a hand to forestall her response. ¡°I¡¯m curious,¡± the Commandant said to Yulayla. ¡°What would you choose to do?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± the Scryer responded with a shocked tone. ¡°I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s not my decision. I¡¯m not even in the military any more.¡±


    Xera gestured towards Callie, who had become quite nervous and ashen-faced with all the talk of sending her away and what might happen. ¡°Yes, but your opinion is as valid as anyone else here, given your class and the insights you have into her.¡±


    The Scryer scrunched up her face for a moment in thought. Shrugging her shoulders, she finally said, ¡°Does it really matter? You are all thinking this is a big deal, when in the end we simply have a Cursed Ranger with a Symbiote who doesn¡¯t know much of this world. Callie¡¯s origin is of interest, sure, but she said herself, on her world she was a nobody. Maybe with her construction and plumbing perks, she knows a few different techniques for building things. I also suppose the void where her class should be is odd, and I¡¯m not sure what to make of it. I¡¯d suspect it¡¯s a remnant of the fact her world doesn¡¯t have classes, though. But, I don¡¯t care about either of those things, right? We have Demons to defeat. That¡¯s what we¡¯re here for. Everything else can be looked into after the war is over, or at least when her Curse has faded and her tour on the lines has finished.¡±


    Xera cocked her head. ¡°We¡¯ve never really talked, have we? Tell me, why did you leave the service? Your way of thinking is most insightful, and I¡¯d think we¡¯d want to keep you.¡±


    Yulayla shrugged again. ¡°I don¡¯t take stupid orders well, and had a habit of punching those that gave them. Let¡¯s just say I was non-politely asked to voluntarily find other work. This was before the war, of course. Once the war started, I chose to come back because I can help the war effort, but as a civilian. No offense, but I¡¯ve done my time in uniform. You all seem like good officers, so I¡¯d hate to have to punch one of you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I like her,¡± Callie heard Galin say quietly to Celeste. ¡°She has spirit.¡±


    Xera smiled at Yulayla¡¯s forthright words. ¡°I appreciate your honesty. In many ways, I¡¯m actually quite envious, Scryer Yulayla. Thank you.¡±


    Xera gestured towards the Master Healer. ¡°What of you, Tasi?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I think the best thing to come out of this would be to see how she performs as an anomaly, just like Thorn said. We¡¯d learn more from Callie going through training than from dozens, maybe hundreds, of people asking her the same questions about how she got here over and over again. When she¡¯s out of her Curse, others can decide what happens, and she¡¯ll have enough knowledge of the world to be part of that decision.¡±


    Xera stood, stepping away from their chair. Seeming deep in thought, they started to pace, before looking up to Vanis. ¡°What of you? What would you do?¡±


    ¡°I am too entwined and biased to be objective,¡± Vanis said. ¡°But excellent points have been raised as to the value of Callie seeing her training through.¡±


    ¡°A very diplomatic answer,¡± Xera said with a light laugh as they returned to pacing. ¡°What about you?¡± they finally asked, looking at Callie.


    Callie jumped, having honestly not expected to be asked her opinion. ¡°Um¡­¡± she said, buying a moment to think, before continuing. ¡°I don¡¯t even know if I¡¯ll be here in the morning,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°For all I know, whatever brought me here could send me back home, or send me somewhere else. All I can do is go with what I actually know and can see, and that says I need to learn what I can, so I can survive this Curse, and maybe ultimately survive in this world. Sending me off to be studied doesn¡¯t sound like a good option for my well-being.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Xera said somewhat glumly as they returned to pacing. They stopped in front of the map, lightly touching it. Stepping aside, Xera pointed to a small, blue flag, east and slightly south of the large city in the center. ¡°Just so you know, this is where you are now, and it is about twelve days by trade caravan to the capital of this kingdom, called Imor. Roughly three hundred fifty kilometers. We are well secluded, with the nearest town about thirty kilometers away, where we retrieve supplies and pick up new staff.¡±


    Xera pointed to the city in the center of the map. ¡°There are three capital cities, large enough these days to touch each other, one for each kingdom, which are separated by these rivers. They surround an independent and neutral city-state called The Nexus, which is where many Scholars make their homes, and is home to the Great Library, the Parliament, and many halls of research. The Nexus is the heart of knowledge and government for all three kingdoms.¡± The Commandant looked at Callie and smiled. Gesturing once again to the lower-right section of the map which surrounded the camp, they said ¡°This is where you live now. Welcome to Imoria.¡±


    Callie quickly tried to drink in as much of the map and Xera¡¯s geography lesson as she could, knowing she could get specific details from Vanis when she needed to. Maybe she could ask Xin to draw her a map? Or copy this one?


    ¡°Recruit, I am having difficulty,¡± Xera said, walking from the map and resting on the back of their chair. ¡°I support the consensus that we simply allow you to keep training. The problem is that something of this ¡­ strangeness ¡­ is something I am duty-bound to report to my superiors. If I didn¡¯t, and I was found out, I would certainly be stripped of my command and rank.¡± They gestured at the other officers. ¡°Possibly them as well.¡±


    Those words made Callie¡¯s heart sink. Up until now, the support within the room had seemed unanimous, and she supposed it still was. But that would put Xera and the others at risk, and Callie was having a hard time with that, feeling ultimately that she would be responsible if something were to happen to them. Sure, it would be their choice to essentially harbor her here, but the pit of guilt in her stomach would be something that would never heal if it came to pass. There had to be another way.


    While Callie was pondering inward, the beginnings of an argument began to form between Xera and the other four officers. Xera was defiant that they would need to report this up through their District Commander, while the other four were throwing nearly every idea and excuse they could come up with to do exactly not that. Of course, Xera pointed out that doing as the officers wanted wasn¡¯t going to help Callie¡¯s situation any, and could even make it worse. It wasn¡¯t that Xera didn¡¯t want to follow the recommendation of her officers, it was that they were boxed in by military protocol.


    As the argument intensified, Callie found herself at first disturbed by it, and soon after she actually began to feel a sense of panic from all the yelling. Galin had actually risen to pound the table a couple times to make his point, his voice growing louder as Celeste tried to calm him. Instinctively, Callie began to count numbers, trying to shut out the noise and officers¡¯ anger in an effort to control her own growing anxiety. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17¡­


    Vanis could sense that Callie wasn¡¯t doing well, seeing her eyes closed tightly and hearing her quietly calling out numbers, and he put his hand on her arm trying to comfort her. Concerned, he was just about to speak up in an attempt to use a little diplomacy to lower the temperature in the room.


    Callie¡¯s voice suddenly rose from a whisper, though, growing louder with each new number, her anxiety suddenly evaporating. ¡°One thirty-seven, one thirty-nine, one forty-nine ¡­ I¡¯ve got it!¡± she almost screamed towards the end, instantly seeming to quiet everyone. Slowly all eyes turned to look at her, the little Gnome¡¯s eyes glinting.


    ¡°I know that look ¡­¡± Celeste said quietly, her voice quietly trailing off and a grin forming on her face.


    ¡°What is it, Recruit,¡± Xera asked calmly, realizing what a shouting match things had become and trying to recompose themself.


    ¡°I know how to make it so you don¡¯t get into trouble!¡±

 Chapter 29 Part 4 - May the Stars Shine

    PART IV - MAY THE STARS SHINE


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Callie took a deep breath. ¡°Okay, stay with me on this one. Ultimately you report to the King, right?¡±


    ¡°I suppose,¡± Xera said hesitantly, ¡°yes. He would be the Supreme Commander in this kingdom.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s not here,¡± Callie said, ¡°so he couldn¡¯t, for example, give you an order to clarify what you should do?¡±


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Xera replied, growing even more suspicious.


    ¡°But!¡± Callie said, holding up a finger and grinning, ¡°one could argue that his proxy is right here in this room. One who is able to speak for the King in his stead as his trusted advisor.¡± She shifted her finger to point at a perplexed Vanis.


    ¡°Callie, that¡¯s really not how things ¡­¡± Vanis began to reply.


    ¡°Shut up and work with me here!¡± Callie hissed back.


    Major Celeste tried to stifle another giggle, almost breaking into a coughing fit, seeing the scowl of determination on Callie¡¯s face, and hearing the snarl in her tone.


    Slowly, all eyes turned to the rather stunned Warlock, who quickly realized he was on the spot and fully composed himself. ¡°Well, yes. One could make the case that I ¡­ perhaps ¡­ could speak on behalf of my father. In certain matters of royal responsibility, that is. At least pending clarification by him.¡±


    A long silence passed through the room as everyone, including Vanis, digested the implications of what he had said.


    ¡°Well?¡± Callie finally said, gesturing to Vanis. ¡°We¡¯re waiting.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, of course,¡± the Prince said. Pondering, he added. ¡°How best to phrase this.¡± After a few more moments, he finally ordered, ¡°Commandant, it is in the best interests of the Realm to continue training Recruit Callie, and to hold confidential her origins until as such time you are told otherwise by Supreme Commander King Feldwin, or his designee.¡±


    ¡°May the Stars shine upon the King,¡± Xera replied with a knowing nod and a sly grin, acknowledging the order.


    ¡°May the Stars shine upon the King,¡± everyone else, save Callie who didn¡¯t know to, echoed in response.


    There was a long silence, as no one was quite sure what to do next. Finally, Tasi asked the obvious question, ¡°So, what now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve actually given this some thought,¡± Callie said, raising her hand. She had, in fact, been asking herself this very question all day, in the hope that this might be the outcome.


    ¡°Of course you have,¡± Celeste said with a snicker.


    ¡°Please share,¡± Xera said, raising their eyebrows.


    ¡°I obviously can¡¯t be telling anyone about this,¡± Callie began, ¡°but my memory loss story is only going to last so long before people start wondering what is going on and why it hasn¡¯t come back. My thought was to let it slip from the Healers that it appears permanent. That will allow me to continue asking dumb questions without raising too much suspicion. Rumors should spread that pretty quickly.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Master Healer Tasi nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, that would be a good option. Honestly, I¡¯d like to do an examination, anyways, to see if there is anything odd about your Gnome body, if you¡¯d consent that is.¡±


    ¡°Good, I have my own questions about Gnome physiology I need to understand,¡± Callie replied.


    Xera held up their hand. ¡°Before we make any decisions, I feel the need to give you an important option, Recruit. While few come here as volunteers, I feel valid points have been raised that it¡¯s ethically questionable to force you to train and fight, given your circumstances. Thus, this one time only, I¡¯m going to give you the option to drop out of training. We¡¯ll address your Curse by assigning you duties here, likely working with Logistics under Captain Kela. If that is your decision, all in this room will respect that. If you decline, however, you will be expected to train as any other recruit, and serve in whatever manner needed after that. Please take a moment to think through your answer; take as long as you need.¡±


    Callie was quite shocked by the unexpected option that the Commandant was giving her. They were right, after all, she didn¡¯t ask for this to happen, and unlike the other non-volunteer Recruits, she didn¡¯t even know about the possibility of Conscription. Her very first instinct was to absolutely take the Commandant up on her offer and serve out her Curse in Logistics helping to keep the camp running. But, could she live with herself if she decided to do that?


    Thinking back to her first night here, Callie remembered her dreamlike conversation with her Symbiote. Whether it really happened or not, she had made a promise to the little creature now living in her head. She had promised to be the best Ranger she could be, not to be someone who works the books or managed supply distribution. To do that, she would need to master her skills. To master her skills, she would need to train. Anything less would be a violation of that basic promise.


    As her thoughts drifted further, weighing the decision before her, she remembered back to her grandfather, who had served in Vietnam as a draftee. While he had never really talked in detail about his experiences, and had expressed more than a little bitterness about being pressed into service, he always emphasized the importance of the people he served with. When he had died, those that attended his funeral included three or four others from his time overseas that he had maintained contact with. She hadn¡¯t really talked to them, but she did overhear their conversations with her father, and could see the bond that transcended simple friendship the veterans had shared with her grandfather. A few days later, when going through his desk, she had even found his Purple Heart and Bronze Star shoved haphazardly to the back of a drawer, the case hinges tarnished with age and lack of use.


    Pixyl had received similar medals the night before, and while Callie had no desire to chase medals, the sense that being a Ranger was part of something bigger had crept into Callie¡¯s head following the award presentation. If she dropped out of training, if she took the easy way, would she be not only abandoning her responsibility, but also abandoning her friends and friendships? She thought again to the conversation the day before with Vanis and how he had pointed out all the new people that had come into Callie¡¯s life, many of them already growing quite close.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay in training,¡± Callie finally said, almost before she realized she had, but then understanding this was the only decision she¡¯d ever be happy with. ¡°It¡¯s the right thing to do.¡±


    ¡°You are sure?¡± Xera asked.


    Callie nodded with more certainty in her voice this time. ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± the Commandant confirmed, before addressing the rest of the room. ¡°For now, all conversation on the topic of Callie¡¯s origin is to be limited to this building or the Recruit¡¯s bunkhouse; Medical as well, I suppose, if privacy can be assured. This information is to be considered absolutely confidential and is not to be disclosed to others without concurrence from both myself and the King¡¯s representative.¡±


    ¡°What if we wish to discuss things with her?¡± Thorn asked. ¡°Some of the things she has shared about her world are quite intriguing.¡±


    ¡°Then do it in this room, or her bunkhouse,¡± Xera ordered. ¡°For the time being at least,¡± she amended. ¡°I understand it¡¯s not optimal, but Scryer Yulayla is right. No matter her background, the Recruit is still a newling Ranger in need of training, and that must be our primary responsibility. Anything less would be a dereliction.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Commandant,¡± Thorn acknowledged.


    ¡°If there are no other immediate concerns, then everyone is dismissed,¡± Xera said. ¡°Recruit, I¡¯d like to speak with you, in private, briefly. Scryer, please remain here as I wish to speak with you after.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Yulayla responded.


    ¡°If you¡¯d come to medical after you are finished,¡± Tasi directed to Callie. ¡°I¡¯d like to do that exam once Juniper is settled.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, wary of both Xera¡¯s desire to speak privately and a little nervous about what a medical exam might entail or reveal.


    The officers and Vanis all filed out of the room, the Legate giving her a caring pat on her head as he walked by. Callie was able to see briefly that the desk in the waiting room was empty, Kyra likely having left for the evening.

 Chapter 29 Part 5 - A Single Simple Question

    PART V - A SINGLE SIMPLE QUESTION


    ¡°With me, Recruit,¡± Xera ordered, walking through the inset door into the next room, which was presumably their office. As they passed, Callie briefly stopped to look at the map, running her own fingers lightly over the blue flag indicating where the camp was, and then continuing along the map to touch the capital, Imor. This close, she could see the three individual cities surrounding the central Nexus where the two rivers converged, before heading south towards what Callie assumed was the desert and the Great Oasis, based on Shul¡¯an¡¯s descriptions of home.


    The sound of Xera clearing their throat from the next room shook Callie out of her explorations. ¡°Sorry,¡± she said as she entered the Commandant¡¯s office. ¡°I got distracted by the map.¡±


    ¡°Close the door please,¡± Xera said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie replied, doing so. Xera¡¯s office was simple and sparsely decorated. The wall to her right was lined with shelves, upon which sat a few books along with other items of likely sentimental value. Several pieces of cloth were rolled up and stacked on the shelf. Maps maybe? A few chairs lined up against the wall next to the door, including an Ogre-sized one. Like the ones around the conference table, they sported steps for the shorter races to use to be seated at an appropriate height.


    Xera¡¯s desk was an unremarkable piece of furniture, with a few items strewn across it, primarily parchment pages, upon which could be seen what looked like writing. Behind the desk was a wall with two normal-sized doors, and hanging on the wall was mounted a pair of crossed swords. Below the swords was a display of several medals, and Callie recognized two Heartstone Stars like Pixyl¡¯s, one of them sporting a blue jewel instead of red, as well as another with the Bronze Sword. There were gaps in the display, next to the red Heartstone and also the Bronze sword, as if something was missing. Callie also saw two additional medals, but each with a silver sword embossed on the dark metal, instead of bronze.


    Xera was looking out the window on the left wall, staring off into the woods, seeming lost in thought. They turned, seeing Callie reviewing the display of medals. ¡°I gave two of mine to Pixyl, yesterday. I¡¯ll get replacements ordered in time. They aren¡¯t the kind of medals we keep in a training camp, after all. The Legate contributed the one for his Majesty.¡±


    Xera smiled and crossed to their desk. Sitting, Xera said, ¡°I won¡¯t keep you long, Recruit. You may remain standing.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said once again, now even more nervous than before.


    ¡°I have just a single simple question for you, for now at least,¡± the Commandant said, looking up slightly at the Gnome. ¡°Did you come to us because you knew you had information we would not want our superiors to know? The information regarding Juniper, as well as what you¡¯ve overheard, could be quite rewarding if passed to the right people.¡±


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure whether she should be insulted or angry at the Commandant¡¯s implication, and ultimately settled on both. ¡°Commandant,¡± Callie said with a cool tone, trying to keep any hint of emotion out of her words, ¡°I came to you because Juniper said you are a good person, and because of all the other reasons. I¡¯m not a narc, and I would never resort to blackmail!¡±


    Xera studied Callie for a long moment. ¡°I believe you. I¡¯m not sure what a ¡®narc¡¯ is, but I can gather its meaning. Thank you for your honesty. You may go. Please send in the Scryer.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it? That¡¯s all you wanted to ask me? You could have asked that when I was under Truthseeking, unless you have that skill, too.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I could have,¡± Xera said, ¡°and I do not possess the skill. I wished to see your reaction without others around, and your anger at the implication told me you were being quite truthful.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie responded hesitantly, drawing the word out, not sure what to make of Xera¡¯s line of reasoning. ¡°Have a good night, then,¡± she finally added.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°You as well.¡±


    As Callie turned, her eyes once again caught the parchments laid out across Xera¡¯s desk. ¡°Commandant, if that¡¯s not something top secret, may I see that? I¡¯m curious about something.¡±


    ¡°This?¡± Xera said, gesturing to the pages. ¡°It¡¯s nothing important.¡±


    Xera handed a page to Callie, who looked it over. She was curious if she¡¯d be able to read the writing, since apparently everyone spoke English here. To her surprise, she was able to decipher the words, but the marks on the page were very obviously not the letters she was used to back home. It was as if something in her head translated the markings into something her head recognized almost as if overlaid on the actual writing. It was a very odd sensation. ¡°This is a requisition form. For bundles of fruits and nuts. Right?¡±¡±


    ¡°Are you able to read it?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh. It¡¯s not any letters I¡¯ve seen before now, but I know what it says.¡±


    ¡°So somehow, you arrived with the knowledge of how to read?¡±


    Callie shrugged, ¡°I guess so? Why would you need sacks of fruit and nuts? Can¡¯t Pama just magic up whatever food is needed?¡±


    Xera chuffed, as if surprised Callie even asked the question, before remembering her lack of knowledge. ¡°Summoned items don¡¯t maintain form very long without a Preservation spell. With something as complex as food, it lasts only a few hours; perhaps eight or so for someone of Pama¡¯s expertise. Long enough to derive nutrition from it, but not when you need preserved meals for the field. That¡¯s why mealtimes are so specific, so everyone has time to digest what they eat. Preservation might give you a few days, but it¡¯s easier to just work with real food for travel rations and such.¡±


    ¡°Good to know.¡± As Callie pondered that new information. It suddenly made her wonder what happened to the summoned food that she had eaten. Did it just disappear out of her gut when the summoning time ran out? Did the nutrition she absorbed do the same? No, nutrition had to be legit or everyone would starve.


    Just as Callie reached for the door to leave, Xera said, ¡°Thank you, by the way.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For trusting us. It means a lot to me to hear that, and to see how important the little things were to building that trust.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, too,¡± Callie replied. ¡°For believing what I told you, that is. And for believing in me, too.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to seeing you excel. Good night, Recruit. Please close the door behind you, and send in the Scryer,¡± Xera said as a dismissal.


    Callie reached for the door, but once again stopped, the word ¡®trust¡¯ sticking in her mind. She turned back to Xera. ¡°Commandant, just one more thing. Are you and the Legate working with the Paladin recruit, Koda, on anything?¡±


    Xera looked up, her eyes slightly narrowing. ¡°Why would you ask that?¡±


    ¡°He mentioned it, and then asked me to do something for him. I guess I wanted to see if he was telling the truth.¡±


    ¡°What did he ask you to do?¡±


    Callie frowned, but then decided to just let it out. ¡°He said he was interested in the anomalies, curious about the three of us that is. He wanted me to report back to him if we encounter anything ¡®odd¡¯ in training, because he thinks what we learn could lead to new tactics or something. Maybe it was just the way he asked, but it felt like he was asking me to spy for him.¡±


    The Commandant drummed their fingers on the desk, looking hard at Callie. After a long moment of awkwardness, Xera sighed, shrugged and said, ¡°Well, if he deemed fit to tell you, it¡¯s too late now. Yes, we are working with him. He¡¯s going through the program as a recruit, to both learn training techniques, and report back to us on how we might change things.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said. ¡°Thanks. That makes me feel a little better, at least. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone. It¡¯s a really good idea, actually.¡±


    As Callie turned to try to leave again, Xera called out. ¡°Recruit, I do feel his request was genuinely made, perhaps just poorly implied or worded. I don¡¯t see any harm in providing that information to him, but maybe you could provide the same to Master Trainer Thorn? He really is quite intrigued by the four of you, including the Goblin from last term.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I can do that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, recruit. Have a good night.¡±


    Callie walked out of Xera¡¯s office, lightly closing the door. Yulayla had been pacing, waiting for her turn to talk to the Commandant, and looked up in worry seeing the Gnome entering the room.


    ¡°How is Xera¡¯s mood?¡± the Elf asked quietly.


    ¡°It seems fine,¡± Callie said with a shrug.


    ¡°Good. Hopefully she doesn¡¯t want me to get my mind wiped. I have questions I want to ask you at some point. I¡¯m so curious to know more about your class void.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Well, they¡¯re waiting, so have a good night.¡±


    ¡°You as well,¡± the Scryer said, swallowing hard, before crossing the rest of the room and knocking lightly on Xera¡¯s door.

 Chapter 30 Part 1 - Perfectly Pristine

    PART I - PERFECTLY PRISTINE


    As Callie exited the Commandant¡¯s office, she was joined by Vanis, who had been waiting for her outside. By now, the sun had completely set, the skies nearly dark, save stars twinkling, seeming a little familiar even if the patterns were foreign.


    ¡°I thought I might walk you to Medical,¡± Vanis said comfortingly.


    They strolled in silence for a while, letting Vanis lead since he knew the way from the previous day. While it had grown dark, Callie¡¯s Darkvision and Vanis¡¯s Night Vision made navigation easy, although a few dim, artificial magical lights were strategically placed for those races with normal eyes. Finally, the Warlock quietly said, ¡°I believe that went rather well.¡±


    ¡°I guess so,¡± Callie replied. ¡°At least they aren¡¯t shipping me off to be dissected somewhere.¡±


    ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Relieved, I suppose. It really was eating at me keeping things secret. They really did have a right to know.¡±


    ¡°Your solution was quite a brilliant bit of wordplay, invoking my father in that manner.¡±


    ¡°Will your dad be mad?¡± Callie wondered. ¡°Speaking for him, that is.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t be angry,¡± Vanis said, shaking his head. ¡°Once I explain the situation and your clever solution, I believe he will hold the same position, and likely find it quite amusing. Of course, it¡¯s unlikely I¡¯ll see him for some time. The front is to the south.¡±


    ¡°How far?¡±


    ¡°At least thirty to forty days moving en masse. Perhaps less if there is a Bard setting a faster pace magically. It takes quite a bit of work to move large groups. You can imagine the nightmare it would be to organize.¡±


    Callie could, in fact, see the logistics required in moving hundreds of soldiers long distances. Food, water, Healers, not to mention transporting all the gear, too. A part of her was thankful she didn¡¯t have to plan such a massive undertaking, although another part seemed to reach for the logistical challenge that her perk embraced.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± Vanis said as they approached the medical tent, and quickly Callie saw what he was referring to. Several long vines appeared to be growing over the tent. The entries weren¡¯t being blocked, but slowly the entire structure was being overrun.


    ¡°This has got to be Juniper,¡± Callie said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Yes, I suppose it must be. I hope she is well.¡±


    Callie looked up at her friend, seeing legitimate concern on his face. Then it dawned on her. ¡°You like her!¡± Callie said, slightly teasing, but also genuinely curious.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve seen that look on people before. You have a thing for her. And after only one evening of dancing!¡±


    Even with her false-light vision, Callie could see Vanis blush. ¡°Not at all, she is a sophisticated lady, and quite ¡­ fun ¡­ to be around.¡±


    ¡°As denials go, that was pretty bad,¡± Callie said flatly. She then added, ¡°I guess I thought Lena might catch your eye.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very much not her type,¡± Vanis laughed. ¡°Could you possibly imagine Lena at a formal occasion? She¡¯d kill me for spite before the evening even concluded, or disappear to drink with the staff. Probably both, for that matter.¡±


    ¡°Both, I¡¯m sure,¡± Callie agreed.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Vanis said wistfully. ¡°This is neither the time nor the place for such things.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I suppose you¡¯re right.¡±


    Together, they entered the tent, passing through the overgrowth surrounding the doorway. The interior was well-lit with magical lights, and Callie¡¯s Darkvision instinctively switched off as she entered. Tasi emerged from a partitioned off area, a slightly concerned look on her face.


    ¡°Is there a problem? A complication with Juniper?¡± Vanis asked quickly, worry in his tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± the Healer responded. ¡°Juniper is still in her trance, but it¡¯s going on longer than I would have expected. We took far, far more time with the Commandant than I thought we would, so she should have been awake by the time I returned. She¡¯s now been in her trance for nearly three hours.¡±


    ¡°My trance took longer, too,¡± Callie said. ¡°I talked to my Symbiote, or at least I think I did. It was reluctant to join with me since I might go back home, or become a boring bookkeeper in this world.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Fidas mentioned that. You¡¯re sure this was real?¡±


    ¡°I honestly have no idea what¡¯s real any more,¡± Callie said with a laugh. ¡°It could have just been my subconscious trying to deal with the situation that first day. It did say we would talk again, but only when I¡¯m sleeping. There was no sign of it last night, though, so who knows.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Tasi said, still distracted by her concern for the Dryad. ¡°If you speak with it again, please let me know, even if you determine it may be only a dream.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie replied.


    ¡°Come, Little One, let us take a look at you,¡± the Healer finally said, getting her focus in order and gesturing for the Gnome to follow. Looking to Vanis, she added, ¡°You should return to your bunkhouse. The Little One will be fine to get back.¡±


    ¡°Of course. A good night to you, Master Healer,¡± Vanis replied with his normal, formal politeness.


    As Vanis left the tent, Tasi once again motioned Callie towards the back. They passed Juniper as they walked, the Dryad lying still on a bunk under a blanket, with a soft smile on her blindfolded face. For a moment, Callie wondered what Juniper might be talking with her Symbiote about, and then once again wondered when or if she¡¯d hear from her own.


    Tasi led Callie towards another partitioned area. ¡°I sent the other healer on duty home, so we may speak openly,¡± Tasi said. She then gestured towards a raised examination bed.. ¡°I don¡¯t think this will take long, but if Juniper awakens, we¡¯ll stop while I get her oriented.¡±


    ¡°No problem. What do you need me to do?¡± Callie asked, climbing up.


    Tasi paused before answering. ¡°Maybe just remove your top.¡±


    Methodically, Callie began to unbutton her tunic, thankful she could keep her pants on at least. While she did this, Tasi collected a couple medical tools that seemed vaguely recognizable - a tiny hammer for hitting your knee and a flat piece of metal as a tongue depressor, for example. She also took down a small, wooden box, which opened to a dimly glowing stone of some kind. ¡°What are you hoping to find?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Tasi said. ¡°I¡¯m just curious if this body is any different than other Gnomes or Goblins for some reason. I don¡¯t understand the kinds of magic required for your getting here, or how a body was made available for you to end up inhabiting.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s all really weird, isn¡¯t it. Well, exam away, I guess.¡±


    Tasi had donned a headband, on which was affixed a small stone of some kind. She tapped it twice and it lit up, acting as a headlamp. She began by using the hammer on Callie¡¯s knees and other joints, seeing the expected jerking reaction. Next, Tasi carefully inspected Callie¡¯s eyes, mouth and ears, quietly talking to herself as she bumbled around. Like dozens of other medical examinations she¡¯d had in her life, Callie just let the Healer do her thing, saying ¡°ahhhh¡± and turning her head when required.


    ¡°Heart seems fine. Normal that is,¡± Tasi mumbled aloud to herself as she pressed her pointed ear to Callie¡¯s chest. Next, she held the glowing stone in her palm and ran it in circles over Callie¡¯s stomach, around each of her breasts, all over her back and finally along both of her arms, shaking her head in confusion and mumbling.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie asked with worry.


    ¡°Nothing, actually. It¡¯s just interesting, is all. I see no scars and no sign of you ever being injured; no previously broken bones or signs of healing magic ever used on you. It¡¯s as if your body is pristine. No signs of odd growths in your breasts either. That¡¯s common in Gnomes and Goblins, by the way, but easily healed if found in time. See a Healer at least once a year for an exam or if you ever feel anything odd.¡±


    ¡°Cancer,¡± Callie said. ¡°That¡¯s what we call it. Tumors that can form and spread and eventually kill you. That¡¯s how my grandfather died, although his cancer was in his prostate. We have no magic, so the ways to treat it often require surgery or worse.¡±


    ¡°Surgery? How barbaric!¡± Tasi spat. ¡°Your Healers slice people open to address the growths?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s our way,¡± Callie said with a shrug. ¡°At least the patient is knocked out for it, so they don¡¯t feel anything until after. I had surgery to get my appendix removed as a kid, as well as my wisdom teeth a few years ago.¡±


    ¡°Here we use sleep spells, if needed, usually if the injury is severe enough that the patient can¡¯t stay still. For some injuries, the healing magic will be quite painful, too. Combat Healers have excellent spells to block a lot of pain, much better than normal healers, which is helpful when in the field with limited means.¡±


    Tasi gestured for Callie to lie back and again she used the glowing examination stone, running it over Callies pelvic area and then down each leg. ¡°Same thing. No signs of there ever being a broken bone or healing used on you. Your body is completely unblemished. You¡¯ve never had a child, nor does it appear you¡¯ve even had sex. It¡¯s like someone wove a brand new body for you.¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Seriously? You can tell if I¡¯ve had sex?¡± Callie asked sarcastically.


    ¡°It¡¯s very easy to determine,¡± Tasi said matter of factly, gesturing towards her own pelvic region.


    ¡°Of course, you people have a virgin detector here.¡± Callie mumbled sarcastically.


    ¡°For your first time, just go slow ¡­¡± Tasi began.


    ¡°Yeah yeah, I know how it works from back home,¡± Callie said, waving a hand to cut off the impromptu sex education. But then she remembered one of the questions she wanted to ask Tasi related to the subject, because she wasn¡¯t sure what they used in this world. ¡°So, what do you do when you get your period?¡±


    ¡°Your? What is that?¡±


    ¡°When you menstruate every month? At least for Humans that¡¯s what happens. Is it the same for Gnomes?¡±


    ¡°Oh, menstruation. We call it one¡¯s ¡®Red Days¡¯!¡± Tasi said. ¡°That happens for Gnomes, but I believe less frequently than once a month. Other races, too. Truthfully, nobody has Red Days unless they are trying to conceive, though.¡±


    ¡°Really? How does that work?¡±


    ¡°Right, I suppose this new body doesn¡¯t have one,¡± Tasi said, sucking in a breath and nodding, remembering she was dealing with a fresh body. She lifted her tunic slightly, pointing to the side of her torso, right above her hip bone. Callie looked closer and could see a small lump under the skin.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a piece of wood from a Yogosi bush. Under your skin, it prevents the Red Days, as well as your ability to conceive. Nearly all females have Yogosi implanted when they come of age, so they don¡¯t accidentally get pregnant until they are ready. Its effects will last about two years before it needs to be replaced. If you decide to have children, you simply remove it and you should return to fertility within two months.¡±


    ¡°Are you able to do that for me? I don¡¯t need any of your Red Days, quite honestly.¡±


    ¡°Of course, and you wouldn¡¯t want to get pregnant, either, having to go to the front and all.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so not going to happen,¡± Callie said firmly, drawing a hard line in the air with her hand.


    ¡°I do have some. Staff occasionally need a replacement, and everyone will get fresh at the end of term so they don¡¯t have to worry about it in the field before their Curse is satisfied.¡± Tasi got a far off look in her eye, and then lightly chuckled, ¡°It¡¯s funny, I remember when I had my first one done. My first was done twice, in a way, actually.¡±


    ¡°How do you mean?¡±


    ¡°We Fairy can change our gender throughout our life. My first was as a female, and then I became male and then back to female. I have children as well, so it¡¯s been quite a number of times over my life I¡¯ve had Yogosi implanted and removed.¡±


    ¡°You have kids?¡± Callie asked, surprised. Somehow, she didn¡¯t picture Tasi as a mother. Or father for that matter.


    ¡°I do. Mother to three, and father to two. They¡¯re all grown and off living their lives. My son, Delin, actually works on staff with the High Commander we talked about earlier.¡±


    ¡°So, Xera ¡­ the Commandant ¡­ she''s ¡®between¡¯, right? My housemates mentioned it.¡±


    Tasi pondered for a moment. ¡°Usually these are details I wouldn¡¯t share; medical confidentiality after all. I think this is good information for you to understand our society''s ways, though. Xera is a good friend, and I know them well. I think, given your circumstances, they would be fine with me sharing. Please keep confidence, however.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    ¡°Your friends are right. Xera is ¡®between¡¯ right now. They were male when they lost their arm and wing at the Battle of Betrayal.¡±


    ¡°So why did they change?¡± Callie asked.


    Tasi shrugged. ¡°I think they became ¡®between¡¯ partly to process what happened, to leave that time behind them, that is. However, it¡¯s not common for a Fairy to remain ¡®between¡¯ for so long. I am pretty sure Xera hasn¡¯t really dealt properly with her injury, in her head that is. They¡¯ve put all their efforts into creating and running the camp, probably partly as a distraction. In time, when they are ready, they''ll pick a new path. Maybe male again, maybe female again. Like me, female was their first chosen gender.¡±


    ¡°Do they have children?"


    Tasi shook her head as she retrieved a small box from a shelf. ¡°They have an adopted son, an Elf, but no biological children. Their life has nearly always been the Army, so children weren''t really a priority.¡±


    ¡°And the son?¡±


    ¡°They were married briefly, decades ago, before the Army, and formally adopted their husband¡¯s son. The marriage didn¡¯t last long, though, and Xera is no longer close with either.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad,¡± Callie said sadly. Seeking to change the subject, she gestured to the box. ¡°Is that the Yogosi stuff?¡±


    Tasi withdrew a small piece of tree branch about a half-centimeter in diameter and roughly two centimeters long. ¡°It is. The wood will leach slowly into your body, stopping your reproductive cycles. Usually, you¡¯ll want to replace it every eighteen months, as they become ineffective after about two years. For you, since you should do the yearly exam anyway, just replace it then. You don¡¯t want the effects fading unexpectedly.¡±


    ¡°Talk me through what you¡¯re doing,¡± Callie asked, gesturing to the piece of wood. ¡°I¡¯m just curious how a Healer works.¡±


    Tasi handed Callie a small mirror of reflective metal so she could see, and then started to prepare everything, guiding instructively through the steps for the procedure. First, she sterilized her hands with a spell, and then used the same spell on the Yogosi wood. The implanting of the Yogosi was remarkably simple and took less than a minute. Tasi used a simple spell to completely numb the area, followed by using a minor healing spell, but cast in reverse, which actually created a small break in the skin. Apparently, the control required to make such a tiny, precision wound required at least Silver Tier mastery and a lot of practice, and Tasi warned replacements in the future would likely be done with a knife.


    ¡°So that gives Healers a combat ability then?¡± Callie asked, curious about the capability to reverse a spell, and seeing it as an offensive option.


    ¡°Most Healer and Healer Specialist classes are able to reverse the spell, but not the Hybrid ones. The Combat Healer specialist class, like myself, is particularly adept at reversing a healing spell. Using it in combat? It certainly can be done, although it¡¯s of limited effectiveness against Demons.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I met a Combat Healer recruit last night. Her name is Ambria and she¡¯s a Faun.¡±


    Tasi perked up at the mention of Ambria. ¡°I heard there was a Faun, but didn¡¯t know she was another Combat Healer. Fauns are very rare around here, as they don¡¯t tend to leave the Fae Woods. I haven¡¯t had a chance to meet the students, yet, but I¡¯ll need to make time tomorrow and introduce myself.¡±


    As they chatted,Tasi continued the simple procedure, pushing the wood under Callie¡¯s skin with deft, practiced fingers, the Gnome feeling only a slight pulling but no pain. This was followed by the casting of the same healing spell, this time forward, to seal the wound closed once again. With a wet cloth, Tasi wiped away the small amount of blood, revealing a wound-free site, with not even a scar to show for it. Only a small lump under the skin gave away anything that had happened. Callie didn¡¯t feel a thing, the numbing spell and Tasi¡¯s years of practice showing.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Tasi confirmed, throwing the cloth into a basket and returning the box of Yogosi to the shelf. ¡°The numbness should wear off within an hour. You might feel a little queasy in your stomach for a day or two, but it should be mild. Avoiding heavy and greasy foods will help. Come to me if you need to, but nothing should prevent your training.¡±


    Callie reached for the little lump under her skin, curious.


    ¡°And don¡¯t poke at it!¡± Tasi snapped, slapping Callie¡¯s hand away.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Callie responded with a grump.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m done here, at least for now, so go ahead and get dressed. Do you have any other questions about your body?¡± Tasi asked.


    ¡°Just one for now, I think,¡± Callie said, slipping the tunic on once again. ¡°How do you clean your teeth? There¡¯s no toothbrushes or anything like them that I¡¯ve seen.¡±


    ¡°Toothbrush?¡±


    With a sigh, Callie explained Earth''s dental hygiene using a toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as getting cleanings twice a year like clockwork if able. Eventually she had to explain braces and cavities.


    ¡°Still barbaric,¡± Tasi said, shaking her head. ¡°Drilling into a tooth to remove decay? That sounds dreadful.¡±


    ¡°Okay, so what do you do here?¡±


    ¡°Odomi Grass.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°A common plant, almost a weed actually. It tastes salty, so once dried it is used in cooking as a substitute for salt. When ingested, one of its properties is to prevent tooth decay and gum issues. It¡¯s so common, simply eating prepared foods gives everyone what they need. It¡¯s also easy to find, and just chewing on a few blades is all you need for about a week, if you aren¡¯t getting your requirements met from foods. Fresh Odomi actually tastes quite good, having a sweetness to it, in addition to the salty flavor.¡±


    That surprised Callie, and instinctively she ran her tongue over her teeth. ¡°What about the minty freshness that our toothpaste provides?¡±


    ¡°Chew on some mint plants. Or mint candies.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to look into that. I kinda miss it,¡± Callie said with a sigh, smacking her lips lightly. ¡°I also need to learn to recognize all these plants.¡±


    ¡°That knowledge should be part of your Wilderness Survival perk,¡± Tasi said helpfully. ¡°Take some time to study the plants, and you¡¯ll begin to recognize them and what they are able to do.¡±


    From over the partition wall came the sound of groaning, and Tasi quickly dashed to check on Juniper. Callie finished tucking her tunic into her pants, cinching the rope belt into place, and followed along behind. Staying back to not crowd the two, Callie saw Juniper groggy but awake, holding her hand to her forehead. Tasi was speaking low to her, encouraging the Dryad to remain calm and reminding her she was wearing a blindfold.


    ¡°Oh, my head feels quite strange,¡± Juniper said. ¡°Much like when I drank all that wine last night. Is this normal?¡±


    ¡°It will be that way for a little while,¡± Tasi said. ¡°It¡¯s best just to rest, or sleep if you are able.¡± Tasi looked to Callie, then gestured towards a pile of folded pieces of cloth and a bowl with water. Quickly, Callie grabbed a handful, giving them to the Healer, before bringing over the bowl and setting it close.


    ¡°This is a most wondrous experience,¡± Juniper said, trying to sit up. Quickly, she resigned herself and groaned, forced to lay back down. ¡°I had quite the insightful conversation with this creature now in my head. They were unsure if they wished to join with me.¡±


    Startled by this revelation, Callie interrupted before Tasi could speak and asked, ¡°Why was that?¡±


    ¡°Is that you, Little One?¡±


    ¡°Hi. Yes, it¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°It is good to hear your voice. The dear thing was concerned that Dryads live such long lives. They were worried it might get ¡­ boring ¡­ being together for so many centuries. But, I promised to try to keep life exciting, so I believe they are satisfied by that response. Perhaps I¡¯ll learn to dance.¡±


    Tasi looked at Callie, a look on her face somewhere between disbelief and confusion. All Callie could do was shrug in return.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to remove your blindfold now,¡± Tasi finally said, turning back to Juniper. ¡°Keep your eyes closed and then open them slowly.¡± Carefully she did so, and soon the Dryad lay blinking at the magical overhead lights, which had been dimmed slightly in this area of the tent.


    ¡°Is the Prince with you, by chance?¡± Juniper asked, turning her head to look at Callie. She wore a slightly dreamy, far off look on her smiling face, solidly in the post-joining intoxication phase.


    ¡°Sorry, no,¡± Callie replied with a light chuckle. ¡°He¡¯s not here.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunate,¡± Juniper pouted.


    ¡°But I¡¯ll let him know you asked for him. He¡¯ll like that,¡± Callie quickly added, wondering if the crush Vanis was developing actually went both ways.


    While they were speaking, Tasi wet a cloth, and wiped away the small amount of blood around Juniper¡¯s ear. The Dryad seemed to enjoy the feel of the cool water on her skin, letting off several happy sounds, her face smiling wide and content. It was only a few moments more and Juniper¡¯s breathing had deepened, her eyes closed, evidently asleep.


    Healer Tasi stood, and gestured Callie towards the entrance to the tent. ¡°Perhaps your dream of speaking with your Symbiote wasn¡¯t a dream after all?¡± she whispeed


    ¡°I guess not,¡± Callie replied, also keeping her voice low. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to let you know if and when we talk again.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Tasi mumbled distractedly, looking back to where Juniper lay sleeping. ¡°I¡¯m going to stay here tonight, on the off chance she wakes up. Do you know the way back, or would you like a Sprite to escort you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be good,¡± Callie said with a smile, appreciating the sentiment all the same.


    ¡°Have a good night, then,¡± the Healer said. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll speak more in time.¡±


    Callie left the tent with a lot of questions and thoughts tumbling around in her head at once. Tasi¡¯s observations that her body was ¡®pristine¡¯, as if brand new, felt perplexing, and as if there was something significant to that fact. Did someone create this body for her to inhabit from nothing, and thus it simply hadn¡¯t been broken in? And if so, what, if anything, were the ramifications of that? Was she just some Frankenstein¡¯s monster; a brain dumped in an empty shell? Well, she knew about electricity, so maybe that wasn¡¯t so far off after all.

 Chapter 30 Part 2 - Lotus Bloom

    PART II - LOTUS BLOOM


    Walking away into the darkness, her Darkvision activating, Callie turned to look back at the medical tent, mind still swirling from everything that had happened during the evening. What she saw suddenly stopped her cold. The entire tent, which when she entered had been entwined in a decent growth of vines, was now completely entombed. Only the entrances remained uncovered.


    The vines didn¡¯t just cover the tent though. They were so thick and heavy that it almost seemed an armored shell of nature had wrapped around the structure. Slowly, Callie approached, placing her hands on one of the trunks, which almost seemed to hum with life. Tiny tendrils reached for her hand, starting to encircle her fingers, and quickly she pulled back, remembering Eirlys and her image of people-eating plants.


    About to enter the tent to warn Tasi, something caught Callie¡¯s eye. She saw a small flower starting to bloom from the vine. Switching her Darkvision off, she relied on the small amount of ambient light leaking from the tent to see. The flower was nearly all black, but possessing streaks of luminescent purples and blues that seemed to ripple through its petals. Callie almost reached out to touch it, but another Sylvan image of the flower suddenly chomping down on her finger made Callie hesitate, and she pulled her hand back, content just to get a closer look at it.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    WILDERNESS SURVIVAL: FLORA - BLACK LOTUS


    A rare and elusive flower that only blooms on nights with no moons in the sky. It is highly sought by alchemists for its use in Rejuvenation potions. The flower''s petals and stem must be harvested carefully with a silver blade. If the petals or stem are damaged or the flower is harvested with a non-silver blade, its magical properties will likely be lost.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie jumped, startled, as the information about the flower popped into her head, but remembered Tasi¡¯s comment about being able to recognize wild plants due to her perk. She giggled and was about to go try the perk again by staring at another plant of some kind, when her brain finally caught up with the moment. With a gasp, Callie ran back into the tent.


    ¡°Master Healer Tasi!¡± Callie whispered loudly. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    The sounds of shuffling preceded Tasi emerging from Juniper¡¯s dimmed alcove. ¡°Recruit?¡±


    ¡°Come out here!¡±


    Tasi followed the gesturing Gnome out into the night. Pointing, Callie set Tasi¡¯s attention toward the vine-covered tent.


    ¡°My word! What is that?¡±


    The Healer began to reach out to touch one of the vines, but Callie pulled her hand away. ¡°Careful, they are grabby. But that¡¯s not important. Look!¡±


    It took a moment to see what the little Ranger was excitedly pointing at, but Tasi¡¯s eyes finally went wide in disbelief at seeing the flower. ¡°Is that ¡­?¡±


    ¡°My perk activated and said it¡¯s Black Lotus. That¡¯s useful, right?¡±


    Ignoring Callie, Tasi turned and looked up into the trees. She clapped her hands a few times, calling out, ¡°I need a Sprite!¡±


    There was an immediate sound of fluttering, and one of the tiny Sprites descended from the tree, yawning and stretching wide, obviously just awakened. ¡°Hello,¡± she said, groggily.


    ¡°You must fetch Trainer Cheena. Tell her to bring her herbalism kit. She should be in her cabin, but if not, enlist more Sprites and find her. And do it quickly, we have very little time!¡±


    ¡°Goodbye!¡± the Sprite called out with a sharp nod, waving her hand, before she flew off at speed into the night.


    Tasi started to pace, mumbling to herself, a worried look in her eyes. Snapping her gaze to Callie, she whispered, ¡°Are there more? Go! Look! Don¡¯t touch them.¡± She gestured eagerly towards the right side of the tent, and took off towards the left.


    Callie began looking over the tent wall to the right of the entrance, quickly spotting another bloom, followed soon by a third, and then many more, most only beginning to open. Trying to be both fast and thorough, she walked down the full right side of the tent, finding many dozens of additional Black Lotus flowers in various early stages of bloom. Callie met Tasi again at the rear.


    ¡°I found several,¡± the Fairy said excitedly.


    ¡°Me, too!¡±


    ¡°A few I saw were wilting, so we haven¡¯t much time,¡± Tasi said, concerned. ¡°We¡¯ll lose a few, but with this many and if they keep coming through the night ¡­¡± Tasi trailed off and ran back towards the front entrance, Callie sprinting to keep up. ¡°Stay here!¡± the Healer said, pointing to the ground. ¡°Watch for Cheena.¡± Mumbling a few more things to herself, she rushed into the tent, the sound of something being knocked over and cursing following soon after.


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure who Cheena was, or rather, she didn¡¯t know what she looked like, knowing only that she was one of Xin¡¯s trainers and they hadn¡¯t been introduced at the dinner. She peered into the darkness, watching for the sign of anyone coming her way.


    The spotted white leopard made almost no sound as it sprinted towards the medical tent, the Sprite relaying such a sense of urgency, that Cheena almost left without her requested herbing kit or even putting on something to wear. She bounded over a hedge, barely dodged a surprised patrol Dwarf, before leaping onto a tree limb and springing off into the night. What could the emergency be?


    Callie never saw the great cat racing towards her until it was too late. It silently burst into the small patch of light from the dark shadows, and the Ranger fell back, startled, her Instinctive Dodge activating and turning a hard fall into a roll before returning her upright. As she watched, the sleek, white and black cat form morphed into that of an Elf wearing a nightgown.


    ¡°What¡¯s the emergency!¡±


    Another crash sounded from inside the tent as Tasi apparently knocked something else over, and Cheena started to rush inside, not even noticing the cocoon of vines surrounding the medical tent. Callie grabbed her hand, though, stopping her.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked, worried.


    ¡°Come see!¡± Callie said, as she led Cheena to the tent wall and pointed at one of the Black Lotus flowers.


    The gasp of shock, followed quickly by a tiny dance and clap of glee, betrayed how excited Cheena suddenly became seeing the midnight flower. Tearing her eyes from it, she began to look at the other vines, seeing dozens more of the flowers beginning to open wide to the dark skies.


    ¡°The whole tent is covered with them,¡± Callie said quickly, ¡°but a few are wilting, so I take it we don¡¯t have much time?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t, no! They will all die at daybreak. We need more help.¡± Quickly she called out, ¡°Sprite! Two of you!¡±


    Immediately, the sounds of fluttering wings could be heard as two yawning Sprites descended from the trees above. ¡°Hello,¡± they said in unison.


    ¡°I am in need of your aid. Fetch Trainer Maugra, Enchanter Fizzlebek, and his wife, Pama. They should all be in their homes. Tell them we have a Black Lotus bloom and send them here. If Pama isn¡¯t there, she¡¯s likely in the kitchens. They¡¯ll know what to bring. And hurry please, my darlings, hurry!¡±


    The Sprites shot off even faster than the first one had, their ¡°Goodbye¡± fading away as little streaks of light briefly appeared in the air behind them. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°What do I need to do to help?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Let me think, let me think,¡± Cheena said to herself as she paced. ¡°Where¡¯s Tasi?¡±


    ¡°Um, she ran into the tent, I think to get some things.¡±


    ¡°Tasi? Where are you?¡± the Shaman called through the door. ¡°We¡¯ll need you.¡±


    ¡°Coming!¡± a voice called back, more sounds of shuffling and moving objects leaking from inside. A moment later, Tasi emerged from the tent, her arms loaded to overflowing with several dozen small baskets. ¡°Sorry. A little help please.¡±


    Quickly, both Calllie and Cheena helped with the load, setting them on the ground.


    ¡°I should have summoned Maugra, too,¡± Tasi said apologetically to Cheena. ¡°And probably¡­¡±


    ¡°I just sent more Sprites with all haste to fetch her, as well as Pama and her husband.¡±


    ¡°Good. Good. How should we do this?¡± Tasi asked. ¡°There are so many!¡±


    ¡°What needs to happen?¡± Callie asked, still a little confused how Fizzlebek and Pama fit into the moment.


    ¡°Maugra and I have the skills to do the cuttings,¡± Cheena said, pacing impatiently a bit, ¡°and the Gnomes can use a Preservation spell on them, which will give us a few days at least to get the potions made. Oh, I hope we have enough of the other ingredients. We may need to send someone into Meadowglade to get anything we¡¯re low on.¡±


    Callie thought for a moment, looking over the tent. ¡°How about this, you two do the cuttings, while Tasi and I bring the baskets out here for Fizzlebek and Pama and keep you supplied with empty ones. That way you won¡¯t waste time running around and we won¡¯t get in each other''s way. We¡¯ll get a lot more done by dawn.¡±


    Cheena was rubbing her hands together in nervousness, looking from the flowers and then out into the darkness, obviously worried about how long things were taking, even though only a few minutes had passed. ¡°I think that will work. We will need to dim all these lights, though. We can¡¯t let anything but the barest of light touch the cut flowers until Preservation is applied. At least everyone else has Darkvision, and I think there will be enough starlight for me to work with my Nightvision trait.¡±


    ¡°Cheena, we have time. We¡¯ll get as many as we are able,¡± Tasi said, trying to calm the Shaman. ¡°They should bloom until dawn.¡±


    ¡°I know, but the two Gnomes will be so slow to arrive, and we can¡¯t start without them.¡±


    ¡°Do you need me to get you a sedative?¡± Tasi teased. ¡°Please, breathe normally.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve just never seen a Lotus bloom this large. We have so much to do. We¡¯ll need more baskets, I think,¡± Cheena said with panicked worry in her voice and completely ignoring Tasi¡¯s advice to breathe.


    ¡°I believe I can find some more,¡± Tasi said, still trying to calm the Shaman. ¡°I¡¯ll go fetch what I can.¡±


    As Tasi dashed off, Cheena continued to pace, rubbing her hands nervously. Callie wasn¡¯t sure what to do, but finally decided that maybe she could get the trainer talking and take her mind off things for a moment. ¡°So, you know plants?¡± Callie said, realizing immediately how stupid that question sounded.


    For the first time, Cheena seemed to really notice Callie was there, and her anxiety seemed to wane slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t even say hello. You are the one with missing memories, yes? The Ranger?¡±


    Callie nodded, then decided to plant a seed of the cover story that had been decided earlier that evening. ¡°Yes. And apparently, it¡¯s permanent. Tasi was giving me an exam, and when I left I saw the flowers¡±


    ¡°You found them? Thank you!¡± Cheena started to kneel, closing in to hug Callie, when she finally registered all the vines entombing the tent. ¡°Oh my, what is happening?¡±


    ¡°Juniper was given her Symbiote tonight and is sleeping it off inside,¡± Callie said casually. ¡°This must be related to her in some way.¡±


    ¡°Juniper? The Dryad? Why was she given a Symbiote.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a Sylvan, and requested one so she could train to defend her lands,¡± Callie said, carefully using the cover story agreed on the evening before.


    ¡°A Dryad with Sylvan powers? What a potent combination that will be,¡± Cheena said, gasping slightly in disbelief. Then she gestured towards the vine-covered tent. ¡°As this shows, I suppose. How wondrous!¡±


    With a barely audible fluttering, a large owl, similar in size to Bratig¡¯s owl form at the Druid reveal, landed on the ground, quickly morphing into a very grumpy-looking Goblin, who was also in her nightgown. Maugra, leaning on her staff, walked absently past Callie towards the tent, handing off a leather satchel to her with an implied ¡®Here, hold this!¡¯ command to it. Gently, the elder Shaman ran her hand along the thick vines, ignoring the little tendrils reaching out for her, and then stopping just before touching one of the Lotus flowers. She turned and started to sign.


    ¡°Tasi summoned me, and I fetched you as soon as I saw it was this large,¡± Cheena said, filling Maugra in on what was happening. ¡°I¡¯ve also summoned Pama and Fizzlebek. Tasi is fetching more baskets inside.¡±


    Maugra looked at Callie, scowled and signed again.


    ¡°Yes, this is the one with no memories. She¡¯s also the one that found the Lotus bloom.¡±


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Callie,¡± Callie started to say, but Maugra didn¡¯t seem to care. She gestured towards the vines, before signing even more aggressively towards Cheena.


    ¡°According to the recruit, Juniper received a Symbiote tonight and she¡¯s resting inside. She¡¯s apparently a Sylvan, and I suspect this wild growth has something to do with that. Honestly, I don¡¯t care, as long as we harvest all the flowers we can.¡±


    Maugra rolled her eyes in disbelief, shaking her head, before turning and walking towards the side of the tent, out of view and into the darkness.


    ¡°I heard you talking. Was that Maugra?¡± Tasi asked, emerging from the tent with another armload of randomly-sized baskets. ¡°This is everything I could find. It will be a mess in the morning, so hopefully we won''t get any wounded.¡±


    Callie and Cheena helped unload Tasi, laying the new batch of baskets out in loose piles. The Healer took a deep breath, slightly winded from racing around collecting things.


    ¡°This is really a big deal, isn¡¯t it?¡± Callie said.


    ¡°It is,¡± Tasi said. ¡±Stamina and Mana potions are quite easy to make. Rejuvenation potions, which restore both, are quite difficult to produce, in part because they need this rare, delicate flower.¡±


    ¡°Why not just drink one of each?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°You do not know?¡± Cheena responded, dumbfounded by Callie¡¯s question.


    ¡°She has missing memories,¡± Tasi said before Callie could respond. ¡°Based on my examination, the condition is permanent. Callie, when you drink a potion, you must wait at least five minutes, preferably ten, before you are able to drink another, or you could get violently sick, or strange side-effects could occur. So a potion that can do two things at once is very valuable. Rejuvenation potions are also critical in treating someone who has mana exhaustion, often reversing any damage if taken soon enough.¡±


    ¡°Good to know,¡± Callie responded, a newfound respect for potion rules. She suspected she reached full mana exhaustion during training, like Tazrok apparently had the day before in the shower. Reynard had warned everyone to make sure not to overdo it, with detailed descriptions of the brain-melting injuries that could occur, serving as a gruesome warning, and forced the potion on her as a precaution when she had pushed herself. The awful taste of the purple potion was enough to make her never want to reach that point again.


    Maugra emerged from the darkness along the right side of the tent, having circled it, her face scowling. She gestured wildly at the trees in the area, many of which had dim white lights attached to them providing a small amount of illumination for those without enhanced vision. Angrily, she signed to Cheena, quite animated.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll get it done momentarily.¡± Cheena said.


    Somehow even grumpier than previous, Maugra let loose with another round of hand motions.


    Cheena nodded, answering quickly. ¡°We¡¯re going to set Fizzlebek and Pama out here to do their spellcasting, while Tasi and this recruit bring us empty baskets and take the ones with flowers back. That way, everyone will be able to see in the dark and we can concentrate on cutting.¡±


    Maugra grunted in acknowledgement, and then gave a snarl as if waiting for Cheena to do something. With a look of embarrassment, the apprentice trainer clapped several times, waking at least six more Sprites. She quickly ordered them to remove all the lights in the area and put them somewhere they couldn¡¯t be seen. With a flurry of goodbyes, the tiny Fae shot off in all directions, and one-by-one all the dim lights were pulled down and flown off somewhere out of sight.


    While Cheena continued dancing in nervousness, impatiently waiting for Fizzlebek and Pama, Callie set about organizing the empty baskets so they would be easy to retrieve. She stacked them like nesting dolls, making sure none would stick together when picked up. Meanwhile, Tasi excused herself so she could look for even more baskets, disappearing into several tents in the area, and returning with her findings. Maugra, on the other hand, simply sat down on the ground, resting her staff across her lap, and watched everyone else, seeming to enjoy the chaotic spectacle.


    ¡°Yes of course,¡± Cheena replied as Maugra eventually signed to her. Quickly turning to Tasi, Cheena interpreted. ¡°She will need something to stand on as she moves along. I¡¯m not even sure how we¡¯re going to do the top of the tent, though, that roof likely won¡¯t even hold Maugra.¡±


    Once again, Cheena interpreted for Maugra, ¡°We need to get all the Sprites to run patrol and make sure no one with any light comes here.¡±


    Tasi nodded, jogging into her tent, while Cheena clapped the Sprites into action, ordering them to only permit people through that had no light of any kind. With a chorus of goodbyes, the little winged Fae shot off into the night. Inside the tent, each of the illuminating light globes were one-by-one deactivated or hidden away, followed by Tasi emerging with a step stool, which she set it next to the door, pointing Maugra to it. It was now a pitch black waiting game for Pama and Fizzlebek.

 Chapter 30 Part 3 - Charming Reality

    PART III - CHARMING REALITY


    Vanis took his time returning to Ogre House, enjoying the darkness and looking at the stars in the moonless sky above. As he walked, he slowly came to realize how relieved he was that the situation with Callie had been positively resolved. Going in, he had no idea what the outcome may be, and assumed it likely his friend would have been taken into custody and sent up the chain-of-command, assuming Xera and the others even believed her. He laughed again at Callie word-smithing a solution, and while Vanis really had no authority to speak on behalf of his father, there was enough plausible deniability to keep Xera and their staff out of harm¡¯s way should it be necessary.


    As he approached the house, the shadowed form of Lena could be seen worriedly pacing, wringing her hands together and wearing an almost terrified expression.


    ¡°Vanis!¡± Lena squealed, seeing the Warlock approaching. ¡°Where¡¯s Callie? What happened? Why isn¡¯t she with you?¡±


    Vanis attempted to pad the air, hoping Lena would calm, but to no avail.


    Grabbing his tunic, Lena glared daggers. ¡°You said you¡¯d keep her safe!¡± she snarled. ¡°What have you done? Where is Callie? Tell me now!¡±


    With a burst of martial expertise, Vanis broke Lena¡¯s grip on his shirt. He spun his housemate, and pinned her arm behind her back, putting a slight submission hold on her to hold the Elf sill. ¡°Lena! Calm down and I will tell you what has happened.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Lena, everything is fine. Take a deep breath, please.¡±


    Lena struggled for a moment, but was held firmly in place. Finally, she did as told, working to calm herself, and with a nod she said, ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    Vanis was frustrated with himself. He hadn¡¯t meant to get physical with his friend, but it was an instinctive reaction borne of many years of basic self-defense training he¡¯d received growing up. Not enough to unlock a perk, but a fair amount of several different techniques. Under almost any circumstance, Lena would surely defeat him in any hand-to-hand combat, swords or no, and it was only surprise and the fact she was so distracted by worry, that allowed him to get the upper hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to release you now,¡± Vanis said quietly. Lena nodded and slowly he released his grip, prepared to jump back if Lena became aggressive again. The Bladedancer simply bowed her head, face still wrought with worry.


    ¡°Tell me what happened,¡± Lena said quietly, almost a whisper.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Vanis said, turning to walk away. ¡°We¡¯ll sit.¡±


    Reluctantly, Lena followed obediently along, her eyes downcast. Why had she gone off on Vanis like that? Why was she so worried about Callie? It was a question that had been vexing her ever since meeting the little Gnome, and she couldn¡¯t figure out a clear answer. Sure, she was happy to be helpful. But there was something else that seemed to be driving her to be so overprotective. In the end, though, all she knew was that Callie had to be kept safe, even if it meant busting her out of captivity.


    Leading the way into the empty garden, Vanis gestured to a quiet area next to a pair of trees. He sat down on the soft grass, back against one tree, and pointed for Lena to sit next to him. Reluctantly, Lena sat, immediately realizing how tense she had been and how tired she was. With a sigh, Lena leaned her head back against the tree and looked up at the stars. Ever since Callie had informed everyone else in Ogre House that she was going to the Commandant tonight, Lena had been clenched up tight with worry about what might happen. Vanis had said everything is fine, though, right?


    ¡°So what happened,¡± Lena finally said, finally managing to calm herself a bit. ¡°Do we need to break her out or anything?¡±


    Vanis patted his friend¡¯s leg gently. ¡°They believed her. She¡¯ll be staying here.¡±


    With a rush, all the tension Lena had been holding released at once, seeming to drain away from her like a rushing river. She visibly deflated, relief evident. ¡°Tell me everything.¡±


    Vanis nodded. ¡°First, we speak no details about Callie¡¯s background. Those conversations are restricted to inside our bunkhouse. Commandant¡¯s orders. Understand?¡±


    Lena swallowed, and then nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Because of her ¡®memory loss¡¯, the Commandant gave Callie a choice. She could either continue training, or be moved to a non-combat position under the Logistics officer, Captain Kela. That would still satisfy her Curse requirements. Callie chose to remain in training, and it was her choice alone.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lena said. ¡°Where is she, though?¡±


    ¡°Master Healer Tasi was present at our meeting, as was the rest of the senior staff. Tasi wished to do an examination, and I escorted Callie to the medical tent. I was no longer needed, so I was dismissed. Tasi will let it slip that Callies memory loss is permanent, and the rumor mill should do the rest.¡±


    ¡°You left her there?¡± Lena said, her voice and tone rising.


    ¡°She is in excellent hands, and perfectly capable of finding her way back. I wouldn¡¯t expect her to be long.¡±


    ¡°I should be there,¡± Lena said, struggling to rise. ¡°She might need me.¡±


    Vanis sighed, a part of him terribly amused by the effect that Callie¡¯s minor charm was apparently having. ¡°Sit down, Lena,¡± he said sternly, almost as a command, before adding a more-friendly, ¡°Please.¡±


    Halfway standing, Lena stopped, hearing the firm tone in Vanis¡¯s voice, and returned to her seated position, once again thumping her head against the tree. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll wait a little bit, but if she takes too long, we¡¯re going to go get her.¡±


    They sat in silence for a bit, Lena fidgety and nervous, obviously wanting to be doing something. Vanis realized, though, if not for the fact that he was actually in the meeting between Callie, Xera and the others, he¡¯d likely have been dealing with the same anxiety that Lena was feeling while waiting for news. He laughed quietly to himself, recognizing the subtle effect Callie¡¯s charm was having on him as well.


    Vanis had known all his life that children were an eventuality. But, even if it hadn¡¯t been expected as the heir-apparent, he still looked forward to fatherhood. When he had been courting Governor Solva¡¯s daughter, Karira, they had spoken many times of plans for parenthood and she had wanted daughters. Vanis had been about to formally propose, but the worsening news of the Demon raids seemed to distract from the affairs of the Royalty, and thus he had never been able to put together the moment he wished to. Of course, this was before the Humans had exiled themselves behind their walls, which immediately ended the courtship, and made it unlikely to ever rekindle.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny,¡± Lena asked, looking at Vanis. ¡°I can tell when you¡¯re thinking something is funny. You do a thing with your forehead.¡± She gestured to her own.


    ¡°Tell me, Lena, why are you so protective of Callie? We all care for her, but you go far beyond simple caring. Why is that?¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°I do not!¡± Lena snapped in return, but then her face turned puzzled. ¡°Do I?¡±


    ¡°You do.¡±


    Lena shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just want to make sure she¡¯s safe, and I¡¯m able to protect her to do that.¡±


    ¡°She mentioned her sparring match with Pixyl at dinner tonight. How did she do?¡±


    ¡°Fine, I guess. She scared the hell out of Dregorio. Honestly, she was quite good for someone with no training, actually.¡±


    ¡°Remember, I saw her sparring with the Lamia yesterday. For a beginner, she¡¯s more than just good, Lena. Both the Major and Master Trainer said as much.¡±


    ¡°Ok, so she can swing her swords and shoot a bow. So what?¡±


    ¡°Lena,¡± Vanis said quietly. ¡°She¡¯s an adult, with adult skills that are being honed. She doesn¡¯t need you fretting over everything.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Vanis raised one eyebrow questioningly, cutting off Lena¡¯s argument.


    Lena fumbled her hands together in thought for a few moments, thinking back to all the events of the last few days. Vanis was right, Callie was an adult in body and in mind. But in a way she was still a child in this world, knowing nothing about it and apt to quickly get into trouble if not watched over. That was Lena¡¯s job; her responsibility. Wasn¡¯t it?


    ¡°I just have to take care of her. That¡¯s what I need to do,¡± Lena finally said.


    ¡°She needs a friend, Lena. She doesn¡¯t need a parent. You need to back off and let her breathe, or she won¡¯t ever be able to stand on her own.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can do that, Vanis,¡± Lena mumbled. ¡°I understand what you are saying, I really do, but there¡¯s a part of me that feels compelled to protect her. I¡¯m not sure why.¡±


    Vanis nearly jumped when Lena used the word ¡®compelled¡¯ to describe her behavior, and he quickly tried to flatten his expression.


    ¡°What?¡± Lena said, catching the change in her friend¡¯s posture.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°You have another look on your face. I¡¯ve seen this one, too, when you know something. Like when you knew Pixyl had Poison Resistance. What aren¡¯t you telling me?¡±


    ¡°Tell me,¡± Vanis began, trying to quickly change the topic back to Lena and away from him, ¡°have you ever wanted to have children? To be a mother?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not! My mother was atrocious and my childhood was awful. I wouldn¡¯t want to risk the same for one of my own. Children deserve better than I could ever give them. Hell, I don¡¯t even want to settle down and get married. That¡¯s not for me.. Then she added a puzzled, ¡°I think?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Your need to protect Callie seems quite maternal from where I sit.¡±


    ¡°It does not!¡± Lena hissed at the merest suggestion, but then paused, ¡°Wait, is it?¡±


    Vanis nodded in assurance.


    ¡°No! You¡¯re wrong,¡± Lena snapped defiantly. ¡°It¡¯s simply that I have to take care of Callie, that¡¯s all. That¡¯s it.¡± She looked up at her friend, once again seeing that knowing look he had on his face. ¡°What? You know something!¡±


    Vanis debated telling Lena about the charm, but was worried he would be betraying Callie¡¯s trust, as he did promise to make every effort not to reveal the secret. Every indication was, though, that Lena wasn¡¯t going to let up on the mothering without a detailed explanation.


    ¡°Tell me, Lena, why would you feel compelled to do so for Callie, when you¡¯re quite adamant you haven¡¯t a maternal bone in your body?¡±


    Once again, Lena shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I mean, if it wasn¡¯t Callie, I suppose someone could be beguiling me. But that¡¯s not happening here. I just have to ¡­¡±


    Slowly Lena¡¯s voice trailed off, a perplexed look on her face as she started to actually hear the words she had been saying. Compelled. Have to. Beguiled. Slowly the pieces started to come together. Something was making her this way!


    ¡°That little¡­¡± Lena suddenly snapped out, rushing to rise to her feet. ¡°She¡¯s charming me! You knew this! I¡¯m going to kill her! I¡¯m going to kill you both!¡±


    ¡°Sit down!¡± Vanis snapped, quickly grabbing Lena¡¯s arm and forcefully pulling her back to the ground with a thud. This wasn¡¯t quite the reaction he was expecting, but then again, he hadn¡¯t really been sure what her reaction might be. He¡¯d need to fully come clean, and would have to apologize to Callie later, and hope she would forgive him


    ¡°Vanis, what do you know? Tell me or I¡¯ll ¡­¡±


    ¡°If you sit calmly and allow me to fully explain, I will tell you. Will you make that promise?¡±


    Hesitantly, Lena nodded, working to push aside her sudden anger at the little Gnome, and a small amount of side-anger towards Vanis for not being forthright from the beginning.


    ¡°Yes, she has a charm trait. It was revealed to her yesterday, and she approached me worried about it and what it was doing to you. She was hating herself because of it, and we had a long conversation about it.¡±


    ¡°Hating herself? Why?¡±


    ¡°Because, her only other experience with charms was what Juniper did to her that first day, Lena. You can imagine how the idea she was using one, even without knowing it, would have made her feel. As for the charm, It is quite literally called ¡®Childlike Charm¡¯, and it is a racial trait. More importantly, it is not something she is able to discontinue using, unlike Juniper¡¯s Seduction charm. It¡¯s always active, and I presume all Gnomes have it, or at least younger ones.¡±


    ¡°¡®Childlike Charm¡¯? What does it do?¡± Lena asked, a shadow of confusion crossing her face.


    ¡°Much as it sounds. It triggers a person''s nurturing instincts, and those around Callie will tend to see her as a child in need of assistance and protection, and of minimal threat. But it has some ¡­¡±


    ¡°That little ¡­¡± Lena snarled, interrupting Vanis. ¡°Why didn¡¯t she tell ¡­¡±


    ¡°Let me finish,¡± Vanis interrupted back, ¡°because this is important. As I was trying to say, there are some limitations. It doesn¡¯t affect anyone Gnome-sized or smaller, but more importantly, it¡¯s a suggestive charm.¡± Vanis stopped talking to let that last bit sink in. He could almost watch in real-time as Lena put the pieces together, and the sudden horror that washed over her face.


    ¡°No! It can¡¯t be! That means ¡­ But I¡¯m not ¡­¡±


    Lena suddenly felt faint, like the blood was rushing from her head. A charm that played on one¡¯s maternal feelings? A suggestive one at that? If it was suggestive, that meant somewhere in her subconscious, part of her wanted to be a mother. Oh no!


    ¡°It¡¯s truly a suggestive charm?¡± Lena finally said weakly.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± Vanis quietly replied, seeing that she had realized the implications. Then lightly, he added, ¡°I am so sorry.¡±


    As this revelation sunk in, Lena reviewed how she¡¯d been behaving towards Callie. She remembered the panic attack she had that first day when Callie had overheard their conversation and walked out of the house. She saw, clear as day, the constant need to know where Callie was and if she was safe, or to escort her to places she needed to go to. All of it ¡­ just like a mother would do for a small child.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Lena whispered quietly as the ramifications fully settled in.


    ¡°Are you good?¡± Vanis asked hesitantly after a bit longer, seeing his friend obviously grappling with the sudden change in her life-perspective.


    ¡°You said she can¡¯t control it? It¡¯s always active?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. A trait.¡±


    ¡°Are you being affected, too?¡±


    ¡°I certainly am, although now that I¡¯m aware of it, I am able to at least sense if I¡¯m doing something out of character. But the truth is, I¡¯ve always wanted to be a father someday, so in that regard I¡¯m not really shocked by the results,¡± Then Vanis added with a laugh, ¡°I just didn¡¯t think my first child would be a pink-haired Gnome.¡±


    ¡°Me either, I suppose,¡± Lena said quietly, still seeming to wrestle with things. ¡°What of the others?¡±


    ¡°Pixyl is too small. As for Xin, Lizardkin don¡¯t directly raise their own children, so I suspect she isn¡¯t affected either. Tazrok probably is, but he¡¯s already fiercely defensive of anyone that is small, and I don¡¯t think Callie¡¯s charm would have much additional influence on that.¡±


    ¡°What do I do, Vanis?¡±


    The Warlock looked at the pleading look on Lena¡¯s face, and once again patted her leg. ¡°Remember that despite her size and the influence she¡¯s having on you, Callie is an adult. Let her be one. If you must, try to picture yourself as her big sister, rather than her mother. Give her the space she needs. And please, don¡¯t confront Callie about this, at least until I tell her you know. She feels absolutely dreadful about what it is doing to you. What it¡¯s doing to both of us, for that matter.¡±


    Lena nodded in agreement, becoming very quiet and introspective, and Vanis leaned back against his tree, trying to give her some time. He closed his eyes, listening to the nighttime insects chirp in the darkness, and thought back on all the events of the day. So many things had happened so quickly, with a day of training, the exciting Druid reveals, and Callie¡¯s disclosure to the officers, that he quickly realized how tired he was. He tried not to, but he found himself drifting slightly, not really asleep, but certainly dozing. Soon, however, that dozing faded and sleep consumed him, as it did Lena.

 Chapter 30 part 4 - Midnight Harvest

    PART IV - MIDNIGHT HARVEST


    Pixyl had grown tired of waiting, quite worried about her new friend, and was trying to stay positive about what might happen to Callie. She had known Lena was pacing nervously outside, and decided to give her space, but now, it had been over an hour since she¡¯d heard Vanis leading Lena off to talk in private, and her worry was starting to get the best of her. Tazrok and Xin had both fallen asleep, the day finally catching up, but Pixyl found herself unable to and was getting quite agitated with worry. Finally, unable to wait any longer, she hopped down from her bunk, slipped her boots on, and tiptoed out into the still night air. She was going to find her friend, and if necessary, break her out of captivity.


    WIth her Darkvision active, Pixyl saw no one walking around, but quickly spotted both Vanis and Lena sitting in the garden. As she approached, she saw they were both unmoving, and eventually realized they had both fallen asleep.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Pixyl said quietly, lightly tapping Vanis¡¯s foot with her own. ¡°What happened to Callie?¡±


    With a jolt, Vanis snapped his eyes open, quickly orienting himself. ¡°Pixyl! I¡¯m sorry, did I fall asleep?¡±


    ¡°What happened t-t-to Callie?¡± the Pixie asked again, this time a little firmer. She glanced over at Lena, who was lightly snoring, and then back to Vanis.


    ¡°Um,¡± Vanis stammered for a moment, his brain still catching up. ¡°She¡¯s going to be staying in training, but went with Healer Tasi for an examination. We¡¯re also supposed to confine any discussions about her background to inside our bunkhouse.¡±


    That made sense. The garden was empty, most of the other recruits likely passed out in exhaustion from the day¡¯s activities, but there was no need to risk someone overhearing what they shouldn¡¯t.


    ¡°How long have we been out here?¡± Vanis mumbled, as much to himself as a question to Pixyl.


    ¡°Over an hour. I couldn¡¯t sleep, and got t-t-tired of waiting after you walked off with Lena.¡±


    ¡°Callie hasn¡¯t come back yet? She should be back by now,¡± Vanis said, rubbing a hand down his face to help wake up.


    Pixyl shook her head, and then looked off into the darkness in the vague direction of the part of camp where the medical tent was located. ¡°I¡¯m going to go find her. Are you coming?¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure. Give me a moment,¡± Vanis groaned, struggling to stand.


    While Vanis got oriented, Pixyl walked over and, like she had done with the Warlock, kicked Lena¡¯s foot. With a jerk, her eyes snapped open, taking a moment to focus. ¡°What is it, Pixyl?¡±


    ¡°Callie isn¡¯t b-b-back yet. It¡¯s been over an hour. We¡¯re going to go find her. Get up.¡± Lena puzzled for a moment, unsure if that was a statement or a Corporal-Major order. Pixyl had a look on her face of thinly masked worry tinged slightly with anger, and Lena decided that following the instructions was probably the best course of action.


    Pixyl led the way, Lena and Vanis trailing behind, her wings outstretched and seeming to give off an annoyed energy. All three stopped at the central fountain so the Elves could splash cold water on their faces in an attempt to fully awaken and refresh, before continuing into the darkness. With all of them having some form of enhanced vision, there was no need for the dim, magical lights which seemed to be missing from the various trees along the well-worn paths.


    As the three crested a small rise that would lead down towards the Medical tent, they were quickly accosted by a pair of Sprites, ordering them to halt. With quick, chipper instructions, they warned that if the three recruits were to continue, they must use no lights whatsoever, and if they couldn¡¯t agree to that, would need to return to their bunkhouse. Confused by the strange orders, all three agreed, after which they were permitted to pass, the Sprites dashing skywards with a unified pair of ¡®goodbyes¡¯ as they continued their apparent patrols.


    Approaching their destination, they found a scene of vaguely organized chaos. Two Gnomes or Goblins, hard to tell in the low-light and at distance, were busy casting spells of some kind towards the ground, flanked on either side by a pair of Shaman Totems. A moment later, they saw Callie race out from behind the far side of the tent, setting something on the ground and retrieving something else, before running back out of sight. Next, a Fairy emerged and did the same thing.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Lena asked confusedly.


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Vanis replied, and with wariness the three approached.


    <hr>


    ¡°No lights!¡± Master Healer Tasi hissed, returning again from the side of the tent and seeing the three people approaching. She set down what turned out to be a small basket in front of Pama, of all people.


    ¡°We were warned,¡± Vanis responded. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Black Lotus bloom,¡± Tasi said, slightly winded. ¡°A big one. Light will kill it.¡±


    ¡°Mana!¡± the male Gnome that Vanis recognized as Fizzlebek called out, looking quite tired.


    ¡°Just a moment,¡± a voice called out, followed a moment later by one of the Totems casting a Rejuvenation spell. As it washed through them, the three new arrivals felt a refreshing sense. As their mana was already full, the additional mana recharge had minimal effect, but the stamina component of the Totem¡¯s Rejuvenation helped to wake them all a little. When the spell completed, the Gnome returned to his focused casting.


    ¡°You!¡± Callie called, running out from her side of the tent holding a basket of something and not even greeting her housemates. She set it on the ground in front of the Gnomes, and then picked up two empty baskets from a pile, handing one to Vanis, gesturing towards the right side of the tent. ¡°Bring this to Trainer Maugra, and bring back the full one she gives you.¡± Callie handed a second basket to Lena. ¡°You! Same thing on the left side. Trainer Cheena is back there.¡±


    Vanis and Lena looked at the baskets in their hands, perplexed. Before they could ask any clarifying questions, though, Callie gave them a harsh, ¡°Go!¡± coupled with an insistent shooing motion. Quickly, they went, shuttling the empty baskets back to the waiting Shamans.


    ¡°How c-c-can I help?¡± Pixyl asked, deciding not to ask questions of her own, based on how focused everyone was, her Ranger friend in particular..


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Callie said quickly looking around, and then up. ¡°Tasi, would the roof hold her?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s light enough. It should,¡± Tasi responded, working to get her breathing back under control.


    ¡°Good!¡± Pointing towards the herbing supply satchels Maugra and Cheena had brought, she added, ¡°You¡¯re good with knives, so grab a silver one, and then go ask Trainer Cheena to show you how to cut them. The flowers are super-delicate. Someone will help you up once you know how.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Pixyl didn¡¯t ask for clarification from her friend, and raced towards the satchels, Callie adding, ¡°and watch out for the vines, they like to grab at you!¡± as a warning. Looking through one of the kits, Pixyl found what looked like a high-quality silver blade, and rushed towards the side of the tent, barely sidestepping Lena as she ran past with a full basket.


    Now with more bodies helping, Tasi excused herself to check on Juniper, while Callie took command of organizing the incoming and freshly Preserved Lotus flowers, helping to further streamline the ad hoc process.


    Pama and Callie had, unfortunately, only a few moments to chat when the Culinar had first arrived, greeting Callie with a hug, before everyone set to work harvesting. Callie did manage to thank her for all the delicious food, and indicated she wanted to talk more. In response, while shaking out her arms to loosen up as the work began, Pama promised to find time soon for tea and biscuits.


    The Gnomes¡¯ Preservation spells served to seal the flowers, preventing them from wilting for weeks, and protecting them from all but the brightest of lights. Unfortunately, the spell would only hold the magic for a few days, after which you¡¯d be left with only a very pretty, well-preserved flower. Pama¡¯s seal would hold the magic a little longer, as she was a higher tier than her husband, and Callie made sure her work was kept separate, so everyone would know which to use first. Once the Preservation was removed, the flowers would have only a short time before they lost their potency, so timing was crucial.


    The arrival of Pixyl, Vanis and Lena was well timed, as the constant pace was obviously starting to tire Tasi, even with the Rejuvenating magic coming from the Totems. Callie got the sense the Healer wasn¡¯t used to such physical activity, and she obviously embraced the chance to sit for a few minutes, partially using the need to check on Juniper as an excuse when she ducked out of view.


    The work continued, and soon Pixyl, now properly trained on the correct harvesting technique, was on the roof cutting any blooms that were ready. It was delicate work, and unfortunately a great many were crushed simply due to the position the Pixie had to be in to work the task, plus constantly having to detangle herself from the grabby vine tentacles. Still, a third stream of small baskets added to the constant flow being brought out, and the Gnome couple struggled to keep up. Tasi eventually even had to provide mana potions, when the Preservation castings outpaced the cooldown of the Totems¡¯ spells.


    In time, Callie sent a rested Tasi on another quest for baskets. If the pace kept up, they¡¯d quickly run out, and that simply couldn¡¯t be allowed. As a suggestion, Pama directed the Healer to the kitchen, saying her assistants would help gather whatever was needed. The issue was that the flowers, especially once cut, were so delicate that if laid more than a few layers deep, they¡¯d start to be crushed by their own weight. It had taken a few trial and error baskets to learn this, with the errors costing time and ruined cuttings. There were so many flowers, though, that it hardly seemed to matter; as soon as the Shamans worked fully to the back of the tent, they were able to return to the front, as more Lotus had bloomed in their wake.


    As the dark early-morning slowly inched forward, Tasi returned with two of Pama¡¯s Goblin assistants. All three were carrying additional baskets, and Calllie set the newcomers to work de-nesting them, getting them ready for Lena and Vanis, who were also keeping Pixyl supplied on the roof. Tasi went to ¡®check on Juniper¡¯ again, obviously needing another private breather after running to and from the kitchen.


    Callie finally had to force everyone to take a short break after Maugra almost fell off her ladder, only being saved a hard landing by the fast reflexes of Vanis. Everyone was getting tired in a way that the Totems¡¯ stamina boost wasn¡¯t relieving, feeling a mental fatigue that accompanied the prolonged concentration on their tasks. To help, Pama summoned a batch of Culinar cookies with a zesty citrus flavor. Tasi helped by bringing out potions that would help to push back the mental fog, as well as fresh, cold water from a small fountain installed in the tent.


    The ten minute break was certainly welcomed by everyone, but both Maugra and Cheena were eager to get back to work, wanting to maximize the bounty available to them. As the break ended, Pama sent her people back to the kitchen with the morning¡¯s breakfast preparation instructions, adding she would join them as soon as dawn came, and replicate the food for the rest of the camp.


    Hours later, or maybe minutes, Callie wasn¡¯t really sure at this point, knowing only that they all had to go until the dawn¡¯s light finally arrived, Commandant Xera approached. They were on her way to the bathhouse for their early-morning shower and saw the commotion surrounding the camp¡¯s medical tent. With barely an apology, Callie physically moved the Fae to the side so that the movements of the harvest could continue unimpeded, while Tasi filled her superior in on all that had transpired. Xera observed Callie, watching her keep everything organized while Pama and Fizzlebek struggled to keep up with the needs for their magic.


    ¡°She just sort of took over,¡± Tasi said quietly.


    ¡°Really? And you let her?¡± Xera replied in a whisper, surprised.


    Tasi shrugged. ¡°She didn¡¯t really let any of us say no, even forcing us to take a break when Maugra nearly fell. She¡¯s essentially been in charge from the moment she found the Bloom.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s quite surprising,¡± Xera smiled. ¡°Good for her.¡±


    Callie, of course, heard all this with her Gnomish super hearing, and the wink Pama gave her showed that she and Fizzlebek had heard the praise as well. Callie hadn¡¯t meant to take over, or be bossy, she had just seen a way to keep things organized and efficient, and did what was needed to make everything work smoothly. Callie was angry at herself though, now realizing that she should have called a break sooner, so as to never let Maugra get tired enough to actually fall. While Vanis saved the day by catching her, it was a critical people-variable she had lost sight of in the equation, by concentrating so hard on the end results and organization. An important lesson learned.


    The first rays of dawn in the horizon sky finally appeared, the sun not yet even visible. It was enough though, and wIthout even so much as a withering, the unharvested Black Lotus buds simply crumbled to dust, the remnants floating off on the breeze. The contents of a half-dozen not-yet-preserved baskets also disintegrated, irritating Pama who was just about finished with the one she was casting on. Vanis and Lena stopped in their tracks, turning to look at the distant light, followed soon by the two Shamans emerging from behind the tent. Pixyl simply sat down on the edge of the roof, her cramped hand still tightly holding the silver knife, not yet able to release her tight grasp on it. The little tendrils of the vine reached for her, but she absently brushed them away, letting out a slow, deep sigh. They all stood, or sat, no one speaking, and simply watched the sun finally rise over the far-distant trees.


    Eventually tearing her eyes from the sunrise, Callie looked at the two neat piles of preserved baskets and smiled, pleased with everything they had accomplished. She wasn¡¯t sure how many Black Lotus flowers were needed to make a potion, but there had to be dozens of preserved flower bundles. She didn¡¯t have to be an Alchemist to know that would make a lot, and that somebody had their work cut out for them for the next few days.


    Callie looked around at those who had become her ad hoc work detail, all still watching the sun as it slowly rose. ¡°Great job, everyone,¡± she said quietly. She felt she should say more, but really didn¡¯t know what would make good words here. The hours had been a blur, and she was utterly exhausted, both mentally and physically. She could see in the looks of the others they felt the same way.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Cheena said, still in her nightgown, as she squeezed Callie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We owe much of this to you.¡±


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Pixyl suddenly cried out, interrupting the quiet moment. Everyone turned to look as the Pixie smacked one of the green tentacles away. ¡°Stop that!¡±


    It was now, in the light of a new day, they really saw what had become of the Medical tent. Half-meter thick vines were wrapped around it, encasing it in a protective shell of browns and greens. Offshoot-vines from the main trunks slithered towards the center of the tent¡¯s roof, finally entwining amongst each other into a single, braided, knotty trunk that shot skywards to a height of at least twenty meters. At its peak, a canopy of green spread out from the twisting spire, interspersed with the bright pastel colors of distant flowers just starting to open to the new day. It was simply an awe-inspiring sight to see, and knowing that mere hours before it wasn¡¯t here made it even moreso.


    The wowed silence continued for over a minute as everyone took in the sight of the new growth. Access to and from the tent was unimpeded through the front and rear doorways, but several flaps that once could be rolled open to let in light and air, were now well sealed. There was no doubt something wondrous had happened, and knowing Juniper was recovering inside pointed to the obvious cause


    Together, they all continued to stare, simply in awe of the tower of twisting vines. Putting words to the thoughts on the minds of everyone, Callie finally said, ¡°Yeah ¡­ I¡¯ve got nothin¡¯.¡±

 Chapter 30 Part 5 - Little Monster

    PART V - LITTLE MONSTER


    Slowly, everyone began to collect their wits. Callie was about to get back to work, seeing what needed to happen next, and assuming it would be to get all the preserved flowers somewhere safe. Her thoughts were interrupted, though, as Juniper emerged from the door of the tent, yawning and stretching as if she had just woke from a restful night¡¯s sleep.


    Juniper was still wearing her tan uniform top, although she had removed her pants for sleep, and was standing there in her underwear. She flexed her light-green feet, feeling the grass and soil underneath and sighed contentedly, her closed-eyes staring happily into the rising sun. Someone made a noise, and the Dryad finally noticed all the faces staring at her. She turned to see if it was something behind her that everyone was looking at. It wasn¡¯t. ¡°Um, good morning?¡±


    ¡°You may want to sit down,¡± Callie warned. ¡°You will get really dizzy after your new skills are revealed.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I learned a new one just moments ago,¡± the Dryad said gleefully. ¡°It is called Carnivorous Familiar. I asked my little creature about the skill and it says it will allow me to summon an adorable little pet monster-plant to help me fight.¡±


    ¡°You asked your Symbiote about it?¡± Tasi said, a sudden worried tone in her voice.


    ¡°Oh yes. My new companion was ever so helpful. See?¡±


    Before anyone could shout to stop her, Juniper waved her hand and a few meters away, the ground split open. In the blink of an eye, a vine suddenly rose to roughly the height of Pixyl. As Callie watched in fascination, the vine filled out, seeming to inflate into shape, and soon what could only be called a huge, bulbous head formed, sporting long, fang-like teeth. The appearance of the head was soon followed by the whole thing pulling itself from the ground and standing on three ¡®legs¡¯. The ¡­ whatever it was ¡­ seemed to stretch and shake each vine limb out, now adding two armlike appendages. Callie thought the little thing looked vaguely like something from that musical about the plant from outer space, and she fully expected it to simply say, ¡°Feed me!¡±


    The little plant looked around, its gaze finally landing on Callie. It seemed to smile, and with a growing sense of trepidation, Callie suddenly realized that technically she was a plumber, and that plants that looked like this ate plumbers in that video game, and this plant looked hungry! It started coming for her, and she turned to run!


    While nearly everyone was stunned by the sight, it was Pixyl who instantly came to Callie¡¯s rescue. With a swoop, the Bladeweaver dropped from the roof of the tent, her swords flashing to existence. She lashed out, striking the plant on the side of its ¡­ well ¡­ head. She was wearing her suppression bands, though, and instead of being sliced in half, the Gnome-hungry plant was sent sprawling. Pixyl leapt between the plant and its dinner, hissing loudly in defiance.


    Both Cheena and Maugra were just a bit slower, but reacted almost at the same time, on instinct pulling their hands back, ready to fling a spell at the thing. Unfortunately, Pixyl was now between the Shamans and the plant, and they didn¡¯t have a clear shot, nor did their Totems. Everyone else took healthy steps back from the sudden fight.


    ¡°Juniper!¡± Xera snapped, causing both the Dryad and the little plant to look at her in momentary confusion. ¡°Control your plant!¡±


    The newly-minted Sylvan looked back at her pet, calling out a quick ¡°Down boy! Sit!¡± like it was a tiny, hungry puppy.


    Obediently, the plant seemed to sit, still warily eyeing Pixyl, who was tense and sword-ready for anything.


    ¡°Come here!¡± Juniper snapped, jabbing a finger towards the ground at her side, a cross look on her face.


    Head now hanging low, the plant slowly walked towards its creator, keeping a wide berth from Pixyl as she snarled at it, her swords ready to go to work again if needed.


    ¡°We do not eat mommy¡¯s friends!¡± Juniper scolded. ¡°Even if they might taste good! Now, you behave!¡±


    With an air of shame, the puppy-plant hung its head, and Callie could swear she heard it pitifully whining. She was then sure of what she heard when it glanced sidelong at Pixyl, letting off a low growl, still angry it got smacked.


    ¡°Juniper,¡± Xera seethed, obviously trying to keep their temper under control, ¡°you are not to cast any spells without the permission of your trainer, nor are you to do it unless you are on the training field. Do you understand?¡±


    The puppy-plant looked up at the Commandant, and started to snarl, but Xera returned a glare, jabbing their finger towards it and adding a sharp, ¡°Quiet!¡± Immediately the plant backed down, once again scolded into submission.


    ¡°Of course, Commandant,¡± Juniper said, seeming oblivious to the fact that she had done anything wrong.


    ¡°Now, unsummon your ¡­ pet,¡± Xera commanded, gesturing at the little monster.


    ¡°Of course. How do I do that?¡± Juniper asked, a confused look on her face.


    ¡°Of course you don¡¯t know how to unsummon it,¡± Xera said with a sigh, holding their hand to their face, slowly shaking their head in disbelief.


    ¡°I can get rid of it,¡± Pixyl hissed. ¡°Just give me the word.¡±


    Hearing the angry Pixie, the plant scurried further behind Juniper, using her for protection from the tiny Bladeweaver. Pixyl¡¯s grin just widened.


    ¡°I have fourteen ways I can kill it right now,¡± Trainer Maugra said in a strained, raspy voice. ¡°Twenty-six if you let me summon an Elemental.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Oh please, he didn¡¯t mean to try to eat the Little One,¡± Juniper said, looking at everyone with almost a panicked look in her eyes. ¡°I can make sure he behaves.¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡± Healer Tasi said, stepping into the middle of the standoff. ¡°No one is going to kill anything. It¡¯s a familiar born of her. If you kill it, it will just harm Juniper. She needs to unsummon the ¡­ thing.¡±


    ¡°If you want, I could at least pry out its teeth,¡± Pixyl suggested, still holding her humming blades at the ready. ¡°I¡¯d bet it won¡¯t be able to gum anyone to death.¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Xera snapped, a tinge of frustration in their voice. ¡°Juniper, you¡¯re confined to medical until at least your reveals are done. Take your ¡­ whatever it is inside with you.¡± Xera turned to address the Master Healer. ¡°Tasi, get her settled and then fetch her breakfast when the mess opens. Teach her what she needs to know about safety and how damn near everything else works around here; take all day if you need to. And make sure the ¡­ plantling ¡­ is secured until Eirlys can teach her how to unsummon it.¡±


    ¡°How should I do that?¡± Tasi asked, looking at Juniper¡¯s new pet hiding behind the Dryad¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Put a leash on it!¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± Tasi responded, now realizing the obvious.


    Xera turned to everyone else, seeing that Maugra and Cheena had both retracted the spells they had at the ready, and pulled down their Totems. Pixyl remained in a guarded position, though, watching the little plant creature carefully, her swords still glowing bright green.


    ¡°Pixyl, stand down,¡± Xera said with a sigh. ¡°Excellent work defending Callie, though.¡±


    Reluctantly, with only the briefest of glances towards the Commandant, Pixyl finally released her swords, still skeptical of Juniper¡¯s new pet. The creature poked its head out, this time quite audibly growling at the Pixie once again. In turn, Pixyl faked a lunge, hissing loudly, and it skittered back to its hiding spot behind its mother.


    Xera took a moment to assess everything else. Turning to Callie, they said, ¡°Recruit, I¡¯m taking command of your work detail.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay?¡± Callie said, not sure what that actually meant.


    Pointing, Xera started to issue orders. ¡°Pama, I assume you¡¯re needed in the kitchen for breakfast, report there. Fizzlebek, I leave you to secure the Lotus blooms and assemble an Alchemist detail to get started making the potions. Talk to Captain Kela in logistics as soon as she is awake. She can send one of her people to get any additional components you may need from Meadowglade, which will likely take all day to make the round-trip.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commandant,¡± the two Gnomes responded, Fizzlebek adding, ¡°I¡¯ll find some help and a couple wagons to get the flowers moved.¡±


    Xera turned to the four recruits and two trainers. ¡°It will be a long day for each of you, so Tasi will get you some Wake-up Potions to keep you going until this evening.¡± Xera turned to the Healer. ¡°Make that happen.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Tasi responded.


    Xera took a moment, once again looking at the towering spire of vines that now occupied their camp, still amazed at what had happened. They turned to the piles of preserved Lotus. ¡°You all did a really great job tonight. What we get from these will be immeasurably valuable. Thank you. Recruit Callie, good work keeping things organized. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re with us.¡±


    Callie couldn¡¯t help but blush slightly from the Commandant¡¯s praise and the subtle implied meaning, given what had happened the previous evening.


    Xera once again ran their eyes over everyone, before issuing a simple, ¡°Dismissed.¡±


    Turning towards the showers, Xera walked stiffly off, still seeming a little angry, or at minimum, irritated at Juniper. In turn, Pama and Fizzlebek said their goodbyes, both giving Callie a hug, and headed off in the directions their orders sent them.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to be exhausted by evening,¡± Cheena said, sadly, looking again at the rising sun. ¡°The potions will help, though.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go find them,¡± Tasi said, ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a mess in there, so give me a bit. They¡¯re somewhere.¡± Looking down at the little plant, Tasi pointed stiffly inside, stomping down one of her feet. The creature reluctantly went where ordered, sulking as it walked through the doorway, followed closely by Juniper, and then the Healer.


    Callie yawned, suddenly realizing how tired she really was. ¡°I hope I can stay awake. I need to meet with Vonn about my new bow today, and I think I¡¯ll need to be standing for that.¡±


    ¡°New bow?¡± Cheena asked, curious.


    While they waited for Tasi to return, Callie quickly filled the Shaman in on the loaner she was borrowing from Thorn, and how Vonn was going to custom make her a replacement, complete with runes and Fizzlebek¡¯s enchantments.


    ¡°Oh fun!¡± Cheena said brightly. ¡°New magic items are always exciting.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m looking forward to seeing it,¡± Callie said sheepishly.


    The recruits and trainers stood around for a few more minutes making idle chit-chat, while the sounds of things being moved, interspersed with an occasional ¡®Get out of the way!¡¯ and ¡®Stop eating that!¡¯, filtered out of the tent. Eventually, Tasi emerged from what must be a scene of chaos, holding a large bowl heaped with vials containing a vaguely greenish liquid.


    ¡°Wake-up potions,¡± Tasi said, handing each person two potions. ¡°Drink these with food, and they should last a good six hours, one with breakfast, and another with your midday meal. Don¡¯t drink them on an empty stomach, or they¡¯ll be extra potent and wear off in an hour. They¡¯ll keep you refreshed and going through to dinner tonight. After that, get as much sleep as you can. Let your trainers know what you did all night, and be extra careful with your training today so you don¡¯t get hurt.¡±


    Taking their potions, Cheena and Maugra left to return home and get dressed for the day. Maugra, in particular, seemed quite tired, and quickly assumed her wolf form to make walking easier. With a dazed look, Cheena turned back to the four recruits and the Healer, giving them all a final, grateful wave.


    Tasi, in turn, bid everyone a good morning, and returned to the tent, screaming out a sudden ¡°Get down from there!¡±


    ¡°I could still go kill it,¡± Pixyl mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Lena said. ¡°I thought it was really cute.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Callie said, ¡°but since I was also going to be its breakfast, I¡¯m withholding judgment for now.¡±


    The four walked together back to Ogre House, tired, but feeling accomplished after the night of productive work. Stopping at the fountain briefly, each splashed some water on their face, just to feel the cool, refreshing liquid.


    ¡°How long until the bell rings?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Perhaps twenty minutes,¡± Vanis replied.


    ¡°Just enough time to lie down and get off my feet for a bit,¡± Callie said, everyone quickly agreeing with the sentiment.


    As they all fell into their bunks, trying hard not to wake Tazrok and Xin, each breathed a heavy sigh. In her head, Callie played back everything that had happened over the last day, from racing up the hill with Pixyl and Jesca to crafting arrows with her fellow Rangers to Tazrok¡¯s adorable flight form. The terror of going to the officers, and the relief it had all worked out. She chuckled at the revelation that apparently she was a virgin again, thinking briefly back to her disappointing first time and reasoning there had to be some kind of a cosmic joke being played on her.


    With a shock, Callie suddenly sat up, all signs of exhaustion evaporating from her body. ¡°Moons! Plural?¡±

 Chapter 31 Part 1 - Weapon Fitting

    PART I - WEAPON FITTING


    Callie was absolutely exhausted, but was determined to finish her tasks and at least put some food into herself before she collapsed for the night. The Wake-up potions had been wonderful, and kept her going, but they could only do so much for her mental fatigue, and she really needed sleep.


    Now, accompanied by the other four Rangers, she was leading the group towards the crafting area to meet with Vonn. Shul¡¯an was eager to meet the retired Ranger, but the three others seemed nervous about the prospects of coming face-to-face with the Lamia, despite Callie¡¯s assurances. Pixyl, having really nothing better to do for the moment, had decided to tag along, simply curious.


    The day of training had passed quickly, almost in a blur in fact. The other Rangers were all excited to see their level-scores go up, both Thucax and Kaisess landing in the mid three-hundreds upon waking. Shul¡¯an¡¯s number barely moved, but because they were Bronze, and as a whole the recruits were still learning at Iron Tier, this wasn¡¯t surprising. Reynard assured everyone that within perhaps ten days their scores would be very similar as they caught up with the Salamanderkin. Unfortunately, Callie¡¯s number hadn¡¯t changed at all, as she hadn¡¯t slept due to the overnight flower adventure.


    True to his word, Reynard began instruction by apologizing to the rest of the class, explaining who he was really angry with and why. He even admitted that Callie chasing Dregorio was funny as hell, and overall any dark mood remaining from his harsh reprimand the day before quickly evaporated. Callie was actually beginning to like Reynard, and in turn he seemed to have warmed to her as well. He was still strict when he needed to be, especially if someone was doing something in a way that might get someone hurt, but his expressions of humility and positive demeanor made him feel much more like a mentor, rather than an instructor.


    Most of the morning had been spent learning an archery technique that Reynard called ¡®rotations¡¯. Because each skill had some quantity of maximum charges and a different recharge time, and some skills had a casting time, it was imperative to learn the most-efficient order of skill usage to keep sending as many arrows downrange as possible, without having to wait for one to finish recharging. At Iron Tier, it didn¡¯t matter so much, as each skill only had one charge, and they all had long recharge times, the shortest being Burst Shot at an agonizing thirty seconds. Burst Shot was of situational use, though, due to it being more for disorientation, rather than causing actual damage. The good news was that higher tiers would come with more charges, faster recharging and additional new skills to weave into the sequence. Ultimately, with the correct rotation, the only thing limiting skill use would be running out of mana.


    Together, they all practiced, having contests to see how many arrows they could put into a target within a certain amount of time depending on the order of casting. Reynard, in turn, demonstrated a mastery of the technique by loosing a near-endless stream of enhanced arrows, never once needing to wait for a recharge or mana, or needing to revert to a non-magical shot. Later would come more-advanced lessons on how to handle your rotation being interrupted in some form, such as needing to move or use something different in the moment for a specific circumstance. Of course, working on rotations was also a good way to practice their skills, and as the Rangers practiced, their mana efficiency with each improved, resulting in more mana available for additional castings. As in all things, practice was ultimately paramount.


    Reynard also took some time to show off a few of the higher-tier spells the Ranger recruits would eventually receive at Bronze Tier, including the ability to summon a Rain of Arrows down on a targeted location and several different arrows imbued with elemental effects like fire, ice, and creating an explosion of water, which he indicated was great for dousing flames from a distance. Shul¡¯an¡¯s Symbiote had granted them access to all of these skills, but they had held off using any at Reynards direction. They sheepishly admitted they were eager for the rest of the recruits to hit Bronze, so they finally could let loose. Seeing these new capabilities made querying the level scores all the more exciting, and Callie once-again grumped her lack of score increase that morning.


    The planted rumor of Callie¡¯s memory loss being permanent made the rounds quickly, with many people expressing their sympathy, including Reynard.  Callie used this as an excuse to figure out the moon situation, learning that this world actually had three moons.  One was like the Moon back home, but a thirty-two day cycle, while the second was about forty-eight days, and the third, the smallest but brightest one, took almost four months to travel the sky before it would disappear for another four and was even able to be seen during the day.  The end result was that there were very few times when there wasn¡¯t at least one moon in the night sky, and explained the rarity of the Black Lotus flowers.  As it was, the first moon was expected to begin waxing that night or the next, and the second a few days after that.  The slow-moving one wouldn¡¯t be seen for about two months yet.


    Callie also learned that the closest and fastest of the moons, Roka, was named after a mythical messenger of the gods, and was sometimes called the Child Moon. The second moon was named after Roka¡¯s mother, Venka. Also called The Mother Moon, it was said Venka kept watch over her daughter, but at a respectful distance. The third moon was quite aptly called The Father Moon, or Ohler. In the myths, Ohler¡¯s bright, red gaze was said to watch over all, ever vigilant for dangers that might threaten his family and the people he protected below. With the timing of their orbits, it would be a while before Callie would get to see all three moons in the sky at the same time, but she found herself looking forward to the sight.


    Now with her memory loss official, Callie also had a chance to talk about the passage of time without awkward stares, ultimately learning that one year in this world had four-hundred seventeen days, with an extra day made up every five years like a leap year back on Earth. This was further divided into thirteen months of four weeks, each with eight days in them. The single remaining day was called Midsummer, and would occupy a day between the second and third week of the seventh month. It was a huge holiday apparently, with the celebration generally lasting five days total, including two before and after the actual holiday. This year was doubly so, as it was a leap year and that extra day was added to the Midsummer festivities. The six-day celebration, it turned out, was to start in just over five weeks, and Jesca was absolutely giddy with excitement for its arrival, saying it was her favorite celebration.


    Interestingly, hours, minutes and seconds seemed to mimic earth, with twenty-four, sixty, and sixty being the numbers for each respectively, with everyone using a twelve or twenty-four hour notation, as well as ¡®morning¡¯, ¡®afternoon¡¯, ¡®evening¡¯ and ¡®night¡¯ if speaking in a twelve-hour parlance. Overall, Callie couldn¡¯t determine if an actual day was longer or shorter than Earth, but time felt very similar using the ¡®one-mississippi¡¯ style of timekeeping. Without a way to do a more-accurate comparison, she couldn¡¯t be sure, ultimately deciding it was easier to just assume a day here was the same as a day back home.


    Days of the week had uninspiring names, simply called Firstday through Seventhday, the latter sometimes referred to as Lastday, with Homeday being the eighth day of the week before starting over. Jesca and Reynard both provided some historical context on this, as well as other time-related names. Apparently, for centuries none of the Kingdoms had the same names or even measurements, and it was only in the last two-hundred years that a consensus had taken hold, which had the result of significantly encouraging intermingling and trade between all the factions. In time, even outlying populations, like the Mountain Ogres, adopted the same measurements.


    As noon arrived, most of the recruits had gravitated to the bleacher seating for lunch, and Callie enjoyed hearing the reports from her housemates and others about how their mornings had gone. The fresh jolt of lunchtime Wake-up potion was immensely helpful in getting back on track, even if it tasted awful, and she felt ready to take on the afternoon¡¯s training.


    With significant begging from the assembled recruits, Trainer Rowani finally gave in, allowing the four Druids to give recruits, and even a couple trainers, rides around the area as one of their animal forms, Tazrok using his Brontorn while the others each assumed their rugged Guardian forms. The joyful laughs of the recruits betrayed their age, the riders regressing to that of a happy child in the moment. As for the Druids, they enjoyed the experience as well, and it was good practice for them. Callie finally got in on the action, riding Wallir¡¯s black Dire Bear while Lena whooped it up on the back of Tazrok. It was quite fun, and seemed to bring the recruits closer together, bonding over yet another shared experience.


    For the rest of the training day, Callie and the other Rangers spent some more time doing rotation drills, followed by work using their Wilderness Tracking and Stealth perks. To do that, one recruit would sneak off into the forest, while the others would take turns counting and then follow after, tracking them. Jesca, Thucax and Kaisess had excellent success in both stealth and in hunting down their quarry, partly due to their keen sense of smell, even managing to find Reynard when he decided to hide himself and up the difficulty. Shul¡¯an had some success in hiding and using stealthy movement, but his tracking was sporadic, and managed to find someone in the allotted time only when he used mana as a boost, but without it he had no success.


    Callie, on the other hand, utterly failed both at the stealth portions as well as tracking down anyone. Occasionally, if she channeled mana into Tracking, she was able to eventually find her target, but it took far longer than it should have, and she admitted to Reynard it was as much trial-and-error as anything. With her stealth skill, even when using mana, she just wasn¡¯t very stealthy, and Reynard pointed out everyone could hear her ¡®rampaging¡¯ through the forest. To his credit, he didn¡¯t make a crack about it being a Gnome shortcoming, saying only they would work on it more, and hopefully she would have more success when she wasn¡¯t so tired. Jesca and Kaisess both offered to help, willing to be either the prey or the tracker if Callie and Shul¡¯an wanted to work on it more, outside of normal training times.


    Now that the training day had finally ended, a yawning Callie started down the gentle hill towards Crafting, her bow in one hand and her ragtag group of four Rangers plus Pixyl close behind. She saw someone in the sparring ring waving around a huge sword of some kind, seeming to test it for weight and balance, while another stood by, appraising carefully. Today, unlike when she had visited two days previous, the entire crafting area, both the forge and workshop, was abuzz with people working. As they approached, she quickly picked out Fizzlebek¡¯s blue-green head and waved until she caught his attention. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Callie; Pixyl,¡± the Artificer said, after running up to Callie and her party. He quickly gave her a hug like usual, before turning to the rest of the group. ¡°Who do we have here?¡±


    Callie quickly introduced the four Rangers, but they were largely distracted by the hustle and bustle going on around them. The heat from the forge and the noise of hammer on steel and roaring flames provided a level of chaos hard for them to ignore.


    ¡°How goes the p-p-potions?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°Well,¡± Fizzlebek said, yawning. ¡°I¡¯ve got a group working on them, although Fullo from Logistics needed to go into Meadowglade to get more of the ingredients. It¡¯s a several hour round-trip, so we lost a few hours waiting when we ran out of a couple. But now, we have everything we need and will work until the magic in the flowers fades.¡±


    Callie had relayed the story of the night¡¯s harvest to the rest of the Rangers that morning, and Shul¡¯an in particular seemed fascinated by the Black Lotus flowers, saying he was quite jealous that Callie had witnessed a rare Lotus bloom. Once training ended and they had started walking to the forge, her companions wanted to go see the new tree that had sprouted overnight up close, and were planning to return to their cabins via that direction.


    ¡°You¡¯re here to see Vonn?¡± Fizzlebek said, yawning once again, obviously as exhausted as Callie. ¡°Your bow, right?¡±


    Callie nodded. ¡°I also thought it might be nice for the others to meet her, since they are all Rangers. Except for Pixyl, that is.¡±


    Fizzlebek gestured to a shaded area on a small rise next to a tree. ¡°It¡¯s crazy around here today, so go wait over there out of the way, and I¡¯ll let Vonn know you¡¯re here.¡±


    While they waited, they all watched the workers scurrying around and were quite startled when there was a small explosion of some kind in the workshop, coupled with a huge amount of smoke billowing from under the roof. Coughing Elves, Dwarves and a pair of Fairies stumbled out, immediately yelling at one of the Dwarves who was evidently the responsible party. Nobody seemed hurt, but a lot of papers and parts were scattered around and tempers started to rise.


    Fizzlebek eventually emerged from the smoke wearing a pair of goggles and holding a twisted frame of blackened, smoking metal in a gloved hand. He tossed the wrecked item to the ground to let it cool, and then stepped in to end the arguing. The Dwarf seemed embarrassed about whatever he had done, and with Fizzlebek¡¯s coaching, the anger quickly turned to teasing and some polite backslapping, and people started to put the chaos back together.


    Distracted by the workshop, Callie didn¡¯t notice that Vonn was approaching until Thucax let out a startled yip. The Gnoll and Jesca seemed to instinctively try to slide away, while Shul¡¯an rose to their feet, seeming eager to meet the Lamia. The elder Ranger carried a burlap duffle over her shoulder that rattled with clanking metal and appeared to have quite some weight to it.¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, Callie. I sssee you have brought friendsss?¡±


    ¡°Hi, Vonn. Yeah, these are the other Rangers. I thought it would be fun for them to meet you. Oh, and this is my friend Pixyl, she¡¯s the Bladeweaver I mentioned.¡±


    ¡°The Demonslayer,¡± Vonn cooed, bowing deeply to Pixyl.¡± Quickly, Callie introduced the other Rangers by name, although you could see Jesca, Thucax and Kaisess were still quite nervous about the serpentine Ranger. Shul¡¯an was unphased, and stepped out of the group to offer a hand, which Vonn took, and they clasped wrists.¡±


    ¡°Some time when you¡¯re not so busy, you¡¯ll have to tell us some fun Ranger stories,¡± Callie happily suggested. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a lot between your time on the battlefront and as an Adventurer.¡±


    ¡°I cccertainly could do that. Perhapsss sssome evening after the dinner meal? It¡¯s going to be very busssy for a few daysss, but we can find time sssoon. Maybe the evening of Homeday or next week?¡± Homeday, as the name suggested, was traditionally dedicated to household chores, gatherings with family and friends, and relaxing. It was observed here in camp to give everyone a chance for downtime and mental recharging, although recruits were encouraged to use half the day to work on any lessons that may need more practice on their own.


    ¡°We all look forward to it,¡± Callie beamed.


    Vonn¡¯s face turned business. ¡°I have time, but not a great deal, ssso I¡¯d like to get right to it. Did you do sssword practiccce in training yet?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie said. ¡°We worked with a few other dual-wielding classes yesterday.¡± She gestured to Pixyl. ¡°We got paired up together. It was a lot of fun.¡±


    ¡°Did you learn twelve-count technique yet?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know there was a twelve-count,¡± Callie answered confused. ¡°We learned an eight-count, though, as well as some movement stuff.¡±


    ¡°Good enough, then. Twelve will come next. Eventually there isss a twenty-four count rhythm that you will learn which is quite complexxx.¡±


    That knowledge stunned all six Recruits, remembering the chaos that was the simple eight-count method they had worked the previous afternoon, and trying to envision what a twenty-four might possibly look like made their brains unhappy.


    ¡°Come, all of you,¡± Vonn said, turning to slither towards the now-empty practice circle. ¡°I have some concernsss about the sssize of your ssswords,¡± Vonn said. ¡°You are ssso sssmall that you will have a limited reach and ssstrength. I have a couple ideasss regarding what to do about that, but I¡¯d like to sssee you in motion again, now that you have a little formal training.¡±


    ¡°Okay, what do you need me to do?¡±


    Vonn set down the duffle, removing two small, familiar swords and handing them to Callie. They were the same ones she had used two days ago when sparring, but they had been straightened and some of the jagged edges had been smoothed and blunted. Holding the metal swords somehow felt quite different from the wooden training swords they used the day before, even though the size and weight were roughly the same.


    Gesturing towards the ring, Vonn quickly shepherded Callie and Pixyl into the center so she would be able to slither around them and observe from all angles.


    ¡°Please do your eight-count technique,¡± the Lamia instructed, ¡°but just a ssslow, sssteady rhythm. Please call the numbersss.¡±


    Pixyl flashed out her green swords and waggled her eyebrows at Callie, seeming to invite her to ignore the rules and have fun. Callie shook her head, honestly too tired to play right now, which elicited a pouting look on Pixyl¡¯s face. The two squared and Callie began to count slowly. The clashing sound of steel on Ether, coupled with the sparks and flashes of light, caught the attention of several bystanders, and a small, curious crowd gathered behind the other Rangers.


    As Callie counted off swings, with Pixyl responding with the appropriate counter, Vonn continued to circle. She watched closely, seeming to note every movement of Callie¡¯s arms, and position the swords took for each beat of the cadence. Finally, she waved them to a stop.


    ¡°I need to sssee you againssst sssomeone larger,¡± Vonn said, frowning as she returned to the duffle. She fished around again, pulling out a pair of longer swords, sized for a normal person, and then pushed them into Jesca¡¯s paws. ¡°You go ssswing to the count, pleassse.¡±


    Nervously, Jesca moved into the ring, replacing Pixyl who had released her Blades and stepped aside. The Cheetahkin was twice Callie¡¯s height, with a proportionally longer reach adding to the already longer swords. For all appearances, the Gnome was completely outmatched.


    ¡°Pleassse begin,¡± Vonn said curtly, watching closely.


    Once again, Callie started to call the count, and this time she could instantly feel the size mismatch between her and Jesca. The swords found each other, but that¡¯s what they were aiming for. It was quickly evident that in a real match, Jesca would be able to hit her at a range where Callie wasn¡¯t close enough to respond. The two swung for a minute or so, keeping up the rhythm, as Vonn circled. She rubbed her chin contemplatively, before finally calling a stop.


    Vonn was about to speak, when a giddy giggling and clapping sound came from the small crowd, which seemed to part. Callie looked up to see that Juniper was there, standing next to and behind Shul¡¯an, and cheering for her. She was bouncing and applauding, evidently quite happy with the simple show Callie and Jesca had just put on. The other Rangers, stepped aside, surprised by the Dryad, and revealed she had a rope looped around her elbow, connected to her summoned carnivorous plant. The plant was wearing the other end of the rope, tied as a harness around its vine-formed body, but allowing full movement of its two arms and three legs.


    ¡°Uh, hi, Juniper?¡± Callie said, waving hesitantly.


    ¡°Hello!¡± she squealed in return, waving. ¡°I remember you saying you would be here, and I wanted to join you.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay?¡±


    ¡°Please, finish what you need to with your swords,¡± Juniper chirped, waving Callie¡¯s attention away.


    ¡°Right.¡± Callie said incredulously, turning to the Lamia.


    Vonn looked perplexed, and once again glanced at Juniper, who was now staring up at the sun with her eyes closed, happily drinking in the light. ¡°Why isss she wearing a recruit uniform?¡± Vonn finally whispered.


    Callie let out a short laugh, realizing the word apparently hadn¡¯t reached here yet, and Fizzlebek must not have said anything. ¡°She¡¯s going to be in training. She¡¯s a Sylvan. She just received her Symbiote last night.¡±


    Vonn was taken aback. ¡°You are ssserious?¡±


    ¡°Apparently it''s in the agreement the Commandant has with her.¡±


    ¡°What isss that creature?¡± Vonn asked, still very confused, and nodding at the little plant monster.


    ¡°It¡¯s her summoned ¡­ pet I guess? I¡¯m not really sure. Tasi called it a ¡­ familiar I think it was. It did try to eat me though, and Pixyl beat it up to save me, so they don¡¯t get along well.¡± In fact, the Pixie was standing a few meters away from Juniper¡¯s pet, hands on her hips. Both were having some kind of a staring contest, despite the fact the plant had no eyes, and Callie could hear they were both growling at each other.


    Vonn shook her head, simply not having time to understand any of this right now. ¡°I think I know what to do about your ssswords, now,¡± Vonn said quickly. ¡°I want to talk to Reynard, though, becaussse it will require a sssmall modification to the techniquesss you ussee. It may delay your practiccce ssswords by a day or two, but not the sharpened pair I promisssed.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, still distracted and still wondering what Juniper was doing here. Shaking her head to clear it, she fixed her look back to Vonn and continued, ¡°You¡¯re the expert on Ranger weapons, so I¡¯m just going to let you decide what¡¯s best. Just tell me what you need me to do, if anything.¡±


    ¡°On your ssswords, we are done for now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I really appreciate all the work you¡¯re doing.¡± Callie said, smiling. ¡°It means a lot that you''re trying to help me.¡±


    Vonn seemed to flush slightly. ¡°Let¡¯sss get you measured for your bow. It should only take a moment.¡±

 Chapter 31 Part 2 - Contribution to the War Effort

    PART II - CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR EFFORT


    Together, Callie and Vonn returned to her duffle bag, and Vonn once again rooted around in it, looking for something.


    Jesca had been checking out Juniper¡¯s pet, who was still distracted by its staredown with Pixyl. ¡°May I pet it?¡± she asked Juniper, carefully reaching for it. ¡°It¡¯s kind of cute.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Dryad said cheerily. Then she added, wagging a finger at the plant, ¡°No biting!¡±


    Gingerly, Jesca started to pat the plantlings head, who seemed to greatly enjoy it. Soon it was leaning into her hand, enjoying a vigorous series of scritches. Pixyl simply rolled her eyes at the whole situation, still irritated at the little monster from the night before.


    ¡°Here we are,¡± Vonn said, straightening. She held up a long piece of rope, with several markings of different colors on it, spaced at regular intervals.


    ¡°A squeal of delight caught everyone¡¯s attention, as Jesca giggled, now holding the end of the little plant creature¡¯s leash. They were rolling on the ground playfully, the plant occasionally letting off guttural squeaks of joy. Juniper, on the other hand, was approaching, holding what appeared to be a walking stick that rose roughly to her chest.


    ¡°Isss that ¡­?¡± Vonn started to ask, her voice trailing off and eyes going wide in disbelief at the sight of the wood.


    ¡°I remember saying your new bow could only have three runes and two enchantments, because the wood was just not that good,¡± Juniper said looking down at Callie, a wide smile on her face. ¡°That just simply won¡¯t do! So as a thank you for helping me, I retrieved this for you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Callie wondered aloud, taking the wood. It was slightly taller than Callie, and varied in thickness along its twisted and knotty length. It wasn¡¯t particularly heavy, but it felt quite solid and strong, yet flexible at the same time. The wood seemed to give off a slight hum of energy, as if it was ready to do something, and needed only to be told what that something might be. It was truly magnificent.


    By now, the other Rangers had gathered close, staring as wide-eyed as Vonn at the piece of wood. Even Jesca had stopped her roughhousing to take in the sight, holding the plantling in one arm as it rested its bulbous head on her shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯sss Heartwood,¡± Vonn said softly. ¡°From a Dryad¡¯sss tree.¡±


    ¡°Um hmm,¡± Juniper giggled. ¡°You can make her bow from this, right?¡±


    ¡°Yesss, I ¡­ I can.¡± Vonn said slowly, taking the wood from Callie and running her hand slowly along its twisting length. ¡°I¡¯ve never ssseen anything like thisss in itsss raw form,¡± Vonn whispered absently. Quickly she added, ¡°I should be able to work it, though.¡±


    ¡°Oh good,¡± Juniper bounced. ¡°I believe you will be able to put more runes into that, as well as more enchantments.¡±


    ¡°My SSStars, yesss. At least five runes for sure, maybe even six,¡± Vonn confirmed. ¡°Fizzzzlebek would know more about the enchantmentsss but I¡¯m sure if anyone can add more, it would be him.¡±


    ¡°Marvelous!¡±


    Juniper turned to leave, reaching for her pet, who leapt from a still-stunned Jesca¡¯s arms. Absently, the Cheetahkin passed the leash back to the Dryad.


    ¡°Juniper!¡± Callie finally called out. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Juniper turned, squatting slightly so her plantling could climb down to the ground. ¡°It was my pleasure, Little One.¡±


    ¡°Mistressss Juniper, if I may be so bold ¡­¡± Vonn started to ask sheepishly.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I do not mean to sssound ungrateful for thisss gift, nor do I wish to offend, but would you be able to provide more of thisss fantassstic wood?¡±


    ¡°To make bows for others?¡±


    ¡°Yesss!¡±


    ¡°And this would help you all to kill Demons?¡± Juniper asked, tilting her head slightly. Next to her, the little monster was mimicking his creator, tilting its head in the same manner.


    ¡°Yesss! Very much ssso!¡± Vonn eagerly said.


    Juniper seemed to get a far off look in her eyes, as if she was thinking about the question very hard.


    ¡°Again,¡± Vonn started to say, ¡°I do not wish to offend. If it is not possssible, I underssstand.¡±


    ¡°How long must they be?¡± Juniper asked suddenly.


    ¡°How long?¡± Vonn gasped, her serpentine tongue getting twisted around itself. ¡°Um ¡­ um ¡­ all Rangersss are normal sssizzzed, except thisss Little One,¡± Vonn said quickly. ¡°SSSo the wood would need to be twiccce this length for each bow that isss made.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Juniper pondered. There was tension in the air, and a sudden worry that Juniper had been insulted.


    ¡°Forgive me,¡± Vonn finally said, bowing her head in shame. ¡°I meant no offenssse. Forget I sssaid ¡­¡±


    ¡°Eight,¡± Juniper said flatly, interrupting the Lamia. ¡°I could bring you eight pieces of that thickness that are also twice that length, and a few more from time to time as well. I must be careful how much I remove from my tree, you understand.¡±


    Vonn¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Truly? You would do that?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I am here to help kill the Demons, after all. But there is one condition. The first four must go to Callie¡¯s lovely friends. With all possible enchantments and runes, of course. Nothing but the best will do for our new Demon slayers!¡±


    That made all the Rangers, as well as Callie, suddenly jump, mouths agape in surprise and disbelief. Magic bows for all of them?


    ¡°Absssolutely,¡± Vonn nodded vigorously, not even trying to argue or suggest an alternative. ¡°I will work as quickly as possssssible, and could have bowsss for thessse four also done in about one week, onccce I have the wood. With as many runesss as I am able, of courssse.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Juniper said with a chirp. ¡°I shall start to bring them back with me when I have time or I visit my tree to rest. A good afternoon to you all.¡± With that, she turned and began to walk away, her pet obediently at her side.


    ¡°Juniper ¡­¡± Callie shouted after her.


    ¡°Yes?¡± the Dryad said, looking back.


    Callie didn¡¯t know what to say, or how even to say it. On one hand, she didn¡¯t really have a full appreciation for what Juniper had brought, except by proxy from Vonn¡¯s words and expression. She sensed, though, that providing this, and promising more, was a sacrifice by Juniper of some kind. Because of that, Callie simply couldn¡¯t properly express how grateful she was. With no good words able to come out of her mouth, Callie simply ran up to the Dryad and hugged her, hands around her thighs. With effort, she uttered a wholly inadequate, ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Before Juniper could respond, Jesca joined in, hugging Juniper as well. A moment later it was Kaisess, and then Shul¡¯an. Even the grouchy Thucax finally melded into the group hug. Each Ranger added their own quiet ¡°thank you¡± to the moment, each having no proper way to express their gratitude.


    Something bumped Callie¡¯s butt, and she looked down and back to see the little monster-plant had joined the hug. It was wrapping its spindly vine arms around Callie¡¯s waist, its head nestling in the small of her back, seeming as if it was trying to mimic everyone else. Callie smiled and looked at Pixyl, who was awkwardly standing off to the side. ¡°Do you want to get in on this action?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m g-g-good,¡± the little Pixie said, waving Callie off.


    The giant hug continued on well past awkward, but finally broke up, giving the confused Juniper some air. The Rangers all stepped away, slightly embarrassed for themselves, but still stupefied by the prospects getting a magical Heartwood Bow of their own.


    Being the first into the embrace, Callie was the last out, and finally stepped away, peeling the gropey vines of Juniper¡¯s pet off her rear. ¡°No!¡± she hissed, shaking a finger at the little guy. ¡°Don¡¯t go grabbing people like that!¡±.


    ¡°And g-g-give her back her waterskin,¡± Pixyl said flatly, glaring at the handsy monster, apparently having seen something Callie had missed.


    ¡°What?¡± Callie said, perplexed. But looking down to her belt, sure enough her water was no longer hooked on. ¡°Give it!¡± Callie snapped, holding out her hand, and stomping her foot.


    The plantling seemed to pout and then opened its fang-filled mouth, revealing the unharmed waterskin. With a flick of its head, the thief tossed it to the ground with a thump.


    ¡°You tricky little thief!¡± Callie growled, snatching up the surprisingly dry waterskin. A thought came to Callie. ¡°Yeah ¡­ tricky ¡­. trickster ... I¡¯m going to call you Loki!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a ¡®Loki¡¯?¡± Jesca asked.


    Callie paused for a split moment, before wrapping the truth in the lie that was needed to keep her ruse. ¡°Just something random that I¡¯ve remembered sometime in the last few days. A fictional god of mischief. Perfect for this thing, I think!¡±


    ¡°Loki,¡± Jesca said, kneeling down and scritching the plant once again. ¡°I like it.¡±


    ¡°Then that shall be his name,¡± Juniper said, a light tone in her voice. ¡°But alas, we must return so that Trainer Eirlys can instruct me on how to unsummon my ¡­ Loki.¡±


    Vonn cleared her throat. ¡°Little One, I do not wish to rush you, but ¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh! Right!¡± Callie said, suddenly feeling guilty about getting distracted, even if the Heartwood was something wonderful. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Everyone waved Juniper and her newly-named pet off and Callie returned her attention to the Lamia. Vonn had Callie stand and pull back on the bowstring, elbow held high, aiming at a hay bale for safety. Using the marked rope, Vonn used it to measure several different angles , working to get the perfect size zeroed in for crafting the new weapon. Once she finished with Callie, Vonn quickly retrieved a standard longbow, before waving the rest of the Rangers over one-by-one, taking their measurements as well.


    ¡°Withhh more runesss available, do you have any thoughtsss about what you may want inlaid into it?¡± Vonn asked as she measured.


    ¡°Honestly,¡± Callie said with a shrug, ¡°I think I just want you to surprise me. You''re the expert so I trust you to do what¡¯s needed, and the surprise would be fun.¡± An echo of agreements went up among the other Rangers.


    ¡°Then I shall endeavor to make it an exccciting ssssurprissse. I will consssult with Trainer Reynard, as he might sssee a weaknessss in each of you that a ssspecific rune would be able to aid.¡±


    ¡°I wonder if we should make one for him too?¡± Callie asked. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want him to feel left out.¡±


    ¡°Asss he is retired from the battlefield, I sssuspect he would passss on having one made for him,¡± Vonn said. ¡°I know if I were in his placcce, I¡¯d rather a Heartwood Bow go to a new recruit in a later term, to maximizzze its usefulnessss in the war.¡±


    All measurements now completed, Vonn bid good afternoon to each of the recruits, excusing herself and rushing quickly back into the forge area like she needed to take something out of the oven before it burned. Actually, it was probably a variation on that exact thing.


    Callie caught Fizzlebek¡¯s attention and waved, indicating they were all leaving. He was busy working with the Dwarf that caused the explosion, disassembling the wreckage of whatever had blown up earlier. He returned the wave, shouting out that he wanted to talk some time when it wasn¡¯t so busy. Callie called back a promise, and together the six recruits started to head back home.


    The other Rangers split off to see the new tree that had entombed the medical tent, while Callie and Pixyl continued their way back towards the recruit houses and the garden.


    ¡°Should we shower?¡± Callie yawned, eyeing the bathhouse, but with her heart really not in it. She was just so tired.


    ¡°I need to soak my w-w-wing,¡± Pixyl responded with a yawn of her own. ¡°And we stink, too.¡±


    ¡°I suppose. Bath first, then food, then sleep,¡± Callie ticked off on her hand.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Pixyl agreed, looking up with an exhausted smile into the most-perfect exhausted eyes of her best friend.

 Chapter 32 Part 1 - Bronze Frustrations

    PART I - BRONZE FRUSTRATIONS


    When Callie awoke, it was still dark, but that was fine, not only because of her Darkvision, but because today was the day she was going to finally reach Bronze Tier and she was eagerly looking forward to it. She had started yesterday at IRON.941. Reynard had no doubt, with all the training they had done since then, she¡¯d make it, and finally unlock all of those new skills the other Ranger recruits had been receiving. Hesitantly, she centered herself and sent the query.


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: IRON.998


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That ¡­ that couldn¡¯t be right ¡­


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: IRON.998


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be shitting me!¡± Callie silently mouthed, a part of her hoping her brain slug would see its error and toss in a couple more points just to get her over the threshold.


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: IRON.998


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    In response, Callie screamed silently into her pillow with just a hint of melodramatic sobbing. How could this be? She suddenly felt so far behind.


    Eventually realizing there was no way she was going to get back to sleep at this point, and with little else to do, she decided to go for a stomping walk around the garden or something, rather than just lie in bed getting more-angry or depressed. She quickly did her business in the latrine before picking up her casual moccasin boots and a pair of socks, followed by tiptoeing towards the door.


    ¡°Did you get it?¡± Pixyl asked with a waking yawn as Callie snuck by.


    ¡°No!¡± Callie whispered, obvious annoyance in her words. ¡°I missed it by two freaking points! Two!¡±


    Pixyl groaned in sympathy. ¡°I¡¯m s-s-sorry. Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°For a walk or something.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come, too,¡± Pixyl said quickly as she started to roll out of bed.


    ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t. I¡¯m really crabby right now.¡±


    Pixyl said nothing and silently slipped to the floor, picking up her own tiny boots, which she had pre-stuffed with socks when she went to sleep. She gestured for the door.


    Together, they crept out of the bunkhouse into the still night air, closing the door behind them. It was still dark, save the sliver of the moon in the western sky. Not even pre-dawn lights showed to the east. But the night insects had stopped chirping, and a few bird sounds were starting to come alive, indicating dawn wasn¡¯t too far off.


    ¡°Fucking nine nine eight,¡± Callie snarled in a low voice so it wouldn¡¯t carry as she stormed ahead towards the garden. Maybe if she splashed some cold water on her face, it might help ease the hot attitude she had right now. ¡°Nine freaking ninety-eight!¡± she hissed to herself again in disbelief.


    Callie was the last of the five Rangers to reach Bronze Tier, or she would have been if she hadn¡¯t missed it by two lousy, stinking, measly points. Of the Rangers, Jesca had reached Bronze on Day Three, and the others had made it the previous morning, which had been Day Four. Each had received a host of expected new skills and perks. But, in addition, each Ranger received something called a ¡®melded¡¯ skill, which seemed to be unique to each of them. Per the description, these skills were a hybrid combination of two or more other skills, perks, traits or some aspect of their race or even personality.


    Now that most-everyone was at Bronze, and with some slight sympathy for the lagging Callie, Shul¡¯an was allowed to show off his melded skill called Arrow of Darkness. This skill functioned almost the opposite of Flare, in that the arrow produced a globe of pure darkness around itself a few seconds after being loosed. They tested, finding that Darkvision would barely work through the globe of black, but Nightvision wouldn¡¯t at all.


    Kaisess had received a melded skill called Silence Shot, which produced a globe of silence that would prevent any sounds entering or leaving, and even Callie¡¯s Gnome ears couldn¡¯t hear anything said inside of the effect.


    Jesca learned Dash, which was identical to Pixyl¡¯s skill of the same name, allowing her a tremendous burst of running speed for a few seconds, leaving behind a streak of rapidly-fading blue mist.


    Finally, Thucax acquired a unique melded skill called Disorienting Shot, which was shot into the target, the ground or other hard surface next to the target. The result was a spherical area effect that produced a momentary, high-intensity charm, affecting anyone in close proximity. Once afflicted, the targets might stagger around, hallucinate, or perhaps even strike an ally in the confusion.


    As for the residents of Ogre House, Vanis and Pixyl were the first to reach Bronze Tier. They leveled up on the morning of Day Three, while everyone else made it the day after, including Tazrok, who had taken to his Druid training with an amazing intensity, bolstered by his pre-Symbiote combat prowess.


    Now at Bronze Tier, Vanis received an additional Demon summoning. More interestingly, though, he now had the capability to cast his Iron Tier Lifedrain attack in reverse. Cast normally, it would drain stamina and mana from the enemy, replenishing his own, but when reversed, Vanis could sacrifice his own stamina or mana to restore the same to his target. Trainer Terrin had also informed the Warlocks that at Silver Tier, the reverse version would also be able to act as a makeshift healing spell, at the cost of both stamina and mana together. Finally, Vanis learned a unique melded skill called Aura of Threat Suppression. When channeled, it would make enemies think he and his nearby allies were less of a threat, almost like the opposite of a Taunt.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Pixyl received a new attack called Ethereal Bomb, which launched a small sphere of energy that would stick to hard surfaces and explode when mentally triggered, or after a predetermined time had passed. Surprisingly, she also received a melded skill called Furious Rage. That skill would put her into a crazy, Berserker-like fury, resulting in single-mindedly attacking her targets, forsaking any defense at all, but dealing far, far more damage. In fact, the description was nearly identical to Tazrok¡¯s Berserking skill he¡¯d learned before arriving at camp. According to Pixyl, the melded skill was a hybrid of both her Race and her Ethereal Manipulation perk, but Callie was sure a bit of Pixyl¡¯s personality had to be a factor in it, too. Finally, Pixyl also received a melding of her Pixie Race and Dash skill, which resulted in a Flying Dash skill that was usable when in the air.


    Xin¡¯s first animal form, that of a fast-moving Giant Grist, was unlocked with her level-up. It looked remarkably like Bratig¡¯s tiny Forest Grist stealth form, but was much, much larger, comparable in size to Cheena¡¯s Leopard form. Xin¡¯s speed and nimbleness as the Grist rivaled Cheena¡¯s form as well, and Callie had enjoyed watching the two of them race around the training field together, able to run neck-and-neck. Xin also received a slow, mana-hungry Repair Wound spell designed for very large or delicate wounds, and an attack called Lightning Orb, which would shoot a ball of Lightning against anything solid, where it would stick and shock everything around it for several seconds. Finally, Xin could now order her Totem to summon a small Fire Elemental, fulfilling the prophecy in the picture she drew that first night. The elemental would attack as ordered, but had a limited lifespan and range it could move from the Totem. Cheena had said it would grow larger and improve at higher Tiers, and other Elemental types would become available, as well.


    Tazrok, in addition to getting a mana-intensive healing spell like Xin, acquired a new ¡®Travel¡¯ form, which turned out to be a six-legged Antelope-ish animal known as a Curvax, that were vaguely similar in appearance to the small animals used to move carts around camp, but much larger. The creature was incredibly fast and nimble through the forest and undergrowth, and large enough to act as a mount for a normal-sized person. In the wild, Curvax could run at nearly top speeds for over three hours by some reports, easily surpassing over one-hundred kilometers in that time when they migrated as herds, which was even faster than Tazrok¡¯s winged Khaprexi form could go over long distances. This speed also made them great as tamed mounts, particularly for delivering written messages and small items expeditiously. Tazrok hadn¡¯t had a chance to test his true endurance, yet, but was eager for an opportunity. Common consensus was that he could probably reach the capital in around ten hours, with minimal, if any, resting being needed along the journey. As for said Khaprexi form, it had grown slightly larger, now about the size of a small dog and weighing about fifteen kilograms.


    Defensively, Lena received a new Instinctive Block skill for her dual blade style of combat that provided yet another way to mitigate incoming attacks. Offensively, Lena¡¯s new Throw Weapon perk would allow her to heave one of her swords at the target like a spear, or fling it like a rotating frisbee. Her Recall Weapon skill did exactly as implied, and made her weapons fly telekinetically back to her hands when called for, which Callie remembered Major Celeste demonstrating that first day they all had arrived. Finally, Lena was blessed with a new melded perk called Acrobatics, which imbued her with the knowledge of flips, rolls, jumps and other agile movements. This unique perk was a hybrid of her Race, Instinctive Dodge skill and finally her Parkour Perk, which she knew from her previous life in the criminal underworld.


    Callie stomped towards the fountain, her annoyance at the world in general still evident. Stepping off the stone path and into the tall grass, the cold dew was a sudden wake-up, pulling her brain momentarily out of the fugue it was stuck in. Pixyl joined her, also still in her bare feet, and together they made fists with their toes, enjoying the feeling of the wet grass.


    In the distance, Callie was able to make out the sound of someone running their direction. It wasn¡¯t a fast run, and was very rhythmic and steady, and the source of the sound soon came into view. It was Jesca, apparently out for a jog of all things, and wearing only her underwear and a chest binder, not even wearing footwear. Her long, well-muscled limbs stood out as she stopped at the fountain, splashing water on her face and chest, before plunging her head into the stream, drenching it.


    Having not noticed Callie and Pixyl, Jesca let off a surprised shriek at the sight of them. ¡°What are you doing awake? I didn¡¯t wake you did I? Because if I did I didn¡¯t mean to and I¡¯ll try to run more quietly. Oh and Callie, how does it feel to be Bronze now? Were the reveals really bad? I know when I got there I was a little surprised but really enjoyed seeing all the improvements to my current skills and then the new ones were really ¡­ cool ¡­ as you like to say, but the reveals were really tough since we get them all at once.¡±


    Callie simply snarled at the world, fisting her toes even tighter in general anger, ripping the grass out of the ground with them.


    ¡°She d-d-didn¡¯t get it,¡± Pixyl clarified.


    ¡°Two. Fricking. Points.¡± Callie hissed.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Jesca cried, before putting her paws to her mouth. She lowered her voice again. ¡°That¡¯s really too bad.¡±


    Callie left the grass, stomping over to the fountain and shoved her own head under the falling water. It was frigid and a sudden shock, and she had to resist the urge to yelp. ¡°Two. Points.¡± she whispered to Jesca after pulling her wet head out, holding up two fingers on one hand, and slicking back her hair with the other.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get it tomorrow, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but that means two more days before I can start using all those new skills, since tomorrow is Homeday,¡± Callie moped. ¡°Honestly, I feel like I¡¯m holding the rest of you back. It¡¯s already been one day you were waiting for just me, and now it¡¯s another.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Jesca said, trying to comfort her friend. ¡°We can work on rotations with our new Bronze skills, and maybe Reynard can help you directly to make sure you make it tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Callie said sullenly, hopping up on one of the stone benches. It was only now she really realized that Jesca had been out jogging and was practically nude. ¡°What are you doing out here?¡±


    Jesca pointed at herself. ¡°Me? Oh I never need to sleep for more than an hour or two, so rather than just stare at the ceiling, I decided to start running in the mornings. It helps with stress and builds muscle. It¡¯s also nice to watch the sun come up.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wearing practically nothing,¡± Callie pointed out, gesturing. She had to admit to herself, Jesca¡¯s legs definitely went all the way up. She¡¯d seen her friend casually nude in the baths a couple times, but now that she was strategically covered and slick with water and sweat, her sex-appeal rose quite a bit. Callie could definitely see the Catkin bringing all the boys to the yard, as it were, if she wanted to. In fact, now that she thought about it, she was pretty sure she had caught a couple of the guys glancing her way on a few occasions.


    ¡°Right! I know! I tried running the first time in the nude, but I got in trouble with this Dwarf on patrol for doing that and was told I have to wear something. It¡¯s just easier to exercise without clothes and then you don¡¯t get them all sweaty and wet. This was about the least I could wear and not get yelled at, but that Dwarf that yelled at me still gets a grouchy look on his face when he sees me out running. I saw Commandant Xera yesterday and she praised me for taking the initiative and exercising on my own, so that was really nice.¡±


    While Jesca had been babbling, Callie dried the dew from her feet on her shirt sleeve before slipping on her socks and then her moccasin boots, Pixyl doing the same.


    ¡°You know what? Jesca had a great idea,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Exercising nude?¡± Pixyl wondered.


    ¡°No, not that!¡± Callie snorted in laughter. ¡°But watching the sun come up seems like a fine way to start the day.¡±


    ¡°Where are you g-g-going?¡± Pixyl asked as Callie slipped off her bench, walking out of the garden in the general direction of the mess tent and training grounds beyond.


    ¡°The best view of the sunrise is going to be from the bleachers up on the field.¡±


    Pixyl and Jesca looked at each other, before both shrugged simultaneously and ran to catch up with their friend.

 Chapter 32 Part 2 - Its ... Weird

    PART II - IT¡¯S ¡­ WEIRD


    ¡°Wow! They got all that damage repaired overnight?¡± Callie said, looking out onto what was now a fully restored section of the training field.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Jesca said, stretching one of her legs. ¡°Geomancers are able to manipulate rock and soil, so they smoothed it all over. I couldn¡¯t believe how much damage she did.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a little crazy,¡± Pixyl mumbled, a reverence in her voice.


    ¡°And coming from you, that¡¯s saying something,¡± Callie added, looking down at her friend and smiling. Pixyl shot back a mischievous grin of her own, her wings happily fluttering at the praise. Despite the warning that it could be a week or more before the pain in her wing faded, Pixyl had either gotten used to it quickly, or it wasn¡¯t that bad. Occasionally, Callie would catch her wincing, but for the most part the Pixie was almost back to normal.


    When training had ended the day before, an entire section of the field had been torn apart. Sporadic mounds of dirt and sand, several large holes as deep as Callie, and even a boulder or two tossed into the mix had made the place look like it had been heavily bombed. The cause? Juniper!


    The Dryad had come to the training field on Day Three, her first day of actual training, and proceeded to just plain go crazy with her new skills. Trainer Eirlys tried to hold her back, continuously emphasizing the need for control, discipline, and maybe plain not destroying the place. Unfortunately, this had been to little avail as thick vines sprang from the ground, tearing soil and practice targets apart. Or Juniper would launch swarms of thorns at a target, ripping it to pieces, the Dryad laughing in delighted joy at her new skills the entire time. Or Loki would get in on the action and destroy something, if it wasn¡¯t too big for the plant-monster to handle, that is. Apparently, he turned into an absolute dervish when let loose and ordered to kill, attacking the target with an unhinged ferocity, before obediently returning for pats on his giant head, a reward for a job well done.


    Come the end of the day, the Sylvan training area looked like a warzone while Juniper stood tall on a pile of rocks and soil, her hair blowing in the wind, proud of the chaos she had caused. After a second day of devastation, the Commandant and Thorn finally pulled the newbie Sylvan aside at the end of the day for an uncomfortable talk about needing to follow the training regimen, or at minimum, dialing it back several notches.


    When not training, Juniper hung out with Ogre House, wanting to be close to those she knew the best. Callie also suspected it was also because she wanted to be close to Vanis. To his credit, Vanis hid his returned crush on the Nymph reasonably well, remaining regal and polite. Juniper, on the other hand, had very little filter. She would make obvious passes at the Warlock, giggling and even blushing if she caught his eyes. It wasn¡¯t long before everyone in their little group had sensed the vibe between the two.


    Loki, it turned out, didn¡¯t like being unsummoned at all, and when resummoned would be quite angry, always hissing and spitting when appearing again. Eventually, Juniper stopped putting the little monster away unless absolutely necessary, focusing instead on disciplining him to behave when around other people. For the most part, Loki was well-behaved, and quickly became a sort of mascot for all the recruits. He would nuzzle with anyone and everyone, enjoying head-pats and scritches, everyone that is, except Pixyl. The two of them still glared daggers at each other, the Pixie seeming to watch his every move, almost waiting for an excuse to smack him again.


    To his credit, Loki made no attempts to eat anyone else, instead subsisting on treats the recruits would give him, or occasionally digging his vine-like legs into the dirt and facing the sun in order to get nourishment the old fashioned way. It also turned out Loki was a bit of a kleptomaniac, and loved making a constant game out of stealing peoples¡¯ things. As he could extend and snake out his nimble, vine arms, he managed to get away with it quite often. He would always immediately return the items unharmed when his mark realized what had happened, but he seemed to enjoy the moments of ¡°Hey, where is my ¡­¡± whenever he was found out. Of course, if nobody realized they had been robbed, it was a mystery where things actually ended up.


    Callie led Pixyl and Jesca over towards the bleachers, lounging back on one and looking up at the few remaining stars. The three sat in silence for a few minutes, each looking inward to their own early-morning thoughts.


    ¡°Do you think ¡­¡± Jesca finally started to say, the lack of talking and stillness obviously getting to her.


    Callie held her hand up sharply. ¡°Shhh! I just want to chill for a bit and try to get this foul mood out of my system¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Jesca said with a disappointed tone. She didn¡¯t like long silences.


    While appreciating that Jesca and Pixyl had joined her and that Jesca was feeling chatty, Callie really needed to think for a bit, trying to understand what, if anything, had led to this morning¡¯s point shortcoming. She had aced all of her archery lessons, as well as taking more time to up her proficiency with crafting arrows. The two additional sparring lessons they had done with the rest of the dual-wielders had gone well, with the instructors adding a twelve-count routine that continued to build on that initial pokey four-count that seemed so long ago. Callie and Pixyl were paired up for both, primarily due to their size, but for the second half of one session, she squared off against Dregorio. Callie¡¯s lack of sword reach had been an obvious impediment against her Taunting nemesis, and Reynard commented he may have to make some adjustments for her in order to teach around that limitation once she hit Bronze.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Really, the only failing Callie still had was in the stealth and tracking tasks. While not the naturals that the other Beastkin had been, she had eventually managed to get decent at Tracking, if she channeled mana into it and the areas she was looking hadn¡¯t been trampled down from previous lessons. Stealth, however, was still not cooperating, in part because, with her short legs, it was harder for her to move through the woods, where a simple downed tree would be an obstacle, while the others could simply step over it. Reynard continued to be helpful, although he did get frustrated at times when Callie bungled the task. Thankfully, he never blamed her failings on being a Gnome, primarily emphasizing the need to concentrate and not hurry.


    Far out over the trees, the first glimmer of light began to show below the horizon. Callie thought back to college in what must have been her sophomore year, out on a weekend camping trip with a bunch of her girlfriends and huddled under blankets to protect from the early-morning chill as they watched the sun rise. The memories pushed aside her foul mood a bit, replacing them with a wistful melancholy of simple times, no worries and old friendships.


    Standing, Callie walked a dozen paces onto the field, face upturned and eyes closed. She carefully placed her short legs correctly, straightened her back, and slowly began to move. As a college elective, she had taken a Tai Chi class because it was that or Rugby, and she wasn¡¯t a playing-rugby kind of girl. She figured the class was just some bullshit required physical education credit she needed to get, but it ended up being so much more. During that time, she learned so much about how her body moved, and how stress and anxiety manifested itself within her, and how with mindful meditations she was able to process and accept it.


    The next term, she had taken the advanced class, and with the balance she found herself stepping into, the need for ADHD and other drugs that she¡¯d taken since an early-teen slowly seemed to fade. For the rest of her college life, the moving meditations became something she did routinely, usually alone, but sometimes with a few close friends as well. After college, though, and particularly after her dad¡¯s death, the exercises didn¡¯t seem to scratch the itch she needed them to, and the regular practice had faded.


    As she centered her breathing, Callie realized today was her seventh day in this world. This was her seventh day that she¡¯d not seen her mom, who she knew was still in agony back in Chicago. Thoughts of her mom had been hard when they came up, and she¡¯d broken down a few times over the last week as a result. But slowly, even though she still felt her mother¡¯s pain, Callie had come to realize that she had no control, and worrying too much about something she couldn¡¯t control would just make everything worse. She had to concentrate on where she was and what she was doing, just like the little green Muppet from Star Wars said. She still missed home, though.


    Slowly she moved her arm. Calm. Breathe. Let the morning flow over her and through her. Now, here in a strange world of strange magic, which was probably the single, most stressful thing Callie had ever endured, she continued the controlled, rhythmic movements as she focused to calm her mind. The lessons from years ago flooded back into her, as if she¡¯d never stopped.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Jesca asked, startling Callie. She had left her bench to get a better look at her friend.


    ¡°It¡¯s called Tai Chi. It¡¯s a form of meditation and exercise.¡± Callie said in a slow voice, closing her eyes again and continuing her movement.


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ weird,¡± Jesca said, slightly mumbling.


    ¡°She¡¯s like that,¡± Pixyl pointed out.


    ¡°Ha, ha,¡± Callie said flatly, refusing to open her eyes or interrupt her moves. ¡°It helps me calm my mind.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like you are fighting real slowly,¡± Jesca said, ¡°but fighting without swords. It¡¯s ¡­ weird.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about inner peace,¡± Callie retorted. ¡°Balance. Control. Breathing. Meditation. Let the new dawn pour over you.¡±


    Jesca looked at Pixyl, who shrugged in return.


    ¡°Can ¡­ can we try?¡± Jesca finally asked.


    Callie stopped in mid-motion and snapped one eye open, seeing both her friends now standing in front of her with confused looks on their faces. ¡°Fine!¡± she finally said with a grump, dropping her form and getting ready to demonstrate. ¡°Spread out a little so you have room to move.¡±


    ¡°W-W-What now?¡± Pixyl asked after finding a spot.


    ¡°Just do what I show you.¡± Carefully, Callie showed her friends good foot position and posture, and how to do a few simple movements with their feet and arms. At one point, Pixyl actually started to fall, momentarily losing her balance, but instinctively righted herself by pushing telekinetically into the air before settling back down in her spot. Jesca quickly got frustrated with the slow pace, saying she wanted to go faster. In response, Callie pointed out that the whole purpose was to slow down, and that Jesca could either participate or go chill back on the bleachers out of the way. With a grouch, Jesca kept going.


    Callie occasionally showed her friends something else, or chanted out some calm, meditative words to keep a constant rhythm. Part way through a slow leg sweep, the sun finally peeked above the distant horizon, the warm light suddenly pouring over the three of them. Immediately, the frustrated Jesca¡¯s attitude softened like her grumpy-switch had been turned off. She sighed contentedly as the sun met her face, a smile coming to it.


    ¡°Pardon, but what are you doing?¡± a familiar voice asked.


    Once again Callie opened one eye, seeing Ambria was there with a confused look on her freckled face. Next to her was Koka and Moka, the twin Bladedancer Tigerkins.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t know better¡­¡± Koka started to say.


    ¡°... I¡¯d say you were slowly fighting with someone,¡± Moka concluded.


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­¡± Koka said, a puzzled look on her face.


    ¡°... weird,¡± Moka added, wearing the same look.


    Callie once again groaned in frustration. ¡°How am I ever going to get my zen on if people keep interrupting!¡± Quickly, she gave the same short answer to the new trio that she had to Jesca and Pixyl. Of course, since they had come up here to watch the sunrise, naturally they now wanted to do Tai Chi, too.


    ¡°Spread out. Feet like this!¡± Callie slightly snarled. ¡°Keep your back straight and just do what I do.¡± She could feel her calm slipping as she quickly demonstrated, having just wanted to chill the hell out before the day got going. Now she had five people she was leading, meaning she had to actually pay attention to them. ¡°I just wanted to watch the sun come up,¡± Callie fake-cried to herself.


    Walking several paces towards the new light, Callie put her back to her ad hoc class, figuring they could get the gist of it even behind her, or frankly go find something else to do. She just wanted ten minutes of inner goddam peace!

 Chapter 32 Part 3 - Cultivating the Strange

    PART III - CULTIVATING THE STRANGE


    ¡°What is she doing?¡± Major Celeste asked Thorn quietly.


    ¡°It looks like some kind of a Martialist exercise,¡± the Ratkin responded. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen it before, though.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s from her world?¡±


    ¡°It must be,¡± Thorn shrugged, before absently adding, ¡°It¡¯s so slow and controlled.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should stop it?¡± Celeste wondered. ¡°It might attract unwanted attention.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s ¡­ weird.¡±


    Thorn shook his head. ¡°Even if it is, look at her.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s our pink-haired trouble-maker once again doing weird things,¡± Celeste observed, gesturing towards Callie.


    Thorn shook his head again and laughed. ¡°Have you ever heard of a recruit teaching a group of other recruits anything? Especially during the first week?¡±


    The Major shrugged. ¡°Not really. Maybe games or remedial help for those lagging behind.¡±


    ¡°Exactly! Look at her.¡±


    Across the field, Callie moved her body slowly, occasionally calling out some low, calming words. Behind her, the five recruits mimicked her motions, lagging maybe a second behind her actions, but in perfect sync with each other.


    ¡°This is the third time I¡¯ve heard about her doing something like this. Suddenly leading a group, that is,¡± Thorn said, gesturing towards the Gnome.


    ¡°I heard about her organizing the Black Lotus bloom earlier this week. What were the other ones?¡± Celeste asked, now curious.


    ¡°First day of training. Reynard dumped a sack of parts on his students and left them to make arrows as a team bonding exercise. Callie got them all organized and working together, beating the records of all Reynard¡¯s previous classes. I guess she also took over his class when that Cheetahkin Ranger was having problems with learning to query; completely ignored Reynard.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he must have been really happy,¡± the Major said sarcastically, giggling slightly.


    Thorn snickered in return, not needing to answer. ¡°And look what she did to get Juniper a worm! When something needs doing, she sees that it¡¯s done, even if she is a little ¡­ weird. We¡¯ve learned to cultivate the strange here, Major; embrace it, even.¡±


    ¡°She is strange, that¡¯s for sure. So, do you want me to stop her?¡± Celeste finally asked. ¡°The wakeup bell is going to ring any moment and she¡¯ll draw attention.¡±


    ¡°I have a better idea,¡± Thorn said with a smile. Snapping his fingers and adding a short whistle, Thorn called a Sprite down from one of the trees.


    ¡°Hello!¡± the tiny Fae yawned, not quite fully awake.


    ¡°Please go have them hold the morning bell for fifteen minutes,¡± Thorn ordered. ¡°Breakfast can ring as normal in one hour. Quickly please.¡±


    The Sprite nodded, and with a chirped, ¡°Goodbye!¡± she flew off.


    Looking again at the Major, Thorn patted her shoulder. Turning, he started walking towards Callie and the rest of the recruits.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to join her class.¡±


    ¡°Well ¡­ shit ¡­ I¡¯ll come with you, then!¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Quiet back there,¡± Callie snapped as she heard a disturbance and several whispers from her group, still keeping her eyes closed. She may be leading this thing, but this was her moment for some frickin¡¯ ¡­ frickin¡¯ ¡­ frickin¡¯ inner bloody peace or something! She had quickly come to realize she had made a mistake letting Jesca and Pixyl come along. She dearly loved her friends, but she just needed a few moments of sunshine and calm.


    Knowing the dawn bell would ring any moment to wake the recruits, Callie breathed slowly and concentrated on the sun, forcing out any other sounds around her. Soon, the only thing she could hear was the occasional call of a morning bird, and the wind blowing through the leaves. She listened to the wind, using it as a guide for her actions, eyes closed and facing the new day. Behind her, her strange menagerie of friends followed along; Beastkins, a Pixie and a Faun.


    A passing thought about Ambria made Callie chuckle for some reason. On the third day of training, Reynard had them doing an exercise where they would run from one archery target to the next. Once they got there, they¡¯d fire all their cooldowns at the next target while peaking over or around the one they were hiding behind, before rushing to the next. Running from seventy-five to one-hundred, Callie had tripped, hard. She landed on her face, her bow also jabbing into her ribs as she fell on it, but thankfully it was not damaged, only her.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Almost before she could scream in pain, Ambria leapt over the side barrier, running up to her. In order to have people to practice on, any injury of any kind was to be called out, no matter how minor. The recruits on healing duty would then heal the injury, with a trainer there to help if needed. Ambria, having been an apprentice healer back home, was allowed to roam without a shadow, but with instructions to call out quickly if needed, and to buy time with a healing potion if warranted. It was quite amazing how often someone actually needed the services of a healer, despite it being controlled training.


    After numbing the pain of both injuries, the Faun Combat Healer quickly used a spell to diagnose Callie with a broken nose and a seriously bruised, possibly fractured, rib, along with quite a bit of additional bruising and torn skin all over. But before Callie could say ¡®Take me to Urgent Care!¡¯, Ambria had rested a hand on her face, the crunching sounds quite disturbing as she magicked the smashed and bloody nose back into place. Apologizing profusely for having to expose and touch her chest, Ambria just as deftly repaired the rib and torn skin, before applying spells to all but eliminate any residual swelling and bruising around both injuries.


    This had been the first time Callie had experienced healing magic on a significant wound, the implanting of her Yogosi not really counting. But, just like Tasi¡¯s minor healing, within moments, face still bloodied but repaired, Callie was back on her feet like nothing happened. Even the expected bruise to her nose and side largely disappeared. The only remaining injuries were to her pride for face-planting so spectacularly, and to her modesty, as a few onlookers got a look at her chest. Callie reasoned that at this point, half the camp had already seen her, so what was a few more, and before she even buttoned her dirt- and blood-stained shirt closed, she¡¯d acknowledged the people cheerfully applauding her graceless fall with a bow.


    ¡°What the¡­! Where is my ¡­! Come back you little shit!¡±


    The sudden exclamations interrupted Callie¡¯s meditative introspection and she spun, ready to be angry at someone. Behind her, in addition to her five friends she had been leading, stood Master Trainer Thorn, part of the way through a syncronized arm movement. Next to him was Juniper in a similar position, wearing only her recruit underwear and binder, just like Jesca, the rest of her uniform on the ground a few steps away. Behind them was Major Celeste, chasing Loki across the field, one of her swords having obviously been swiped, and now being held aloft by the sneaky plant-monster as it ran, enjoying the chase.


    Callie didn¡¯t know what to say, and thankfully, before she had to come up with something appropriate, the bell rang. ¡°Um ¡­ class dismissed?¡± Callie finally said with a questioning inflection, not knowing what else to do.


    Everyone fell out of formation, Ambria and the Twins sitting down in the bleachers to continue enjoying the warmth of the rising sun a little longer, and Jesca joining them, still in her underwear, happy to lounge in the warmth.


    ¡°That was quite delightful,¡± Juniper said cheerily, as she turned to start putting her clothes back on.


    ¡°Okay, you¡¯re right,¡± Pixyl whispered to Callie, watching the Dryad admiringly, ¡°she¡¯s really, really starfire.¡±


    ¡°Told you she was hot!¡± Callie whispered in return.


    ¡°Good morning, Recruit!¡± Thorn said cheerily as he approached.


    ¡°M-Master Trainer,¡± Callie said, her brain stumbling momentarily as she refocused from Juniper¡¯s backside to Thorn. ¡°Good morning to you, too.¡±


    ¡°Apologies for joining like that. I know many Martialist techniques, but this one is strange to me, I wanted to see for myself.¡± Thorn lowered his voice, ¡°Is this something from your world?¡±


    Quietly, Callie responded, ¡°Uh ¡­ yeah. It¡¯s called Tai Chi. Slow, precise movements, often combined with meditation. I took a few classes, but am not an expert by any means.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating!¡±


    ¡°Martial techniques? Martialist, that¡¯s your class, right?¡± Callie asked, realizing she wasn¡¯t sure what it was.


    ¡°It is. A Warrior specialist, primarily focusing on unarmed combat.¡±


    ¡°So like Kung Fu?¡± Callie asked, starting to connect the dots.


    ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with that term, but I know many fighting techniques after all these years, so I probably know something similar to what you must be speaking of. We don¡¯t have any recruits of my class this term, though.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll get some next time, then,¡± Callie suggested, before adding, ¡°Hey, with luck, maybe you¡¯ll get some Martialist anomalies to study,¡±


    Thorn grunted a laugh. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be something? There are certainly many races that I¡¯ve never known to be my class.¡± He then pondered a moment before adding with a louder laugh, ¡°Who knows, maybe some Turtklekins will arrive that have the class, or something else equally strange.¡± He turned to leave, adding, ¡°A pleasant good morning to you both.¡±


    ¡°You, too!¡± Callie and Pixyl replied in unison.


    ¡°Loki, come!¡± a now-dressed Juniper called out. ¡°You may play with the Major another time.¡± Loki promptly stopped running from the now-winded Celeste, handing her stolen sword back to her.


    The Major snatched it from the plant¡¯s spindly hands, adding a growl of expletives for good measure as she returned it to its scabbard. She waved once to Callie and Pixyl, shot a parting glare towards Loki, and stomped down the hill out of sight.


    ¡°Very good morning,¡± Juniper said, now approaching, Loki rubbing affectionately against her side. ¡°Your group dancing was quite enjoyable, and it was nice to remove so much clothing for the new dawn as well.¡±


    ¡°Uh, right. Dancing,¡± Callie responded, realizing she just didn¡¯t have the patience to explain anything to Juniper right now.


    ¡°You must certainly do this again. Soon, I hope! Perhaps more people will come, and it would be lovely to dance with Vanis once again.¡±


    Callie briefly caught the knowing look from Pixyl. ¡°We ¡­ will have to see what happens,¡± Callie finally replied, unsure about the idea of leading an even larger group. Seriously, she had just wanted to chill her brain for a bit!


    ¡°I must be off,¡± Juniper said, seeming slightly sad. ¡°I am to meet with Trainer Eirlys early so she may instruct me further on the ¡­ limitations ¡­ that I must abide by today. I do not see what the fuss is about, though. Are we not supposed to practice all of our new skills?¡±


    ¡°They have a way to do it here that makes sure nobody gets hurt and you maximize your powers,¡± Callie said, trying to emphasize the need for Juniper to follow instructions, and more importantly, not destroy the place again.


    ¡°Your trainer is very w-w-wise,¡± Pixyl added for good measure. ¡°She knows what she is d-d-doing.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.,¡± Juniper mused. ¡°I suppose you might be right. I shall try to follow her instructions today, if only because you wish it, Little One.¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­ thanks? I suppose?¡± Callie replied apprehensively.


    ¡°Come, Loki,¡± Juniper called to her pet, still a noticeable bounce in her step despite the prospect of having to tone down her devastation for the day. Together, the two wandered off, disappearing down the hill.


    ¡°How long do you think until she destroys the place?¡± Callie asked Pixyl offhandedly.


    ¡°Noon,¡± Pixyl replied with a light laugh. ¡°At the absolute latest.¡±

 Chapter 33 Part 1 - Bruises, Bonfires and Best Friends

    PART I - BRUISES, BONFIRES AND BEST FRIENDS


    ¡°Goodnight, everyone,¡± Callie said to her housemates with a yawn.


    ¡°G-G-Goodnight,¡± Pixyl responded, giving Callie a soft smile. ¡°Hope you g-g-get it in the morning.¡±


    ¡°I better,¡± Callie snarled at nobody, still irritated even now by the missing two points.


    Vanis lowered the cover on a magically lit lantern, plunging the room into darkness. ¡°Goodnight, Little One,¡± Vanis whispered to Callie, lightly touching her head. ¡°You¡¯ll get it in the morning, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Vanis.¡±


    Now, the only light in the room was the waxing glow of Roka, hanging in the sky overhead, as she peeked through the open window. Callie stared at the ceiling, her Darkvision easily able to see everything in the minimal light, at least in its false-light haze. Beside her, Lena was nearly asleep; she could tell because the patterned whistling of her nose was starting. Tazrok had already long fallen asleep, exhausted from the day doing rapid shapeshift work.


    It had been a long day for Callie, too, beginning with her fellow Rangers giving her a friendly hard time for missing Bronze by such a small amount. Just as Jesca had suggested might happen, Reynard spent much of the morning working directly with Callie, while the others worked on their Bronze shooting rotations and practiced replicating arrows or summoning components.


    Trainer Reynard could think of only two things that led to her coming up short on points. The first was how much Callie was struggling with Wilderness Stealth, which she fully acknowledged to him had been an ongoing issue. The Foxkin''s second thought was that Callie¡¯s bow didn¡¯t use real arrows, so somehow not needing to draw from a quiver was a missing element of her overall training.


    To address this, together Reynard and Callie worked on making a few arrows, this time shortening the shaft to be a Gnome-manageable length appropriate for Thorn¡¯s toy bow. Reynard then replicated several dozen of the new projectiles, while Callie filled the bottom of a quiver with sand to put the arrows at the right height to grab. She did more shooting rotations, this time drawing an arrow out of the oversized quiver on her back each time, before dropping it to the ground and completing the shooting action on Thorn¡¯s magic bow. It was inelegant, but helpful, and Callie worked to perfect the movements into muscle memory.


    As for Stealth, Callie was absolutely sure that every twig, leaf and log purposely threw themselves under her feet. She felt like a rampaging Rhinokin plowing with reckless abandon through the woods, and could see poor Reynard¡¯s ears twitch in irritation every time she accidentally announced her presence, usually scaring away the animals they had been tracking as practice. She was certainly better than a few days ago, but still not very good. To Reynard¡¯s credit, he mostly kept his snarls and grumbling in check, making only a couple of offhanded negative comments, and none aimed at the fact she was a Gnome. Come noon, Callie felt she had improved, or at least learned a few things, and Reynard gave her a barely-passing five out of ten, admonishing her gruffly to work on it in her spare time. She had a long way to go.


    After lunch, the rest of the training day had largely been a blur, with the last half of the afternoon being devoted to swords with the other dual-wielders. Callie and Pixyl were again paired, this time working more with the twelve-count sparring routine, but now with a ¡®dodge¡¯ move added into it as a random substitute for any number, instructing the person to step backwards or to the sides to avoid the blow, or duck if neither was an option.


    As their swords rhythmically crashed off each other, sparks flying from Pixyl¡¯s energy blades, Callie was momentarily distracted by the arrival of Vonn as she slithered towards Reynard. This momentary loss of concentration resulted in a critical missed parry, and a hard smack to the side of her head. Pixyl had tried to pull her swing when she saw Callie was out of position, but it wasn¡¯t enough. Despite the leather helm she wore, the little Gnome had gone sprawling, seeing shining stars and tweeting birds.


    Almost before anyone could even call for a Healer, Xin had rushed onto the field, trailed closely by one of her trainers, Cheena. Xin had been on Healer duty, and with Cheena observing her, the Shaman quickly removed Callie¡¯s soft helmet and assessed her wounds. Beyond the bruise and lump forming on the side of her head, the Lizardkin was concerned about the hard landing Callie had taken, as she had yet again used her face to cushion the fall. She didn¡¯t have a broken nose this time, but she had several bleeding scrapes on her cheek and temple, and her head had certainly been rattled.


    With a polite reminder from Cheena, Xin remembered to drop her Totem, calling on the Element of Life to send out a pulse of healing energy to ease the pain, as well as both counter the growing lump and stem the light bleeding. Next, Xin applied a directed healing spell to Callie¡¯s face and a second to the side of her head, which healed whatever was still needing repair. Unlike the nearly-instantaneous results of Ambria¡¯s Combat Healer spell, Xin¡¯s seemed to take several seconds to complete, but felt far more exacting. As Cheena examined Xin¡¯s work, she didn¡¯t think anything had been seriously injured, but ordered Callie to rest on the sidelines for a bit until her head stopped ringing.


    Poor Pixyl was beside herself with grief for having hit her friend so hard, almost bursting into tears at one point while Callie was being treated. Xin and Cheena finally managed to assure her enough times that there was no lasting damage done, but she was still worried. Eventually, after clearly demonstrating no serious harm, Callie managed to calm Pixyl¡¯s panic and ease her concerns.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Callie¡¯s injuries now healed and with her resting, the trainers seized on the teaching moment, disassembling what had happened for the rest of the recruits. Callie accepted full responsibility, much to Pixyl¡¯s repeated protestations, explaining she had become distracted by Vonn¡¯s arrival. This, in turn, resulted in a good lesson for everyone on the importance of not getting distracted by irrelevant things.


    Eventually, Callie managed to scramble back to her feet, ready to spar some more. Taking up the two practice swords, this time she was paired off against the dark-green Tigerkin Bladeweaver, Rakona, as Vonn had actually come to the field wanting to get a better sense of the Gnome¡¯s fighting style against a larger opponent again. This was to help with the final design for the swords she was making the Little One.


    Unfortunately, Rakona, who was easily twice as tall as Callie, had no real sense of her differences in reach, height and strength, and simply overpowered the Gnome. The fight ended abruptly, with Callie thrown gracelessly to the ground, the wind knocked out of her. The little Ranger snarled in pain between gasps, having landed solidly on her rear, a horrified look on Rakona¡¯s furry face.


    Once again, since any injury was valuable practice, Xin was quickly called, this time to address Callie¡¯s bruised tailbone, despite the training armor absorbing most of her fall. After first dropping a Totem to ease the pain again, the Shaman helped Callie remove her training-armor leggings. Groaning and laughing in embarrassment, Callie lay on her stomach as Xin¡¯s scaly hands reached down the back of her pants, the Lizardkin¡¯s touch healing Callie¡¯s bruised butt with her directed Shaman magics. Rakona repeatedly apologized for sending her sprawling, almost bursting into sobs as Pixyl had done. Like with Pixyl, everyone pointed out numerous times that Callie would be fine, and Callie even made jokes about Xin fixing her ¡®broken ass¡¯ to try to ease Rakona¡¯s worry. Eventually, with enough assurances, the Tigerkin calmed, but by that point, the momentum to continue training had evaporated, and the trainers simply called it a day thirty minutes early.


    The remainder of the evening had passed equally fast, everyone excited that it was the eve of the first Homeday of the term, and looking forward to the next day off. At some point after the evening meal, word got out there was a bonfire, and most everyone gravitated back towards the training field to enjoy. There was wine and ale, a lot of bawdy singing, and a great deal of cheer among everyone. Callie sat watching the flames, Pixyl sitting close, leaning against her and holding her arm tightly; the absolute best pseudo-sister she could ever ask for. While Callie recognized none of the songs, the relaxing camaraderie was no different than it would have been on Earth. This time, Callie avoided getting hammered like at the party, instead hovering in that ¡®happy drunk¡¯ state that made her forget things like accidentally flashing her chest at her fellow recruits the day before, and falling so spectacularly on her face. Twice this week, in fact.


    Vanis took up his lute, playing a few songs along with the singing, and adding his own voice to the masses. He seemed to enjoy being an entertainer, wearing a huge grin as he did so. A few times, when she was alone or just with Pixyl, Callie had fiddled around with the lute, too, trying to learn how to approximate what she was used to back home. She had no intention of playing for people, but the challenge of learning new chords helped to exercise her brain and finger dexterity. Pixyl apparently enjoyed a few of the songs she managed to find the right sounds for as well, seeming to hang on even the badly-played notes.


    Friends flitted in and out of Callie¡¯s conversations as the evening wore on, really the whole affair becoming a remarkably perfect bookend to the first week of training. Homeday would be busy, though, as she needed to meet with Pama and Fizzlebek for a mid-morning second-breakfast, then with Thorn for a chat about Earth. Finally, she was to see Yulayla, who had been allowed to keep her memories of Callie¡¯s secret, for a full Scryer examination. The exam would, unfortunately, include the painful Deep Scry, but Master Healer Tasi had offered to put a short-duration sleep spell on her, which Callie was seriously considering.


    At Pixyl¡¯s suggestion, for the rest of the afternoon Callie would be joining her, Jesca and Ambria to visit a huge rock overlooking the forest that Tazrok had told them about. Originally, Pixyl had intended it to be just her and Callie alone, and seemed a little sour about Callie inviting others. To get the Pixie¡¯s mood to lighten, Callie had to promise they¡¯d go exploring another time, just the two of them. As a way to further make it up to her friend, Callie talked Pama into making a delicious late-afternoon snack they could take with them on their hike. The prospect of Culinar delicacies seemed to smooth things over with Pixyl, who grudgingly admitted, with a sly smile in her eyes, that she was easily bribed by good food.


    Now almost midnight, with so many events from the last week swimming chaotically in her head, coupled with the repeat promise of hitting Bronze the next morning, Callie was having difficulty sleeping. A passing thought about her mother had pressed at her, and she intentionally put it aside for now. It wasn¡¯t that she wanted to ignore it, but if she thought too much about home, Callie knew she¡¯d break into sobs soon after, which would certainly wake her housemates. They¡¯d put up with so much regarding her all week, it wasn¡¯t fair to make any of them deal with yet another breakdown.


    Callie lay there, randomly flicking her Darkvision on and off in boredom, a part of her missing having a cellphone to scroll through. With nothing to occupy her brain, her mind drifted to her future in this world. In broad strokes, the plan wasn''t all that complex. She would complete the Curse, repay Vanis by helping him retake his throne, look for worms, get rich, and eventually settle down, hopefully with someone, somewhere. Unless she found a way home, of course. An odd thought crept into her head, though. Did she really want to go back home? All she really had there was her mother. She had no friends, no decent job prospects, and not a lot of future. But here, it was different. She was still finding her place in this world, but Callie knew even after only a week there was one here for her. One with people that she could care for and would care for her in return.


    The thin sliver of moonlight had slowly moved through the sky, now flashing randomly in intensity as it filtered between the tree branches waving in the light breeze. Roka¡¯s crescent-shaped smile beamed down on Callie¡¯s face, looking very much like Earth¡¯s own moon, yet with shadows that were unfamiliar all the same. She sat up one last time, looking around the room, seeing everyone else fast asleep. Her friends; her family. Smiling, she lay down again, feeling content and calm enough to eventually drift into her own deep sleep.

 Chapter 33 Part 2 - Worm Sign

    PART II - WORM SIGN


    Callie opened her eyes to a bright white light, instinctively shielding them while trying to get her bearings. She was just about to excitedly check on her points when she realized something wasn¡¯t quite right. Lowering her hand, she recognized the familiar featureless-white nothingness that was the inside of her head.


    ¡°Finally!¡± Callie called sharply out into the void, gesturing with her arms. ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    Nothing responded.


    Just to be sure, Callie checked her hands, seeing all the right number of tiny Gnome digits, and then pulled her hair around, seeing it was bright pink, as expected. So now what?


    ¡°Hello?¡± she called again.


    Still, a lot of nothing happened.


    ¡°You know, I was starting to think I was crazy talking to you that first night,¡± Callie said loudly, turning slowly in all directions. ¡°Even after Juniper said she talked to her own Symbiote, I still wasn¡¯t sure. Juniper can be a little ¡­¡± Callie waved her hand randomly in the air, ¡°Junipery.¡±


    Nothing.


    ¡°Have I at least been doing a good job? Except for Stealth, I think I¡¯ve been learning all the Ranger stuff pretty well.¡±


    With a frustrated groan, Callie sat down on the white nothing, part of her starting to get worried she was going a little bonkers and just imagined being here before, and that she was imagining it a second time. Quietly she hummed random notes, fidgeting with her hands to pass the time waiting for ¡­ anything.


    Except for the first night, there had been no subsequent sign of Callie¡¯s Symbiote, despite the promise that they would be able to speak when she was asleep. Vanis, ever the academic, had been eager to know if they communicated again, as had Master Healer Tasi, and both were noticeably crestfallen when informed that nothing had happened. Honestly, Callie was a little bummed about it too.


    HHHHEEEELLLLLLLLOOOO


    The sudden loud sound startled Callie and she jumped quickly to her feet. Spinning towards the noise, Callie finally saw what ¡­ or maybe who ¡­ she had been waiting for.


    ¡°Did ¡­ did you try to speak?¡± the Gnome asked the floating ball, grimacing as she rubbed her ear. If you listened closely, one could almost make out a word in the cacophony of discordance, but barely. It was as if a thousand different music notes played at once, none of them in harmony, while at the same time trying to form something resembling a word.


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°You probably need to work on that some more,¡± Callie replied with a mumble.


    Green Circle ding


    Taking a deep breath, Callie pasted on a smile and asked the obvious question again. ¡°Where have you been? I was worried.¡±


    The glowing brown globe hovered in the air, almost seeming to tilt itself inquisitively, but it said nothing.


    ¡°Well, you said we¡¯d talk again when I was asleep, but ¡­¡± Callie said, trying to fill the silence as she gestured all around her.


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°So why didn¡¯t we talk this past week?¡±


    The globe did and said nothing, simply floating in silence.


    Eventually, Callie sensed this conversation might quickly go nowhere, especially given the communication challenges, and changed direction. ¡°So ¡­¡± Callie said, drawing the word out. ¡°Now what? What have you been doing?¡±


    In response, the Symbiote flashed up an emoji of an eyeball.


    ¡°Looking?¡± Callie asked, trying to decipher the meaning. ¡°Looking for what?¡¯


    Red X buzz


    Once again, the eyeball picture appeared, seeming more insistent this time.


    With a shrug Callie said, ¡°I need more.¡±


    Thinking Clock


    Seeming a little frustrated, the globe more insistently flashed up the eyeball, but this time followed by a hand pointing towards Callie. It repeated the two-picture sequence several more times.


    ¡°Eyeball me? Looking at me? Oh! Watching me! Watching me?¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Green Circle ding


    The idea of her Symbiote watching her was immediately a little creepy, and Callie¡¯s face grew skeptical. ¡°Watching me do what, exactly?¡±


    Without any hesitation, the image of the hand pointing at Callie appeared, followed immediately by an icon-like image of an opened book, which then began to repeat.


    ¡°Me book? Me ¡­ words. Me ¡­ story. Me ¡­ learning. Learning? You¡¯ve been watching me learn?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Oh. Okay. That makes sense, I suppose,¡± Callie said, her voice still slightly perplexed. Although, as she thought about it more, there probably wasn¡¯t much else for the little guy to actually do.


    ¡°How ¡­ how did I do?¡±


    This time there was a picture of a face, with someone holding a finger to their lips, as if a warning sign in a library. Immediately, a red slash sliced through it and there was a loud buzzing sound.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Callie mumbled, rubbing her ears again. Why would it be so loud in this weird place? The picture-message was pretty obvious, though. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been having problems with Stealth.¡± Defensively, she quickly added, ¡°But mostly that¡¯s the only thing! Honestly, I think I¡¯ve pretty much nailed everything else, so far. It even seems I¡¯m pretty good with the swords, despite being so small. Well, except for getting smacked on the head earlier today.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t hurt you does it? Getting rattled around in there while I faceplant or get hit in the head, I mean?¡±


    Red X buzz


    ¡°That¡¯s good at least. I¡¯d been wondering.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Hopefully I¡¯ll get Bronze tonight,¡± Callie said, babbling slightly and trying to appear optimistic, ¡°and that will help improve my Stealth skill and everything else, too. Plus I get all those new skills! I¡¯ve been watching the others and I can¡¯t wait to try out some of the new archery ones they¡¯ve been using. I just feel bad I¡¯m not Bronze yet.¡±


    Callie¡¯s Symbiote tilted, seeming to inquire as to the issue. ¡°I just really hate that I¡¯ve been holding everyone else back,¡± Callie admitted, the disappointment evident in her voice. ¡°I think both Shul¡¯an and Jesca really want to reach Gold Tier by the time we¡¯re done training, and for that to happen, Reynard needs to stop devoting so much time to just me.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°If ¡­ If you have any thoughts or advice, I¡¯d be happy to listen, or look, or whatever. I mean, I assume I¡¯m not your first host, so I¡¯m sure you have stories and suggestions to share.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    Trying to seem inviting, Callie stayed silent, hoping some of that advice might be forthcoming. Once again, nothing happened, though. This was frustrating. As much as Callie had hoped to speak with her Symbiote again, the challenges in communication, and cryptic responses were growing frustrating. If this continued, what was the point of future late-night dream sessions?


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Callie finally said, slow and drawn out, after a continued awkward period of nothing. ¡°Well, you just tell me if there¡¯s something I need to know. I¡¯ll take whatever help you can give me.¡±


    Between the Symbiote globe and Callie, the form of a simple table appeared. It was made of a semi-transparent blue material, sort of like a heavy-duty plastic or glass.. Rounded in shape, it had a very modern Earth styling to it, especially considering the rustic furniture of this fantasy world. The top was set low, only waist-high for the standing Callie, and the Symbiote globe lowered itself to be eye-level with her.


    Before Callie could inquire as to what was up, there was a flash, and a white box appeared on the table. It was bound with a long piece of pink ribbon tied in a bow, looking like a wrapped present. The globe of brown light seemed to grin somehow, and it put off a vibration of anticipation.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Callie asked with a growing, crooked smile. She always loved presents.


    The Symbiote responded with an emoji image of a bow-topped present, while it chimed out a happy sound.


    ¡°Well, I can see that,¡± Callie said, widening her smile, wondering what in the world could possibly be a gift in this dreamlike place. ¡°For me, yes?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie said sincerely, still a little confused, but realizing this must be important.


    The globe dropped slightly lower, and nudged the box forward.


    ¡°Okay! Okay! I¡¯ll open it,¡± Callie said with a chuckle, able to tell that her headmate seemed to be getting excited for whatever this was. Knowing that cheered her up, the communication frustrations fading quite a bit, and Callie was happy to play along and enjoy the moment.


    As she pulled the ribbon, it fell away. Once unbound, the box cover faded into nothing, and Callie found herself looking at what could best be described as a medal. Hanging on a blue piece of ribbon was a round medallion, which was smooth, having no shape or etching decorating it. The most important thing, however, was that it was bronze in color.


    Callie¡¯s eyes widened as she lifted the gift from its box, draping the sash over her hand to clasp the medallion. ¡°Is ¡­ is this ¡­ does this mean I made it?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    Giddy with relief and happiness for finally reaching one-thousand points and making it to the next Tier, Callie leapt into the virtual air. ¡°Yes! I made it!¡± As she celebrated, a huge weight lifted from her shoulders as her worry about being a continued drag on the rest of the Rangers faded, and the self-doubting fear of being an abject failure of a Ranger drained along with it. ¡°Thank you!¡± she beamed to the floating globe.


    YYYYOOOOUUUURRRRREEEE WWWWEEEELLLLCCCCOOOOOMMMMEEEE


    ¡°Ow!¡± Callie cried, instinctively covering her ears against the discordant roar. She glared at her Symbiote, probably harder than she should have. ¡°Seriously. We really need to work on that.¡±


    Green Circle ding


    This time, the ¡®ding¡¯ sound was a lower tone, as if tinged with sadness.


    ¡°It¡¯s great you''re learning to speak, though!¡± Callie quickly added, wanting to sound somewhat encouraging rather than too negative. She was actually quite eager for the ability to talk without using pictures and sounds; this ridiculous game of Pictionary would get old pretty fast.


    Looking again at the medal, Callie asked the obvious question. ¡°What do I do with it? Do I put it on?¡±


    Green Circle ding


    With eager excitement, Callie quickly hung the sash around her neck, and then lifted the medallion to look at it yet again. There was a sudden flash, and the whole thing disappeared, turning to smoke or mist and getting sucked into her body.


    ¡°Hey, what hap¡­¡± Callie started to protest, but her words were abruptly cut off.

 Chapter 34 Part 1 - New Dawn

    PART I - NEW DAWN


    ¡°...pend?¡± Callie finished asking.


    But ¡­ gone now was the featureless white room and the floating globe, replaced with darkness.  Instinctively, her Darkvision activated, and Callie quickly realized she was back in her bunkhouse, sitting up in her bed.  She looked around, seeing everyone else was still asleep, thankful that her noise hadn¡¯t woken anyone.


    Shaking her head to clear it, Callie tried to make sense of what had transpired.  She was happy to see her Symbiote again, even if the visit was quite brief.  It was possible the experience was still a dream, but it didn¡¯t feel like it at all any more, and she was eager to see what happened in the future.  Certainly, she¡¯d have to let Tasi and Vanis know it happened again.


    Suddenly a thought occurred to her.  ¡°Bronze!¡±  She cleared her head, taking a deep breath to try and center herself, followed by a second and then a third.  Finally, she asked the important question.


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW LEVEL:  BRONZE.011


    MULTIPLE SKILLS UPDATED


    MULTIPLE PERKS UPDATED


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Grabbing her pillow, Callie bit into it to keep from squealing too loudly.  She held her arms aloft in triumph, pumping them several times for good measure.  Then the horror came to her mind, and she remembered what was about to happen.  Spitting out the pillow, Callie quickly scrambled down from her bed and padded as fast as possible towards the front door.  Pixyl looked up as she ran by, but Callie didn¡¯t have a moment to chat as she charged as quickly and quietly as she could through the door.


    Jesca and the rest of the Rangers had warned her that this time they all came at once soon after they woke up, and Pixyl had warned her as a small-person it was going to be bad.  Remembering what happened that first morning, Callie ran, racing for the garden and sitting in a patch of soft grass.  She made it, but just barely¡­


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW SKILL:  EAGLE EYE


    NEW SKILL:  ELEMENTAL SHOT


    NEW SKILL:  HOMING SHOT


    NEW SYNERGIZED SKILL:  RAIN OF ARROWS


    NEW SYNERGIZED SKILL:  REPLICATE ARROW


    NEW SYNERGIZED SKILL:  SUMMON COMPONENTS


    NEW MELDED SKILL:  SUMMON TURRET


    NEW SYNERGIZED PERK:  DANGER SENSE - WILDERNESS


    NEW MELDED PERK:  EFFECT LAYERING


    NEW PERK:  MELEE COMBAT - BOWS / ARROWS


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Ten?!  She was only supposed to get eight!  Quickly, Callie lay down in the grass to get as stable as possible, realizing the ground was soaked from an apparent overnight rain.  She didn¡¯t care.  She spread her arms and gripped tufts of grass for dear life.  She hadn¡¯t eaten a lot since dinner the night before, but there were snacks at the bonfire, and she certainly had been drinking. A sense of impending dread overtook her.


    Moments later, it came, that wild-ride vertigo that accompanied new reveals.  Everyone said it got a lot better after the initial bonding, but Callie knew there would be eight of them, and there was no way in hell, little person or big, someone would be able to shrug that off.  The world spun, upending itself several times until Callie was sure she was going to fall into the sky.  She rode the chaos, keeping her eyes closed as sounds of her breathing and heartbeat filled her ears.  Again and again the world flipped, seeming to have no end in sight.


    Something touched her hand.  She could sense it, even through the maelstrom.  She focused on that.  She focused on that connection to someone.  She knew who it had to be, and loved her for being there.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this!¡± came a distant, echoing voice.  ¡°You¡¯ve got this!¡±


    Pixyl held Callie¡¯s hand tightly, chanting their personal mantra to her friend.  It was obvious what had happened.  She squeezed even harder, trying to give Callie something to focus on.  She had heard the warnings from Jesca that Rangers got eight new reveals, and for Callie that had to be torture.  Pixyl had only received four new skills at Bronze Tier, including her melded Furious Rage.  Four were agonizing.  She couldn¡¯t imagine eight.


    With a lurch, Callie vomited in the grass, missing her clothing but getting some on her face.  Pixyl grabbed her friend''s arm, struggling in the wet grass to pull the Ranger even a half-meter so she didn¡¯t accidentally roll into the mess.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± a voice said, the sound of boots running towards them.


    Pixyl looked up to see a Dwarf, the one that Callie called ¡®Beatcop¡¯.  He had a look of obvious concern on his face.  ¡°Reveals for reaching B-B-Bronze Tier.¡±


    ¡°Let me help, lass.¡±


    The Dwarf grabbed Callie under her arms and pulled her away from the puddle of bile.  He was far stronger than Pixyl was, and moved the little Gnome with ease.  Producing a cloth rag from a leather pocket on his utility belt, he had Pixyl wet it in the fountain, before using it to wipe Callie¡¯s mouth and face.


    Together they both sat, each holding one of Callie¡¯s hands, for the few more minutes she needed to regain her senses.  Beatcop made sure the Gnome was facing to the side, on the chance she got sick again, a look of worry still evident on his bearded face.  Finally, Callie opened her eyes, seeing first Pixyl, and then the Dwarf.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Callie groaned, making a sour face from the taste in her mouth.


    ¡°Are you ¡­¡± Beatcop started to say, before he was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a sweaty, panting and nearly-naked Jesca, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, a trail of light-blue mist dissipating behind her from using her new Dash skill.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Jesca cried out, dropping to her knees.  ¡°Are you okay?  Please be okay?  Did you get Bronze?  Is that why you are on the ground?  What happened?  Pixyl, is she okay?¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Callie groaned, struggling to sit up, holding a hand to her forehead.  ¡°Yeah, I got Bronze, and then everything hit.  Ten of them.¡±


    ¡°Ten?  That means you got two melded ones, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.  I think so,¡± Callie said, still trying to get oriented. As her head cleared, she finally registered that she was being partially held by Beatcop, who seemed a little cross at the underwear-clad Cheetahkin.  ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said to the Dwarf, as she struggled to stand.


    ¡°I just happened to be here, lass.  Glad I could help,¡± the Dwarf said, before tersely addressing Jesca.  ¡°You are not to be using your skills unless you are on the training field, Recruit!¡±


    ¡°What?  What skill?¡± Jesca said, confused.


    ¡°You have a speed skill of some form.  Dash maybe?  You can hurt someone with that if you hit them while it¡¯s active.¡±


    Jesca got a perplexed look on her face, looking back to where she had apparently come from.  ¡°I ¡­ I didn¡¯t know I used it.  I saw a flash of pink on the ground, and knowing it was Callie I just sprinted.¡±


    Beatcop grunted, also standing. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll let it go this one time, because nobody was around, but you need to keep that skill under control.  Understood?  Only on the training field!  Your Bladeweaver friend here has the skill, so damn well get her to teach you how to control it.¡±


    Jesca nodded quickly.  ¡°Okay.  Sorry.¡±


    ¡°And maybe put on more clothing when you are parading around the camp!¡±


    ¡°You said I couldn¡¯t be nude when I run!  This isn¡¯t nude!¡± Jesca snarled back, gesturing at the almost-nothing she was wearing.


    Callie groaned and grabbed her head, the sudden bickering not helping her headache.  ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Callie asked the Dwarf weakly, ignoring the argument,   She was still a little woozy and leaning slightly on Pixyl.  ¡°I see you enough I should at least know, so I can be polite.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Jaelarn, the night patrol.¡±


    ¡°Callie.  It¡¯s good to meet you.¡±


    ¡°You as well.¡±  With Callie back on her feet, Jaelarn bid the three ladies a good morning.  He gave a final warning glance towards Jesca and walked off, continuing his nighttime patrol.


    ¡°What a prude,¡± Jesca muttered loudly.


    ¡°What time is it,¡± Callie wondered out loud, continuing to ignore Jesca.


    ¡°Maybe an hour before dawn?¡± Jesca said, looking into the eastern sky and shrugging.  ¡°Maybe a little less.¡±


    ¡°Ugh!  So early!¡± Callie scowled.


    Walking over to the fountain, Callie swished the fresh, cold water in her mouth before spitting it unladylike into the grass.  ¡°What I wouldn¡¯t give for mint,¡± she mumbled, noticing that her teeth actually felt quite clean, despite not having brushed them all week.  The Odomi grass mixed into all the foods as a salt substitute seemed to be doing what it was supposed to.


    On the other side of the fountain, Jesca once again plunged her head into the water, afterwards throwing her hair back with one paw.  ¡°So, what did you get?¡± the Cheetakin asked eagerly.  ¡°Your melded skills, I mean.  I assume you got all the other Ranger skills that we all did.  Not that they aren¡¯t good, they are great, but the unique ones are also really interesting.¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± Callie said, trying to recall what she had received, her thinking still a little fuzzy.  ¡°Yeah, it was two of them.  A skill called Summon Turret, and a perk called Effect Layering.¡±


    ¡°What do they do?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°No idea.  Let me do a query on the first to unlock it.¡±


    Tell me about Summon Turret


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    MELDED SKILL:  SUMMON TURRET (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  HIGH


    CASTING TIME:  3 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  120 SECONDS


    CHARGES:  3


    SUMMON DURATION: 5 MINUTES (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION:   Summons a mechanized construct that can fire summoned arrows at a designated target once every 3 seconds. The caster can mentally designate a new target at any time. The construct must be affixed to a flat surface measuring at least thirty centimeters in length and width, or be able to clasp to a narrow supporting structure that is at least thirty centimeters in length. The attach point must be stable for maximum accuracy. The construct must be summoned within a range of 3 meters from the caster.  Turrets are summoned constructs and will dissipate after approximately 5 minutes, but can be dismissed at any time. Only 1 turret can be deployed at a time. Summoning an additional turret will cause the oldest active turret to dissolve. Standard Turrets are fragile and easily destroyed.  Higher tiers of this skill will increase the maximum active turret count, number of charges, summoned duration, fire rate, casting range, as well as decrease recharge and casting times.  Additional enhancements will also be available.


    This is a melded skill of TINKER + CARPENTRY + BOWYER/FLETCHER.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Callie said, her eyes going wide as she mentally reviewed the lengthy information.


    ¡°What?¡± both Jesca and Pixyl asked simultaneously.


    ¡°In a nutshell?  It summons a construct that automatically shoots arrows every few seconds at whatever target I tell it to.¡±


    Jesca got a confused look on her face.  ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°I think it is sort of like Xin¡¯s Totem,¡± Callie said, reviewing the information again to puzzle it out.  ¡°You summon it, and then it performs actions on its own.¡±


    ¡°Strange,¡± Jesca said, a frown still on her face.


    ¡°Should we go try it out?¡± Callie asked excitedly.  ¡°I don¡¯t want to wait until tomorrow, and Reynard said we¡¯re allowed to practice on the field today, if we wanted to.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Jesca said, her face lighting up, accompanied by a bouncy happy-dance.


    ¡°Um, are you sure that¡¯s a g-g-good idea?¡± Pixyl warned.


    ¡°Pixyl, what could possibly go wrong?  We¡¯ll be on the field.¡± Callie squealed as she sprinted back to Ogre House to retrieve her bow and boots.  Skeptically, Pixyl followed along, while Jesca bounded off to her own house to put on a little more clothing against the damp chill in the air, now that she was no longer running.

 Chapter 34 Part 2 - Clockwork Defender

    PART II - CLOCKWORK DEFENDER


    A few minutes later, Callie, Jesca and Pixyl reconvened in the garden, Jesca now fully clothed and eager to see what Callie¡¯s strange new skill would do.  Pixyl, on the other hand, was significantly less eager, and was primarily coming along to keep her friends out of trouble.


    ¡°I accidentally woke up Koda,¡± Jesca said with a bummed tone.  ¡°He says he wants to see your new skills, too.  Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Of course he does,¡± Callie said with exasperation, knowing the Bearkin¡¯s keen interest in the anomalies and anything out of the ordinary.  ¡°Should we wait for him?¡±


    ¡°He said he¡¯d catch up.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Callie said with a sharp nod.  ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Together, the three started to walk towards the mess tent and the training grounds beyond.  Rather than jump immediately into unlocking her new powers, Callie took a moment to query those she already had previously at Iron Tier, to see what had changed.  As expected, all of the active skills improved, each adding a second charge as well as improving recharge times and other details.  This meant she could now use each skill twice in rapid succession before needing to wait for another charge.  As Callie reviewed the new details, she realized she¡¯d need to run some numbers and do some experiments to figure out the next new rotation.  Of course, she had three types of new arrow attacks to weave into her rotations, too.


    Several of her perks improved as well.  Advanced Archery now provided the ability to use mana to reflect an arrow off a solid object without a reduction in force, as well as a general improvement in accuracy and base capabilities. Wilderness Tracking and Stealth both added ¡®plains and fields¡¯ to the biomes the mana-powered versions would work in, and Callie knew from the others her new Danger Sense perk synergized with Tracking, only functioning in those same biomes.


    Strangely, her Earth perks like Construction seemed completely unchanged, and Callie wondered if that had something to do with them being listed as ¡®off-class¡¯ when they were detailed at Iron.  She was still quite curious about the promised ability to use mana with them, and would have to dig into what that meant when she had some proper downtime, tools and materials.  Maybe Fizzlebek could be of assistance?


    ¡°Did you unlock the other ones yet?¡± Jesca asked, still bouncing along in excitement.


    ¡°Not yet, I was looking at changes from Iron,¡± Callie responded.


    ¡°With your bow not needing arrows, your rotation will be different from everybody,¡± Jesca said.  ¡°I suppose in a week or so, when we all get our new bows, we¡¯ll need to adjust, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you all know what I figure out works best.¡±


    Unlocking as they walked, Callie first reviewed Elemental Shot.  As Fizzlebek had mentioned what seemed like a lifetime ago, the effect would certainly overlap with some of the enchantments they had discussed.  At Bronze Tier, Callie could use both fire and water elements, with the fire effect producing a burst of molotov-like fire at the point of impact that was about three meters in diameter.  It would burn for about six to ten seconds before going out, unless whatever it hit caught fire.


    For the water element, there were three variations available.  One option could be a simple burst of liquid water, which Reynard demonstrated as great for putting out fires from range when Jesca had set one of the straw targets alight.  However, one of the combat-oriented alternative effects was to produce a burst of ice that would send pointed icicles in all directions, as if they were shrapnel.  It wouldn¡¯t be very effective against armored foes, but anyone without protection could find themselves torn apart.  As an alternative, the ice could also produce a small burst effect, and those caught in it would find themselves layered in ice, which would slow or even freeze the target in place for several seconds, unless they were strong enough to break free.  The ice was considered summoned material, so it wouldn¡¯t last very long, only perhaps ten seconds or so at Bronze, but it had interesting situational usefulness.


    Callie, of course, had seen all of the other Rangers using these skills when they hit Bronze, and she was told the details of the mechanics.  Still, finally seeing the infodump for herself was exhilarating.


    Her next unlock, Homing Shot, was exactly as one would expect.  Once instantly cast, she would be able to ¡®lock¡¯ on to a target in a few seconds and the arrow would self-steer to hit it.  The tracking wasn¡¯t perfect, operating in only a twenty-degree cone in front of the shooter, but later Tiers promised to increase that.  Still, even with that limitation, it would be immensely helpful for fast-moving targets like Imps and Netherbats.


    Finally, there was Rain of Arrows, which would pepper an area randomly with replicated projectiles.  This was one of Callie¡¯s first Synergized skills, and as she unlocked the power, she saw how it was directly tied into her Multishot.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL:  RAIN OF ARROWS (BRONZE TIER)


    SYNERGY:  MULTISHOT


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    MULTIPLIERS: 4x / 2x


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow to target an area of ground 3-5 meters (variable at time of casting) in diameter.  When the arrow is loosed upwards, the arrow will split 4x the multiplier of MULTISHOT, and then split into 2x, hitting the target area randomly.  The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. Arrows are summoned objects and will disappear approximately ten seconds after striking.  As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the multipliers, maximum charge count, and variable area of effect will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    One of the silly reasons Callie loved this skill was because it had numbers.  Lots of numbers, in fact.  She quickly ran the math.  First she would shoot an arrow in a high arc, which would split into four times her Multishot multiplier, now up to four with Bronze Tier, giving her a total of sixteen.  Then each of those would effectively double, so thirty-two arrows struck the area she targeted.  That initially felt impressive, but wasn¡¯t nearly as impressive as Reynard¡¯s demonstration at his Platinum Tier.  His volley was so dense as to literally black out the sky, peppering an impact area with what had to be over one-hundred arrows.  Jesca had been absolutely stunned into an uncharacteristic silence at seeing the swarm, simply having no words that were adequate.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Unlocking the Summon Component and Replicate Arrow skills showed their synergies with Advanced Archery.  The former allowed Callie to summon non-magical components for making new arrows and even parts for simple bows, like new strings.  The latter, true to Reynard¡¯s word on Day One, would duplicate up to ten non-magical arrows, or up to three magical ones, with the arrows lasting about two hours before the summoning faded.  These were two of the only skills that the Rangers were allowed to use off the training grounds, and Reynard wanted them practicing as often as possible, to the point that everyone was to carry an arrow with them wherever they went to cast on.  Their summoned arrows could be tossed aside into the woods or somewhere else nobody would trip over them, to simply fade into nothing when the summoning expired.  The same was the case for any archery components.


    The other skill they were allowed to practice anywhere was called Eagle Eye.  This was a simple channeled skill that would effectively allow Callie¡¯s vision to ¡®zoom¡¯ in on a target.  At Bronze, this zoom effect was limited to about three times, but it would increase at higher tiers.  What made this skill so great was that a Ranger¡¯s various attacks could be performed through it.  This was particularly helpful for Sniper Shot, especially for the others, with their greater range from the longbows.


    The final perk all the Rangers had received, and now Callie was finally able to unlock, was another for hand-to-hand combat.  In this case, it provided the knowledge to use one¡¯s bow as a weapon, or fight with a held or thrown arrow.  Thucax was skeptical of the usefulness, until Reynard demonstrated by hooking the Gnoll¡¯s legs with his bow, sending him tumbling to the ground in a crash.  Before Thucax could even collect himself, he found the Foxkin holding an arrow to his throat, and any skepticism the students might have had initially died immediately.  Reynard fully admitted it wasn¡¯t a particularly elegant way to fight, especially compared to swashbuckling with twin swords, but it could be critical in a situation where your swords weren¡¯t available for some reason.  He also pointed out it could be more effective than bladed weapons in some cases, as most people were not trained to defend against such an ¡®uncivilized¡¯ style.


    Arriving at the training field, they found it, of course, devoid of people this early in the morning.  Together, the three wandered over to the target range the Ranger students had been using all week to get situated.


    ¡°Did you unlock everything?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°Everything but that last melded perk.  I¡¯ll wait a bit because I don¡¯t want to get distracted.  I really want to try this Turret thing out,¡± Callie replied with a grin.  ¡°Let¡¯s see if we can figure out how this works.¡±  Callie thought back to that first day of training and what Xin had shared about summoning her Totem.  Xin¡¯s first casting had been an absolute failure and resulted in mana drain.  No matter what, Callie needed to make sure to avoid that.


    ¡°Okay.  Apparently I am able to summon the turret within three meters of me,¡± Callie called out as she reviewed the information once again, sharing the details with Jesca and Pixyl.  ¡°Then, it will start shooting every three seconds at whatever I mentally tell it to.¡±  Looking down the range, Callie fixated on the fifty-meter target as a good option.


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Pixyl warned.  ¡°D-D-Don¡¯t push if you can¡¯t get it the first time.¡±


    Callie took her place on the shooting line, Jesca and Pixyl a step behind her to either side.  Shaking out her arms, she took a couple centering breaths, finally extending her hand.


    SUMMON TURRET


    First as a trickle, and then as a torrent, the mana began to flow from Callie¡¯s hand.  Ahead of her, tiny pinpricks of light began to appear, coalescing together into the form of support legs.  More lights appeared, twisting and merging as the Turret built itself, forming the shapes of structural frames and clockwork mechanisms.  Higher and higher it built, parts coming together in chaotic swirls before slipping into their required location.  But the mana usage was intense, and Callie was quickly feeling her reserves leaking away.


    She pushed on, though, continuing to will the construct into shape.  It rose to the level of Callie¡¯s chest, now no longer forming a supporting structure, but melding into the vague shape of a crossbow head.  The little Ranger continued, sweat growing in beads on her face as she pushed through.


    ¡°You can do it,¡± Jesca coached, encouraging her friend.


    ¡°Callie ¡­¡± Pixyl said quietly, a worried warning tone in her voice. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt yourself!¡±


    Lights continued to swirl into place.  Now the entire shooting mechanism had completed, just a little farther to go.  Callie pushed through, all the clockwork mechanics finally locking together.  Gears and weights and magical springs, all working in a perfect Tinker harmony.  Lastly, a source of power to run the construct began to form.  It was essentially a tiny mana battery buried inside the fragile frame of the Turret, infused with Callie¡¯s mana to drive the Turret into action.


    The casting ended and Callie dropped her arm to her side in a noodle-like flop.  ¡°Did I do it?¡±


    ¡°I think so?¡± Jesca said with a questioning inflection.  ¡°It¡¯s not falling apart at least.  Tell it to shoot something.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±  Remembering the command needed to be mental, Callie concentrated again on the fifty-meter target.  ¡°Shoot that!¡± she thought towards the Turret.


    Kathunk!


    The Turret¡¯s crossbow head snapped, a magic bolt having formed as the projectile, just as an arrow did with Callie¡¯s bow.  The far off target was struck, high and to the left, but within two rings of the center.  There was a clicking sound as the gears and mechanisms spun, automatically pulling the crossbow¡¯s string back into position.


    Kathunk!


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Callie exclaimed as the second bolt launched forward, striking the target a second time with reasonable accuracy, below where the first had hit.  All three inched forward to watch the sequence play out again, Pixyl launching into the air and expertly hovering to get a better look.  Again, the Turret reset itself.


    ¡°That¡¯s really ¡­ cool,¡± Jesca said in wonder, remembering to use Callie¡¯s favorite word.  It was really the exact right word for this moment.


    The Turret kept shooting, launching a new bolt every three seconds in a predictable rhythm.  Accuracy didn¡¯t improve, but it didn¡¯t decrease either, and was well within reasonable limits at this distance for a body shot.  The three watched the Turret run its repeated sequence, mesmerized by the clickity machinations.


    Kathunk!


    Kathunk!


    Kathunk!


    ¡°This is amaz¡­¡± Callie finally started to say, her voice low and awestruck.


    ¡°Ladies!  Good morn¡­¡± a deep voice began to say.


    Callie whirled on the sound, so lost in the Turret¡¯s workings that she didn¡¯t even notice someone approaching.  The Turret sensed her sudden shock and swung its aim towards the source.


    Kathunk!


    ¡°What the..¡± was all Koda could manage to say before the Turret launched a magic bolt at him.  With uncanny speed, he tried to dodge, but at this close range he still took the magic bolt to his shoulder.  He staggered with a grunt, his brain still racing to figure out what had just happened.


    Callie screamed, spinning to the now-reloading construct.  ¡°Stop!¡±


    It didn¡¯t stop!

 Chapter 34 Part 3 - Research and Destruction

    PART III - RESEARCH AND DESTRUCTION


    As the little Gnome grew more panicked, there was a flash of blue mist.  Jesca launched herself towards Koda, tackling him to the ground with the impact of her Dash-enhanced charge.  Koda grunted, the wind partially knocked out of him, the pain of his shoulder injury not yet beginning to register.


    Kathunk!


    The turret shot once again, the bolt barely missing the falling Beastkins, passing only centimeters over Jesca¡¯s back.  The Turret lowered its aim to its sprawled target.


    ¡°Halt!  Cease!  Sit!¡± Callie commanded in a panic.


    Just as the Turret was about to release again, it seemed to explode in a green flash.  The pieces flew in all directions, fading to light as they fell, before disappearing into nothing.  Pixyl had used her new Airborne Dash ability to barrel shoulder-first into the structure, smashing it apart.  Thankfully, the Turret wasn¡¯t very tough and it broke easily.  Pixyl¡¯s skill was never designed for a range of barely a meter or two, though, and she slammed into the ground hard despite also having an Ethereal Shield active.  Dirt, grass and rain-soaked mud flew as the Pixie left a trench in the ground with her body, the shield fading as she rolled several times before eventually coming to a stop.


    A still silence filled the air, punctuated only by the squawk of some morning bird, seeming to mock all that had just happened.


    As Koda grunted in pain from Jesca¡¯s tackle, Callie stood stunned for a moment.  A hissing yelp from Pixyl pulled her out of her stupor, though, and she rushed to the downed Pixie.


    ¡°Oh no!¡±  Callie cried.  Pixyl cried out briefly as Callie grabbed her.  ¡°Please be okay!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s hurt!¡± Koda groaned as he and Jesca worked to detangle from each other.  He struggled to sit up, blood evident on the Bearkin¡¯s tunic where the glowing bolt was still protruding.


    ¡°Pixyl¡¯s hurt!¡± Callie cried, not intentionally answering Koda¡¯s question, but just calling out to anyone.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Pixyl groaned as she sat up, obviously lying as she grabbed her shoulder with her good arm, wincing in pain.  She gestured at Koda with her chin.  ¡°He¡¯s the one that¡¯s hurt.¡±


    Hand on his side, nursing where he had been tackled by Jesca, the Bearkin looked down at his shoulder, apparently registering the injury for the first time.  With a scowl, he started to reach, intent on removing the bolt, when its magic gave out, and it simply disappeared into a puff of nothing.  As blood started to flow even more-freely, Koda hissed and slammed his hand against the wound.  ¡°Damn,¡± he snarled.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Callie cried again, finally realizing Koda was seriously injured.  ¡°Do we need a potion?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Koda said, wincing as he waved off Callie¡¯s concern with his free hand.  ¡°I¡¯ll fix it.¡±  With a moment of concentration, Koda¡¯s Paladin healing flowed over the wound, knitting the injury closed.  Shrugging his shoulder to loosen it back up, Koda walked over to Pixyl, kneeling next to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said once again, although this time a little less convincing as she again screwed her face up in pain.


    ¡°You¡¯re not.  Where did you get hurt?¡± Koda said imploringly.


    The Pixie sighed.  ¡°Banged my shoulder on the ground.  I don¡¯t think anything is broken, just bruised a bit.¡±


    ¡°Your wings are unhurt?  You took quite a tumble.¡±


    Pixyl shook her head.  ¡°They¡¯re fine.  I tucked them in tight and had my Armor up.¡±


    Koda carefully held his paws, huge compared to Pixyl, over her mud-soaked shoulder, assessing the injury.  He wore a serious expression, and not the happy bear grin he usually wore.  He was, after all, working here.


    After a moment, Pixyl relaxed, the pain obviously easing significantly.


    ¡°Nothing is broken,¡± Koda confirmed with a nod.  ¡°A little muscle bruising, though.  I healed what I could, but it might be stiff for a couple hours.  Work it a bit when you¡¯re able.  Thankfully the rains made the ground soft.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s okay?¡± Callie asked timidly.  ¡°You¡¯re okay, too?¡±


    <hr>


    With dim light beginning to appear on the horizon, Callie hesitantly walked towards the shooting line once again.  She glanced back towards the weather shelter, seeing three faces peeking around its corner; Pixyl on the bottom, Jesca above her, and finally the grinning face of Koda at the top.  Koda was giving her an excited, encouraging nod.


    Everyone was now healed, although Pixyl was still covered in mud and grass stains, and Koda sported the bloody remnants of an obvious injury and mud where he landed after Jesca¡¯s tackle.  The situation now resolved, Koda was eager to see the Turret in action, but this time from a safer angle.  After a few minutes rest, Callie had recovered her mana reserves enough to try a second time.  Carefully, she worked the spell once more.


    SUMMON TURRET


    As before, the magic poured from her hand, although the casting this time was significantly easier compared to the first, as were the mana requirements.  The Turret flowed into shape over several seconds, the fragile frame holding the crossbow at its top.  This time, Callie sighted in on the twenty-five meter target and let loose with a simple mental command.  ¡°Shoot that!¡±


    Kathunk!


    As the Turret began its rhythmic shooting, Koda hesitantly emerged from his cover and walked forward.  Somehow, his grin had grown even larger and he was fascinated by the mechanical construct.  ¡°You just have to think about what target to shoot at?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie confirmed.  ¡°As long as I¡¯m not surprised, I guess.  Again, sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°No lasting injuries,¡± Koda said, dismissing the concern absently, despite the hole in his blood-covered tunic.


    With a moment of concentration, Callie re-oriented the Turret to continue shooting at the fifty-meter target, which it did with no change in the rhythmic sounds of the crossbow and its reloading gears.


    ¡°This is simply amazing,¡± the Paladin said, carefully touching the Turret¡¯s side.  It was steady on its base, but the framework was obviously fragile and would break easily with nothing more than a solid kick.  ¡°This is melded from your Tinker racial, you said?¡±


    ¡°Yup,¡± Callie said, focusing on the one-hundred meter target, the Turret changing its aim on mental command.  Its aim at this new range wasn¡¯t good, it turned out.  It was able to hit the target, but far from accurately, or even consistently.  ¡°Plus my Carpentry perk and a Ranger perk.¡±


    Koda didn¡¯t really seem to hear Callie¡¯s response as he looked closer at the Turret.  ¡°How do you think it would do against a moving target?¡±


    ¡°Probably not great,¡± Callie said with a shrug.  ¡°You can see it¡¯s not very accurate, especially at longer ranges.¡±  Several more bolts had been launched, about half managing to hit the far-off target, but in a wide, random pattern.  ¡°Maybe it will improve as I get better with the skill, though, or at higher tiers.¡±


    Jesca and Pixyl had also emerged hesitantly from hiding, gingerly approaching.  Pixyl was again hovering in the air, her wings fluttering to keep her orientation, and caught movement coming up the hill.


    ¡°Someone is coming,¡± the Pixie warned, not wanting a repeat of the last time someone approached.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Callie hissed quickly, waving dismissively at the Turret.  ¡°Go away!  Shoo!  Begone!  Go home!¡±  Remembering once again how it worked, she mentally directed a focused ¡°Dismissed!¡± towards the Turret.  The summoned construct crumbled upon itself, turning into a waterfall of light before disappearing.


    Pixyl landed, and all four turned guiltily as both Master Trainer Thorn and Trainer Reynard walked stiffly towards them.  They did not look very happy.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here!¡± Thorn demanded.


    ¡°Uh¡­ Uh, everything¡¯s under control.  Situation normal,¡± Callie said, trying to look completely innocent and utterly failing.  The others were trying and failing, as well.


    Reynard looked at Pixyl, covered in mud, and then at Koda, who¡¯s tunic sported a blood-covered shoulder with a hole in it and was likewise half-covered in mud.  He turned his glare back to the little Gnome.  ¡°What happened?¡±


    Callie looked at the others and rose absently up on her toes, trying to disarm the two trainers with a smile but mostly managing to babble.  ¡°We had a slight weapon malfunction¡­ but, uh, everything¡¯s perfectly all right now.  We¡¯re fine¡­ We¡¯re all fine here, now.  Thank you.  How are you?¡±  She winced at that stupid question.


    Reynard narrowed his Foxkin eyes, burning a hole into Callie and speaking very slowly.  ¡°What. Did. You. Do.¡±


    Callie swallowed hard.  ¡°Can I just show you?  It will be a lot easier than trying to explain.¡±


    The Ranger trainer was about to snap at Callie again, when Thorn steadied him with a hand.  ¡°No one is hurt?  We both received urgent reports from Sprites saying you were shooting arrows at people?¡±  Thorn looked once again at Koda, and it was pretty evident, at least in part, something had happened.


    ¡°Merely an accidental scratch,¡± the Bearkin said confidently, the two trainers obviously not buying it for a second.  ¡°Easily healed.  No lasting harm done.¡±


    ¡°Show us, then,¡± Thorn directed to Callie, his voice still sounding like a combination of curiosity, concern and quite crossed.   Reynard simply glowered.


    Callie¡¯s three compatriots stepped aside to give her space.  Swallowing hard, she turned back to the shooting range, taking a couple steps forward.  She centered herself, nervous about trying to cast this under the scrutiny of Thorn and Reynard, but determined to do it.  Hopefully without shooting either of them in the process.


    SUMMON TURRET


    Once again the Turret swirled into existence, this casting even easier than it had been the previous two summonings.  The description had shown a three-second casting time, but that was really only applicable after some practice.  All the same, it didn¡¯t take much more than about five seconds compared to at least ten on her first casting, and the mana efficiency was much better.


    Unconsciously nodding towards the twenty-five meter target, Callie once again sent the ¡®shoot that¡¯ command.  Like the reliable clockwork it was, the Turret sent the magical crossbow bolt, hitting nearly dead-center on the target, just one ring high.


    Reynard¡¯s narrowed and annoyed eyes snapped open in surprise, followed a split-moment later by Thorns.  Callie stepped aside, so the trainers could get a better look.  Hesitantly, they approached, marveling at the mechanics as one bolt after another struck the target.


    ¡°H-H-How ¡­¡± Reynard started to ask.


    ¡°Melded skill?¡± Thorn asked at the same time.


    Callie nodded.  ¡°That¡¯s right.  My Tinker trait and Carpentry perk, plus Bowyer, too.¡±


    ¡°Quickly!  Tell us the description.¡± Thorn said excitedly.  Reynard, for his part, simply watched intently as the crossbow calmly cycled every three seconds.


    Doing a quick query to make sure she got the details correct, Callie relayed the lengthy information about the skill to the Master Trainer, Reynard''s attention finally swinging away from the Turret as she spoke.  When finished, she smiled weakly under their scrutiny, a little worried that Reynard might go off on her.


    ¡°Change its target,¡± Reynard commanded, moving aside so Callie had a clear view.  ¡°One-hundred meters.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Callie replied hesitantly, before sending a new ¡®shoot that¡¯ command.   Obediently, the Turret adjusted its aim, now plunking bolts into the new target, although many were missing.  ¡°I just have to tell it mentally what to do.¡±


    ¡°How did he get hurt?¡± Thorn interrupted, gesturing towards Koda.


    Callie winced.  ¡°He startled me when he arrived, and the Turret took that as a threat.¡±  Quickly she added, ¡°But it was my first try summoning it, so we were still figuring out how it worked.  But these two were great!¡±  Quickly she gestured at Jesca and Pixyl, detailing exactly how Jesca had tackled Koda out of the way as Pixyl destroyed the thing with her aerial charge, resulting in her bruised shoulder and muddy clothing.


    ¡°That was reckless,¡± Reynard remarked, still examining the Turret.  ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have been casting without me being present.¡±


    ¡°Hey!  You said we could practice our skills if we were on the training field,¡± Callie replied in disbelief, putting her hands on her hips.


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t mean this one!¡± Reynard growled, snapping his glare to his student.


    ¡°Well ¡­ you didn¡¯t say that!¡± Callie snapped back.


    Reynard was about to raise his temperature another notch, but Thorn stepped in.  ¡°She has a knack for words, Reynard; you won¡¯t win.  And on this one she is correct.  You told me yourself that your students were steady enough for unsupervised practice, including her.¡±  Turning his attention he added, ¡°Recruit Callie, I do hope you see the need to be less ¡­ cavalier about your skills, however.¡±


    Callie sighed.  ¡°Look, nobody feels worse than I do about Koda and Pixyl getting hurt.  I learned an important lesson, and I¡¯m going to ask you to please not lecture me on it.  All that will do is make me feel even more awful and mess with my self-confidence.¡±  This was a sly technique Callie had used since she was a teen to short-circuit lectures from angry adults when she got into trouble, and she had no qualms about using it here.  Nothing in her statement had been a lie, though.  She did feel bad, and did realize in retrospect she was being a little reckless with something nobody understood, but Reynard or Thorn going off on her wasn¡¯t going to help, so best to just shut them down.


    Reynard seemed to snarl for the briefest of moments.  ¡°Fine.  Just be more careful in the future.  Let¡¯s see what else this can do.¡±


    Turning back to the still-shooting turret, Reynard had her change targets several more times, immediately noting the same rapid fall-off in accuracy that Callie had seen.  Anything beyond seventy-five meters or so was so bad as to be virtually ineffective, and even seventy-five was marginal.  As the Foxkin directed, the time ran out and the Turret crumbled upon itself, fading away into nothing.


    ¡°Do you have enough mana for another?¡± Reynard asked.


    ¡°Pretty sure I have a couple in me.  The first couple castings were intense, but I¡¯m getting the hang of it now so it¡¯s not so bad.¡±


    ¡°See if you can cast it on that tree branch,¡± Reynard said, pointing to a solid-looking limb on a tree next to the range.  ¡°The description seems to indicate it will be able to attach to something long and thin.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too high,¡± Callie said.  ¡°Three meters is the range, remember.¡±   She looked around.  ¡°Koda, let me ride on your shoulders.  It¡¯s fully healed, right?¡±  Koda nodded his head and knelt.  Callie clambered up onto his strong back and straddled his neck.  ¡°Try to hold still.  I¡¯m not sure how steady I need to be since it takes a bit to cast.¡±


    Concentrating on the overhead branch, while Koda concentrated on not moving, she once again summoned the Turret.  This time, as the legs formed, they wrapped around the limb, grabbing it tightly.  Once the casting finished, the upright turret fell over, the legs still grasping, so that it was now hanging upside-down from its perch.  The branch bobbed up and down from the sudden added weight and movement.


    Curious, Callie ordered the Turret to start attacking the twenty-five meter target, which it did without question.  With the movement of its attachment point, however, even at this short range the accuracy took a noticeable hit.  Where before it would consistently hit within one or two rings of center at twenty-five meters, now the shots were spread throughout the target in an almost random pattern, a few missing entirely.


    ¡°It needs to attach to something stable to be useful, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Thorn asked Reynard, seeing the problem.


    Reynard nodded, ¡°For anything beyond suppressing attacks, yes.¡±  Reynard scratched his chin in thought, then turned to look back at the shelter.  ¡°I wonder ¡­¡± he mumbled quietly.


    Callie had climbed down from Koda, and was returning to the rest of the group.  As a test, she reset the target for fifty-meters, and the Turret obeyed.  She now knew the control range was at least greater than three meters, but she would need more testing to determine where that limit was.  ¡°What¡¯s that you wonder?¡±


    ¡°Everyone stand aside,¡± Reynard directed.  ¡°See if you can attach it to the vertical back wall of the shelter, if you have the mana.¡±


    Quickly everyone moved aside.  Callie did a spot check of how much mana she felt she had, pretty sure she had enough for one more before she¡¯d need to rest for a bit, or find a potion.  Concentrating once again, she began to weave a new Turret into existence.  As soon as she started, the one in the tree dissolved, the limb snapping upwards slightly now that there was no weight on it.  Against the rear wall of the shelter, the new construct formed, its legs adhering to the wood, the final summoning parallel to the ground.


    Gesturing for Reynard to stand aside, Callie sent a command ordering the Turret to shoot at twenty-five meters again.  The top of the turret traversed towards the range, and once more the rhythmic sound of the magic bolts began to ring out.  Now knowing that shooting straight upwards would work if the turret had been vertical, Callie quickly sent a ¡®stop shooting¡¯ command so there were no bolts flying through the area.  Obediently the Turret ceased its actions, the crossbow head returning to its resting position.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Callie said, slightly panting.  ¡°I¡¯m pretty much out of mana for now.  I¡¯ll have to wait before I can summon it again.¡±


    Reynard moved to investigate the wall-mounted Turret, actually pulling off a brittle side panel to get a look at the interior.   ¡°Recruit, with your permission, I¡¯d like to break this to see how strong it is.¡±


    Callie shrugged, taking a deep breath.  ¡°Go ahead, I suppose.  It will dissolve soon anyway.¡±


    Stepping to the side, the Foxkin punched the Turret.  It absorbed almost none of the hit, Reynard¡¯s smash passing through as if it was made of lightweight balsa, the support frame crumpling.   Before he could strike it again, the whole thing seemed to fall apart, quickly dissolving in a shower of tiny lights.


    ¡°It¡¯s not very strong,¡± Callie said with a disappointed expression and another shrug.  ¡°Maybe at higher Tiers it will be able to handle more abuse.¡±


    ¡°This is quite unique,¡± Thorn said, turning to look downrange.  ¡°It¡¯s truly an amazing melded skill you received.  Congratulations.  And congratulations on reaching Bronze, as well.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said with a slight blush.  ¡°Sorry for the trouble I caused, and for the Sprites waking you both up so early.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s only one of her new melded skills!¡± Jesca helpfully pointed out.


    Reynard slowly turned his head towards Jesca.  ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°She got two of them.  We haven¡¯t looked at the other one yet.¡±

 Chapter 34 Part 4 - Like an Onion

    PART IV - LIKE AN ONION


    ¡°You received a second melded skill?¡± Reynard asked Callie with a combination of skepticism and eagerness.


    ¡°A perk, actually,¡± Callie confirmed. ¡°Something called Effect Layering. We¡¯ve been so excited and busy with the Turret that I haven¡¯t even unlocked it yet.¡±


    Thorn cleared his throat, putting on a polite but artificial smile. ¡°If you would, perhaps, maybe look into that?¡±


    ¡°Oh! Right! Give me a second.¡±


    Tell me about Effect Layering


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    MELDED CLASS PERK: EFFECT LAYERING


    DESCRIPTION: This perk allows the caster to apply multiple skill effects to a single arrow. The effects are applied in reverse order of their intended use. If the casting or use condition for any effect fails, all effects are canceled and the caster loses all charges and mana used. Mana required increases significantly with each additional effect. Caster can apply the same effect multiple times, as long as they have enough charges and mana, and all castings are completed before the first¡¯s effect dissipates.


    This is a melded perk of TINKER + ADVANCED ARCHERY.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°This is a little weird,¡± Callie finally said to the eager five faces looking at her. ¡°But I think it¡¯s really powerful, too.¡±


    ¡°What does it do?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°So I¡¯ll give you the description, but I think I understand what it does.¡± Nervously, Callie relayed the information to the others, being sure not to miss any of the details.


    Everyone had a puzzled look as they turned the information over in their minds, with Reynard being the first to put all the pieces together. ¡°Oh my,¡± was all he could mumble. ¡°This is ¡­¡±


    ¡°My stars!¡± Thorn exclaimed, figuring it out as well.


    ¡°Quickly, try something,¡± Reynard said eagerly just as Jesca finally wrapped her head about the description as well, her eyes widening as she gasped out loud.


    Callie shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m really low on mana. I need a bit.¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± Thorn said, handing Callie a purple Rejuvenation potion from his belt. ¡°We always carry one of these on the chance a recruit goes too far.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Callie said with a down expression, recognizing the foul-tasting elixir. She hesitantly removed the cork stopper and drank it down, her face scrunching up at the bitter, dirt-like taste. It would restore some mana, but not as much as a proper blue mana potion would.


    Thorn raised his paw and whistled sharply. From seemingly out of nowhere, a Sprite zipped towards him. Before she could even get out a greeting, Thorn ordered, ¡°Go and fetch me a Rejuvenation potion and as many mana potions as you can carry. Get another Sprite to help you.¡±


    With a sharp nod of acknowledgement, a wave, and a fading ¡®goodbye¡¯, the Sprite flew off into the dim morning light. All eyes turned back to Callie.


    ¡°What should I try first?¡± Callie said, retrieving her toy bow from where she had set it in the shelter.


    Reynard pondered a moment. ¡°Rapid Fire and Piercing.¡±


    Callie moved to the firing line, the trainers on either side of her. The other recruits fanned out to get a good view, both Koda and Pixyl still with perplexed looks on their faces, unsure what to expect. Centering her mind, Callie carefully aimed and touched the bow string. A familiar arrow of energy appeared, ready to be imbued with Ranger magics. She drew back the string, calling forth the powers.


    RAPID FIRE + PIERCING SHOT


    As the string slipped from her fingers, there was a loud ¡®pop¡¯ sound, and the arrow burst into a shower of sparks. Callie could feel the double-hit of mana loss, but also noticeably increased over what it would have cost to cast them separately. She also felt a charge of each spell being consumed, but nothing happened except a lot of sound and light.


    Callie winced from the loud noise hitting her sensitive ears. ¡°Ow!¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Callie said, trying to get past the ringing in her head. ¡°Did I do something wrong? I lost mana and charges.¡±


    ¡°What order did you cast?¡± Jesca asked.


    Callie gestured at Reynard. ¡°Just like he said. Rapid Fire and then Piercing Shot.¡±


    ¡°I think you did it backwards,¡± Jesca coached. ¡°Remember? You have to apply in reverse order.¡±


    Mulling that over in her head, Callie then saw the mistake and saw how everything worked. Layers, just like an onion! That was exactly what the perk was called, after all, Effect Layering. She had to build each skill into a layer on the arrow. When she loosed, the last one she put on it would be the first one to take effect, followed by each in turn. Adding Piercing Shot last caused it to be used first, which wouldn¡¯t work if the arrow hadn¡¯t left the bow yet. As a result, the entire casting failed.¡±


    ¡°I think she¡¯s right,¡± Reynard said, having thought the issue through as well. ¡°Try it the other way.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie nodded. Once again she sighted and touched the bow string, the arrow appearing. Aiming for the fifty-meter target, she called the magic.


    PIERCING SHOT + RAPID FIRE


    She released the string and immediately, as expected, five arrows flew from the end of her bow in rapid succession. Each struck the far-off target, but instead of simply embedding into the straw, they blasted straight through it to impact into the hillside behind. Tiny pieces of straw fluttered slowly to the ground, visible through the larger hole created by five Piercing Shot arrows striking close to each other.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Callie gasped quietly.


    ¡°My stars¡­¡± Reynard said just as quietly as he gawked at the hole Callie¡¯s shots had blown through the target.


    ¡°Try another,¡± Jesca cheered. ¡°Maybe Multishot and Flare?¡±


    Callie glanced quickly at Reynard, making sure that he at least didn¡¯t disapprove. He returned a careful nod.


    Aiming the bow skyward, Callie touched the string. She was just about to imbue the arrow with the two magical spells, but she stopped. ¡°Wait a minute. I need to do this the right way. Flare would be the last thing to take effect, right? So it has to be the first one I use.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± Jesca confirmed. ¡°Reverse my idea, then.¡±


    Once again, Callie aimed upwards. Now at Bronze tier, the casting time of Flare had dropped from three to two seconds, and other aspects had improved as well, including being able to control the glow time anywhere from fifteen to thirty seconds, instead of a flat twenty. The other Rangers had told Callie about the new variable effect available on Flare, with Reynard clarifying that if one didn¡¯t specify at casting time, the effect would default to the midpoint of the range. Multishot had also improved. In addition to having a new multiplier of four, it also had an increased aiming cone.


    FLARE 30 SECONDS + MULTISHOT


    The arrow flew, immediately splitting into four separate projectiles. As they reached their apex, the next layer took effect, each bursting into a brilliant light, illuminating the area as they began to slowly descend.


    ¡°There are four lights!¡± Reynard whispered loudly. ¡°How¡­¡±


    ¡°I need to sit,¡± Callie said, rubbing her face, and staggering slightly. ¡°I¡¯m tapped out again. Sorry.¡± She set her bow aside and sat, leaning against the back wall of the shelter, having exhausted the paltry mana boost from the Rejuvenation potion. It was now obvious the additional mana required to layer more than one effect on to the arrow. If she had cast each of those six spells separately, she¡¯d still have enough mana to keep going for a while longer.


    Reynard and Thorn dove into a hushed strategy discussion and Callie smiled. Seeing Reynard excited, maybe even almost happy, was a welcome change from the gruff, cranky aura he usually had. Now he was almost like an eager kid with new toys to play with.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Jesca and Pixyl sat down, one on either side of Callie. Pixyl leaned on Callie, who in turn leaned on Jesca. They¡¯d been up early for a while now, and while the bouncy Jesca didn¡¯t sleep much and was wide awake, the other two were tired and appreciated being able to rest a bit.


    While Callie waited for her mana to recharge, she rolled through the different permutations and combinations in her head that she might be able to put together with this new perk. Could she combine Rapid Fire and Multishot? Sniper and Elemental? Heck, Rapid and Elemental Shot? Could she literally machine gun fiery death upon the enemies? Or combine that fire with her new Rain of Arrows? She visualized all the different base skills in her head, and started sliding the various combinations together into sequences, pushing a few around that felt like they were out of order. Then she remembered she could even use some of them more than once, and the number of possible combinations exploded.


    Panting, two Sprites raced back to the range, fluttering to a stop in front of Thorn with an exhausted and gasping ¡®Hello!¡¯. They handed him a few potions they¡¯d been holding tight to her chest, and he slipped a purple one back into his pouch to replenish his emergency reserve. He thanked the tiny Fae, who waved eagerly, adding a breathless ¡°Goodbye!¡± before zipping off into the trees.


    Thorn walked towards Caliie, handing one of the blue mana potions to her while he gave the others to Jesca to hold. ¡°You¡¯ll need a few more minutes before you can drink another, but when you¡¯re ready, we have some ideas to try.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, scowling at the mana potion in her hand. Blue ones should taste like a delicious Blue-Raspberry Slushie, not the boiled socks that they actually tasted like!


    ¡°I d-d-don¡¯t understand the big deal with this p-p-perk,¡± Pixyl whispered, eyeing Thorn as he walked back to Reynard and Koda, who had joined the two trainers.


    Jesca gasped wide-eyed incredulously at the Fae, not believing she didn¡¯t see what the potential was.


    Callie held up a hand before Jesca could start a rambling explanation. ¡°You saw me shoot five Piercing Shots through that target with one attack. Normally we can only shoot one. Same with that Flare, but now there are four lights! Normally, we can only make one there, too. With this perk I can build my attacks in dozens, in time maybe even hundreds, of different combinations depending on the circumstances and it looks like I can put a lot more damage downrange.¡± It took a moment, but you could see the realization come over Pixyl¡¯s face as she started to connect the dots like the others already had.


    After a few more minutes, Callie scrambled to her feet before drinking her sock-flavored mana potion. ¡°Okay, what¡¯s next?¡±


    Immediately, Thorn, Reynard and Koda started peppering her with various combinations to try. Callie waved them all off, deferring to Reynard for direction just to keep things a little organized. She had a couple combinations she wanted to try as well, but thought it best for the trainers to take point, at least for now.


    So they tested, and they all learned quite a few things in the process. Rapid Fire and Multishot could indeed work together, but only if Rapid Fire was applied last, so it was first used. If the other way around, once again the casting would ¡®pop¡¯ and fail, eating up both the charges as well as the increased mana costs. They tried adding Flare once again to the sequence, layered first to take effect after Multishot and Rapid Fire, brilliantly lighting up the sky with a total of twenty slowly-descending lights. The combination of flares were so bright that everyone had to look away, finding the entire training field lit almost as if it was noon. The multiplicative drain of mana was even more intense with three skills layered together, though.


    Twice, Callie needed to take another break to refill her mana, waiting the agonizing five minute minimum between each potion. With no watches to count the minutes, it was largely guesswork. Thorn seemed to have an uncanny sense of time, though, and knew instinctively when enough had passed for Callie to drink again without having to worry about potion sickness or side effects.


    They tried combining Rapid Fire with Rain of Arrows, which dropped one-hundred sixty arrows into the targeted area, looking much more like the effect of Reynard¡¯s Platinum Tier capability. However, it proved a mistake, as the skill was brand new to Callie with Bronze, and thus her mana efficiency with it was incredibly poor. Callie had already been a little low on mana, and coupled with the increased mana cost from her unfamiliarity with the spell and the layering the effects, she under-estimated what she would need for the total, running her mana slightly beyond empty. She collapsed in surprise with mana drain, and Thorn forced his purple Rejuvenation potion into her as soon as the time from her previous had expired, in order to counter any possible psychic injury before it set in.


    With all the lights in the sky, and the cacophony of blasts from various combinations with Burst Shot, a few additional recruits and others had joined the spectators. This included Commandant Xera, who was on their way to their office after an early-morning shower, and Major Celeste, who was rather sour about not being able to sleep in for Homeday for all the racket. ¡°Of course it¡¯s you,¡± Celeste said mockingly, seeing Callie was the cause of everything.


    Jesca raced among all the newcomers, filling them in on what was happening and gushing about what a big deal it was. Xera was intrigued by the Turret, and Callie called one up to show them, before resting again to take advantage of the last blue potion when she was finally off potion cooldown. Like all the others had been, Xera was fascinated by the clockwork machinations of the Turret, and quickly disappeared down a rabbit-hole of strategy with Thorn, Celeste and Reynard.


    Eventually, Callie swallowed the last mana potion. By now, Reynard had largely run out of combinations to do, which was fine as Callie had one of her own that she had come up with and wanted to attempt. Her mana reserves now full, she once again took the line, touching her hand to the bowstring and calling forth her magic arrow.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if this one will work like I think it will,¡± Callie said, looking back at her friends and the audience of about a dozen recruits. She smirked, and added with a wink and a grin, ¡°But, what the hell, right? Let¡¯s see what happens!¡± She sighted carefully on the fifty-meter target as the crowd both giggled and seemed to instinctively take a couple steps backwards in concern. They¡¯d seen that look on her face before.


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT


    The arrow released and flew true. As expected, it pierced through the target, diving deep into the bales of hay as always. But that first Piercing Shot layer had now been consumed, allowing the next one to be activated, triggering the Flashbang-like effect.


    Unable to contain the concussive effect released inside it, the soft target literally exploded. There was a crash of sound and light, and then there was simply a huge gaping void. The pile had simply been blown largely apart, with chunks of it thrown in all directions, a fair amount slowly fluttering to the ground. A loud boom echoed around the field, reflecting off the forest surrounding it.


    ¡°Holy fuck!¡± Callie gasped in a whisper. She had thought maybe she¡¯d get a cute boom, and maybe a bigger hole than with the quintet of Piercing Shots, but not this. Unbidden, her mind flitted back to one afternoon as a little girl when her dad had been watching an old Rambo movie with his band buddies. She didn¡¯t remember much of it, but she now suddenly recalled the sweaty hero wreaking havoc against the enemy¡¯s army camp before using an explosive arrow to literally blow up the big bad guy at the end. She slowly grinned to herself, quietly mumbling, ¡°That one¡¯s for you, dad.¡±


    Reynard slowly turned from the carnage, soon followed by Xera and Thorn. The Ranger trainer opened his mouth to speak. Maybe he was going to congratulate her, or maybe chastise her for blowing up the target. Callie didn¡¯t let him. She just had another idea and she was mostly full of mana, so what the hell. She grinned wildly at the Foxkin. Sighting far down the field, Callie clenched her lower lip with her teeth in concentration before aiming upwards. With a quick glance, she mischievously waggled her eyebrows at Reynard before tossing in a final wink for good measure and relished the tiny look of worry that came over her trainer¡¯s face.


    Callie began to cast, weaving layer after layer onto her arrow. This was probably going to cost her every spare drop of mana she had, but if this worked ¡­


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + RAIN OF ARROWS + RAPID FIRE


    This was Callie¡¯s first attempt to combine four effects, and five arrows streaked out like a burst from a machine gun as Callie slowly swung her aim from right to left, moving the impact area with each new arrow that launched forth. Now, a volley of five arrows rocketed towards their apogee. Next, Rain of Arrows seized the chain of linked magic, each arrow splitting into four, before they all split again in two. The officers all turned to follow as the arrows flew overhead, and all told, two dozen pairs of eyes watched in silent expectation as the projectiles arced skywards, suddenly growing exponentially into a deadly swarm.


    Callie''s number-loving brain cackled in glee as she watched the morning sky dim. One arrow had become five, which then became eighty, which then doubled again. This was better than counting primes!


    Callie immediately felt her mana reserves completely bottom out, though, and she slammed her bow into the soft dirt, using it to hold herself upright. She was going to see this through, no matter what!


    One-hundred sixty arrows now flew ballistically, arching over and targeting multiple four-meter wide areas starting at the one-hundred meter target and moving left from there. With Piercing Shot next in the chain of spells, the arrows seemed to dive towards the ground with extra-deadly intent, ready to bury themselves deep into whatever they hit.


    Sounding like the finale of the grandest fireworks display ever, and looking much the same, each arrow triggered its final layer a moment after piercing into the hay bales or the soft earth. Normally, one Burst Shot wasn''t that destructive. It was just designed to be loud, bright and disorienting. But the Piercing effect caused them to dig deep before the last layer triggered, and this many confined arrows exploding within a few seconds in such small areas simply annihilated everything. Bales of straw went flying everywhere. Dirt and grass and rain-soaked mud were replaced by exploded-out holes, and then by growing craters, that each striking explosion dug deeper and deeper, flinging earth in all directions.


    The flashes of bright light left stars in everyone¡¯s eyes and Callie was forced to drop the bow to cover her sensitive ears with her hands to protect from the loud, concussive sounds. Without any support to hold on to, Callie fell to the ground, barely managing to land on her rear and remain upright, but having no strength for more than that.


    The cluster-bombing finally finished after a few seconds, echoes of explosions rebounding off the forest and anything else that had witnessed the destruction. What destruction it was! The hay bales that were once the one-hundred meter target were simply ¡­ gone. All the grass for several meters around that was likewise torn up and flung aside. Fencing on either side of the range, designed to separate it from where other classes would be practicing with their own ranged spells, was ripped apart. The scene looked like a World War I wasteland of mud and bombed-out devastation.


    Her ears ringing, Callie looked down the field as she struggled to stay upright, simply gaping in disbelief at what had happened. Above and behind her, a wide-eyed Pixyl sat atop the shelter, likewise gawking in wonder at what had become of the Ranger range. Callie saw Reynard and Xera simply staring at her in disbelief, while Thorn had both paws on his head, transfixed downrange, still trying to drink in what he had seen.


    ¡°Does ¡­ does this mean I am allowed to tear the grounds up again?¡± a distant and beautiful voice asked.


    Callie turned weakly to look for who had spoken, having a vague sense who it might be, but from the ground, she couldn¡¯t see her, The last thing she did see, though, was a brief glimpse of Loki trying to sneak off with her bow, before the world became fuzzy and then went dark.

 CHARACTER SHEET - Callie Archer - Bronze Tier (end of Chapter 34)

    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Name: Calliope (Callie) Willow Archer


    </td>


    <td>


    Age: 26


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Class: Ranger


    </td>


    <td>


    Race: Gnome


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Level: Iron Tier


    </td>


    <td>


    Gender: Female


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    SKILLS


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: BURST SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME: 25 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to create a burst of bright light, sound, and concussive force upon impact. However, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill advances, its recharge will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the number of charges will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: EAGLE EYE (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW (CHANNELED)


    DESCRIPTION: Allows one to magnify their vision in the direction they are facing up to a maximum of 3x. Line-of-sight must be unimpeded. This is a channeled skill. Ranger skills may be used through this magnified vision. As the Ranger progresses to higher tiers, the maximum magnification level will increase, and the skill will grant the capability to use enhanced vision types.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: ELEMENTAL SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 4 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 40 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    ELEMENTAL EFFECTS: FIRE, WATER, ICE


    DESCRIPTION: This ability enchants a prepped arrow, wrapping it in a layer of Elemental Effect. The casting process requires 4 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. Upon impact, the arrow will burst with the applied effect in a radius of approximately 3 meters. As the skill advances, additional elemental effects and a variably increased radius of effect will be available. Furthermore, charge count and hold time increases, while casting and recharge times will decrease.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: FLARE (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW


    CASTING TIME: 2 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 45 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION: This ability enchants a prepped arrow, causing it to emit bright light. The casting process requires 2 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. After being fired, the arrow will begin to glow a maximum of 4 seconds (variable at cast time) after release and will glow for 15-30 seconds (variable at cast time). If fired skyward, the arrow will descend gently towards the ground once it reaches its peak. As the skill advances, the casting and recharge time will decrease. Additionally, the duration of the glow will increase, as well as the window of opportunity to fire the arrow and the number of charges available.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: HOMING SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT + 3 SECONDS FOR LOCK


    RECHARGE TIME: 40 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to steer itself towards an intended target. Upon cast, the archer must lock on to the target for no less than 3 seconds. The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds from initial cast, or the effect will dissipate. Homing area is a 20-degree wide cone centered on the direction of the shot. As the skill level increases, the recharge time and lock time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire will expand as will maximum charge count. The steering capability of the projectile will also improve.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: INSTINCTIVE DODGE (BRONZE TIER)


    STAMINA USAGE: LOW (SPECIAL)


    DESCRIPTION: Individuals possessing this skill can effortlessly evade known incoming attacks by utilizing their stamina. As they progress to higher tiers, their likelihood of success increases, their stamina expenditure decreases, and they ultimately gain the capability to dodge unseen attacks.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: MULTISHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME: 45 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    MULTIPLIER: 4


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to split into 4 projectiles upon release. Each projectile can be aimed at the same target or different targets within a 20-degree cone in front of the weapon. The arrow must be fired within 12 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, projectile count, maximum charge count, and area of effect will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: PIERCING SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 1.5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 40 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with enhanced power, allowing it to penetrate hardened targets with ease. The casting process requires 1.5 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to shoot the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and piercing capability will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: RAPID FIRE (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME: 30 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    MULTIPLIER: 5


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow to release 5 arrows in rapid succession, in the direction aimed at time of each release. The arrow must be fired within 12 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. This skill will cause recoil when active, and care must be taken to maintain one¡¯s target. As the skill level increases, the recharge time and recoil will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and number of arrows fired will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: RAIN OF ARROWS (BRONZE TIER)


    SYNERGY: MULTISHOT


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 60 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    MULTIPLIERS: 4x / 2x


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow to target an area of ground 3-5 meters (variable at time of casting) in diameter. When the arrow is loosed upwards, the arrow will split 4x the multiplier of MULTISHOT, and then split into 2x., hitting the target area randomly. The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. Arrows are summoned objects and will disappear approximately ten seconds after striking.  As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the multipliers, maximum charge count, and variable area of effect will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    SYNERGIZED SKILL: REPLICATE ARROW (BRONZE TIER)


    SYNERGY: BOWYER/FLETCHER


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 180 SECONDS


    SUMMON DURATION: 2 HOURS (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION: This ability will create summoned 1x duplicates of up to 10 non-magical arrows, or 1x duplicates of up to 3 magic-imbued arrows. As summoned items, the arrows will dissolve approximately 2 hours after creation. Arrows previously summoned with this skill may be replicated. As the skill advances, its recharge time will decrease, the quantity that may be replicated increases, and the summoned duration will extend.


    </td>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    SKILL: SNIPER SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: HIGH


    CASTING TIME: 5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 45 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow for extreme damage at long range. The casting process requires 5 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and range will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    SKILL: SUMMON COMPONENTS (BRONZE TIER)


    SYNERGY: BOWYER/FLETCHER


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 300 SECONDS


    SUMMON DURATION: 6 HOURS (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION: This ability will create summoned versions of common Bowyer/Fletcher components required for the construction of up to 5 non-magical arrows and non-magical parts to complete simple repairs on up to 2 bows. As summoned items, these components will dissolve approximately 6 hours after creation. Arrows crafted with these summoned components may be replicated by the Replicate Arrow skill, but the results have the summon duration of that skill. As the skill advances, its recharge time will decrease, the summoned quantity of components will increase, and the summoned duration will extend. Furthermore, increasingly-complex magical components may be summoned.


    </td>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    MELDED SKILL: SUMMON TURRET (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: HIGH


    CASTING TIME: 3 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 120 SECONDS


    CHARGES:  3


    SUMMON DURATION: 5 MINUTES (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION: Summons a mechanized construct that can fire summoned arrows at a designated target once every 3 seconds. The caster can mentally designate a new target at any time. The construct must be affixed to a flat surface measuring at least thirty centimeters in length and width, or be able to clasp to a narrow supporting structure that is at least thirty centimeters in length. The attach point must be stable for maximum accuracy. The construct must be summoned within a range of 3 meters from the caster. Turrets are summoned constructs and will dissipate after approximately 5 minutes, but can be dismissed at any time. Only 1 turret can be deployed at a time. Summoning an additional turret will cause the oldest active turret to dissolve. Standard Turrets are fragile and easily destroyed. Higher tiers of this skill will increase the maximum active turret count, number of charges, summoned duration, fire rate, casting range, as well as decrease recharge and casting times. Additional enhancements will also be available.


    This is a melded skill of TINKER + APPRENTICE CARPENTRY + BOWYER/FLETCHER.


    </td>


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    </table>


    PERKS


    <table>


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    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  ADVANCED ARCHERY (BRONZE TIER)


    CLASS PERK:  ADVANCED ARCHERY (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL (LOW)


    CASTING TIME:  NONE


    RECHARGE TIME:  NONE


    DESCRIPTION:  Individuals possessing this perk are more likely to successfully hit their intended target.  The caster may utilize mana to more-accurately target particular regions of the intended target or to unerringly reflect an arrow off 1 solid surface without reduction to its power.  At higher tiers, aptitude at utilizing mana to increase the likelihood of striking precise areas on their target increases, as does the ability to accomplish intricate, and sometimes seemingly impossible, trick shots.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    CLASS PERK: AMBIDEXTERITY


    DESCRIPTION: The ability to use either hand to perform actions without penalty.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    PERK: BOWYER/FLETCHER (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL


    CASTING TIME: SITUATIONAL


    RECHARGE TIME: SITUATIONAL


    DESCRIPTION: Provides the knowledge to craft simple arrows and bows from common components. Higher tiers of this perk allow for advanced crafting, replicating arrows, summoning components, and imbuing crafted bows and arrows with temporary magical runes and effects, enhancing their capabilities. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    SYNERGIZED CLASS PERK: DANGER SENSE (WILDERNESS)


    SYNERGY: WILDERNESS TRACKING


    DESCRIPTION: Provides a premonition-like danger warning in wilderness areas. Users with this perk will receive up to ten seconds warning and will also know the general direction of the danger. Functions in the same biomes as the synergized perk Wilderness Tracking. Does not function during combat or other periods of high activity or stress.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    MELDED CLASS PERK: EFFECT LAYERING


    DESCRIPTION: This perk allows the caster to apply multiple skill effects to a single arrow. The effects are applied in reverse order of their intended use. If the casting or use condition for any effect fails, all effects are canceled and the caster loses all charges and mana used. Mana required increases significantly with each additional effect. Caster can apply the same effect multiple times, as long as they have enough charges and mana, and all castings are completed before the first¡¯s effect dissipates.


    This is a melded perk of TINKER + ADVANCED ARCHERY.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    CLASS PERK: MELEE COMBAT - DUAL WIELD - BLADES


    DESCRIPTION: Proficiency in combat using a one-handed bladed weapon in one or both hands without penalty.


    </td>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    CLASS PERK: MELEE COMBAT - BOW / ARROW


    DESCRIPTION: Proficiency in melee combat using a bow and/or arrow as a makeshift melee weapon.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    CLASS PERK: WILDERNESS TRACKING (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION: Knowledge of the tracking of people and creatures in wilderness settings. Tracking may be enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use. Mana enhanced tracking is only effective in woodland, marsh, swamp, plains and fields environments. Higher tiers of this perk will enable enhanced tracking in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of quarry being able to evade the tracker. This perk synergizes with Danger Sense (Wilderness).


    </td>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    CLASS PERK: WILDERNESS STEALTH (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION: Knowledge of stealth techniques in any wilderness environment. Wilderness Stealth may be further enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use. Mana enhanced stealth is only effective in woodland, marsh, swamp, plains and fields environments. Higher tiers of this perk will allow enhanced wilderness stealth in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of the user being detected.


    </td>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    CLASS PERK: WILDERNESS SURVIVAL


    DESCRIPTION: Those who possess this perk have the aptitude to sustain themselves in the wild by utilizing the natural resources available to them. They possess knowledge of essential wilderness survival skills such as hunting, trapping, foraging, fire-making, constructing shelter, and more.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    OFF-CLASS PERKS


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: CARPENTRY (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION: Basic knowledge of carpentry and woodworking science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical construction components. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: ELECTRICAL (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION: Basic knowledge of electrical science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical electrical components. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: PLUMBING (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION: Basic knowledge of plumbing science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical plumbing components. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: BOOKKEEPING/LOGISTICS


    DESCRIPTION: Knowledge and skill in money, inventory and logistical practices and record keeping. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    TRAITS


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: CHILDLIKE CHARM


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes emit a mild charm that affects individuals with nurturing tendencies, even if subconscious. Those affected may view the Gnome as a vulnerable child in need of help or protection, rather than a potential threat. However, this charm is only suggestive in nature and cannot coerce someone into doing something they are not inclined to do. As this trait operates as a suggestive charm, it will bypass most passive charm defenses. Beings who are Gnome-sized or smaller are immune to this charm.


    </td>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: DARKVISION


    MANA USAGE: MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION: Provides the ability to see in the dark with a monochromatic, false-light vision. Effect may be activated or deactivated at will. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: MANA-ENHANCED HEARING


    MANA USAGE: MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes possess highly sensitive hearing, enabling them to detect even faint or far-off sounds with careful concentration. When underground, a Gnome can accurately discern the direction of sound regardless of any echoes present. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


    </td>


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    <table>


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    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: RESIST FEAR


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL


    CASTING TIME: NONE


    RECHARGE TIME: 10 MINUTES


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes possess a natural resistance towards situations and influences that evoke fear. If they happen to be affected by an active Fear effect, they may choose to spend mana in an attempt to fend it off. The amount of mana required for this depends on the intensity of the effect. This trait is ineffective against self-generated emotional fear-effects.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: TINKER


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes have an inherent mental ability to design, engineer and create strange new ideas, contraptions, weapons, machines and projects. Will synergize with related perks, skills and traits to expand the knowledge base that may be utilized by this trait.


    SYNERGIZED PERKS: Advanced Archery, Basic Carpentry, Basic Plumbing, Basic Electrical, Bookkeeping/Logistics, Bowyer/Fletcher


    SYNERGIZED TRAITS: Underground Sense


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: UNDERGROUND SENSE


    DESCRIPTION: Like Dwarves, Gnomes have a natural affinity for underground environs. They can sense direction and grade of underground passages, and will seldom get lost. They can easily discern the stability of ceilings or floors, and how to remove rock and earth without causing collapse, etc. They possess knowledge of essential underground survival skills. Provides a premonition-like danger sense in underground areas giving the Gnome up to thirty seconds warning, as well as the general direction of the danger. This danger sense does not function during combat or other periods of high activity or stress. This trait synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of trait-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 35 Part 1 - All My Rangers are Important

    PART I - ALL MY RANGERS ARE IMPORTANT


    Callie¡¯s head was aching, as was her entire body, and it was quite dark. She couldn¡¯t focus well, but heard muffled voices that she strained to make sense of.


    ¡°She won¡¯t leave. It''s easy just to work around her, at least.¡±


    ¡°What about him?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t leave either. He¡¯s less-easy to work around.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the prognosis?¡±


    ¡°Same as an hour ago, she should be fine. The Shaman saved her and I got to her in time. If it had been much longer, it would have been a lot worse. She should wake up soon.¡±


    ¡°Keep me informed.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Commandant.¡±


    Prognosis? Did they mean her? If that was the Commandant asking, the other person speaking might be Tasi, maybe? Did this mean Callie had been injured? How?


    Like a broom trying to sweep away dust and cobwebs, Callie tried to clear her head. What had happened? The last thing Callie remembered was Loki running off with her red bow. No, that couldn¡¯t be it. What happened before that? Layers! That was it. Layers. She had put multiple spells on to an arrow and then basically carpet-bombed the shooting range. Could that be the problem?


    Attempting to open her eyes, Callie groaned as her headache became even worse. She tried to put her right hand to her forehead, but it wouldn''t move for some reason, and she quickly switched to her left. There was a damp cloth over her eyes and half her face, and she started to remove it.


    ¡°Little One?¡± the voice asked in a whisper. ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I think so. Where am I?¡±


    ¡°Medical. They brought you in a few hours ago.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± A hand touched her own, preventing removing the cloth.


    ¡°No no! Keep that in place or you¡¯ll just make your headache worse. Let me get the light lowered a bit.¡± There was the sound of someone moving something around, whatever it was scraping against the floor. ¡°I¡¯ll get that cloth for you. Keep your eyes closed.¡±


    Callie nodded as she forced her eyes shut. The wet rag was removed, and even the dim light leaking in around her eyelids was enough to turn the headache up several notches. She groaned again, covering her eyes with her free hand. ¡°What happened?¡± she managed to croak out.


    ¡°Mana exhaustion. Really bad,¡± the voice said, who Callie now recognized was indeed Master Healer Tasi. The Fairy lightly slapped Callie shoulder in a friendly, teasing fashion. ¡°That was a stupid thing to do!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it would use that much mana.¡±


    ¡°Well, you were wrong, and it didn¡¯t help that you had just used a mana potion. We had to wait several minutes before we were able to pour a Rejuvenation down your throat, which just made it harder. Please, don¡¯t ever do that again!¡±


    Callie had slowly lowered her hand, her eyes adjusting to the light. ¡°Damn. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you found all that Black Lotus, you fool-of-a-Gnome,¡± Tasi said with a comforting laugh as she once again lightly slapped Callie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve given you a half-dozen Rejuvenation potions throughout the morning to make sure you didn¡¯t completely turn your brain to goo.¡± Firmer this time, Tasi added, ¡°I mean it, don¡¯t ever do that again. Understood?¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Nodding her head in confirmation just made her headache worse, and Callie groaned once again. ¡°Yeah, this sucks. I¡¯ll be a lot more careful.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Tasi said, sounding relieved. ¡°I¡¯ll get you something for your headache. Just lie still and rest. So you know, you¡¯re stripped down to your underwear as your clothing was covered in mud, but one of your housemates brought fresh clothes for when you leave.¡±


    Callie struggled to open her eyes as Tasi walked off. She finally managed to open them enough to see. Immediately she saw why she couldn¡¯t move her right arm. Pixyl was curled up against it, clasped tightly around her bicep and sound asleep, wedged into the gap with the outside wall of the heavy tent. Had she been there since Callie was brought in?


    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± said a yawning male voice in the dim light. Callie raised her head and peered, reluctant to turn her Darkvision on with how sensitive her head was right now. Struggling, she finally made out the silhouette of a Fox-like head and instinctively she pulled the blanket tighter to her chin.


    ¡°Trainer Reynard? What are you doing here?¡± How long had he been there?


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­ not great. My head is killing me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised. You started seizing after you collapsed, and we knew it was going to be bad. You really overdid it, there. Tasi had to put you under a Sleep spell to get you to stop moving enough to treat you. You¡¯re lucky we have experts in treating mana exhaustion here.¡±


    Head beginning to swim slightly, Callie returned to looking at the ceiling. ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything. At least nothing after shooting that four-layer arrow. I really did think I had enough mana left for it.¡±


    Reynard chuffed in amusement. ¡°Not even in the slightest. I will say, though, the effect was ¡­ spectacular.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡±


    ¡°Logistics and the Geomancers are going to have a lot of fun putting things back together, especially on their day off. They don¡¯t usually get to do that for the Rangers.¡±


    Callie frowned, thinking back again to when she assembled that final layered spell. ¡°I need to spend some more time to work the math out, but the extra mana usage increased fast the more effects I layered on one shot. Two were fairly easy. Three was doable. Four? Well, it was obvious what happened there. I can¡¯t even imagine trying five.¡±


    ¡°The ¡­ math?¡± Reynard asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Yeah. From the description, it noted that mana costs increase with each additional effect, so there¡¯s got to be some ¡­ rule ¡­ that governs that additional requirement. If I can figure that out, I¡¯ll know when and how many I can safely layer together.¡±


    All week long Callie had been attempting to put some kind of numerical values on mana utilization by each of her skills. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but if she pictured mana as a pool of points that slowly replenished, and then subtracted appropriate points based on low, medium and high mana skills and perks, she could now estimate fairly accurately when she¡¯d start to feel the effects of running low on mana. With the layering ability, in her gut she suspected there was a multiplying-formula of some kind affecting that point usage. Maybe it squared the base mana of each element or the total? That would make it ramp up pretty quickly.


    Of course, that usage was totally skewed by the new Bronze skills she hadn¡¯t really practiced very much, like Rain of Arrows. With the poor casting efficiency she had with it right now, that would have exploded the entire formula. She¡¯d have to be extra careful if she did layering with any of her new skills, at least until she practiced them enough to fully reduce their costs.


    Reynard shook his head, once again letting off a quiet chuckle. ¡°Math you say? You Gnomes and your Tinkering. You are all quite strange, as a people that is, you know that, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Callie grinned back. ¡°It¡¯s part of my charm.¡± Callie then realized that, in a way, it was quite literally part of her Charm.


    ¡°I suppose it is, at that. You should know, you have Thorn all excited about new tactics for your skills, so he¡¯ll be quite pleased to know you are awake and your brain hasn¡¯t turned to mush.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say?¡±


    Reynard grinned. ¡°Just don¡¯t forget you still have your basic Ranger skills you need to master, too, but I¡¯m sure we can do some experimenting, within reason.¡±


    A thought occurred to Callie, and she wondered out loud, ¡°By the way, how long have you been sitting there? And for that matter, why are you sitting there?¡±


    The Foxkin coughed lightly into his paw, seeming to fumble for words. Finally he arrived at an evasive, ¡°I¡¯m sure the rest of your friends will be glad to know you¡¯re awake and feeling better. I¡¯ll be sure to pass the word.¡±


    ¡°Please, I¡¯d like to know. I mean, you don¡¯t even like me.¡±


    Reynard had started to rise, intent on leaving, but he paused. ¡°All my Rangers are important to me, Recruit Callie.¡± He carefully patted her blanket-covered foot, affection evident in his touch. ¡°Feel better Recruit, and I shall see you tomorrow. Congratulations on reaching Bronze Tier.¡±


    As he turned to leave, Callie grinned widely. ¡°Sir, did ¡­ did you just call me a Ranger?¡± she asked with a taunting inflection.


    Trainer Reynard looked back one last time, smiling for just the briefest of moments. ¡°Yes, I believe I did.¡±

 Chapter 35 Part 2 - Dont Ever Do That Again

    PART II - DON¡¯T EVER DO THAT AGAIN


    As Reynard ducked from view, Pixyl started to stir.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Callie whispered as she locked eyes with her friend.


    ¡°You¡¯re okay?¡± Pixyl gasped in a returned whisper as she sat up.


    ¡°Bad headache, but yeah.¡±


    Saying nothing, Pixyl squirmed up Callie¡¯s body, wrapping her arms around the little Gnome¡¯s neck. ¡°I was worried! Don¡¯t do that ever again!¡±


    Callie returned the hug, being careful not to bump the Pixie¡¯s wings. ¡°I got the same lecture from Tasi, too.¡±


    It took an awkward long moment before Pixyl sat up, brushing her hands under her eyes. ¡°Good. That was stupid of you!¡± she said, her tone turning from worry to a lecture of her own.


    ¡°Are you crying?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Just ¡­ Just happy you¡¯re g-g-going to be ¡­¡± Pixyl looked away, seeming embarrassed.


    ¡°Good, you¡¯re awake, too,¡± Tasi said, walking back into the makeshift alcove and interrupting the Pixie. ¡°Would you please go now?¡± she sternly said to Pixyl, pointing out the door. ¡°I need to give her an exam and you¡¯re just in the way. She should be able to go within a half-hour.¡±


    Looking once again at Callie, Pixyl nodded slowly. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you outside.¡± Carefully, she climbed over Callie and dropped lightly to the floor. ¡°Do you need anything?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine, Pixyl,¡± Tasi said exasperatedly. She made a shooing motion. ¡°Go get your lunch. She¡¯s still going to be here for a little while.¡±


    ¡°Go,¡± Callie added with a laugh. ¡°Get some food. I¡¯ll find you later. Maybe we can still do our hike.¡±


    Skeptically, Pixyl backed away with the slightest of glares towards Tasi, giving Callie a final hesitant wave goodbye before she turned and left. Callie watched her friend go, feeling warm all over knowing how much Pixyl cared, and relishing their close friendship. She could really get used to this having-a-sister thing.


    ¡°Here, drink this.¡±


    Callie grudgingly accepted the vial filled with a cloudy white liquid. She knew that it would taste absolutely awful without even opening it. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, making a face to Tasi.


    ¡°It¡¯s for your headache.¡±


    WIth a groan of dread and anticipation, Callie removed the stopper and tossed it back. As expected, it was just awful, tasting a lot like wet bricks left to mildew in a dark cave for several weeks. To Tasi¡¯s credit, it did drive the headache away in short order, but Callie was still unsure if it was worth it.


    ¡°What do you know about mana drain, or mana exhaustion? They are basically the same thing.¡± Tasi asked, sitting down in the seat that Reynard had formerly occupied.


    ¡°Just what Reynard warned us, and from when Tazrok overdid it in the shower the other day. The general advice was ¡®don''t do it¡¯ or you end up really messed up.¡±


    ¡°You know the end result at least.¡± Tasi leaned back making a thinking expression. ¡°I¡¯m not an academic. I¡¯m a Combat Healer, which means my job is to make bleeding things stop bleeding and otherwise plug holes in people. I don¡¯t know much about magical or mana theory, so you¡¯ll have to forgive me glossing over what I am sure are important details.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, slightly repositioning herself upright with the blanket, leaning back against the bunk¡¯s headboard. ¡°Tell me what you can.¡±


    ¡°The worse your mana exhaustion is, the worse the effects. As I mentioned, it can quite literally turn your brain into goo, which makes for a rather unpleasant rest of your short life.¡±


    ¡°Eww,¡± Callie said, making a face.


    ¡°Here, I¡¯ll explain it to you as it was explained to me decades ago.¡± Tasi drew an imaginary vertical line from her eye level down towards the floor. ¡°Imagine this is your level of mana exhaustion. Normally, it would be completely full to the top, so no drain.¡± She held her hand at the top of the imaginary line.


    Callie worked to sit up even further, following along with Tasi¡¯s pantomime. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°If you run out of mana, and you keep casting, you start to be increasingly affected.¡± The Fairy gestured towards roughly the three-quarters mark. ¡°If you only drain this far down, you¡¯ll generally be fine in a few hours, maybe a day at most. If we give you a Rejuvenation potion, it will clear everything up. Maybe two if you¡¯re close to the bottom of this zone. This is where most recruits here end up when they overdo it, so a potion and a good fifteen to thirty minutes of rest is enough to get them back on their feet.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m pretty sure I did that the first day of training. Bad headache, no strength. Reynard gave me a purple potion.¡±


    Tasi nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sure that was the case. It happens to most of the mana-using recruits during this first week as they are still learning their new skills. Easy to address, though: Drink the potion, rest a bit, and you¡¯re fine.¡±


    ¡°I take it mine was a lot worse, this time?¡±


    Tasi gestured to the imaginary mana meter again, pointing from the mid-point to the three-quarters mark. ¡°If you end up in this zone and you don¡¯t receive Rejuvenation potions quickly, you do serious damage to the mana control pathways in your brain. Your mana capabilities no longer work at all, and the damage cannot be healed except with intense ritual healing, or time and natural healing. This could last days or even weeks, if bad enough.¡± She gestured just above the midpoint mark, maybe at sixty percent, ¡°This is about where you were.¡±


    ¡°Whoa,¡± Callie gasped. ¡°So, I wouldn¡¯t be able to use any of my skills for days or even longer?¡±


    ¡°Your Dodge would work, as that uses Stamina, but nothing that uses mana would function. This includes your Darkvision and Gnomish hearing. We call people in this state the Mana-Dead.¡± Tasi glared and let that hang in the air for a long moment. ¡°If we hadn¡¯t aided you quickly, we probably would have had to send you away for ritual healing, as we don¡¯t have any Ritualists here.¡±


    ¡°That really would have sucked,¡± Callie finally said, really not having the right words. ¡°You said I needed multiple potions to fix me, then?¡±


    Tasi nodded. ¡°Thankfully, one of the Shaman recruits was there admiring your destructive handiwork, one of the Goblins, and popped off a Rejuvenation spell. She¡¯s newly Bronze this morning, so it was her first time casting it, but she did an amazing job on the spell despite the pressure and inexperience with it. She gave you enough time until your potion sickness wore off and Xera was able to dump a purple one down your throat. It took five more over the next hour until you were out of danger.¡±


    Callie was horrified and also grateful to Lhawni for casting her spell, and made a mental note to thank her as soon as she could. Just imagining trying to survive in this new world without any of her skills, or even her mana-reliant traits, was horrifying. ¡°What would happen if you go lower?¡±


    Pointing to the next quarter-section of the imaginary line, Tasi said, ¡°Here, no number of potions are going to fix the damage, no matter how quickly you get them. You¡¯ll end up Mana-Dead, at least for several weeks, maybe months or up to a year. Ritual healing? Maybe it would speed your recovery up by half, but you¡¯re going to be manaless for quite a while.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m guessing even lower is where the brain goo happens, right?¡±


    Nodding, Tasi pointed to the bottom of the line. ¡°Here, you are taking physical brain damage. It can¡¯t be healed; it can¡¯t be recovered from. Your brain becomes increasingly liquified. Very few survive, and those that do often wish they hadn¡¯t. They face a lifetime of pain, confusion, crippling mobility issues and worse things than you can possibly imagine. Most people want to be euthanized should that ever happen to them.¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°That¡¯s awful,¡± Callie gasped. ¡°It¡¯s that bad?¡±


    Tasi nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a miserable existence. I¡¯ve made it clear to all my friends to put me down should I ever end up in this state. Every single person I know has the same request.¡±


    Callie remembered the final years of her grandmother being alive. She was immobile, incontinent, with an ever-worsening dementia. In the few moments she was lucid, she¡¯d make it known she wanted things to end, but it wasn¡¯t an option in Illinois. She suffered, and when she finally passed following a major stroke, the whole family felt guilty for seeing it partly as a blessing.


    Tasi caught Callie¡¯s eyes and stared hard. ¡°So, I¡¯m going to say it one more time. Please listen carefully to what I tell you. Don¡¯t ever do that again!¡±


    Callie nodded quickly in absolute understanding, but still trying to come to grips with how close she¡¯d come to really hurting herself. It was that damn mysterious multiplier that came from the Effect Layering perk. She needed to understand a lot better how to safely use the multiple skills, and where those lines had to be drawn. She¡¯d done several three-effect shots, so those seemed safe. Maybe a four might be doable, but she would try again only if she had full mana and maximum casting efficiency with the skills being used. She¡¯d have to tread carefully and make sure it was under the watchful eye of someone like Reynard or Tasi. Even imagining trying something with five effects was right out.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Tasi said with a smile. ¡°Lesson over. Let me do a quick physical exam. If that doesn¡¯t show any lasting effects, I¡¯ll send you on your way in a little while with your instructions. Sit up if you would.¡± The Healer left her chair, motioning for Callie to rise.


    Feeling a little woozy, Callie did so, dropping the blanket to expose her chest when Tasi motioned her to. Outside of the remnants of her headache and a general sense of exhaustion, she didn¡¯t really feel any different, despite knowing how close she really came to shorting out her entire magic system.


    Tasi pulled out the diagnostic stone from her pocket and ran it over Callie¡¯s body, primarily focusing on her chest and particularly her head. With Tasi making a lot of vaguely disconcerting ¡®umm hmm¡¯ type noises, Callie began to grow worried that something might be wrong.


    ¡°Just a couple more things, and I¡¯ll be done. Then you can rest for a bit before you go.¡± Tasi used a reflex hammer to test knees and elbows, along with Callie¡¯s wrists. Everything seemed to be fine, or at least everything seemed to jerk and twitch as expected.


    ¡°This is going to hurt a bit,¡± Tasi warned, pulling out a magnification lens with a tiny, glowing magical light on it.


    ¡°Oh fun,¡± Callie replied sarcastically.


    Using one hand, Tasi held Callie¡¯s eye open while looking deep into it with the lighted lens. The brightness was agonizing and quickly overpowered the anti-headache potion from earlier. After an endless few seconds, Tasi repeated the exam with her other eye.


    ¡°Good. No sign of residual bleeding. You might have a vague sense of something floating in your vision for a day or two. Those are just blood clot remnants and will dissolve in time. Come back if they don¡¯t or get too numerous to see well.¡± Tasi gestured back towards the pillow. ¡°Close your eyes and lie down. You can cover up.¡±


    Callie did so, pulling the blanket tight to her neck again, and heard the sound of water lightly splashing. ¡°Hold this over your eyes for a while,¡± Tasi ordered, handing Callie a damp cloth once again. The headache was back with a vengeance from the bright light and there were actual tears from the pain intermingling with the new wetness on Callie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Rest for a bit longer and I¡¯ll give you another pain potion as soon as it¡¯s safe to, then you can get dressed and go.¡±


    Nodding, Callie said, ¡°Thanks again. I¡¯m sorry to be such a bother.¡± Tasi responded with a somewhat patronizing ¡®there there¡¯ pat on Callie¡¯s shoulder, before walking off.


    As she lay there, Callie suddenly felt bad. She was supposed to meet with Fizzlebek and Pama for a mid-morning ¡®second breakfast¡¯ and tea. Unfortunately, the morning was now completely shot. Fizzlebek had been excited to show her some contraption he had been working on, something about a ¡®thought-controlled mechanized Golem¡¯, whatever the heck that was. Callie had also told Pama that she was really interested in Culinar magic, and the elder Gnome seemed eager to show her a few spells as a demonstration, while they dutifully tested the results, of course. Plus there had been the promise of treats for the afternoon hike to the lookout rock, too. Maybe they could try again later in the week?


    While she waited, the cool water being surprisingly helpful at easing the pain in her eyes, Callie soon found herself semi-dozing. Not really asleep, but trying to wall off the remnants of pain in her head and eyes by relaxing, counting some numbers, and doing some breathing exercises. Her thoughts drifted back to all that happened that morning, at least what she could remember. From the ethereal conversation with her Symbiote and its Bronze Tier gift to her, to her post-reveal collapse in the garden and rescue by her friends and Jaelarn. The excitement of her new skills and the discovery of her unique melded ones. Turrets. Layers. Accidentally shooting Koda and his big grin forgiving her for doing it. Exploding the target with a Piercing Burst shot, and nuking the entire range from orbit with a Rain of Explosions. She counted herself so lucky to have all these friends and all the support of both them and the camp personnel.


    ¡°Something funny, recruit?¡± Tasi asked as she stepped into the alcove again. Callie could now easily recognize the voice. ¡°You have a smile on your face.¡±


    ¡°Just thinking back through the day,¡± Callie said, looking towards the Fairy, even though the wet cloth still covered her eyes. ¡°My new melded skills for one. But also how grateful I am to everyone for helping and worrying for me. The other recruits. Reynard. You, too. I had no close friends back home, Tasi, or at least I haven¡¯t for a few years. This is a foreign feeling to me, in a way. It¡¯s a good feeling, though.¡±


    ¡°Mana exhaustion foolishness aside, your new melded skills sound fascinating, and I look forward to you realizing their full potential. I¡¯ve always said that the Gnome Tinker trait was underappreciated by many, and seeing it applied to a new class I think proves that. Reynard is absolutely astounded by them.¡±


    Callie chuffed in laughter. ¡°Back home I wasn¡¯t an engineer or a scientist or an academic. I just liked numbers and knew how to do real basic construction and repairs. Tinker is opening up strange things for me, but I¡¯m eager to see where it leads.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Tasi finally said after a pause. ¡°Take that off your face. I have a couple things for you and then I¡¯ll send you on your way. Go slow, be careful of the light.¡±


    Slowly Callie peeled the damp rag off, her eyes adjusting to the light but still in pain from Tasi¡¯s examination. The Healer was holding out another cloudy white pain potion.


    Squinting slightly from the light, Callie accepted the foul-tasting elixir and grudgingly drank it down. As expected ¡­ mildewed bricks again. At least the pain subsided quickly.


    ¡°A couple things for you, then, before you go,¡± Tasi said. She held out two purple Rejuvenation potions. ¡°Take one of these just before dinner, and the second when you go to bed. That will make sure you¡¯re completely healed by tomorrow morning. If you¡¯re going to be out and about, put them in your bunkhouse so you don¡¯t lose or break them.¡±


    Callie accepted the two vials. ¡°Thanks, I think. Why do they need to taste so awful?¡±


    ¡°Because it makes people less likely to want to use them. As a result, maybe silly Gnomes don¡¯t do things like burn out their mana and turn their brain to goo,¡± Tasi answered with a laugh. Then she shrugged, ¡°Honestly, I have no idea. If someone could figure out a solution to that, they¡¯d be hailed as a hero across the land.¡±


    With a sigh, Callie asked, ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°No mana usage until tomorrow morning. No skills, no perks. Give your head a chance to rest.¡±


    ¡°What about Darkvision or my ears? I can¡¯t really control either well,¡± Callie asked, a little worried about their instinctive nature. ¡°They just sort of happen, although I guess I can turn the Darkvision back off.¡±


    ¡°Those are fine. They don¡¯t actually use mana, it just needs to be present in your body. Don¡¯t activate your Resist Fear if you can help it, though.¡±


    Callie blew out her cheeks in relief. ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°Just avoid anything strenuous. You mentioned maybe going on a hike. You wouldn¡¯t know, but it¡¯s been raining periodically most of the morning, so you may not want to. If you do, take your time and don¡¯t push yourself. It¡¯ll just cause your headache to come back. Avoid alcohol for the rest of the day, too. Mostly, just relax. Otherwise, you¡¯re free to get dressed and go.


    Tasi ducked out of the alcove, leaving Callie alone to get situated. After getting dressed in her fresh clothing, Callie picked up a neatly tied bundle that was the dirty clothes she was wearing when she was brought in. She¡¯d drop it at the bunkhouse and the Brownies would whisk everything away at some point to wash them, returning the whole set neatly folded and smelling fresh. She hadn¡¯t seen any of the little Fae except for that first morning, and found it amazing how organized they kept everything. Dirty clothes were always returned perfectly cleaned, even of blood. Any holes or tears were either mended, or the garment replaced - she never could tell which. All cogs in a fascinating machine working behind the scenes.


    ¡°Thanks, Tasi,¡± Callie called out as she started for the door.


    ¡°Any time. Stay safe,¡± the Healer called back, before adding, ¡°and don¡¯t use any of your skills, dammit!¡±


    Emerging from the tent, the sun was shining, but only for the moment. There was a light drizzle still in the air as sporadic dark clouds moved across the sky, promising the periodic showers would continue. The sun was still warm though, and Callie bathed in it, her eyes closed and face wearing a contented smile.


    ¡°Callie!¡± came the eager voice of Jesca as she sprang from another close-by tent. Behind her emerged the worried faces of Lena, Xin, and all the rest of Ogre House, including Pixyl, who apparently had not gone to get lunch. Behind them, Lhawni peeked through the tent flap, with Ambria peeking out above her, and Koda¡¯s grinning bear face above the Faun¡¯s.


    ¡°Hi everyone,¡± Callie said with a wave. She added a panicked ¡°I¡¯m okay! Really!¡± just as Jesca charged and scooped her up off the ground, spinning her in a gigantic hug.


    ¡°I was so worried! We all were! You had it really bad and the Healer said you could have been Mana-Dead for a long time, but apparently¡­¡± Jesca started to babble.


    Gasping slightly from the constricting hug, Callie interrupted, squeaking out a quick ¡°I¡¯m okay, but I do need to breathe to stay that way!¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Jesca said sheepishly, realizing the situation and quickly setting the Gnome down.


    Callie was about to once again tell everyone she was going to be fine, and that they hadn¡¯t needed to wait for her, but she paused. She looked into the faces of her relieved friends, and started to choke up. ¡°You all mean so much to me,¡± she barely managed to croak out, before she rushed into a group hug, her friends inside the tent joining.

 Chapter 36 - Attuned with Blood

    ATTUNED WITH BLOOD


    ¡°We were all quite worried,¡± Vanis said as the hug broke up, ¡°despite Healer Tasi¡¯s insistence you would recover.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. All of you,¡± Callie said sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯m fine now. I just need to take it easy for the rest of the day.¡±


    Vanis appeared about to say something lecturing, and Callie raised a hand to stop him. ¡°And before anyone says anything, yes, I¡¯ve learned my lesson about mana drain. That is not something I want to go through again.¡±


    ¡°I am most glad you are recovered,¡± Xin said, the relief actually evident on her scaly face. ¡°It would not be the same around here if you had melted your own brain.¡±


    ¡°Xin!¡± Lena snapped, while most everyone else laughed at the Lizardkin¡¯s casually direct remarks.


    Callie actually felt a sudden connection with Xin, in spite of her words. She and the Shaman had never quite warmed up to each other like she had with the others. Sure, they got along and were even quite friendly, but the familial closeness she felt with the remainder in Ogre House was absent. Callie wasn¡¯t sure if it was just a personality quirk of Xin, something cultural, or if it might be partly to do with the fact that Xin was affected little, if not immune, to her Childlike Charm. Xin expressing her concerns for Callie¡¯s well-being, even if in a slightly backhanded way, seemed to break down some of those barriers.


    ¡°Must not run out of mana ale,¡± Tazrok warned. ¡°No ale is bad.¡± Vanis had shared the analogy he¡¯d used with Tazrok in the shower, so Callie quickly picked up on what the Ogre was getting at.


    ¡°Yeah. Nothing is worse than running out of ale,¡± Callie agreed, ¡°magic or real.¡±


    Tazrok grunted with a nod, pleased he had said the right thing.


    Relief evident in everyone, the group began to break up, most wanting to go find lunch. Callie grabbed Lhawni as she passed. ¡°Hey, Tasi told me what you did. Casting your new spell, that is. She said it was your first time. Thank you! You saved me.¡±


    Even with her dark green skin, you could see the little Goblin blush. ¡°I just reached Bronze this morning when I woke up. After I recovered from the reveals, I heard all the booming sounds from the training field and saw the lights. I arrived just as you fell, and just instinctively cast my Rejuvenation spell. I was amazed it even worked!¡°


    Callie pulled the little Goblin into a hug. ¡°You were great. Thank you again!¡±


    Lhawni awkwardly returned the embrace. ¡°You Gnomes and all your hugging,¡± she said, with a giggle. ¡°I¡¯m glad I could help,¡± she added sheepishly. The little Goblin meekly walked away and Callie turned to Vanis, who had remained behind.


    ¡°I said, ¡®no lectures¡¯!¡± Callie snapped, jabbing her finger towards her friend, hoping to cut off anything before it started. ¡°I¡¯ve already gotten them from Tasi, Reynard and Pixyl!¡±


    Vanis shook his head. ¡°None needed from me, and I¡¯m quite sure you¡¯ll receive several more before the day is over. Master Trainer Thorn was quite concerned, as was the Commandant and the Major. They each followed along as they brought you in, quite fearful in fact, and then even came by at least once to check on you later in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Callie deadpanned, now fully expecting a stern talking-to from each of the officers.


    ¡°Given the circumstances, Thorn said you could reschedule your conversation this afternoon to another time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, at least.¡± Callie had not been particularly enthusiastic about sitting down with Thorn given how muddled her head was right now. He¡¯d already hinted he had a thousand questions about Earth, and Callie had had a feeling it was going to be a whirlwind, albeit friendly, interrogation, and not really a casual discussion, if only because of his eagerness. Given how awful she felt right now, putting it off for another day was definitely a good thing.


    ¡°Also, Fizzlebek came by when you missed your appointment with him and Pama. Once informed what had happened, he also suggested rescheduling for later in the week or next Homeday.¡±


    Callie sighed. ¡°That sucks. I really wanted to learn more about Culinar magic, and I think Pama was eager to show me. I feel bad now.¡±


    ¡°They completely understand,¡± Vanis comforted. ¡°However, Fizzlebek did ask us to send you to Crafting as soon as possible, once you were released. He apparently needs your presence very briefly; something to do with the enchantments for your bow.¡±


    ¡°Should I go now?¡±


    Vanis nodded. ¡°It doesn¡¯t sound like he needs you for long, but he was quite insistent you visit by early-afternoon. I think it¡¯s best to get the task completed lest you are distracted by the day, or decide to sleep. If you¡¯d like, I can take your muddy clothing back to the house.¡±


    ¡°That would be great. Let the others know I¡¯ll find them after I¡¯m done with Fizzlebek.¡± Callie handed her dirty bundle to Vanis, along with the two Rejuvenation potions. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to take these later, so can you bring them back as well?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± the Elf said with a gracious nod.


    ¡°Vanis?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Little One?¡±


    ¡°Thank you. To you and to everyone else. Walking out and seeing all of you waiting and worrying for me was so ¡­¡± Callie trailed off as she simply ran out of words.


    The Elf smiled, kneeling down to Callie¡¯s height. He embraced her, adding a simple, ¡°Any time, Little One.¡±


    <hr>


    Upon arriving at the Crafting area, Callie sought out Fizzlebek. She finally found the blue-haired Gnome by the now-familiar sparring ring, playing with a contraption of some kind. It was approximately the height of a normal person, twice that of the two Gnomes, and roughly person-shaped, with two arms and two legs, but sporting no head. It walked around the ring with stiff, jerky movements as Fizzlebek stood outside the ring, eyes focused in serious concentration.


    Not wanting to interrupt, Callie stood quietly to the side to wait until she was noticed. Looking around, the entire crafting area was nearly empty, everyone off for the weekend Homeday. One lone Dwarf was in the workshop area, head down and working on something tiny, but he was otherwise alone. Even the fire of the forge had gone out, and without its roar and the background clanking of hammer on metal, the entire area was eerily silent.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Fizzlebek called, eventually noticing her. The mechanical contraption stopped its staggering walk, drooping down into a resting position as the Enchanter removed a metal circlet from his forehead.


    ¡°Hi, Fizzlebek,¡± Callie said, smiling at her fellow Gnome. ¡°What is that?¡±


    Almost about to give Callie a hug, Fizzlebek stopped and looked back at the sparring ring. ¡°Oh, that? One of my weekend side projects. It¡¯s a mechanical Golem.¡±


    ¡°Mechanical? Like a robot?¡±


    Fizzlebek gave Callie a strange look, not recognizing the word.


    ¡°A machine?¡± Callie suggested with a shrug.


    ¡°Oh, a contraption, yes. You control it with this,¡± the Gnome said, holding up the metal headband. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to invent a wholly mechanical Golem that wouldn¡¯t need magic to work. Well, it wouldn¡¯t need much magic beyond a manastone to power it, that is. If I can make it work, it might provide a combat option that wouldn¡¯t require Golemancers to control them.¡±


    None of that really made sense to Callie, who had no idea what a Golem was. But, from context, she put a few pieces together, deducing that a Golemancer was some kind of a specialist Wizard or Scholar class that controlled these robot things. ¡°So, how does it work?¡±


    ¡°Only the best of Gnomish engineering!¡± Fizzlebek said excitedly, as he grinned. ¡°Come, let me show you.¡±


    Leading Callie over to the Golem, he excitedly gestured towards it and unhooked a plate from its torso. Immediately evident inside was a glowing blue object, which Callie presumed was the manastone Fizzlebek mentioned as a power source. Surrounding that were various metal gears and sprockets, levers and springs, and assorted other clockwork gadgetry. Unlike the Egg-sploder, the complexity of the workings were beyond immediate comprehension.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°Whoa,¡± Callie gasped. ¡°This is really complex.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Fizzlebek said sadly. ¡°It¡¯s too complex, honestly. But this is just a prototype, so I hope to simplify it in time.¡±


    As she stared at the mechanisms, a few started to make sense. Her Tinkering kicking in, Callie could see where the power of the manastone was converted into the energy needed, before being transferred outward towards the limbs. It was an engineering marvel for this world and absolutely fascinating to look at.


    ¡°Would you like to try?¡± Fizzlebek asked, holding the metal circlet out.


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Callie said. With direction, she removed her hat and set the controller in place. ¡°What do I do now?¡±


    ¡°Just think about what you want it to do.¡±


    Callie concentrated, mentally telling the Golem to raise its arms, which it dutifully did with the soft sounds of clickity clockworks.


    ¡°Whoa! This is neat! You can make it walk and stuff, too?¡±


    ¡°For some definition of walking,¡± Fizzlebeck chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve mostly mastered limb movements, especially the arms and hands. It¡¯s really uncoordinated for walking, though, let alone any faster movement.¡±


    Focusing again, Callie had the construct raise each of its arms, flex the digits of each hand, and then slam one fist into the open hand of the other arm. The movements were fluid and complete. Continuing, she sent the construct forward one step, where it promptly lost its balance and staggered awkwardly, lashing one leg out to catch itself before it could tumble.


    ¡°See?¡± Fizzlebek chuckled. ¡°I have a couple thoughts, but I¡¯m trying to minimize how much Golemancy magic I¡¯d have to use in it. If I can produce and make these controllable in mass numbers, it¡¯s like having soldiers on the field one could control away from the lines. Fizzlebek gestured towards the controller, and Callie removed it. She swapped it for her hat as the Golem returned to a standby resting position.


    ¡°That¡¯s really neat,¡± Callie said. ¡°Kinda like a drone, if you can make it work.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Fizzlebek said proudly, then made a thinking face. ¡°Drone. I like that. Sort of like insect hives. I think it¡¯s a good term, if I can figure out the problems.¡± Changing the subject he asked, ¡°How are you feeling? I heard about what happened.¡±


    Callie took a deep breath and sighed. ¡°Better than I was earlier, I guess. But tired and still nursing a bit of a headache. I guess it was pretty bad, though.¡±


    The Enchanter chuckled. ¡°When I first learned my Imbue skill, I was so eager. I was reckless and burned myself out for almost a month! A good lesson and one I vowed never to repeat again. Most casters have a similar story, I think, although we don¡¯t like to talk about it. Consider yourself lucky you had Rejuvenation potions in ready supply. We¡¯re overflowing with them now, thanks to your Black Lotus bloom.¡±


    Learning that Fizzlebek had been foolishly hurt by mana drain at some point in the past actually made Callie feel slightly less ashamed by what had happened. Still, she knew she¡¯d been reckless and cocky and stupid, and reminded herself harshly once more to never do something like that again.


    ¡°We all learn from mistakes,¡± Fizzlebek said with a smile. ¡°But enough about such things, I do need you for just a few minutes. I want to attune your bow enchantments.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°An attuned enchantment is special and only usable by you. Since your bow is being custom crafted for you, I thought it made sense for maximum effectiveness.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay. What do you need from me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you,¡± Fizzlebek said, walking off towards his workshop area. He led the way towards a small subsection with various glass flasks and chemistry equipment neatly arranged on several tables. Next to one was a shelf broken into several small partitions, and five were neatly labeled with the names of each Ranger recruit. The writing was strange to Callie, yet still clearly readable. The Enchanter removed two glass containers about ten centimeters in diameter and about five tall, covered with a tightly-fitting wood lid. Each contained a thick liquid goo of some kind. Two others were left alone.


    ¡°These are the two I wish to attune to you,¡± Fizzlebek said.


    ¡°What about those?¡± Callie asked, pointing to the others left in place.


    ¡°Those are for your Endless Arrows and Self Repair enchantments. They don¡¯t need to be attuned as they wouldn¡¯t gain any additional capabilities if they were.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be able to put four enchantments on the bow?¡± Callie asked, surprised. ¡°Vonn had suggested that the Heartwood might hold three, but would it really hold four?¡±


    ¡°Attuned enchantments take up less integrity, so I think so. I¡¯ll know for sure once Vonn finishes putting the runes on, so I¡¯m making four just in case.¡±


    ¡°What do these other two do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you,¡± Fizzlebek said slyly. ¡°You asked Vonn and I to surprise all of you, so that¡¯s what we¡¯re going to do. You¡¯ll love it, though.¡±


    Callie chuckled. ¡°Yeah, I guess we did say that. I¡¯ll look forward to it then, and I¡¯m sure the others will, too. What do I need to do for this attunement thing?¡±


    ¡°I just need some of your blood for each,¡± Fizzlebek said casually, removing the lid on each enchantment.


    ¡°What? My blood?¡±


    Fizzlebek nodded, reaching for one of several small knives standing upright in an empty flask.


    Callie was suddenly unsure, seeing the knife in her friend¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s that or you can urinate into it. It needs an internal bodily fluid. Saliva won¡¯t work, unfortunately; it¡¯s not strong enough.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not peeing into them,¡± Callie said flatly, giving the Enchanter a hard stare of side-eye.


    ¡°I have a healing tincture you can use after,¡± Fizzlebek assured Callie, quickly taking her hand. He expertly sliced across her index finger, causing Callie to yelp and suck air in through her teeth in surprise and pain. Holding the bleeding digit over each bowl, he casually let about a dozen drops of blood fall into each before giving Callie¡¯s hand back to her. ¡°Hold that away from your body so you don¡¯t get any blood on your clothes,¡± Fizzlebek said casually. Apparently, slicing people open was common enough to not be a big deal to him.


    Callie did so, silently cursing at Fizzlebek for not giving her any warning. Callie squeezed her finger while he opened a drawer and pulled out a tiny glass vial perhaps one-fifth the size of a normal potion.


    ¡°Let me spread this on the wound,¡± he said, pulling the stopper off, which had a brush attached to it. ¡°It¡¯s concentrated, and brewed specifically for small wounds.¡± Using the brush, Fizzlebek painted the tincture over Callie¡¯s bleeding forefinger.


    As soon as the magical liquid hit, it spread an immediate warmth throughout her finger and hand. Fascinated, she watched the end of her finger, and within moments the free-flowing wound slowed and stopped. Fizzlebek handed Callie a damp cloth and she wiped the blood off her hands, once again amazed that there was no longer a cut, or any indication there had even been one. While she cleaned up, he swished the brush around in a jar of clear liquid, cleaning it, before stoppering the vial again.


    ¡°You could have warned me!¡± Callie growled.


    ¡°Best to do it without warning, so you don¡¯t twitch,¡± Fizzlebek said casually, firmly returning the lids to each container. He gently shook each before returning them to the little cubby holding Callie¡¯s other two enchantments.


    ¡°Is there anything else you need me for?¡± Callie snapped, still a little irritated with the lack of warning before being sliced open.


    Absently, Fizzlebek shook his head. ¡°No, that¡¯s all. The enchantments just needed to have this done today, or we would have missed the opportunity to attune them. It¡¯s a very small window.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to need the others to donate blood, too?¡± Callie asked, still wiping her hands with the damp rag.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Fizzlebek said. ¡°I need them all to visit tomorrow. I¡¯ve timed their enchantments so they can come immediately after training ends for the day, before the evening meal.¡±


    ¡°Do you need me to pass word to them?¡±


    Fizzlebek shook his head. ¡°I was going to come by in the morning to let them know. I¡¯ll also be honest, I heard about your melded Turret skill, the one based on Tinker, and I¡¯d really like to see it in action. If you would be alright with that, that is.¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°Sure. It¡¯s actually a really fascinating mechanism that runs the whole thing. I didn¡¯t have much time to really dig into it, though.¡±


    ¡°Interesting!¡±


    Callie gave it some thought for a moment. ¡°I wonder if it might be adaptable into something real.¡± Seeing a perplexed look on Fizzlebek¡¯s face, she added, ¡°Something not summoned, that is. It seemed like it used something similar to your Golem¡¯s manastone to power it, and lots of gears and stuff, so maybe ¡­¡±


    Fizzlebek¡¯s eyes had widened as Callie had been speaking. ¡°Maybe some of my Golem research could be used to replicate a non-summoned version! Yes! I definitely want to see your skill in action now! If my new ¡®drones¡¯, as you call them, could be made to shoot arrows, or if I could invent a gadget you could throw down to summon one of your turrets, that would be most-fascinating!¡±


    ¡°Come on by,¡± Callie chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ll just need to clear everything through Reynard while training is in session.¡± Callie thought some more. ¡°You know my new melded perk is based on Tinker too, right?¡±


    ¡°I heard you blew up the Ranger range with a new perk, but not much more,¡± Fizzlebek said, his eyes growing even more excited. ¡°Tell me everything! It¡¯s really based on Tinker?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much time as I promised to meet everyone for lunch, but here it is in a nutshell.¡± Callie quickly relayed the query information for the Effect Layering perk, before summarizing how she used it to combine her various Ranger skills together. After explaining how each layer seemed to significantly increase the overall mana cost, Fizzlebek quickly saw the problem when Callie reviewed her final four-layer carpet bombing shot.


    ¡°It¡¯s no wonder you suffered mana exhaustion!¡± the Enchanter gasped. ¡°If the mana usage multiplied with each layer, it would quickly consume all your mana at once, or worse. I wonder what the math is on how the mana usage scales up.¡±


    ¡°Exactly! That¡¯s what I told Reynard!¡± Callie said cheerily, gesturing towards Fizzlebek and glad someone else immediately saw the same numerical issue that she had. ¡°I need to spend more time researching it and figuring out the numbers before I try anything too complex again, and also get better with my new Bronze skills.¡±


    Fizzlebek nodded, rubbing his chin, a smile gradually creeping onto his face. ¡°I never would have imagined our Tinker melding with Ranger abilities. You being the first Gnome Ranger may have big impacts someday. We just need to figure out how best to take advantage of these new powers.¡±


    Callie put her hand on her friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We will. I know everyone has a lot of hopes for me, and I¡¯m going to do everything I can to succeed as both a Ranger and as a Gnome.¡±


    Fizzlebek grinned again. ¡°This could be fun!¡±


    Nodding eagerly in agreement, Callie quickly added, ¡°As long as I can keep from melting my brain, that is.¡±

 Chapter 37 Part 1 - Sportsball and Hotdogs

    PART I - SPORTSBALL AND HOTDOGS


    Callie found the mess tent devoid of anyone. Even if she had missed lunch, there should have at least been some of Pama¡¯s Goblin staff cleaning up, yet it was simply deserted. Eventually, though, she found a wooden sign hanging on a pole with an arrow pointing up the hill towards the training grounds. In the distance, she heard the sound of occasional excited cheering. Shrugging, Callie walked up the hill, deftly avoiding a few patches of still-wet mud.


    Looking skyward, Callie could see it was likely to rain again soon, as a large black cloud was passing overhead, making things slightly gloomy. But a patch of bright light appeared to be coming behind it, so that was at least something to look forward to. Callie hoped she could find some shelter before the drizzle started, though.


    Arriving at the top of the hill, Callie immediately saw the cause of all the cheering. The bleacher seats were almost completely filled. Not just with recruits, but officers, trainers and staff were sitting as well, or many also standing, all watching what appeared to be a game of some kind being played on the field in front of them. A huge awning had been stretched over the seats to protect from the occasional rain, as well as the bright sun when it peeked out. Overhead, there were a pair of large birds circling slowly, seeming to keep an eye on everything.


    Another cheer went up, with several in the seats rising in excitement, only for there to be a collective groan followed immediately by the sound of a whistle on the field. The mutual mumble continued as most sat, waiting in anticipation for what was likely to be more action shortly.


    Callie pushed her way forward through a couple people standing in the way, and looked out over the field. What she saw reminded her immediately of American football, as she saw two teams lining up in a formation facing each other. There was a short whistle and a dirt-covered Beastkin she didn¡¯t recognize from behind fell back, holding a round ball in one hand which she quickly threw to another. The new carrier ran a few steps before passing to a mud-covered Catkin, who ran a short distance of her own before tossing the ball off to someone else. That new receiver promptly dropped it, though, and a whistle shrieked out, ending the play. The two teams casually assembled again, with the ball placed on the ground roughly where the Catkin had made her failed pass.


    Far off, Callie heard the sound of someone yelling her name, and scanned the seats for its source. Towards the top, she saw Jesca waving to her, with the others¡¯ recognizable faces sitting close by. Pixyl¡¯s blue hair was an additional beacon as she stood on her bench watching the game, and Tazrok¡¯s huge form loomed behind everyone, his enormous smile easily seen even from this distance. Smiling herself, Callie left the sideline and made her way towards her friends.


    Partway up the bleachers, people started to rise again in excitement, and Callie turned just in time to see the ball being thrown long. The intended target looked to be an Elf standing just outside what could best be described as a hemispheric endzone. He leaped high for the ball, catching it, only to be promptly tackled as soon as his feet hit the ground by a player protecting the goal. Everyone on the field was covered in mud, so it was hard to tell who was who. Around Callie, there was a collective ¡®oooooo¡¯ sound from the fans as everyone once again settled back into their seats with the play over.


    From the field, a double whistle sounded, and one of the circling birds dove to the field, changing shape into Bratig. The Elf receiver was slow to sit up, covered in mud, smiling, but favoring his shoulder. Bratig seemed to give him a quick dose of healing magic before both stood, the Elf jogging off the field while being replaced by an already mud-covered Major Celeste, of all people. With a wobble of magic, Bratig¡¯s Blood Owl form flew back into the sky, evidently returning to an overhead healing patrol.


    Jesca called again, and quickly Callie regained her direction, climbing the way to her and the rest of Ogre House. The group had been joined by Ambria and the Tigerkin twins, as well as Juniper, who was sitting contentedly next to Vanis. Next to the Dryad was Loki, who was quietly tying his vine-like arms together into knots and then untying them, seeming a little bored, but otherwise behaving.


    ¡°Looks like a fun game,¡± Callie said absently as she sidled into a spot. ¡°What¡¯s it called?¡±


    Before she could get a response, a whistle on the field sounded, and Callie stood on her seat to get a good view. Once again the quarterback, for lack of a better word, had stepped back before running to her right. She passed the ball again, a mud-covered Major Celeste catching it before she, in turn, tossed it underhanded to another Elf that was standing in the endzone. He caught the easy pass, ducked around the goalie trying to tackle him, and pushed the ball through a small, flat wall with a hole in it. Immediately, two-thirds of the audience cheered as several whistles shrilled out from the field, halting play. Around Callie, the nearby recruits seem to deflate in disappointment.


    Smiling wider, the excitement of the crowd slightly infectious, Callie once again asked, ¡°So what¡¯s this called?¡±


    ¡°Bunkerball,¡± Jesca, Pixyl and the twins said in unison.


    ¡°Cool.¡± Callie said with genuine interest. ¡°So how does it work? The rules, that is. And who¡¯s playing?¡±


    ¡°One team is made up of officers and trainers, while the other is recruits,¡± Lena snarled. ¡°The recruits are really awful.¡±


    As Callie watched, the two sides lined up again, and though partially covered in mud, Callie could clearly see Koda playing the part of what could be called the center. He hadn¡¯t been on the field for very long, and was cleaner than the rest, although not likely to remain so. He snapped the ball, and Wallir stepped back, looking for someone to throw to. He finally saw an opening and threw the ball. Whoever his target was didn¡¯t get a chance to catch it though, the pass was way off target and lazily intercepted. It was thrown across the field to Celeste, who then spun and threw the ball hard, right between two upright poles attached to either side of the wood with the hole in it. Cheers and groans went up all around.


    ¡°How does he throw so poorly?¡± Xin exclaimed, placing her clawed hands on top of her head in exasperation. ¡°He said he knew how to play this game, did he not?¡±


    ¡°He probably just played it as a kid, Xin,¡± Lena said, trying to defend Wallir.


    ¡°So, the goal is to get the ball in the hole?¡± Callie asked, trying to figure out what was going on.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vanis said absently, still watching the field. ¡°Or put it between the poles above it. The hole is worth three points and going over and through the gate is worth one. If you throw the ball through the hole from outside the bunker, it¡¯s worth seven. That¡¯s more difficult, obviously.¡±


    At each end of the field was an identical wooden board, almost like a sheet of plywood, standing perhaps three meters wide and two tall, with a hole in it about one meter in diameter. The poles extended above the wall on either side, about two or three meters, marking off a field goal-like opening.


    The teams lined up, the recruit team once again in possession, and one could see Wallir was increasingly nervous.


    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Callie asked, afraid of what the damage might be.


    ¡°We¡¯re d-d-down by twenty-five points,¡± Pixyl hissed. ¡°We stink!¡± She gestured towards a scoreboard, which showed a score of 28-3.


    ¡°Ooof,¡± Callie said with a sympathetic wince. ¡°I see what you mean.¡±


    Wallir blew a whistle and Koda snapped the ball into Wallir¡¯s hands. The Druid first ran to his left, then had to scramble to his right as two broke the line and chased after him, intent on bringing him down into the mud. The Elf barely got the throw off, and it was thrown high, Kaisess barely managing to jump and grab it. With a look of surprise on his face, the Ranger turned, and started running, focused on the end of the field. After several steps, though, a whistle screeched, and what had to be a referee, wearing a bright yellow shirt, pointed to a spot on the ground where the Tigerkin had stepped, making a hand signal. Groans went up all around as the teams reoriented themselves, the ball now set on the spot marked by the ref.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°You can only take six steps before you have to throw it to someone,¡± Jesca sighed. ¡°Once he took seven, the charge ended.¡±


    On the field, Kaisess seemed to be trying to apologize to the rest of his team, and an ever-smiling Koda gave him a heavy pat on the back, sending mud spraying and the Tigerkin staggering slightly. Someone else ruffled his head, further getting it full of mud, the mood obviously light despite his running mistake.


    Before the next play could start, though, a bell sounded. The excitement in the crowd diminished as the muddy players relaxed and walked off the field. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Game over?¡± Callie wondered aloud.


    ¡°Just a break between battles,¡± Vanis said, rising to stretch. ¡°Ten minutes or so.¡±


    Callie used the moment to take a good look at the layout of the field. It was shaped roughly like an oval, with an obvious goal on either end marked off with a white curved line about five meters out from the scoring board, which must represent the ¡®bunker¡¯ Vanis spoke of. Centerfield, on each side, was a similarly marked bunker area. White lines also marked off the field at the mid point, and then again halfway to each goal. If she had to guess, the entire field was maybe eighty meters long and about forty wide in the center, gradually narrowing to about twenty at each end.


    ¡°Okay, we have a break. Tell me what this game is and how it works,¡± Callie more-insistently asked as she turned to her friends.


    ¡°It¡¯s called Bunkerball,¡± Jesca said, almost absently. ¡°Like Vanis said, you need to get the ball through the hole or through the gate above it.¡±


    ¡°And you have to pass to each other to get it down the field?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Since nobody can take more than six steps, right?¡±


    ¡°The team¡¯s Sergeant ,¡± Lena interjected, ¡°that¡¯s the one that starts with the ball, can move as much as they want as long as they don¡¯t go past the front, which is the point where the ball starts. Actually, anyone can if the Sergeant hands the ball off to someone else behind the front. You get five charges to get it down the field. Five attempts, that is.¡±


    ¡°But, if you get to one of the bunkers on either side¡­¡± Koka started to say.


    ¡°...it resets the number of charges you have,¡± Moka completed.


    Callie quickly started to draw some analogies to Earth sports. The Sergeant was basically a quarterback. Charges were downs, but you got five instead of four, and the ¡®front¡¯ was the line of scrimmage. All of that made fairly simple sense so far.


    ¡°Usually the charge ends when the ball touches the ground, or the person carrying it goes out of bounds or is brought down,¡± Jesca continued. ¡°If it was dropped from a pass, it goes back to where the person that threw it was. Of course, if someone can¡¯t count, and they take more than six steps, that will do it, too.¡±


    ¡°That all seems pretty straight forward,¡± Callie said with a nod.


    Growing up, Callie¡¯s family had not really cared about sports very much. If one of the local teams made it to the playoffs, her parents might watch the games on television with other friends or the guys in her dad¡¯s band, but nobody was very invested in the outcomes.


    Honestly, Callie spent her youth thinking ¡®sportsball¡¯ was dumb and paid it no mind. When she got to college, though, one of the girls on her dorm floor was a huge football fanatic. Her perspective changed Callie¡¯s, excitedly describing the game as a ¡®cross between chess and chaos theory.¡¯ It took a few clarifications, but then Callie finally saw what she found so fascinating. There was serious strategy in the game at both the level of the individual plays, as well as things like time and down management. That was the chess part. Yet, all of those plans would go out the window the moment the ball was snapped, because really anything could happen at that point, which brought in the chaos. After that, Callie had a newfound appreciation for some team sports, or at least for football. She still didn¡¯t care one iota who was playing or who won, and had no interest in participating, but she did come to enjoy spectating and even the math surrounding the plays and statistics involved. The idea of random chaos being part of the game was oddly fascinating, too.


    ¡°Nine people on each side, right?¡± Callie said, having counted.


    ¡°You always have an odd number in the Vanguard,¡± Lena said, ¡°which is the line of people at the front, sometimes as high as eleven on the bigger teams. Then there is one team Sergeant and one Sentinel at each end. You can bring your Sentinel up to the Vanguard, too, but that will leave you without that last line of defense, so you only do that if you are desperate.¡±


    ¡°What about using skills?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Not allowed,¡± Vanis responded quickly. ¡°Some are instinctive, like your Dodge, but anything you consciously use is not permitted. You get one warning and then you can be ejected from the game.¡±


    ¡°I guess that makes sense,¡± Callie said with a nod. She looked around, seeing how excited the crowd was. ¡°I sense everybody watches this game?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite popular in the cities,¡± Lena said with a nod. ¡°There are even professional teams, too. When I was young I would play the game with the other kids in the group home.¡±


    Jesca nodded. ¡°When I was a cub, we would play all the time out in the fields; just make teams and have fun until it would get too dark to play.¡±


    ¡°I take it there are no small people playing, right? They¡¯d probably get squished.¡±


    ¡°Too little,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°Ogres too big, too.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s only normal sizes,¡± Lena said apologetically. ¡° Dwarves may play, but not many, since they can¡¯t run very fast. Mostly they are on the Vanguard to help block if they do play. There are a couple Fairies on the professional teams, though, but they have to wear special armor to encase their wings. In the capitals, there are also some teams that are all Ogres that only play against each other. Those games can get quite rough, as you can imagine.¡±


    ¡°The Druid is a very terrible Sergeant. I am going to go tell him how to throw,¡± Xin snarled, still glaring down on the field. ¡°He is very very bad at it!¡± she reiterated for good measure.


    ¡°Xin?¡± Lena said as the Lizardkin stormed past. ¡°Wait, you don¡¯t want to be too mean to him. It¡¯s just a game.¡±


    ¡°And the goal of any game is to win,¡± the Shaman snapped. ¡°To do that, he must know how to throw. I will show him!¡±


    ¡°Oh my,¡± Lena said quietly as Xin stormed her way down the bleacher seats. ¡°I¡¯m ¡­ I¡¯m going to make sure she doesn¡¯t say something she regrets. She¡¯s been quite angry at Wallir this entire battle.¡± Quickly, Lena raced after her housemate.


    Jesca looked nervous watching Xin and Lena run off. ¡°I think Xin is going to make a scene,¡± she whispered. ¡°When it comes to this game, she¡¯s really competitive. She¡¯s been yelling ever since we got here.¡±


    Callie chuckled at the thought of Xin being a rabid sportsball fan, having never really seen her get angry or even that animated about anything. Normally, the Lizardkin was very even-tempered, albeit often awkward with her direct observations. It was nice to see another side of her.


    A rumble in her stomach reminded Callie it was past lunchtime, and she hadn¡¯t had breakfast, either. ¡°Is there any food? I saw the sign at the mess tent sending everyone up here and I¡¯m starving.¡±


    Jesca nodded. ¡°Uh huh! They have food over there. We wanted to wait for you.¡± She gestured towards a small, temporary, open-walled tent. There was a bit of a line, but the sun had come out again, and the rain was letting up, so it wouldn¡¯t be that bad. ¡°I¡¯m hungry, too, so I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Turning to Vanis and the others, she asked, ¡°What does everyone else want?¡±


    ¡°Am good,¡± Tazrok mumbled as he stretched his gigantic arms. ¡°Must fly heal in fourth battle. Don¡¯t want full belly.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble, one of those mushroom sandwiches would be lovely,¡± Vanis said. Juniper gave him a quick poke in the side, nodding her head. ¡°Two, that is.¡±


    ¡°One of those v-v-veggie flat-things for me,¡± Pixyl added, holding her hands in a circle to indicate what it apparently looked like.


    ¡°Let me come along,¡± Ambria said, rising from her seat. She gestured towards Koka and Moka. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll get something for us, too.¡±


    Weaving their way through the milling groups of recruits and others, Callie couldn¡¯t help but feel an immediate connection with Earth. It felt like a simple picnic day with a game for everyone to watch, and seemed a perfect bookend to the first week of training and the start of the next. Though sunny for the moment, even the promise of occasional drizzling rain couldn¡¯t seem to put a damper on things, because the air was warm and the sun felt wonderful once it peeked out between the clouds.


    As they took a spot at the back of the food line, Callie saw Pama and her Goblins racing around, taking and fulfilling orders inside the tent. Above the line were three pictures showing what was available. The first showed bread with a big mushroom on it. The second was less like a flatbread and looked more like a tortilla wrap, filled with leafy greens. The final picture made Callie¡¯s heart leap. It was a sausage, inside a bun. It was a hot dog! Or at least whatever this world called it, and it immediately reminded her of home. A hot dog! At the ball game! This was simply perfect!


    ¡°You must more than just throw the ball and hope,¡± a sour voice called out. ¡°You must also be accurate and follow through!¡± Callie and the others turned to see a quite animated Xin demonstrating a throwing technique like she was an angry high-school coach pointing out something obvious.


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Wallir sighed back to Xin. ¡°But all I said is that I¡¯ve thrown a Bunkerball before. I told you all I wasn¡¯t any good.¡±


    ¡°Be better,¡± Xin snapped in return. ¡°Like this!¡± She snatched the ball out of Wallir¡¯s hand, spun and threw it towards the end zone bunker about twenty meters away. She whirled back to Wallir, the ball still in the air and said, ¡°That is how you must throw to win the game.¡±


    Everyone watched as in seeming slow-motion, the ball passed easily through the hole, almost perfectly centered. As one, the nine players turned their gaze back to Xin.


    ¡°Do that again,¡± Koda said blankly, absently taking another ball from a Wolfkin¡¯s paws. He forcefully pushed it into Xin¡¯s claws and then gestured towards the bunker.


    ¡°It is not hard at all,¡± Xin said to the Bearkin. ¡°Even a child can throw where I come from!¡± With that, Xin spun, winding up for a fast throw. The ball flew from her hand, the sound of whooshing wind coming from it, as it once again passed perfectly through the hole.


    There was a long pause as everyone digested what they had seen.


    His grin getting even wider than normal, Koda reached out and grabbed Xin¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Congratulations, girl, you are now our Sergeant.¡± The Paladin looked at Wallir, who actually had a look of relief on his face. ¡°Sorry, you¡¯re out.¡±


    ¡°Fine with me!¡± Wallir responded, raising his hands to remove the whistle from his neck. He quickly dropped it over Xin¡¯s head, metaphorically washing his hands of the whole affair.


    ¡°What?¡± Xin gasped, a look of confusion on her face. ¡°I did not come down here to play. I was only demonstrating¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry, my dear, you¡¯ve been drafted,¡± Koda said, slapping Xin¡¯s back, a spray of mud flying from his arm.


    ¡°Serves you right,¡± Lena said with a giggle. ¡°I told you to just relax and enjoy the game.¡±


    Xin shot a glare of annoyance at the Bladedancer but slowly, a grin almost as large as Koda¡¯s started to form on her face. ¡°Then you will play, too!¡±


    Lena¡¯s sudden ¡®oh shit, what have I done¡¯ look was absolutely priceless.

 Chapter 37 Part 2 - A Few Little Suggestions

    PART II - A FEW LITTLE SUGGESTIONS


    ¡°Here are your mushroom burgers,¡± Callie said, handing two cloth-tied bundles to Vanis.


    ¡°Thank you, Callie,¡± Vanis said, accepting the packages and passing one to Juniper.


    Behind her, Jesca gave Pixyl her wrap, and Ambria slid back on to the bench next to the Twins, giving each their lunch as well.


    Callie took a seat and opened up her own tied cloth. Inside was her hot dog. She instinctively knew it wouldn¡¯t be the same, especially since instead of ketchup and mustard, a sticky, light brown sauce was drizzled over it. But this was a ballgame, she was here with her friends, the sun was out for the moment, and she had a goddamn hot dog. It was simply perfect.


    It was also strange. Settling in to watch the game resume, she took a bite. It might have looked like a hot dog, but it definitely was different. The sausage was less salty, with a subtle smokey flavor in it, in addition to the taste of the grilled meat. The brown sauce was actually a little spicy, but a quiet spicy that snuck up on you after a few seconds. It wasn¡¯t bad, not at all. It was just ¡­ different, and a reminder that this wasn¡¯t quite home no matter what they served at the ballgame.


    Out on the field, Xin was now warming up, throwing the ball lazily to Kaisess, and practicing a couple times having Koda snap the ball to her. The break lasted well past the normal ten minutes between quarters, or what this game called ¡®battles¡¯, but with the change of Sergeant, the Trainer team didn¡¯t push the issue. Elsewhere on the field, Lena and Celeste eyed each other, seeming to naturally square off, both beginning a little friendly smack-talking.


    Play began with a jump ball, each team lining all nine players up in the center. The referee blew his whistle at the same time the ball was tossed straight up, and immediately each teams¡¯ Sentinel raced towards their own bunkers to take up defensive positions. The camp team won the toss, the ball tipped into the hands of the Duelist trainer, Cylanae. About to get tackled, she awkwardly passed off towards Celeste, but Lena came like lightning out of nowhere to intercept. Unfortunately, she ran out of steps before she could find someone to pass to, which ended the charge, but put the recruits in possession. The Duelist trainer was quite angry with herself for making such a poor pass, while the recruit team immediately had momentum.


    The next play began with Xin falling back, looking for a long throw. She dodged one tackler, and then stiffly held another at bay using her tail long enough to go for it. Far downfield, Kaisess was already in the enemy bunker. Xin¡¯s throw was dead-on accurate and the Tigerkin spun around the Trainer¡¯s Sentinel that was trying to pull him down. With a whoop, he shoved the ball through the hole for a quick and easy three points. As the cheers went up from the recruits, there was a sense that something on the field had changed.


    Jesca explained that since the ball had gone through the hole, the scoring team could either ask for another jump ball midfield, or the opponent would take possession at their own quarter-field mark. The first option was risky, because your opponent could get possession, putting them even closer to your bunker, but if you managed to win the jump, you were in prime position to score again. The more-conservative approach would be to put the opponent at their quarter-field, even though it guaranteed their possession.


    Callie groaned as the latter option was chosen, now putting the recruit team on defense. ¡°They should have done the jump ball. We¡¯re so far behind we need to take risks. How many quarters are left, or battles I guess?¡±


    ¡°Three, including this one¡± Vanis said. ¡°There¡¯s a total of five.¡±


    ¡°Huh, okay. So there¡¯s still time,¡± Callie said. ¡°Still, we¡¯re going to have to get aggressive on both offense and defense.¡±


    The game moved fast, with all the passing that needed to be done. Xin, always hyper-accurate with her throws, was never intercepted, but others were as they tried to move the ball downfield and were required to pass it to another. Luckily, Lena seemed to master reading the Sergeant on the opposing team, and was able to pick off or deflect passes to Celeste more times than not.


    The Recruits managed to hold the camp to only two points through the gate, while overall Xin''s accuracy managed to get Kaisess in twice for six points, and Lena in for three. It still wasn¡¯t enough though, and Callie was growing worried. Netting only seven points over several possessions wasn¡¯t going to make up the difference.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t they using Xin to throw through the hole? She¡¯s so accurate even at long range.¡±


    Jesca shrugged. ¡°They probably should.¡±


    Another snap to Xin went off, and she faded right looking for a downfield target. There was none, and a hard hit dropped her like a sack of rocks for a loss. The ball popped upwards, landing almost perfectly in Celeste¡¯s hands. But before she could take two steps, Lena flew in for a tackle, sending the officer face-first into the mud.


    A double-whistle sounded, though, as Xin was slow to sit up, nursing her right side. Koda was there even before Bratig could drop from the sky, the Paladin assessing how badly she¡¯d been hurt.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Callie said, worried both for her friend, and, quite frankly, for their offensive game.


    Xin proved resilient. With a quick second opinion from a mud-caked Cheena, who was acting as the Trainer team Sergeant, Xin stood and twisted to work a kink out of her body. Waving to the lightly-applauding crowd, she walked off the hit, a rather fierce and determined look now on her scaly face.


    ¡°Whew,¡± Pixyl said. ¡°I w-w-was worried for a moment.¡±


    The Recruits now lined up for defense, Xin stepping out to let the large Rhinokin take her spot. He shuffled into the line in a random spot just before Cheena blew her whistle and there was a clash at the front. The Recruit line was haphazard, though, giving the Shaman plenty of time to run to the side and then fling a quick pass to Cylanae, who ran six steps before lobbing the ball long to Celeste. Lena tried to take the Major down, but what had to be Instinctive Dodge kicked in and she easily ducked Lena¡¯s unseen leaping attempt from behind. Excitedly, Celeste then slipped around the defending Sentinel and plugged the hole for three points. A collective groan went up from the recruits in the crowd.


    ¡°Do ¡­ do they even have a strategy?¡± Callie asked, looking at her friends and gesturing randomly towards the field. ¡°Cheena had way too long to make that throw. What the hell, guys?¡±


    As the teams began to assemble for the next drive, the Trainers choosing to start the recruit team back at their quarter-field mark, the bell sounded ending the battle. Callie looked at the scoreboard, which showed the game now at 33-12, now with only two more battles remaining.


    Callie was feeling competitive now. Seeing all her friends and fellow recruits out on the field made her feel invested in the outcome in a way she¡¯d never felt about ¡®sportsball¡¯ before. She wanted to win, and she had ideas! With a grim determination, she started to walk down the bleachers.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Jesca asked, Pixyl standing with a concerned look next to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go give them some suggestions.¡±


    Jesca looked at Pixyl. ¡°She¡¯s turned into Xin.¡±


    With a shrug, the Pixie flew into the air, wings fluttering to keep steady, and followed along after Callie. Jesca had no idea what to do, and looked to Vanis and the rest for guidance.


    ¡°Go!¡± Vanis said with a laugh. ¡°Keep her out of trouble, if you can. Or at least less trouble than normal.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°You must get to the Sergeant before she can throw.¡± Xin snapped at the Rhinokin.


    ¡°I tried, but she was very fast,¡± the gruff Beastkin replied, ¡°and I am not!¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Koda snarled, charging between them and breaking them apart before tempers could flare any higher. ¡°Enough. It¡¯s a game.¡±


    Xin flexed her nostrils a few more times before snapping, ¡°Fine, but we all must do better.¡±


    ¡°Hi!¡± Callie said, waving up at everyone. ¡°You did great this quarter ¡­ I mean battle. You held them to only five points and got nine!¡±


    All eyes turned to look down at the smiling Gnome, her bright pink hair contrasting loudly with the dark mud. ¡°I have a few little suggestions to show you, if you have a minute.¡±


    ¡°What is this? Little One, leave us be so we can come up with a plan,¡± a burly Wolfkin said, mud still dripping from his fur.


    ¡°Yes, Callie,¡± Koda added. ¡°We do not have time for this.¡±


    The little Gnome looked up at the Bearkin for a moment, and then promptly chose to ignore him. ¡°Here¡¯s the issue. The three-pointers aren¡¯t going to do it. To start with, we need to get some seven point drives.¡±


    The players were confused. What in the stars was this Gnome doing here? And where did she come off saying ¡®we¡¯, for that matter. They were losing, and losing bad. Even with the good battle this time, the Trainer team was simply better.


    ¡°Callie, pl¡­¡± Koda started to say.


    ¡°L-L-Let her speak,¡± Pixyl said flatly from her spot hovering over everyone, Koda going quiet as he glanced upwards.


    ¡°Guys,¡± Callie said, putting on a pleading look, ¡°Just give me one minute, and if you don¡¯t like what I say, then kick me off the field. But I can help.¡±


    ¡°What the hell,¡± Lena giggled, ¡°it couldn¡¯t hurt. Talk fast.¡±


    Callie nodded quickly. ¡°Okay, your best weapon for a comeback is Xin. She can throw the ball through the hole easily. Xin, how close do you need to be, do you think, to do that with good confidence?¡±


    Xin boggled at her housemate. She was too little to play this game and up until a half-hour ago didn¡¯t know anything about it. How the hell was she going to be of any value here? But then Xin saw the pleading look in the Gnome¡¯s eyes. She could see how much Callie legitimately wanted to help, or at least she was pretty sure that was the Gnome¡¯s expression. Callie was a Gnome, after all, and their faces seemed a little weird, and Callie was a little extra-weird on top of that.


    ¡°How close?¡± Callie asked again.


    ¡°It will depend if I am being chased,¡± Xin finally said. ¡°Ten meters if I have to throw while running, but if I am standing still, fifteen. Maybe even twenty if I have time. Further than that, I would be less confident.¡±


    ¡°Good! Ten meters. That¡¯s the new goal,¡± Callie said, gesturing to the Lizardkin. ¡°Get Xin within ten meters so she can score seven. In general, don¡¯t go for the three unless it¡¯s one of the last two charges, okay? Take a knee.¡±


    The players were starting to listen to the little Gnome now. Despite everything, she at least seemed to be making some sense. The friction that had been building with the overly-intense Xin and the others also started to fade.


    ¡°Koda and, I¡¯m sorry I don¡¯t know your name,¡± Callie began, gesturing at the Rhinokin, ¡°you need to open a hole for Xin to throw or run through. Lena, you and Kaisess concentrate on looking like you¡¯re going to receive a pass to distract the goalie. Um, the Sentinel, I mean. Get Xin a clear shot.¡±


    There were a lot of blank stares.


    Frustrated, Callie dropped to her knees and started to draw in the mud, not caring she was getting filthy for the second time that day. ¡°Just like this!¡± She filled an area with X¡¯s and O¡¯s, then drew lines where people should move to. ¡°Do you see?¡±


    There was a moment of silence, but Koda broke it with a simple, ¡°Yes,¡± as he knelt down in the mud to get a better look, most of the other players following his lead.


    ¡°Good!¡± Callie said, looking up from the ground. She ran her hand over the mud, erasing the play. ¡°The other big thing offensively is we¡¯re turning the ball over too many times.¡±


    ¡°Turning over?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°They are getting interceptions when you are passing it back and forth.¡±


    ¡°Ahh. Yes, you¡¯re right about that.¡±


    ¡°So, keep the passing short. The long plays are great, but risky. It¡¯s better to gain a quick five yards ¡­ er meters than risk losing the ball. Kaisess, if Lena receives the pass, run towards her so she doesn¡¯t have to throw as far to you as you pass back and forth. Lena, same to you the other way. If we¡¯re going for the three at the end of the possession, then both of you should be passing back and forth as you rush the Sentinel, and then whoever they don¡¯t focus on makes the score.¡± As she was speaking, Callie drew out another play, then showed the two receivers. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid to run the ball past six steps if the pass isn¡¯t absolutely safe. Remember, better to get a small gain than give it away.¡±


    ¡°We can do that,¡± Kaisess said with a nod. He looked at Lena. ¡°Right?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Lena agreed with a nod and a big grin, actually enjoying the little Gnome¡¯s strategizing.  ¡°What the hell, this cant hurt, right?¡±


    ¡°That is offense, but what of defense?¡± the Rhinokin growled.


    ¡°That¡¯s where you two come in again,¡± Callie began, gesturing back and including Koda. She drew as she spoke, outlining her defensive plan. ¡°I want you both to concentrate on herding the quarter ¡­ er ¡­ the Sergeant towards ¡­¡± she rapidly started to draw again. ¡°... towards Lena. Lena, your job is to move fast and take down the Sergeant, deflect her ball, whatever you can do to keep her from throwing accurately. Get in her face, keep her under pressure. If you have an easy tackle do that, but mostly worry about stopping the throw, or at least making her throw bad. You¡¯ve got Acrobatics now, remember? Jump in front of her pass. It¡¯s a perk, not a skill, so you can use it, right?¡±


    ¡°The rules are no skills, so I should be able to, I suppose. But I¡¯ve been concentrating on Celeste. She¡¯s really good.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s too good. So let¡¯s make it so she receives as few good throws as possible, instead. Kaisess, you concentrate simply on stopping passes to the Major. She¡¯s too slippery with her Dodge to take down easily, so just spike the ball or punch it out of bounds or whatever. Don¡¯t worry about the intercept unless it¡¯s super easy. She¡¯s generally been passing off to Cylanae if she runs out of steps, so if the Major manages to get it, do the same thing as Lena. Do everything you can to make her throw poorly.¡±


    The Tigerkin Ranger contemplated for a moment and then nodded. ¡°I can do that, too.¡±


    ¡°You,¡± Callie said, gesturing to an absolutely mud-covered Catkin. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not sure who you are, but I want you to ¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Fynisse,¡± the Warlock interrupted.


    ¡°Oh! I didn¡¯t recognize you with all the mud. Here¡¯s what I want you to do since you run pretty fast. Just like Kaisess, but instead stick like glue to Cylanae. Same thing, block the ball, and if she gets it, make it hard for her to throw. Get aggressive and get in her face.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Fynisse said, nodding.


    ¡°Last thing. After we score, we ask for a jump ball, rather than giving it to them. Make them fight for everything. Nothing for free. Lena, you take the jump balls. Use acrobatics to get as high as you can. Jump off Koda¡¯s back for more height. Koda, you kneel down for her.¡±


    Koda huffed a single chuckle, and after a pause started to laugh. Callie had stood, and Koda reached out with his muddy hand to rustle her pink hair, leaving a huge muddy paw print behind. ¡°I love this plan. I¡¯m in.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to listen to her?¡± the Wolfkin asked. ¡°We¡¯re going to let her be in charge?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Lena said with a shrug. ¡°Do you have a better idea?¡±


    The players looked at each other questioningly before they all mutually shrugged and nodded.


    ¡°One more last thing,¡± Callie said, just as everyone started to turn back to the field.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Kaisess asked.


    ¡°Make sure to have fun!¡±

 Chapter 37 Part 3 - Unforeseen

    PART III - UNFORESEEN


    ¡°Reynard,¡± Master Trainer Thorn said casually as he walked up and stood next to the Foxkin.


    ¡°Thorn,¡± Reynard responded flatly, not turning to look at his friend.


    They stood in silence for a long while, having both just watched a tiny Gnome Ranger, one who should be relaxing and recovering from some serious mana exhaustion, charge the sidelines, seem to take control as the recruit team¡¯s Field Marshal, and began to draw in the mud.


    ¡°Unexpected,¡± Thorn finally stated as the players finally rose and broke their huddle, clapping, cheering, and returning eagerly to the field, huge smiles on their faces.


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    ¡°This probably means something, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Probably.¡±


    They stood silent as the fourth battle began. It took only three plays for the recruits to score, the Shaman throwing the ball halfway down the field to the Tigerkin, who spun and dunked it for three points. The recruits pumped their arms excitedly towards the little Gnome, she whooping it up in return, accompanied by encouraging overhead applause.


    Thorn glanced sidelong at his friend, trying to read his face. ¡°Interesting.¡±


    ¡°Mmmmm.¡±


    Three plays later, the recruits intercepted, setting themselves up to score on the next charge, Xin throwing the ball almost casually through the hole from at least fifteen meters out.


    ¡°Thoughts?¡± Thorn asked, raising one eyebrow.


    Reynard growled slightly, not answering.


    ¡°Be nice, my friend.¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Reynard said, a sly smile beginning to appear on his face.


    <hr>


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Major Celeste hissed out as once again Kaisess smacked the ball away just as she was about to catch it, ending the charge. She watched the Tigerkin Ranger return to his team where he was high-fived in celebration. Slowly she swung her gaze towards her true nemesis. It was indeed a Ranger, but not the one that had been constantly in her face since this battle started.


    The Major sneered as Field Marshal Callie called out a loud ¡®Wooo!¡¯, clapping above her head. The Gnome then shouted out loud, ¡®Way to go!¡¯ From across the field, Celeste briefly locked eyes with the Gnome, who gave her an excited wave. In return, Celeste glowered even harder and jabbed two fingers towards her eyes, before turning them and jabbing towards Callie. Callie grinned stupidly in return, throwing out another enthusiastic wave to salt the wound even more.


    The Recruits had scored five times already in this battle, for a total of twenty-one points. In addition to those first three points off a blundering interception, Xin got her own long throws through twice, along with a last-ditch throw from nearly mid-field through the gate for one point, and Lena had managed to intercept another pass and shuttle the ball to Kaisess in the bunker to sink the ball for another three. All told, the Trainers had been held to only six points so far, making the score now 39-33.


    The trainer team wasn¡¯t quite in complete disarray, but they certainly were surprised and growing frustrated. For the first three battles the recruits had been disorganized and floundering. Now they were working together and proving to be ridiculously effective. Cheena was constantly under pressure, with Lena deflecting passes, pulling her down, or even once leaping unnaturally high to snag the aforementioned interception. Celeste had been denied almost completely by the Ranger Tigerkin and even Cylanae had been stymied by a sixteen year-old Warlock. It was all the fault of one person, and that person wasn¡¯t even on the damn battlefield.


    ¡°Now this is turning into a fun game!¡± Cheena said excitedly as the trainers huddled up, having called a timeout in order to regroup, even though it used one of their charges. ¡°I was worried it would be completely one-sided after those first two battles.¡± The Shaman looked up and saw the Major still distracted, staring at the sidelines. ¡°Hey! Major! Head in the game!¡± Cheena chided, slapping the Major¡¯s helmet.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Celeste snapped, refocusing her attention.


    ¡°How do we adapt?¡± Cheena asked.


    ¡°We need to shut down their Sergeant . How does that Lizardkin throw so well?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s a trained Spearmaster,¡± Cheena said admiringly. ¡°Before she came here, that is.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, that explains it then. How the hell do we stop that?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not our problem,¡± Celeste snarled.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Celeste gestured towards the sidelines with her chin. There, the huge Bearkin Paladin was kneeling in front of a pink-haired Gnome who was animatedly drawing in the mud with her finger. ¡°She¡¯s our problem.¡±


    A grumble of acknowledgements went up around the huddle.


    ¡°Do you want me to ¡­ uh ¡­ accidentally take her out?¡± Sergeant Major Natala suggested questioningly, her Dwarf eyes seeming just a little too eager.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s exactly what we need to do,¡± Celeste said distantly, still watching the Gnome.


    ¡°Really?¡± Natala blinked, surprised. She had been making a joke. Mostly.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°No, not like that,¡± Celeste laughed, lightly smacking the side of the Sergeant¡¯s head. ¡°She¡¯s tricky, so we need to be tricky, too. I have an idea¡­¡±


    <hr>


    Callie whooped again in encouragement as Koda stood and jogged back to the rest of the team. They¡¯d been doing really well, but more-importantly, everyone was having fun. Even the recruits in the stands had grown more excited as the scores grew ever closer.


    Once again, Callie locked eyes with the Major, who was watching her from the huddle with her own team. Celeste was getting pissed, and Callie was going to do everything she could to capitalize on that fact. Like before, Callie waved eagerly at the sneering Elf, pushing harder to get into her head. The Trainer¡¯s huddle broke up.


    ¡°Okay guys, get ready,¡± she mumbled to herself. ¡°She wants to get tricky? Well, I can counter tricky just fine¡­¡± Callie hadn¡¯t been talking to Koda; they were faking a conversation. Instead, Callie had heard everything. Was using her Gnomish super-hearing cheating? Hey, it wasn¡¯t a skill, so all¡¯s fair in Bunkerball!


    Cheena received the snap to start the charge, and fell back, looking as if she was going to throw long. To the Shaman¡¯s left, rather than run for the downfield reception, Major Celeste unexpectedly turned and raced sideways along the front, receiving a fast handoff from the Shaman. Cheena then bolted forward, dodging the charging Koda and the Rhinokin, running hard towards the recruit bunker. Celeste was now effectively the Sergeant, looking for someone downfield to throw to, and that someone was Cheena, who was no longer being covered. She threw.


    Cheena spun, ready to catch the ball. It had been a bit of a trick play to get her in the open, but she¡¯d eluded the Bearkin and the Rhinokin, as well as Lena apparently, and was now completely uncovered. She was just about to catch the ball when Lena flipped into view from the side, snatching the ball for an interception. How the hell ¡­ ?


    Lena landed, her foot slipping in the mud. She stumbled a few uncoordinated steps on the return before underhanding the ball to Fynisse just as she flopped into the mud with a splurch. The Warlock caught the ball and ran, looking for someone to safely pass off to. With Lena down, though, no one was cleanly open, and she was forced to run out her steps to end the play. The crowd had gone wild with the turnover, though. Well, at least part of it had. The other part of the crowd was increasingly getting a lot more subdued.


    The teams slowly got reorganized for the change of possession, a few players swapping out on each side. Callie caught Celeste¡¯s glare and put on the biggest shit-eating grin she could muster, before pointing two fingers at her own eyes and then jabbing them back at the Major.


    <hr>


    Now on offense, Callie raised her hands in a ¡®T¡¯, signaling for Xin to call a timeout, chewing up a charge but gaining a moment to get reorganized. This battle was winding down and would end soon. There was no clock, but the referee would call out time remaining whenever the countdown resumed. Callie wasn¡¯t sure how they tracked it, but he called out only fifty seconds left, so there wasn¡¯t a lot of time to score before the next break. Probably only two attempts if they used another charge on a timeout, maybe three.


    ¡°Great job everyone,¡± Callie said with a grin.


    ¡°We have your ears to thank for that one,¡± Lena said happily, a giddiness in her voice. ¡°The Major is so mad right now.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Callie giggled. ¡°Isn¡¯t it great!¡±


    ¡°So what do we do?¡± The Wolfkin asked, having now fully accepted the Gnome as the team¡¯s Marshal. Callie had finally been properly introduced and he was a Berserker named Harzol.


    ¡°Who wants to mess with their heads some more?¡± Callie asked with a snicker.


    An eager excitement went around, everyone nodding heartily.


    ¡°Ok, we¡¯re going to do the same play they just did back to them.¡± Callie knelt, using her finger to draw out the play in the mud for all those that hadn¡¯t picked up on the specifics previously.


    ¡°Also, Xin,¡± Callie said, grabbing the Lizardkin¡¯s clawed hand, ¡°I¡¯ve got one more thing you can do, and hopefully it will work.¡±


    Once told, Xin actually giggled, looking at the rest of the team. ¡°I believe that will indeed work, Little One. They are very angry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not much, but it will rattle them even more. Make sure you are all ready for it, so you don¡¯t get hurt.¡±


    Everyone stood, clapping to get some excitement going as they returned to the field.


    Once again the two teams lined up. Xin put the starting whistle in her mouth and eyed everyone, gesturing vaguely towards Lena for no real reason at all. She took the cue, shuffled slightly to her right, forcing Celeste to reposition just a bit to match, the Major growing even more tense. Xin took a deep breath and in one fluid motion spit the whistle out followed by exhaling sharply. There was no starting sound, but the eager team of trainers and officers leapt forward, bowling several recruits over into the mud. The referees quickly whistled out several times to halt the action, the Trainers having drawn a penalty for going past the front before play started.


    ¡°Suckers!¡± Callie cackled to herself.


    There weren¡¯t a lot of penalties in the game, but Jesca had shared that going offsides like this was one. The Sergeant for the offense was in charge of the start of play, and that only happened when their whistle sounded. No sound, no start. Xin now had a choice to accept moving the ball forward fifteen strides and replay the charge, or take five and add a charge back to the total. With so little time remaining, it made more sense the ball was moved the full amount, and the referee walked it off, setting it down in the new spot.


    The trainers, grumbling at being duped by the fakery, grudgingly returned to the front, pairing off against the line of recruits. Xin again casually signaled as if she was making some last-minute corrections to the play, gesturing to both Kaisess and Lena. It was meaningless theatrics. They already had a plan.


    The ball was snapped and Xin dropped back three steps before handing it off to Lena, who had charged across the field, while Kaisess took off towards the bunker, Cylanae struggling to keep up. Meanwhile, Koda and the Rhinokin, a Barbarian named Shirax, cleared the road. Xin charged forward through the gap, leaping casually over someone sprawled in the mud. Lena ran left with the ball, sighting in on Xin, Celeste right on her tail. The Major leaped for a tackle, pulling her student down into the mud, but not before Lena got the throw off.


    Xin caught the ball, and kept running, counting to herself towards six long strides while she sighted in on Kaisess, already almost to the far end of the field. He had Cylanae hot on his heels, but he was open. With Spearmaster accuracy, Xin threw for the Ranger. All he had to do was catch it. Either he¡¯d be able to pass it back to Xin, or if he was brought down Xin could get seven on the next charge.


    The ball was perfectly caught by Kaisess, and he began to silently count off steps of his own, looking to pass back to Xin before he hit six. On his second step, though, his foot slipped in the mud, sending his legs out from under him. The Duelist trainer, rushing hard to catch him, had been mid-leap, set to body tackle the Tigerkin. Now, she crashed into his legs, sending him spinning in the air like a pinwheel. Kaisess flipped twice before falling to the ground, bouncing once and coming up with one leg splayed out oddly.


    For Callie, the world froze at that moment and the image burned into her memory. Kaisess, in mid-bounce, his right leg obviously not looking the way it should be. Cylanae sloshing forward face-first along the ground, pushing a wave of mud with her face. Xin running, but already beginning to redirect her path slightly as a glow started to appear in her right hand, her lizard-fast reflexes kicking in before anyone else had registered anything had even happened.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Callie somehow managed to squeeze out as she started to rush forward, the world still moving like thick syrup. Koda was struggling to his feet, eyes downfield and transfixed on his teammate. Xin¡¯s Totem was already beginning to spring into existence, the light having drawn the outline of the magical beacon. Cheena, who had been right behind Xin, trying to run her down, started her own casting, her hand beginning to come to life.


    Kaisess screamed.


    Kaisess ¡­ screamed ¡­

 Chapter 37 Part 4 - Tiger Down

    PART IV - TIGER DOWN


    ¡°No! No! No!¡± Callie cried out again as she ran. Her own feet got tangled in the mud and each other, and she sprawled forward with a splurch into the mud. Still, she never lost sight of her fallen friend. She tried to rise, tried to continue forward, only to slip and fall again. She was now fully covered in mud but she didn¡¯t even notice. Or care.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you,¡± a voice said from behind Callie as Jesca¡¯s furry arms reached around her. They lifted her up and tried to set her upright, but Callie barely even registered what happened and lunged again, escaping whoever¡¯s grasp. Her feet kept slipping though and she did the only thing she could, she started to crawl. Started to crawl towards the sound of the one she had gotten hurt.


    Kaisess had screamed.


    ¡°Healers only!¡± Celeste cried out, Flashstepping with a crackling whump sound in front of the rushing recruits, trying to block them.


    ¡°Move!¡± Koda snarled as he raced forward, having dropped to all fours, and Celeste made the wise decision to stand aside like a matador to a charging bull.


    Xin¡¯s Totem breathed to life, immediately seeming to thump like a single heartbeat as it sent out a Healing Pulse. The skill wasn¡¯t designed for major wounds, just to help a little with pain and focus on smaller cuts and bruises, but Xin was at least able to call this power as she ran with minimal concentration. The Lizardkin dropped to the ground, making a controlled slide as she was first to arrive at the side of the Tigerkin. Xin suddenly couldn¡¯t think, her brain trying to remember and failing. She didn¡¯t know what to do next!


    Cheena¡¯s Totem formed next to Xin¡¯s, and it too pulsed out its heartbeat of its Elemental life magic, washing over the fallen and all the others. But like Xin¡¯s, the skill wasn¡¯t designed for this, and at best it might dull the pain a bit more.


    Koda somehow overtook Cheena, despite his size, bounding around her and forward on all four limbs like his feral ancestors. There was fear and worry and determination in his eyes and no force was going to slow him down. The Bearkin skidded to a stop, or tried to. He slipped in the mud, sliding past Kaisess, locking eyes for the briefest of moments with the terrified Ranger.


    Lena wasn¡¯t really sure what to do either, but saw the Major setting herself up as a roadblock and decided to do the same. She Flashstepped, arriving next to her trainer just as the first recruits tried to break through the line. She stopped the first person, whoever it was, only to be pushed roughly aside by the Rhinokin, Shirax, looking nearly as determined as Koda had been.


    ¡°Stay back!¡± Major Celeste yelled once again, sending out a Command Aura pulse. Shirax stumbled and tripped while the rush of other players suddenly stopped, two also stumbling forward to the soft ground as they tripped over their suddenly-sluggish feet. All but one, that was. All but a tiny mud-covered Gnome with terrified eyes. All but a Gnome that cared only about one thing, and it wasn¡¯t whatever command the superior officer was trying to give.


    Koda scrambled back towards Kaisess and Xin, the claws of his paws extended and digging into the dirt for traction, sending it flying behind him. With the practiced eye of an Officer of the Watch, he began to assess just as Cheena arrived as well. Kaisess¡¯s leg was bent all wrong at the knee, with a bulge visible even under his pants leg. The Ranger yowled again, this time gritting his teeth, but it still sounded just as agonizing.


    ¡°Dislocated?¡± Koda asked, looking up at the Shaman Trainer for a second assessment.


    ¡°Um,¡± Cheena paused as she got her first look, ¡°or a really bad break?¡± she said with a questioning inflection. ¡°No blood, so no broken skin.¡±


    There was a thump and the earth shook as a small, flying kitty morphed into an Ogre. He seemed to block the sky as he towered over them all, looking down from above, a wall of muscle and concern. ¡°Must see first,¡± Tazrok growled.


    ¡°Knife?¡± Koda called out without thinking, looking around. Nothing seemed to appear, so he reached forward, intent on ripping the fabric off with his own clawed paws.


    Xin roughly pushed the Paladin aside, extending a single dagger-length claw of her own, muddy wetness glinting off the end of it. Kaisess got a momentary look of panic as the Lizardkin slashed forward, almost enough for him to forget the pain for an instant. Xin had a lifetime of practice with her claws, though, and she expertly punched a hole in the fabric, before pulling her hand all the way to Kaisess''s foot, leaving not a mark on his furry skin. His pants fell away, revealing a horrible sight.


    ¡°Dislocated, for sure,¡± Koda hissed, taking in the injury. ¡°Maybe more. I don¡¯t dare heal this before it¡¯s back in place.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s moving too much,¡± Cheena grunted, trying to still Kaisess as he reeled in agony.


    Koda frowned before instinctively calling out loudly, ¡°Combat Healer!¡±


    ¡°That would be Tasi or Trainer Winnu, but I don¡¯t think either is here,¡± Cheena snarled, still trying to calm her patient.


    Callie had managed to find a patch of ground dry enough for her to get to her feet. She rushed forward, ignoring everything but her destination. Lena pointed at her, yelling ¡®Stop Callie!¡¯. Major Celeste reached for the Gnome, but Callie somehow sensed her coming and miraculously her Dodge kicked in. She twisted and slid through the officer¡¯s legs, intent on getting to her classmate. She tried to get back to her feet again, but slipped, managing to only scramble forward on all fours once more. The Major turned and scooped the crawling Gnome up off the ground, holding Callie tightly to her chest as she squirmed in defiance.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± Callie snarled.


    <hr>


    The moment Kaisess had fallen, Reynard had instinctively started to rush forward, but after three or four steps his brain overrode those instincts and he stopped, knowing it was best left to the healers. He slowly stepped back to his spot under the awning.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± a voice next to the Foxkin said, and Reynard was startled to suddenly see Thorn had stepped up next to him.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    The Master Trainer gestured towards a small, pink-haired figure, covered in mud, trying to scramble forward on her hands and knees. They watched as she struggled to her feet, before somehow managing to dodge through the legs of a Gold Tier Bladedancer, only to slip in the mud and get stopped.


    ¡°Huh. I thought she might make it for a moment,¡± Reynard said conversationally.


    ¡°Probably best she didn¡¯t,¡± Thorn replied, paw scratching his furry chin.


    ¡°Probably.¡±


    ¡°How do you think she¡¯ll react?¡±


    ¡°Not well.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s resilient. Maybe more so than you think?¡± Thorn suggested.


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to handle it? It might be better if the Major did it. They''re closer.¡±


    Reynard paused hard before he slowly, almost hesitantly, answered. ¡°I¡¯ll ¡­ I¡¯ll do it.¡±This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°You will? Well, be gentle. Caring and empathy will go farther with her. That generally isn¡¯t your style.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    <hr>


    Up in the stands, Ambria was standing with worry between Koka and Moka, watching the field like everyone else. She¡¯d missed what had happened, having been distracted by something, she couldn¡¯t even remember what, for the briefest of moments. She only knew it was bad and that whoever had gotten hurt, she was fairly sure it was the cute Tigerkin, was being swarmed by people likely much more competent than she was.


    ¡°Combat Healer!¡± a loud, low voice called out in the distance.


    Ambria blinked slowly, and somewhere inside the Faun her training kicked in, those two words drawing her like a Siren¡¯s call. On pure instinct, she sighted her far-off target and took a single step forward into mid-air, dissolving almost instantly into nothing¡­


    ¡­ and reappearing just as almost-instantly two meters behind the Bearkin with a BAMF sound. ¡°Combat Healer! Out of the way!¡± she commanded, taking command of the situation just like she¡¯d been taught.


    With unexpected strength, the petite Fae shoved both Koda and Xin aside, the Bearkin actually sent sprawling, before kneeling down next to Kaisess. It took less than a second for her to evaluate the dislocated knee, which would surely be accompanied by multiple other internal rips and tears. She looked up into the scared and hurting eyes of the Tigerkin - stars, he really was cute - and gave him the look that she had been taught as a Healer apprentice back home. It was a look that said a hundred things at once, the most important of which was ¡®I¡¯m here and I¡¯m going to help you¡¯.


    ¡°So,¡± Ambria said with obviously false brightness, ¡°where does it hurt?¡±


    Kaisess literally stopped mid-groan and looked at the crazy, freckled girl with antlers kneeling in front of him. Then, he promptly choked trying to hold down a giggle. Somehow, he couldn¡¯t help it. It was such a stupid question, yet exactly the right one, too. ¡°I ¡­ I think I bumped my leg,¡± he managed to eke out in response, trying to be funny in return, before sucking in a sharp, agonized breath.


    ¡°Oh, just a bump? What the hell do you need me for?,¡± Ambria teased as she reached for her patient¡¯s thigh. With a moment of concentration, she pushed a spell into the Tigerkin¡¯s leg to numb it. ¡°That should help.¡±


    In an instant, the most-excruciating parts of the pain simply vanished, leaving Kaisess gape-mouthed. There was still a little something there, like a quiet warning that things were still messed up, but from where the Faun had touched him down to his feet, he felt nothing for the moment. ¡°Thanks,¡± was all he could say in response.


    ¡°Well, the good news is that you¡¯re going to live,¡± Ambria said brightly. She then seemed to frown, adding a deadpan, ¡°I think.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just a recruit, so I¡¯m still learning. But I¡¯m mostly sure.¡± The Faun¡¯s face took on an even more-exaggerated expression of concern. ¡°Just to check, your leg is not supposed to look like that, right?¡±


    ¡°Not ¡­ Not really,¡± Kaisess said, trying to stifle another laugh, but then groaning once again.


    Ambria looked up to Cheena and then back to Koda. Completely seriously, she said ¡°We¡¯re going to need to reduce this before we move him. We need a litter; he goes directly to medical after.¡±


    ¡°On it,¡± Cylanae said from behind Cheena, the Duelist trainer turning and running off to find what Ambria needed.


    ¡°Reduce? That doesn¡¯t sound great,¡± Kaisess hissed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if I screw this up, we¡¯ll grow you a new leg. Do you want a different color?¡±


    Kaisess somehow laughed again, he couldn¡¯t understand why. ¡°Sure,¡± he gasped, as a twinge of pain began to leak through the pain-blocking spell. ¡°Maybe a blue one for variety?¡±


    ¡°A lovely color,¡± Ambria said soothingly, catching the Tigerkin¡¯s eye and offering a comforting smile. Flipping to her medical voice, she added, ¡°I¡¯m going to put you to sleep now.¡±


    The Beastkin nodded, sucking in his breath again as a fresh wave of breakthrough pain hit him. He didn¡¯t know this girl, but he trusted her completely. ¡°Okay. Will you be there when I wake up?¡±


    ¡°Would you like me to be?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Kaisess began, wincing yet again. ¡°That ¡­ that would be nice.¡±


    ¡°Then I will be there. Head back. Close your eyes.¡± Kaisess nodded and laid his head back in the mud as the Faun touched her hand to her patient¡¯s forehead. There was a subtle tingle of power in the air, and Kaisess instantly went limp, the ball he was still clutching now rolling from his relaxed arms, landing in the mud with a light splash.


    Ambria stood, turning completely serious now. ¡°You and you,¡± she ordered, pointing to Koda and Xin. ¡°Do exactly what I tell you.¡±


    <hr>


    Major Celeste held Callie tight as the Gnome squirmed and fought to get free. Lena was helping the Rhinokin to his feet and the rest of the recruits had halted their rush, those that had tripped pulling themselves up. They all slowly gathered around Celeste, keeping their distance from the scene but obviously worried. All of them were covered in mud, and all of them were trying to somehow process.


    Celeste¡¯s worry increased as Koda called for a Combat Healer. That meant it was serious, and something the seasoned Paladin or Cheena, or one of the Druids, wasn¡¯t able to simply magically repair. There was a poof of cloudy gray as the little Faun teleported in, her green eyes intense and focused as she roughly pushed Koda and Xin aside.


    Callie had started to slow her squirming, although Celeste could tell she¡¯d run again if set down on the ground. The Major simply held on tight, like she was holding a child to prevent her from running into danger. ¡°Lena!¡± Celeste said, getting her student¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Major?¡±


    ¡°Take her, they¡¯ll need a litter.¡±


    Without a moment of hesitation, Lena accepted the Callie-shaped handoff. Sighting her destination and a clear path to get there, Celeste executed her Flashstep, arriving nearly instantly at the far end of the bleacher seating. She ran around the corner, to where a stretcher was hung for proximity to the training field, and heard footsteps rushing towards her from behind. Turning, she saw Cylanae had the same idea and was also coming to fetch it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Celeste said, lifting the litter from its hooks.


    Cylanae did an about face and started to run back to the scene of the injury, clearing the path of two recruits who had moved into the way, the Major close behind. They both arrived just as there was a grunting sound from Koda and Xin, Cheena making a wincing face as she watched whatever they were doing. There was no sound from Kaisess, though. The Faun must have put a sleep spell on him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a litter, what¡¯s happened?¡± Celeste asked, standing back so as not to crowd the Healers¡¯ work.


    ¡°We need to get him to medical,¡± Cheena said. ¡°As soon as he can be moved.¡±


    Behind them all, there was another BAMF sound, and Master Healer Tasi appeared in a familiar cloud of light gray smoke. She shook her head, as if in a momentary confusion, before seeing everyone gathered around an obviously-injured somebody. Next to the injured was the Faun, unexpectedly in charge for the moment, her bushy-ended tail swishing in intensity as she concentrated. ¡°A Sprite called me. Report!¡±


    Koda looked back, seeing the new Fairy arrival, and stood, Xin doing the same. ¡°Dislocated knee. Bad,¡± the Paladin said flatly, his experience from years of making similar reports in the Watch showing in his calm, ordered demeanor.


    ¡°Treatment so far?¡±


    ¡°Painkiller at the thigh,¡± Ambria said, nearly all her attention still focused on the knee of her patient. ¡°I used a sleep spell and we¡¯ve just reduced it.¡± Her hand was glowing as she held it over Kaisess. She shook her head in concern, adding ¡°I¡¯m sensing lots of internal damage though. I¡¯ve made no repair attempts.¡± She then yelled out, ¡°We need a litter!¡± Apparently she hadn¡¯t heard Celeste¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Also, Two Healing Pulses from a Totem,¡± Cheena amended to the Faun¡¯s report. ¡°One from me and one from Xin. She¡¯s Bronze.¡± She gestured with her chin towards the Lizardkin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cast anything more,¡± Tasi ordered. ¡°This will be a delicate repair. Probably would have been better without the Pulses.¡±


    ¡°We had no way to know the injury!¡± Xin snapped, a slight irritation in her voice.


    Tasi looked at Xin, then put a comforting hand on her arm. ¡°I know. It¡¯s fine. We may just need to undo some of your work.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I think he¡¯s stable,¡± Ambria added, rising out of the mud. ¡°When the litter arrives, we¡¯ll get him on it and take him to medical.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it right here,¡± Celeste said, barging forward, pretending she hadn¡¯t said the same already.


    Tasi took a step back, giving space to the Faun so she could continue directing people. She¡¯d step in if there was need, but so far, there was none. She observed as Ambria ordered the Major to set the stretcher down with one end at the head of the Tigerkin. Next she had Koda pull Kaises up onto the litter, so there were no sideways movements of the patient¡¯s legs. That was good thinking, actually.


    ¡°You two,¡± Tasi said, gesturing to Koda and Xin, ¡°carry him.¡± She turned to Ambria. ¡°I¡¯ve used my teleport to get here. Can you use yours to go get them ready?¡±


    The Faun shook her head. ¡°I used mine, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go!¡± Cheena said quickly. She ran, transforming into her bird form as she flew down the hill at high speed.


    ¡°We move. Just you two, the rest of you stay here,¡± Tasi ordered, motioning to Koda and Xin. She then paused and pointed to Ambria. ¡°You come too. He¡¯s your patient. Everyone be careful, the hill is slippery with mud.¡±


    ¡°I need to go get the Commandant,¡± Major Celeste said. ¡°They¡¯ll need to know what happened.¡±


    And just like that, less than ninety seconds from Tasi¡¯s arrival, Kaisess was gone. Carried down the hill and out of sight.

 Chapter 37 Part 5 - Concessions

    PART V - CONCESSIONS


    The moment Kaisess disappeared from view, Callie seemed to relax. ¡°If I put you down, will you not run off?¡± Lena asked. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯ll happily hold you the rest of the afternoon. Let them do their work.¡±


    Callie looked up and back at her friend. ¡°Koda told Tasi it was bad.¡±


    ¡°How did you ¡­ oh your ears, right. If anyone in the camp can fix him, it will be the Master Healer.¡±


    Callie struggled twice more, realized that Lena¡¯s grip was absolute, and finally relented. ¡°I¡¯ll stay,¡± she said glumly.


    Warily, Lena set the Gnome down. She didn¡¯t run. Quite the opposite, Callie simply fell back in the mud, landing with a wet splut on her rear. The Gnome just looked longingly to the edge of the field where Kaisess had been carried off, any strength she had having simply evaporated.


    Lena turned and looked at the rest of the players. Most were recruits, but there were a couple others in the group as well. It was hard to tell since everyone was covered in mud and all had the same expression on their face. ¡°Let¡¯s ¡­ let¡¯s all take a break for a bit,¡± Lena suggested, gesturing vaguely to the seats.


    ¡°What about the game?¡± Shirax asked in his gruff voice.


    ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± Lena said, glancing down at Callie, who was still sitting in a daze.


    ¡°But ¡­¡± the Rhinokin started to say, but he trailed off as several glares were shot at him.


    Slowly, the players moved, walking in pairs and small groups off the field, Callie still not moving as she gazed at the top of the hill where she¡¯d last seen Kaisess. Jesca, the only one on the field who wasn¡¯t mud-covered, even though she was soaking wet from the on-again off-again drizzle that was currently on-again, took one of Callie¡¯s hands. Lena took the other. Together they pulled the Gnome to her feet, the three then walking towards the sidelines and the shelter of the awnings, Callie never looking away from the top of the hill.


    They sat, a few rows up to keep out of the rain, and said nothing. Pixyl soon joined them, Lena moving aside so the Pixie could take Callie¡¯s hand, while Jesca continued to hold the other. No one was sure what to do next. The game should continue, but nobody¡¯s heart was in it any longer, on either team. The screams of the injured Catkin still seemed to echo, even though he was long gone, and that put a damper on everything.


    Eventually, the head referee asked both teams what they wanted to do. Lena looked at Callie staring stoically at nothing, then at the rest of the team, all of whom simply shook their heads. Even Shirax wasn¡¯t feeling it any more. Nodding in understanding, Lena sighed. ¡°We yield the game,¡± she said flatly. It was a logical call, really. Three of their key players were gone, and their Marshal was in her own way gone, too. The rain and mud, which had been a fun part of the whole game so far, now just felt cold, oppressive and filthy. There simply wasn¡¯t a lot of joy left to be had and nobody really wanted to keep playing.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Word circulated quickly, and those in the stands mostly filed away, planning to return to their quarters or regroup in the mess tent to play dice or some other game, or do whatever if the rain fully broke. A few were a little angry the game ended early, but largely, people empathized and let it go. The players slowly filed away, too, the recruits heading to their houses to pick up clean clothes on their way to the showers, while the officers and staff did the same, destined for their own facilities to clean up. Still Callie sat, lost in her own thoughts as her mind replayed the image of Kaisess spinning in the air; as she heard his scream over and over in her head.


    ¡°How is she?¡± Vanis asked Lena quietly, Juniper standing next to him with a worried expression.


    ¡°Taking it harder than I would have expected,¡± Lena whispered back. ¡°Kaisess will be fine, though. She just needs to see that, I think. She did a great job as Field Marshal, though.¡±


    Loki, who had been quietly holding Juniper¡¯s hand, stepped up to Callie. His big bulbous head seemed to grin slightly as he looked at her.


    ¡°And what do you want?¡± Callie asked quietly, a bit of a sour snarl in her tone.


    The plant monster opened his mouth slightly, just a little, and the end of Callie¡¯s red bow emerged from it, like the end of a bright-red tongue.


    Callie let out a single, subdued huff of laughter. She grasped the end, pulling the weapon hand-over-hand from Loki¡¯s mouth, the bow strangely lacking any saliva and otherwise completely unmarred. ¡°How the hell did you fit that in there?¡± she asked Loki, slowly shaking her head. The bow was far, far too long to fit without protruding out somewhere, but Callie just wasn¡¯t in a headspace to investigate further. It was magic, that was about all she could digest right now. Loki said nothing, of course. He simply smiled, a pair of thorny fangs poking out from under his upper lips this time, before returning to his creator¡¯s side and taking her hand once again.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Lena finally said. ¡°It doesn¡¯t do any good to just sit here. Let¡¯s get cleaned up and then we¡¯ll go check on Kaisess. A shower and fresh clothes will make you feel better, and the sun¡¯s coming out soon, too.¡±


    Callie looked skyward. The sun had moved behind the awnings, but she could see a large patch of blue sky moving their way with no dark clouds following, so indeed the current drizzle would end before very long. Callie sighed deeply. ¡°I guess.¡±


    Lena got down on one knee in front of the little Gnome. Like everyone else that had been playing, her face was covered in dirt, with just a few wet streaks around her eyes where she¡¯d wiped the large clumps away. ¡°Callie, none of this is your fault. Sometimes things just happen you don¡¯t expect.¡± She held out her hand, ready to lead the way back towards the camp.


    ¡°Yeah, chess and chaos,¡± Callie said glumly. ¡°I know. I see it now. But, I should have seen it before, too. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t have gotten hurt.¡± She let go of Pixyl¡¯s and Jesca¡¯s hands, before looking around at her friends. She added a weak smile before she rose and took Lena¡¯s hand in her own.

 Chapter 37 Part 6 - Emergency Medicine

    PART VI - EMERGENCY MEDICINE


    ¡°Make a hole!¡± Tasi called out as a terse order as she led Koda and Xin towards the medical tent. People scattered, seeing the determination on the Fairy¡¯s face even before they saw the litter bearing Kaisess.


    Ambria raced ahead to make sure the way was open in the medical tent as Tasi followed and directed where to lay the stretcher. Once set in place, Koda removed one of the litter¡¯s long poles, so the cloth could be pulled out from under the Tigerkin with the other, before the entire stretcher was set aside, out of the way.


    ¡°Water! Rags! Get him cleaned up. And cut those clothes off him!¡± Tasi called out as she rushed into the rear area of the tent to prepare. Through the back door, Cheena was pouring a bucket of cold water over her head before wiping her face and slicking back her hair. She was working to wash away as much of the mud as she could, obviously trying to clean up enough to be helpful.


    Before anyone could come with a safety knife, Xin flexed out her claw once again, using it to make clean slices through Kaisess¡¯s clothes so they could be pulled away. Xin stepped back as one of Tasi¡¯s assistants charged in with a bucket of water and clean rags, which he used to start cleaning their patient. He started at the knee, which had become swollen and purple, now showing clearly through the Tigerkin¡¯s fur..


    ¡°Both of you stand aside!¡± Tasi ordered, pointing at Xin and her assistant as she walked back into the alcove, the assistant stepping out of the area. She gestured to Xin again, adding, ¡°You may watch but stay out the way and stay silent.¡± She then jabbed her finger towards Ambria, before motioning across the table. ¡°You, stand there. This is your patient.¡± Immediately, everyone shuffled positions, Cheena also arriving, dripping with water but looking much cleaner.


    Tasi took a deep breath, sizing up the patient. She glanced briefly at the dripping Shaman trainer, then gestured towards a pile of rags for her to dry herself. ¡°Okay. Dislocated knee that was reduced. What¡¯s next?¡± she asked the young Faun.


    ¡°Um, cast a quick Diagnose?¡± Ambria responded with questioning inflection, barely getting the words out in nervousness. The knee was looking bad, and getting worse as she watched.


    ¡°No! You already did that and know what happened and what is wrong. What next?¡±


    ¡°Um ¡­¡± Ambria sputtered. Tasi was correct, she knew what was wrong. ¡°Maybe use Stabilize, right? I don¡¯t know if I can cast right now. I¡¯m really nervous.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll cast what is needed, but you must tell me what to do. Did you cast Stabilize before I arrived? Should I cast Stabilize now?¡±


    Ambria thought for a moment, her brain racing back through all the lessons on how to treat trauma from the previous week, and all the lessons from before she arrived. ¡°I didn¡¯t before you got there, no. As for now ¡­ N-N-No! He¡¯s stabilized enough already. He¡¯s asleep. He¡¯s not moving. And the injury isn¡¯t bleeding out, so that wouldn¡¯t be right anyway.¡±


    ¡°Good, that¡¯s correct! What¡¯s next?¡±


    The recruit tried to think. So much of what they¡¯d learned was about sealing holes and cuts, or fixing a broken bone or treating bruises. Basic starting points for a Combat Healer. So far there hadn¡¯t been anything about a dislocated joint and whatever damage might accompany that. ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± she finally blurted out in a panic. ¡°Maybe Diagnose again, but deeper this time? Make sure it''s been reduced properly? I might be able to manage casting that.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. Go ahead and try, tell me what you see,¡± Tasi said, pointing at the knee of her patient. ¡°Relax. We have time.¡±


    ¡°Do¡­ do you have a stone?¡± Ambria asked pleadingly.


    ¡°Do you need it?¡±


    ¡°I want to be sure.¡±


    Tasi nodded, fishing one of her diagnostic stones out of a pouch on her belt. ¡°Use it this time, but you may not always have one available.¡±


    Ambria accepted the stone, nodding in acknowledgement of the future warning. Settling it into her palm before she reached across the table, she took a deep, but shuddering, breath and pushed her magic through. She pushed hard, and the stone amplified it, quickly giving her additional information about the extent of the damage that her unassisted spell at her tier wouldn¡¯t see in such hurried conditions. Mechanically, she called out what she saw. ¡°Torn connective tissue, ripped muscles and blood vessels, minor fractures at the end of the bone. Wow! It¡¯s an absolute mess.¡±


    ¡°Should I cast Heal Wound on it?¡± Tasi asked, waiting for the recruit¡¯s directive and holding up her hand as if ready to cast.


    Ambria opened her eyes, catching the gaze of the remarkably calm Master Healer. Reflexively, her eyes shifted to both Xin and then to Cheena, who were both quietly looking on. ¡°No!¡± she cried, holding up her hands. ¡°Wait! It¡¯s not the right spell since he¡¯s stable. Right?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Tasi demanded.


    ¡°That kind of damage; It¡¯s delicate!¡± Ambria sputtered. ¡°Heal Wound is too fast.¡± She gestured to Cheena. ¡°We have a Shaman available. She should do it using Repair Wound instead, so she can start deep. That would even be better than a Druid¡¯s Mend Wound. It takes longer, but he¡¯s stable and she¡¯s not rushed.¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± Tasi said, lowering her hand and stepping aside, allowing Cheena to step up, still slightly dripping with dirty water. Tasi moved up to the head of the table, still obviously in charge of the room. She had a smile on her face, proud of the recruit catching the need for different magic. ¡°Continue. What should the Shaman do?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t know!¡± Ambria cried, panic returning to her voice as she hopped up and down, her arms flailing momentarily. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do! Just fix him, please!¡±


    Cheena reached across the table, grasping the Faun¡¯s shaking hands in both of hers. ¡°Deep breath. There is plenty of time. How would I know what to do?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I tell you what happened, right?¡± Ambria said, looking at the sleeping face of Kaisess. ¡°Tell you what my Diagnose showed through the stone?¡±


    ¡°You could do that. But what should I do?¡±


    ¡°L-L-Listen to me?¡±


    Cheena and Tasi both laughed. ¡°Of course, but what spell should I maybe cast?¡± Cheena asked, pushing the young Healer to focus as she offered a hint.


    ¡°Um ¡­ do your own Diagnose? That¡¯s right! Your own Diagnose! That¡¯s way you know exactly what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± Cheena cooed, releasing the Faun¡¯s hands. ¡°That would be much faster than you trying to explain it all to me anyway, right? Now, take a deep breath before you pass out while I do this.¡±


    Ambria quickly nodded, sucking in an exaggerated breath and holding it. Cheena flexed her fingers briefly, then held her right hand over the wounded knee. She made a few grunting noises for several seconds, the look on her face turning from slightly relaxed to grim. ¡°She¡¯s right, it¡¯s really bad,¡± Cheena said. ¡°A Shaman could repair the damage, but he could be in some pain for a day or two, I¡¯m afraid. This will take some time, too.¡± She turned to Xin. ¡°This is probably too much for you right now, so I¡¯ll do the healing this time. But, pay close attention to my work, and I¡¯d like a Rejuvenation from you when I ask. It¡¯s good practice for you with the new spell.¡±


    ¡°From my Totem?¡± Xin asked, then corrected herself. ¡°Wait, that¡¯s Refresh. Rejuvenation is from me, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Cheena said. ¡°Refreshing Pulse is from your Totem at Bronze, which will restore Stamina. Rejuvenation is both Mana and Stamina, but you cast it directly. You¡¯ll get a Rejuvenating Pulse at Silver.¡±


    Xin nodded eagerly, shaking out her scaly arms. ¡°Simply tell me when, and I shall do as you need.¡±


    Cheena shook her own arms out, then took a moment to do a quick squat to stretch her knees before flexing each finger. Placing her hand over the Tigerkin¡¯s dreadful-looking knee she took a deep breath, centering herself and her magic. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Before she could start, though, Kaisess shook once, then began to spasm. His body twisted, paws extending deadly claws as he scratched at the air and tore a gouge in the table underneath him. Ambria¡¯s eyes opened wide and she stepped back quickly, tripping over a basket and crashing backwards to the floor, banging her head against the side of a cabinet.


    ¡°What the¡­?¡± Tasi hissed, surprise evident in her voice. ¡°He¡¯s seizing?¡±


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Cheena asked in a panic, instinctively trying to hold Kaisess¡¯s legs.


    ¡°You!¡± Tasi snapped at Koda and Xin. ¡°Hold him still.¡± As the two recruits raced to grab limbs on either side and hold the Ranger down, Tasi tried to re-take stock, mumbling loudly to herself as she raced through what could be wrong. Still Kaisess continued to spasm.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Tasi growled, suddenly seeming to have an idea. Using one hand to hold her patient¡¯s head still, she used the other to force open one eye. ¡°Looks fine,¡± she mumbled, releasing to reach for the other. ¡°Fuck!¡± she hissed. ¡°His pupil is blown.¡±


    Ambria was still untangling herself from the floor, rubbing the back of her head, trying to stand and get her bearings. There was a thick trickle of blood falling from one of her antlers where the end had broken off, dripping down her cheek. ¡°What is going on?¡± she asked worriedly, putting a hand to the top of her head and wincing.


    ¡°There was a lot of blood vessel damage. Did you cast a reversed Coagulate on him before you reduced his knee?¡± Tasi demanded, pointing at the petite Fae. ¡°Did you thin his blood?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡± Ambria stuttered, wobbling slightly, her vision still a little out of sorts. ¡°Was I supposed to?¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Tasi gulped, refocusing back on her patient. ¡°He¡¯s having a stroke.¡±


    Kaisess jumped again, this time only the left side of his body jerking.


    ¡°Stone, where is it?¡± Tasi yelled to anybody.


    ¡°Um ¡­ here!¡± Ambria called, holding the magic object awkwardly out to the Master Healer. She fell slightly into Koda, still dizzy, grabbing his dirty sleeve with her free hand to stay upright. The Bearkin instinctively reached down and helped to steady the wobbly Faun.


    Tasi snatched the magic amplifier and cupped it in her hand. ¡°Come on. Don¡¯t do this, kid!¡± she hissed as she forced magic from her hand through the stone and into the head of her patient. She scanned, moving her hand carefully over the Catkin¡¯s scalp before finally stopping. ¡°Yup, there it is!¡± She flung the stone to the floor with a clatter to free up her hand, before starting to push a spell into Kaisess¡¯s head. He jerked again.


    ¡°How can I help?¡± Cheena asked swiftly.


    ¡°I just need to break this clot up,¡± Tasi mumbled to nobody as she tapped Kaisess''s furry head several times with her finger. She moved it slightly around, each time tapping in a slightly different location. ¡°Come on¡­¡±


    Ambria stood next to Koda, hugging his big arm tight in terrified worry. ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°There!¡± Tasi finally said after an agonizing several seconds of tapping. She then placed her palm on the Tigerkin¡¯s forehead, pushing another spell. Almost at once, the twitching ceased. Tasi nodded briskly, before pushing Xin and Cheena aside. ¡°I dissolved the clot, and it was a chunky one at that.¡± She placed her hand on the Tigerkin¡¯s chest, casting another spell, a light glow sinking into him, before repeating the same motion, but directed at his swollen, purple knee this time. ¡°This will thin his blood properly, but he¡¯ll be apt to bruise and bleed if he gets hurt or cut for at least a week.¡±


    ¡°Is ¡­ Is he going to be okay?¡± Ambria asked.


    The Master Healer slicked her hair back with her hand and blew out her cheeks. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Tasi blew out another deep breath, moving to the head of the table and motioning Cheena to return to the injured knee and get started. ¡°He¡¯s lucky he was here. I ¡­ I don¡¯t think it will be that bad. We won¡¯t know until he wakes up, though.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­ we can fix it, right?¡± Ambria squeaked.


    Tasi glanced briefly at Ambria, the blood from her antler now running in twin rivers down her cheek, before falling to the floor. ¡°Let¡¯s just see.¡±


    ¡°Please, tell me.¡±


    Tasi sighed. ¡°He could have brain damage from the stroke. Depending on the extent, maybe no effects, or maybe bad ones. Probably something, though.¡±


    Ambria put her hands to her face, a horrified look appearing in her eyes.


    Tasi moved towards the Faun, pushing Koda aside. She put on her best motherly smile, grabbing Ambria¡¯s upper arms and looking her in the eyes. ¡°Honey, you¡¯re a Healer so I¡¯m not going to lie to you. I don¡¯t think it will be bad. He was here and we got to him in moments. What we don¡¯t know is how much damage occurred before he started seizing, though. I can¡¯t determine that with the sleep spell I just put on him in effect. With luck, there will be minimal lingering effects. But, I am sure there will be effects. We will have to wait and see.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­ we can still fix him,¡± Ambria said again, her voice still quiet and weak. ¡°Right?¡±


    Tasi shook her head. ¡°If his brain is hurt, he¡¯ll need ritual healing. Long, slow healing from a Druid or Shaman.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ambria whispered, turning her head to look towards Cheena.


    ¡°She and Maugra are combat Shamans, and Rowani¡¯s a combat Druid,¡± Tasi said quickly, grabbing Ambria¡¯s chin and pulling her gaze back. ¡°This isn¡¯t their specialty. If he¡¯s hurt, he won¡¯t be able to stay here. But, he will make a full recovery in time, both his knee and anything else. That I can promise you.¡±


    ¡°All because of me? Because I forgot a step? I didn¡¯t know to do that! We haven¡¯t learned about that yet!¡±


    Tasi pulled the little Faun in tight, instinctively regressing to being a parent again. ¡°You didn¡¯t know, and I didn¡¯t think to ask if you had. If anyone is at fault here, Ambria, it¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡±


    The Fairy released her hug, holding Ambria at arm¡¯s length again. She looked the recruit in her eyes, a serious expression showing. ¡°You did everything right! From the moment you started treating him all the way until he seized. You remembered your training. You did what is required of a Combat Healer under pressure. It¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­ I didn¡¯t ¡­¡± Ambria said once again, still trying to process what was happening.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s take a look at your head and get you cleaned up,¡± Tasi said affectionately, trying to change the subject. As she led the Faun off into the next alcove, she glanced briefly at Koda. ¡°Let me know if anything else happens.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Paladin responded.


    While Tasi had been comforting the Faun, Cheena began casting on the swollen knee, using a slow, channeled Repair Wound spell to slowly rebuild everything. Bone, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and all the other tiny parts and pieces that made up how a body functioned were slowly mended together. With all the damage to bone and connective tendons and ligaments, it was slow going, though. Joints were always tricky, and a knee was particularly so.


    Where a Combat Healer¡¯s Heal Wound spell would have similar results, those results were like shoving everything haphazardly into place and then setting it with a final burst of magic. With Cheena¡¯s spell, it was slow, delicate, work, more akin to an artiste. Each misaligned fragment was fixed with precision and patience, Reshaped, reformed, repaired as needed. It was methodical work requiring careful attention to details. In the end, though, Cheena¡¯s spell would leave the knee in perfect order, maybe even better than previous. If Tasi or Koda had done the repair, or possibly even Rowani, Kaisess would have been on crutches for at least a few days, with more spells possibly needed to fine tune the repairs during his recovery. Joints were extra delicate.


    Tasi and Ambria returned about ten minutes after Cheena started. Ambria had been wiped clean, and seemed physically fine from her fall, save a healed bump on her head and the end of one antler being snapped off, leaving a sharp edge. Thankfully it was just the tip, maybe the last four centimeters. While there had been a good amount of blood, Ambria¡¯s antlers had no direct feeling, so overall the wound was very bloody, but minor. The Faun could easily file the end round again, the strange asymmetry ultimately not a big deal since her antlers would eventually shed naturally, before they started their regrowth.


    ¡°How is it going,¡± Tasi whispered to Koda.


    ¡°No complications,¡± the Bearkin whispered back. He glanced back at the Faun. ¡°She¡¯s settled?¡±


    Tasi nodded as she watched Cheena work. ¡°Bruised her head. Broke off the tip of a horn. Lots of blood, but overall minimal damage. She¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Ambria glanced up at Koda, nodding and pointing up above her head. ¡°Looks strange, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Battle scars are always sexy,¡± Koda grinned in response, adding a wink, and Ambria blushed slightly, her mood having calmed. Still, she had a far off look in her eyes as well, as if she was still trying to process all that had happened, and was going to need time.


    Everyone watched in quiet fascination as Cheena continued her work. The knee¡¯s swelling had lessened somewhat, but it was still an ugly purple color that contrasted against the yellow fur. Finally, the Shaman smiled and sighed. ¡°There. Even better than I had hoped. Everything should be good as new. It should even be able to bear weight, but will probably be stiff until he works it a bit. He should rest off his feet until morning and avoid running or the like for a few days. Of course, that doesn¡¯t account for any other issues he may have.¡±


    Twice, Xin had restored some of Cheena¡¯s mana with her Rejuvenation spell. The Lizardkin wasn¡¯t very good at it, having just learned it at Bronze, but it was good practice and let Cheena keep going without losing her spot or any momentum. That was all Xin could manage, though, as her inefficiency showed and her mana bottomed out after the second casting. Tasi retrieved a mana potion for the Shaman, to help get her through the final pieces of the spell.


    ¡°Masterful,¡± Tasi said, running her hand briefly over Kaisess¡¯s knee as she magically inspected Cheena¡¯s work. ¡°Far better than I could have done.¡±


    ¡°I regret that my ritual healing is so poor. I wouldn¡¯t trust myself to do the work that may be needed,¡± Cheena said sadly. ¡°Maugra is even less skilled than I.¡±


    ¡°With luck, he will have no problems since we got to him quickly,¡± Tasi said, trying to sound encouraging. You could tell she had her doubts, though, and seemed to imply Kaisess was going to have an extended recovery in front of him. The Fairy finally broke from her examination, looking at the recruits in the room. ¡°The three of you, go. You¡¯re filthy. We¡¯ll finish getting him cleaned up and I¡¯ll have him put in one of the recovery tents. With the Sleep spell I hit him with when he seized, he won¡¯t be awake until mid-evening. We won¡¯t know anything until then. Probably best no visitors until tomorrow.¡±


    Slowly, Koda and Xin left the tent, Ambria shuffling along behind them. The sun had fully come out now, the dark clouds of earlier gone and revealing blue sky filled with white, fluffy ones and no further threat of rain. Across the way, in another tent, sat several people, and they quickly rose and stepped out. None had changed clothes or used the showers, and they all showed hopeful but worried looks on their faces.

 Chapter 37 Part 7 - Chess and Chaos

    PART VII - CHESS AND CHAOS


    ¡°I shall tell them,¡± Xin said.


    Before she could take two steps, though, Koda put his big paw on her shoulder. ¡°No, Xin. She was his Healer. She needs to.¡± He looked down at the little Faun with comforting eyes.


    ¡°I do?¡± Ambria asked weakly, not wanting to deliver the news.


    ¡°You do,¡± Koda said simply. ¡°Just the facts. His knee is repaired. There was a complication. We don¡¯t know the extent yet and won¡¯t for a while. Don¡¯t embellish and don¡¯t guess. You were his Healer until Tasi took over; this is your responsibility.¡± Gently, Koda pressed his paw against Ambria¡¯s back, pushing her forward.


    The Fae gulped, and then took a deep breath. The Bearkin was right. She could do this. She walked to the group of gathered recruits, noting that the Master Trainer, the Major and the Commandant had also stepped up to hear her report, along with another she recognized as the Ranger trainer.


    ¡°What happened? How is he?¡± Callie asked weakly, racing to the front of the crowd. Everyone must have come straight here. She was still covered in mud, as were all the other players here awaiting news.


    ¡°Kaisess suffered a badly dislocated knee, and the damage was quite extensive. We were able to repair it, but there was a complication.¡±


    ¡°A complication? What happened?¡± the Master Trainer asked sharply.


    ¡°With all the blood vessel damage, a blood clot went to his brain and he had a mild stroke. We alleviated it quickly, but we won¡¯t know more for a few hours when he wakes up.¡±


    ¡°A stroke?¡± Callie said in a hushed whisper, remembering when her grandmother had had one in her final days. It was a terrifying word for her and her face echoed that horror. ¡°How? He¡¯s ¡­ He¡¯s going to be okay, right? You can fix whatever damage it caused, right?¡±


    ¡°Master Healer Tasi feels any effects should be mild, but we just don¡¯t know at this time.¡±


    Callie put her hand to her mouth and staggered back, a stunned look on her face as she struggled to comprehend. It was just a Football game, or Bunkerball ¡­ Whateverball. It was supposed to be all in fun. Sure, a few people might get bumped around, but the Druids were flying patrol and other Healers were everywhere. Nobody was supposed to really get hurt. How could he have a stroke? How could all that come from ¡­ her play? Her ¡­ orders? Was this, in a way, her fault? Did she hurt her friend?


    ¡°Thank you for the update, Recruit,¡± the Commandant said curtly, interrupting the noisy swarm that had rushed the Faun, peppering her with questions. Addressing all present, Xera gestured at Ambria, ¡°It appears there is little any of us can do now, so leave her be. All of you are dismissed. Go, get cleaned up and put on fresh uniforms. Relax this evening. You all have busy weeks starting tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡± Jesca began before trailing off. The sentence dying with little more than a look from Xera.


    ¡°Dismissed, recruit!¡± Xera once again said, not yet a direct order, but definitely a firm suggestion. They turned to Ambria. ¡°You as well. Unless the Master Healer has need of you, go clean up and return to your own activities.¡±


    Slowly, the crowd began to break up, Ambria following along, but retreating to the protection of Koda to avoid the unanswerable questions that still seemed to come at her. Xera was joined by Thorn, Celeste and Reynard as they watched the group go. Yet, in the tent sat Callie, unmoving, lost in her own head.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Xera asked, gesturing towards the dirty Gnome. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°She stepped in as Marshal for the Recruit team,¡± Thorn said quietly.


    ¡°She did? You¡¯re serious? And they actually listened to her?¡±


    Thorn nodded his head.


    ¡°How did she do?¡± Xera asked, a curious tone now in their voice.


    ¡°Really well,¡± Celeste said. ¡°They probably would have won if the game had continued. Shame about the injury. She¡¯s taking it hard.¡±


    Xera seemed to see Callie in a new light suddenly, and understood what she was feeling. They had noticed the look of horror on the little Gnome¡¯s face when told of the Ranger¡¯s complications. They noticed Callie stumbling backwards while the other players swarmed the Faun, peppering her with questions. Xera had seen that look before. Xera had worn that look before. This was Callie¡¯s first command moment, even if it was a minor training one. It was the first time her decisions had caused an ally to become injured. Xera could feel it in Callie because they remembered the feeling when it had happened to them all those years ago, and what came next would decide so much of what came after.


    The Major looked down at herself. ¡°I¡¯m a mess. Unless you need me, I¡¯m going to clean up, too.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, Major,¡± Xera said, dismissing Celeste while still carefully observing Callie.


    ¡°Thorn, fully brief the Commandant, if you would,¡± Reynard said quietly. He took a calming breath and sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her and then send her to get cleaned up, too.¡±


    ¡°Remember,¡± Thorn said, a warning in his voice, ¡°Caring and empathy.¡±


    Reynard¡¯s only response was a low growl.


    <hr>


    Ranger Trainer Reynard ducked through the open doorway of the tent, Callie still sitting on the floor, her hand being held by the blue-haired Pixie that had been hidden from view behind her. ¡°Recruits,¡± he said unemotionally, nodding to both.


    Callie barely noticed him.


    ¡°How is she?¡± Reynard asked quietly.


    ¡°B-B-Beating herself up,¡± Pixyl responded, her eyes seeming slightly suspicious.


    ¡°I thought as much. Let me speak with her.¡±


    Pixyl made no effort to move.


    ¡°Alone, Recruit,¡± Reynard added gruffly, before checking himself and adding a polite, ¡°Please.¡±


    Pixyl left Callie¡¯s side, walking carefully in front of the Foxkin, a subtle glare in her eyes. She stopped though, and leapt into the air, hovering in his face, her wings humming. She glared even harder at Reynard, before jabbing a finger at him and hissing a quiet, ¡°Be nice!¡±, before diving slightly and zipping out of the tent and into the sunlight.


    Reynard chuffed a laugh at the crazy Pixie before he searched and found an unoccupied pillow. Thankfully, none of the mud-covered players had sat on it, so it was clean. With a slight groan, he sat, crossed his legs and looked across the tent at his young Ranger. ¡°You have a very protective friend, Recruit. How are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Callie mumbled.


    ¡°Are you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m just worried about Kaisess.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s under excellent care. Tasi is probably the best Healer I know. And from what I saw, your Faun friend did an admirable job rendering aid. More than admirable, in fact.¡±


    Callie looked up from the ground and stared hard at the Foxkin. ¡°But he had a stroke! From his knee getting hurt! How does that happen?¡±


    ¡°Well, blood clots ¡­¡±


    Callie narrowed her eyes and glared slightly, silencing Reynard¡¯s response.


    ¡°Ah. Of course,¡± Reynard said with a polite cough.


    They sat in silence for a while, Callie staring at the ground, still being introspective, and Reynard not wanting to push. Eventually, though, the silence got too thick and Reynard spoke. ¡°You did a fine job as Field Marshal in the game earlier. That was quite the comeback in the fourth battle.¡±


    ¡°Field Marshal?¡±


    ¡°The ¡­ the one directing the team?¡±


    ¡°As the coach you mean? They just needed some organizing, that¡¯s all,¡± Callie said, shrugging, not looking Reynard in the eye.


    ¡°Yes, but with your help they played magnificently in the fourth battle. I suspect you¡¯d have pulled ahead in the fifth.¡±


    Callie shrugged again. ¡°Maybe. I had some ideas for the next one.¡±


    Once again, the conversation seemed to peter out. This was proving a lot harder for Reynard than he expected. He gave it another minute, but finally had to ask ¡­ something. ¡°Tell me, what are you thinking?¡± he asked. He immediately regretted it. It was a dumb question. He was about to try walking it back, but then Callie looked at him.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°You really want to know?¡± she asked with a sharp, almost angry, tone.


    ¡°I would,¡± Reynard said with a nod, surprised he even got a response.


    ¡°I feel awful, okay! I feel like it¡¯s my fault. They were all following me; following my directions. It was my play that he got hurt on. Well, I stole it from the Major, but still. I told him what to do, and he had a stroke because of it. He got hurt because of me! He had a stroke ¡­ because of me!¡±


    Callie was wrong, Reynard knew that, but he couldn¡¯t simply say that or she¡¯d just close down again. So, he did the only thing he could think of. ¡°Callie, may I tell you a story?¡±


    Callie shrugged, noncommittal. ¡°I guess.¡±


    Reynard cleared his throat. ¡°Many years ago, when I was closer to your age, I was a professional Adventurer. We had a team. It was myself, my best friend, a Warrior Dwarf named Jorin who served as Guardian, and our Healer was my wife, Talania¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re married?¡± Callie interrupted, her brain skipping a beat hearing that.


    ¡°It was long ago. That¡¯s not important. Don¡¯t interrupt.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°We took a job. A local farmer had a giant centipede move into his barn where it started to nest, and he needed it removed. It had already eaten several of his Vone herd. Those that remained were soon to give birth and needed the barn¡¯s shelter. So the three of us went to eradicate the beast.¡±


    ¡°They sound gross,¡± Callie said, making an exaggerated shuddering motion. ¡°Spiders and bugs? No way! That many legs is creepy.¡±


    Reynard huffed a laugh. ¡°Well, they are at that. Anyways, we went and we had a plan. Jorin would draw the creature out, while Talania and I killed it from afar, with Talania healing if anyone were to get hurt, of course.¡±


    ¡°I take it things didn¡¯t go well?¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Oh, things went very well. Jorin roused the centipede and led it out the door of the barn, just as planned. Talania hit it with a Wizard¡¯s Arcane Bolt spell she¡¯d learned on the side, and I dropped four arrows from Multishot into it. I was Bronze at the time. Headshot, and the creature fell, dead.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the point of the story?¡± Callie said, her voice irritated by the seemingly-pointless tale.


    ¡°It fell right on to Jorin,¡± Reynard said flatly. ¡°Giant Centipedes stand about as tall as you are, maybe a little less, and are three times as long. Quite heavy with very large mouths and sharp mandibles.¡±


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    Reynard shook his head, a smirk on his face. ¡°Even that wasn¡¯t a problem. Jorin is a very stout Dwarf and found being stuck under the dead creature quite funny. It was quite funny, actually.¡°


    Callie still wasn¡¯t getting the point of this story. What was the lesson, besides don¡¯t wind up underneath a giant centipede? She shrugged, not sure what else to do.


    ¡°A giant centipede carries a potent venom. It¡¯s highly acidic, and will dissolve the target from the inside if it gets fangs into you. My arrows? The ones that killed it? One of them pierced the centipede''s venom sac. Jorin, pinned under the thing and laughing about the situation suddenly started to scream. The dead centipede was dripping its acid onto his leg, which was eating its way through it. The acid burned through skin, meat, bone, all of it. By the time we wrestled the dead weight off, the leg had been severed, dissolved all the way through, right above Jorin¡¯s knee.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s horrible,¡± was all Callie could come up with as she sat there, aghast. Tazrok the Giant Spider was one thing, because at least that was Tazrok. But giant acid-injecting centipedes as big as she was? Nope! Nuke that entire barn, Vone and all! ¡°What happened next?¡±


    Reynard shrugged. ¡°Talania rendered aid, we got paid for removing the centipede, and we had to sell everything the three of us owned in order to get a treatment of Regrowth spells put on Jorin¡¯s leg, along with the rehabilitation he needed. This included selling the enchanted bow my father had given me when I received my Ranger class. You can imagine how hard it was to part with it. The shop at least gave me a decent price.¡± Reynard sighed nostalgically, before adding, ¡°Cavin¡¯s Bows and Fletching is the name of the shop, if you should ever find yourself in the Capital. Highly recommended.¡±


    Part of her curious about what she might find in an Archery shop here, Callie made a mental note of the name.


    ¡°On top of all that, because it was acid damage,¡± the Foxkin continued, ¡°Jorin actually had to have his leg amputated even higher up to have a clean wound to regrow from. It was almost three months before his leg was back and he¡¯d learned to use it well enough that we could return to our adventuring lives.¡± The Foxkin sighed wistfully and then laughed. ¡°Those were the days.¡±


    Callie smiled, but largely only because Reynard had. Soon her smile faded, though. She still couldn¡¯t figure out what the moral of this story was. If you¡¯re an Adventurer, have worker¡¯s comp insurance, maybe? What did any of this have to do with Bunkerball or Kaisess getting hurt?


    Reynar saw Callie¡¯s expression. ¡°You don¡¯t see my point, do you?¡±


    Hesitantly, Callie shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s a great story, though! Really.¡±


    Reynard sighed, tinged with a bit of a frustrated growl. ¡°My point is that we went into that engagement with a simple and fairly foolproof plan. Draw it out, kill it from afar. Nice and easy. Even if something had gone wrong, we had backup plans on what spells to cast or how Jorin could engage it. We thought of everything. Everything that is, except the arrow piercing the venom sac and the corpse landing on our friend. Who would have thought that might happen?¡±


    ¡°Huh. I suppose. Pretty long odds, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. You can make all the plans you want. You can have dozens of backups and contingencies. But it¡¯s just as likely that something you couldn¡¯t imagine happens, too.¡±


    ¡°Chess and Chaos,¡± Callie said quietly.


    Reynard tilted his head, confused.


    ¡°Just a way I heard footb¡­ I mean Bunkerball described. Anything can happen after the ball is snapped, even if your planned moves are perfect.¡±


    Reynard nodded, pointing at Callie in emphasis. ¡°Exactly! Anything can happen. And just as this is true in the game, it is also true in combat.¡±


    ¡°¡®No plan survives first contact with the enemy¡¯,¡± Callie quoted from somewhere in the back of her head. She¡¯d heard it said in a history class maybe? Or a movie? Or her grandfather? Somewhere.


    ¡°A wonderful way to put it,¡± Reynard said, pointing at Callie again. ¡°This is why we all train together. This way, when that unexpected thing happens, you are prepared to at least fall back on your training. You will also know what your fellow soldiers will do when they fall back as well, and they know what you will do. Without that, no army would ever succeed.¡±


    Logically, Callie could see that what Reynard was saying made perfect sense, both as it related to war and as it related to Whateverball. When she looked at it that way, it was just bad luck that Kaisess got hurt, worse luck that he had a stroke. Still, Callie felt bad. She was their coach. Or Marshal. Whatever. Didn¡¯t some of the blame fall on her because of that? She felt like it should. She looked at Reynard. ¡°How do you deal with feeling guilty? I still feel like I somehow contributed to what happened.¡±


    Reynard shrugged. ¡°There¡¯s no perfect answer to that question. Talking it out with lovers or friends or colleagues or professional Listeners all can help when plagued by guilt. Sometimes all you just need is time. And yet still, sometimes things may haunt you forever. What happened to Jorin haunts me, even now years later, and even though he eventually had his leg regrown and fully recovered. It¡¯s hard to hear a friend in pain, despite the fact we can laugh about it now.¡± Reynard tapped his head. ¡°In here, though, I know that unexpected things just happen. I know what happened to Jorin, or what happened to Kaisess, are just a hundred fates coming together and meeting in a moment.¡±


    ¡°Shit happens, you¡¯re saying,¡± Callie said with a wry half-smile.


    ¡°Your words are so very strange sometimes,¡± Reynard said, tilting his head, but smiling in return. ¡°But yes. Plan for the best, be prepared for the worst, and ultimately know that ¡­ ¡®shit happens¡¯.¡±


    Callie nodded, rolling Reynard¡¯s words over in her head. She felt better, she had to admit. Not all the way better, but some ¡­ maybe even mostly. Or, maybe she really just needed to hear it wasn¡¯t all her fault from someone outside her friend group. She liked this Reynard. His words were maybe a little patronizing, but they weren¡¯t actually wrong, and he seemed sincere.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie said after a quiet moment. ¡°Really. This helped.¡±


    ¡°Take some time to think it through. If you still need to talk with someone, find me, and I¡¯ll open a bottle of something. If you rather not me, I can find someone else you could talk to as well. Callie, you aren¡¯t the first to feel this way, and you certainly won¡¯t be the last. We can help you through it.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie replied quietly.


    Reynard gestured towards the doorway with his chin. ¡°You should go clean up and relax for the remainder of the day.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said quietly.


    They both stood and Callie started for the tent door. Then she stopped. ¡°Sir, can I ask you a personal question?¡±


    Reynard raised one eyebrow. ¡°Perhaps¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never mentioned your wife...¡± she began, letting the unasked question hang in the air.


    The Foxkin frowned, his eyes growing sad for a moment, ¡°She¡¯s ¡­ passed. Twenty-one years ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Callie quickly said, trying to apologize. ¡°I didn¡¯t know!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± Reynard said quietly, holding up a paw. ¡°Life ¡­ continues on.¡± He coughed politely, shaking himself out of his thoughts. Gesturing with his paw, he tried to shoo Callie away. ¡°Just as Training must continue on. Go! Clean yourself up. Enjoy your evening. Big things this week, including practice with all your new skills. Plus, your new bow arrives.¡±


    Callie looked at Reynard. She could see the fake smile he had just put on, and hear the words he was using to cover up the moment of grief she had exposed. ¡°I¡¯m ¡­ I¡¯m going to hug you now,¡± Callie finally said just before she rushed her trainer.


    Reynard barely had time to prepare as the little Gnome slammed into his legs, hugging them tight. He didn¡¯t know what to do, so he did the only thing he could think of and awkwardly patted Callie¡¯s head a few times. They stood like that, weirdly showing affection for far too long, before Callie finally let go. She looked up at Reynard, smiled and simply said, ¡°Have a good night, sir.¡±


    ¡°You Gnomes and your hugging,¡± Reynard laughed as he shook his head slowly. ¡°You have a good evening as well, Recruit.¡±


    And then she was gone, almost with a spring in her step it seemed, leaving Reynard alone in the tent. Alone with his thoughts and his memories of years long gone. He couldn''t show it, but he was quite worried about Kaisess, and had a feeling his student would have to go elsewhere for better healing. There were no ritualists here in camp, after all. He¡¯d need to talk to Tasi.


    Before he could walk out himself, the doorway darkened. Master Trainer Thorn and the Commandant stepped through.


    ¡°I must say, Reynard,¡± Xera began, ¡°that was brilliantly done.¡±


    ¡°Uh, thanks,¡± Reynard responded, his mind still a little muddled with his thoughts.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure you had it in you,¡± Thorn said, grabbing Reynard¡¯s shoulder affectionately.


    ¡°You were right,¡± Reynard said with a sigh. ¡°Caring and empathy was what she needed. But that was damn hard for me, and you¡¯re an ass for making me do it that way.¡± Reynard wasn¡¯t mad, though. He smiled and squeezed Thorn¡¯s shoulder in return.


    ¡°Far more effective than if you had been direct.¡±


    ¡°It was. But now, I need a drink. Or maybe a bottle.¡±


    Xera chuckled. ¡°I have a bottle of wine from Imor proper I¡¯ve been itching to open. After dealing with this recruit, I¡¯m sure it would be welcome.¡±


    ¡°Sounds perfect,¡± Reynard said. He smiled, but there was still a tiny hint of sadness in that smile. Memories had come up. Memories of good times and bad times and lost times. It would take a bit, but in time he¡¯d find the places where all those memories needed to be stored again.

 AUTHORS NOTE - Early Chapter Rewrites (November 2023)

    In November, 2023, several early chapters were rewritten to address multiple issues.  This posting was made at the time those rewrites were posted to summarize those changes.  I was originally going to delete this posting, but have instead left it in place for historical reference, on the very off chance an old reader returned and needed to be brought up to speed on the changes.  The original posting has been placed behind a spoiler wall to simplify clutter, and is still available.


    Greetings to all my wonderful readers,


    As I mentioned in my Author¡¯s Notes at the end of Chapter 28, for NaNoWriMo this year I wanted to go back and do some early-chapter rewrites. As I look back, they were honestly pretty bad, especially Chapter 4. They also contained several things that needed to be either excised because I no longer wanted to follow those plot leads, or retconned as they no longer meshed with elements that have organically developed later in the story. I still think there was a lot of good dialog, and I did retain a good portion of it. It helps to start revealing the personalities of Callie and the other five to the reader.


    HOW ARE THINGS GOING TO BE UPDATED:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The updates will be done soon after this Author¡¯s Note goes live</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The Prologue was left completely unchanged. I''ve always been really happy with it.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Chapters 1-7 are going to be completely reposted, with the old versions removed. Most of the comments are no longer relevant and would just be a distraction or confusing for later readers.


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">I will post these with notifications turned off, so you won¡¯t get a bunch of alerts. However, they will show up in the recently-updated list on the main Royal Road page - there¡¯s nothing I can do about that.</li>


    </ul>


    </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Chapters 8-11 will be updated in place. Comments no longer relevant after the changes will be deleted.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Chapters 12+ may have a few minor updates made, but only for general internal consistency, clarity, or serious structural issues. I¡¯m mostly happy with the quality of the ongoing writing by this point in the story.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This Author''s Note will be removed in a month or so, once current readers have come up to speed with the changes, and newer readers haven¡¯t seen the originals.</li>


    </ul>


    <hr>


    So, what has changed? Think of the below as ¡®patch notes¡¯ outlining some of the bigger changes, as well as why. I¡¯m putting them behind a spoiler wall on the chance you¡¯d rather go back and reread the new chapters again without knowledge of these changes. Honestly, if you have the time, I do recommend going back rather than just reading the summaries below (don''t forget to start at the Prologue, as it sets up Callie''s personal background).


    Consider yourself warned about the wall of text that follows if you click on the button.


    Primary complaints I wanted to address and general changes implemented in response:


    <ul>


    <li>The infodumps are too many, too long, and too concentrated</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The number and concentration of infodumps has been greatly reduced. </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Some are still needed for world-building or laying out the ground rules of the ¡®System¡¯, especially history-related things which naturally would be told as stories. Some examples include: why Humans are hated, who the Free Folk are, how everyone has a class and how they get skills, as well as Jesca¡¯s retelling of the Beastkin history.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Instead, Callie is able to deduce a few things either directly from observation and context, or by puzzling them out herself. For example, the dump regarding perks is removed, and is instead reduced down to a single paragraph of Callie figuring out what they are by herself.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Some dumps are moved elsewhere, if still needed, to spread out the exposition.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Callie seems to have a personality shift from the prologue through the first few chapters, and comes across as scatterbrained, ditzy and like an 8 year-old, until there are some explanations in Chapter 9.</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="list-style-type: none">


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Callie now fights with her natural ADHD tendencies and struggles keep herself focused on what is happening to her. There are still cases of ¡°Ooo! Shiny!¡± that happen, but it¡¯s toned down. I¡¯d think anyone would be distracted by seeing various Beastkin walking around, after all. But, Callie recognizes it¡¯s happening, isn¡¯t sure why it¡¯s happening again since she had largely found equilibrium with it in her life, and struggles to maintain her focus.


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">She¡¯s still occasionally goofy, especially with verbal banter and snarkiness, which was important for me to maintain. It¡¯s both a bit of a defense and coping mechanism for her, as well as part of her core personality when she¡¯s comfortable with people, or when calling them out. </li>


    </ul>


    </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">As mentioned regarding infodumps, Callie works to puzzle some things out for herself, occasionally asking Vanis or the others to confirm her thinking. I think that helps re-emphasize that analytical side of her that we saw a bit of in the Prologue.</li>


    </ul>


    </li>


    </ul>


    <hr>


    FULL SPOILERS BELOW:


    Below are even more-detailed by-chapter changes, along with some reasoning behind them, where appropriate. Seriously!  We¡¯re talking the literary equivalent of reams of technical gobbledygook. You¡¯re being warned again, and if you proceed, may the Symbiotes have mercy upon your very soul!


    <ul>


    <li style="list-style-type: none">


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 1:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Callie no longer magically appears in the transport wagon. Instead, when people boarded for this final leg of the trip, they saw her already there and assumed the guards tossed her in after she was out drinking on her last night of freedom. The other recruits pay her little mind, except for the Dwarves, who are just jerks.</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">There will be a plot payoff for this change eventually</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 2:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">References to ¡®the Demi¡¯ have been removed</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This was a plot thread I decided to remove. As I worked out the longer-term implications of it in my outline, things got too convoluted, and parts of what was ultimately still needed in relation to this have been moved elsewhere.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">There still are two ¡®infodumps¡¯ here because of worldbuilding (Demon War/Human history, as well as who the Free Folk are), but they have been polished and trimmed. </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">I really don¡¯t feel the Human situation can be moved or removed. Callie (and the reader) needs to know why Humans aren¡¯t around and are considered ¡®bad¡¯, (and why it¡¯s so important for Callie to say nothing about that part of her background). An explanation of why everyone is going to a military camp is also needed. </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The Free Folk are also referenced heavily by Xera in Chapter 3 during her speech, so the reader needs context for that, and to understand why this is a multi-racial society. The nature of Chapter 3 does not lend itself to this appearing there.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Hopefully, the minor trims will alleviate some of the concerns people have expressed, and together, the total exposition only accounts for about 1000 words, and it''s done with dialog to keep it moving.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 3:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Callie¡¯s general ADHD goofiness is toned down, and she works to maintain focus.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Pixyl is seen by Callie briefly, standing alone across the courtyard (Callie has no idea who she is at this point), and thinks she looks kind of pretty, despite the sour ¡®leave me alone¡¯ attitude. </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">No specific reason for this, except to briefly show later characters, at least in passing, as part of the crowd. And because Callie thinks she¡¯s pretty.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Several other people are also seen that will be introduced as characters later in the story</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The infodump regarding ¡®classes¡¯ is trimmed and cleaned up quite a bit</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Something is still needed in the story, because you have to define that there is a system in place in the world, and since the next chapters are all about the classes/skills of the main characters being revealed to the reader, this is the right spot.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The discussion of ¡®starleaf¡¯ has been removed</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Originally - I had this crazy plot thread where everyone was going to get stoned from candy before their Symbiote joining, and would all then be able to talk to their worms like they each had their own personal JARVIS. I dropped it quickly, as it would essentially result in six more characters in the ¡®party¡¯, and would just get too ridiculously complex. It also took away from it being special that Callie could occasionally talk to hers.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The snappish correction Vanis makes to Callie regarding Commandant Xera¡¯s neutral pronouns has been softened and turned into a clarification. </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">I¡¯ve never liked this exchange, honestly, and I wanted to change it. I think I was able to make it much better, and even show Callie participating in the conversation, instead of simply being scolded.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Reference to being hanged for desertion has been removed. </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Execution as a punishment just didn¡¯t really fit with how Xera¡¯s personality ultimately developed. They would just send them to the front and make the deserters someone else''s problem. Plus, with the Curse, if someone does manage to run, ultimately they¡¯ll pay for it.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 4:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Xin reveals, as a Volunteer, she was ordered by the Army to train at being a Shaman, whereas before arriving, she paid her class little mind as she focused on being a Spearmaster.</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Minor change, but does have some much-later plot implications</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Infodump regarding methods of skill acquisition trimmed and cleaned up</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Still needed as we move into the party reveals, and to outline the skill-based nature of the system (that almost any skill can be learned by anyone with time and effort).</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Infodump regarding mana/stamina REMOVED (partially moved elsewhere)</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Infodump regarding traits REMOVED </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Infodump regarding perks REMOVED (Callie eventually self-deduces)</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Infodump regarding hybrids/specialists REMOVED (Callie eventually self-deduces)</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Infodump regarding Tiers REMOVED (moved elsewhere)</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Xin no longer demonstrates Ball of Light (nor gets in trouble for it)</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">I honestly liked the scene a bit, but it didn¡¯t fit right with how the other infodumps were shifted or removed, and served little purpose except in service to those discussions.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 5:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Tazrok gets a headache, consistent with his later uses of his mysterious Chieftain''s Inspiration skill</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Scryer Earick asks some people to list their perks as part of the intake process</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">In part, this is what helps Callie (and the reader) figure out what perks are on her own</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Scryer Earick reveals to Xin that Shamans are much more useful than Spearmasters to the Army. </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This helps Xin ultimately to feel more confident that being a Shaman isn¡¯t all a bad thing, and sets the initial stages of her embracing it.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Callie, having heard the Scryer mention Hybrids and Specialists, is able to deduce what they are herself, and remembering Xera mentioning that all the Recruits are an advanced class, puts that together as well.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The two recruits in the other line that are in awe of Vanis being the prince are both white Tigerkins, which will eventually be revealed to be Koka and Moka </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">No huge impact, but again allows later characters we meet to make brief appearances before they are formally introduced</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Juniper is a little more ¡®Junipery¡¯ in dialog than originally written here, and more curious than anything</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Originally, Juniper wasn¡¯t going to be much of a character, just a minor comic relief to introduce Callie to the idea of charms, and occasionally pop up for a laugh. But with bringing her back into the story at the party, and integrating her into the ongoing cast of background characters, she started to become more interesting than just some Fae comic relief. Thus, the first interaction needed some work for consistency.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 6:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Juniper no longer references the ¡®roots calling to her¡¯. Instead, she¡¯s really just watching everyone and makes an appearance out of plain curiosity about the strange Tazrok.</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">As mentioned above, this is more inline with her personality later in the story, where she is largely oblivious to social graces and just does what she wants, within the confines of her agreement with Xera, because she wants to be around people and is just curious.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The whole ¡®Tree Humper¡¯ joke was removed. Now there is more of a focus on trying to put what a Druid is into a concept that Tazrok can understand, since it¡¯s so outside his worldview.</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Honestly, I thought it was funny, but it didn¡¯t make sense to me that the slightly-updated Juniper would even understand that it was funny, and her laughing about it didn¡¯t work as a result, and then it just started to fall flat. So ¡­ yoink!</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Tazrok now calls Rowani ¡®kitty lady¡¯ to her face, waving down at her</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">I pictured the scene of Andre the Giant in The Princess Bride waving and saying ¡®Hello lady!¡¯</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">There is a passing vague reference to ¡®the Goblin from last term¡¯ and ¡®another strange combination¡¯. It is purposely not expounded upon.</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">As a result, Rowani is ultimately a little more accepting that Tazrok could be a Druid, but still incredulous about him actually being able to be any good at it</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Callie deduces what perks are from overhearing others and the results of her own scry, concluding they are in part a body of knowledge magically imprinted on you, much like how skills are received.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Callie now skips over describing electricity, since there was no previous discussion about mana to compare it to. She instead brushes it off as not relevant at the moment.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 8:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Xin demonstrates her Chameleon Skin trait (moved from earlier chapter)</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Callie still wants to build a blanket fort, but the story reveals that she had a little ¡®introvert¡¯s nook¡¯ back in Chicago under her bed that allowed her to have a space that was away from the world. </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">ie, she has a reason for it besides just being goofy</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">While Callie is in the latrine room, the other groupmates comment more on Callie¡¯s ADHD-like focus issues, and less on her emotional swings (since she¡¯s swinging much less now). More credence is placed in the fact that attention issues are very common to Gnomes.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 9:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Very few changes here. The Beastkin History infodump from Jesca is left as is with some very minor wordsmithing. It¡¯s needed, I feel, to help understand the great many varieties of Beastkin and get the terminology laid out for the reader, as well as talking about lifespans of the various races. It also helps set up Callie eventually meeting Vonn.</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Eventually, some long-past elements of the Beastkin history become plot-important</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 10:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Lena, Koka and Moka briefly discuss Vanis at the intake line</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Small infodump about Tiers (moved from Chapter 4) at the end of the chapter </li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Needed to color in the Symbiotes and their ability to improve skills as people rank up, and to plant the seed about what will ultimately become unique melded skills and perks. It also equates it to ¡®levels¡¯ in RPGs for readers who haven¡¯t fully made the connection yet (a beta-reader who had no LitRPG background was confused).</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapter 11:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The ¡®infodump¡¯ regarding mana and stamina is moved here from Chapter 4. By this point, Callie has largely figured out what mana is on her own, coupled with memories of conversations with her college gamer friends, so just needs some confirmations and to understand the underlying recharging mechanics of it and about stamina.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>Chapters 12+:</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">At this point, any further changes are very minor, and mostly just made for internal consistency, or general prose cleanup.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </li>


    </ul>


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

 Chapter 38 - A Better Place to Be (skippable)

    CHAPTER 38 - A BETTER PLACE TO BE


    Ambria stepped out of the medical tent, instinctively turning to look at the towering tree of vines above her. It was well past dusk, so she could only make out the shadow of it against the starry background, choosing to look that way rather than activate her Darkvision. The sights through that trait never felt quite real, bathed in that monochromatic false light, and as a rule the Faun never cared to use it. Overhead, the sense of the tree¡¯s presence seemed to both weigh upon and uplift her at the same time.


    The Combat Healer had spent the earlier afternoon and evening lost in her own thoughts. She had left with the rest of the mud-covered players, mechanically getting new clothes and showering herself, but really not talking to anyone. With questions still coming at her from all directions regarding Kaisess, and only being able to say ¡°we¡¯ll know more later,¡± eventually she simply walked off. At first, she took up a spot overlooking the forest where the sun rose every morning, but eventually Callie, Pixyl and Jesca found her, and they were just too much for her. She could tell they were trying to brighten her mood, but she didn¡¯t want it brightened. She just wanted time to think.


    Finally, Ambria had to directly ask her friends to leave her be. She tried to be polite about it, but could tell Callie took it personally. She didn¡¯t understand. Callie was alway so upbeat and able to take on anything life threw at her, to the point it was sometimes annoying. Typical, but still lovable, Gnomes. Finally, her friends got the hint and gave her some space, allowing the Faun to slowly walk the training field, or the forest close enough to see the camp. So lost in her head, Ambria never heard the dinner bell, which was fine. The thought of food made her want to retch anyway.


    Eventually, the sun finally dipped below the trees and the sunset bell sounded. In theory, all the recruits were supposed to return to their houses to sleep, but it was more of a guideline than a hard rule. As long as people were quiet, they could manage their own sleep schedules, so people would often sit in the garden relaxing, or walk the grounds.


    Choosing to walk, Ambria had eventually arrived back at the medical tent. Warily, she pushed her way in, finding Tasi cleaning the final remnants of mud with damp rags, Kaisess already gone, moved to a recovery tent. Without a word, Ambria started to help, and without a word, Tasi let her. It went fast, and in time everything was clean, the pile of dirty rags set aside for the Brownies to secretly retrieve and wash sometime in the night.


    The subject of Kaisess and his condition they had been avoiding finally came up, and Tasi laid it all out. There was no emotion, just hard facts and prognosis. His knee was, of course, just fine. Ambria really hadn¡¯t been worried about that. Shaman slow-healing was some of the best out there, especially for a complicated injury like a joint. Ritual magic was the only thing better, but that wasn¡¯t available here. The stroke, however, had left its mark. Calmly, Tasi went through it all, holding Ambria¡¯s hands like a parent might, and keeping her steady. His entire right side had some residual numbness. He still had sensation, but it was dulled and what Kaisess described as ¡°a shadow of touch¡±. He still had motor control, which was good, but he had to concentrate to make his limbs work correctly, and they were weak and felt delayed, which was bad. He wasn¡¯t likely to be able to walk, or if he did, it would be with difficulty.


    Thankfully, ritual healing and some rehabilitation time would correct the damage. He¡¯d need to return to the Nexus for the healing part, and then be stationed at a military medical facility for a few weeks because of his Curse for rehabilitation while he learned to walk again, but after that would be fully recovered. Tasi had said he was surprisingly understanding, taking the news well with no outward emotions. He¡¯d even indicated wanting to come back for the next term, assuming he was back to full strength. Ambria took that as a positive sign, but it did nothing to dull the feelings she was directing at herself for missing the spell that led to the stroke in the first place


    After leaving the Master Healer, Ambria wandered the grounds some more, passing a Dwarf on patrol that thankfully wasn¡¯t in a chatty mood. She didn¡¯t know where she was going, only knowing that forward was the only way she could go.


    Ambria really had no idea what brought her to his recovery tent. It hadn¡¯t been a conscious destination, and now she wasn¡¯t sure what to do. She stared at the wood-framed door for several minutes not even really thinking, just mesmerized by nothing. She tried to move away, but no matter the direction, she just heard those shouted words repeating over and over in her head. ¡®Fuck! He¡¯s having a stroke!¡¯. The only time she didn¡¯t feel those words was if she took a step towards the door, and eventually she found her hand touching it. Finally, she soundlessly slid the latch aside, opened the door, and quietly walked in.


    Kaisess lie in bed, bathed in the sliver of moonlight coming through the tent-flap window. Ambria could immediately tell he was awake and holding his right hand up, slowly trying to make fists with it. He had to concentrate to make it work, so hard he hadn¡¯t even noticed her, and a couple times he flopped his arm back to the bed in frustration, only having to concentrate twice as hard to raise it back into position. Ambria watched him, her broken creation, trying to struggle. She wondered what he was feeling, both inside and out, and wondered if he felt as lost as she did.


    Finally, she stepped forward, moving quietly up to the bed, the long beam of moonlight reaching out for her freckled face. She tilted her head and looked closer at the Tigerkin in front of her, still distracted by the struggle to move half his limbs. So strong, and yet felled by something so small, and all because of her mistake.


    Kaisess eventually noticed Ambria, but he didn¡¯t jump or scream or make any noise. There was indeed a moment of shock in those eyes, but it faded almost instantly. Then he smiled. Well, he half-smiled at first, the other half needing an extra moment to catch up. ¡°Hi,¡± he said in a whisper.


    ¡°Hi,¡± the Faun replied, raising one hand in a weak wave.


    They looked at each other for a time, neither sure what to say.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t there when I woke up,¡± Kaisess finally said, half his face partly quirking in confusion and some of the words not sounding quite right.


    ¡°I was sent away,¡± Ambria replied defensively, before adding, ¡°But I wanted to stay.¡±


    With his good hand, Kaisess pointed above his head. ¡°I heard what happened,¡± he said. ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    Ambria reached up and touched the sharp point of her broken antler. She shook her head. ¡°Not any more. They actually can¡¯t feel anything directly. It only rattled my head a bit.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±


    ¡°I know, it must look ridiculous, all broken like this,¡± Ambria mumbled, blushing slightly in the moonlight.


    ¡°We all break,¡± the Tigerkin replied, shrugging his good shoulder. ¡°Then we put ourselves back together.¡±


    Ambria tried to smile, but it was really a weak one at best.


    ¡°May I?¡± Kaisess asked, gesturing towards Ambria¡¯s head.


    ¡°Um ¡­ I suppose?¡± the Faun said hesitantly. She knelt next to the bed, slowly bowing her head forward. While her antlers couldn¡¯t feel anything directly, what they might rub against was amplified into the bony growth areas, feeding the vibrations with intensity directly into a Faun¡¯s head. Thus, even the slightest of touches, especially light ones, could deeply affect a Faun¡¯s body, and allowing someone else to touch them gently was considered quite intimate.


    Gingerly, Kaisess reached out, tapping his fingertip to the edge of the broken spike. He seemed to wince as he felt how sharp the break was. ¡°Is this permanent?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Ambria replied, trying to hide a grimace of sensation. ¡°They fall off at the end of the summer, and then grow back over the next month.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re glad of that. Just remember, though, battle scars are sexy.¡±


    Ambria snorted. ¡°It¡¯s hardly a battle sc¡­¡± Her snarky reply was cut off as Kaisess extended one of his claws and ran it gently along the length of her broken antler. The point of his sharp claw rubbed along the hard, imperfect surface, sending magnified waves of sensation directly into her. She gasped as parts of her body suddenly woke to the moment.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Kaisess said in horror, pulling his paw back at Ambria¡¯s response.


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ it¡¯s okay,¡± the Faun replied meekly, raising her head, but not standing. ¡°Any touch, especially light ones, that rubs against them gets magnified straight into my head, which can affect my body, too.¡± Ambria gestured to the base of the broken antler, blushing even harder than before, and realized she was going to need a cold shower as soon as she could get out of here.


    It took a moment, but the Tigerkin¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Oh!¡± he said in sudden understanding of Ambria¡¯s response. ¡°Oh my! I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Really. You didn¡¯t know.¡± Ambria tried to hide her face, but their eyes locked with each other for a long moment. ¡°Maybe I should go,¡± she finally whispered, but for some reason made no attempt to rise.


    After what seemed like an eternity of moments, Kaisess raised his paw again, extending a single sharp claw. The deadly point glinted in the beam of moonlight as Ambria¡¯s eyes were transfixed on it. But, he just held it there, not making any movement to continue. Ambria could hear her heart pounding in her twitching ears, and she hesitantly bowed her head forward once again, offering her antlers to him. The touch of the Tigerkin¡¯s claw as he ran it along the bony horn, amplified by its base and by the moment, sent repeating vibrations of bliss through her whole body.


    But then, the waves crashed into the rocks as she remembered. She remembered why Kaisess was here, in this tent, and she remembered what she had failed to do that put him here. Her eyes snapped open in anguish and horror, expecting to find anger and resentment. But she didn¡¯t. His eyes were closed, and he wore a gentle smile, both sides fully turned upright in the moment. There was no anger on that furry face.


    Ambria shuddered again as another wave of sensations traveled through her. Her body was fully awake now, and the touch was so intimate; so ¡­ wonderful. Hesitantly, hoping she hadn¡¯t misread the moment, the Faun unbuttoned her tunic, letting it fall from her shoulders. It made a soft sound as it landed on the floor, the only other sound she heard being the speeding heartbeat in her ears. She really wasn¡¯t sure why she did this or even why she had even let him touch her head again. Maybe by offering Kaisess her body, she thought she could atone for her mistake. Maybe she just wanted to help Kaisess feel normal again. Or, maybe she selfishly needed to feel something, anything, for herself, if only for a moment. Maybe there was no good reason, and her body was simply responding to his gentle touch. Did it matter?


    Unbeckoned, a single tear began to fall from Ambria¡¯s eye as she looked at the smiling Kaises looking so content in the moment. She closed both eyes hard as more tears began to leak down both her cheeks. There was a brush of soft fur against one of them. It touched the slowly-falling tears, the droplets simply disappearing, absorbed into the savage-but-not paw of this broken Beastkin.


    Ambria opened her eyes, watching as Kaisess pulled his tear-carrying paw back to his exposed chest. He looked at her. She tilted her head and looked back at him, and with his good arm he lifted the thin blanket, showing he wore nothing underneath. She shouldn¡¯t. Maybe it wasn¡¯t completely wrong but it probably wasn¡¯t right either. But Ambria realized she didn¡¯t care. Slowly, she untied her belt, and let her shorts drop to the floor, followed quickly by the rest. She never let her eyes wander from his, though, and he never from hers, the blanket held silently open, inviting her in.


    She slid into the bed, straddling one of his legs with her own, still looking at his eyes as they looked back. The moon had moved, and now the light splashed his face, whiskers reflecting the brightness in the night sky back to her. She lay her head on his chest, the yellow and black fur so very soft under her face; so very soft against her body. She felt a moment of his concentration before his right arm was finally commanded to embrace her, holding her close and safe.


    The Faun lay on the Tigerkin¡¯s chest listening to his heart beating, as if calling out a rhythm to her. With every breath his body rose and Ambria rose with it. As she slowly rose and fell, that steady rhythm chanted and pulsed through her, a slow cadence that with each beat seemed to carry her forward somehow. Soon, the little Faun felt tears fill her eyes again, and they flowed into the soft fur of the one she had almost killed. Then, it started as a nothing, and then a twitch, and then a jerk. Finally, she let out a little squeak as she began to weep, and soon all the emotions she¡¯d been struggling to understand all day flooded into her, and quietly she wept as her body shook.


    Kaisess simply held the Faun. He could feel her every jerking sob. He could feel her breath blowing hotly across his chest as it came in gasps and the soaking tears as they drenched his fur. His heart pulsed against hers and he seemed to welcome her pain, as if offering to pull it away from her, to help her feel whole again.


    Eventually, Ambria slowed her shudders and then stopped, her breathing returning to normal and her pulse quieting to the slow beat of an exhausted sleep. Kaisess lay there, damp with tears and probably with snot, but he didn¡¯t care. He held the Faun with his defective arm, while he stroked her gently with the other, just being where he was needed in that moment.


    Hours later, or minutes, she wasn¡¯t sure and it didn¡¯t matter, Ambria woke from her slumber. She wiped her green eyes with her hand and reached for the soft fur that had been her pillow. It was dry now, so she¡¯d been sleeping for a while. A soft paw had been stroking gently up and down her back, but with her movement, the light scratch from the hard edge of an accidental claw caused her body to shudder and warm. Kaisess was awake, or maybe he had never slept. She looked into his eyes as he looked back, saying nothing and saying everything.


    Twice that night they made love in the slowly-moving voyeuristic moonlight. Ambria took the lead, and the half-broken body of Kaisess responded. Ambria relished the orgasmic catharsis that made her feel alive once again, and Kaisess the same, realizing that while he may be broken, he wasn¡¯t beaten. It truly was a love they found, too. It might be love only for the briefest of moments, in this waystation to a distant warzone, but in that moment they each loved and were each loved in return.


    Eventually, Ambria lay contentedly on the Ranger¡¯s chest, making happy little sounds as he returned to holding her, running claws lightly up and down her freckled back. Her heart beat in perfect rhythm with his, their breathing had calmed and become as one. They found they had connected in a way not just physical, Ambria¡¯s beautiful afterglow now wrapping them tightly together. Together they soon slept, relishing the remnants of the night that would soon fade, when the real world demanded their attention once again.


    <hr>


    Eventually, the nearly-dawn call of a bird roused Ambria from her slumber, and she needed a moment to remember where she was, and then what had happened. The chest that was her pillow rose and fell slowly, the thumping of its heart still mingling with hers.


    Kaisess could tell the Faun was trying not to wake him as she slipped quietly off the bed, but their gazes locked. She stopped, frozen, almost in a primal instinct of fear, before slowly starting to move again. She pulled away and stood, reaching for her under-clothing on the floor next to the bed.


    But Kaisess reached out to stop her, and she did. He looked at her, trying to etch into memory every curve of her body, every line, every one of her cute freckles. He followed the spindly lines of her antlers, finally ending at a sharp point. He worked to remember the little dimple of embarrassed confusion on her forehead at being put on display, that slowly turned into a dimple of understanding, and finally one of sultry permission as she let her arms fall with an inviting, mischievous grin. She stood like that, letting Kaisess take in her naked image, feeling warm at being gazed upon and admired.


    Ambria eventually raised her arms, stretching her body tight, before slowly turning so he could look upon her from behind. Kaisess remembered it all, scanning with his eyes, following the patchwork of freckles from her shoulders as they ran down the center of her back. He memorized the shape of her hips, the red of her long hair, and the erotic whip-like swish of her fur-tipped tail. She looked back over her shoulder, a sly smile on her face as she bent teasingly and ever-so-slowly to fetch the clothing she had dropped. Kaisess watched her body move and muscles flow as she slowly dressed, saying nothing, simply remembering this vision.


    Finally, she reached for her tunic. Turning, she slowly and mischievously buttoned it closed, Kaisess watching happily as she covered herself once again. She smiled with a coy, sly seductiveness. It had been a night they both needed, to get them through a moment of confusion and pain and doubt. Their fates had come together, meeting in a moment neither would ever forget.


    Ambria turned to leave, but a soft paw on her arm stopped her yet again, and she turned back to face the broken Beastkin. He grasped her hand and pulled her gently forward, and she knelt next to him again. Kaisess took her chin in his paw and pulled her gently forward, while he struggled to sit up to meet her. They kissed, oddly for the very first time, and Ambria felt warm and wonderful and alive. In this moment, she realized she may never be fully free of her guilt, but she now understood its place. She could move ahead and she would heal in time, just as he would.


    ¡°Someday, and I don¡¯t know when,¡± the Tigerkin said quietly, a half smile slowly forming into a full one as he carefully formed the words, ¡°I¡¯m going to find you again. You don¡¯t have to wait for me, and I don¡¯t expect you to. If you¡¯ve found another by then I¡¯ll understand. But on the chance you haven¡¯t, I¡¯d like to know the rest of you.¡±


    Ambria blushed and looked up. ¡°I¡¯d like that, too,¡± she whispered. And she realized, she would.


    With a final, single kiss to her forehead, Kaisess released Ambria¡¯s hand, as if bestowing a final, parting absolution for the mistake she had unknowingly made. The Faun rose and turned, before moving quietly towards the door. She pushed the latch aside and quietly snuck out, looking back only once, forever etching him into her mind as well. His promise of reuniting someday may come, or not, but she looked forward to finding out if it would.


    Gently closing the door, she slid the latch back into place. Smiling, Ambria closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the wood frame. She stood there, lost in her thoughts and relishing the moment; enjoying the fading maelstrom of all that had happened. She took a deep breath and turned to walk back home.


    So lost in her own thoughts, Ambria never saw the sweaty and nearly-naked Cheetahkin that had stumbled to a shocked and confused halt only a few meters away.


    It was obvious where Ambria had been, and fairly easy to guess why. Jesca fumbled for some words. Any words! But she could only point and croak out, ¡°Your ¡­ your tunic is on inside-out.¡±


    <hr>

 Chapter 39 - A Day in the Life: The Scryers (skippable)

    Chapter 39


    A DAY IN THE LIFE - SCRYERS


    Scryer Yulayla rose from bed, stretching and yawning widely. Her head was fuzzy from the previous night¡¯s drinking and games, but that was to be expected. She¡¯d been on a winning streak against the other staff, and couldn¡¯t really just walk away without seeing it through. Eventually, the odds caught up with her and she¡¯d ended the evening only slightly ahead of where she started, though. It was well past midnight when she finally slogged back home and fell into bed.


    Holding her hands under the cold running water in her bathroom, the Elf splashed some on her face before drying on a hanging towel. The face in the mirror was largely presentable, but had obvious signs of fatigue and shadows under its eyes. It was going to be an early night tonight, which Sania would certainly appreciate.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Yulayla said, walking from her quarters into the Scryer office proper. ¡°Thanks for covering last night, I really needed a break. Any messages?¡±


    ¡°Just one incoming via relay, which I¡¯ve already transcribed and dispatched to the Commandant,¡± Sania responded, looking up from where she¡¯d been reading on the couch. ¡°It was just some background on the two Warlocks arriving later this week. They are both new this term, first time here, so Xera asked for the info. Both are civilians, and both are Silver with worms. Ma¡¯am, if they can afford worms, why would they be coming here?¡±


    Yulayla shrugged. ¡°Races?¡±


    ¡°Both are Fairy, I believe.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, that¡¯s it then. They live long enough to get bored. They¡¯ll be here for one term before they are off for some other experience, most-likely.¡± The head Scryer yawned again. ¡°Anything outgoing?¡±


    ¡°Uh,¡± Sania stood, walked to a desk and looked through a stack of parchments. ¡°Yup, just these three it looks like. Two destined for Meadowglade, and I held off sending them since they are pretty detailed reports. Tasi also has a message to send directly to Imor, for Medical Command, that she asked to be prioritized, if possible.¡±


    ¡°Outgoing for Medical?¡±


    ¡°A request for an officer to escort an injured recruit to the Nexus for healing.¡±


    ¡°Does this have to do with the one from the game?¡±


    The Dwarf nodded. ¡°It does. Apparently he had a mild stroke as a result of his injury. She wants him to leave the day after tomorrow with the next outbound weapons shipment, if everything can be arranged.¡±


    Yulayla winced. She didn¡¯t know the injured Catkin, except that he was a Ranger and seemed to be a pretty good Bunkerball receiver. She¡¯d seen the hit and fall he took, but it looked like it was his knee that had been injured, so there must have been a complication. If he needed intense healing, then the message Tasi asked her to send would start all of the arrangements being made.


    ¡°I know, it¡¯s too bad, ¡° Sania continued. ¡°Tasi said he wants to come back though. Well, at least currently he does.¡±


    ¡°I would hope he¡¯d come back, after receiving a worm. It¡¯s quite the investment.¡±


    Sania shrugged. ¡°True, but he has an out, given the injury.¡±


    Yawning again, Yulayla nodded. She made a dismissive waving motion. ¡°Thank you again. Go get some breakfast, I¡¯ll take over until you relieve me.¡±


    ¡°Breakfast? It¡¯s almost eleven.¡±


    ¡°What? Why did you let me sleep that long?¡±


    ¡°I suspected you needed it,¡± Sania said with a comforting smile.


    Yulayla rolled her eyes. ¡°While I appreciate the sentiment, you don¡¯t need to cover for me. I told you I¡¯d take the day shift. We¡¯ll figure out how to make the schedule work.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Sania said with a frown. ¡°But that does beg the question. What are we doing about replacing Earick? We really need three Scryers to cover the crystals and everything else around here, and I barely count as one of them. I know his baby is due soon, so I don¡¯t blame him for going, but we¡¯re shorthanded now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m working on it,¡± Yulayla said with a slightly bitter scowl. ¡°I had someone all lined up and then he called it off. I think he realized how remote this place is. The Network will just need to understand we may be slow to respond. I¡¯m just glad Earick stayed through the first few days. Intake and bonding would have been a mess, otherwise. I have another candidate I¡¯m extending an offer to, but even if she accepts, it will take a few weeks, at minimum, for her to get organized and get here. Thankfully, she¡¯s both single and has no kids, so I¡¯d like to think she¡¯d be able to come quickly. Maybe she can make it by Midsummer?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that sounds promising!¡± Sania said, perking up at the news..


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep you apprised on whether she accepts. Now, please, go get lunch and relax. I¡¯ll see you at dinner time.¡±


    Sania smiled, stood from the chair she had sat in, and stretched. ¡°Do you need me to bring you lunch?¡±


    ¡°Ugh! No! The thought of food right now makes me nauseous. I¡¯ve got some snacks if I need something later. Thank you though. And thanks again for putting up with being down a person.¡±


    ¡°As you said, we¡¯ll make it work,¡± Sania said. ¡°I¡¯ll see you as soon as I finish my dinner to cover the evening shift.¡±


    Yulayla watched Sania leave through the office door and then groaned, falling back into the couch set against one wall. Her assistant was right, this schedule couldn¡¯t last long, and even taking one lousy night off threw everything into disarray, especially since Sania really couldn¡¯t communicate very far. Like Sania, Yulayla couldn¡¯t fault Earick, though. He¡¯d told them he wasn¡¯t going to be staying when the last term ended so he could be home for his first child, yet they had managed to keep him around an extra five weeks. His wife hadn¡¯t been happy about that, but a little bonus pay helped make up for his absence in her final weeks. He¡¯d make it home in time.


    A Scryer¡¯s job wasn¡¯t just looking at a person¡¯s aura and determining if they were being truthful. That was almost a side-responsibility. No, their real duty here was communication. Kingdom-wide, the Scryers interwove a complicated network of matching crystals that, with the proper skills, could both transmit and receive information almost instantaneously. The Network was so complicated that scores of seasoned logisticians worked to keep official records of who had which sets of harmonized crystals for either direct communication, or to act as a relay to pass the word on to the next. This is one of the reasons why the Scryer¡¯s Oath was to keep secrecy. Without it, the trust in the Network couldn¡¯t be maintained. There were ways to get a Scryer to break an Oath, by military order from the High-Commander if it was a military issue, or if made aware of certain crimes, for example, but generally the Oath was considered absolute.


    At a small military outpost such as this, regulations said there must be someone on duty at all times. Honestly, there was almost no traffic, and what came through was seldom urgent. Thus, while the protocol was ¡®must¡¯, the reality was ¡®strive¡¯. Normally, the night on-call was Yulayla, since her residence was attached to the Communications Office, while the other two Scryer staff each covered part of the daylight hours. It was a lot of extra work covering everything with only two people, though. Thankfully, with the camp being so remote, and only Yulayla currently able to handle long-distance messages at the moment, it was well known across the Network that there could be a significant delay if she wasn¡¯t immediately available.


    Rubbing her hair roughly to work on waking up, Yulayla sat down at the desk. She briefly looked at the two outgoing communiques, which were just a supply requisition and an inventory of weapons being sent on the next outbound transport. Not critical information, but detailed, which is why Sania held off sending it, even though it was only going as far as the next village, one for relay onwards and the other for local delivery. She then glanced through the medical request and sighed in sympathy for the poor Catkin recruit.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Taking down the crystal for Imor Network Command, Yulayla set it in a metal holder on the desk. It was a long distance, and she focused her mana intently, pushing an initial pulse of magic through to the matching harmonized crystal on the other end and waited. The Imor Network office always had a large staff on duty, so it only took about thirty seconds to receive the confirmation pulse back. Now that there was someone active on the other end, Yulayla began to send Tasi¡¯s request. It wasn¡¯t hard, but at this distance, the mana cost was quite deep, so there was no extraneous chit-chat with the remote agent. Quickly, the message requesting an officer escort to the Nexus for ritual healing, as well as eventually seeing the recruit to a medical facility for rehabilitation was sent. At the far end, the matching Scryer wrote down the request before confirming it back.


    Receiving the confirmation of receipt, Yulayla released the connection and slumped back in her chair, momentarily fatigued from the long-distance mana use. Somewhere in the great city, the agent would make a log entry before passing the request ordering the arrangements along. When the recruit finally arrived, everything would be in place for him to get the care he needed.


    Yulayla sat up after resting a bit, before making a note in the official logbook, detailing where and when the communication was sent, listing the time as about five minutes previous, and the agent number of the recipient. The paper copy of the request was placed into the medical communications file, with the time, date and receiving agent information written on it as well. While it was medical information, it wasn¡¯t classified or considered sensitive, so wasn¡¯t destroyed. All perfectly in order.


    The next two messages were being sent only as far as Meadowglade, which was the village about thirty kilometers away. Materials and staff destined for the camp were held there for pickup, and any outgoing items and staff would be dropped there for further transport. Meadowglade only had one Network Scryer, and he was only active from breakfast to dinner, since it wasn¡¯t considered a military outpost. If something was a nighttime priority, Yulayla would have to send the message to a farther destination with all-hours coverage, or direct to Imor.


    Repeating the sequence, Yulayla set up the Meadowglade crystal and pulsed the other end. Usually, the agent was pretty quick, but after about sixty seconds of no response, she ended the attempt. She left the crystal still slightly energized, which would indicate to the remote agent to connect back as soon as possible. With no other messages to deal with, Yulayla walked over to the couch and lay down, picking up a book she¡¯d been reading and waited.


    It was almost twenty-five minutes before the crystal started to give off a faint pink color, and vibrated in its holder, making a bell attached to it ring. Smiling, Yulayla walked back to her desk, sat and reached out. At this short range, it was easy to carry on detailed two-way conversations. ¡°Hey, Sparky,¡± she sent.


    Usis, the Network Scryer in Meadowglade, was a close friend. Yulayla called him ¡®Sparky¡¯ because he knew a Shocking Grasp spell that he¡¯d learned on a whim during downtime. The casual familiarity also sprang from the fact they were close enough to occasionally be bedmates when a visit together could be arranged. It wasn¡¯t anything serious, but sex with another Scryer was an extra-intense experience, so the times they could connect were always quite special.


    ¡°Sorry for the delay. I was delivering some things around the village,¡± Usis replied.


    ¡°No problem. I have two outgoings. They are a bit detailed, I¡¯m afraid. Are you up for both of them?¡±


    ¡°Give me a moment to get set up.¡± There was a pause, Yulayla suspecting her compatriot was getting writing materials together. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m ready.¡±


    Carefully and methodically, Yulayla began to mentally rattle off the details of the first document. It was a general requisition request for things like food, raw materials for the crafters and the Brownies that made all the clothing, and even replacement military medals for the Commandant and Legate. The list went on for three pages, and every dozen entries or so Usis would confirm back to make sure nothing was missed. Finally, they reached the end of the requisition and both Scryers set it aside.


    ¡°When do you think you can visit again?¡± Usis asked as they took a momentary break. ¡°My bed is pretty empty these days.¡±


    Yulayla could get a sense of the remote Scryer¡¯s obvious innuendo and surely he could sense the warm feelings the question caused in her. This ability for Scryers to sense each other¡¯s feelings through the crystals if the range was short enough, or even directly with mutual concentration, was one of the reasons why Scryers made such great lovers with each other, but lousy spouses. There was simply too much open and exposed between them, and simple differences in opinion or a fleeting emotion could quickly explode into marriage-ending turmoil if couples couldn¡¯t take a break from each other.


    ¡°I hope to soon,¡± Yulayla sent. ¡°We¡¯re still down a Scryer, but I hope to have one in a few weeks. For sure, though, I¡¯ll be able to visit after the term is over. I¡¯ve made it clear I need a few days away.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad,¡± Usis replied, the disappointment deeply evident to Yulayla¡¯s senses. ¡°I should have applied for your open job.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go catching feelings on me now,¡± Yulayla warned darkly. This happened too often to her and it never ended well. She had to nip this in the bud if this was the case.


    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Usis replied. ¡°I mean, it¡¯d be nice to see you more, but honestly I¡¯m just bored here.¡±


    Yulayla didn¡¯t need the Scryer-to-Scryer connection to sense that wasn¡¯t the whole truth, but rather than press the issue and make the conversation more awkward, she decided to return to business. The second document was an inventory of weapons and armor the crafters had assembled and would be delivered to a warehouse in Meadowglade, along with production projections for the next month. Usis took the information down carefully, verifying the details as they went.


    ¡°Is that everything?¡± Usis asked.


    ¡°Just one more thing. We have an outgoing recruit needing healing in Imor. He¡¯ll be riding with the next delivery. Requests have already been sent for arrangements there. Could you let the warehouse officer know when you give him the delivery information?¡± Meadowglade had a sizable military staging warehouse to handle incoming and outgoing shipping, overseen by a young logistics officer. He wouldn¡¯t need to do anything special regarding Kaisess, but it was still polite to let him know there would be someone temporarily under his Command Aura before the next leg of transportation was available.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Usis sent.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Yulayla was about to end the connection, but sensed Usis had something more. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I was just wondering,¡± the remote Scryer began, a sense of embarrassment flooding through the link.


    ¡°Wondering what?¡± Yulayla asked.


    ¡°Well, I was wondering if you might be interested in connecting via crystal some night this week. It¡¯s not as good as my bed but ¡­¡±


    Mentally blushing, Yulayla seemed to stumble in response. ¡°Uh, sure,¡± she finally sent. ¡°I guess we could give that a try.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow night?¡± Usis asked excitedly.


    Yulayla tried to stifle a mental giggle at his eagerness. She was pretty sure Usis had never been with a Scryer before her, so the intensity of the intimate contact was all new to him. That likely explained why he might be developing feelings, too. This could get complicated if she let it. But still, Yulayla had needs of her own and Usis was obviously eager to meet them! ¡°Sure, tomorrow sounds great. I¡¯ll call you after I take over for the night shift.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Usis said with an excited mental grin. ¡°Talk to you then, unless something else comes through.¡±


    Yulayla bid Usis farewell, and the connection suddenly broke. She slumped back in her chair, a mischievous grin on her face and warm, anticipatory feeling in her body. Eventually sighing and leaving her thoughts behind, she glanced at a clock, noting how little time had passed since the crystal call had started. So much could be said in mere moments of time via the crystals, and she was always a little disoriented coming back to real world time. Really, the only reason they tended to take a while was if the receiver needed to write things down. Mechanically, Yulayla scribbled in her logbook and notated the two sent messages, filing them away in their folders.


    Unfortunately, later that afternoon would come the message that she dreaded, direct from Imor. It was the weekly count of casualties at the front. It always came around two o¡¯clock in the afternoon, and was always heart wrenching. Writing down those particular numbers was probably the hardest part of Yulayla¡¯s job, and seeing the ashen gaze on the Legate¡¯s face when he rushed in to read the report just added to the sadness. The previous week¡¯s had been a devastatingly high number, and the death of a former recruit. So much heartbreak was in the Legate¡¯s eyes, and she could only hope this week¡¯s report was less grisly.


    Returning the Meadowglade communicator to the storage rack, Yulayla placed a small bell attached to a string on the end of the crystal. If Usis contacted her, the vibrations would shake the bell off, the ringing then alerting her that she was needed and which crystal was calling. The same setup was used on all the other crystals as well. It was a remarkably simple solution, and kept her from having to constantly monitor any of the crystals for attempted contact. Fizzlebek had even rigged up a way to ring a bell back in her bedroom if a message came in, allowing her to be asleep and still respond to any critical overnight messages.


    Returning to the couch, the Elven Scryer relaxed to wait until her services were next needed. She smiled briefly, her thoughts drifting lazily towards Usis once again. She was looking forward to seeing him, even if it was only intimacy through the crystals. He was a good guy, and a very considerate lover, which was very common for Catkin males. Of course, he was also one-fifth her age, only twenty, with almost no experience. It was fun to see him fumble and discover things in his eagerness to please, and equally fun to teach him how to better treat a lady. He¡¯d make someone a good husband some day. Just absolutely not hers!


    Sighing deeply, Yulayla returned to her book, the warm sun coming through the glass window feeling lovely on her body. Her pointed ears kept vague attention, listening for any bells or the sounds of footsteps on the porch soon demanding her attention. Just another day as a Network Scryer.

 CHARACTER/LOCATION LIST - End of Chapter 39

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    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Name</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Gender/Race</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Class</td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Tier</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Rank</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">First Mention</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Notes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Alena del Montano</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Legacy Princess and sister of Vanis, Age 8, presumptive heir to the del Montano Legacy Kingdom</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ambria</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Faun</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Combat Medic recruit, comes from the Fae woods where her family has a mushroom farm, was apprenticed to the local healer, and unfortuantely visiting the city with her grandfather when she was chosen for the lottery</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Balneis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 7</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Part of the Quartermaster and Logistics staff</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bratig</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Pushed Pixyl causing her to break her wing, was disciplined by Tazrok which included removing his beard. Druid forms include: Forest Grist (stealth), Blood-faced owl (flight), Rockjaw (striker) and Armored Cyophroda (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Callie (Calliope) Willow Archer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human transported from Earth into pink-haired Gnome body, Conscription Cursed and currently in advanced class training, Is a race/class combination not seen before, has background archery and accounting</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cavin''s Bows and Fletching</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Archery shop in Imor highly recommended by Reynard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Celeste</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Major</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Senior officer in Camp, doing double-duty as Bladedancer Trainer and head of training camp internal security</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cheena</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Trainer under the mentorship of Trainer Maugra, acts as her interpreter and assistant, but is ready to assume role of lead trainer, should Maugra ever finally retire. Known Animal Forms: White Spotted Leopard, Unspecified Flight Form</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Chown</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, learned Arcane Blast from grandmother, who is a Wizard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cylanae</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Duelist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 28</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Duelist trainer. Duelists are a dual-wielding Scout specialist that excel at ambush tactics.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Delin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Master Healer Tasi''s son. He works on the staff of the Imorian Supreme Commander.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dermic</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Squirrelkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dregorio</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Catkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, Catkin with Domestic Housecat background, comes from far to the south along the sea, but came north to be with his love - alas it did not work out and he was Conscripted before he could return home</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dunni (Dunilalwal)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for six months, used to be in service to Duke Rallaxe and recognizes Vanis from that time, accidently summoned a Demon (Fiend) to the training field, which was defeated by Pixyl</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Earick</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Scryer on staff at training camp who has left to join his wife, as they are expecting their first child soon.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Eirlys</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 26</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Floramancer/Sylvan trainer, expert in plant-related magics</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fidas</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch.14</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer on staff. Served as monitor for Ogre House while they recovered from their Symbiote joining</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fizzlebek</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Enchanter</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of the workshop section of the crafting area, Enchanter (class) and Artificer (vocation), Married to Pama, the head Culinar.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Flick</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Crime Boss</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still working in organized crime, treated Lena well and made sure she was trained</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fullo</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 8</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Quartermaster in charge of laundry, tailoring and training armor, leads a team of Brownie tailors and armorsmiths (cloth and leather armor), yellow Tigerkin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fynisse</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lionkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for one month. Don''t call her Kitty Girl.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Galin Molanar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Legate</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Second in command of training camp, reports to Commandant Xera, is in a relationship with Commandant Xera''s assistant, Kyra</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Grig</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kitchen staff member and bartender during start-of-term party</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Halc</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Dwarf that harassed Callie when she woke in the recruit wagon, apologized to her for his behavior and received a harsh lesson on the importance of consent.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Harzol</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Wolfkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Berserker</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Berserker recruit Callie first met as a player in the Battleball/Bunkerball game</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Hoxx</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Crime Mini-boss</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still in organized crime, treated her poorly and attemted to have her killed, before Tazrok was able to stop the attack</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Imor</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">CH. 29</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Capital city of the land of Imoria, one of the three kingdoms in this region.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Imoria</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">CH. 29</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">One of the three kindoms in this region of the world, occupying an area east and south of the capital cities and the Nexus. Ruled by King Feldwin del Montano, a Legacy King</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jaelarn (aka "Beatcop")</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 15</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Was walking patrol when Callie woke the morning after her Symbiote joining, as well as when she leveled to Bronze Tier, can be occasionally seen on patrol at night</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jesca</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Cheetahkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Fellow Ranger recruit and friend of Callie, has a tendency to babble a bit</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jitta</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 28</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Paladin recruit training alongside Koda</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jorin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warrior</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former adventuring partner of Reynard, in his days before the war and his duties as trainer.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Juniper</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dryad</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious and mischievous Dryad that lives close to the training camp, has some arrangement with Xera but is considered a nuisance by most officers and staff, is recruited into camp training in exchange for agreeing to lead camp personnel to Symbiotes in the area</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kaisess</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, yellow Tigerkin, learned the Parkour skill before arrival. Suffered a Bunkerball injury which led to having a stroke, and was forced to return to Imor for treatment.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Karen</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Interviewed Callie Archer for a poor accounting position</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Karira</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Daughter of Governor Solva, who was being courted by Vanis, before the Humans exiled themselves away behind their walls</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kela</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Captain</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of Quartermaster and Logistics at the training camp, reports to Legate Galin, arguably the most-important person at the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Koda (aka Bear Guy)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Bearkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Large Bearkin that accosts Callie, Jesca and Thucax, before turning polite, nicknamed ''Bear Guy'' by Callie, is an officer in the militia and is undercover to learn training techniques first hand, has asked Callie to provide information on how the training is going for the three anomalies</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Koka</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin sister (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Moka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kyra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 29</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Commandant Xera. Able to place sound amplification sigils on a person, allowing them to address large crowds, as well as replicate objects. Is in a relationship with Legate Galin, although it is still eary</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Lena (Lenora) Mosswood</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 1</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, has a mysterious and criminal past, powerset includes multiple Thief skills as well as Truthseeking</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Lhawni</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit and friend of Callie</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Loki</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Plant Monster</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan Familiar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Semi-intelligent familiar of Juniper''s resulting from her Summon Carnivorous Plant spell, very pet-like and generally friendly, does not get on well with Pixyl, is a bit of a kleptomaniac and quite mischevious, beloved informal "mascot" of the recruits in camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Marandine</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Medium sized city where Pixyl lived prior to being Conscripted</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Maugra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Very old Goblin Shaman Trainer, requires walking-staff for assistance in bi-pedal fom, unable to speak well, and uses Shaman Trainer Cheena to translate a form of sign language, refuses to retire so Cheena can take over training duties, Known Animal Forms: Wolf, Owl</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Meadowglade</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Village located approximately thirty kilometers west of the camp. Supplies, personnel and material going to and from the camp are staged here before being shipped onwards.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Melga Fireheart</td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit. Druid forms: Rolli (stealth), Drakeling (flight), Horned Ice Uraxe (striker) and Owlbear (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Meyra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer and assistant to Master Healer Tasi</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Moka</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin brother (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Koka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Natala</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sergeant-Major</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Master Trainer Thorn, battle veteran with lingering injuries</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Nola</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lizardkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Nexus, The</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11 / 29</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">An independent city state occupying the the area surrounded by the capitals of the three kingdoms. Is the center of government and research for the land. First mentioned in passing in Chapter 11, but fully explained in Chapter 29.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Olin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Lionkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Trainer for the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Pama</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Culinar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11/19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Head Culinar for the camp. Mentioned (Ch. 11) by Vanis using incorrect name as someone that once cooked for a feast in the royal court, Married to Head Enchanter/Artificer Fizzlebek</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Pixyl (Pixylataweneecina)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Pixie</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Blue-haired Pixie, housemate of Callie Archer, fiercely independent but has made new friends through Callie. Is a race/class combination not seen before. Used to fight in the Marandine underground fighter pits and is quite used to fighting demons. Pixyl received two medals for her courage and injuries when fighting a demon on the first day.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rakona</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time, green tigerkin variant with orange stripes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rallaxe</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male (Unknown)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Duke (Nobility)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kingdom nobility known to Vanis, used to employ Warlock Recruit Dunni on his staff, before forcing Dunni to quit and devote time to studying his new class.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Reynard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Foxkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 7</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Trainer, good friends with Master Trainer Thorn, initially not happy with having a Gnome recruit or with Callie''s stubbornness, but has learned to accept it and become friendlier</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rowani</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Pantherkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 5</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid trainer, Elder battle veteran. Known Animal Forms include: Black Panther, Golden Hawk</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Sania</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shirax</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Rhinokin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Barbarian</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Barbarian recruit Callie first met as a player in the Bunkerball game. Was disciplined at the start of term by Tazrok for brawling with other recruits</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shul''an</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A Salamanderkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, Fire Salamander background, pitch-black skin with red highlights, hails from the Great Oasis in the Southern Desert and when Conscripted was too far to return home, able to shoot flammable spit, served as trade caravan guard and has learned several Ranger skills, plus Earthen Wall (Geomancer) and Burning Hands (Wizard) which can be used to ignite flammable spit (NOTE: Salamanderkin are hermaphroditic and use neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Solva</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Governor</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human nobility and friend of Vanis before the Humans isolated, Vanis was courting his daughter at one point.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Swopik</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, was part of the town militia before being Conscripted, so knows some warrior skills</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Talania</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female (Unknown)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Adventuring partner and wife of Trainer Reynard, who passed away twenty-one years previous</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tasi</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Master Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Supervisor of Healers and healing services at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tazrok (Deathstorm) Thunderfist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Ogre</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Corporal</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 1</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Berserker and Barbarian skills, Is a race/class combination not seen before. "Promoted" to Corporal and takes his disciplinary duties quite seriously, Druid forms include: Sky Weasel (stealth), Kheprexi (flight), Hellhound (Striker), Giant Blue-Footed Cave Spider (Guardian), Curvax (Travel)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Terrin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Trainer, old friend of Commandant Xera forced out of retirement to serve as trainer, has very little patience for young people, 236 years old</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Thorn</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Ratkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Martialist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Master Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Officer in charge of all recruit training. Reports directly to Commandant Xera.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Thucax</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnoll</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, generally sour disposition (common for Gnolls), his family owns several warehouses and distribution centers in large cities</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Usis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male / (Catkin)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Network Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 39</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Network Scryer for the village of Meadowglade, approximately 30km from the camp. Is close to and occasionally intimate with Scryer Yulayla.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Utora</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnoll</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Soldier</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Graduate of training camp, killed in action saving a family from demons, first combat death of a camp graduate</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Vanis del Montano</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 2</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, Son of Legacy King Feldwin del Montano. Powerset includes Dancing Lights (Illusionist) and Inspiring Melody (Bard) plus instrument perks</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Vonn</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lamia</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Ranger (retired) turned craftperson (weaponcrafting), used to be an Adventurer until Conscripted, fought on the line with Celeste, is able to craft swords and bows, and will be making both for Callie and the rest of the Rangers</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Wallir</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Druid Forms include: Dire Rat (stealth), Dire Bat (flight), Dire Wolf (striker) and Dire Bear (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Winnu</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Trainer for the Combat Healer class</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Woman in the Red Hat</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female (Unkown)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious woman in a bright yellow dress and large red hat. Pushed Callie Archer in front of a train in Chicago, IL (Earth)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Xera</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Between Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Commandant</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Commander of training camp, missing one arm and a portion of their wing due to presumed combat injury (NOTE: Fairy are able to change gender as desired, Xera is between genders and uses neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Xin (Xinchaine), Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A Lizardkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 2</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, volunteered for duty, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Spearmaster Skills, Known Animal Forms: Giant Grist (NOTE: Lizardkin are hermaphroditic and use female pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Yulayla</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp. Was part of the military pre-war, but wasn''t a model soldier. Returned to aid the military when the war started, but as a civilian. Is close to and occasionally intimate with Meadowglade Scryer Usis.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Stolen story; please report.

 Chapter 40 Part 1 - Girl Talk

    PART I - GIRL TALK


    ¡°Eww, I still smell like swamp, don¡¯t I,¡± Callie whined as she unpacked her lunch. She sniffed at herself again and made a sour face. ¡°He could have at least had us do swamp tracking and stealth on the day before Homeday. Even after washing our armor in the showers, we still smell like swamp-ass.¡±


    Jesca made an equally sour face. ¡°I think it¡¯s just another way for Reynard to torture us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and with your nose it must be extra awful,¡± Callie added with a light chuckle.


    ¡°It really is!¡± the Catkin Fynisse added around a mouthful of her own sandwich, Tigerkin Koka nodding emphatically in agreement next to her.


    Callie was sitting in the bleachers next to Jesca and they were both firmly downwind from Fynisse, Pixyl, Ambria, Lhawni and Koka. It was basically a gaggle of girls only, as both Moka and Chown had learned when they were firmly chased off. No guys allowed!


    ¡°At least Kaisess got out of swamp training, if there¡¯s any positive for him,¡± Callie said, a slightly depressed tone in her voice. ¡°I hope he¡¯s doing okay.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s going to be fine,¡± Ambria said, shrugging. ¡°He told me he¡¯s going to return next term.¡±


    ¡°True. They did let him attune his new bow before he left, so to get that he will need to come back. Do you think we should warn him about the swamp?¡± Callie wondered.


    ¡°No way,¡± Jesca snapped. ¡°He can suffer like the rest of us.¡±


    A round of laughter circled the group.


    ¡°How goes the Shaman thing?¡± Callie asked Lhawni. ¡°Xin mentioned you were having problems summoning your Elemental?¡±


    The Goblin scowled. ¡°I can summon it just fine. It just doesn¡¯t like to follow orders very well. I¡¯ll tell it to attack something and it usually just stares at me and does nothing. Maugra says I have to be more stern with it, but I have no idea how to do that! Frankly, those glowing fire eyes staring at you are a little unnerving. I¡¯d rather be healing, honestly.¡±


    ¡°You just need to tell him who¡¯s boss,¡± Ambria encouraged. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get it.¡±


    The Goblin shrugged, then added excitedly, ¡°I did manage to get my Totem to make all twelve faces yesterday! So, at least Maugra won¡¯t be yelling at me about that. She¡¯s been on my back all week about it since I got Bronze.¡±


    ¡°Go you!¡± Callie cheered, holding up the waterskin she was drinking from like a toast. The rest of the group whooped in agreement as Lhawni¡¯s green skin darkened in a blush.


    ¡°How do you like your new fighting style?¡± Koka asked Callie.


    ¡°I¡¯m still getting used to it. Getting in close to a bigger enemy seems really counterintuitive, but I have to admit the results are a lot better than trying to fight someone tall at normal sword distances. Hopefully Dodge will keep me from getting grabbed.¡±


    ¡°It seemed to work fairly well when we sparred against each other,¡± the Tigerkin added.


    At the beginning of the week, Vonn and Reynard teamed up to change Callie¡¯s fighting technique, moving away from trying to fight at sword range, and instead directing her to get in close to the target where defenses were actually weaker, using her small size as part of the style. This also replaced one of her swords with a shorter one. Now, the longer sword often was used to parry and allow her to slip in to strike with the shorter blade, focusing on quick stabs and slices to the groin and legs. To Callie, it had initially seemed a really dumb idea, but after a few attempts, it started to make more sense. Normal-sized people would eventually be learning a similar technique for fighting against giant-sizes like an Ogre, so really it was more of a case of Callie just learning it earlier and having more targets where it would be applicable.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather j-j-just use Ethereal Blast than get in close,¡± Pixyl added, having been likewise instructed in the close-up style of swordplay, although both of her energy-swords were of equal length. ¡°I¡¯m just way too small and breakable.¡± Like Callie, she hated to admit that it actually worked, though.


    ¡°Yeah, but at least your swords cut through anything,¡± Callie teasingly snarled. ¡°You can just lop their legs off or something. Or, you know ¡­ fly!¡±


    Pixyl just grinned as she bit into a juicy piece of fruit.


    ¡°Have you heard anything more from your Symbiote?¡± Koka asked, changing the topic slightly. Word had made the rounds when Callie revealed the second visit the night she got Bronze, and more than a couple people had asked her for more details, or asked if it had been back.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Nope,¡± Callie said, a little glum. ¡°It said we¡¯d talk when I was asleep, but nothing except at Bronze. I asked Juniper, and she said she hadn¡¯t talked to hers, either. Maybe they only come around when we reach a new tier?¡± Callie shrugged. ¡°At this point, I¡¯m honestly just assuming it was a dream, because if I think about it too much, I¡¯ll drive myself crazy. It did seem like it was trying to learn to speak though, rather than communicate in pictures. Maybe it needs to finish doing that first?¡±


    ¡°I managed to get four Imps summoned and keep their tethers open this morning,¡± Fynisse said excitedly, abruptly changing the subject as she shared the good news.


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Jesca cheered. ¡°What changed? You were still stuck on one yesterday, right?¡±


    The Warlock nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not really sure, but today I just felt really good and everything seemed to fall into place. I think the Callie Chi this morning helped me get some focus. Hopefully I can get to the maximum seven by the end of the week.¡±


    ¡°Argh! I wish you¡¯d all stop calling it that,¡± Callie groaned, burying her face in her hands.


    ¡°Why? You are the one leading it, right? It seems like a good name,¡± Koka said, tilting her furry white head slightly in confusion.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m leading it, Koka, but it just feels so ¡­ I dunno ¡­ wrong. I mean, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m an expert at it. It definitely shouldn¡¯t be named after me.¡±


    ¡°We could call it something like ¡®Gnome Chi¡¯,¡± Ambria suggested.


    ¡°Anything would be better,¡± Callie said doubtfully, ¡°but I suspect the other one is going to stick. Even Xera was calling it that.¡±


    With encouragement from both Jesca and Master Trainer Thorn, plus Reynard of all people, Callie had returned to the early-dawn training field and started leading a slowly-growing group of people in morning Tai Chi exercises. While it may have been relaxing and meditative for the students, for Callie it was absolutely nerve wracking and she completely failed to get any relaxation out of it! Plus, just to make it worse, in addition to the nine or ten recruits the class was up to as of that morning, Thorn and Celeste had come back, joined today by Xera as they dropped in on their way from the shower to their office. Even Reynard had slipped in unnoticed at the end, which made everything retroactively worse.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to keep doing it, right?¡± Ambria asked.


    ¡°I guess?¡± Callie shrugged, reluctant to commit. ¡°If people are getting something out of it, I suppose I can.¡±


    ¡°I definitely am,¡± Fynisse eagerly said, with Ambria agreeing emphatically.


    ¡°And I love feeling the sun come up because it¡¯s warm all over and makes the day start just the right way,¡± Jesca added, babbling a little in Jesca fashion.


    ¡°That¡¯s just because you are mostly naked,¡± Lhawni giggled.


    ¡°Only mostly,¡± Jesca moped melodramatically as the rest of the group laughed. ¡°I¡¯d rather exercise in the nude. I mean, they are just ¡­ what did you call them Callie ¡­ boobs? What¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d distract all the boys,¡± Ambria snickered. ¡°You probably already are a bit, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Bah!¡± Jesca snarled. ¡°Everyone should strip down. The sun feels great!¡±


    ¡°It would be funny to see them tripping all over themselves if each of us did that,¡± Lhawni suggested, eliciting another round of giggles from the group.


    ¡°All of you, please, please, keep your clothes on in my class,¡± Callie sternly groaned. ¡°We already have to deal with Juniper dripping her sex voodoo all over the place and turning people on. We don¡¯t need all your butts and chests wiggling in their faces adding to that.¡±


    ¡°It would be funny, though,¡± Lhawni snickered.


    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s true,¡± Callie conceded with a nod. Then, she got an odd look on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Callie?¡± Koka asked.


    ¡°You know, now that the topic of boobs has come up, I¡¯ve noticed mine are actually shrinking,¡± the Gnome replied, cupping her hands to her chest. ¡°Or something. My body has changed a little. Have any of you noticed anything?¡±


    ¡°Mufffless,¡± Pixyl mumbled through a bite of her lunch.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Swallowing, Pixyl spoke again. ¡°Muscles. From all your archery. I¡¯ve noticed them on you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Instinctively, Callie reached for one of her biceps as she clenched her arm. Holy cow! She had muscles! She quickly did the same for the other arm, finding the same thing, ¡°What the heck!¡±


    Jesca flexed her own arms. ¡°I noticed the other day, too. My arms as well as across my chest, back and stomach. We shoot a lot of arrows.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but you¡¯re already totally jacked, Jesca,¡± Callie scoffed, gesturing lazily at the Catkin. ¡°I mean, let¡¯s face it, your ass is rock hard from all your running and you could bounce a coin off it.¡± A general murmur of agreement went up among all the girls.


    The Cheetahkin smirked. ¡°But now my arms and stomach, too.¡± She once again flexed, having pulled up her tunic to show the start of well-defined abs, the vague shapes visible even through her fur.


    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed my body has toned as well,¡± Koka said. ¡°From all the sparring and movement practice like Dodge.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± Pixyl said, flexing her own arms.


    Callie gestured generally towards her friends, and groaned out a generic whine. ¡°It looks really good on all of you, though. My new muscles are apparently eating my boobs, and they were already pretty tiny to begin with. I kinda feel like I¡¯m losing what little of my figure I had.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You still look great,¡± Ambria reassured. ¡°Really.¡±


    ¡°Especially from behind,¡± Pixyl absently added around the bite she was taking, before she snapped her eyes open wide and quickly looked away, realizing what she¡¯d said and blushing madly.


    ¡°Aww, thanks for that you two,¡± Callie said with a smile. She then looked at her friends. ¡°It¡¯s nice we can all support each other, y¡¯know? Too many people tear each other down.¡±


    ¡°It will be even better when you two don¡¯t smell like a swamp,¡± Ambria added, a teasing glint in her eyes.


    ¡°Huh,¡± Callie deadpanned. ¡°Maybe I should take that back.¡±

 Chapter 40 Part 2 - A Thing of Wonder

    PART II - A THING OF WONDER


    ¡°I wonder where Reynard is,¡± Jesca said as the four Rangers mingled at the range.  Lunch was over and he was always there and ready to go on to the next lesson.  It was a little uncharacteristic of him to be late.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be here soon,¡± Shul¡¯an said, shooting a Rapid Shot downrange in general boredom.


    ¡°My guess is he¡¯s out looking for an even worse swamp for us to walk through.  One that is even deeper and smellier than the first one,¡± Callie grumbled.  ¡°Now he can finally get rid of me and just blame it on the swamp.¡±


    ¡°I thought in general you two were getting along now,¡± Shul¡¯an said, a confused look on their dark face.


    Callie kicked a clod of grass. ¡°He¡¯s actually been kinda nice to me since I almost melted my brain.  But I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯d rather it was me that was sent to Imor, and not Kaisess.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t hate you that much,¡± Jesca giggled.  ¡°I mean, he¡¯d probably fish you out of the swamp eventually, before you completely drown or get eaten by something.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about that?  I did call him a ¡®fuzzy-faced asshat¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, I forgot about that,¡± Jesca mused.  ¡°Now I¡¯m not so sure.¡±


    ¡°Oh come on, he knew that pool would be over my head.  Do you know how hard it is to get swamp smell out of hair?¡± Callie whined as she pointed to her pink head.


    Jesca and Thucax both looked at Callie through narrowed, deadpan eyes.  Slowly, Jesca gestured to all of herself.


    ¡°Okay, bad comparison,¡± Callie conceded with a laugh.  ¡±Still, he knew how deep it was and Gnomes apparently can¡¯t swim, so he can just stew in his asshatness!¡±


    ¡°He has come to respect you, Little One,¡± Thucax said.  ¡°It is perhaps time for you to accept that?  Like Jesca, I am sure he would not let you get eaten by something in the swamp.  Nibbled upon, perhaps, but not fully eaten.¡±


    Callie laughed carefully, a tiny bit unsure if Thucax was making a joke or not.  The Gnoll so far had not been one for witty banter with everyone else, and his sense of humor was a little sardonic at times.  Jesca said that was a common trait in Gnoll culture though, and to not hold it against him.  Thankfully, he¡¯d been slowly warming up to everyone, participating in the general banter and good-natured ribbing the Rangers gave each other as he grew more comfortable.


    ¡°I see him, coming over the hill,¡± Jesca said, her hand shading her eyes as she looked across the field.  ¡°Strange.  Vonn¡¯s with him, as well as the Master Trainer and Commandant.¡±


    At once, the other three rangers turned, shielded their eyes and looked, casually using their Eagle Eye skill to zoom in and see what was going on.


    ¡°Is that Fizzlebek?¡± Callie asked, zooming in with Eagle Eye and seeing the short Gnome now cresting the hill, chatting with the others.


    ¡°Vonn is carrying something over her shoulder,¡± Shul¡¯an added.  ¡°A sack of some kind.¡±


    Then it suddenly dawned on all of them.  With a sudden eagerness, they all looked at each other and exclaimed as one, ¡°Our bows!¡±  The new bows were ready!  That had to be why Vonn and Fizzlebek were walking with Reynard, and likely explained why the others were along as well.  Instinctively, the Rangers smoothed their clothes and otherwise made themselves presentable, lingering swamp smell notwithstanding.


    In eager anticipation, they watched as Reynard and the rest approached, stopping briefly where the Shamans were busy working on Elemental control.  It was too far for Callie to hear anything, but both Cheena and Maugra joined the group, their recruits apparently ordered to take a break.  Soon the approaching group was joined by Juniper, trailed closely by Loki.


    ¡°I get Juniper coming, but why would they get the Shamans?¡± Callie asked, perplexed.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Jesca shrugged.


    The team had speculated all week about what kind of capabilities the new bows would have.  Both Vonn and Fizzlebek had refused to divulge any hints, and even Reynard played coy.  They knew about Endless Arrows and the Self-Repair enchantments, and Callie assumed she¡¯d get at least one rune for range, but beyond that they had no idea.  Thucax in particular was eager to no longer have to fumble with arrows, as he occasionally struggled with them during high-speed cadence drills.  The speculating made for fun conversation, but also infuriating anticipation.


    After an agonizingly slow walk across the field, where Reynard and the rest stopped a couple times to chat with trainers, purposely prolonging the torture Callie was sure, they finally arrived.  The members of Team Ranger stood in a vague sort of attention as their superiors got organized.


    ¡°So ¡­ what¡¯s in the bag?¡± Callie finally asked after the lack of talking got to be too much. She bounced up on her tiptoes, smiling happily, unable to contain her enthusiasm.


    Reynard gave Callie, and then the rest of the recruits a hard stare.  ¡°Do you really think they deserve these?¡± he casually asked his colleagues.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say,¡± Thorn responded.  ¡°I mean, she did call you a ¡®fuzzy-faced asshat¡¯.  That kind of disrespect makes me question if this is a good idea.¡±  There was a tiny twinkle of mirth in the Master Trainer¡¯s eyes, though.


    ¡°He did try to drown her,¡± Thucax helpfully pointed out, missing out on the obvious lightness of the banter.


    ¡°Is that true?¡± Xera asked Reynard mockingly as they put their hand to their chest.


    ¡°How was I supposed to know Gnomes can¡¯t swim?  Apparently, they can¡¯t even float!¡±  Reynard shrugged with a chuckle in defense.


    ¡°Huh.  In that case, I think we can let the insult go,¡± Xera added lightly.  ¡°It gets points for creativity, too.¡±  Xera snuck a quick wink towards Callie.


    While Xera and Reynard had been speaking, Vonn set down her duffle and began removing four cloth-wrapped bundles, each tied closed with different-colored ribbon-string.  She set each upright against the rear wall of the shelter.  One of the four bundles was notably smaller than the rest.  Callie¡¯s heart was leaping in excitement, and even the normally professionally-serious Shul¡¯an was exuding an aura of gleeful anticipation.  Hungrily, all of the recruits glanced back at the bundles, so eager to see what the results were going to be.


    The Commandant cleared their throat.  ¡°All humor aside, recruits, I felt it important to say a few things before we hand these over, so please listen up.¡±  Fidgety, each of the Rangers refocused and gave Xera their full attention.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with all of you.  With Juniper¡¯s donation of the Heartwood, these are probably four of the finest weapons we¡¯ve ever produced here.  Vonn has outdone herself in their crafting, and may even reach Platinum Tier tonight from her work.  In addition, Fizzlebek has apparently come up with two special and very unique enchantments for you all.  We¡¯ve always strived to send all our recruits to the front with something special from the armory, but none have ever been as special as these are.  I, personally, am expecting you to train harder and fight harder than any of the Rangers that have come before you.  And just to be sure I¡¯m heard, I am ordering each of you to not make me regret the decision to give these to you.  Understood?¡±


    The response was a simple, unified, ¡°Yes, Commandant.¡±This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Xera nodded in acknowledgement.  ¡°Very good.¡±  They turned to Vonn.  ¡°I¡¯ll let you take over.¡±


    The Lamia slithered forward.  ¡°Go ahead and open them.  Red is for Shul¡¯an, green is Thucax, and yellow is Jesssca.  Callie¡¯sss is obviousss.  Do not play with them until we exxxplain everything, asss there¡¯sss a lot to know.¡±


    Hesitantly, each of the recruits turned and walked towards their respective colors.  The ribbon color on Callie¡¯s bundle was pink, but still obvious due to its size.  With mixed emotions of trepidation and glee, Callie pulled the ribbon loose and unwrapped the new bow.  And there it was.  The most-amazing thing she had ever seen was just there, right in front of her.  And it was hers.  It was simply ¡­ magnificent.  Gingerly, Callie reached out, stopping just before she touched the weapon, worried that doing so would somehow sully its beauty.


    The bow was made of medium brown wood that curved and twisted upon itself, reflecting the light with a smooth, polished surface.  Yet under that polish were hundreds of perfect imperfections showing the grain of the wood and the twists of the tree it once was.  Little islands of knots dotted the beauty in a few places and, at the bottom, a single living green leaf remained attached, as if a telltale harbinger of the weapon¡¯s power.


    Parts of the bow were wrapped in a soft, green leather and dark twine also encircled it,  binding white feathers to the wood.  Callie couldn¡¯t tell if the feathers were decorative, or part of the obvious magic emanating from the bow, but in either case, they added to the profound sense of power the weapon gave off.


    Etched into the wood, at least on the side Callie was able to see, were three symbols that seemed to faintly glow white if you looked at them in just the right way, but then seemed to go dark, or even disappear, if you tilted your head just a bit to the side.  Finally, two flat, circular pieces of stone etched with strange symbols were secured to the bow.  Callie couldn¡¯t tell their purpose, but could sense that they were as special as everything else she was seeing.


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Vonn said, ¡°pick them up.¡±


    Callie turned and saw the other three recruits were just as stunned as she was and had  been standing there just as mesmerized.  Carefully, she reached forward, wrapping her hand gently around the bow¡¯s grip.  And ¡­ nothing happened.  Somehow, Callie thought there would be some kind of magic or fusing or something, but absolutely nothing happened.  Looking at the others, she could see they were as shocked at nothing as she was.


    Taking up the bow, Callie noted the side she hadn¡¯t yet seen had three of the occasionally-glowing symbols on it as well, making a total of six on the bow.  She suspected these must be the runes Vonn had spoken of, as they each obviously had great meaning.  The little stone circles seemed unremarkable, but their etchings were intricate and precise, showing they were far more important than they might look at first or second glance.


    Vonn cleared her throat, yanking Callie and the rest from their reverie.  They all turned, new magic in their hands as the towering figure of the veteran Ranger looked down on them.  For the briefest of moments, Callie recalled the fear the first time she had met Vonn, and the magic that had flooded through her to counter it.  Now, that warm memory, coupled with the grand smile on the Lamia¡¯s face, made her feel truly blessed.  She was sure the others felt the same way.


    ¡°You each hold one of the finessst weaponsss I have ever created.  With the Heartwood¡¯sss magic wood as a bassse, I have been able to inssscribe each of your bowss with sssix runess to help bolssster your capabilitiesss.¡±  Vonn extended her hand, asking to take Jesca¡¯s bow from her.  You could tell the Catkin was momentarily reluctant to give it up, but Callie gave her an encouraging bump and she grudgingly did.  Jesca looked longingly at the weapon in Vonn¡¯s hands, like she was watching someone juggle something fragile and precious.


    Holding up the bow for all to see, Vonn gestured towards one of the etched glowing symbols.  ¡°Runesss are generally minor, passssive magicsss desssigned to augment or improve some characterissstic of the weapon or armor they are inssscribed upon.  For exxxample, this one increasssesss the effective range.¡±


    Vonn continued on, carefully and proudly pointing out each of the other runes on Jesca¡¯s bow.  In addition to a rune for increased range, there was one that reduced the casting time for any bow skill, another that made bow skills use less mana.


    The fourth rune was an interesting one that increased the bow''s inherent strength and flexibility slightly, indirectly allowing the wielder to shoot for longer periods without getting tired, as they wouldn''t need to pull back as far to get normal range and damage.  But, the rune magic would also effectively allow them to pull the bowstring back farther than normal, which would then indirectly lead to even additional range or extra damage from the impact.


    The fifth rune on each of their bows had a couple caveats, but was still incredibly useful.  As long as the wielder was touching the bow, it would reduce the recharge times of bow skills by a small amount.  This touch limitation was fine, however, because if a Ranger was shooting, they¡¯d already be holding the bow.  As a result, new charges would be available sooner, which was always a good thing.  Vonn did warn that the rune only worked if there was ambient magic available.  If one was unlucky enough to be in a magically null area, then it wouldn¡¯t work.  Callie didn¡¯t exactly know what a ¡®magically null¡¯ area was, but had an idea based on context and what little she knew about mana, and she filed this important information away as part of the overall operator¡¯s manual.


    For the final rune in each bow, Vonn and Reynard had heavily debated.  They finally decided to give Callie a second rune for range, which due to the diminishing returns on multiple runes was less effective than the first.   For the other three recruits, they instead received a second mana efficiency rune, which reduced the mana costs of their shots just a little bit more, and every little bit would help in the long run.  The bow set aside for Kaisess was also given the second efficiency rune, Reynard revealed.


    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± Reynard said to Callie, ¡°by the time your Effect Layering perk revealed itself, the runes on your bow had already been inscribed.  In retrospect, efficiency would probably have been more-valuable than the additional range.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Callie said.  ¡°Range is still going to be super-helpful.¡±  Reynard was right, though.  Being able to use even less mana with her layered skills would have been great, especially when pushing up towards three or even ever daring to attempt four layers again.  But, Callie knew that range was always going to be a critical shortcoming for her smaller bow, and had no complaints about receiving the additional boost there instead.


    ¡°What are these for?¡± Shul¡¯an asked, pointing towards the two etched gray stones.


    Vonn gestured towards Maugra and Cheena and the Goblin trainer stepped forward, glancing at Callie.  Cheena began to interpret as Maugra signed.  ¡°The Gnome was of great assistance last week when we had a large Black Lotus bloom.  My¡­¡° Cheena scowled under her breath at the word she next had to repeat, ¡°...underling suggested we provide a Talisman for her new weapon, as a way to say thank you.   With the Dryad¡¯s Heartwood, her bow had enough integrity to support two.  It would not be fair to give them to just the Gnome, though, since each of you were to get new bows, so we made them for each of you.¡±  Maugra nodded her head sharply, croaking out a raspy,  ¡°We worked very hard, very long hours.  You are welcome.¡±  With that said, she promptly turned and started hobbling back to her class, not even waiting for so much as a thank you.


    Callie had no idea what a Talisman was.  She caught Cheena¡¯s eye and gave the tiniest of shrugs.


    The Elf Shaman smiled.  ¡°I will explain quickly,¡± Cheena said, glancing at Maugra walking away.  ¡°If you are still confused, find me at the end of the day.  A Talisman is a ¡­ container you might call it.  You can fill it with certain kinds of magic, and then reclaim it later.  They are somewhat similar to a mana stone, both artificial or natural, which holds mana for use in constructs and rituals.  With a Talisman, however, you are able to store a charge of one of your mana-based skills into each, and then reclaim that charge any time you may need it.  You will still need the casting mana to use it, but you now have that extra charge available in reserve.  It takes a small amount of mana to store your spell into the Talisman as well.¡±


    Callie and the other recruits looked at each other, confusion on their faces. Callie tried to roll what Cheena had explained over in her head.  She sort of understood what the trainer was saying.


    Once again Cheena looked nervously at the departing Maugra.  ¡°Callie, I will have you demonstrate quickly.  That skill you have that makes many arrows very quickly, instead of putting that on an arrow, put it instead into the Talisman.  You¡¯ll need to be touching it when you cast the spell.¡±  She gestured towards one of the stones on Callie¡¯s bow.  ¡°Just touch and concentrate right here.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, nodding.  She focused on the tiny stone connected to the bow with stiff, reinforced twine.  Hesitantly, she reached out and rested two fingers against the Talisman.


    RAPID FIRE


    Normally, without an arrow at the ready, nothing would happen if she cast her weapon spells.  But this time, Callie could feel the charge drain, along with a small amount of mana.  The intricate inscription on the stone flashed bright green for the briefest of moments, and then faded to a very dim glow, barely visible in the shade of the shelter.


    ¡°Good,¡± Cheena said.  ¡°Now, you can pull that charge from the Talisman to replenish it in your body for use.  It should last five or six hours before it naturally fades, and hold any spell charge up to Silver Tier.  Once you pull the charge out, it¡¯s empty and you can put something else in it.  If you pull it out when you are full of charges, it will simply dissipate.¡±  She looked nervously one last time.  ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I must go.  All of you, play with them this afternoon and find me if you need more help.¡±  With a warble of magic, Cheena transformed into her white snow leopard form and ran off at speed to rejoin Maugra and her recruits.


    Callie lightly touched the barely-glowing stone.  In her head she was amazed that she had just pushed magic into it, and now it was just hanging there, waiting for her to seize it back at some time in the future.  Of course, the very next thought she had was whether she could put layered charges into the Talisman, and if so how many layers and what would happen when she pulled them back.  She definitely would need to play around with them and figure out all the nuances.


    ¡°Fizzlebek?¡± Vonn said, gesturing to the Gnome. ¡°I¡¯ll let you exxxplain the enchantmentsss.¡±

 Chapter 40 Part 3 - With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

    PART III - WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY


    Grinning, the Enchanter stepped forward. He seemed excited and proud and just exuded giddiness. ¡°First, the good news,¡± he began. ¡°I was able to put four enchantments on each of your bows, in part because the Heartwood is Everliving and capable of self-repair already, so the repair enchantment we discussed didn¡¯t take as much integrity as I was worried it might. Also, because two of the enchantments are attuned, they also used much less integrity. It was a tight fit with all the runes as well, but I managed to do it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Callie said eagerly.


    ¡°It is, yes,¡± Fizzlebek giggled. He then cleared his throat. ¡°Okay, let me run through these quickly, so you can all try them out. First, you¡¯re very familiar with Callie¡¯s Endless Arrows, and all four of these have that enchantment. It is possible to run out of arrows, but it would be difficult. I¡¯d guess the enchantment has about one-hundred charges, and recharges at a rate of about fifteen per minute in normal ambient Nature-magic conditions. Even with the fast shooting rate you all can do, it would be very difficult to run that dry.¡±


    Callie¡¯s memories floated back to that first day here, shooting Thorn¡¯s bow half-naked into a pile of straw trying to prove she was a Ranger, and Reynard¡¯s harsh words to her then. It all seemed so long ago, even though it had been less than two weeks. She glanced at the Foxkin, now smiling as the Gnome reviewed the powers of the new weapons. What a change so little time made. Okay, he was still a fuzzy-faced asshat for the swamp thing.


    ¡°I did add one interesting twist that Callie¡¯s borrowed bow doesn¡¯t have,¡± Fizzlebek continued, gesturing to a specific spot on Jesca¡¯s bow. ¡°If you look at the back of the bow, facing you, you¡¯ll see a small groove where you can rest your thumb. If you touch that as you draw the string, no arrow will appear. This allows you to shoot a real arrow if you wanted to for some reason. Note, however, the bow truly wants to create an arrow, so you are able to only do this a few times before the arrow suppression won¡¯t work for a bit. Think of it like using a charge to prevent the arrow from appearing, with a maximum of probably five and a recharge rate of about three minutes. If you have any questions, Callie is used to this enchantment, so you can just ask her.¡±


    ¡°Happy to help,¡± Callie nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Fizzlebek continued, moving on. ¡°Next is the Self-Repair enchantment. Very easy. If your bow gets scuffed, cracked or the like, it will heal itself, usually in less than an hour for minor things. You¡¯ll note the string is not made of string or rope, but is actually an incredibly strong, thin vine. Thus, the bow will even grow a new string if you break it, although you would need to loop it in place at the bottom, it¡¯s naturally connected at the top.¡± He then gestured to the leather strips wound around the bow. ¡° While a broken string is regrowing, these tempered leather cords can be used as a makeshift bowstring. They are stronger than what you could summon, and won¡¯t fade like a summoned component.¡±


    Callie casually ran her finger over vine-string¡¯s growth point at the top of the bow. She couldn¡¯t believe how alive it felt. Hell, how alive the whole bow felt.


    ¡°As I mentioned,¡± Fizzlebek continued, ¡°the bow is Everliving, so even without the enchantment, your bow would eventually repair itself. The enchantment simply makes the repairs much, much, much, faster. Even if you broke the bow in half somehow, the part with the seedling would fully grow back the entire bow. That would take a while, I¡¯d guess at least a few weeks, and you¡¯d need to recharge it several times, but it would regrow eventually. Oh, that¡¯s right, the enchantment to help speed things up? You will need to recharge it with mana, but you can do that when you have downtime easy enough. I don¡¯t know what would happen if you burned the bow, though. So don¡¯t do that. Or drop it in acid. Or really anything that might completely destroy it. I don¡¯t think it would be able to regrow in those cases.¡±


    ¡°Really? It will grow back completely if snapped in two?¡± Reynard asked, apparently surprised at this information. ¡°That¡¯s ¡­ that¡¯s actually quite something, Fizzlebek. Especially since it can retain all the runes and enchantments. You¡¯ve outdone yourself.¡±


    The Enchanter grinned at the praise and gestured to Juniper. ¡°It¡¯s because it¡¯s Heartwood, Trainer. If it was anything else, it wouldn¡¯t work that way. This is also why you don¡¯t see any enchantment stones. The Everliving bow drank in the uncured enchantments like a nutrient, infusing them directly into the living wood itself, making them part of the item rather than something grafted on. Obviously the Talismans won¡¯t grow back, but if you still have them, simply reattach and they should harmonize with the regrown weapon within a day.¡±


    ¡°Fizzlebek, that¡¯s simply amazing,¡± Callie squealed. ¡°How ¡­ I can¡¯t even ¡­¡± Callie simply didn¡¯t have the words she needed at this moment. Apparently the bow was somehow actually alive, and could be regrown from nothing more than a piece? That was just ¡­ mind-blowing. And this is the kind of magic a master Enchanter and Artificer could make? Mentally, she added both professions to her ever-growing list of magic to understand better. They were still below Culinar magic on the list, of course. Food takes priority.


    Reynard cleared his throat, interrupting Callie''s thoughts, and then took the lead in speaking. "During our discussions about the last two enchantments, the three of us spent quite a bit of time thinking about what would be most helpful. We ultimately focused on two things that are always problematic for a Ranger with regards to their bow. The first problem is dropping the bow if we suddenly need to use swords and not being able to easily retrieve it in the moment. The second is that, quite honestly, carrying it around is a hassle because it''s big, cumbersome and gets caught on things we try to pass by. You all saw that the other day when we were walking through the woods and swamp."


    All four Rangers nodded whole-heartedly in agreement. As they had walked, the bows slung across their backs constantly snagged on trees or bushes or whatever was around them. You could carry it, and that helped. But it was still awkward and you lost the use of one of your hands.


    ¡°To address these issues, we have two enchantments, and they¡¯ve been attuned specifically to you,¡± Reynard said. ¡°Nobody else will ever be able to use them.¡±


    ¡°Have you all seen the Bladedancer ability called Recall Weapon?¡± Fizzlebek asked.


    Callie nodded, as did the others. Lena and the other Bladedancer recruits had been practicing with it during a break one afternoon when they were all sparring together.


    ¡°Good,¡± Fizzlebek nodded. ¡°Basically, this enchantment does the same thing. You will be able to recall your bow into your hands. We couldn¡¯t test it because it¡¯s attuned, of course, but I¡¯d guess the range will be about twenty to thirty meters or so. I don¡¯t know how fast it will come towards you, so be careful and practice catching it. It does use some stored mana, from the same pool the repair enchantment uses.¡±


    Callie gasped and looked at her own hands. She¡¯d actually been strangely jealous in a petty way of Lena¡¯s Recall Weapon skill, as well as Pixyl¡¯s Minor Telekinesis for that matter. It just seemed so cool to be able to Jedi-move items with nothing more than a thought, and now she actually had a way to do it ¡­ sort of. It wasn¡¯t as flexible as Pixyl, who could move a few kilograms of whatever object she focused on, but it was at least something.


    ¡°Vonn, if you would? The necklace and my bow, please?¡± Reynard asked, motioning with his chin.


    The Lamia nodded, slithered over to her duffle and began to rummage as Reynard continued. ¡°For the other problem, that of a bow being bulky and getting in the way, Fizzlebek came up with quite an amazing and unique solution that I think you will all find incredibly useful.¡±


    Vonn returned with a well-crafted black bow with a trio of smooth stones grafted to it, one green, one blue and a third that was a dark red. The Lamia handed the bow to Reynard, who continued speaking. ¡°With all of you getting new bows, I have to admit I was quite jealous. Vonn offered to make one for me as well, but I couldn¡¯t justify using the Heartwood since I¡¯m effectively retired from the field. I¡¯d rather it go to someone young in a future term. But, Vonn insisted I get something. She and Fizzlebek made this for me and I¡¯m forever in their debt.¡±


    ¡°Ironwood, right?¡± Xera asked


    Vonn nodded. ¡°I had the materialsss available for the bowsss I¡¯ve been making for the front. I jussst diverted one pieccce. It¡¯sss what I was originally going to ussse for Callie before Juniper blesssssed usss with her Heartwood.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have all the powers that your bows have,¡± Reynard said, holding it out for the Rangers to see, ¡°but by forgoing any runes, it was strong enough for three enchantments since one of them is attuned. We built it with Endless Arrows and the Self-Repair on it, as well as this one I¡¯ll demonstrate now.¡±


    Vonn placed a simple silver-chain necklace over Reynard¡¯s neck. The light-blue colored stone pendant dangled down to his collarbone. The necklace wasn¡¯t remarkable looking in any way, but was obviously part of whatever was going to happen. With one paw, Reynard adjusted the pendant so it was pressed into his fur. He wiggled the stone some more, frowning slightly. ¡°It needs to touch your skin,¡± he grunted quickly, almost apologetically. After a moment, he was happy with its position.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Now watch,¡± he said calmly. Holding his new Ironwood bow in one hand, he extended it. The air tingled with magic and with a wobble of power, the bow disappeared into nothing. At the same time, the stone on Reynard¡¯s chest changed color to a deep red. ¡°The bow is now stored in this,¡± Reynard said, a smile on his long mouth. With a flick of his arm, magic warbled and the bow once again appeared in his hand and the stone returned to its original color.


    Callie was absolutely astounded, as were the other recruits and even Xera. Juniper, who up to now had been silent and simply observing, clapped happily at the demonstration, bouncing slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s ¡­ quite something, Fizzlebek,¡± Xera finally said. ¡°How did you come up with that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I took the enchantment normally used on a Bag of Holding, and then broke it down into three parts. That, combined with a little bit of Mimic blood allowed me to ¡­¡±


    Xera held up their hands, laughing. ¡°Forget I asked. I¡¯ll never be able to follow along if you go all academic on me. But this has quite the potential. Was it hard to make? Are the ingredients readily available?¡±


    Fizzlebek visibly winced. ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ not hard,¡± he wavered, ¡°but not easy either. Some of the ingredients are fairly rare or expensive. It also will only work on an attuned item, because the user is the conduit between the enchanted item and the stone. In addition, it doesn¡¯t seem to work on steel or other metal items, I¡¯m still trying to refine the enchantment to get around that issue.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite brilliant, nonetheless!¡± Xera praised, uncharacteristically excited. ¡°When you told me you had lots of ideas that you wanted permission to play around with, I wasn¡¯t sure what would happen. I¡¯ll never doubt you again.¡±


    The Gnome blushed slightly. ¡°Thank you for giving me the chance, as well as the space and personnel to do my experiments. I hope to earn my keep with more than just my wife¡¯s cooking and simple weapon enchantments.¡±


    ¡°We need to ¡­ talk more,¡± Xera said, making a mental note to have a more in-depth sit-down with the Artificer. ¡°Apologies for the interruption, Trainer Reynard. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Reynard said. ¡°So, that was that enchantment. Some things to understand about it. First, the stone only has three charges, and it uses one each time you store or recall your bow. Under normal mana conditions, the recharge time for one charge is about an hour. Make sure you track charges so you¡¯re not caught without your weapon if you need it. Second, if you lose your stone while it¡¯s stored, your amazing new bow is gone forever. We in the Ranger line of work call that situation ¡®you¡¯re fucked¡¯, and you generally want to avoid that.¡±


    ¡°Easy solution,¡± Callie said, raising her hand and waving dismissively.


    ¡°What?¡± Reynard huffed, stumbling at the interruption. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Yogosi,¡± Callie said, nodding at Jesca. ¡°Right?¡±


    Jesca quickly nodded back. ¡°Yes! Great idea!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Reynard asked, a questioning frown on his face.


    In unison, Jesca, Callie and Shul¡¯an all pulled up their tunics and light armor, exposing the tiny lumps on their left sides. Jesca¡¯s wasn¡¯t visible through her fur, despite her abs, but the meaning was clear.


    ¡°You ¡­ want to put the stone under your skin?¡± Reynard asked incredulously. ¡°That¡¯s ¡­ actually ingenious, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Yup! That way we can¡¯t lose it and it always touches our body,¡± Callie grinned.


    Reynard looked at Fizzlebek and then at Thorn, and then at the box of necklaces that Vonn was holding. ¡°Why didn¡¯t we think of that?¡±


    ¡°Because you three don¡¯t have the burden of getting pregnant to deal with,¡± Xera laughed.


    ¡°They¡¯ve got us there,¡± Thorn said with a laughing nod. ¡°We are kind of thick at times.¡±


    ¡°If it is any consssolation, I didn¡¯t think of it either,¡± Vonn admitted sheepishly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Tasi and see what we can arrange,¡± Reynard said. ¡°For now, you can practice the enchantment with the necklaces.¡± He looked at the others. ¡°Vonn? Fizzlebek? Anything else we need to cover?¡±


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve reviewed all of the powers we put into the bow,¡± the Gnome responded as he silently counted off fingers on his hands.


    Juniper lightly cleared her throat. ¡°If I may. I have a few things I wish to add.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Of course,¡± Reynard said, standing aside slightly.


    Juniper¡¯s expression seemed to grow slightly melancholy as she first looked down on Callie, and then to the other Rangers. ¡°Your new bows are made from Dryadic Heartwood from my very own tree. Thus it is a part of me, or perhaps I am a part of it, or maybe it is both at the same time. It was ¡­ uncomfortable ¡­ for me to provide, although I sacrifice gladly for my wonderful friends and to defeat the feral Demons.¡±


    Callie had suspected there was something more to the Heartwood than a simple branch removed from a tree. She hadn¡¯t been able to put her finger on what that something was, though. Now, hearing Juniper, it sounded as if it was actually painful for her, almost as if she removed a part of herself so Callie and the rest could have these magnificent new weapons.


    ¡°This Heartwood has magic of its own,¡± Juniper continued, struggling to brighten her tone, ¡°and that has wondrous effects for your weapons. To begin, any arrow you may shoot will be Nature Blessed. While the arrows from a normal bow are quite deadly, some creatures may be immune to them. Spirits and Ghosts care not for the mundane after all, and would never stoop to being harmed by something so simple. This bow, however, will assure that any arrow may affect them, as well as others that may simply dismiss unblessed arrows as nothing more than a mere nuisance.¡±


    Behind the Dryad, Reynard, Xera and Thorn all audibly gasped at each other. Even Shul¡¯an, at the other end of the line of Ranger recruits, made surprised noises. Callie wasn¡¯t sure exactly what the big deal was with this, but it obviously was a big deal. She¡¯d have to get the lowdown from the Salamanderkin later.


    ¡°Next,¡± Juniper continued, ¡°as this is a bow of Nature, it is extra potent against beings made of or imbued with Nether magic, as Nether is the bane of all things living. This includes the very Demons you will be fighting. Alas, this also would include Warlocks, like dear Vanis. So please, don¡¯t shoot him with it. It might be hard to put him back together.¡±


    Callie¡¯s brain hiccuped a moment as she tried to parse Juniper¡¯s statement. She understood everything at the beginning. Nature is the opposite of Nether, so presumably the bow is extra strong against Demons. Simple enough and it even made sense given the origin. But what the hell was the ¡®dear Vanis¡¯ thing? The Dryad definitely had a crush on the guy, that much was obvious. If that was the case, though, there could be a potentially more-serious problem. What if Vanis and Juniper actually hooked up? Nether and Nature coming together? Innuendo aside, from what Juniper just said, that now sounded like a really bad idea. She¡¯d need to talk to Lena or Pixyl, or maybe Tasi, about it and decide if they should warn the Warlock.


    Juniper reached to gently take Callie¡¯s bow. ¡°As the Little One Enchanter said, your bows are Everliving, they will continue to thrive as long as you care for them.¡± She gestured to the little green leaf sprouting from the wood, and spoke almost a little sadly. ¡°This is a Heartwood seedling. It is ¡­ like a child to me in a way. It is ¡­ beautiful and strong and full of potential.¡± Juniper looked up at the recruits, a forced smile on her face. Quickly she said, ¡°Should you need to, you may eat the leaves. They will restore your mana and stamina and heal some wounds. One leaf will even nourish you for a day, perhaps two for the Little One. The seedling is strong, and the leaves will grow back in only a day or two. They should not interfere with potions or Druid berries, either.¡± Then she looked back at the little seedling, her voice softening once again as her finger brushed it. ¡°But if the seedling should grow large enough to thrive on its own, please remove it carefully and plant it wherever you may be. That way I know a part of me will always be seeing something new in this world.¡±


    ¡°How will we know when it¡¯s time?¡± Callie asked quietly. ¡°How fast does it grow?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see it struggling to break free,¡± Juniper cooed absently, ¡°the roots visible and seeking a place to begin its new life. As for how quickly, perhaps every cycle of the Father Moon. Yes, if you plant it when Ohler is full, or within a few days, the little seedling will be most happy.¡±


    ¡°How do we care for the bow?¡± Thucax asked as quietly as Callie. ¡°What must we do?¡±


    Juniper ran her hand lightly along the bow, her voice still low and a little sad. ¡°It needs very little, young Gnoll. Just a small amount of water and some time in the sun.¡± She gently looked at Thucax. ¡°Once a week, if you would, submerge it in water for a few minutes, or at least wipe it fully with a wet cloth. That is more than sufficient. Also it must see the sun for a few hours weekly as well. It is Everliving though, so if you fail in these tasks, it will simply go dormant after perhaps two weeks.¡±


    ¡°What happensss if it isss dormant?¡± Vonn asked.


    Juniper shook her head, as if coming out of a light daze again. ¡°Nothing bad will happen. If it must sleep from lack of what it needs, the bow¡¯s natural effects will simply no longer work, including the Self-Repair enchantment. The other enchantments and all the runes will continue to function, though.¡± Once again she looked at Callie¡¯s bow and smiled, before slowly handing it back to the little Gnome. ¡°But a tiny bit of water and daylight is all that is needed and it will serve you well, perhaps for the rest of your lives.¡±


    The Dryad slowly took a single, slow step back, as if hesitating, before finally taking two more. Everyone was quiet and introspective, the recruits now truly understanding that there was more to their new weapons than anyone had really understood. These amazing weapons weren¡¯t simply wood and runes and enchantments. Somehow, they were Juniper, alive and born of personal sacrifice in the name of friendship and duty. They had all been bestowed not only an honor, but a great power, and in turn, they had each accepted a responsibility just as great.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie said quietly. She really had no other words, nor did the others. She wanted to hug the beautiful Dryad. She didn¡¯t know if that desire was because it was a Gnome instinct or if it was her own, but she could only resist for a moment. Silently, she set the bow against the wall of the shelter and walked to the Dryad. Juniper knelt, gently kissed the top of Callie¡¯s head, and accepted the embrace.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch that,¡± Callie called out firmly, her voice muffled by Juniper¡¯s body as she disengaged one arm and pointed. Loki instantly froze in place, one of his vine-like arms in the midst of snaking out, almost reaching Callie¡¯s new bow.

 CHARACTER SHEET - Callie Archer - Bronze Tier with Weapon Adjustments (End of Chapter 40)

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    Name:  Calliope (Callie) Willow Archer


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    Age: 26


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    Class:  Ranger


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    Race:  Gnome


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    Level:  Bronze Tier


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    Gender:  Female


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    EQUIPMENT


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    ITEM:  NATURE BLESSED HEARTWOOD BOW (weapon)


    MATERIAL:  Everliving Dryadic Heartwood


    INHERENT EFFECTS:  Any arrow shot from this bow is Nature Blessed and able to affect targets that may ignore normal, non-magical arrows.  Targets containing Nether energy take extra damage from this blessing when struck.  Will grow a Heartwood Tree seedling that can be removed and planted, which takes approximately 250 days.  If a seedling leaf is ingested, it will restore health, mana and stamina, as well as provide enough nourishment for a normal-sized person for one day.  This effect is independent of potion and Healing Berry cooldowns.  The leaf will regrow in about one day.


    RUNE:  Increase effective range


    RUNE:  Increase effective range (Diminishing Returns)


    RUNE:  Reduce casting time of bow skills


    RUNE:  Increase mana efficiency (ie, reduce mana cost) of bow skills


    RUNE:  Reinforce bow strength and flexibility


    RUNE:  Reduce recharge time of bow skills. The inscribed item must be touching the recipient to receive this effect.  Not effective in magically null areas.


    ENCHANTMENT:  Summon Arrow - Summon an arrow when the bowstring is pulled.  Summoned arrow has a lifespan of approximately ten seconds after release.  Holds approximately one-hundred arrow charges and recharges at a rate of fifteen per minute.  Touching the bow¡¯s thumb indentation at time of draw will suppress arrow formation, using up a suppression charge.  Maximum of five suppression charges with a three minute recharge time.


    ENCHANTMENT:  Self Repair - The bow will magically repair any damage it may sustain, or regrow lost pieces, but must be supplied with mana to maintain the repair/regrowth process.  Regrown bowstrings will need to be manually secured into place.


    ENCHANTMENT:  Recall Weapon - Telekinetically summon the enchanted weapon into the attuned wielder¡¯s hands.  Maximum range of approximately thirty meters.


    ENCHANTMENT:  Magical Storage - Magically store the attuned bow into an attuned stone touching the wielder¡¯s body.  The stored bow may be recalled at any time.  Recalled bow is not considered a summoned item.  Only the attuned wielder may store/recall the bow.  Each action uses one charge, and the stone has three charges, with a recharge rate of approximately one hour.


    TALISMAN (x2):  Store one charge of any Silver Tier or lower weapon skill for later use for up to six hours.  Requires a low amount of mana to initially store the charge.  Normal mana is required to use this stored charge after it is reclaimed.


    CARE REQUIREMENT:  Must be provided water and sunlight at least once per week.  If not cared for properly, the Self-Repair enchantment will go dormant, as will all Inherent Effects, causing the seedling to wither and die.  Once provided water and sunlight, these effects return, and the seedling will begin to grow again.


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    SKILLS


    NOTE:  Bow-Modified values show in parenthesis


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    SKILL:  BURST SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME:  INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME:  25 (20) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to create a burst of bright light, sound, and concussive force upon impact. However, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill advances, its recharge will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the number of charges will increase.


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    SKILL:  EAGLE EYE (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  LOW (CHANNELED)


    DESCRIPTION:  Allows one to magnify their vision in the direction they are facing up to a maximum of 3x.  Line-of-sight must be unimpeded.  This is a channeled skill.  Ranger skills may be used through this magnified vision.  As the Ranger progresses to higher tiers, the maximum magnification level will increase, and the skill will grant the capability to use enhanced vision types.


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    SKILL:  ELEMENTAL SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME:  4 (3.2) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  40 (32) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    ELEMENTAL EFFECTS:  FIRE, WATER, ICE


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability enchants a prepped arrow, wrapping it in a layer of Elemental Effect.  The casting process requires 4 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 10 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. Upon impact, the arrow will burst with the applied effect in a radius of approximately 3 meters.   As the skill advances, additional elemental effects and a variably increased radius of effect will be available.  Furthermore, charge count and hold time increases, while casting and recharge times will decrease.


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    SKILL:  FLARE (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  LOW


    CASTING TIME:  2 (1.6) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  45 (36) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability enchants a prepped arrow, causing it to emit bright light. The casting process requires 2 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. After being fired, the arrow will begin to glow a maximum of 4 seconds (variable at cast time) after release and will glow for 15-30 seconds (variable at cast time). If fired skyward, the arrow will descend gently towards the ground once it reaches its peak. As the skill advances, the casting and recharge time will decrease.  Additionally, the duration of the glow will increase, as well as the window of opportunity to fire the arrow and the number of charges available.


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    SKILL:  HOMING SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT + 3 (2.4) SECONDS FOR LOCK


    RECHARGE TIME:  40 (32) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to steer itself towards an intended target.  Upon cast, the archer must lock on to the target for no less than 3 seconds.  The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds from initial cast, or the effect will dissipate.  Homing area is a 20-degree wide cone centered on the direction of the shot.  As the skill level increases, the recharge time and lock time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire will expand as will maximum charge count.  The steering capability of the projectile will also improve.


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    SKILL:  INSTINCTIVE DODGE (BRONZE TIER)


    STAMINA USAGE:  LOW (SPECIAL)


    DESCRIPTION:  Individuals possessing this skill can effortlessly evade known incoming attacks by utilizing their stamina. As they progress to higher tiers, their likelihood of success increases, their stamina expenditure decreases, and they ultimately gain the capability to dodge unseen attacks.


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    SKILL:  MULTISHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME:  45 (36) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    MULTIPLIER: 4


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to split into 4 projectiles upon release. Each projectile can be aimed at the same target or different targets within a 20-degree cone in front of the weapon. The arrow must be fired within 12 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, projectile count, maximum charge count, and area of effect will increase.


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    SKILL:  PIERCING SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME:  1.5 (1.2) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  40 (32) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow with enhanced power, allowing it to penetrate hardened targets with ease. The casting process requires 1.5 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to shoot the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and piercing capability will increase.


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    SKILL:  RAPID FIRE (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME:  30 (24) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    MULTIPLIER: 5


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow to release 5 arrows in rapid succession, in the direction aimed at time of each release. The arrow must be fired within 12 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. This skill will cause recoil when active, and care must be taken to maintain one¡¯s target.  As the skill level increases, the recharge time and recoil will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and number of arrows fired will increase.


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    SKILL:  RAIN OF ARROWS (BRONZE TIER)


    SYNERGY:  MULTISHOT


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 5 (4) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  60 (48) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    MULTIPLIERS: 4x / 2x


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow to target an area of ground 3-5 meters (variable at time of casting) in diameter.  When the arrow is loosed upwards, the arrow will split 4x the multiplier of MULTISHOT, and then split into 2x., hitting the target area randomly.  The arrow must be fired within 10 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. Arrows are summoned objects and will disappear approximately ten seconds after striking.  As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the multipliers, maximum charge count, and variable area of effect will increase.


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    SYNERGIZED SKILL:  REPLICATE ARROW (BRONZE TIER)


    SYNERGY:  BOWYER/FLETCHER


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME:  5 SECONDS


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.RECHARGE TIME:  180 SECONDS


    SUMMON DURATION:  2 HOURS (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability will create summoned 1x duplicates of up to 10 non-magical arrows, or 1x duplicates of up to 3 magic-imbued arrows.  As summoned items, the arrows will dissolve approximately 2 hours after creation.  Arrows previously summoned with this skill may be replicated.  As the skill advances, its recharge time will decrease, the quantity that may be replicated increases, and the summoned duration will extend.


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    SKILL:  SNIPER SHOT (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  HIGH


    CASTING TIME:  5 (4) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  45 (36) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability imbues a prepped arrow for extreme damage at long range. The casting process requires 5 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and range will increase.


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    SKILL:  SUMMON COMPONENTS (BRONZE TIER)


    SYNERGY:  BOWYER/FLETCHER


    MANA USAGE:  MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME:  5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  300 SECONDS


    SUMMON DURATION: 6 HOURS (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION:  This ability will create summoned versions of common Bowyer/Fletcher components required for the construction of up to 5 non-magical arrows and non-magical parts to complete simple repairs on up to 2 bows.  As summoned items, these components will dissolve approximately 6 hours after creation. Arrows crafted with these summoned components may be replicated by the Replicate Arrow skill, but the results have the summon duration of that skill.  As the skill advances, its recharge time will decrease, the summoned quantity of components will increase, and the summoned duration will extend.  Furthermore, increasingly-complex magical components may be summoned.


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    MELDED SKILL:  SUMMON TURRET (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  HIGH


    CASTING TIME:  3 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:  120 SECONDS


    CHARGES:  3


    SUMMON DURATION: 5 MINUTES (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION:   Summons a mechanized construct that can fire summoned arrows at a designated target once every 3 seconds. The caster can mentally designate a new target at any time. The construct must be affixed to a flat surface measuring at least thirty centimeters in length and width, or be able to clasp to a narrow supporting structure that is at least thirty centimeters in length. The attach point must be stable for maximum accuracy. The construct must be summoned within a range of 3 meters from the caster.  Turrets are summoned constructs and will dissipate after approximately 5 minutes, but can be dismissed at any time. Only 1 turret can be deployed at a time. Summoning an additional turret will cause the oldest active turret to dissolve. Standard Turrets are fragile and easily destroyed.  Higher tiers of this skill will increase the maximum active turret count, number of charges, summoned duration, fire rate, casting range, as well as decrease recharge and casting times.  Additional enhancements will also be available.


    This is a melded skill of TINKER + APPRENTICE CARPENTRY + BOWYER/FLETCHER.


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    PERKS


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  ADVANCED ARCHERY (BRONZE TIER)CLASS PERK:  ADVANCED ARCHERY (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL (LOW)


    CASTING TIME:  NONE


    RECHARGE TIME:  NONE


    DESCRIPTION:  Individuals possessing this perk are more likely to successfully hit their intended target.  The caster may utilize mana to more-accurately target particular regions of the intended target or to unerringly reflect an arrow off 1 solid surface without reduction to its power.  At higher tiers, aptitude at utilizing mana to increase the likelihood of striking precise areas on their target increases, as does the ability to accomplish intricate, and sometimes seemingly impossible, trick shots.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    CLASS PERK:  AMBIDEXTERITY


    DESCRIPTION:  The ability to use either hand to perform actions without penalty.


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    PERK:  BOWYER/FLETCHER (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL


    CASTING TIME:  SITUATIONAL


    RECHARGE TIME:  SITUATIONAL


    DESCRIPTION:  Provides the knowledge to craft simple arrows and bows from common components.  Higher tiers of this perk allow for advanced crafting, replicating arrows, summoning components, and imbuing crafted bows and arrows with temporary magical runes and effects, enhancing their capabilities.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    SYNERGIZED CLASS PERK:  DANGER SENSE (WILDERNESS)


    SYNERGY:  WILDERNESS TRACKING


    DESCRIPTION:  Provides a premonition-like danger warning in wilderness areas.  Users with this perk will receive up to ten seconds warning and will also know the general direction of the danger.  Functions in the same biomes as the synergized perk Wilderness Tracking.  Does not function during combat or other periods of high activity or stress.


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    MELDED CLASS PERK:  EFFECT LAYERING


    DESCRIPTION:  This perk allows the caster to apply multiple skill effects to a single arrow. The effects are applied in reverse order of their intended use. If the casting or use condition for any effect fails, all effects are canceled and the caster loses all charges and mana used.  Mana required increases significantly with each additional effect.  Caster can apply the same effect multiple times, as long as they have enough charges and mana, and all castings are completed before the first¡¯s effect dissipates.


    This is a melded perk of TINKER + ADVANCED ARCHERY.


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    CLASS PERK:  MELEE COMBAT - DUAL WIELD - BLADES


    DESCRIPTION:  Proficiency in combat using a one-handed bladed weapon in one or both hands without penalty.


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    CLASS PERK:  MELEE COMBAT - BOW / ARROW


    DESCRIPTION:  Proficiency in melee combat using a bow and/or arrow as a makeshift melee weapon.


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    CLASS PERK:   WILDERNESS TRACKING (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION:  Knowledge of the tracking of people and creatures in wilderness settings.  Tracking may be enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use.  Mana enhanced tracking is only effective in woodland, marsh, swamp, plains and fields environments.  Higher tiers of this perk will enable enhanced tracking in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of quarry being able to evade the tracker.  This perk synergizes with Danger Sense (Wilderness).


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    CLASS PERK:  WILDERNESS STEALTH (BRONZE TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION:  Knowledge of stealth techniques in any wilderness environment.  Wilderness Stealth may be further enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use.  Mana enhanced stealth is only effective in woodland, marsh, swamp, plains and fields  environments.  Higher tiers of this perk will allow enhanced wilderness stealth in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of the user being detected.


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    CLASS PERK:  WILDERNESS SURVIVAL


    DESCRIPTION: Those who possess this perk have the aptitude to sustain themselves in the wild by utilizing the natural resources available to them. They possess knowledge of essential wilderness survival skills such as hunting, trapping, foraging, fire-making, constructing shelter, and more.


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    OFF-CLASS PERKS


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  CARPENTRY (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Basic knowledge of carpentry and woodworking science, construction and regulations.  Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical construction components.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  ELECTRICAL (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Basic knowledge of electrical science, construction and regulations.  Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical electrical components.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


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    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  PLUMBING (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE:  SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS


    DESCRIPTION:  Basic knowledge of plumbing science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist project construction, as well as the crafting of magical plumbing components.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN:  BOOKKEEPING/LOGISTICS


    DESCRIPTION:  Knowledge and skill in money, inventory and logistical practices and record keeping.  This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    TRAITS


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  CHILDLIKE CHARM


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes emit a mild charm that affects individuals with nurturing tendencies, even if subconscious.  Those affected may view the Gnome as a vulnerable child in need of help or protection, rather than a potential threat. However, this charm is only suggestive in nature and cannot coerce someone into doing something they are not inclined to do. As this trait operates as a suggestive charm, it will bypass most passive charm defenses. Beings who are Gnome-sized or smaller are immune to this charm.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  DARKVISION


    MANA USAGE:  MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION:  Provides the ability to see in the dark with a monochromatic, false-light vision.  Effect may be activated or deactivated at will. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  MANA-ENHANCED HEARING


    MANA USAGE:  MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes possess highly sensitive hearing, enabling them to detect even faint or far-off sounds with careful concentration.  When underground, a Gnome can accurately discern the direction of sound regardless of any echoes present. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  RESIST FEAR


    MANA USAGE:  SPECIAL


    CASTING TIME:  NONE


    RECHARGE TIME:  10 MINUTES


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes possess a natural resistance towards situations and influences that evoke fear.  If they happen to be affected by an active Fear effect, they may choose to spend mana in an attempt to fend it off. The amount of mana required for this depends on the intensity of the effect.  This trait is ineffective against self-generated emotional fear-effects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  TINKER


    DESCRIPTION:  Gnomes have an inherent mental ability to design, engineer and create strange new ideas, contraptions, weapons, machines and projects.  Will synergize with related perks, skills and traits to expand the knowledge base that may be utilized by this trait.


    SYNERGIZED PERKS:  Advanced Archery, Basic Carpentry, Basic Plumbing, Basic Electrical, Bookkeeping/Logistics, Bowyer/Fletcher


    SYNERGIZED TRAITS:  Underground Sense


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT:  UNDERGROUND SENSE


    DESCRIPTION:  Like Dwarves, Gnomes have a natural affinity for underground environs.  They can sense direction and grade of underground passages, and will seldom get lost. They can easily discern the stability of ceilings or floors, and how to remove rock and earth without causing collapse, etc.  They possess knowledge of essential underground survival skills.  Provides a premonition-like danger sense in underground areas giving the Gnome up to thirty seconds warning, as well as the general direction of the danger.  This danger sense does not function during combat or other periods of high activity or stress.  This trait synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of trait-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 41 Part 1 - The Rescue

    PART I - THE RESCUE


    Callie stood in the tower overlooking the castle courtyard. Below her, guards patrolled, watchful for any intruders. This was going to be hard, and she had to get in without raising the alarm. Carefully, using her Eagle Eye skill, she planned her route from cover to cover that would finally get her through the castle¡¯s gate. She double-checked her plan of attack, then triple-checked it to be sure, before committing it to memory. ¡°I¡¯m coming to save you,¡± she muttered to herself, eyes narrowing in determination.


    Turning, she stepped on to the tower¡¯s ladder and began to climb down, sliding the final six meters to the ground. A lone bird called in the tree behind her, seeming as if it was calling an early alarm. ¡°Shh!¡± Callie hissed, and surprisingly the bird shut up, cocking its head and looking at her funny, before flying off to go somewhere more appreciated.


    Flicking out her arm, Callie called forth her magnificent bow from its magical pocket, now stored deep in her belly. Free from its incarceration now, the bow seemed eager to do its part to get through the courtyard. ¡°You ready?¡± Callie asked the bow. The bow ¡­ didn¡¯t answer back. But it did feel like it was ready and that was good enough for the little Gnome.


    Callie began her dash towards her first waypoint, sliding into hiding behind a stone barricade. It was quiet, almost too quiet. They had to know she might be coming, but she had no choice. She was the only one that could do this. She peeked around the edge, seeing two guards in conversation, standing between her and the next cover. If they spotted her, this rescue would be over before it even started. Slowly, she put her hand on the bowstring and pulled ever so slightly, the arrow glowing far too brightly into existence.


    MULTISHOT


    Taking a breath to steady herself, Callie peeked once more around her makeshift cover and loosed. Four arrows flew, two striking the head of each guard. She leapt into a sprint, racing forward as fast as she could. Deftly stepping around the downed guards, she rushed to the next cover, before crouching and taking stock once again.


    ¡°Who goes there?¡± came a voice. Damn! She needed to be quieter. Callie could sense the guard on the other side of the barricade she was crouched behind and she held her breath, trying to will the patrolling guard to go away. Her fingers tensed, not quite bringing an arrow to life, but right on the precipice.


    A face poked over the top of her cover, looking right down on Callie! ¡°Who are you?¡± the guard asked, momentarily confused. Callie rolled back and answered silently with a point-blank arrow to the eye. With a quiet groan, the guard fell back, not moving. She risked a glance ahead, and saw the way was clear.


    Callie began her rush to get to the safety of the next cover. But another guard surprised her as she popped up from behind the barricade, having heard the death groan of her dying fellow soldier. ¡°Hey¡­!¡± she started to call out, but didn¡¯t get a chance to finish her sentence before an arrow suddenly protruded from her skull. Callie had been surprised by the sudden appearance of the guard, but responded by shooting on the run by instinct alone. Callie slid into cover, heart pounding with adrenaline fueled fear. She¡¯d need to be more careful going forward. Guards were lurking everywhere.


    As she took a few seconds to catch her breath, Callie peeked around to see what was guarding the next goal. Nothing was there, but it didn¡¯t feel right after the surprise of this one. She squinted, once again using Eagle Eye to zoom in. There, behind the barricade, a little piece of cloth peeking out and fluttering in the wind. Someone hiding? Maybe an archer? Or a Wizard. Not for long!


    SNIPER SHOT


    Callie rolled out of cover and waited. She held the shot, worried that the magic would fade before she could even use it. Callie made a quick whistle, almost sounding like a bird call, and the guard¡¯s head began to rise. But Callie was riding on adrenaline and her racing heart now, and the arrow flew a millisecond later. The guard saw nothing before the sniping arrow met his head. Soundlessly, he fell to the ground behind the cover. Callie rushed forward and was deep into the courtyard now, at least halfway to the castle entrance, but it was only going to get tougher from here. She was glad Lhawni had taught her how to whistle. Still, she probably should have used a Piercing Shot instead.


    Callie finally got under cover and looked quickly again around the edge, reviewing her planned route to the next cover. It looked like a short, wooden barricade wall or something. It didn¡¯t matter, she just had to get there. But it was going to be tough. There were five guards huddled in a circle, simply chatting with each other loud enough that they hadn¡¯t yet heard anything. That was good. It only took one to sound the alarm, though, and she didn¡¯t have a way to get around them. She needed to drop them all at once.


    MULTISHOT+RAPID FIRE


    The Ranger layered the two spells together, preparing to release arrow hell. She ducked out of cover for the briefest of moments and let fly. A volley of five arrows flew in rapid succession, each one then splitting into four. Callie targeted each Multishot as they split, and in an instant, each of the guards had at least three arrows in them, silently and simultaneously taken out of action.


    As Callie snuck towards the next cover, carefully stepping around the group of five downed guards, another guard stepped into Callie¡¯s path. His blank face seemed frozen in confusion, seeing Callie and then seeing five of his friends dead. But before he could even put the puzzle together, Callie snagged him with her bow, tripping him to the ground. She let go of the bow as the swing finished, and it slid several meters across the ground. Reaching for her short sword at her side, she jumped on the guard¡¯s chest knocking the wind out of him before he could scream and jabbed the blade upwards under his chin. There was surprisingly no blood, and the guard was still. Callie pulled on the blade, but it was stuck and she would have to abandon it. Callie resumed her scamper for cover, as the bow silently flew back into her extended hand.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Fuck, that was close,¡± Callie whispered to herself as she got into hiding again. She breathed hard, and was trying to calm herself as she mentally reviewed where she was. Her carefully planned path from cover to cover replayed in her head. Three more rushes would put her at the gate, but she had no idea what was ahead. The guards she saw from the tower could have moved by now, or received reinforcements. She quickly looked towards her next objective, seeing the way was clear, before pulling back. Nobody. That seemed too suspect, but time was of the essence. ¡°Yolo,¡± Callie whispered as she started to run forward. She was moving fast but ready for anything.


    She ran and then saw movement as a head started to rise from behind the barricade ahead. Another archer! Their reflexes were fast and she couldn¡¯t let him make a noise. Her reflexes were faster.


    RAPID FIRE


    Once again she shot on the run, Machine Gun Callie-style this time, and five arrows flew ahead of her towards the guard. There was a silent grunt, but only that, as the first arrow pierced the guard¡¯s throat, and two more quickly sprouted from his head, the others flying wide.


    Callie¡¯s heart pounded in her ears as she hid herself once again. Two more to go. She started to think she might actually be able to pull this off when others had failed, but time was against her. She knew the Monster was inside the gate, just waiting for her, guarding its prize and her mission. She was the last hope of rescue and had to be ready to kill it fast. She shook her head. ¡°Focus! Worry about that when you get there!¡± she thought to herself. She still needed to get to the next cover and it felt like it was forever away.


    She peeked fast using Eagle Eye, seeing nobody along the path she would take. However, the telltale top of a pointed hat was visible behind her next destination. She frowned. A Wizard, and she knew many Wizard combat spells cast instantly, almost without a thought. She might not have time to get a shot off before the spell. She¡¯d have to take a risky guess and hope it worked. This time, she chose the correct spell.


    PIERCING SHOT


    Callie called the magic, it taking over a second to attach to her summoned arrow. She looked again, tried to judge the right spot and loosed. The enhanced arrow flew, piercing through the barricade and hitting the Wizard with a soft thump. The hat fell from view, her way now clear. Callie took a deep breath and rushed forward, diving into cover, again safe for the moment.


    Only one more to go and then she¡¯d be able to rush the gate. Having another moment to breathe, she eyed the next target. It also looked unprotected, but there was no way that was the case. This was the Monster¡¯s last defense and surely its best guard had to be there. Quickly, Callie mentally ran through her list of skills she still had available.


    Suddenly there was a terrified scream from beyond the castle¡¯s gate. Oh no! She had to hurry this up! She eyed the next target once again. She needed to flush this guard out. She could shoot it on the run easily enough, if it popped up, but if it waited until after she got close, it could probably get her just as easily. If that happened, she was dead and so was the source of the scream. Knowing what she had to do, Callie began to weave her Ranger magics.


    PIERCING SHOT+RAIN OF ARROWS 3 METERS


    It took over a second for the first layer to cast, but then an agonizing four seconds for the second. The bow¡¯s rune made the casting faster, but it still felt like a lifetime. Finally, the spell finished, the second layer wrapping itself around the first. Callie crouched low and quickly aimed skywards so the arrows would fall on the targeted area. The arrow flew, arcing overhead. Callie began her sprint, holding her bow at the ready. Reaching its apex, the arrow split into sixteen deadly projectiles, before splitting one more time. The missiles rained downwards ahead of Callie, bombarding the area behind the barricade.


    The falling swarm drilled randomly into the target area. Thirty-two arrows, each now armed with the deadly piercing effect, dug deep. ¡°My arm!¡± something roared. A huge guard rose, probably an Ogre, arrows plunged deep into his shoulders and arms from the overhead downpour of death. None of the arrows had scored a headshot though, so now it was just mad. ¡°Grrrrrr!¡± the Ogre roared as he saw Callie racing towards him. But that¡¯s all he got to say because Callie had been ready. She dropped to one knee for stability to make sure she didn¡¯t miss any this time, and five Rapid Fire arrows instantly sunk deep into the guard¡¯s face and neck. ¡°Arrrr! You¡¯ve killed me!¡± the Ogre cried out as he fell.


    ¡°¡®You¡¯ve killed me¡¯? Really?¡± Callie mumbled in laughter, shaking her head as she slid behind cover once again.


    It was time to confront the Monster and rescue its captive. She had one chance at this and she was going to do it right. Get in fast, attack it fast, kill it fast, preferably in a single strike. Callie quickly pulled a spare triple layer of Rapid Fire, Piercing Shot, and Burst Shot from a Talisman. As hoped, Callie was able to store Layered effects in the magic stone, but when retrieved, they broke back into their individual charges, so the Burst Shot charge evaporated. She¡¯d also determined that the Talisman would hold up to three Iron Tier spell charges, or a single charge of Iron coupled with a single Bronze.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare blow up my Monster!¡± a strange, commanding voice called from the heavens.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Callie mumbled as she reoriented her plan of attack. ¡°Fine!¡± she shouted back to the sky, her voice sounding irritated. ¡°You¡¯ll love this one, then!¡± She bolted, casting as she ran.


    ELEMENTAL SHOT-WATER+PIERCING SHOT+RAPID FIRE


    It took almost five seconds to assemble the layered surprise. Five forever-long seconds. Finally, the weapon was ready and the clock started ticking. She was running, charging for the den of the Monster. Callie had only a few seconds now before the layered arrow would fade. Another scream called out, and then it suddenly cut off! She had no more time!


    She passed the gate and there it was. At least six meters tall with red eyes and a jaw of sharp teeth. ¡°Roar!¡± the Monster said as it gazed down at her. ¡°I said, Roar!¡± the Monster roared even louder. The Monster was huge and scary and could eat her as a simple appetizer, but Machine Gun Callie had come ready to play and she let fly with a swarm of her toys.


    Five arrows leapt nearly simultaneously from her bow. They flew true and pierced the Monster, two passing through its forehead like a knife plunging into butter. Another arrow pierced its eye and two more down its throat. There was a moment of nothing, and then a torrent of water sprayed out in all directions, erupting at first from the Monster¡¯s head. Then water exploded from under its body.


    ¡°Uh ¡­ gurgle gurgle death, I guess,¡± the Monster finally said after taking several confused seconds to figure out what exactly had just happened to it.


    The Monster had been slain! She had done it. Callie walked forward, her arms raised in triumph, before almost gracelessly slipping on the now-muddy ground. Then she saw the prize she had come for.


    ¡°My hero!¡± the water-soaked Catkin with a rock-hard ass said. ¡°You¡¯ve saved me!¡± She looked down at Callie, and smiled, raising the back of her paw to her forehead and added an overly-dramatic, ¡°I am forever yours! Take me, tiny hero! Take me!¡±


    Callie had won. She¡¯d infiltrated the castle. She¡¯d killed the guards. She¡¯d slain the Monster. Most-importantly, she¡¯d got the girl.


    And they lived happily ever after.

 Chapter 41 Part 2 - The Overwatch

    PART II - THE OVERWATCH


    ¡°So, I scout from that tower and then I just have to get past the guard dummies and through the door?¡± Callie asked. She¡¯d been kept isolated while her fellow Rangers had run the course, to make sure she didn¡¯t know what surprises were in store.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Reynard said. ¡°Think of it like ¡­ a castle courtyard. You need to sneak through to fight the Monster at the end, and take out the guards along the way.


    ¡°Monster? You mean the big, wood-framed thing with the painted face?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Reynard snapped in annoyance. He was annoyed because the other three Rangers each had failed the course, even though he had hoped that at least Shul¡¯an would make it. He was double-annoyed because Xera, Thorn and Celeste were all watching from the observation tower and evaluating the progress of the Ranger students. Callie was his last hope to make a good impression.


    ¡°Sheesh! Sorry I asked,¡± Calllie said, raising her hands defensively and rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Apologies,¡± Reynard mumbled with a huff. He nodded towards the tower. ¡°Xera¡¯s watching.¡±


    ¡°And none of us made it,¡± Jesca added. ¡°Shul¡¯an got the farthest, but he missed¡­¡±


    ¡°Quiet Jesca,¡± Reynard snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t give anything away.¡±


    ¡°Oh right! Sorry,¡± Jesca eeped in response. ¡°Callie, like he said, it¡¯s like you¡¯re sneaking into a castle ¡­ to rescue a princess or something.¡±


    ¡°Cool! I¡¯ve always wanted to rescue a real, live princess.¡±


    Reynard rolled his eyes. ¡°Focus, Callie. The rules are simple. Sneak from cover to cover and deal with whatever you encounter. You fail if the enemy raises an alarm, which happens if you make too much noise, or if too much time passes after a guard mannequin comes into view. Remember, stealth and sneaking, but also go quickly.¡±


    ¡°Just kill the guards fast,¡± Thucax added helpfully. ¡°Go for the head if you can. They scream if you hit them in the leg. That¡¯s what got me.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Callie said, grinning. ¡°Sneak in, kill them all Jane Wick style, slay the monster, save the princess, and live happily ever after.¡±


    ¡°I said focus!¡± Reynard snapped. ¡°This isn¡¯t a game, Callie.¡±


    Callie got serious for a moment, ¡°No, it¡¯s an important training exercise.¡± Then she brightened, ¡°But I can learn and have fun at the same time. Besides, it¡¯s me running the course, so I¡¯m going to do it my own damn way!¡± Callie scowled, before turning. ¡°Jesca, you go to the end and be the princess and I¡¯ll come rescue you. Scream for help and stuff.¡±


    ¡°Oh save me, hero!¡± Jesca said, raising the back of her paw to her forehead dramatically.


    ¡°Just go!¡± Reynard snapped, aggressively pointing Callie towards the starting tower.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Callie huffed, her hands on her hips. ¡°I will!¡±


    Reynard walked back to the observation tower scowling, but his mood lightened as he approached the ladder. He stopped at the bottom, and then suddenly chuckled briefly, shaking his head in disbelief. He looked and saw his student, the infuriating pink-haired Gnome, climbing her tower like a child would climb a tree; just a joyful, playtime activity for her. He was even a little envious. Taking a deep breath to refocus, he climbed the ladder back to the top where the officers had been waiting.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t give anything away, did you?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°No. She¡¯s going into this blind. She just knows she has to be quiet and kill the guards before they sound the alarm, just like with the others. She¡¯s treating it like a game, to rescue a princess or something. Gnomes are so ridiculous!¡±


    Xera chuckled. ¡°How far do you think she¡¯ll make it?¡±


    ¡°Maybe the guard that jumps her,¡± Reynard said, ¡°otherwise she¡¯ll get sniped by an archer.¡±


    ¡°That would be my guess, too,¡± Thorn agreed.


    ¡°At best, she¡¯ll get taken out by the Wizard,¡± Celeste said. ¡°Even with that crazy new bow, she won¡¯t hit it in time.¡±


    Xera shook their head, looking across to the scouting tower, as if evaluating the Gnome. ¡°You¡¯re all wrong. She¡¯s crafty. She¡¯s motivated. She¡¯s having fun. No doubt she¡¯ll get the princess.¡±


    ¡°Really? You honestly believe that? At the end of week two? Ten to one she doesn¡¯t,¡± Thorn challenged.


    ¡°Deal. Ten crowns.¡±


    ¡°Easy money for me, Xera,¡± Thorn said with a grin.


    ¡°Here we go,¡± Reynard said, blowing out a breath, nervously. Callie was his last hope, and he hated the idea of his class not passing even minimal muster. Nobody was expected to make it at week two, but he had wanted to exceed expectations. Below them, a little Gnome with pink hair was sliding down the scouting tower ladder. She stopped, flipped her arm strangely and a bow suddenly appeared in it.


    ¡°That really is an amazing enchantment,¡± Celeste said, still in awe of the power. Like Callie, the other recruits had summoned their bows from nothing at the beginning of their respective runs. ¡°It¡¯s a shame Fizzlebek can¡¯t make it work with steel.¡±


    Callie raced forward, taking up a position behind the first barricade. She glanced out, seeing two vaguely people-shaped cloth dummies.


    ¡°Now do a Multishot,¡± Reynard whispered quietly to himself, as he seemed to coach his student along. Callie did just that before running on.


    ¡°Nice double headshots,¡± Celeste said admiringly.


    Now hiding at the second barricade, the ¡®patrol guard¡¯ looked over the top to see what was behind it. In reality, it was basically a flat piece of wood horizontal to the ground with a face painted on it, mounted at the end of a stick. One of the staff members would pull a rope to cause it to move and add a voice for effect.


    ¡°Ooo, that would sting!¡± Xera said with a laugh as Callie simply rolled to her back and shot the wood point-blank.


    ¡°Careful,¡± Reynard worriedly whispered under his breath as Calllie began her sprint for the next cover. The guard dummy rose up from behind the barricade and a barely slowing Callie casually put an arrow through its head.


    ¡°Did she just headshot while running?¡± Xera exclaimed in surprise. ¡°Nice reflexes and aim!¡±


    Reynard hesitantly smiled. ¡°Yes, she did¡­¡± he said quietly, his voice trailing off as he stepped forward to the railing to get a better look. A teeny part of him dared to hope. Despite how crazy and distractible Callie was at times, she was surprisingly on task right now.


    Callie peeked her head out quickly, apparently realizing the next barricade was protected as well, and pulled back. ¡°Now a Piercing Shot,¡± Reynard quietly coached from above. But the Gnome didn¡¯t do that. Instead she called an arrow and rolled out from behind and made a quick whistle, sounding like a bird call.. The script the assistant below was following said to raise the ¡®archer¡¯ if the recruit made any noise. She did and immediately a Sniper arrow sprouted from its head. Callie then ran forward.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Interesting choice,¡± Xera said conversationally.


    ¡°She should have used a Piercing Shot,¡± Reynard growled. ¡°She should probably be disqualified for that whistle.¡±


    ¡°It likely wouldn¡¯t have called any guards beyond the one she was trying to attract,¡± Thorn said. ¡°Let¡¯s let her finish, but when you review, make sure to point it out.¡±


    ¡°How do you think she¡¯ll handle the five?¡± Celeste asked as Callie settled in behind the barricade.


    ¡°Like the others, she should Multishot and then a regular arrow for the fifth,¡± Reynard said. ¡°Or maybe¡­¡±


    The Foxkin didn¡¯t get a chance to say anything more as Callie leaned out from behind her protection and let loose. Five near-instantaneous waves of four arrows streamed out, peppering all five guards multiple times.


    ¡°Oh! Her new perk, right?¡± Xera asked.


    Reynard ignored the Commandant as his paws clutched the railing nervously. She still had to face the real test of this leg as the person running would get ¡®jumped¡¯ by a guard. It was a test of reflexes and how they would handle a sudden melee-range encounter, and this is where Reynard was sure it was going to end for Callie.


    But it didn¡¯t end. In fact, it barely even slowed. As Reynard and the officers watched, Callie used her bow to trip up the guard dummy¡¯s legs, actually dislodging it from the frame holding it. The bow went skittering across the ground as Callie spun. She used her momentum as she pulled a blade and lunged at the mannequin, landing on its chest as she shoved it deep into its vaguely head-shaped top. Callie turned, resuming her run towards the next barrier, the bow casually leaping from where it had landed into her hands.


    ¡°She has Recall Weapon?¡± Celeste spluttered, almost feeling violated as Callie demonstrated the, before now, uniquely Bladedancer ability. The other Rangers hadn¡¯t needed to use the enchantment on their runs. ¡°Where¡¯d that come from? Is that a melded skill?¡±


    ¡°The bow,¡± Thorn said with a chuckle. ¡°Another of Fizzlebek¡¯s Enchanting experiments.¡±


    ¡°Looks like it worked, then,¡± the Major scoffed.


    A smile slowly began to grow on Reynard¡¯s face. That takedown had been really good, despite Callie¡¯s small size. At least pretty good against a stationary mannequin. In real life it probably wouldn¡¯t have worked, if only because a Gnome is only so big and only has so much mass to use. But what Reynard really noticed was that Callie never faltered with surprise. She encountered something and fluidly moved into a solution to it. That kind of immediate instinctive thinking couldn¡¯t be trained, or at least couldn¡¯t be trained very well.


    ¡°Last archer,¡± Thorn said. ¡°I¡¯m starting to think Xera may be right in this. She could actually make it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still the Wizard,¡± Celeste reminded everyone. ¡°But you may be right, Thorn. She¡¯s got the reflexes.¡±


    Callie ran forward, hardly checking if the coast was clear. As the archer rose, the Gnome simply, casually, shot five arrows forward, several hitting the mannequin. She barely even slowed.


    ¡°Nicely done, Callie,¡± Xera said, now really taking an interest, and thumping the railing with their fist in encouragement. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize she was this good, Reynard. Her accuracy is something else, especially since she was on the move.¡±


    ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll charge the Wizard?¡± Celeste asked as Callie settled into place behind the barricade.


    Reynard watched as Callie snuck a glance towards the next barricade, and then pulled back. ¡°No, not this time.¡± Then he quietly added to himself, ¡°If you see it, do the Piercing Shot this time¡­¡± Seeming as instructed, Callie called forth an arrow and paused only a moment for her spell to attach.


    ¡°Good,¡± Reynard whispered approvingly.


    Callie leaned out and the arrow flew, passing through the barricade and deep into the neck of the Wizard dummy.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Celeste said, slapping the railing in laughing frustration as Callie refused to fall to the Wizard. ¡°You¡¯re doomed, Thorn.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still the Ogre,¡± Thorn said, a bit of growing doubt in his voice. ¡°And the Monster.¡±


    ¡°Oh come on, Thorn. She¡¯s going to come up with something clever, you know it. You might as well start counting out your coins.¡±


    From behind the gate wall, Jesca let off a loud scream.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°Captured princess,¡± Reynard said with a chuckle.


    ¡°Ahh, that¡¯s right.¡±


    As they spoke, Thorn and his bag of coins watched in horror as Callie took a moment to calm herself, before she once again began to cast. He couldn¡¯t completely follow along with the Ranger magics, but he was pretty sure she was layering up some combination. She crouched and then launched an arrow in a high arc, immediately sprinting towards the next barricade while the arrow was still in flight. Then the arrows fell. Thirty-two of them. Concentrated to impact around and behind the barrier. They didn¡¯t just fall, though, they fell hard, hitting the ground, the wood of the barricade and the huge Ogre dummy, sinking deep into whatever they struck. It was Piercing Shot again, this time layered with Rain of Arrows. If anyone had been under that in real combat, it would have been a bad day for them.


    The Ogre rose as someone pulled the rope. The rules for this obstacle were slightly different, to simulate this final oversized ¡®guard¡¯. Thus, any hit except to the head or neck wouldn¡¯t count as a death and would just anger the ¡®Ogre¡¯. It didn¡¯t matter, because just as the prop began to rise, whoever was moving it calling out a growl of challenge, Callie dropped to one knee and instantly Rapid Fired five arrows right into its head and neck.


    ¡°Yup. That¡¯s definitely a kill,¡± Celeste said, laughing once and shaking her head as she stated the obvious.


    Reynard had a sudden worry as Callie scrambled behind the last wall. He remembered back to the devastation she had unleashed against the Ranger range the previous Homeday, and realized doing the same thing to the framework of timbers that represented the Monster was exactly the kind of thing Callie would do. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare blow up my Monster!¡± he called down.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Callie yelled back with a snarl, glaring up at him and the others in the tower. ¡°You¡¯ll love this one, then!¡±


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± Celeste said, laughing. ¡°I know that look.¡± She moved closer to the edge, as did the others. Xera actually leaned off the side of the tower, their one hand still holding the railing, to make sure their view was unobstructed.


    Jesca briefly screamed yet again, before it suddenly faded away as she doubled over in laughter.


    And then Callie ran in. A burst of Rapid Fire launched out almost before she had cleared the doorway, the arrows piercing through the wood board that was the face of the framework Monster. Suddenly, there was water everywhere. Any hole in the construction¡¯s head sprayed water and a deluge fell to the ground in a single great splash. Off to the side, a now soaked staff member looked bewildered before he finally weakly said, ¡°Uh ¡­ gurgle gurgle death, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Did ¡­ did you know she could do that?¡± Celeste asked, turning to Reynard. ¡°That was¡­ What just happened?¡±


    Below, Callie was leaping up and down in victory, as the Gnoll and Salamanderkin Rangers raced in to join her, whooping in excitement. Jesca, still in princess mode and now absolutely dripping with water, played her part, gliding forward and swooning before her little rescuer.


    Callie looked up, waved brightly at everyone in the tower, and yelled, ¡°So, I got the girl! What do I do with her now? Can I keep her?¡± She turned back to the other Rangers, storing away her bow before laughing and joining them in celebration.


    Xera hauled themself back into the tower, a big smile on their face. ¡°Thorn, I trust you to pay up by the end of the day. Reynard, that¡¯s a hell of a Ranger you have there, at least the beginnings of one. Excellent work.¡±


    ¡°I believe you may be right,¡± Reynard said introspectively as he watched his students celebrate below. ¡°Now if I can just figure out where the hell she actually came from and what her real story is.¡±


    Xera¡¯s look froze for a split-second, but only for a split-second, before they got their face back in order. ¡°How do you mean, Reynard?¡±


    ¡°Oh come now. None of you really believe this amnesia story, do you? She knows too much about ¡­ somewhere ¡­ for that to be true. And she¡¯s too ¡­ strange. Even for a Gnome.¡±


    Xera shrugged. ¡°Tasi examined her and said the memory loss was permanent, and I haven¡¯t given it much thought after that. It¡¯s not really important. She¡¯s here now and we have our jobs to do.¡±


    Reynard nodded, then he sighed, ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right. She¡¯s just been a challenge, that¡¯s all. She¡¯s opinionated and stubborn. She talks back. She questions everything. She¡¯s ¡­ infuriating. Plus, she¡¯s simply quite odd.¡± He chuckled once. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s been a little fun in a way, but don¡¯t tell her I said that.¡±


    Xera smiled. ¡°Well, once again, Reynard, you¡¯ve done a great job. Hone her as you can. She¡¯ll be an excellent asset when you¡¯re done with her, I''m sure.¡±


    Reynard nodded in understanding, then composed himself. ¡°If the three of you will excuse me. I¡¯m going to go congratulate Callie and review each of their runs as a group. I¡¯ll think I¡¯ll give them the afternoon off, then. It¡¯s Homeday tomorrow, so they can get an early start.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll appreciate it,¡± Xera said.


    Reynard slowly climbed down the tower. Almost to the bottom, he stopped briefly, his mind drifting. He¡¯d seen the look on Xera¡¯s face when he¡¯d mentioned wondering where Callie really came from. It was only for a moment, and they composed themself well, but he¡¯d still seen it. Celeste had the same brief look, as did Thorn. Hell, Thorn was easy to read; they¡¯d been friends for decades. They all knew something. He was pretty sure the Prince did as well. He¡¯d overheard him and Callie talking about meeting with the officers after the Druid reveals that first day of training. The Prince had even warned her they¡¯d be using Truthseeking.


    Reynard had stayed quiet though, spending the last week and a half watching and taking mental notes, sure now there was a secret at play here, a big one, and he needed to know what it was. He was willing to take his time, though, because he also wanted to see just how far this secret went. Was it just as high as Xera? Or was there something bigger at stake? Who was the Gnome really working for?


    Besides, regardless of where she came from or what was going on, it really was proving to be fun.

 Chapter 42 Part 1 - The Nothing

    PART I - THE NOTHING


    ¡°That¡¯s not the best part, Galin,¡± Master Trainer Thorn said, laughing, ¡°she then glares right back up at him and says ¡®Fine! You¡¯ll love this one then!¡¯ as she proceeds to shoot, what was it, five water exploding arrows right through the monster mockup. Water went everywhere.¡±


    Xera nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right, she did that layered perk thing she has now. Rapid Fire, Piercing and then finally the water burst.¡±


    Legate Galin grinned as he shook his head in laughter. ¡°Wait! Are you telling me that she made it to the end? After only the second week? Nobody makes it after the second week! Unless they¡¯ve been well-trained before coming here, like that Paladin, Koda.¡±


    Thorn took a bite of his mushroom and egg scramble and nodded. Speaking around his food he said, ¡°Xera was sure she¡¯d make it from the start, too. Even Reynard didn¡¯t think she¡¯d get very far. Cost me a hundred crowns.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a tricky one and she wanted to rescue the princess. If anything, that¡¯s significant motivation right there,¡± Xera said, shrugging as they poured fruit juice into a cup.


    Galin¡¯s face turned confused.


    ¡°She turned it into a game,¡± Thorn said. ¡°Storm the castle? Rescue the princess? That kind of thing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s our Callie,¡± Tasi laughed loudly.


    It was Homeday, and Xera, Galin, Thorn and Tasi were in Xera¡¯s conference room having a late-morning brunch. Xera wanted to review a few administrative things before everyone returned to relaxing for the day, promising to be done before the second battle of the game ended. In the distance, occasional cheering could be heard from the training field where this weekend¡¯s Bunkerball game was just getting started.


    Xera switched to the topic at hand, quickly receiving Galin¡¯s latest casualty reports from the front, which thankfully were much improved this week. Unlike last week, this week only saw fifty-eight deaths, and a fair amount of progress made in retaking some lost territory. It still felt like a stalemate, though. For every ten kilometers the front moved forward, it seemed to move back ten somewhere else. There was a sense that the army needed something to change the momentum, or things would just continue to be a quagmire.


    The casualty report delivered, Xera switched topics to quickly review requisitions, training schedules, and a few other items on their list. None of it was exactly critical, but it wasn¡¯t something that could be ignored either. The three interspersed the work with general commentary about the state of the training. Particularly, which recruits may be struggling, and which were showing promise for the extended session at the end of the term. It was still too early for the most part, but a few were getting attention. The rule of this meeting was, beyond the casualty report, there was to be no talking about the war. It was just too distracting. They focused on the camp, the recruits, and what, if anything, needed to be addressed. So far, things seemed to be going well this term.


    Tasi had received word via Scryer that Kaisess was on his way to the capital, riding with a caravan heading that way. A few days without an officer would be fine, and then he¡¯d meet up with a proper officer escort who would accompany him the rest of the way. ¡°He is very eager to return once he¡¯s healed,¡± Tasi said to the room. ¡°In part, I¡¯m sure, because of the new bow he¡¯d get, but he is also driven to do his part for the war, despite being chosen by lottery.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear, Tasi,¡± Xera said. ¡°I¡¯m glad his spirits are high. It¡¯s a shame to lose him for this term, though. I forgot to ask, how is the Faun taking things? I heard she blamed herself for the Catkin¡¯s injury.¡±


    ¡°She did. She missed a spell to prevent blood clots, but she also was never trained on the procedure, so it wasn¡¯t really her fault at all. Still, it rattled her. Your first big screwup as a Healer is always the hardest, and after that you still never really want it to get easy. She eventually went to the Ranger to ask his forgiveness, I think. She must have received it, as they were chatting quite friendly before he left, so I think there¡¯s no hard feelings.¡±


    ¡°Well, please keep an eye on her, if you would, since you have a rapport,¡± Xera continued. ¡°See how she handles her next crisis and let us know. And maybe talk to her, Combat Healer to Combat Healer, so she¡¯s better armed when it happens on the battlefield. That¡¯s the one place she needs to be emotionally numb, at least in the moment.¡±


    ¡°I was thinking about doing just that. Both for the two Combat Healers as well as the other healing classes. Maybe I¡¯ll just call them all together for a group conversation about suppressing battlefield emotions for us Healers. Seeing people hurt will grind you down over time, so they need to be prepared. Or at least as prepared as anyone can be, I suppose. Scars can run deep for us, even if we¡¯re never actually wounded.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Good plan,¡± Thorn said. ¡°Let me know if you need me to coordinate it, but I am sure we can find a time for all of them.¡±


    From outside the conference room, in the waiting area, there came the sound of a female voice, rising in volume. ¡°I said you can¡¯t just barge in there! Be seated and I will inform them you wish to be seen.¡±


    ¡°This cannot wait!¡± came another female voice, this one quite agitated. ¡°This is an emergency. I must see Xera, immediately! We could be in danger!¡±


    Xera frowned. ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡±


    Galin shrugged, adding a mumbled, ¡°I dunno.¡± He started rising to walk to the door, but it suddenly burst open.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Commandant,¡± Kyra gasped. ¡°I tried to stop her.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite alright,¡± Xera said, holding up a calming hand. ¡°How may we help you, Juniper?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a ¡­ Nothing ¡­ in my land! I need your help!¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Juniper? What are you talking about?¡± Xera asked, before they motioned to their assistant. ¡°Kyra, it¡¯s fine. Thank you.¡±


    Juniper looked flustered, worried, angry. A dozen emotions seemed to be crossing her face simultaneously. ¡°There¡¯s a Nothing in my land!¡±


    ¡°So you said. You need to calmly explain,¡± Xera said. They then looked at Tasi and made the tiniest head gestures towards the Dryad, knowing she had a closer rapport.


    ¡°Juniper, please sit, and explain what has happened,¡± Tasi suggested, pulling out a chair.


    ¡°No, no! I must stand,¡± Juniper said, wringing her hands in worry as she paced. Next to her, Loki paced using the same gait, mimicking the Dryad¡¯s worried posture.


    ¡°As you wish,¡± Xera said calmly. ¡°Still, please start at the beginning.¡±


    Juniper looked at Xera, and then the other officers, before nodding. She began to pace even faster, seeming to search for words. ¡°Something is in my domain, and it¡¯s making it so I can¡¯t see. Last night, after the gathering and the group celebration around the safe fire, I returned to my tree. I must do so every three days or the separation will begin to take its toll. I was very tired, and my head was very fuzzy from the wine and company, and I immediately fell asleep. When I woke, I surveyed my lands like I always do, but this time I found a hole in it. A Nothing! A place I could not see!¡±


    ¡°A ¡­ hole?¡± Galin asked. ¡°Like, a deep pit or something?¡±


    ¡°No! A place I cannot see. A place of death and of ¡­ Nothing. I fear something terrible has happened! I came straight here rather than risk seeing what it was alone.¡±


    ¡°Tasi? Any chance you may be able to help clarify?¡± Xera asked the Healer.


    Tasi rubbed her head. ¡°Maybe? A Dryad is the guardian of her domain, centered on her Heartwood Tree. I don¡¯t understand it fully, but Juniper can sense things in her area of influence, maybe around fifteen or twenty kilometers from her tree in all directions. If something bad happens, as the land¡¯s protector, she can feel it.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± the Dryad exclaimed, pointing at Tasi in confirmation. ¡°I have been so distracted by my training and these odd feelings towards¡­¡± she trailed off wistfully. ¡°As a result, I have been neglectful of my duties. Now there is a hole in my land that I cannot see. A great circle of Nothing! I must have help!¡±


    ¡°Demon incursion?¡± Xera asked the Legate.


    ¡°Here? This far north? I doubt it,¡± Galin said, shrugging. ¡°A fire maybe? I¡¯d think we¡¯d have seen the smoke, though.¡±


    ¡°No, not a fire,¡± Juniper assured. ¡°That only cleanses the land. It does not become a Nothing. Something bad is there.¡± Juniper was getting agitated again with worry. She was trying to explain it in ways that others would understand, but all she could see was a blank Nothing where there had once been beauty and life and the balance of Nature.


    ¡°Could you lead us to this ¡­ Nothing?¡±


    ¡°I believe so,¡± Juniper said. She seemed to roll the question around in her head some more. ¡°Yes, I am certain. But we must bring all of the Army to fight the Nothing!¡±


    Xera held up their hand, adding in the tiniest amount of Command Aura to calm and focus the room. ¡°Juniper, we will help, but we will take this one step at a time since even you don¡¯t know what has happened. You¡¯ve learned of this in your training. Careful, planned steps, remember?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I know that is your way, but ¡­there is a Nothing out there! You have sworn to help me defend my lands.¡±


    Xera rolled their eyes, and slowly stood, pushing out another tiny command pulse directed towards Juniper in an effort to calm the Nymph. ¡°Juniper, you have brought your issue to me. Yes, I have sworn to aid you, we all have, but I will do it my way. That means we plan first, then investigate, then plan some more, and then do what is necessary.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Kyra?¡± Xera called out, cutting the Dryad off.


    The Elf assistant immediately opened the door. ¡°Yes, Commandant?¡±


    ¡°Send Sprites to bring me Rowani and Reynard. Alas, I don¡¯t know where they are. Their wilderness expertise will be invaluable.¡±


    ¡°Reynard is on the game field. He¡¯s acting as Marshal for the camp team, trying to counter Callie,¡± Thorn added, before amending to the room, ¡°He thought it would be a good way to push her.¡± He then chuckled. ¡°He may have wanted to mess with her head a bit, too, I think.¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± Xera nodded curtly. ¡°Send a Sprite to fetch him from there. And for that matter, have Reynard bring Recruit Callie as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commandant,¡± Kyra nodded in acknowledgement.  ¡°Priority?¡±


    Xera looked briefly at the still-panicked Juniper. ¡°This is an emergency and this is an order.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Kyra said immediately as she ducked out of the room to relay the directives, closing the door behind her.


    ¡°Why do you want Callie?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°I have an idea¡­¡± Xera responded with a twinkle in their eyes.

 Chapter 42 Part 2 - How Do You Find Nothing?

    PART II - HOW DO YOU FIND NOTHING?


    ¡°Go. GO. GO!¡± Callie screamed in growing excitement as Jesca and Xin shuttled the ball back and forth to each other, running hard for the far bunker. ¡°You¡¯ve got this!¡±


    The opponent¡¯s Sentinel wasn¡¯t sure who would end up with the ball and took a chance at blocking Xin since her aim from distance was so damn accurate. That was the opening needed. The Lizardkin tossed the ball to Jesca with a lazy underhand, allowing the Catkin to shove it through for three points. The crowd went wild yet again.


    Callie looked up at the scoreboard and grinned as the numbers changed to 20-4, with the first battle beginning to wind down. They had the lead and they had momentum. Spirits were high, the crowd, well the part of the crowd that mattered to Callie, was excited. Everything was clicking just right.


    The team of trainers and officers had moved to the other side of the field to assure they were out of earshot this time, and apparently Reynard was now playing the role of Field Marshal for them. Callie was sure it was just a way for him to try and screw with her head, but it honestly just raised the excitement a little bit. She was now absolutely determined to show him up. As she watched, the other team gathered around the Foxkin with tempers already starting to flare slightly, as they had been almost completely shut down. Just to add a little insult, Callie caught Reynard¡¯s eyes and waved, grinning stupidly.


    Whenever she had some time to sit and think over the previous week, often while practicing lute, Callie had spent it coming up with interesting new plays and other sneaky tricks they could unleash. In fact, later in the game, she had something planned that included a giant, dancing spider on the sidelines, once Tazrok finished his overhead Healer patrol. It was going to be great! Maybe next week she could add cheerleaders? Some of the smaller races that couldn¡¯t play would be perfect in that role. Maybe the Brownies could make some pom-poms, too.


    A bright, moving light caught Callie¡¯s eye as it raced towards the trainer team. It came to a stop in front of and just above Reynard. It was a Sprite, and the telltale streak of fading mist behind it showed it had been flying hard, kicking in the magical afterburners, as it were. Reynard stood from the huddle, seemed to get a confused and then concerned look on his face. He looked at Callie, nodded to the Sprite and then raised his hands. Reynard used the same ¡®T¡¯ hand signal that Callie had started using and shouted for a timeout, the referee blowing a long whistle. The game strangely didn¡¯t have a hand signal for the call, but it was quickly adopted not only by Reynard, but also both team Sergeants, after Callie instinctively used it a couple times herself to call a huddle.


    Reynard left his group, jogging across the field. He zeroed in on Callie and started running even harder.


    ¡°We have to go. We¡¯ve been ordered to the Commandant¡¯s office,¡± Reynard said after he arrived.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Callie asked, the others on the recruit team gathering.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t because we¡¯re winning, is it?¡±


    Reynard scowled. ¡°No, it¡¯s not. It¡¯s an order. We go. Now!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± Callie said, concern suddenly heard in her voice. ¡°This is real?¡±


    ¡°It is. Something to do with Juniper. The Sprite had no details beyond that.¡±


    Callie glanced up into the stands, seeing Vanis standing next to Ambria and Pixyl, along with the Tigerkin twins, but no sign of Juniper. She was supposed to be back from her night in her tree by now.


    ¡°Uh, okay, I guess,¡± Callie said slowly. She looked up at Jesca, who had stepped in as a receiver, filling the role that Kaisess had played the previous week. ¡°Jesca, you guys have got this, but if you want, ask Pixyl to help as Marshall. She was working with me on strategy and plays all week. I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can.¡±


    Jesca glanced up at Pixyl and then nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll do what we can. Hurry back, we need your sneaky Gnome brain.¡±


    Reynard turned and quickly started to walk away, and Callie raced to catch up. The Foxkin was walking fast and determined, nearly at a jog, forcing Callie to almost sprint to keep pace with her short legs. ¡°Slow down just a bit,¡± Callie finally snapped. ¡°I¡¯m tiny, remember?¡± Grunting a half-hearted apology, Reynard did, but there was still a sense of urgency to his stride.


    ¡°No idea what this is about?¡± Callie asked again.


    ¡°If it¡¯s Juniper, it could be anything. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s trouble, though,¡± Reynard said. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be this urgent if it wasn¡¯t something important. I don¡¯t know why Xera wanted you along, but when we get there, just keep your mouth shut and listen. This is serious, understood.¡±


    Callie looked up, seeing her Trainer¡¯s look. Swallowing, Callie responded with a firm, ¡°Absolutely, sir. I¡¯ll behave.¡± Reynard seemed to relax slightly, and she wasn¡¯t sure if it was because she confirmed she understood that it was important, or that she wouldn¡¯t embarrass him as one of his students. Callie decided to assume it was the first. She could easily find a way to embarrass him if she needed to.


    Just as they were about to arrive at the Commandant¡¯s office building, a golden hawk flew in at high speed before warbling into the shape of Trainer Rowani. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.


    Reynard shrugged. ¡°Something to do with Juniper is all I know.¡±


    ¡°I got the same message, then.¡±


    Reynard held the door for Rowani and Callie, following them into the waiting area.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Kyra said, looking up. ¡°Oh good, you¡¯re all here. I¡¯ll show you right in.¡± She stood, walking to the door and opening it. ¡°The three you requested, Commandant.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Kyra,¡± Xera said as the three walked into the room. Callie immediately noticed the look of almost stark panic on Juniper¡¯s face. Something was obviously the matter. ¡°Thank you for coming,¡± Xera continued, ¡°Apologies for pulling you away from the game. How was it going?¡±


    ¡°We were losing. Badly at that,¡± Reynard almost snarled. Then he glanced down at Callie. ¡°That Lizardkin is deadly accurate, made worse by the ridiculously fast reflexes they have. Plus, Callie¡¯s tricky. She had a charge where the Bearkin hid the ball inside his tunic.¡±


    Callie smirked. ¡°That was a pretty good play, wasn¡¯t it.¡± They were close and Koda was able to sneak the ball into the bunker to push it through. They never saw it as they focused on Xin while she appeared to go wide to make a pass. She wasn¡¯t sure if Reynard¡¯s words were praise or anger, but she decided to assume they were praise. It was only a game, after all.


    ¡°So what is going on?¡± Rowani asked. ¡°The Sprite said it was urgent.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± the Commandant said. ¡°There is a situation somewhere in Juniper¡¯s lands, so I felt the two of you might have the best knowledge when it comes to wilderness phenomena.¡±


    ¡°Of course, we were both longtime Adventurers, so we¡¯ve seen a lot,¡± Rowani.


    ¡°Just to make things interesting,¡± Thorn started to say, ¡°we¡¯ve decided to put Recruit Callie in charge of addressing it.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Callie gasped, confused, and Reynard and Rowani both were likewise.


    ¡°She¡¯s only two weeks in,¡± the Foxkin warned quietly once the initial shock had worn off slightly.


    ¡°I know, but she has proven resourceful. Plus, she beat my training course, so that deserves a reward in itself,¡± Thorn said with a nod. ¡°I¡¯m also fairly sure this needs to be a Ranger-led mission. You¡¯ll go along as well, and take command if needed. We don¡¯t get many of these kinds of live opportunities, my friend, so let¡¯s see what happens.¡±


    ¡°This was my idea, Reynard,¡± Xera added.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Reynard said slowly, with a look of both worry, perhaps tinged with just a tiny bit of pride, forming on his face.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°What?¡± Callie asked again, her mind still not yet comprehending. ¡°You want me to ¡­ wait ¡­ what?¡± Callie¡¯s first thought was that these people must be drunk, or high. She was being put in charge of whatever is going on here? And it was Xera¡¯s idea? Nothing was making sense.


    ¡°Your orders are simple, Recruit,¡± Legate Galin said, straightening and sounding commanding. ¡°Listen to Juniper¡¯s report, ask questions to get what clarity you need, devise the steps needed to take further actions. Trainer Reynard will be with you. Ask him questions. Ask anyone questions. Issue the orders you need to. Tell your team what to do to work together and address the situation.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie asked once again, her brain deciding to continue being utterly locked up at this moment.


    ¡°Juniper has a problem!¡± Reynard snapped loudly. ¡°Your orders are to find a way to fix it. You¡¯re in charge, at least until you screw up. So get it together and focus, Calliope!¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡± Callie stammered, Reynard using her full name starting to force her brain into action. She looked at her trainer but saw he was actually smiling. His words were sharp, but they weren¡¯t said in anger or cruelty, but as a way to get her thinking again and to focus, just like he said. He was actually supporting her! ¡°Okay? What ¡­ what do I do?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything. What do you need first, Callie?¡± Xera said calmly, dangling out the next step for Callie to grab on to.


    ¡°Um, I¡¯d need information. Right?¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± Xera nodded. ¡°Take the report.¡±


    Callie looked up at the frightened eyes of Juniper standing next to Loki. Was it whatever the problem was that was making her afraid? Or was it the fact that it was now apparently Callie¡¯s responsibility to fix it? ¡°Juniper, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a Nothing out there!¡± Juniper cried out, her panicked arms flailing as she gestured wildly towards everything.


    <hr>


    It took a minute, but Juniper finally calmed enough to speak cohesively again. Callie, Reynard and Rowani carefully listened as she again described the ¡®Nothing¡¯ that was apparently somewhere in the area. Her thoughts were scattered and her words were making little sense. Tasi would occasionally add information, based on her knowledge of Dryads, to help to fill in a few missing gaps in the details. Finally Callie started to understand and get a sense of what Juniper was babbling about.


    ¡°Okay, so there¡¯s a circular area you aren¡¯t able to see into when you are in your tree. Do you know where it is? How far away?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how far. I¡¯d need to be in my tree to see better.¡±


    ¡°Can you return to your tree and figure out where the problem is,¡± Rowani asked, ¡°and then come back to tell us?¡±


    ¡°Rowani,¡± Thorn said quietly, politely reminding her this was Callie¡¯s show.


    ¡°Oops, sorry,¡± the Pantherkin said. ¡°Go ahead, Little One.¡±


    ¡°Well, what she said,¡± Callie shrugged, gesturing towards the Druid. ¡°Juniper, we need to know where to go.¡±


    ¡°I could go to my tree, but I wouldn¡¯t be able to come back. My tree doesn¡¯t have the power to send me somewhere twice in such a short time. It will be later today before I can return. I believe it is in that direction.¡± The Dryad generally pointed off to the side.


    Callie frowned, still trying to force her thoughts into some kind of order. ¡°Let¡¯s not send you back then, unless we need to. You said her domain is a fifteen kilometer radius from her tree?¡± Callie asked Tasi.


    ¡°About. Maybe a little more.¡±


    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s over seven hundred square kilometers then - that¡¯s a lot of area, even from the air. Less since she gave us a general direction, I guess, but we don¡¯t even know what we¡¯re looking for,¡± Callie mumbled, her brain finally starting to think logically again. ¡°We need to narrow it down.¡± She started to pace. Instinctively, Juniper, Loki and Xera moved aside to give her a path to walk. Callie snapped her fingers. ¡°Maps! Commandant, did I see maps in your office? Do you have a map of the area, the more detailed, the better.¡±


    ¡°I do. We had a Shaman mapmaker come in when we first arrived. He was able to survey from the air.¡±


    ¡°Could you get it please? And something to write on it with, too.¡±


    ¡°Kyra,¡± Xera called out.


    ¡°Yes, Commandant,¡± the Elf said, opening the door.


    ¡°I need you to replicate something, if you would,¡± Xera ordered as they walked towards their office door. ¡°One of my maps.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Xera disappeared for a moment, returning with a cloth map she was unrolling. Setting it on the table, they gestured to Kyra. ¡°Just one for now, at least for a few hours if you are able.¡±


    ¡°Happy to, Commandant.¡± Kyra extended her hand and concentrated. A pale, blueish light formed around her hand, and then around the map. It took nearly a minute, and Xera needed to shush the worried Juniper twice, before a perfect copy of the original map was sitting next to the first. Without knowing it had been magically replicated, there was simply no way to tell it was artificial.


    ¡°That should last about four hours or so,¡± Kyra confirmed with a smile. ¡°Let me know if you need another.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Kyra,¡± Callie and Xera both said at the same time. Xera set the original aside as Reynard and Thorn positioned the new map, about one meter on each side, for all to see. Kyra quietly stepped out of the room, giving Galin a quick wink before closing the door behind her.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Callie mumbled, climbing up on a chair and standing over the map with the others.


    ¡°Here,¡± Reynard said, pointing to a black dot in the center.


    ¡°That makes sense, I suppose,¡± Callie said, rolling her eyes at the obviousness. There wasn¡¯t a lot of detail on the map. Just some general colors seeming to indicate terrain and vegetation type; what Callie assumed was forest, field, wetlands, rocky, and such, as well as several small rivers or creeks. A few high hills and ridges were also illustrated. Southwest of camp was a green dot with a green circle around it. ¡°What¡¯s this? Is this her tree?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Xera confirmed.


    ¡°Why is my tree on your map, Xera? You know where it is?¡± Juniper gasped. ¡°And why is there a big circle around it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so we know where not to go. That circle is to set an off-limits zone. We did not wish to disturb you.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­ I likely would have welcomed visitors.¡±


    ¡°Well, we didn¡¯t know that at the time, and we didn¡¯t know if you¡¯d beguile anyone that came close,¡± Tasi interjected. ¡°This map was made over two years ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Juniper said. ¡°You ¡­ could have asked me.¡±


    Callie shook her head slightly and chose to ignore Juniper. ¡°Which way is north?¡± Callie asked, looking around the room.


    ¡°That way,¡± all the officers said at once, pointing.


    Callie quickly rotated the map so its top was facing proper north. ¡°Juniper?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Little One?¡±


    ¡°You pointed before, so do it again. Focus, and from where you are now, tell us which direction this ¡®Nothing¡¯ thing is. Try to be more exact.¡±


    ¡°Just the direction? You asked how far, I do not know that.¡±


    ¡°I know. Just the direction, for now,¡± Callie said, catching Reynard¡¯s glance. He nodded, and Callie could see he knew where she was going with this.


    Juniper closed her eyes and concentrated. Finally, she raised her arm and pointed. ¡°That way.¡±


    ¡°Good! Thanks.¡±


    While Juniper had been pointing, Xera handed over a charcoal pencil and a small piece of straight wood, also realizing what the Gnome was up to. Using the edge of the wood, Callie drew a line in the direction that Juniper was pointing. The line on the map ran roughly south-east from the camp.


    "Okay, Juniper, this next one is complicated, so listen closely,¡± Callie said slowly as she rotated the map again. This time, the Heartwood tree was on the bottom, and the camp indicator was positioned straight up from it. Callie motioned the Dryad to stand at the table facing the map. ¡°Imagine if you are standing in front of your tree, do you know the direction to the camp from there? Just direction, don¡¯t worry about distance.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Good. Now, imagine you are standing at your tree and facing the direction of the camp. Point to the direction where the ¡®Nothing¡¯ would be in relation to how you are facing. Can you do that? Focus, and be as sure as you can.¡±


    Juniper frowned for a moment with her eyes closed, like she was trying to picture the scene in her head. She scrunched up her face a little more, and then squinted her eyes, thinking hard. ¡°That way. I¡¯m sure it would be that way if I was facing the camp from my tree.¡± The Dryad extended her hand forward and about sixty or seventy degrees to her right as she was facing.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Callie nodded. She drew on the map another line in the direction Juniper had pointed, outward from her tree. She rotated the map around again so that north was facing up, the two lines now intersecting a spot south and east of the camp. ¡°What¡¯s the scale on this?¡±


    ¡°The scale isn¡¯t entirely accurate,¡± Xera said, ¡°but about twenty-five kilometers across.¡±


    Callie looked at the map and judged the distance, tilting her head slightly and running the numbers. ¡°It¡¯s a little rough, but I¡¯d say six to eight kilometers from here, maybe? ¡± She glanced at Reynard for his opinion.


    ¡°About that,¡± the Foxkin confirmed, leaning closer. He looked up at Legate Galin to get another opinion.


    ¡°That would be my estimate, too,¡± Galin also confirmed as he likewise leaned closer. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you knew anything about maps, Recruit.¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°What? That? That¡¯s basic triangulation. I learned that at math camp when I was ten.¡± Callie then realized what she had just said and added, ¡°Wait ¡­ why do I remember that?¡± It was her go-to cover if she accidentally ¡®remembered¡¯ something, and she winced at using it here with so many people that knew her secret. She then gestured to the map to quickly change the subject. ¡°I assume the colors are terrain right? What color is that orange?¡±


    ¡°Swamp,¡± Reynard said.


    ¡°Of course it is,¡± Callie groaned heavily, her heart sinking and body deflating upon hearing the word. ¡°I hate swamps.¡±


    ¡°Even worse, I¡¯m now fairly sure I know what this ¡®Nothing¡¯ could be,¡± Reynard said ominously.


    ¡°A Bogwump,¡± Rowani said, growling and almost spitting out the word.


    ¡°Yup. A suddenly appearing dead area in a swamp? That has to be a breeding Bogwump.¡±


    Legate Galin groaned, slapping his hand to his face and falling back into his chair. ¡°Damn.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a Bogwump?¡± Tasi and Callie asked simultaneously.

 Chapter 42 Part 3 - A Plan of Action Forms

    PART III - A PLAN OF ACTION FORMS


    ¡°A Bogwump is just a long, amphibious animal and is sometimes called a Giant Carrion Eel, although it¡¯s more of a worm than an eel,¡± Reynard began. ¡°Really, nothing too awful about them in that state. They are maybe a meter long, or a bit longer, and about fifteen centimeters in diameter and live in the muck at the bottom of bogs and slow-moving swamps, feeding on dead vegetation and animal bodies that may sink to the bottom. They don¡¯t even have teeth. They¡¯re disgusting, but altogether harmless.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to say ¡®eww¡¯ right off,¡± Callie said, scrunching up her face. ¡°What¡¯s the problem? Why is it killing off everything around it?¡±


    ¡°The problem is when they reproduce,¡± Reynard continued with a sigh. ¡°When it comes time, it will build a sealed cocoon around itself. The worm¡¯s slime mixes with the muck and mud to make a dome that is as hard as rock to keep the inside protected. It¡¯s big and thick, and extends about a meter above the water. Inside, the creature dies before its eggs hatch, and then the offspring devour their dead parent. Eventually, the water will break down the hard-muck walls, releasing the hatchling Bogwumps.¡±


    ¡°The thing is,¡± Rowani said, picking up the background briefing, ¡°all those little babies are still really hungry. So, to help give them something tasty to chew on, their slimy parent filled the wall of the cocoon with a nasty parasite that the Eel cultivates over its lifetime. As the walls break down, they leech out and kill all the vegetation in the area, and rapidly accelerate decomposition. The rotting plants and such then feed the hatchlings when they finally emerge, and eventually those that survive will swim off or float downstream and start the cycle over again. Most won¡¯t survive to adulthood though, maybe none of them, so these things are actually pretty rare.¡±


    ¡°So I guess we need to, what, break the cocoon open and maybe burn them out?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Would that work?¡±


    Reynard nodded. ¡°Back in the day, when I was a much-younger Adventurer, I had to deal with these things twice. Luckily, our Guardian was a Dwarf and he was quite good with a pickaxe from his mining days before he joined our team. He cracked the mounds open from the top, then we poured in a flask of Dragonfire Oil, and stood back to watch it burn. The heat inside the cocoon was enough to kill off everything, including the parasites still in the mud walls, and the overall damage was fairly limited. Things start regrowing really quick in that kind of environment. After a year you couldn¡¯t even tell something had happened.¡±


    ¡°Great, so we get some of this Dragon oil, a pickaxe and go roast ¡®em,¡± Callie said, seeing a plan forming.


    Rowani slowly shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not that simple, Little One. Like Reynard, I cleared one once when I was an Adventurer, and there is just one small problem with your idea. The parasite that kills all the vegetation also makes all the animals in the area absolutely mad before it also kills them! Mammals, birds, reptiles, and even the bigger fish will savagely attack anything approaching the nest. No fear at all. It¡¯s like a feral army of creatures defending the cocoon. At the same time you¡¯re trying to break the thing open? Most every living thing in the area that can sense you, save insects and spiders, will be trying to rip you apart.¡±


    ¡°Well, that just sounds wonderful,¡± Tasi said sarcastically.


    ¡°Oh, and just to make things even worse,¡± Reynard warned, ¡°that parasite will be trying to infect you, too. It¡¯s waterborne, so if you accidentally swallow any of the water, or get water in a sizable injury, it will begin to take its toll. They can be countered with magic, at least, so it¡¯s not much of a concern, but you¡¯d start to feel its effects after a bit, unless it was cured.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡¯ Callie growled, drawing the word out for a couple seconds, ¡°zombie wildlife.¡± Then she had a thought. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose there¡¯s any chance we can just ignore this thing.¡±


    ¡°How do you mean?¡± Xera asked. ¡°It seems dangerous enough to do something about now.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Callie agreed, ¡°but it¡¯s also going to burn itself out, if I understand what they were saying? Once they hatch and eat the dead plants, they¡¯ll just go back to being harmless but disgusting worms. It¡¯d probably take a few weeks, but then things would settle down and start growing again, right.¡±


    Rowani cautiously nodded. ¡°She does make a point. It would be a blight upon the land for a time, but Nature repairs itself quickly, especially in a swamp.¡±


    Juniper had slid slowly into a seat while the lifecycle of a Bogwump was being discussed, Loki crawling into her lap. With Callies¡¯ suggestion of doing essentially nothing, a horrified look came over her face. ¡°No! We must stop them from hatching! It¡¯s dangerous to leave them be!¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°The waters of that swamp? They slowly flow towards the river that passes close to my tree,¡± she meekly said. ¡°If one of these creatures was to make its home close to me, when next it reproduces, it could kill me!¡± She shook her head, getting more anxious. ¡°We must destroy it, and quickly, before they hatch and come my way.¡±


    ¡°Damn! I didn¡¯t think about that,¡± Rowani said, tracing the line of the river from the Juniper¡¯s tree back to the marked swamp area. She¡¯s right, we need to take care of this then, before the hatchlings emerge. As I said, the survival rate of the hatchlings to adulthood is very low, but still possible, so one could follow the river and end up close to her tree. We can¡¯t wait. We need to destroy them all. Today if we can.¡±


    ¡°What about the parasites?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Won¡¯t the ones already released float downstream? They could threaten Juniper.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Rowani shook her head. ¡°They don¡¯t live long on their own. They need the swampy, stagnant water to survive, and the ones that infect something will die off when whatever they infect dies. Between that and the slow currents, she should be fine; it won¡¯t spread very far. But there¡¯s still a risk a hatchling could end up close by close to the tree." She emphasized the point by gesturing to a swampy indication not far from the green dot.


    Xera looked at Callie. ¡°You¡¯re the Sergeant for this mission, what do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re actually serious?¡± Callie gasped in disbelief and suspicion. ¡°You really want me to lead this? Trainer Reynard¡¯s right, I¡¯ve only been here two weeks. He¡¯s the one that¡¯s done this before! Or Trainer Rowani!¡±


    ¡°Nevertheless,¡± Xera said, a quirky smile appearing on their face, "the mission has been given to you. What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°Besides turn this whole damn mistake over to him?¡± Callis said, eyes wide as she emphatically gestured towards Reynard.


    ¡°Yes, besides that. Don¡¯t panic, you know more than you think you do. What do you need to do next? Talk it out for us, so we see how you think. We¡¯re all here to help. Like everything we do here, this is a training moment.¡±


    Callie reached her hands up, each pulling on one of her pigtails. She blew out her cheeks as she fought her brain that wanted no part in this ridiculous endeavor. ¡°Okay,¡± she finally said, ¡°tell me more about the feral animals. As soon as we start disturbing this cocoon dome thing, or likely even get close to it, they are just going to all start charging at us trying to eat our faces, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Reynard confirmed. ¡°We¡¯re likely going to have to fend off a lot of the wildlife. You¡¯ll be able to tell they''re infected because they¡¯ll be bleeding from the eyes, mouth, and nose. Most of them will be small enough to not be a significant threat, but claws and teeth on even a small swamp rat are still quite sharp, especially in numbers.¡±


    ¡°That sucks,¡± Callie mumbled. ¡°Having to probably kill a bunch of them, that is.¡±


    ¡°If they¡¯ve gone feral, then the parasite is too far into them to even magically cure. It¡¯s going to eventually get them, and it¡¯s a terrible, lingering death,¡± Reynard comforted. ¡°We will be easing their suffering, to be honest.¡±


    ¡°Still sucks,¡± Callie said, still mumbling.


    ¡°I know. It''s only a small consolation. It needs to be done, though.¡±


    Callie blew her cheeks out again. ¡°Okay, guys, if you really want me to direct this, I¡¯ll give it a shot. But you need to stop me if I screw up or my thinking is going in the wrong direction. Please.¡±


    ¡°My best advice?¡± Reynard said, a teasing smile on his face, ¡°Don¡¯t screw up. What are your first orders?¡±


    Callie glared briefly at her completely unhelpful trainer, before looking back over the map. Touching the area where the lines intersected, she started to work the issue out loud. ¡°We should probably confirm what we¡¯re dealing with, and pin down its location, right? That would be first.¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Galin said, a teasing smirk on his face.


    Callie turned her glare to the Legate, then slowly turned to Rowani. ¡°Would you be able to fly out and scout the area? I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s too far for you to go out and back quickly.¡±


    ¡°Do you doubt me because I¡¯m old?¡± the Druid trainer asked, a hint of an angry tone in her voice.


    ¡°What? No! I simply don¡¯t know if it¡¯s too far for you to go out and back quickly. If it is, then I need to come up with something else. I don¡¯t think the other Druids have forms that are as fast as you when flying, though.¡±


    ¡°Oh, in that case¡­¡± Rowani said as she relaxed slightly, no longer feeling insulted. She looked again at the map. ¡°Eight kilometers? There was a time I could make that in six minutes, maybe even less. I might be a little slower now. Give me thirty minutes to get out, look around, and get back. It should be easy to spot the area of dead vegetation from the air. Do you want me to leave now?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°Not yet, I might need your input on the rest of this,¡± she casually gestured towards the map with a circular motion, ¡°catastrophe in the making.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Trainer responded. ¡°However I may help.¡±


    Returning to look at the map, Callie absently picked up the pencil and began to tap it on her cheek. She glanced up at Reynard, her mind starting to form the vaguest shadow of an actual plan. ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll be dealing with an incoming critter army. We¡¯re going to need people to defend the ones who are breaking open the dome, probably from all directions. That means Ranged and Guardians, right?¡±


    ¡°Does it?¡± Xera asked, causing Callie to frown.


    ¡°Please, as my ¡®trusted advisors¡¯ in this craziness, at least tell me if I¡¯m going down the wrong path. Time¡¯s a factor,¡± Callie asked with a sigh, a little more snippy than she wanted.


    ¡°You¡¯re on the right path,¡± Xera said calmly.


    ¡°Okay, thanks.¡± Then Callie added, ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to snap at you. I know you¡¯re trying to help me learn.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± Xera replied. ¡°Who else do you need?¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll need a Healer or two for sure. There will be a lot of little things attacking, so if they get through, that means smaller wounds. Healer Tasi, Shaman Totems help really well with small injuries, right? Lhawni mentioned it the other day.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Tasi confirmed.


    ¡°Good, I want one of those. Does anyone know if there are poisonous creatures in the area?¡±


    ¡°There? Probably the only serious threat around there might be from a Redhatted Viper. It''s a snake that lives in the swamps, usually in the trees, although it can swim just fine,¡± Reynard said, gesturing to the orange area on the map. ¡°Easily recognizable by a red spot on the top of its head. I¡¯m not even sure if they are this far east. The venom is fairly slow-acting, but could eventually kill you. A Shaman or Druid should be able to cleanse the poison if anyone is bitten.¡±


    ¡°Good to know,¡± Callie replied, her mind now swirling with even more details starting to come together. ¡°How many people can I take?¡± Callie asked, looking up at Xera.


    ¡°As many as you¡¯d like,¡± Xera answered, frustratingly vague. ¡°But only ¡­ say ¡­ two trainers.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Reynard interrupted, amending the Commandant, ¡°the more people you bring, the more you will attract the ferals. Bring too few or too many and you could get overwhelmed. Find a balance.¡±


    ¡°Only two? Damn.¡± Callie hopped down from the chair she was standing on and began to pace, tapping the pencil on her cheek. She stopped and pointed at Tasi. ¡°What do you have to help counter the parasite? Can we take something before we go? Or get a spell cast on us?¡±


    Tasi thought to herself. ¡°We have Resist Disease potions. That should keep you safe for a few hours if you take them with food. When you return we will apply a Cure Disease spell as well, just to get anything that may have slipped through. Would that work, Sergeant?¡±


    Callie was about to thank the Fairy, but another use of the new rank broke her train of thought. ¡°Wait, did I get promoted?¡±

 Chapter 42 Part 4 - Sergeant Callies Army

    PART IV - SERGEANT CALLIE¡¯S ARMY


    Galin, Thorn and Xera all laughed.  ¡°No,¡± Galin finally said.  ¡°Any non-officer ranked lower than Sergeant who is leading a mission is an acting Sergeant for that mission, regardless of underlying rank.  Even a Recruit in this case.¡±


    ¡°Huh.  Weird.¡±  Callie said with a shrug.  Returning to the topic at hand, Callie continued.  ¡°Healer Tasi, mana and healing potions?  We can get them, too?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely, standard provisions.¡±


    ¡°Great, thanks.  Juniper, would our new bows be susceptible to this parasite?¡±


    The Dryad thought for a moment and then shook her head.  ¡°I don¡¯t believe so.  Their repair magic is quite strong with the enchantment.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re not sure?¡±


    Juniper took a moment to respond as she mulled the question in her head.  ¡°Since they are Everliving, the potion the Healer described would help, I believe.  Just to be sure, cover your bows in the elixir before you begin.  Just wiping it down should suffice.  When you return, use your magics to remove any remnant disease on them, just as you would each other.¡°


    ¡°Good.¡±  Callie returned to tapping her cheek with the pencil, mumbling to herself  ¡°We''ll need extra of those disease potions then, and rags or something to rub them with.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about your team''s construction. Besides a Shaman, what other classes do you think would be helpful?¡± Reynard asked.


    ¡°And tell us why?¡± Xera added.


    ¡°Give me a sec,¡± Callie said as she continued pacing, still lost in thought, the pencil still tapping rapidly against her cheek.  Her mind was racing, repeatedly reviewing everything that Reynard and Rowani had said about the Bogwump nest.  She thought back to the four-role tactics she had learned from Koda on that second day.  Ranged.  Strikers.  Guardians.  Healers.  In theory, she needed them all, but couldn¡¯t take too many people or the critter army would be even worse.  She needed a balance, but also a team designed for the expected fight.  She also needed backup options if something went wrong.  After all, no plan survives first contact with the enemy.


    Callie started using her pencil to motion in the air, as if sliding people and classes into and out of the team roster.  She was working to find an optimal balance that accounted for all the expected variables, and some combinations obviously didn¡¯t work.  There had to be a way to make this work, though, and keep the team from getting too large while still being large enough to handle what was coming.


    How many of what roles were going to be needed?  Basically, they were going to be playing a game of King on the Mountain, or some other variation of standing their ground, while the cocoon was cracked open.  That leaned towards taking out the wildlife before they even got close.  From what Reynard and Rowani said, there would be a lot of them.  Most would be smaller, common swamp critters, so whoever was ranged needed to be able to handle a lot of targets, preferably without worrying about mana issues.  There wouldn¡¯t be time for multiple mana potions.  Actually, that made that decision pretty easy.


    Next, the Strikers.  As Callie thought about it, dedicated strikers might not necessarily make a lot of sense.  They¡¯d be fighting in a swamp, or at least on marshy ground, for one, so mobility could be difficult.  Plus, the Ranged should take out everything before they get too close.  Guardians could then take care of them at that point.  Skip the Strikers, or maybe come back to them if it made sense and there was still a spot or two open.


    Guardians.  One needed to be Tazrok, that was for sure.  His Spider form, with its multiple long legs and ability to see in all directions, was well suited to the environment and lots of small attackers.  Plus he could heal or even Striker on the side, if need be.  Did they need another Guardian?  Callie wasn¡¯t sure, but probably would want a backup ¡­ table that for the moment.


    Next, the Healers.  Callie needed a Shaman, that she knew for sure, for the small wounds.  A Shaman actually had some ranged offensive powers, too, if needed.  Did they need a second dedicated healer?  Maybe a third?  No, can¡¯t let the party get too big.  Two healers, with Tazrok able to do the Druid thing if required as a distant third.  That should be enough.  So back to definitely needing a second Guardian to cover if Tazrok had to break form and toss a spell.


    Next, how to get into the nest or cocoon or whatever it is?  Reynard said it was hard as rock, and he had  needed a pickaxe to get in.  Tazrok might be able to simply smash a way in, but that wasn¡¯t optimal.  If it cracked open too far, the hatchlings could escape.  No, they needed to go in from the top and then burn them out from above.  Smashing was a very backup plan.  Bring a couple pickaxes, then.  Or maybe there was another option; a way to surgically get into the dome with no risk of escape?


    Finally, which trainers to bring.  Reynard was obviously going to come. Callie could use him as Ranged and he obviously had experience with Bogwumps, so that was another no brainer.  Who for the second one?  Rowani in her Guardian form?  A Paladin?  No, they wear heavy armor, so a bad idea in a swamp.  Maybe a Bladedancer because they were light on their feet and because of that Flashstep thing,  Yes!  Perfect for what could be a pretty chaotic wildlife assault.


    ¡°Callie?¡± Reynard finally asked impatiently, the Gnome having been pacing and quiet for almost a minute as she cycled between tapping her cheek with the pencil, or using it to draw in the air, as if plotting something out and pushing pieces around on a board.


    ¡°I heard you,¡± Callie said, acknowledging Reynard with her hand.  ¡°I¡¯m just weighing my options.  I think I know who I want on my team, though.¡±


    ¡°Specific people?  Already?  Who?¡± Xera asked.


    Callie broke from her concentration and addressed the room.  ¡°Yup, I think I have a workable team.  Let me know when I get to the end if I missed something.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s have it,¡± Galin said gruffly.  ¡°Again, explain to us your reasoning.¡±  Then he added rather cynically, ¡°After less than two minutes, this should be interesting.¡±


    Callie narrowed her eyes at the off-handed remark, but then focused back to Xera, nodding.  ¡°Okay.  First, I want to bring all the Rangers.  We can put out an almost unlimited amount of ranged damage without having to worry about mana, especially because of our new bows no longer needing arrows.  Plus, we¡¯re good in the woods and even in the damn swamps because of our survival perks.  We also have some backup sword skills if something gets too close.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Xera said slowly. ¡°Continue.¡±


    Callie¡¯s momentum wavered for a moment with Xera¡¯s passive response, but she continued on.  ¡°Next I want two Healers.  Specifically, I want Lhawni and Ambria.  Ambria¡¯s going to hate the swamp on her furry legs, but she kicks ass at healing.  Lhawni can heal with her Totem and spells, especially for the smaller critter bites, cure the poison if the red-headed snake gets anyone, and cast spells towards the attacking creatures if she has the mana to spare.¡±


    ¡°Why her specifically and not one of the other Shamans?  Or a Druid for that matter?¡± Tasi asked.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Lhawni prefers healing to combat.  Don¡¯t get me wrong, Xin is absolutely amazing, I¡¯ve seen her practicing, but as a Spearmaster by training, she tends to think offensively.  I don¡¯t know the other two Shamans as well, but one was in the militia and the other mentioned he knows at least one wizard combat spell, so it leads me to think they may also think more offensively.  I want the Shaman primarily as a healer and I have a different use for a Druid.¡±


    ¡°A Druid?  Which one?¡± Rowani asked.


    ¡°Tazrok.  He¡¯s the only choice.  His huge size will easily deal with anything.  I¡¯ve also been watching him practicing in his spider and Hellhound forms, and with all his Warrior skills from back home, he really has some fantastic moves.  His forms using some of his Barbarian skills?  It¡¯s amazing and a little scary!  He¡¯ll be a Guardian, but in a pinch can back up the other classes if needed, and even fly to reposition if he needs to.¡±


    ¡°His Whirlwind when in spider form is truly devastating,¡± Rowani agreed.  ¡°He¡¯s a good choice.  The long spider legs will help in the swamp too.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Callie agreed.  ¡°Plus, he sees in all directions, so great for lots of critters.¡±


    ¡°How will you get into the nest?¡± Reynard asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll bring a couple pickaxes, just like you did.  We have them available here, right?


    ¡°There should be some at outfitting,¡± Reynard confirmed.


    ¡°Good!  But, those are actually the backup plan.  I was also thinking Pixyl would be a good option to focus on getting into the nest.  She should be able to slice right into it, even if it is hard as stone.  Or blast her way in from the top as another option.  With luck, she can get into it fast, then we burn it out and get the hell out of there.  Plus she can provide air cover.  We need your Dragon Oil stuff you mentioned, or something else flammable to dump into the nest.¡±


    ¡°Flying Fae cannot move as well over water,¡± Tasi interjected.  ¡°It¡¯s hard to push against it.  We still can, but it is much slower and can get tiring very quickly.¡±


    Callie blinked in surprise.  That was new information Pixyl had never mentioned, although it had never really come up in conversation.  ¡°I didn¡¯t know that, Healer Tasi, so that¡¯s good info.¡±  Did this change anything?  Not really.  They could work around that if it meant fast access into the nest.


    ¡°Why not take Olin instead?¡± Reynard asked. ¡°Or one of the other Bladeweaver recruits?¡±


    ¡°If the ground is soft, Pixyl¡¯s small size and ability to fly, even if more difficult, would be a huge positive, plus we¡¯ll have a little air support then.  She¡¯s small enough to ride on someone¡¯s shoulders to save her strength, too.  As for Olin, I can¡¯t include him because I want a second Guardian, and Major Celeste would be a good choice because of her Flashstep and general nimbleness.  The Commandant is only allowing me two trainers, so unless you want to stay behind, there¡¯s no room for him.  Honestly, I¡¯d rather have your experience in dealing with this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m coming, that isn¡¯t really a choice,¡± Reynard said sternly.  ¡°Especially if all my Rangers are going.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Callie mused.  She then looked at Xera.  ¡°That¡¯s ten people, plus Trainer Rowani running a quick scouting mission.  I¡¯m wary of adding more.  It already feels like too many, in a way.  But we¡¯re all still learning, and for most of us it¡¯s the first time actually fighting for real, so a few more people makes up for that.¡±


    ¡°What of me?¡± Juniper said, leaping to her feet angrily as Loki hung on to her neck, trying not to fall.  ¡°I must come along as well!¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Callie said firmly.  ¡°I don¡¯t know what those parasites will do to you, and from what Healer Tasi said, you¡¯re so closely tied to your tree that what affects you could also affect it.  It¡¯s too great a risk.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡± Juniper began to sputter, Loki now standing on her shoulders, facing the room with his arms on his hips.


    ¡°Callie¡¯s right,¡± Tasi interjected.  ¡°Even if we gave you a disease resistance potion, you could still get infected.  With your link to your Heartwood tree, it¡¯s best not to risk it.  You cannot go.¡±


    Juniper stared stunned at the rest of the room.  You could see her mind trying to come up with any additional arguments she could think of, but all the hard faces returning her stare pushed back.  Eventually, she sagged, defeated.  Loki slid off her shoulders, and in a pouty manner, the Dryad absentmindedly made a sling with her arms for him to sit in.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Callie added, apologetically.  Callie didn¡¯t want to mention that she frankly didn¡¯t trust Juniper not to destroy the place in panic, anger, or simple glee at eliminating the cause of the problem.  She could just see the Dryad going crazy, using her Sylvan powers to smash open the nest, and suddenly there are baby Bogwumps escaping everywhere.  She needed to be kept far away from this for her own safety, if not maybe for the rest of the team¡¯s, too.


    ¡°Anyone else you would like to bring?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°Besides more trainers?  I don¡¯t think so.  Did I miss something?¡±


    ¡°At first glance, your team is both large and Ranger heavy,¡± Galin said.


    ¡°Oh.  Should I¡­¡± Callie began to reply.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Galin continued, interrupting the Gnome with a single glare.  ¡°I think your reasoning, that all the recruits are still fairly inexperienced, and a Ranger¡¯s lack of reliance on mana for basic ranged attacks, makes them a good option.  Reynard?¡±


    The Foxkin shrugged.  ¡°Might as well bring them all.  They''re a better option than, say, a Warlock recruit.  They¡¯ve just started learning minion control and their damaging spells affect an area around the target.  The Geomancer¡¯s magic is too slow.  The other Sylvan could be an option, but once again, she¡¯d be mana dependent.  Rangers make the most sense.¡±


    ¡°Why No Strikers?  Except for Pixyl, that is, and you want her breaking open the nest.¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a swamp and it probably isn¡¯t the easiest for a Striker to fight there.  Plus, most of the creatures should be smaller, so probably easily taken out by the Guardians if they get close.  Both Tazrok and the Major have movement capabilities, too.  Tazrok can use his flying-cat form and the Major has Flashstep.  My hope would be that the wall of Rangers prevents anything even getting to them, to be honest.¡±


    ¡°Clever analysis,¡± Thorn said, nodding.


    ¡°How soon can you go?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°No other recommendations?¡± Callie asked back, still worried she¡¯d overlooked something important, and Xera was playing coy again.


    ¡°None from me.  You seem to have most-everything covered and have a well thought out team.¡±


    Callie looked around the room, trying to read everyone¡¯s faces.  Juniper was still pouting in her chair, Loki lovingly petting her neck in sympathy.  Galin was standing next to the seated Thorn, and both were smirking like they were in on some joke, while Reynard¡¯s face was plastic, betraying no emotion of any kind.  Also seated at the table, Tasi was introspective, counting off something on her fingers as if she was mentally making a list.  Rowani was the only one that seemed to show any emotion, and she actually seemed to be excited, flashing a huge grin on her face.


    ¡°Once again, how long until you and your team can set off?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°Uh ¡­ I dunno ¡­ maybe an hour or so?  That would give Trainer Rowani the time to fly out and look around, and we could go after she gets back with whatever she finds out.¡±


    ¡°How about two,¡± Reynard said coolly.   ¡°People are easy to get moving, but it might take a bit for the rest to be organized and collected.¡±


    ¡°Rowani will need to put on her armor, too,¡± Xera added, to which the Druid scowled in response.


    ¡°Uh, okay,¡± Callie replied with a shrug.   She really had no idea what was involved in getting ready for something like this.  What she did have, though, was an ever growing grocery list of what would be needed.  Potions, pickaxes, flaming oils, not to mention everyone getting their armor on and something they could eat when they got closer.


    ¡°Juniper, would you please excuse us and step into the waiting alcove,¡± Xera asked the Dryad.  Juniper didn¡¯t hear them though, still lost in her own thoughts and still wearing a pouty face.  Xera had to clear their throat and ask once again, slightly firmer this time, before Juniper got the hint, stood, and walked towards the door, Loki clinging to her neck like a little child might.


    ¡°Acting Sergeant Callie, if you would also step into the waiting room and close the door behind you.  Don¡¯t wander off,¡± Galin ordered.


    ¡°Is something wrong?  Did I miss something important?  What was it?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± the Legate responded brusquely, and then added, ¡°We simply want to talk about you without you here.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Callie said carefully, her brain suddenly going paranoid.  What had she forgotten?  Was it something serious?  For that matter, was she really actually even doing this?  And now they wanted to talk about her?  She must have missed something obvious, and if that was the case they should say it to her face now, before someone got hurt!   She wasn¡¯t sure why the snarky attitude popped up, but Callie put her hands on her hips.  ¡°You know, it¡¯s a little rude to talk about someone behind their back.¡±


    ¡°Recruit Calliope?¡± Reynard said, getting her attention and putting on an obviously fake smile.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    Callie gulped.  ¡°Um, yes, Sir.¡±

 Chapter 42 Part 5 - A Veterans Simple Advice

    PART V - A VETERAN¡¯S SIMPLE ADVICE


    Kyra smirked as the little Gnome fidgeted, straining to listen to the ongoing conversation in the next room.  Even with her Mana Enhanced Hearing, the walls had been warded for outgoing sound for exactly these kinds of moments.  More than a few races had good hearing, and sometimes the officers needed a secure space.


    Finally, Callie threw up her hands.  ¡°I give up, I can¡¯t hear anything.¡± She looked over to the smirking Elf.  ¡°Thick walls or magically soundproofed?¡±


    ¡°A little of both,¡± Kyra mockingly replied.  ¡°I¡¯m sure they will not be long.¡±


    Next to Callie, Juniper likewise fidgeted. obviously nervous.  Loki was doing his best to try to help, nuzzling her neck and actually purring, but Juniper was simply distracted by her own worries.  Callie glanced at her, trying to think of a way to offer comfort.  Inwardly, Callie laughed.  It was only two weeks ago that she met Juniper for the first time and would have literally given anything just to be close to her.  Now?  She was still hot as hell, that hadn¡¯t changed, but now that she knew the Dryad on a personal level, that lustful longing had faded.  The fact that her obvious crush on Vanis was being reciprocated also sort of made the Nymph off-limits now.


    Hesitantly, Callie reached out and put her hand on Juniper¡¯s arm.


    ¡°What?¡± Juniper said sharply, jumping in her seat.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Callie said, trying to sound reassuring.  ¡°If it¡¯s what they think it is, we''ll deal with it.  Reynard is the best, and the Major is amazing.  With them along, we¡¯ll take care of it quickly.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I should still investigate myself,¡± Juniper said, starting to stand.


    Callie¡¯s gentle touch on the Dryad¡¯s arm gripped tightly, and she forcefully pulled Juniper back into her seat.  ¡°Absolutely not!  It¡¯s too dangerous for you.  And for your Tree, for that matter.  You will stay here in camp and let us take care of it.  This isn¡¯t a debate.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡± Juniper began, but her body deflated.


    ¡°Today is everyone¡¯s day off, so I¡¯ll ask Vanis if he can sit with you while you wait.¡±


    ¡°Oh?  You will?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Well, that would be quite lovely,¡± Juniper said with a smiling, perky chirp.  ¡°I was supposed to join him earlier to watch your strange group ritual.  The one with the ball where you chase each other?  But the Nothing waylaid me, and I¡¯m worried he¡¯ll be quite cross that I wasn''t there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll understand, Juniper,¡± Callie said, keeping the reassuring tone in her voice.  ¡°He¡¯s quite fond of you.¡±


    ¡°He is?¡±


    ¡°Yes.  We all are.  You¡¯re our friend.¡±


    Juniper smiled, only slightly and for just a moment.  ¡°As you wish.  I shall remain here, then.  But do be careful.  You are my ¡­ friend ¡­ too, and I shudder at the thought of anything happening to you or the others.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be careful.  I know they put me in charge, and I don¡¯t really know why, to be honest, but I¡¯ll do my best.  The second I¡¯m in over my head, though, I¡¯m turning this whole thing over to Reynard or the Major to lead.  I know they say it¡¯s a training moment, but saving your Tree comes first.¡±


    The door opened quickly, and both Rowani and Reynard walked stiffly out.  They didn¡¯t seem angry.  Callie had honestly expected Reynard to be furious once she had left the room for some reason, but he just seemed driven now.  Rowani wore the same expression.  The intensity of their looks made Callie instinctively leap to her feet.


    ¡°Everything ok?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Uh ¡­ yes Little One,¡± Rowani replied.  ¡°I am just mentally reviewing what I need to do before I go scouting.¡±  Then she added with a scowl, ¡°The Commandant insisted I wear my proper armor.¡±


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Callie agreed.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a pain to put on, and I am almost positive it¡¯s just a Bogwump.¡±


    ¡°It must be,¡± Reynard said.  ¡°Be careful, please, Rowani.  The birds in the area are likely infected and may try to take you down.  Just verify what it is and drop a beacon we can hike to.  Put it somewhere we¡¯ll be able to see the blight.  We¡¯ll take it from there.¡±


    ¡°I should still be going,¡± Rowani snarled, but then she looked at Callie, ¡°But I see the usefulness as a training exercise.  Little One, don¡¯t risk anyone¡¯s safety.  If things prove too difficult, get back here and we¡¯ll put together a bigger team.¡±  She looked at Juniper, ¡°We will take care of your problem, Miss Juniper.¡±


    The Dryad nodded.  ¡°The Little One was telling me the same.  I put my trust in your hands.¡±


    ¡°If for some reason we can¡¯t handle it today,¡± Reynard reconfirmed, ¡°we¡¯ll take care of it first thing in the morning with a much larger group of experienced people.  I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll need to do that, though.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Rowani said.  ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way.  Reynard, I¡¯ll meet you shortly at outfitting to get the beacon.  Give me an hour to prepare, fly out and return. I am almost positive it is a Bogwump, though.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Callie asked Reynard as the Druid left through the door.


    The Foxkin chuckled.  ¡°I really shouldn¡¯t say.   This is your mission, after all, acting Sergeant.  But in the interests of time I¡¯ll tell you my plans.  I¡¯m off to let logistics know what we¡¯re doing and what we need, so they can get it in order.  We can all stop by as we head out.  Rowani is going to place a beacon down, so we will need to get the matching tracker as well.  After that, I need to retrieve my armor and swords, as well as all of your swords too.¡±


    ¡°The real ones?¡± Callie gasped, then she reconsidered.  ¡°I suppose that would be the case.  But we haven¡¯t even worked with our metal practice swords yet.¡±


    ¡°We were all going to start with the dull blades this week, now that you¡¯ve mostly mastered the wooden ones.  For today, the Major and I can give everyone some basic instructions as we hike in.  My hope is that none of the Rangers will need to even draw their blades.¡±


    ¡°What do I need to do?¡± Callie asked, unsure what to do next.  ¡°Probably go round up the rest of the people and then get dressed.  I¡¯ll admit I¡¯m a little over my head here.¡±


    ¡°Galin will be out momentarily to assist.  You¡¯ll need Sergeant-Major Natala to call your team members to muster.¡±


    Callie swallowed.  The Sergeant-Major made her nervous.  She didn¡¯t dislike Natala, but she also didn¡¯t know her well and was honestly a little intimidated by the always intense and obviously battle-experienced Dwarf.  On the Bunkerball field, she¡¯d also proven quite effective as a blocker for the Camp team, despite her small size and occasional difficulty walking.


    ¡°Should I have everyone come here?¡± Callie asked


    Reynard nodded.  ¡°We can muster here.  I¡¯m sure the Commandant will have some words of encouragement before we leave.¡±  He turned to Xera¡¯s assistant.  ¡°Miss Kyra, a good day to you.¡±


    ¡°To you as well, Reynard,¡± she cooed in return.  ¡°Good hunting to you all.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Reynard left the waiting area, leaving Callie once again with only a worried Juniper and Kyra.  She looked into the conference room, seeing Xera and the rest of the officers laughing as if enjoying a good joke between them.  Interestingly, even with the door open, only a minimal amount of sound leaked out, and what Callie could hear was muffled and unintelligible.  Before she could do anything, the Legate stepped back and walked towards the entrance.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± he asked as he left the sound-dampened room.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Callie snarled in return, but the grin on Galin¡¯s face never wavered.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.  What do you think we should do next?¡±


    ¡°Get everyone moving, so they can get their armor on and such.¡±


    ¡°Good.  Duwana, Miss Kyra,¡± Galin said.  He gestured towards the door.  ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°Duwanai, my dear,¡± Kyra responded, causing the Legate to stutter his step just slightly.


    Taking Juniper in tow, Loki waddling along behind the Dryad, Callie and the Legate walked towards the hill leading up to the training field.  In the distance, the sounds of cheering could be heard, but Callie could tell it wasn¡¯t the recruit¡¯s side of the bleachers that was excited.  This didn¡¯t bode well for how the game had fared while she¡¯d been gone.  Galin saw the look on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the recruits cheering.  We had a good lead when I came down here, but I¡¯m worried what it might look like when I get back.¡±


    ¡°Well, with more team members needing to go out on this mission, I think we¡¯ll postpone the remainder of the game until next week.¡±


    ¡°That would work.¡±  Maybe this game could be salvaged?


    Cresting the hill, Callie was pleasantly surprised to see the score.  It hadn¡¯t been a total rout, now standing at 30-21.  The recruit team had the ball, and having just ducked into one of the side bunkers to reset the number of charges, the ball was placed midfield.  As they lined up, the referee called out only one minute remaining in the third battle.


    ¡°Let¡¯s let them run to the end of this quarter, er battle,¡± Callie suggested.  ¡°They¡¯ll have a break and we can call them then.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to go join them?¡± the Legate asked.


    Callie looked and saw Pixyl hovering on the sideline, gesturing wildly towards Koda and Jesca, but there was a smile on her face, as well as the faces of the rest of the team.  ¡°Nah,¡± Callie said.  ¡°Pixyl is having fun.  It will only be a couple more plays.¡±


    The final drive didn¡¯t go very well.  With three quick plays, the recruits only found themselves at their opponent¡¯s quarter field.  Technically, it was close enough that Xin might be able to throw the ball through, although still outside her comfort zone for complete accuracy.  The camp¡¯s Sentinel had grown wise to the Shaman¡¯s deadly aim, though, and was on high guard for that possibility.  Finally, the charge started just as the clock ran out.  The play would continue to its end, and Xin dropped back, looking for anyone that might be open for a reception.  Her receivers were all well-covered, though and as the rush came at her, Xin threw the ball long through the uprights for a single point, ending the third battle.  Whistles shrilled and the players all walked towards their own sides to regroup and plan for the resumption of play.


    ¡°Sergeant-Major!¡± Galin called out, catching the attention of the intimidating Dwarf.


    ¡°Sir?¡± Natala said as she changed direction and approached.


    ¡°We have a situation.  We¡¯ll need your assistance.¡±


    ¡°Of course, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Combat mission,¡± Galin said, a smile on his face.  ¡°We¡¯ll need you to muster several of the recruits that are here.¡±


    ¡°Really?  Sure.  Who do you need me to call?¡±


    Galin gestured towards Callie, who was standing next to him trying to hold a weak smile.  ¡°Acting Sergeant Callie is in charge of this mission.  She¡¯ll brief you on who she needs and their instructions.¡±  With that, the Legate took two steps backwards, yielding the conversation to Callie.


    ¡°Her?  Really?  At week two?¡± Natala asked, looking from Callie back to Galin.  ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s real,¡± Galin assured with a nod.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Natala said as she stiffened.  Turning her eyes to look at Callie, she said, ¡°Sergeant, what do you need?¡±


    ¡°Um, yeah, I need¡­¡± Callie began to reply, her voice trailing off into almost a whisper before the gaze of the expectant Sergeant-Major.  There was something about the Dwarf that just completely intimidated her.  It wasn¡¯t like with the officers.  To an extent, they seemed ¡­ maybe aloof was a close word?  The Sergeant-Major, though, felt like one of them.  A very experienced soldier who wasn¡¯t afraid to get into the fight with the rest of the people.  She¡¯d seen it all, done it all, and wore that experience proudly as a banner.


    Natala looked at the Legate and then back to Callie before placing her hand on Callie¡¯s shoulder.  ¡°Sergeant, I don¡¯t know what the mission is, and I don¡¯t need to know.  But I do remember when I stood exactly where you''re standing right now for the very first time.  I¡¯ll give you the same advice that I was given then.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said nervously.


    ¡°''Get your shit together''. Recruit Callie, I don''t know why you were chosen, but you were, so speak up, take command, and get your shit together. Understood?¡±


    Callie swallowed, or at least tried to.  Her throat was so dry.  Unable to make more than a squeak, she simply nodded rapidly in agreement.


    ¡°Good.  Now, what do you need, Sergeant?¡±

 Chapter 42 Part 6 - A Call to Arms

    PART VI:  A CALL TO ARMS


    Sergeant-Major Natala turned and took one step forward.   Raising her hand, she drew a symbol in the air reminiscent of the sigil that Kyra used to amplify the speeches the officers gave.  If loathed towards her, coming to rest on her chest by her left shoulder.  Satisfied, she tapped the symbol, took a deep breath and began to speak.


    ¡°All present are to stand fast for orders!¡± she called out, her voice booming out over the field.  She paused for several seconds as everyone ceased walking or stopped talking to take heed, before taking an even deeper breath, obviously preparing for something important.  ¡°To arms!  To arms!  The following are immediately ordered to combat duty:  Major Celeste, Corporal-Major Pixyl, Corporal Tazrok, and Recruits Jesca, Shul¡¯an, Thucax, Ambria, and Lhawni.  You are to retrieve, but not eat, your midday meal from the food tent, and report immediately to the Commandant¡¯s office wearing full armor and, if weapons have been issued to you, armed.  All make way!  Corporal Vanis, report to me immediately.¡±


    There was a stunned silence across the field as everyone tried to make sense of what they just heard.  Finally, her voice once again booming out to all, but this time seeming even more forceful, the Sergeant-Major added, ¡°Move it!  This is not a drill!¡±  Natala sliced her hand across her chest, severing the symbol and ending the spell.


    Major Celeste was the first to react, needing only a moment to shift from Bunkerball to command mode.  She gestured towards the recruit players still leaving the field.  ¡°Jesca!  Pixyl!  You heard your orders.  Get moving and get your food!¡±  She gestured up towards the bleacher seating where the other called recruits were standing with confused looks on their faces.  Placing two fingers of one hand in her mouth, the Major gave a shrill whistle.  ¡°All of you called, move it!¡±  Walking stiffly towards the food tent next to the bleachers, the Major began to force a few people aside as she called out, ¡°Make a hole!  Let us through!¡±


    To their credit, the recruits whose names were called, encouraged by seeing the Major springing into action, needed only a few more seconds for their minds to shift into gear.  Jesca and Pixyl fell in immediately behind the Major, soon joined by the others as they ran down from their seats.  From overhead, the adorable winged kitty swooped down from the skies, transforming into the form of Tazrok and falling into step behind the moving group.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Jesca asked the Major, a worried tone in her voice.


    ¡°I have no idea, but we have orders and it''s not a drill,¡± the Major responded as she stood aside, ushering the rest of the team past her.  ¡°Get your food and go get the rest of your armor on.  All of the rest of you; full armor, including helmets, and don¡¯t forget your backpacks, any weapons and to fill your waterskins.  Pixyl, keep wearing your suppression bracelets while we figure out what¡¯s going on.¡±


    Callie was almost amazed at what she saw.  She had expected her friends to all come running over to get explanations, but with both Natala¡¯s forceful call to arms, and the Major herding everyone along, everyone simply ¡­ moved.  The idea that, with only a few words, her own instructions, relayed through the Sergeant-Major, had called people to combat action was simply strange to Callie.  ¡®Go here¡¯.  ¡®Do that¡¯.  All by simply telling them to, almost like a machine.  She began to imagine her orders being given to larger groups, or multiple groups in coordination.  Could she do things like that?  So lost in her sudden thoughts was Callie, that she didn¡¯t see Vanis come sprinting towards them.


    ¡°Sergeant-Major?¡±


    ¡°Corporal,¡± Natala acknowledged.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Vanis said, stepping sharply to attention, placing his hand on his chest as he nodded towards Galin, knowing this was a serious situation.


    ¡°Corporal,¡± Galin echoed, returning the salute.


    ¡°How may I be of assistance?¡±


    The Legate gestured towards Callie.  ¡°Corporal, Acting Sergeant Callie is in charge of this mission.  Receive her orders.¡±


    Vanis stumbled, but only for a fraction of a moment.  ¡°She is?  Really?  Of ¡­ of course.¡±  He turned towards Callie.  ¡°Sergeant?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Callie said as she swallowed, trying to find both the words and the authority.  Then, Natala¡¯s words of simple advice echoed in her brain.  ¡®Get your shit together!¡¯  Callie nodded hard once and then looked up at her friend.  ¡°Vanis.  There is a situation within Juniper¡¯s woods.  I¡¯m leading a team to deal with it.  I need you to make sure she remains here in camp, where she can be kept safe.¡±


    Vanis looked at Juniper, standing behind Callie and weakly waving with one hand, while her other held on to Loki¡¯s vine-arm.  ¡°Oh ¡­ of course,¡± he repeated, still getting his head focused.  ¡°Is she in danger?¡±


    ¡°Not as long as she stays here.  Don¡¯t let her leave.  If she tries, then get one of the officers.¡±  Then Callie¡¯s tone lightened, and she added, ¡°She¡¯s nervous.  Just keep her distracted, Vanis, please.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡± Vanis said sharply.


    ¡°You don¡¯t say please,¡± Natala interrupted, a polite, but lecturing firmness in her tone.  ¡°You aren¡¯t asking him to do something, you¡¯re ordering him to.  Short and to the point.  You need to expect in your mind that your orders will be followed, and you don¡¯t need to explain yourself.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay,¡± Callie replied.  ¡°Well, keep her occupied, then, Vanis.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely, Sergeant,¡± Vanis said with a nod, sensing the seriousness of Natala¡¯s comment.  He extended his hand to Juniper.  ¡°M¡¯lady,¡± he said smoothly, ¡°would you consider gracing me with your presence?¡±  He stood waiting for further instructions.


    ¡°Uh, dismissed, I guess,¡± Callie finally said.


    ¡°Understood.  Good hunting, Sergeant,¡± Vanis replied.  He glanced up towards Galin and Natala.  ¡°Good day, Legate, Sergeant-Major.¡±


    Juniper giggled slightly, taking the Warlock¡¯s arm with hers, and together the two walked off, heading back to the seating, Loki trailing along like the good puppy-plant he was.


    The Sergeant-Major looked down at Callie, once again demanding her attention.  ¡°I mean it.¡±  She tapped hard on Callie¡¯s head with her finger.  ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®guess¡¯.  You need to be confident up here.  If you¡¯re in charge, you cannot show you doubt yourself, even if you do.  Your job is to wade through all the information coming at you and then tell people how to deal with it so that everyone is thinking the same way, and be the rock-hard strength they need.  Don''t be intimidated by their rank or their personality.  Remember, you are the one in charge.¡±


    ¡°Listen to her,¡± Galin said.  ¡°She has years, decades even, of battlefield leadership experience.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Callie looked from Galin, back to Natala, and swallowed hard once again.  She was still intimidating as hell.  ¡°Okay.  I¡¯ll try.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Natala warned, jabbing her finger lightly into Callie¡¯s chest.  ¡°This is what I¡¯m telling you.  ¡®Trying¡¯ is not an option here.  You  ¡­ are in ¡­ command!  You don''t get the luxury of ¡®trying¡¯.  Ask people questions to get information, you can even ask them for options and opinions, but then you decide what happens next.  Your orders need to be clear, simple, and absolutely expected to be followed.  Then, you do not change them just because someone complains you didn¡¯t pick their option.  You only change them if new information requires you to issue new clear and simple orders.  But, above all, you must be absolutely confident.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie replied, with a little more strength now in her voice.


    ¡°I assume the Major is going as backup?¡± Natala asked Galin.


    ¡°Yes, along with Reynard.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re taking all the Rangers, so that makes sense,¡± the Dwarf said, before she looked back at Callie.  ¡°You have two experienced people along, but this is first of all a training exercise, so they will only take over if you can''t handle it.  So right here, right now, you tell yourself, and then you tell me and the Legate, that you can handle whatever comes your way.  Nobody would have handed this responsibility to you if they didn¡¯t think you could do it.  Take a breath, believe it and then say it.¡±


    Callie took a deep breath, trying to push aside the dread and panic that had been building in her gut ever since she was called down the hill.  She took another, in through her nose, held it, and blew it firmly through her lips.  Looking Natala in the eyes, she saw the look of encouraging concern.  But, more importantly, she saw the look of somebody who actually believed in her, despite her initial surprise and doubt.  She didn¡¯t judge Callie because of her Gnome race, or her height, or her lack of experience, or anything.  The look in Natala¡¯s eyes said she absolutely knew Callie could do it, and was trying to convince Callie of that fact, not the other way around.  With a sharp nod, Callie said simply, ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Natala said, putting a hand on Callie¡¯s shoulder.  She stared hard and held Callie¡¯s gaze.  ¡°I¡¯m going to tell you one other thing; something I wish I had been told when I was starting out.  Listen closely.  When you fuck up, and trust me, someday you will fuck up, you deal with it.  Every Sergeant fucks up eventually.  Hell, every officer fucks up, usually even worse, and usually requiring a sergeant to fix it for them.  What really matters, though, is what the person in command does next.  When it happens, you need to put your emotions aside and work the problem.  Panic will only get your people hurt or killed.  The emotions are allowed to come later, when the mission is over and everyone is safe.  When you get back, you come find me if you need to talk to someone for some reason, and we¡¯ll have a drink.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie said, smiling.  ¡°I needed that.  I needed all of that, actually.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Natala said with a sharp nod and encouraging smile.  Her face turned business-like again.  ¡°Your orders have been called, Sergeant,¡± the Dwarf said, stiffening and acknowledging the original request.  ¡°Have you more need of me?¡±


    ¡°N-N-No, Sergeant-Major,¡± Callie said, stumbling for a moment as her brain raced realtime through her mental to-do list, trying to remember if there was anything else that might be needed from Natala.  ¡°That¡¯s everything.¡±


    ¡°Excellent, Sergeant.  Good hunting to you.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Legate Galin said.  ¡°Thank you Sergeant-Major for your call to muster as well as your words.  Sergeant Callie, what do you need to do next?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Callie replied, her voice trailing off.  ¡°I guess get my own food and then get dressed.  Then we all meet up at the Commandant''s.  Right?¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡± Galin smirked, slipping back into being cryptically unhelpful.


    Callie rolled her eyes.  ¡°Yes, that is next.¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± Galin said.  ¡°Then I shall meet with you and your team outside the Commandant''s office.¡±  With that simple statement, he turned and began to walk back down the hill.


    Looking across the field to the rest of her team, now in line waiting for their lunch orders  to be finished, Callie found herself hesitating.  Had she forgotten something?  Was there something else she needed to tell them?  No.  She was pretty sure that was everything until they assembled together once they were ready.  She looked up at Natala.  ¡°Thanks again.  I really mean it,¡±


    ¡°Get going!¡± the Dwarf said with a light laugh, her hands making a shooing motion.


    With a wave, Callie jogged off to join the rest of her team, dashing across the playing field to avoid the throngs of milling people.  ¡°Move, I gotta get up there, too,¡± Callie cried when she got close.


    ¡°Callie, what do you mean?¡± Celeste said, gently ushering a couple people aside so the Gnome could get through.  ¡°Your name wasn¡¯t called.¡±


    ¡°I know.  I¡¯m leading this thing.¡±


    ¡°What?  You?  Really?  Why?¡± the Major asked in surprise.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie snapped, not liking Celeste¡¯s tone for some reason.  ¡°They were Xera¡¯s orders, so I¡¯m going to follow them!¡±


    The Elf raised her hands defensively.  ¡°Sorry!¡±


    Callie sighed, feeling bad for being snippy.  ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry.  Every single person that hears I¡¯m leading this says the same thing.  Including me at first, honestly.  It¡¯s a little tiring, that¡¯s all.¡±


    The Major knelt, waving Tazrok ahead of the two of them.  ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked in a quiet voice.


    ¡°A Bogwump nest in the swamp.  It¡¯s a threat to Juniper.  We need to take it out.¡±


    With a groan, Celeste put her hand to her face.  ¡°I hate swamps.¡±


    ¡°No kidding.  They suck.  Trainer Rowani is flying out to scout and make sure that¡¯s what it is, but both she and Reynard are pretty sure.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re coming, too?¡±


    ¡°Just Reynard.  The Commandant only allowed me two trainers, so you two drew the short straw.  Sorry.  Rowani is just going to scout.¡±


    Callie could see Celeste running through the team makeup in her head.  ¡°A lot of Rangers, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need mana for ranged attacks, and there will be a zombie animal army coming for us.¡±  Callie shrugged.


    The Major bobbed her head back and forth, as if considering what Callie said.  ¡°I can work with it, then.  Tazrok?¡±


    ¡°Second Guardian.¡±


    ¡°Huh.  Good choice,¡± Celeste said, raising her eyebrows.  ¡°It will be interesting to work with him.  Why shouldn¡¯t we eat?¡±


    ¡°We need to drink a potion with food when we get close.¡±


    ¡°Ick,¡± Celeste snarled, but then sighed.  ¡°Okay, let¡¯s get lunch and we¡¯ll brief everyone when we¡¯re all together.¡±  She then put a hand on Callie¡¯s shoulder.  ¡°Congratulations on your first mission, Sergeant.¡±


    ¡®Yeah, thanks, I guess,¡± Callie said sullenly.  ¡°Do me a favor, stop me if I¡¯m about to screw up really badly.¡±


    Together, they stepped forward in line.  The available food was the same as the previous Homeday, and Callie ordered another ¡®hotdog¡¯ sausage thing, but also a mushroom burger, because she really wanted to try it.  Then, she remembered she should get something for Reynard, too, and got him two sausages.  Because it was summoned food, and even the burlap cloths they were wrapped in had been summoned, one could easily toss anything you didn¡¯t like or couldn¡¯t eat aside.  They would just fizzle away into nothingness when the summoning ran out.  No need to worry about litter.


    Two bundles of food in hand, and Celeste with her own, the two walked quickly towards the edge of the field.  There, some of the other recruits were all gathered in a group and Jesca waved Callie and the Major over.


    ¡°Tazrok said he overheard that you were in charge?  Is that really a good idea?¡± Jesca asked, a note of concern in her voice.


    ¡°Argh!¡± Callie screamed, really getting sick of people instinctively doubting she could do this.  ¡°Fine!  Yes, the Commandant picked me to lead you all.  If I screw up, the Major will take over.  You¡¯ll get details once we¡¯re all assembled.  Now, everyone go get your armor on and whatever else you need.¡±


    Nobody moved.


    ¡°You heard her!¡± Celeste interjected.  ¡°Move it!  All of you!¡±  She didn¡¯t add a Command Aura pulse to it, but her tone and several sharp claps got the point across just fine.  As one, everyone turned and started jogging towards their respective houses.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said to Celeste.  ¡°I¡¯ll see you in a bit.¡±


    ¡°Likewise, Sergeant,¡± the Major replied as she turned to walk towards her own tiny cabin.

 Chapter 42 Part 7 - Warm and Happy Feelings

    PART VII: WARM AND HAPPY FEELINGS


    ¡°W-W-What¡¯s happening,¡± Pixyl stammered as Callie entered Ogre House.


    Callie groaned audibly as she walked towards her bunk. ¡°I¡¯ll tell everyone the details when we¡¯re together. But your job is going to be to cut into somewhere as hard as stone and the rest of us protect you.¡± After setting the food bundles on her footlocker, Callie started lifting the armor pieces off its rack, spreading them out before her.


    ¡°Protect?¡± Tazrok asked, pulling his huge leather pants on.


    ¡°Yup, you¡¯re going to be in your spider form.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Good. Like spider. Many hands for smashing. Many eyes for seeing.¡± Tazrok grunted in satisfaction.


    ¡°This is r-r-real?¡± Pixyl asked worriedly.


    ¡°It is, and I¡¯ve been put in charge of it,¡± Callie snapped. ¡°Lucky me, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± the Pixie replied, drawing the word out with hesitation. ¡°But is that really a g-g-good idea?¡±


    Callie looked, and saw Pixyl wore a worried expression. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was worry for the mission, or worry that she was in charge of it. ¡°It will be fine,¡± Callie sighed. ¡°Both the Major and Reynard will be along to take over if they need to.¡±


    Callie felt herself growing more than a little irritated that not a single person¡¯s first response had been ¡®Congratulations, Callie¡¯ or ¡®Way to go, Callie.¡¯ Even with Vanis, that initial doubt had slipped through. He tried to remain stiff and aloof, his years of protocol training quickly kicking in, but it was still a moment of visible doubt. If this was supposed to be a good thing, it sure didn¡¯t feel like it. Grudgingly, she yanked off her moccasin boots, tossing them a little too roughly towards the foot of her bed. Stop it Callie. Concentrate on the mission. Emotions later.


    Tazrok was the first to finish changing into his armor, and he did a couple knee-bends to make sure everything was properly settled into place, before briefly transforming into his weasel form and back again to test there were no issues. Satisfied, the Ogre nodded, making a ¡®harumph¡¯ sound. ¡°Should wait for you?¡±


    ¡°Um, if you want, I suppose,¡± Callie said with a shrug. It really wouldn¡¯t matter if they all arrived together versus everyone making a separate dash for the Commandant''s. ¡°We¡¯ll only be a couple more minutes,¡± Callie added, gesturing to Pixyl, who was buckling one of her armor-boots tightly into place.


    ¡°Will wait then,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°Wait in garden and fill water.¡± With heavy footsteps, he stomped towards the doorway, opening the larger one and walking outside.


    ¡°What¡¯s w-w-wrong?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°What?¡± Callie answered. ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not. You¡¯re angry. What h-h-happened?¡±


    Callie tugged hard on her boot laces. ¡°It¡¯s just,¡± she finally said with a sigh, looking at her friend. ¡°I just wish someone¡¯s first response would be to be happy for me, or wishing me good luck, and not thinking there must be some kind of giant cosmic mistake. I mean, I get it. It¡¯s only the second week and I¡¯m ¡­¡± Callie gestured towards all of her Gnome self, ¡° all of this. Hell, even I thought Xera was making some kind of a joke at first, so I understand everyone¡¯s first reaction. Still stings a bit, though.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m s-s-sorry,¡± Pixyl said apologetically.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s fine, Pixyl,¡± Callie said, dropping her foot. ¡°Like I said, I get it, and I need to be above the emotions right now. But, I¡¯ll be honest, because I can be honest with you. I¡¯m scared. I don¡¯t want to fuck this up, but I don¡¯t know anything about commanding people or any of this. When everyone¡¯s first reaction is doubt or even thinking it¡¯s a joke, it hurts my already shaky confidence.¡±


    Pixyl dropped to the floor and walked over to Callie, wearing only one boot so far, and making an awkward clomping sound. She took both of the Gnome''s hands in her own and looked up at her. ¡°I may have been surprised, and I¡¯m sorry for what I said and how I said it, but I believe in you.¡± She didn¡¯t stutter at all and held Callie¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Thanks, Pixyl,¡± Callie said, still sounding a little down, but weakly smiling nonetheless.


    The Pixie returned the smile. ¡°You¡¯ve got this,¡± she said confidently. Giving Callie¡¯s hands a final squeeze, she turned, and clomped quickly back to her bunk to finish getting armored for battle.


    <hr>


    Emerging into the bright sunlight, Callie put her hands over her eyes to get used to the sun. Due to wearing her helmet, she had to forgo her Ranger hat. Ahead, milling in the garden, she could see several people, the black skin of Shul¡¯an standing out behind the green of Lhawni¡¯s. Of course, towering over everyone was Tazrok, smiling a big smile, the grin spreading to a few around him. Spirits among the team seemed high, despite the worry that was visible in their eyes.


    ¡°Hey, Callie,¡± Lena said, jogging up to them. ¡°What¡¯s this about you leading a combat mission? Really? Are they serious?¡± Behind Callie, Pixyl slapped her hand to her face and slowly shook her head.


    Callie glared icy daggers at the Bladedancer. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m leading this fiasco,¡± she hissed through gritted teeth dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a bad idea. Yes, I¡¯m sure we¡¯re all doomed. Obviously little ol¡¯ me could never do something like this. Is that what you¡¯re asking? Thanks for the encouragement!¡± Spinning, Callie stormed off towards the garden grumbling under her breath.


    ¡°What did I say?¡± Lena asked, looking down.


    ¡°You implied it must be a mistake. We¡¯ve all done it,¡± Pixyl said, sighing. ¡°We all thought it, and then s-s-said it. It¡¯s not helping her get focused.¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t mean ¡­¡± Lena began to say, slowly putting her hand to her mouth.


    ¡°I know. She knows too. It was just bad timing and she took it out on you. She¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    ¡°Damn!¡± Lena said sharply, verbally kicking herself for making Callie feel that way. ¡°Should I go apologize?¡±


    Pixyl shook her head. ¡°Not right now. Let her get refocused on whatever is g-g-going on here.¡±


    ¡°Sure, if you say so. But if you get a chance, tell her I am sorry.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Pixyl said as she turned away from Lena and moved to join the others. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°Are we all here?¡± Callie asked as she walked up and filled her waterskin fresh from the fountain. The other team members were organizing themselves vaguely into a line. Not so much at attention, but at least paying attention. All except Jesca and Ambria that was. In her haste to put it on, Ambria¡¯s helmet had become impaled on the pointed spike of her broken antler. Now, it was completely stuck, unable to continue forward or be easily removed. Jesca was fussing, trying to dislodge the hardened leather so the Faun could try again.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s stuck, and pinching my antlers together, and the pressure hurts quite a bit. She¡¯ll get it,¡± Ambria grumbled, making a wincing face. ¡°I should have filed that point down earlier this week, but I kept putting it off. I didn¡¯t feel like sitting in front of a mirror for an hour working on it.¡±


    Jesca stopped her puttering for a moment, looking down into Ambria¡¯s eyes. ¡°Any of us would have been happy to help if you needed it.¡±


    ¡°I know, it¡¯s just ¡­ they¡¯re kind of personal. You don¡¯t let other people touch them except ¡­¡± the Faun slowly trailed off, blushing furiously.


    ¡°Except what?¡± Jesca asked absently, returning to struggling with the helmet.


    ¡°Except ¡­ you know ¡­¡±


    Jesca shook her head as she continued. ¡°Uh, uh.¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine,¡± Ambria said as she squinted her eyes shut and sucked in air. ¡°It can sometimes be a turn on to have someone else, you know ¡­ rub them. Especially when ¡­.¡± Her voice abruptly cut off and she gave off a sharp squeak. Ambria¡¯s breath gasped as Jesca triumphantly held the dislodged helmet aloft. On suddenly shaky legs, the Faun stumbled forward, the intense pressure suddenly relieved, barely catching herself on the side of the fountain. She fell to her knees, continuing to gasp for breath, as everyone gaped in shocked silence.


    ¡°Especially when what?¡± Jesca asked, still looking at the helmet, apparently oblivious to what had just happened.


    ¡°Oh my,¡± the Faun loudly whispered as she rolled to her back. Smiling slightly, she slid slowly down the side of the fountain until her rear touched the ground. She sat there gasping, her legs and tail still quivering, her eyes a little unfocused and a warm feeling pouring through her body. Ambria finally looked up, her eyes refocusing, and saw all those faces looking down at her with expressions ranging from amusement to concern to actual fascination. Slowly, Ambria held up one shaky finger, speaking carefully and with a warning between gasps. ¡°Nobody ¡­ saw ¡­ anything! So help me, if any of you say anything about this to anyone, I will find you and I will murder each and every one of you in your sleep using a spoon. Then, I¡¯ll heal you and do it again!¡±


    There was silence as the panting Ambria locked her gazes one at a time with each of them, including a very confused Jesca.


    ¡°So, do you like to cuddle now?¡± Lhawni asked with a chuckle.


    The sudden roar of laughter was louder than the cheering on the gamefield had been less than a half-hour earlier. Poor Ambria¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of crimson as she covered it with her hands. Her body shook as if she was sobbing, but after a few seconds it became obvious she was laughing right along with everyone else. Even the apparently clueless Jesca, after a quick, whispered explanation from Pixyl, was now hesitantly laughing with the rest of them, the crimson of her own blushing evident even through her fur-covered face.


    As the laughter finally calmed, Jesca offered Ambria a hand to help her up. The Faun slapped it away, waving her off and saying she still needed some time.


    ¡°Very very happy Faun,¡± Tazrok pointed out with a wide grin towards the Healer. Of course, this just renewed the laughter for a bit longer.


    Everyone eventually calmed, and Callie turned to look at her people, instinctively counting noses and noticing one was missing. ¡°Where¡¯s Thucax?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still inside,¡± Jesca said, a slight worry forming in her voice. ¡°He was ¡­ he was really nervous. Actually, he may have been panicking. Koda is inside talking to him, though.¡±


    ¡°We really can¡¯t wait,¡± Callie said nervously, instinctively looking at her wrist for a watch, despite the fact she never wore one, even back home. ¡°We¡¯ll give him one more minute, and then someone needs to get him or we¡¯ll be late. I don¡¯t want to be late.¡±


    ¡°What are we actually doing? This mission, I mean,¡± Lhawni asked.


    Callie shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s easier just to give you all the details at the same time. But you are going to be on healer duty, and Tazrok is going to be one of the Guardians.¡±


    ¡°Wait, so we¡¯ll be fighting next to his spider form?¡± Ambria asked, her warm, happy afterglow suddenly evaporating as her eyes went wide.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Callie shrugged. ¡°Maybe he¡¯ll become something else if the need comes up, and he can back you and Lhawni up with healing, if needed.¡±


    Ambria shuddered, rising back to her feet, her moment of euphoric bliss apparently now completely gone. ¡°No offense, Tazrok, but spiders are creepy. So many ¡­ legs ¡­ and those eyes ¡­¡±. She shuddered.


    ¡°Spider good. Many hands for fight,¡± Tazrok said, slightly defensive. Then he added, ¡°But yes, can be creepy.¡±


    Ambria shuddered again. ¡°I¡¯m just glad it¡¯s you, at least.¡±


    ¡°Here they come,¡± Jesca called out, shielding her eyes as she looked towards her house. Walking their way was Thucax, Koda walking next to him with his huge paw on the Gnoll¡¯s shoulder. Koda, of course, was grinning his big bear grin, like always. Thucax, on the other hand, still seemed quite nervous, worry evident on his face.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Thucax said as he arrived. ¡°I was¡­ I¡¯m here now. I¡¯m good.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine, my friend,¡± Koda said in his deep voice, slapping a paw against Thucax¡¯s back and sending him stumbling.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± the Gnoll replied sheepishly.


    Koda looked down at Callie, still wearing his trademark grin. ¡°What is this I hear about you leading this combat mission?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Callie sighed, waving a hand. ¡°Lay it on me like everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Congratulations, Little One!¡± Koda said enthusiastically. ¡°You will do very well as the leader of your team.¡±


    ¡°Why is it that everyone thinks that I can¡¯t¡­¡± Callie started to snarl in response, but then her brain finally caught up with Koda¡¯s words. ¡°Wait. What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I said ¡®congratulations¡¯,¡± Koda repeated. ¡°You will do great!¡±


    Callie laughed dryly a single time, her eyes going wide in disbelief. ¡°Can ¡­ Can you say that one more time?¡±


    ¡°Little One, you will be great,¡± Koda said a third time, this time pointing at her for emphasis.


    With nary a preamble, Callie rushed towards the Bearkin. Koda saw the look on her face and dropped to one knee as the Gnome charged into an embrace. ¡°Thank you, Koda. You don¡¯t know how much I needed to hear that from somebody. From anybody!¡±


    Hugging tightly, Koda glanced up at the others, before looking back to Callie. ¡°Little One, you are clever and strong and have surrounded yourself with a great team.¡±


    Callie pushed out of the hug. ¡°Thank you, Koda. I wish I had a better way to say that, but that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got.¡±


    The Paladin stood. ¡°All of you come close,¡± he said, opening his arms and inviting everyone. The group all moved in closer, Tazrok towering over all of them. Koda placed his paws on the shoulders of Shul¡¯an and Thucax, who were standing on the outside, seeming to embrace the entire team. ¡°Remember your training, watch out for each other, and focus on your tasks. All of you have learned more in only two weeks than many learn in a lifetime. You know your skills. You know your perks. Listen to what they tell you, and you will all be fine.¡±


    As the recruits contemplated Koda¡¯s words, a warm sense of courage seemed to pass over, around and through them. It didn¡¯t tell them they were invincible, but it did tell them to trust in themselves and to trust in their teammates. It was exactly what each of them needed in that moment to chase away the worries they all carried.


    For Callie, the existential dread of having to lead suddenly dwindled down to an existential worry, and a flood of all the lessons she¡¯d had over the last two weeks flipped through her mind like the pages of a book. Everything from making arrows that first day, to rescuing Jesca from the clutches of The Monster. She wasn¡¯t perfect, and she didn¡¯t know it all, or maybe even much. But she did know a lot, and she was ready to use it.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°Good words.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Koda. They were great words,¡± Callie echoed as a warm, calming feeling flowed through her..


    The Bearkin stepped back, releasing the figurative embrace he had been holding. ¡°You are all ready. Go, and good hunting.¡±


    One by one, they turned. With Tazrok leading the way, they began to file out of the Garden, making their way as a group towards their destination. They didn¡¯t know what lay ahead. But whatever it was, they were ready to face it together.


    ¡°Paladin magic?¡± Callie whispered as a question to Pixyl.


    ¡°Probably. Does it matter?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡±

 Chapter 42 Part 8 - A Well-Earned Distraction

    PART VIII - A WELL-EARNED DISTRACTION


    The eight recruits crested a small rise as they approached the Commandant¡¯s office building.  Standing outside was the Legate, speaking closely and intently with Thorn.  Both looked up at the approaching team.


    ¡°Welcome, all of you,¡± Galin said, adding a smile.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said on behalf of everyone.  ¡°We were delayed a minute because Koda wanted to give us a pep talk before we all left.  Sorry if we¡¯re late.¡±


    Galin shook his head.  ¡°Not at all, you¡¯re right on time.  Neither Reynard nor the Major have arrived yet.  For now, all of you relax, and you can brief everyone when they do.¡±


    ¡°Any sign of Rowani?¡± Callie asked the Legate.  ¡°I suppose it¡¯s too soon.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s only been gone about fifteen minutes, so it will be a bit.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you could lead your team in some breathing exercises,¡± Thorn suggested, seeing the somewhat nervous looks on the recruits¡¯ faces.  ¡°To help calm their nerves?¡±


    Callie looked from the officers to the rest of the recruits, who were all standing in a tight gaggle, unsure what to do.  ¡°Uh ¡­ sure.  I suppose,¡± she said with a shrug.


    Under Callie¡¯s direction, the team spread out and lined up into three rows.  Ambria, Pixyl and Lhawni were in front, Shul¡¯an, Thucax and Jesca in the middle, and Tazrok standing tall over everyone in the back.


    ¡°Are we going to do your Callie Chi stuff?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°No, just something simple,¡± Callie replied.  ¡°We don¡¯t have time for anything like my morning classes.  And stop calling it that!¡±


    With careful and slow guidance, Callie led the team in some simple deep-breathing.  ¡°In through your nose, blow out through your lips.  Slow, deep breaths,¡± Callie intoned, calling out a slow, gentle cadence for the other recruits. Together, the seven in line followed Callie¡¯s lead, although Thucax was a little confused at first until Jesca lightly slapped his arm, telling him to focus and just follow along.   Behind everyone, Tazrok tried almost too hard, gulping in big exaggerated breaths a few times, but eventually slowing to the rhythm Callie set.


    ¡°This reminds me,¡± Callie heard Thorn whisper to the Legate, ¡°I was going to mention it in our meeting, but Juniper distracted us, I hit nine-nine-nine this morning.  I¡¯m not sure why I¡¯ve been getting points ¡­¡±


    Abruptly, Thorn was cut off as Callie turned to face him.  ¡°Did you say you hit PLATINUM.999 this morning?¡± she gasped, mouth agape and smiling widely.  Behind her the other recruits stopped at hearing Callie¡¯s question.


    ¡°Damn!  I always forget about Gnome ears,¡± Thorn sighed, slapping his paw to his face.  ¡°Yes, as of this morning.¡±


    ¡°Way to go!¡± Callie said, clapping her hands together, the recruits quickly joining her.  ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll get it tomorrow?  What even comes after Platinum, anyways?¡±


    The Ratkin shrugged.  ¡°I have no idea.  Maybe?  I¡¯d gone months with only a few points of change before the term started, and in the last two weeks I¡¯ve gained several.¡±


    ¡°As for what¡¯s next, that would be Topaz,¡± Galin added.  ¡°It¡¯s very rare for anyone to get that high.  Even more so for Beastkins.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t live as long as some of the others,¡± Thorn amended by way of explanation.


    ¡°We need to have a party when you make it!¡± Callie said, bouncing slightly.  ¡°For the whole camp, I mean.  It¡¯s a big deal, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes ¡­¡± Galin intoned contemplatively.  ¡°A big party, I think.¡±


    ¡°No!  Absolutely not!  I forbid it!¡± Thorn snapped, slashing his hand through the air with a whooshing sound.


    ¡°Let¡¯s vote!¡± Callie said with a grin.  She turned to the recruits.  ¡°All in favor of a big party for the Master Trainer when he hits Topaz, raise their hand.¡±  Of course, every hand went up, including Callie¡¯s, as she turned back to the officers.  Callie shrugged.  ¡°Sorry, Sir, you¡¯ve been outvoted.¡±


    ¡°What?  That¡¯s not how this works!¡± Thorn cried.


    ¡°Like she said, ¡®you¡¯ve been outvoted¡± Galin said with a laugh, adding his own raised hand for good measure.


    ¡°What are we voting on?¡± Major Celeste asked, joining the rest of the team.  She had changed out of her casual, everyday leather armor she¡¯d been wearing for the game, and into something thicker, heavier and less decorative.  Several worn cuts and scratches were visible in various places, showing the scars of previous fights.  Her boots had changed to something heavier as well, and she carried a heavy leather helm with metal ringlets hanging down the sides and back of it, which would protect her neck once she put it on.


    ¡°Thorn¡¯s going to hit Topaz tomorrow, or at least in the next couple days.  He¡¯s at nine ninety-nine,¡± the Legate said.


    ¡°He is?  That¡¯s great!  We definitely need to have a party.¡±


    ¡°See?  That¡¯s what I said,¡± Callie pointed out, gesturing animatedly towards Thorn.  ¡°I mean, if the Major supports it, we gotta do it.¡±


    Thorn grumbled and growled, facing a losing battle in response to the celebratory assault on all sides.


    ¡°Maybe we do something for Midsummer?¡± Jesca suggested, raising her paw hesitantly.  ¡°That¡¯s in three weeks, so we have plenty of time to plan a big party, and get supplies if we need to.¡±


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Thorn said, wagging a finger at the Cheetahkin.  ¡°No! No! Nothing like that!  Don¡¯t any of you dare!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Callie nodded with Jesca, completely ignoring Thorn.  ¡°Midsummer!  You love that holiday!  We can have music and singing and dancing and all the booze.  Pama can come up with some great food, too.  We don¡¯t have to do that formal thing again, but something really fun!  All the other officers can tell embarrassing stories about him.  Maybe we make a big banner that says ¡®Best Trainer Ever¡¯ on it!¡±  Callie gestured into the air as if spelling out the message on a theater marquee.


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± Thorn groaned, knowing he was utterly losing control.


    ¡°We could call it Thornday!¡± Callie said with a violent nod.  ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s a dreadful idea and I want no part in it at all,¡± Thorn grumbled.


    ¡°Oh, come on!  It will be fun.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be doing your breathing exercises?¡± Thorn said, gesturing to the other recruits.


    ¡°What?  Nah!  They¡¯re all relaxed and ready to go,¡± Callie giggled.  ¡°See?¡±  She grabbed Ambria¡¯s face and pinched it into a misshapen pucker.  ¡°Have you ever seen happier, more-relaxed looks on anyone?¡±


    ¡°They do look pretty ready to me,¡± Celeste said, gesturing to the fish-lipped Faun and trying to hold in a giggle.


    ¡°They¡¯re just happy because you¡¯re all conspiring against me!¡±


    ¡°Yes, that too,¡± Callie concurred with a nod.  Then her voice got slightly more serious.  ¡°Also, it¡¯s a really good distraction for us right now, so thank you for that.¡±


    Thorn was about to make another clever retort, but Callie¡¯s sudden change in tone made him mentally stumble.   ¡°Uh.  Right.  You¡¯re welcome,¡± was all he could manage to say.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°Cool!¡± Callie squealed.  She turned back to the rest of the team.  ¡°Big party.  It will be great!¡±


    ¡°Excuse me a moment,¡± Major Celeste said to the two officers, her face scrunched up and contorted.  She spun and walked stiffly around the corner of the building.  Suddenly, roaring laughter, with a definite Celeste-like tone to it, could be heard.  It continued on for several long seconds, poor Thorn holding his paw to his shaking head in utter disbelief at what had just happened in the last two minutes.


    After a moment, the laughter ceased and the Major returned.  ¡°Sirs,¡± she said blandly, nodding at both Thorn and Galin and standing rigid, as if nothing had just happened.


    ¡°I never should have recommended you for an officer commission,¡± Thorn mumbled towards Celeste.


    ¡°But sir, without me, who would protect you from Callie?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not doing a very good job of it right now,¡± Thorn pointed out.


    ¡°Yes, but imagine how bad it would be if I wasn¡¯t around,¡± the Major said with a laugh.


    <hr>


    About five minutes later, Reynard finally arrived.  Like the Major, he had changed into battle-capable armor and hung his swords into place.  As the other Rangers had done, a trio of daggers in a leather harness were buckled to his thigh in easy reach.  His face was all serious, and became quite confused at the mirthful expressions of everyone.


    ¡°Did I miss something?¡± he asked the Legate.


    ¡°Reynard!  Welcome.  We were just reviewing plans for a big party celebrating Thorn¡¯s achievement.¡±


    ¡°Achievement?¡±  Reynard confusedly asked, before his eyes lit up.  ¡°My friend, did you get Topaz?¡± he asked Thorn.


    ¡°Almost.  Nine-nine-nine this morning.¡±


    ¡°Fabulous!  So we¡¯re going to have a party?¡±


    ¡°Yup!¡± Callie said.  ¡°We¡¯re going to do it as part of Midsummer.  That way we have time to prepare and order stuff if we need it.  Something huge and fun for everybody!  Jesca loves the Midsummer holiday, so she¡¯s going to be in charge of coordinating things.¡±


    ¡°I am?¡± Jesca gasped.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding?¡± Reynard chuckled.  ¡°Thorn, you approved this?¡±


    ¡°No.  I absolutely did not.  But it¡¯s Callie, meaning that she was repeatedly told no and they¡¯re going to do it anyway.  I was ¡­ outvoted.¡±


    ¡°Oh, lighten up grouchypants!¡± Callie grinned.  ¡°It will be fun.¡±


    Laughing again, Reynard walked to Thorn, embracing him.  ¡°Congratulations, my friend.  You¡¯ve worked hard for this.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± the Master Trainer quietly responded, a twinkle in his eyes betraying the grouchy performance he was putting on.¡±


    ¡°Is Rowani back yet?¡± Reynard asked, turning to face everyone.


    ¡°Not yet.  I¡¯d guess at least ten more minutes or so,¡± the Legate responded.  ¡°Should we brief everyone or wait for her.¡±


    ¡°I dunno, ask Callie,¡± Reynard shrugged.  ¡°This is her mission.¡±


    Galin turned to the recruits and raised one eyebrow towards the acting Sergeant.


    ¡°Um, everyone¡¯s here, so we might as well start,¡± Callie said.  ¡°If she gets back and it¡¯s something else, we¡¯ll either adapt or call this a good exercise in getting ready and rethink things.¡±


    ¡°Very good, Sergeant,¡± Galin nodded.  ¡°May I address your team, briefly?¡±


    ¡°Sure.  Go for it,¡± Callie said as both Celeste and Reynard moved to stand next to the other recruits.


    Legate Galin cleared his throat, shaking his head slightly at Callie¡¯s more-than-casual response.  ¡°Team, congratulations on being chosen as the first live mission of the term.  They don¡¯t come up often and we take every opportunity we can to do some good with them.  Recruit Callie has been chosen to lead this mission, and thus is Acting Sergeant.¡±


    Several light cheers went up among the recruits, all of them patting Callie on her shoulders or head.


    Clearing his throat, Galin continued.  ¡°Major Celeste and Trainer Reynard are coming along, and will provide their knowledge and expertise as needed, and should the situation require, will take over.  But until then, they are considered under the command of Sergeant Callie.  Try to ignore your first instinct to ask them for directives.¡±  He turned to Thorn.  ¡°Do you have anything to add?¡±


    The Master Trainer took a step forward.  ¡°I¡¯ll just add that we have confidence in Sergeant Callie¡¯s capabilities.  She, in turn, has complete confidence in each of you, and thus we do as well.  She hand-picked each of you, specifically, for this mission, because you have the skills, discipline and courage to excel.  Make her proud.¡±  He took a half-step back and stopped.  ¡°Plus ¡­ if everything goes well ¡­ I¡¯ll even let you throw the damn party.¡±


    Another light cheer went up among all the recruits.


    Galin cleared his throat.  ¡°Sergeant, please brief your team.¡±  Then he added, ¡°Remember Sergeant-Major Natala¡¯s advice.¡±


    ¡°Right, okay,¡± Callie said, nodding a bit to psych herself up.  She looked up at her friends, the Major, Reynard, now all looking at her expectantly.  She still didn¡¯t understand why she¡¯d been chosen, and maybe it was some big, silly mistake on Xera¡¯s part, but she was going to do her damnedest to make sure she, and everyone else, was up to the task.  She¡¯d been thinking for a bit about what to say, and now it was time.  She straightened, coming to some kind of attention, to address the team.


    ¡°The ¡®advice¡¯ that the Sergeant-Major gave me was simple,¡± Callie started.  ¡°She looked me in the eyes and said ¡®get your shit together¡¯.  And she outranks me, so I don¡¯t have a lot of choice in the matter.  So, if I have to do it, then all of you have to do it, too.¡±


    A subtle vibe went through the recruits as each of them now came to attention, as if being drawn into echoing Callie¡¯s posture and tone.  Callie was always goofy and fun and a great friend, but now it was time to be serious, and they had a role to play.  They suddenly saw that now.


    ¡°Our mission is really important.  We are going out to possibly save Juniper¡¯s life.  Trainers Reynard and Rowani are pretty sure a creature called a Bogwump, also known as a Carrion Eel, has built a nest.  If the babies hatch, they could float downstream and threaten Juniper¡¯s tree.  If her tree dies, she dies.  So, we need to make sure that doesn¡¯t happen.¡°  Callie saw a sullen expression come over Shul¡¯an¡¯s face and they visibly deflated.  She suspected they knew what they were facing.


    ¡°So, when we go in, Pixyl¡¯s job will be to slice open the nest from the top, so we can burn them out once we¡¯re in.  The rest of our jobs is to make sure she can do that.  Lhawni and Ambria, you¡¯re both on healing duty.  The Major and Tazrok are acting as Guardians.  Rangers, we¡¯re to lay down a wall of arrows so thick that nothing coming for us can get through.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to be attacked?  By what?¡± Jesca asked, concern on her voice,


    ¡°The Bogwump nest secretes a parasite that, in addition to killing off all the plants and trees around it, also enrages the local wildlife.  They¡¯ve gone feral and will come for us.  It¡¯s going to suck, but we¡¯ll need to fend them off, and that probably means killing a lot of them.  If it¡¯s any consolation, the parasite will kill them slowly and painfully soon enough, so I¡¯m choosing to believe we¡¯re sparing them that suffering.  Sorry everyone, I hate it too.¡±


    ¡°The infection really is a gruesome death,¡± Reynard added.  ¡°Allowing anything to suffer is the height of cruelty.  All the same, the Sergeant is correct, it is going to ¡®suck¡¯.¡±


    ¡°At this point,¡± Callie continued, trying not to dwell on the culling that might be required,  ¡°Trainer Rowani is flying out and back, to confirm that it is indeed a Bogwump and its location.  She should be back any time now.  We¡¯re guessing it¡¯s about six to eight kilometers from here, so we¡¯ll need to hike for a bit.  If it¡¯s not one of these Eel things, we¡¯ll figure out next steps at that point.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be in a swamp, right?¡± Shul¡¯an asked.  ¡°I¡¯ve heard about these things.  That¡¯s where they live.¡±  A collective groan went up among all the recruits.


    ¡°Yeah, I forgot to mention that part.  Sorry,¡± Callie said, wincing.


    The groan went up a second time, this time even louder.


    ¡°Eww eww eww,¡± Ambria said, imagining the stagnant water all over her furry legs, and instinctively rubbing it off.  ¡°You dragged me into this?  I hate you Callie.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Ambria.  You¡¯re the best Combat Healer I know, except Tasi.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the only Combat Healer you know, except Tasi!¡± the Faun hissed back, narrowing her eyes.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Callie said, shooting the Faun a smile.  Then she addressed the rest of the team.  ¡°I know this isn¡¯t glamorous, but Juniper¡¯s one of us and we¡¯re doing it for her.¡±


    ¡°And for Vanis,¡± Pixyl added, laughing slightly.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie said, echoing Pixyl¡¯s laugh.  ¡°We¡¯re doing this for Vanis¡¯s girlfriend.  He¡¯s a prince after all, so maybe we¡¯ll get knighthoods or something out of the deal.¡±


    ¡°Sir Thunderfist,¡± Tazrok said, straightening and striking a pose.  ¡°Sound impressive.  Will make good knight.¡±


    Tazrok¡¯s grand pronouncement cheered the team up, in spite of the task before them.


    ¡°Trainer Reynard, did you get all the supplies?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve let outfitting know we¡¯re coming and how many.  They¡¯ll have what we need, including all the potions.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we needed food?¡± Celeste asked.  She already knew the answer, so it was a way for her to remind Callie to tell the rest of the team.  She flashed Callie a wink in support.


    ¡°Right.  When we get close, we¡¯ll take a break to rest up, eat our lunches, and drink the potion to resist the parasite infection.  It lasts longer on a full stomach.  When we get back, we¡¯ll all need some spells to make sure we¡¯re clean, too.¡±  She turned to Reynard.  ¡°That reminds me, I got you two of the sausage things up at the gaming field.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you,¡± Reynard said, a surprised expression on his face.


    A sudden screeching sound in the distance called everyone¡¯s attention, and they looked towards the southeast to see a golden hawk flying towards them at incredible speed. Callie and Reynard both had to jump to the side as the bird plowed into the ground, somersaulting several times as it changed forms into Rowani.  She grunted and groaned, rolling, before the Pantherkin finally came to rest.


    Rowani was a complete mess.  She gasped for breath, wincing in pain as she pushed her hand against her side, and a second later blood started to leak heavily from around her already-bloody armor.  She swallowed hard, and her hand started to glow, but the glow faded as she fell back in exhaustion and pain.

 Chapter 42 Part 9 - Life Saving Measures

    PART IX - LIFE SAVING MEASURES


    ¡°Ambria! Lhawni!¡± Callie called out, but the two Healers were already on the move before she even finished speaking. In tandem, they rushed to Rowani¡¯s aid, each taking position on a separate side. Tazrok broke rank as well and started to lumber towards his Trainer, but Callie made him pause his charge. ¡°Don¡¯t crowd them, Tazrok.¡±


    ¡°You take the lead!¡± Lhawni snapped quickly, pointing at Ambria.


    The Combat Healer nodded, took a deep breath, and extended a hand towards the blood on the Trainer¡¯s side. While she pushed magic through one hand, she pointed back to Lhawni with the other. ¡°Refresh! Keep her from passing out.¡± Furrowing her brow, the Faun concentrated on the Diagnose spell, looking past the leather armor and past the blood covered fur. ¡°Multiple puncture wounds, torn muscle, pierced liver,¡± Ambria mumbled out loud, much as Tasi did when she was working. ¡°She¡¯s bleeding internally, too,¡± Ambria added, looking up at Lhawni.


    While the Faun was working, Lhawni pushed a spell, and Rowani¡¯s eyes fluttered open with the infusion of fresh strength. Her breathing was still incredibly deep though, showing her exhaustion from her hard flight back. A moment later a fresh wave of pain hit her and she again groaned, stiffening her body. ¡°Dull the pain and get this damn thing off me!¡± Rowani snarled curtly.


    With a nod, Ambria pushed a generally-targeted spell to block the pain, allowing Rowani to relax just a tiny bit. Lhawni ripped off the shoulder armor, the Velcro-like scufrow attachment points making tearing noises. Tossing them aside, Lhawni next searched for the edge of Rowani¡¯s armor. Finding it, she ripped it apart at the scufrow, peeling the leather back and pulling it out from under the Druid, before likewise tossing it away. As she did, a fresh flow of blood erupted from the wounds with every deep breath, the flow strong enough to leak right through the Pantherkin¡¯s tunic.


    ¡°This is going to be a little sloppy,¡± Ambria said, glancing sidelong at the Druid as she started to pull the tunic aside.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We just need ¡­ to get the bleeding stopped,¡± Rowani hissed, a fresh surge of pain leaking past the spellblock as the shirt was pulled back. ¡°You focus on that. The Little One can do the repair.¡±


    ¡°Recruit Jesca!¡± a fresh voice called out from the corner of the building. Xera was standing there and pointing towards the Cheetahkin, having been alerted to the commotion by Kyra. ¡°You¡¯re fast. All haste to medical to fetch whoever is on duty. Tasi if possible. And return with a litter! Go!¡±


    Jesca didn¡¯t question. She shrugged off her backpack, dropping it to the ground. and took off with a burst of her Cheetah-like speed. Her Dash skill activating and leaving a trail of blue mist in her wake as she disappeared from view.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this is going to hurt,¡± Ambria said apologetically as she prepared to get to work.


    ¡°Actually, hold a moment. I¡¯m infected and it¡¯s causing problems with healing. I didn¡¯t have the strength to cure it myself. Give me a Stabilize spell to keep me from going into shock and apply pressure.¡± She looked at Lhawni. ¡°Have Tazrok do disease cleansing. Save your mana, you¡¯ll need it.¡±


    The Goblin Shaman glanced up at the huge Ogre standing over her and scampered aside as Ambria pushed her spell to keep Rowani functional. It wouldn¡¯t prevent blood loss, but would help fend off the effects from it.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to touch me to cast it. Put your hand on my belly,¡± Rowani instructed Tazrok, then she added quickly, ¡°Gently! I don¡¯t want my guts squeezed out!¡±


    While Ambria pressed her hand to the wound, Tazrok knelt, his huge hand almost covering Rowani¡¯s entire torso. She yelped yet again at the added weight, despite the Ogre¡¯s attempt to use a light touch. Now with two weeks of practice and no longer any identity issues, the Ogre was focused. With a single push of will against his reserves of mana, he cast the Cure Disease spell. It was mana-intensive, in part because Tazrok hadn¡¯t practiced with it much, as there wasn¡¯t a lot of disease around camp to use it against. His mana pool began to drain rapidly. But he pushed through, the cleansing Druidic magics seeking out and evaporating the parasites inside his trainer in mere moments. Finally, after about twenty seconds, he calmly said, ¡°I think all gone.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Rowani said with a wince. ¡°Stand back, let the Shaman back in.¡± Then she nodded to Ambria. ¡°Now stop as much of the bleeding as you can with your Coagulate. I think there are at least three deep punctures, but I couldn¡¯t see well. Maybe four. Just concentrate on the sizable sources to keep me from bleeding out.¡±


    ¡°This is really going to hurt,¡± Ambria warned again. ¡°Do you want another pain block?¡±


    ¡°I know. Just push the spell,¡± Rowani spat. ¡°No blocker. You¡¯ll need all your mana.¡± She glanced at Lhawni. ¡°Give me another Refresh as soon as you can, to keep me awake. Also put up a Totem. You¡¯ll need it shortly.¡±


    Ambria swallowed hard, pausing for the merest of a split-moment, before she reached forward, her hand falling into the blood-soaked fur. Remembering the mental map of the damage from the Diagnose spell, she called for her magic. Combat Healer magic was fast, but it wasn¡¯t subtle, which is why patients this injured were usually knocked out, or at least painblocked.


    As Ambria¡¯s power drilled into the wounds, diving deep past the punctured skin and muscle, Rowani stiffened in new pain, panting hard to get through it as she clenched her fists. Ambria pressed on, ignoring her patient while burrowing into Rowani¡¯s liver and the rest of her gut, seeking out the sources of blood and clotting the holes shut. The Coagulate spell was told to ignore anything small, looking instead for the uncapped gushing wells that were killing her patient before sealing them closed. It took nearly twenty seconds, almost a lifetime for a veteran Combat Medic, but the magics finally receded and the Faun opened her eyes, the casting completed. The wounds were still open and deep, but blood was no longer flowing, reduced now to a mere oozing. With the bleeding stopped, Ambria used the very last of her mana to use her last charge of Stabilize, which would continue to help keep Rowani from going into shock. Everything was still a mess, though.


    While Ambria was plugging the main sources of blood, Lhawni¡¯s Refresh spell came off cooldown and she pushed it again, jolting the Pantherkin with a fresh dose of magical strength. The pain of Ambria¡¯s casting was agonizing, despite the pain blocker, and Rowani had nearly passed out, only the new influx of stamina keeping her conscious. That casting completed, Lhawni casually gestured to a spot a couple meters away, willing her twelve-faced Totem into existence.


    BAMF!


    The sound of her teleportation magic signaled the arrival of Tasi. She shook her head confusedly for a moment, getting her bearings, before taking in the image before her. ¡°Oh no! What happened, Rowani?¡± she demanded.


    ¡°Got attacked ¡­ by a Drakeling ¡­ in the air,¡± Rowani growled between gasping breaths, looking up at the Master Healer. ¡°Stupid on my part.¡± She looked at Lhawni. ¡°Now pulse your Totem to stop the remaining bleeding before you start repairing the damage.¡±


    Lhawni nodded. There was a soft ¡®thump¡¯ that seemed to resonate in your very soul as the Shaman Totem delivered its Healing Pulse sphere. It washed over Rowani, as well as everyone else. The effect of Healing Pulse wasn¡¯t necessarily strong, but it was good at two things: dulling some of the pain and healing lots of small wounds, or in this case, stopping the remaining bleeding at least. With the main sources of blood loss capped off by Ambria, the Totem¡¯s magic was able to flow into the wounds, winding through the damage and sealing whatever remained bleeding in its wake.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°How are these kids doing?¡± Tasi quietly asked Rowani as she rushed over to take position by her head.


    ¡°Really good,¡± Rowani said, reaching up and taking Tasi¡¯s hand in her bloody paw for support.


    ¡°Need me to step in?¡±


    Rowani shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± she hissed as a fresh wave of pain washed through her, despite the remnants of the Pulse still in her body. She looked at Lhawni. ¡°Go ahead. Use Repair Wound on what¡¯s left. Take your time and do it right.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really really going to hurt,¡± Lhawni said, echoing what Ambria had said about her own magic. ¡°I can¡¯t Pulse again for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Just get it done,¡± Rowani gulped. Then she looked up at Tasi. ¡°Maybe you could give me another block? I think the Faun is out of mana.¡±


    Tasi looked quickly at Ambria, who nodded in acknowledgement. ¡°Sure,¡± the Fairy responded as Lhawni started her own Diagnose on the wounds to determine what still needed repair. With a quick burst of her own magic, Tasi applied an intense, short-duration spell to block the pain right at Rowani¡¯s neck, interrupting the feeling of anything below that point.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s better,¡± the Pantherkin sighed, her body relaxing significantly as most of her body went numb.


    Lhawni finished her own examination spell, and then began calling the slow Repair Wound spell designed to carefully knit injuries back together. While she worked, Xera asked for a report, but Rowani waved them off so Lhawni could concentrate. It was slow going, by design, and the Goblin¡¯s concentration was deep.


    Everyone stood silent in a circle watching the Healers all work, obviously curious about what had happened to Rowani. Callie, in particular, was tremendously worried about the Druid Trainer, but also eagerly wanted details so she could mentally update the plan.


    Callie was so engrossed in what she was watching, she didn¡¯t notice as Thorn quietly came up behind her, jumping when he put his paw on her shoulder. ¡°Not your fault,¡± he whispered into her ear. ¡°Don¡¯t blame yourself. Focus on the mission.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Callie mumbled back, looking over her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m okay. I remember; things happen.¡±


    With a trio of comforting pats, Thorn stepped back, once again giving Callie some space.


    While Lhawni continued her casting, Jesca returned, carrying a two-poled litter and breathing heavily. She quietly set it down next to Tasi, tapping the Healer¡¯s arm and pointing it out to her. Tasi glanced and silently acknowledged it with a nod, before she returned to watching the Shaman work. Jesca walked to the gaggle of recruits, picking up her backpack and sliding it on. ¡°What happened?¡± she quietly asked the group.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know yet.¡± Shul¡¯an replied just as quietly. ¡°She was attacked by something though, and infected by the parasite.¡±


    ¡°I think she¡¯ll be f-f-fine,¡± Pixyl added softly.


    It was a few minutes of concerned silence as everyone watched Lhawni work. The Goblin¡¯s knees were aching against the hard ground, and the intense concentration on the work was mentally exhausting. But, slowly and bit-by-bit, the four deep puncture wounds were repaired. Starting deep, organs and muscle and tissue stitched together, returning anew. As each repair finished, Lhawni would move closer to the skin, layering the healing like sedimentary stripes. Finally, the Goblin fell back. Her brain felt like jelly from the long concentration, but the healing repairs had been completed, or at least most of them.


    ¡°May I look?¡± Tasi asked Lhawni, not wanting to seem like she doubted the Shaman recruit¡¯s work.


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Lhawni gestured, panting slightly. ¡°I think I got most of it, but I¡¯m out of mana. I was trying not to leave scars, so there may be some left. For sure she¡¯s stable enough to move.¡±


    Hesitantly, Tasi extended her hand to hold it over Rowani¡¯s bloody fur, making a point not to touch it. She mumbled incoherently to herself as she wiggled her fingers, looking deep into the repaired flesh and even deeper. Finally, she nodded, and pulled her hand back. ¡°Excellent work. Truly.¡± She looked between both healers. ¡°I mean it. Really good, both of you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, both,¡± Rowani added. ¡°I think I can walk now.¡±


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t,¡± Ambria, Lhawni and Tasi all said at once, each grabbing some part of the Druid and holding her to the ground. ¡°You rest for at least ten minutes,¡± Tasi added, scolding her friend. ¡°I mean it! You still can¡¯t even feel anything below your neck!¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Rowani said, ending her struggles and resigning herself to resting for a bit.


    ¡°Are you able to report?¡± Xera asked, stepping closer.


    ¡°I can do that,¡± the Pantherkin replied, taking a deep breath. ¡°There¡¯s good news and bad news. The good news is that it is indeed a Bogwump nest like we thought. The bad news is there¡¯s some bigger wildlife milling around it.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Reynard asked.


    ¡°About six kilometers to the southeast there¡¯s a ridge overlooking the swamp, and you can see the dead area easily from there, maybe a half-kilometer beyond the overlook. I put the beacon by a huge fallen tree. It¡¯s about a thirty meter drop from the top of the ridge to the bottom, and it¡¯s all rocky. There¡¯s a game trail you can use to get down and back without much work, but it¡¯s steep, so using a rope for assistance might be helpful.¡±


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Xera asked, their tone obviously concerned.


    ¡°I was an idiot, that¡¯s what happened. I was flying over the deadzone and got attacked from above by a Drakeling. The little shit grabbed me in its claws! When you¡¯re a small flier like I am, you need to look up. I didn¡¯t. Dumb on my part. I immediately had to change forms to break free, and fell into the water. But, between my open wounds and swallowing some of the damn swamp, I was infected pretty quickly. So you all know, the infection moves fast! Really fast!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to be extra careful,¡± Callie said absently. ¡°Hopefully the potions help.¡±


    ¡°They should. Don¡¯t drink any of the water, though, whatever you do. Or get in the water with open wounds if you can help it.¡± Rowani said, nodding at Callie.


    ¡°What happened next? Why couldn¡¯t you heal yourself?¡±


    ¡°I finally stumbled to solid ground, but there were a lot of feral things coming for me. I didn¡¯t dare fly again, the Drakelings are living in those rocks I mentioned, and a bunch were circling overhead.¡± Rowani shrugged. ¡°I changed into my panther form and just ran for the ridge, found that game trail up the slope, and scrambled back to the top. I could tell I was injured pretty badly, but I didn¡¯t dare stop to do anything about it down below. I would have been overwhelmed. Thankfully, nothing followed me up the hill.¡±


    ¡°You said the infection prevented healing?¡± Legate Galin asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Once I was safe, I tried a couple times to heal myself. It worked, but not well at all. Between the blood loss and general exhaustion from flying hard and then running, I didn¡¯t have enough in me for a proper Cure Disease followed up with any kind of healing. That was another dumb mistake on my part. I brought stamina potions but no mana or healing potions.¡±


    ¡°Rowani, you know better than that!¡± Tasi lectured with a harsh groan.


    ¡°I know,¡± Rowani agreed with a sigh.


    Tasi lightly smacked her friend on the side of her head. ¡°Idiot!¡±


    Rowani laughed hollowly and then addressed the rest of the group. ¡°At this point I had limited options, so I dumped as much healing into the wounds as I could, dropped the beacon, drank a stamina potion and flew back as fast as my wings could take me. You know what? That damn Drakeling came at me again! It must have been on my tail half the way back here!¡±


    Rowani laughed again, but it was a little distant this time. ¡°You know, there was a time, Xera, when I could have flown that hard almost indefinitely, even if I was injured. And I would never have been ambushed in the air like that, or gone in that unprepared. I¡¯m getting old, Xera. Damn, I¡¯m getting old.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my friend,¡± the Commandant said, putting on a comforting smile and squatting down to take the Pantherkin¡¯s hand. ¡°You have a lot more time in you before you get to call yourself that.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± the Druid said wistfully, ¡°but not as long as I¡¯d like.¡± Then Rowani pointed a finger at Tazrok, before sweeping it across the rest of the recruit team. ¡°A lesson for all of you! I screwed up in a lot of ways there. I got sloppy and went in unprepared and wasn¡¯t paying attention. Learn from my mistakes. Always go in with potions and gear, unless you have no choice. And you two,¡± she gestured again at Tazrok and then at Lhawni, ¡°always remember to look up!¡±

 Chapter 42 Part 10 - Nobody Has Permission to Die

    PART X - NOBODY HAS PERMISSION TO DIE


    After Rowani had finished her report, the entire team offered their water to the three Healer recruits so they could wash the sticky and dried Pantherkin¡¯s blood off their hands, and then Tazrok conjured more when that ran out. After her requisite ten minutes were up, Tasi and Rowani took their leave to return to medical so the Master Healer could do a full exam, heal the remaining damage, and make sure there weren¡¯t any lingering issues. Before they left, Tasi emphasized again that Ambria and Lhawni had both done great work, and Rowani echoed Tasi¡¯s praise before adding a slightly embarrassed ¡®thank you¡¯. You could tell she was still feeling foolish about her lack of preparation and what it led to, once again grumbling to Xera and the other officers about feeling old.


    ¡°Given the new information, are there any changes you wish to make to your plan, Sergeant Callie?¡± Xera asked Callie once Tasi and Rowani had left.


    Callie rubbed her head, then pulled on her pigtails as she mulled over Rowani¡¯s report. She looked up, seeing all the other recruits looking at her expectantly, and suddenly had a flash of overwhelming pressure. ¡°Get your shit together!¡± Callie thought to herself. She had to break this down. Had anything changed? Not a lot, really. They had known about the zombie wildlife. They¡¯d known the swamp water would be infected. The distance was actually closer than expected, so that was a good thing. Assuming they were of similar size to Melga¡¯s Drakeling flight form, the overhead Drakelings probably weren¡¯t a significant problem for anyone except Tazrok in kitty or weasel form, or possibly Pixyl if they were hungry enough. If she couldn¡¯t defend herself easily, the rest of them could protect her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anything has really changed,¡± Callie finally said. ¡°Maybe that the amount of larger infected wildlife appears to be higher than we expected, but the basic plan hasn¡¯t changed, at least. Do we need more people?¡± She looked expectantly at Reynard and Celeste.


    ¡°You tell us, Sergeant,¡± Reynard replied, a bit of a smile on his face. He was having fun with another tiny moment of unhelpful torture.


    ¡°Cute,¡± Callie said, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°I think we¡¯re fine,¡± Pixyl said with a shrug. ¡°Maybe you Rangers can clear some things out from the hillside before we approach, but more people probably isn¡¯t a great idea. We¡¯ll start to get into each other¡¯s way and just attract more ferals.¡± Callie took an immediate note that despite her initial surprise, Pixyl now seemed quite comfortable with everything going on, almost excited. and didn¡¯t stutter in the slightest. It was almost as if the more in control of the situation she was, the less likely the Pixie would stumble over her own tongue. Callie had seen it before, but never really connected the dots, as it were.


    Callie gestured towards Pixyl. ¡°Anyone object to her thinking? Speak up.¡±


    A wave of shrugging shoulders was the result from the remaining recruits, which was completely unhelpful. Callie looked at the plastic faces of both Reynard and Celeste, and then to the Legate and Xera for any sign. Nothing. Finally, she caught the eyes of Thorn, who tried to appear as stoic as the rest, but along with a quick wink, sent her the smallest of affirming nods.


    That was all Callie needed, just someone experienced to provide a tiny sanity check on her own thinking. ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll go with this,¡± she said, addressing the rest of the team. She almost asked if that was okay with everyone, but the echo of Natala¡¯s directive about making final decisions and not second-guessing it rang in her head. Still, she needed a contingency. ¡°When we get there, if we feel something¡¯s off, we¡¯ll rethink our approach, or go back tomorrow with a bigger team.¡± Callie didn¡¯t wait for any acknowledgements, and instead turned back to the Commandant, trying to show they were ready.


    ¡°Excellent plan,¡± Xera said with a sharp nod. ¡°Before you depart, I wish to address your people, if I may, Sergeant?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Callie replied.


    Xera cleared their throat and addressed the entire team. ¡°I will keep this brief so that you may all be on your way. I know this mission has come as a surprise to all of you, as well my choice of who to lead it. But I never would have tapped Sergeant Callie to lead this if I didn¡¯t believe she had the ability, and I never would have approved her choices of who to bring if I wasn¡¯t likewise confident in yours. Your mission is simple. Destroy the Bogwump nest, assuring that none of the hatchlings escape. But you have a second, and to me, more important mission, as well. That mission is, all of you, to come back in one piece. If the nest proves too difficult, then abandon the attack and return. We¡¯ll deal with it using a stronger force, just as the Sergeant said. Do not risk yourselves unnecessarily. Knowing when not to attack is as important a lesson as anything.¡±


    As the Commandant had been speaking, a wave of encouragement seemed to wash over all the recruits, very similar to how they felt after Koda likewise gave his pep talk. Callie was now sure this was part of the Command Aura that the officers could produce to improve morale, or at least something similar, and found she welcomed it. She doubted herself less, and she trusted her team even more than she had before. She was ready. Her people were ready. They were all ready.


    ¡°We would never dare wish anyone ¡®good luck¡¯,¡± Xera said, a wry smile on her face. ¡°That is far too inviting to the fates, after all, and the last thing we want is their dark gaze looking our way. Instead, I simply wish you all ¡®good hunting¡¯.¡±


    While it wasn¡¯t quite shouted, there was a unified, ¡°Thank you, Commandant!¡± from all ten.


    The Fairy looked at Callie. With a sharp nod, they said, ¡°Sergeant, the mission is yours.¡±


    <hr>


    The team of ten were heading for the outfitting building to collect the supplies Reynard had requisitioned. The walk from the Commandant¡¯s had been upbeat, with many camp personnel wishing them all ¡®good hunting¡¯ as they passed. What Callie found interesting, almost fascinating in fact, was how quickly the word had spread about the mission, showing once again that the camp¡¯s rumor mill was the fastest form of communication in existence.


    They stopped briefly by the crafting area. Another fountain was available there to provide both drinking water for refilling the waterskins as well as a second basin for washing. This allowed the three healers to work for a few minutes on any of Rowani¡¯s remaining blood they hadn¡¯t been able to wash off earlier.


    While that happened, Vonn slithered out from under the canopy of the unlit forge, carrying a large duffle over one shoulder. She hailed Reynard, who returned the wave.


    ¡°Asss you requesssted, I retrieved all their ssswordsss,¡± the Lamia said.


    ¡°Thank you, Vonn,¡± Reynard replied. Together, sharpened blades were handed out to everyone. Callie was unique in that she received only a single Gnome-sized longsword, while her second blade was much shorter. For anyone normal sized, it would simply be a small dagger, but for Callie it was more akin to a shortsword.


    Reynard and Celeste demonstrated to all the Rangers how and where to attach the scabbards to their belts, and for Callie her dagger¡¯s sheath had leather straps that would hold the end firm against her thigh, preventing it from flopping around.


    ¡°Do not draw your swords in camp!¡± Reynard warned, his voice serious. ¡°When we take a break, the Major and I will give you some instructions, but these are real steel, and are deadly sharp. You do not draw them unless you intend to use them. Understood?¡±


    As one, all four Rangers nodded, replying with a clear, ¡°Yes, Sir!¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Reynard said, satisfied he had been heard. He turned to Vonn. ¡°Thank you for your assistance.¡±


    ¡°CCCertainly happy to help. I wish you all good hunting.¡±


    Before the group could continue their trek towards the outfitting office, a voice called to them. Fizzlebek, panting from running hard, raced up to the team.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± the Gnome replied, ¡°but I have something for you that might help.¡± He fished in a bag he¡¯d been carrying, producing one of his Egg-sploding Screamer devices. ¡°I heard from Vonn what you would be facing, so if the wildlife is attracted to sound, these might give you a good distraction.¡±


    ¡°Oh, cool,¡± Callie grinned. ¡°Great idea!¡±


    ¡°I only have two, but you can have them both.¡±


    ¡°What does it do?¡± Celeste asked.


    ¡°Makes a loud noise and then explodes,¡± Fizzlebek said proudly. ¡°Throw it far away from you once you start the timer. My hope is that the infected animals will rush towards it. Once they bump it, it will explode.¡± He gestured towards the wind-up knob. ¡°Twist that all the way to start a twenty second count on the noise.¡±


    ¡°Good thing we got an Ogre,¡± Callie said, gesturing towards Tazrok. ¡°He¡¯ll be able to throw it a good distance.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Throw good,¡± Tazrok confirmed.


    ¡°You¡¯ll want to cover your ears,¡± Fizzlebek warned Callie, also gesturing towards Lhawni. ¡°It¡¯s really loud for us.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the warning,¡± Callie said appreciatively. Then she added, ¡°And thank you for the help, too. They might be really useful. If we use them, I¡¯ll let you know how well they worked when we get back.¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± the Artificer said, a giddy excitement in his voice. ¡°Good hunting, to all of you.¡± he added.


    The team said their goodbyes to the crafters as Reynard ushered them all towards the next destination. Tazrok volunteered to carry the Egg-sploders in his backpack, and he knelt down while Jesca put them both safely inside. The Ogre expressed his eagerness to see the bombs in action, once again reminding everyone how well he could throw.


    ¡°Trainer Reynard,¡± a familiar Elf called out with a wave to the group as they approached. ¡°We¡¯ve managed to get everything in order for you and your team.¡±


    ¡°Not my team, Balneis,¡± Reynard corrected. He gestured towards Callie. ¡°She¡¯s leading this expedition.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Um¡­¡± the Elf got a confused look on her face, thankfully not launching into the common disbelief nearly everyone else had responded with. ¡°There may be too much for the Little One to carry as leader.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll have to figure that out,¡± the Foxkin replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Very good,¡± the logistics Elf said, smirking at the teaching moment, and giving Reynard a wink. ¡°Well, let¡¯s begin with potions.¡± She looked out at the group. ¡°One at a time, come up and tell me your class.¡±


    Each in turn, the members approached, stated their class, and Balneis assembled a small basket with a small pack of summoned cloths for use as toiletries, and several potions which varied slightly for each class. For Tazrok, his potions were larger, probably twice the size of everyone else''s. In Callie¡¯s case, there were two blue, one red and one green potion. Balneis also added four additional green potions and finally two purple Rejuvenation ones that Callie recognized from all the times she had run her mana to empty. With that many, the basket was heavy and Callie stepped aside before needing to set it down.


    ¡°Alright, listen up,¡± Celeste said once everyone had their baskets. ¡°I don¡¯t know if any of you have covered potion protocols in your classes. I know mine hasn¡¯t, so just follow along if this is a repeat.¡±


    Holding up her single blue vial, she said, ¡°Blue potions are for mana. They go on your belt on your right side.¡± She slipped it into a pocket on her belt, securing a flap with Scufrow to keep the elixir from falling out.


    Everyone else had received two mana potions, and each person slid them into the matching belt pouches as the Major had done.


    ¡°Health potions go on your left,¡± the Major continued, adding, ¡°towards the front. Each of you should have one.¡± She showed the correct location, slipping her own red potion into place. ¡°For those that received a stamina potion,¡± she continued, holding up one of two vials of yellow liquid she¡¯d been given, ¡°they also go on your left, behind the health potions.¡± Only the Major, Pixyl and Tazrok had received stamina vials.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    ¡°Finally, other potions can go in any of the pockets behind them or around your back.¡± She held up the green one. ¡°This is the Resist Disease that we¡¯ll be drinking when we get there.¡± She slipped it into a pouch on the back of her belt, closing the flap to hold it in place.


    ¡°What do I do with all these extras?¡± Callie asked, gesturing to the other vials she had received.


    ¡°You¡¯re the leader, so you get to carry the purple Rejuvenation ones, and the other greens are for your bows,¡± Reynard clarified.


    Inwardly, Callie groaned at all the extra weight she¡¯d need to carry.


    ¡°Why would we specify where to put each of your potions?¡± Major Celeste asked the group using her training voice.


    ¡°So we know where they are,¡± Thucax replied with a shrug.


    ¡°No,¡± Jesca countered, shaking her head at the Gnoll. ¡°So everyone else knows where they are.¡±


    ¡°Very good!¡± Celeste replied, gesturing to the Cheetahkin. ¡°Exactly that. If you need to grab a potion off someone else¡¯s belt, you know where to look, at least as far as mana, health and stamina. That¡¯s also why the others are held in back, so that if you were to grab one of them, you know that it could be almost anything and you need to double-check the color.¡±


    ¡°Well, this is too many for me to carry them all,¡± Callie said, pointing to the five potions still in her basket. ¡°I don¡¯t have enough pockets.¡±


    ¡°So what are you going to do about it?¡± Reynard asked, a glint in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re the one in charge. Shouldn¡¯t the leader carry the important extras?¡±


    Callie looked at the Foxkin, and then narrowed her eyes. Yeah, he was right! She was in charge! Time to give some orders. ¡°Fine! Ambria and Lhawni, you each take one of the Rejuvenations since you¡¯re more-likely to come to someone¡¯s aid with it. Shul¡¯an, Thucax and Jesca each take your extra disease potion and I¡¯ll keep the one for my bow. Remember the Healers have the Rejuvenations if any of you need to unmelt your brain.¡±


    Reynard actually smiled while Callie gave her orders and handed the extra vials around. Up to now, his student hadn¡¯t really had to give a lot of direct orders. Yes, she¡¯d sought input from the rest of the group or the officers, and then laid out the actions based on consensus or logical conclusions. This, however, was barely prompted and he was quite pleased to see the Gnome was rising to the responsibility of command, even if this was nothing more than the smallest first step.


    ¡°One last thing about potions,¡± Celeste continued. ¡°Who can tell me why you shouldn¡¯t drink a healing potion?¡±


    ¡°We have healers,¡± Jesca said, shrugging.


    ¡°Yes, but why else.¡±


    There was a long silence before Shul¡¯an hesitantly spoke up. ¡°Potion sickness?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Celeste said. ¡°You need to wait five minutes, at least, between potions. If you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll likely get violently sick, and strange things could occur. I once drank a stamina potion too soon after the previous, and all my fingernails suddenly grew six centimeters! And that¡¯s considered a mild side-effect!¡±


    ¡°Most likely, you¡¯ll be using your mana potions in combat, and a good likelihood you¡¯ll be on potion cooldown,¡± Reynard said, picking up the Major¡¯s instructions. ¡°So, if you get hurt, call for a Healer. We have three of them including the Ogre. As for your healing potion, you can pour it on any open wound to at least stop bleeding and do minimal repairs regardless of cooldown state. In combat, drinking it should be reserved for only if you are injured internally and a Healer can¡¯t get to you, and honestly, only if you¡¯re coughing up blood or one of your organs. Make doubly sure it¡¯s been at least five minutes since your last potion, though, unless you have no choice. If you explode, no healer is going to be able to put you back together.¡±


    There was an awkward chuckle through the ranks, the recruits unsure if Reynard was being serious about the exploding warning. He didn¡¯t look like he was kidding.


    ¡°Druid Healing Berries are a little different,¡± Celeste continued. ¡°You can eat no more than five of them, or you can face similar side effects. You¡¯ll want to wait at least two or three minutes before another if you¡¯ve reached that limit. The Berry cooldown does not conflict with the one for potions, either.¡±


    "Juniper said the leaves on your Heartwood bows have their own cooldown," Reynard added. "Without knowing that cooldown duration, I''d give it at least fifteen minutes before you eat a second. Five is probably sufficient, but best to be cautious."


    The crash course in potion mechanics completed, the outfitting continued, with both Ambria and Lhawni, as the two designated healers, receiving a ¡®healer¡¯s bundle¡¯. The contents were simple first aid items. This included, among other things, long, clean strips of cloth to wrap wounds, some super-absorbent cloth that could be used to pack a wound to help stop bleeding or otherwise wipe things, and a magical sleeping tincture that could knock someone out in under twenty seconds for about fifteen minutes. Both healers put the bundles into their backpacks.


    ¡°A bunch of rags,¡± Balneis said, looking at a list in front of her as she slapped a pile of square cloth scraps onto the counter.


    ¡°Are these real or summoned?¡± Callie asked


    ¡°Summoned,¡± the Elf replied. ¡°Do you need them to be real?¡±


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t, as long as they¡¯ll last a few hours. We just need to use them to wipe our bows with the disease potions when we get there.¡±


    Callie was curious whether they needed to bring things back with them, or if they could just be discarded in the wilderness. Since they were summoned, they could just be thrown on the ground once used, dissolving when the magic ran out, just like their food bundles would. Callie handed the bundle to Jesca for her to carry.


    ¡°Two pickaxes, two lengths of rope¡± Balneis continued down the list, setting each tool on the counter, one after the other. She then added two lengths of thin but strong rope to the pile. ¡°These are all real. If you can, bring them back.¡±


    Tazrok stepped forward, picking up both pickaxes in one hand with a grunt, and passing the ropes to Shul¡¯an to hold for the moment with his other.


    ¡°Two canisters of Dragonfire Oil,¡± Balneis called out, setting two metal containers on the counter. These had actual metal caps screwed to the top to keep them absolutely airtight. ¡°The contents burst into flame about ten seconds after being exposed to air or water, so they are sealed,¡± Balneis warned. ¡°Don¡¯t open them until you¡¯re ready to use them! Once the oil ignites, it burns extremely hot, and for several minutes, ¡± she added. ¡°These are the only two we have, so if you don¡¯t need the second, try to bring it back.¡±


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Callie said, her eyes making a frown. ¡°If you only have two, I think it¡¯s best if we just take one. If we have to abort and try again tomorrow, it will make sure there is still one available.¡±


    Balneis glanced at Reynard, who shrugged in return.


    The Elf turned back to Callie. ¡°You¡¯re the one leading this thing, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Callie replied with a sigh. ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Only one Dragonfire Oil it is, then.¡± She removed the second metal container, setting it below the counter. ¡°Then as leader, there¡¯s a couple things for you. First, here¡¯s your tracker.¡± The Elf leaned over the counter and handed Callie a stone.


    Callie examined the smooth, gray, magical rock. It was similar in size and shape to Tasi¡¯s magical medical diagnosis stone. As Callie turned, the tracker would change to a red color when she faced southeast towards where Rowani must have dropped the guiding beacon.


    ¡°And finally, with ten people, you get two body bags. Here you go.¡±


    It took a half-moment for Callie to register the words. When they did, she turned back to the logistics Elf, dropping the tracking stone to the ground with a resonating thump.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Two body bags,¡± the Elf said casually. ¡°In case you need them. Sergeant¡¯s are responsible for getting the bodies back, after all. Good news, they¡¯re enchanted, so anything inside only weighs about one-twentieth normal.¡±


    ¡°What ¡­?¡± Callie said, her brain locking up and grinding to a halt. Within seconds, Callie¡¯s world seemed to collapse in on her and she found it hard to breathe. Suddenly, the small exhilaration she¡¯d been starting to feel putting this expedition together crashed and shattered. Body bags. They were in case somebody died. That really meant people could get hurt. People could ¡­ die. That¡¯s what body bags were for, right? Dead ¡­ people ¡­


    Balneis smiled brightly, gesturing to two twine-wrapped bundles that were surprisingly small. ¡°Here you go.¡±


    Callie tried to reach for them, but her arm wouldn¡¯t move. She just stared at the black, tied bundles. Body ¡­ bags ¡­ For dead people. Her dead people ¡­ Her ¡­ friends ¡­


    Major Celeste saw the color drain from Callie¡¯s shocked face, and instantly knew why. She walked over and knelt down, grabbing Callie¡¯s face in her hand and forcing it to look at her. ¡°Hey!¡± she snapped. But Callie¡¯s eyes were huge and distant. ¡°This is standard equipment. One for every five people.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie whispered.


    Celeste glanced at Reynard, who had started to walk towards the Gnome too. Subtly, the Major shook her head at the Trainer, waving him off before returning her attention to the Gnome. Callie had turned to the black bundles again, shock still evident on her face. Celeste glanced at the other recruits. Most also had ghostly looks on their faces, in part because of the mention of body bags, but also because their friend, who they had fully accepted as their leader, had just frozen up. Only Tazrok and Shul¡¯an seemed nonplussed, although concern for Callie was still evident in their eyes.


    ¡°Everyone, listen up,¡± Celeste said, sending out a small Command Aura pulse to break everyone out of their daze. ¡°You especially,¡± Celeste added to Callie. ¡°This is standard gear on the chance something unthinkable happens. Nobody expects to need them. In all the years of this camp, never has a mission or expedition needed them.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡± Callie started to reply.


    ¡°No!¡± Celeste said, cutting the Gnome off harshly and once again turning her face so they could lock eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink this. Standard equipment. Just like Ambria¡¯s bandages, and all our healing potions. There, if we need them, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°But ¡­¡±


    ¡°We really need a better name for these things,¡± Celeste said with a snarl as she glanced up at Reynard.


    The Ranger trainer shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s what they¡¯re for, although they can be used for other things, of course. We found a bunch of wild Haver Mushrooms a couple terms back. Filled a bag almost to overflowing; to bring them back for the alchemists that is. The weight reduction was hugely helpful.¡±


    ¡°See!¡± the Major emphasized, looking again at Callie¡¯s purple eyes. ¡°They can be used for other things. They are just a big bag for carrying stuff!¡±


    ¡°Carrying stuff?¡± Callie replied weakly.


    ¡°Right! Carrying whatever needs to be carried.¡±


    Callie¡¯s brain finally lurched back into motion, processing the last sixty seconds in a blur. The logical side of her head fought for control, working to push the shock aside. They were just bags. They weren¡¯t a harbinger. They had other uses. Right?


    There was a thumping sound as Tazrok dropped the two pickaxes. He left the gaggle of recruits and walked to Callie. Slightly-less-than-gently pushing Celeste aside, causing her to lose balance and fall on her rear, he knelt down in front of his housemate. They locked eyes, the little Gnome looking up at the confident gaze of her friend.


    ¡°Nobody dies,¡± the Ogre said simply, calmly and slowly. ¡°This, I have decided.¡±


    Like a receding wave, the tension suddenly was pulled out of the air. Callie¡¯s shocked expression softened, and then seemed to even brighten somewhat. The Ogre and the Gnome continued to stare at each other, and for Callie, the panic she had been feeling simply evaporated. Tazrok¡¯s definitive pronouncement was absolute and unbreakable. Nobody would die. They wouldn¡¯t need these body bags for one of them. Tazrok had decided that was the case, and that was the end of the issue.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, strength slowly returning to her voice. She nodded in growing confidence, still locked in a gaze with Tazrok. ¡°Okay! Nobody dies.¡± Callie turned to focus on the other recruits. ¡°Nobody dies!¡± she ordered, pointing at them. She looked at Reynard, her voice growing even more steady. ¡°Nobody dies. Understand?¡±


    Reynard¡¯s furry face lightened in relief and broke into just the tiniest smile. ¡°Understood, Sergeant. Nobody dies.¡±


    Callie drew even more strength from her Trainer¡¯s response of confirmation. She turned at the Major, still sprawled on the ground. ¡°Nobody dies!¡± Callie ordered simply, pointing, her voice now even stronger.


    ¡°Absolutely, Sergeant!¡± Celeste replied with a sharp nod. ¡°Nobody has permission to die.¡±


    Tazrok nodded sharply with a grunt, standing again, as if his work was concluded. He offered his huge hand to Celeste, and she wrapped an arm around it so he could help her stand. ¡°Sorry for push,¡± he said meekly.


    Celeste looked up at the huge Ogre towering over her. He¡¯d used his aura again; his Chieftain''s Inspiration that was. The power that was similar to, but at the same time so so different from Command Aura. Celeste had tried to talk to the Ogre about it twice over the last two weeks, to get a better sense of what it was and what it could do. But Tazrok had just responded that he had no idea what she was asking about, even when pushed to query for the effects. Whatever it was, it was primal, powerful, and absolutely unwavering in its certainty. It was ¡­ perfect.


    ¡°Not a problem,¡± was all Celeste could finally say, curiosity still evident in her voice. The Ogre grunted, turned, and walked back to the rest of the team, holding a hand to his head.


    Callie, herself, walked over to the outfitter¡¯s counter, accepting the two black bundles from Balneis. They were incredibly light and perhaps the size of a softball, and Callie wasn¡¯t sure how such a small object could become so large. It felt like it was constructed from something a little like leather, but at the same time, not leather. It was as if the object was confused about what it was made out of. Then she remembered the comment about the bag reducing the weight of things put into it, and a part of her brain said simply, ¡®It¡¯s magic. Go with it¡¯. So she did, simply accepting it was all strange magic and a part of her hoping that she¡¯d never have to find out more.


    ¡°Here, you carry one,¡± Callie said, tossing one of the tied bundles to Reynard. ¡°If I screw up and you have to take over, then you should have one, too.¡± She sloughed off her backpack, storing the bag inside next to her lunch and several pieces of snack jerky left over from earlier in the week. Reynard stood perplexed for a moment, looking at the bundle in his own hands, but then realized Callie had a point, and he might as well carry one. He likewise removed his pack, shoving the bound bag into it next to the lunch Callie had provided.


    Callie was about to put the metal cylinder of Dragonfire Oil into her own backpack as well, but Major Celeste extended her hand, offering to carry it.


    The mood, which had taken a sudden dark turn, was now much improved, and the recruits were once again chattering with each other in anticipation of setting out for the Bogwump nest. Outfitting now completed, Callie thanked Balneis for her help and looked to Reynard. ¡°I think we¡¯re ready.¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± Reynard replied.


    ¡°Good hunting,¡± Balneis said, before smiling and adding, ¡°and everyone stay safe.¡±


    Moving as a group, the team of Bogwump hunters set off, passing through the South Gate, before turning southeast to follow the direction the tracker pointed. They felt prepared, or as prepared as they could be. The comforting words of Koda and the officers still filled them with a confidence in themselves and each other, while the strong, simple words of Tazrok filled them with the simple knowledge that he had decided no one would die.

 Chapter 43 - Forever Friendships

    Chapter 43 - FOREVER FRIENDSHIPS


    Commandant Xera didn¡¯t hear the knock on their office door the first time, and it took the second, much more insistent knock, before they looked up. ¡°Enter,¡± they called.


    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± Master Healer Tasi said, smiling, as she walked in, closing and latching the door behind her. ¡°I knew you¡¯d still be here. It¡¯s Homeday and you should be relaxing, you know.¡±


    ¡°We all got caught up with the Bogwump nest, and I wanted to get all this done before the end of the day,¡± Xera replied defensively.


    ¡°Still¡­¡± Tasi trailed off as if it were an oft-repeated lecture.


    ¡°How is Rowani? No complications?¡±


    Tasi shook her head. ¡°No concern. The kids really did do a great job on their healing. I¡¯ve seen sixth-weekers that couldn¡¯t do that well. I think working under pressure really made them come alive, Ambria in particular. She¡¯s much more focused and in control after the incident with the Tigerkin Ranger last week. As for Rowani, I sent her back to her cabin with a mild sedative that should keep her calm at least until the team is back. It was all I could do to get her to accept that, though. She wouldn¡¯t allow anything longer-lasting.¡±


    Xera frowned. ¡°Let me know if you need me to step in.¡±


    ¡°She was a lot more injured than she let on. If not tended to, she wouldn¡¯t have made it. Thankfully, she should be fine. She just needs to take it easy for a couple days.¡±


    Xera set aside the requisition form they¡¯d been reviewing. ¡°Was there something I can help you with?¡±


    ¡°That depends,¡± Tasi said, setting a medium-sized basket on a small table, along with a thick, wooden bucket.


    ¡°On?¡±


    The Master Healer looked at her friend, before sitting in a chair at the table. ¡°That depends on you.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Xera asked, both curious and confused. ¡°Is something wrong?


    ¡°Well,¡± Tasi replied coyly, opening the basket. ¡°I have here a fine and incredibly rare bottle of premium Paven Dalash. If you¡¯d like, I can open this and we can have an uncomfortable conversation as friends.¡±


    ¡°Paven Dalash? That distillery closed, what, at least fifteen years ago. I¡¯ve not had a glass of that in ¡­ forever it seems.¡± Xera then grew suspicious. ¡°What¡¯s the other choice?


    Tasi turned the bottle so the inviting label faced the Commandant. ¡°The other choice is that we can have a much more uncomfortable conversation, but I¡¯ll be exercising my position as the camp¡¯s Master Healer and overriding your authority. Trust me, you don¡¯t want me to do that.¡±


    ¡°Tasi? Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°That ¡­ would be part of this conversation.¡±


    Xera actually had a concerned look on their face, but a slight smile from Tasi helped ease it somewhat. ¡°I think I¡¯ll go with the first choice.¡±


    ¡°Good! I hoped that would be your decision. Now put the paperwork away, and lend me a hand.¡±


    Still wary, Xera pushed aside the rest of their work and walked away from the desk. Tasi had reached into the basket, pulling out a plate of cheese slices and thin pieces of an herb-flavored bread, along with a small sampling of fresh sweet butter and a berry-flavored jam.


    Xera took two real-glass glasses from her sparsely-decorated shelf, along with a steel corkscrew, and brought them to the table, sitting when Tasi gestured towards an empty chair. ¡°Paven Dalash, you say?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Tasi confirmed with a grin, setting the basket aside on the floor before shifting her seat to be opposite her friend. Taking the corkscrew, she used it to remove the wax-covered wood stopper, handing both back to Xera while setting the bottle aside to breathe.


    Xera sniffed the stopper, inhaling deeply. ¡°Oh my,¡± they said, taking in the scent of the premium alcohol. Then they saw the label on the bottle. ¡°Why does that look familiar? How old is that?¡±


    ¡°It was a gift from you when Delin was born,¡± Tasi said, smiling.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had that all these years? And have never opened it?¡± Xera gasped in amazement. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I was waiting for the right moment.¡±


    Xera grew wary again. ¡°And this apparently awkward conversation is that moment? Are we celebrating or ¡­¡± the Commandant trailed off equally curious now.


    Tasi picked up the bottle and breathed deeply the scent. ¡°That remains to be seen.¡± She then gestured towards the bucket. ¡°I actually brought ice. Would you like it with or without?¡±


    ¡°Ice? Really?¡±


    ¡°I found Cheena. Told her it was for medical purposes. I know you like it.¡±


    ¡°Well, usually I have to settle for having it warm, but if you have ice and won¡¯t judge me ¡­¡± Xera said, setting the corkscrew aside and gesturing towards one of the glasses.


    Tasi filled both glasses with pieces of slowly-melting ice, before pouring a shot of the rich, distilled liquor into each. The splashing against the ice released a soothing aroma into the room, and both Fairies took a moment to savor it. Finally, they picked up their glasses, clinked in a silent toast and sipped back on the liquid.


    ¡°Oooooo,¡± Xera said with a whistle as they sucked in a breath. ¡°That is really smooth¡­¡±


    Tasi sipped her own drink, likewise sucking in a breath to enhance the flavor. ¡°Wow. It really is. It¡¯s a shame they closed down.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve kept this unopened since your son was born,¡± Xera said, still amazed. ¡°How old is he now? Thirty?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-eight,¡± Tasi responded, taking another sip from her glass. ¡°He¡¯s doing well, too. Still on staff with the High Commander.¡±


    ¡°Good for him,¡± Xera said, smiling nostalgically.


    ¡°Civilian though, not uniformed,¡± Tasi added with a chuckle.


    ¡°Well, nobody¡¯s kid is perfect.¡±


    Tasi chuckled again as the two clinked their glasses a second time. For a few minutes, they sat in silence, sipping the scotch-like alcohol while nibbling on jam-covered cheese and butter-covered bread. The sun was coming through the window, painting lines on the floor and making the room feel bright, despite Tasi¡¯s cryptic reason for her visit.


    ¡°How long have we been friends?¡± Tasi casually asked Xera.


    ¡°Let me think about that,¡± Xera replied, their face scrunching slightly, mentally reviewing their life. ¡°I think I was in my late thirties when I met you. That would make it almost ninety years. Well, except for the two years I hated you, that is.¡±


    ¡°I told you marrying him was a bad idea.¡±


    ¡°I should have listened. You were right. Two years lost.¡±


    They clinked glasses again.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, though. We have been friends for a long time, Xera,¡± Tasi said, sighing nostalgically. ¡°Our friendship has outlived both my husband and my wife, as well as one of my children. Throughout all the things that have happened to us, we are the most sure thing in each others¡¯ lives.¡±


    ¡°Why do you bring this up? You aren¡¯t sick are you?¡± Xera wondered with a worried tone.


    Tasi chuckled. ¡°No, I am not sick! Or dying for that matter! I¡¯m barely two hundred.¡±


    ¡°Then why?¡±


    ¡°Because I want you to remember that lifelong friendship. Because I want you to remember you can tell me anything. No judgments. You know you¡¯re my best friend, to the point that if you ever needed help burying the bodies, I¡¯d show up without hesitation carrying two shovels.¡±


    ¡°This sounds quite ominous,¡± Xera said, one eyebrow raising questioningly as she set her drink down. ¡°What is on your mind?¡±


    Tasi set her own drink aside and shifted in her seat slightly. ¡°Xera, what is your obsession with Callie Archer?¡±


    <hr>


    Xera looked stunned at their friend, unsure how to respond. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you mean?¡± was the best they could ultimately do.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Tasi said, letting the original question continue to dangle in the air.


    ¡°Truly!¡± Xera said, now feeling a growing defensiveness. ¡°She¡¯s just a recruit. A little odd, with an amazingly-strange background, but still only a recruit.¡±


    Tasi stared hard at Xera¡¯s face, raised her eyebrows and absently picked up a piece of cheese, saying nothing, pushing the original question even harder.


    Xera stood, paced hard a couple steps away and turned once again, their demeanor a combination of confusion and defensive anger. ¡°There¡¯s nothing untoward between us.¡±


    ¡°Funny you would respond that way, Xera. I didn¡¯t make that accusation.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you use that Listener doublespeak at me!¡±


    Tasi smiled, knowing she¡¯d been obvious. ¡°Xera, this isn¡¯t going to work if you don¡¯t pull that military stick out of your ass and talk to me like a friend.¡± Without waiting for a response, she asked a pointed question. ¡°What happened in the shower?¡±


    ¡°What? The shower?¡± Xera replied with clipped words.


    ¡°Callie mentioned it that night she told us where she was from. Something about you and her in the shower. You waved it away as unimportant, but I caught it.¡±


    Xera stammered for a minute and then stopped, a strange look coming over her face, remembering back to the exchange the evening when Callie told them everything. ¡°Absolute confidence? Truly as a friend?¡±


    ¡°You and she didn¡¯t ¡­¡± Tasi let the innuendo-laced question hang, as if drifting in the air.


    ¡°What? No! Nothing like that!¡± Xera snapped in retort. ¡°Well, mostly.¡±


    ¡°Take a seat,¡± Tasi suggested, gesturing towards Xera¡¯s vacated chair. ¡°Have a drink, or maybe four, and explain it to me. All of it. As a friend, Xera. No Rank. Nothing leaves this room.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ complicated,¡± Xera weakly said, as if resigned to this discussion.


    ¡°I¡¯d bring the shovels, Xera, remember? Talk to me. What happened?¡±


    Xera sighed and walked back to sit in their chair. Casually they picked up the drink, watching the ice melt for nearly a half-minute. It was hard for Xera to be open, even to their lifelong best friend. They walled off their personal self from everyone, even Tasi, just to keep the camp running properly and keep the rest of the Army happy. More importantly, they were able to keep the Army away so they all could do their work. But, Tasi said to put it all out, so what did they have to lose?


    ¡°Fine. All of it,¡± Xera finally said, still staring at the melting ice. Xera took another deep breath, trying to add a little more courage. ¡°It was that first morning after they all received their Symbiotes. Callie got sick when she woke, so she was in the bathhouse washing herself when I came in for my own morning shower.¡±


    ¡°Naked Gnome in the shower,¡± Tasi said cooly, raising her glass somewhat mockingly. ¡°Sounds interesting.¡±


    Xera glared. ¡°Stop. Please. You can scold me later if you must.¡±


    Tasi looked at her friend, seeing just the tiniest hint of something in their eyes. Was it worry? Fear? Confusion maybe? Certainly something out of character. Tasi immediately straightened and put on a more serious demeanor. ¡°Okay. What happened, Xera.¡±


    After fidgeting for another moment, Xera finally opened up, almost in a torrent. ¡°She was washing, and I briefly introduced myself. While we were talking, she received another reveal. One of her Ranger skills. She started to fall from the dizziness. I Flashstepped and caught her so she didn¡¯t crack her head on the stone. Completely soaked myself in the falling water.¡±


    ¡°Flashstep? Really?¡± Tasi asked, now sitting up even straighter and really paying attention. ¡°When was the last time you used that skill?¡±


    ¡°Probably ten seconds before this happened,¡± Xera said, gesturing to their missing arm and wing.


    Tasi internally winced at accidentally dredging up that past. ¡°What happened next?¡±


    Xera shrugged. ¡°I made sure Callie was safe and seated on the floor, asked a passing staff member to fetch robes for us both, and went to take my shower. Unfortunately, because my clothing was wet, nothing would come off with only one arm. Callie heard me grunting in frustration and offered to help me get undressed.¡±


    ¡°You let her? Really? That was¡­¡±


    Xera held up their hand. ¡°I know. But she offered, was insistent, and then pointed out the recruits had orders to help each other. I didn¡¯t feel like sitting around in wet clothes all morning, so yes, I let her.¡±


    ¡°What happened with your wing, then? She didn¡¯t ¡­¡±


    Xera laughed, ¡°Oh yes, she did, but not the way you mean. Somewhere in there, she accidentally hit the base. Hard!¡± Xera gestured generally to a spot behind their back. ¡°That almost sent me sprawling with pain. Callie was instantly apologetic and absolutely beside herself that she hurt me.¡±


    ¡°That had to be excruciating!¡± Tasi said, wincing in sympathy.


    ¡°Oh, it was, but I told her it was nothing and tried to hide it. She already felt bad enough, she didn¡¯t need to know how much it really hurt. Anyway, she continued helping with the rest of my clothes, and eventually I was undressed. Fresh new robes had arrived for both of us, and she left. Totally innocent.¡±


    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t, was it,¡± Tasi said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°You had a naked, wet recruit rubbing against you as she took your clothing off. That had to have been ¡­¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Xera exclaimed, leaning forward and pounding their head lightly on the table. ¡°I was so focused on the start of the term, that I just didn¡¯t ¡­¡± The Commandant trailed off, head still banging the table.


    Tasi smirked, added a handful of fresh ice to Xera¡¯s glass, and then poured more of the premium into it. ¡°No judgments, I promise.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll at least wait until the end before I judge you,¡± Tasi said with a comforting pat on Xera¡¯s arm. ¡°Something else happened, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ felt something,¡± Xera said with a resigned sigh.


    ¡°What? You mean physically?¡±


    ¡°No, not like that.¡±


    ¡°Okay, explain it.¡±


    ¡°You know what life is like being Between, especially with the older generations,¡± Xera sighed. ¡°There¡¯s no contact. There¡¯s no ¡­ touch. No intimacy. The Fae won¡¯t have anything to do with you. The other races don¡¯t understand and see you as strange or even a novelty. We¡¯re practically shunned during that time. It¡¯s very lonely.¡±


    ¡°I remember,¡± Tasi said, recalling the times she had been between genders as well.


    Xera gestured again to their missing arm and wing, continuing. ¡°This just makes it worse. I¡¯m seen as weak, Tasi. I can see it on the faces of other officers when I meet them. They don¡¯t speak it, but those eyes all say, ¡®How can this armless, wingless, Between be a General¡¯. Nobody in the command echelons takes me seriously. And other Fae, especially the more traditional Fairy? I¡¯m broken without wings. I¡¯m ¡­ less than a person, heaped on top of being Between. Even the younger winged recruits look the other way at first, even if they don¡¯t mean to.¡±


    Tasi wanted to point out Xera was wrong, or exaggerating, but she knew there was some truth to it. While she, of course, didn¡¯t believe any of that, other people weren¡¯t always so kind, at least instinctively. She could see how Xera could feel like this.


    Xera looked up into the eyes of their friend of decades. ¡°It sounds foolish, and probably improper, but Callie helping me undress, that skin-on-skin contact, made me feel alive again.¡±


    ¡°You have feelings for her, don¡¯t you?¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°What? Of course not! If anything, I¡¯m a hundred years older than she is. Way too large an age difference.¡±


    Tasi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds like a pretty weak denial to me. Attraction, at least?¡±


    The Commandant looked at their glass, and after a pause, shook their head slowly, providing not an adamant denial, but a clarification. ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ not like that. Not romantic or lustful feelings. It¡¯s really hard to explain.¡±


    ¡°Try. Help me understand.¡±


    Sighing, Xera took a long, long sip of her drink, refilled it and finally worked up to the words. ¡°The next night, Callie came to us with her story of another world. A world where there are no Fae, no Beastkins, no Ogres or classes. Nothing at all like here. Only Humans that hate each other and fantastical machines that fly and all the rest. You could see how afraid she was, of both what was happening around her as well as what might happen if we sent her away.¡±


    ¡°I remember,¡± Tasi confirmed simply, not wanting to interrupt Xera¡¯s momentum.


    ¡°After she and Yulayla left, I sat alone in this office for ¡­ I don¡¯t know ¡­ at least two hours. Maybe more. I was dwelling on that moment of touch that whole time. Do you know why?¡±


    Tasi shook her head.


    ¡°At the time of the shower, Callie hadn¡¯t even been in our world a full day. Everything around her was different and new and terrifying. She should have been scared of me, probably even terrified. I was some ¡­ strange creature from her legends. She had just had a Symbiote shoved into her head and was in the process of receiving all her skills. Nothing was making any sense to her. She had every reason to run away from the moment. But she didn¡¯t. She treated me ¡­ like a person, Tasi. No rank. No fear or pity or wariness for being Between or missing my limbs. Simply as a person that needed a moment of assistance. And that was in spite of everything she was facing.¡±


    Xera looked almost angrily into Tasi¡¯s eyes. ¡°Nobody I¡¯ve met since the Battle of Betrayal has truly treated me like a ¡­¡± Xera swallowed, ¡°like a normal person on first meeting. At least nobody that I didn¡¯t know before that day.¡± Xera then thumped the table hard with a finger in rhythm with the next words. ¡°Not one ¡­ single ¡­ person.¡±


    Tasi sat back in her chair, mulling over what Xera had just said. She wanted to dispute it. She wanted to tell Xera that other people weren¡¯t that way. But Xera wasn¡¯t wrong. The Fairy, especially the older generations, did treat the Between with at least subtle disregard. It wasn¡¯t necessarily hatred, but more because being Between was a fleeting moment of change for someone. To many, the feeling was that the Between person would soon be gone, and it was best to wait until the transformation was complete to know the new person they became. Intimacy was possible, but culturally discouraged, and thus one of the reasons why the Fairy remained in that state for such a short time, usually only a few weeks. Xera had been Between for years now, hiding from their own haunted memories until they were finally ready to face them. It was no wonder they were craving any kind of touch. Being forced to remain stoic and aloof as the Commandant would just add to the feelings of isolation.


    ¡°So now I feel¡­¡± Xera continued, gesturing to their missing arm. ¡°I feel something for the first time since the day I lost this.¡±


    ¡°So, you do feel something for Callie, then. You are attracted to her.¡±


    ¡°No, my friend, for the first time in a long time, I feel something for myself. I don¡¯t know why a simple innocent touch and moment of kindness did that, but I finally feel like a person again, because she treated me like one in a tiny moment of helplessness, when she had every right to be afraid of me. Before, I almost felt like, to borrow a term from Juniper, a Nothing.¡±


    Tasi thought hard over what Xera said, as the Commandant went back to gazing into their drink, lost in a private moment. Her friend had been avoiding dealing with their trauma since the Battle of Betrayal, mostly using work as an excuse. Could this moment of accidental touch be the catalyst leading to finally moving forward? Tasi realized she needed to tread carefully, lest her friend retreat into themself again.


    ¡°So ¡­ what next then?¡± Tasi hesitantly asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Xera said forlornly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what my next step should be, or if I¡¯m even in a position to do it given my responsibilities here.¡±


    ¡°The Army will go on, with or without you.¡±


    ¡°You know what I mean,¡± Xera said, glaring a little. ¡°Nobody else at Command believes it¡¯s worth what we¡¯re doing, despite how much we¡¯ve proven ourselves. And there is still a war on.¡±


    Tasi sighed. That was always the shadow over everything and it was unfortunately hard to argue with. There was a war and it had no end in sight. Even with the Symbiote soldiers, it was largely a stalemate.


    ¡°Well,¡± Tasi said, sipping on her drink again. ¡°There¡¯s a few things we could do.¡±


    ¡°Such as?¡±


    ¡°Let me ask you this question, and just tell me the first thing that comes to mind.¡± Tasi leaned forward in her chair. ¡°In a perfect world, what would you want to happen?¡±


    Xera began to instinctively answer, but Tasi cut them off. ¡°You don¡¯t get to say you want the war to be over. That¡¯s too easy and you know it. What do you want to happen for you?¡±


    Scowling at having their obvious answer cut off, Xera swished the ice in their glass, once again watching it melt. ¡°I think I want to be gendered again,¡± Xera finally answered, almost in a whisper. ¡°I¡¯m not sure who, but at least the idea no longer repels me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s becoming more accepted to stay Between, you know. It¡¯s a lot better than it was even thirty years ago.¡±


    Xera nodded. ¡°I know, but I¡¯m ready for something different. I¡¯m ready for my ¡­ for my next chapter.¡±


    Trying not to let her smile of relief show, Tasi gave a confirming grunt. This was progress. This was real progress. But it needed more than that. ¡°No,¡± Tasi said flatly.


    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®no¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Xera, you retreated into Between and stayed there all these years to avoid dealing with your loss at the Battle of Betrayal, and your ongoing survivor¡¯s guilt. You threw yourself into this project to avoid facing the same thing. You may finally be starting to feel like a person again, but you¡¯ll never be a happy person until you can get through those things.¡±


    The two stared at each other for several long seconds. One presenting the truth, and the other unsure if they could accept it.


    ¡°You are not wrong,¡± Xera finally said, drawing the words slowly out. ¡°But I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m ready for that.¡±


    Tasi scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re General Xera-fucking-Dalnara. You¡¯ve been awarded two Silver Swords, however many Bronze, more than a couple Heartstones from your injuries, and at least a half-dozen Medals of Distinction. The only person in this camp with a higher medal for valor is Major Celeste, and she¡¯s young and crazy. You¡¯re nearly Topaz in spite of your injuries, which you could get to if you put your mind to it, I remind you, and you run a training camp creating the best damn soldiers in the Three Kingdoms. You don¡¯t get to claim you finally have the strength to leave Between, while still claiming cowardice on the hardest part.¡± It was harsh words, and Tasi was worried she¡¯d gone too far. There was a smoldering moment of anger in Xera¡¯s eyes as they looked at each other. Would the bonds of friendship that permitted such directness hold?


    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure how to respond,¡± Xera finally said, a slowly cooling, simmering tone in their voice.


    Tasi shrugged, quirking her lips up slightly. ¡°And frankly, if you¡¯re so touch-starved or just need to get laid, then I¡¯ll come over on Lastday. I¡¯ll even bring flowers if you want me to.¡±


    That broke the icy temperature around the table and Xera couldn¡¯t help but laugh, with Tasi soon joining in. ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me!¡± Xera finally said between breaths, pointing at her friend.


    Still smiling, each took a moment to sip their drinks. Tasi spread some jam on a piece of cheese, offered it to Xera, and then prepared a second for herself.


    ¡°So, what do I do?¡± Xera finally asked.


    Tasi sighed, but smiled at her friend all the same. ¡°Xera, you are an amazing leader and military officer. The soldiers you are forging here really are the best ever fielded. The camp runs efficiently, with little or no disciplinary concerns. Hell, with Tazrok in charge of discipline, there has been only, what, perhaps three minor incidents so far, none needing more than a harsh glare from him to settle it. Your people, the recruits, military and civilians alike, all admire you, despite what you may think. How is it you can be so great at all of that, and so absolutely awful at taking care of yourself?¡±


    Xera almost giggled, but it sounded a little hollow, too. ¡°Years spent working on and perfecting ignoring my own problems. Plus, you¡¯ve always been there to see me through, if it gets bad enough. I don¡¯t thank you enough for that.¡± Xera held up their glass. ¡°To true friendship.¡±


    Tasi smiled and tapped her own glass in return, ¡°Absolutely. True friends.¡±


    ¡°So, again, what do I do?¡± Xera asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Tasi settled back in her chair. ¡°Do you really want to leave Between? Do you know where you want to go? Think about your answer for a minute, please. You don¡¯t have to become your next.¡±


    Xera stared at nothing for a long time while Tasi gave them some space, before finally nodding their head. ¡°Yes. I think I¡¯m ready for that, and for what else I need to do. I feel I need to move forward. I¡¯m not sure where I want to go yet, though.¡± They looked at Tasi. ¡°The real question is when. I can¡¯t afford to be in Chrysalis for a week, at least not anytime soon.¡±


    ¡°You could and you know it. You have this place running amazingly well. A little preparation and things would continue to function just fine while you were changing. Galin and Thorn believe in your vision, as do the rest of the senior staff.¡°


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying my duties here aren¡¯t a good excuse?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying. Xera, it¡¯s only one damn week.¡±


    ¡°Let me think about that a bit, then,¡± Xera said, almost sounding as if they were looking for excuses. ¡°Review the schedules and all that.¡±


    ¡°Uh uh,¡± Tasi said, shaking her head.


    ¡°What do you mean?


    ¡°Two things,¡± Tasi continued, setting her glass down and holding up two fingers.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Tasi switched to a single finger, tapping it on the table. ¡°First, you deal with the Battle, at least a little bit. You need to work through how much it is still eating at you. Maybe talk to a Listener for a bit? Hell, get some Dreamers from the Shamans and go Walkabout for a few days; that¡¯s always a fun time. But do something to get inside your own head! You have to get right with who you are now, at least some, before you get to become the next you.¡±


    ¡°I would be willing to talk to a Listener, I suppose.¡± Xera said reluctantly, before looking expectantly up at their friend.


    ¡°That someone can¡¯t be me. You know that. You''re my best friend, and I¡¯m not even trained that well for it. Scryer Yulayla, however, is a trained Listener, and you two seemed to get on well. Otherwise, I can ask Medical Command to send someone. I¡¯ll word it so it¡¯s a simple request to add a Listener to the staff. But honestly, I think you and Yulayla would work well together. She has a similar ¡­ outlook on things.¡±


    ¡°Maybe the Shamans would be a better choice,¡± Xera chuckled, rolling their eyes.


    ¡°You can always keep that as a backup plan. Their drugs are really good.¡±


    ¡°Let me think about that, too. For a day maybe. About Yulayla that is.¡±


    ¡°Fine. You let me know tomorrow. I¡¯ll talk to Yulayla first, if that¡¯s the way you want to go, so it seems less like an order. You wouldn¡¯t want to get punched, after all.¡±


    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t,¡± Xera laughed. ¡°What¡¯s the second thing?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about when,¡± Tasi said flatly, tapping the table with two fingers. ¡°You¡¯re going into Chrysalis the second week of the extended session.¡±


    ¡°What? You can¡¯t just pick a date. I need to ¡­¡±


    ¡°I can, and I just did, otherwise you¡¯ll find an excuse not to,¡± Tasi said, a firm tone in her voice. ¡°It¡¯s the best time. Unless you want to do it over Midsummer, that is. But that¡¯s less than three weeks away and you need more time to get your head together.¡°


    ¡°But why that week?¡±


    ¡°By doing it in the extended term, you have, what, about eight weeks to prepare what you need to, and also get your head on straight, or at least straighter. Plus, many of the recruits will be gone, and the ones that are left will be largely self-sufficient. Kela will be reorganizing for next term and she has that down perfectly, so there¡¯s no need for you to be involved. Then, after you come out, you¡¯ll have a couple weeks to get used to your new body before the next term starts.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°One of those two times. You pick. I¡¯m not going to let you push this off until after the next term.¡±


    Xera could see in their friend¡¯s eyes it was a lost battle before even really trying to fight it. ¡°Fine, extended term then. But I get a day to change my mind. I may find I prefer to wallow in my own self-misery for another year or five.¡±


    Tasi smiled, but inwardly sighed deep with relief. She was fairly sure Xera wasn¡¯t going to change their mind, even if they didn¡¯t see it yet. There was too much of a subtle excited look on their face and in their tone. Tasi hadn¡¯t expected this to happen from this meeting. It really was supposed to be about Callie. But if this chance encounter with the Gnome was enough to get Xera to take forward steps, then she wasn¡¯t going to turn down that opportunity. Speaking of ¡­


    ¡°We still need to talk about Callie,¡± Tasi said, trying to be light as she refilled the glasses with a little more ice from the bucket, followed by a fresh drink.


    ¡°What about her?¡± Xera asked.


    Tasi gave her friend a hard stare.


    Xera shrugged, not understanding the issue.


    ¡°Xera, you put a second-weeker in charge of a combat mission. Someone who, I remind you, has no military background and knows nothing of this world or what''s out there beyond these walls. I wouldn¡¯t call you out in front of the others, but this did not strike me as a wise idea.¡±


    ¡°Reynard will take over if needed.¡±


    ¡°No, Xera. Something had to make you pick her in the first place. Why not pick that Bearkin Paladin, or even the Prince? They seem like they¡¯d be better choices, at least only two weeks into the term. Why her?¡±


    ¡°Lots of reasons, really.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the biggest one, then?¡±


    ¡°Bunkerball,¡± Xera said flatly without a pause.


    ¡°That game they play? The one that injured Kaisess? What about it?¡±


    ¡°Did you know that when she checked out of medical last week, after her mana drain episode, and after you specifically told her to not do anything stressful for the rest of the day, she did anything but? She walked onto the game field and took over as Field Marshal. She took over a game she¡¯d never seen before and that Gnomes don¡¯t even play because of their size. She became the Marshal and her team actually followed her, coming together as one. Celeste said they would have beaten the camp team, only the Ranger getting injured ended play. Reynard also said the camp team was losing to Callie this week.¡±


    ¡°Okay, so she¡¯s really good at disobeying my orders.¡±


    Xera shook their head and laughed. ¡°She¡¯s a strategist, Tasi. And a charismatic one at that. Remember the Black Lotus bloom? ¡®She just took over¡¯. Those were your words.¡±


    ¡°I guess I hadn¡¯t thought about it that way,¡± Tasi said contemplatively, rubbing her chin.


    Xera continued. ¡°You also saw that right here in the next room when we gave her the mission. How long did it take for her to put together a plan and fill out a complete team? After she got over the initial shock and I gave her a starting point, that is.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. After Juniper gave her the details of what was wrong, it took Callie a few minutes to work with her on the map. Then a few more to ask some questions and come up with the team members, including having Rowani fly out. Not very long.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Do you know how long that planning would have taken normally? Just for something as simple as a Bogwump nest?¡±


    Tasi shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°At least an hour, if not two, of planning and plotting and bickering and waiting for the scouting reports, plural mind you, to come back. Then another round of arguments to determine who would be the best people to go, followed by planning all over again.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Tasi, she had a triangulated search area, a logically devised team made up of specific people she trusted, contingencies, and a reconnaissance plan, all in well under fifteen minutes. Probably under ten. Nobody in the room had any followup questions or concerns, except a few training inquiries simply to understand her thinking.¡±


    ¡°That ¡­ is interesting, Xera.¡±


    ¡°You saw that whole thing with making Juniper a recruit in exchange for Symbiotes? We may have eventually come to some solution, but she had one in ¡­ what ¡­ a minute? The same when she pointed out the Prince could speak for his father, so she could stay here. Or what about this strange Martialist class she¡¯s taken to teaching in the mornings? I¡¯m fairly sure that her doing so is getting Thorn points again, and because of that he¡¯ll reach Topaz this week. It¡¯s something he¡¯s never seen before and she¡¯s instructing him. I don¡¯t know if this is because she was raised on this other world, or because she¡¯s a Gnome, or if it¡¯s just the natural way she thinks. Maybe it¡¯s all of it. I want to see what happens if she¡¯s given the opportunity, though.¡±


    Tasi leaned back and pondered what Xera had just said. Looking at it through the Commandant¡¯s eyes, she saw a bit of what they were talking about. But was it still too much? For a second week recruit with Callie¡¯s circumstances, especially?


    ¡°Xera,¡± Tasi finally said, her tone careful. ¡°I think I understand a little of what you are saying. But, you¡¯re also emotionally entwined with her because of what that experience in the showers has done to you. It¡¯s obvious you are quite fond of her. Hell, we¡¯re all fond of her. I¡¯ll just ask bluntly - are you thinking clearly?¡±


    Xera started to feel defensive, but cut off an instinctively snappish response. Were they? Under any other circumstance would they have put recruits in charge of a live mission this early in term? At least someone with no experience of any kind? Xera actually didn¡¯t have a good answer to that question. Were they being objective? Thinking about it, they really weren¡¯t sure. ¡°I¡¯d like to think so,¡± Xera finally replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fair answer, Xera. Don¡¯t misunderstand me, I¡¯m all for challenging the girl. But, let¡¯s not forget she¡¯s here for training as a Ranger, at least until extended term, assuming she even ends up a candidate.¡±


    Xera frowned. Now that Tasi was right about. She was here to be a Ranger.


    ¡°Might I make a suggestion?¡± the Healer asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°No more of these kinds of surprises on your own. If you see a novel way to challenge her, just like today, you get concurrence from Reynard, or at least Thorn. Tonight, pull Reynard aside and explain what you see in Callie, so the two of you can work to cultivate that together.¡±


    ¡°Reynard sees this in her, too,¡± Xera said, smirking. ¡°That¡¯s why he pretends to hate her so much. He thinks it¡¯s a way to push her. Callie sees right through his bluster, or will before long.¡±


    ¡°There you go. If you want to push her, then do it together. At minimum, to be a check against any objectivity issues you may have, but also because he¡¯s her trainer and you can¡¯t go undermining him. Hell, if you two want, get Thorn and Celeste involved, too. She absolutely adores the girl, and her Pixie friend, too, because she sees herself in both of them, and Thorn would utterly academic himself all over the opportunity to help her excel.¡±


    Xera nodded, absorbing their friend¡¯s suggestions. They all made sense, in actuality.


    ¡°Last thing, then, and I¡¯ll drop it,¡± Tasi said, a warning in her tone. ¡°You have sixty-four other recruits here, if you include Juniper. Well, sixty-three with the Ranger gone. They require your attention, as well as the same opportunities to excel. Callie might be your little pink-haired project, but don¡¯t you dare neglect the rest of them.¡±


    There was a quiet moment in the room while that warning seemed to echo. Then, Xera started to laugh. It started simple, but then grew.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Tasi finally asked, her voice growing lighter as a smile formed on her face, despite the topic at hand.


    ¡°You always know how to put things with me. Why is it we never married?¡±


    ¡°We courted each other for four months eighty years ago, Xera. We almost killed each other. We¡¯ve tried twice more after that, too. If we had ever married, one of us would have been dead within a month.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, that¡¯s right,¡± Xera said, mockingly nostalgic. ¡°Well, let me know if you ever want to give it another go.¡±


    Tasi laughed, assuming Xera was joking, although a tiny part wondered if they were being backhandedly serious, and then wondered whether she¡¯d actually entertain the idea, too. They were great friends, but had been absolutely awful as a couple. Just something about their personalities became explosive when together intimately for more than a short period. Some might see that as sad, given how long their friendship had endured, but being colleagues and best friends simply worked for them somehow. Who knew, maybe another fifty years could change that.


    The serious conversation now seemed to be satisfied, and talk turned to other subjects. Discussions on the latest news from Tasi¡¯s children and grandchildren, a little bit about the latest in military politics and gossip, and other things generally inconsequential. The bottle of Paven Dalash was capped, about one-third remaining, and set on Xera¡¯s shelf for another time. They used the melted ice as water to sober up a little bit as they talked, while clearing the plate of the remaining cheese and bread.


    Xera had been left with a lot to think about, and it was one of the many reasons they found Tasi so infuriating to be around, and one of the reasons they loved her so much. She always forced Xera to think, which was a good thing, but it also was exactly what they sometimes didn¡¯t want to do. Thinking too much dulled one¡¯s instincts, and instincts needed to be just as sharp as a person''s mind when it came to battle and leadership. That was a lesson they¡¯d learned the hard way.


    A person¡¯s mind. Xera rolled that word around in their head. ¡®Person¡¯. Why did such a little word suddenly mean so much now? Why had it taken so long, and had it really taken nothing more than a little Gnome helping them undress, to begin to see a new path forward in life? Callie had said it was the little things that made her trust Xera. Maybe it was nothing more than a little thing that made Xera finally trust themself.


    Tasi studied the sun shining through the window. It had moved across the floor, showing time had passed. She wasn¡¯t sure how much, maybe a couple of hours, possibly three. The Bogwump team was surely there by now, probably already breaching the nest. She worried about them, like she did any team facing something dangerous. But, when finished with Xera, she¡¯d make sure everything at Medical was ready on the chance someone needed care. Reynard and Celeste would make sure everyone was safe, though. Actually, she somehow just knew that Callie would make sure everyone was safe, no matter what happened.

 Chapter 44 Part 1 - Chasing Jesca

    PART I - CHASING JESCA


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s it,¡± Callie breathlessly called out. ¡°We need to stop ¡­ and take a break ¡­ for like fifteen minutes.¡± Ahead, a group of five stopped and looked back at the winded, panting image of Callie, Lhawni, Ambria and Pixyl.


    ¡°How can you be tired?¡± Thucax asked.


    ¡°Because, while all of you have been going on a nice casual stroll through the woods, we¡¯ve been back here running our asses off to keep up! Short legs! We asked you three times to slow down, so now we¡¯re taking a damn break!¡± Callie growled. Then she added a quick, ¡°Sergeant¡¯s orders!¡± for good measure.


    The tall people looked sheepishly at each other. ¡°Sorry,¡± Celeste finally said.


    Callie fell to the ground, crawling over to a tall tree and leaning back against it to rest. Ambria and Lhawni fell into a spot against another tree, while Pixyl fluttered to the ground next to Callie. They were absolutely exhausted, especially Pixyl. Her legs were even shorter, and while she could fly, the constant flight telekinetics eventually got to be just as tiring.


    Jesca and Celeste walked back and slid to the ground against trees of their own, while Shul¡¯an and the other guys sat down in their own circle. Tazrok was the only one currently missing. On the walk in, the Ogre found the slow pace of even the normal sizes infuriating, so he handed off the pickaxes and switched to his Curvax form to scout ahead. He led everyone to easier ways through the forest, occasionally checking back in with Reynard, who was currently navigating with the tracking stone.


    Thankfully, there was actually minimal underbrush to contend with. The forest around them was mostly made up of tall, old-growth trees with high branches that produced enough shade to keep anything substantial from growing on the forest floor. Instead, it was littered with old leaves and moss-covered rotting branches that had fallen who knows how long ago. It was pretty in a way. But with the irregular ground and occasional obstacles to climb over, moving fast for Callie and the others was absolutely exhausting. Lhawni was able to make it a little easier for herself using her animal form, but was still having difficulty keeping up.


    ¡°Sorry again,¡± Celeste said, wincing. ¡°We¡¯re not used to traveling with smaller races.¡±


    Pixyl scowled on general principle, and Callie added a hard glare. ¡°Yeah, it shows. Just give us a bit and then go slower next time.¡±


    Everyone sat for a few minutes, heart rates and breathing returning to normal. They¡¯d made it about halfway to the nest site, at least by rough estimate, and so far spirits had continued to run high, or at least hadn¡¯t diminished from when they set out. Still, there was a worry about what they¡¯d find once they got to the swamp, especially with Rowani¡¯s warning that there were more wild animals than she had expected.


    With a mischievous wink to Callie, Pixyl and Lhawni, Ambria stood and shuffled over to Jesca, a bit of a sultry waggle in her tail. She sat down next to the Catkin, wrapping an arm around Jesca¡¯s, before taking her paw and snuggling up close, making happy little sounds.


    ¡°Um ¡­ hello?¡± Jesca asked, confused.


    ¡°I just wanted to sit with my new sweetie while we had a moment,¡± Ambria cooed back.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I mean, you have to catch whatever moments you can,¡± the Faun said, nodding her head. ¡°Who knows what might happen in the future.¡± She made an almost purring sound and snuggled in again.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused,¡± Jesca said carefully.


    ¡°I mean, now that we¡¯re betrothed,¡± Ambria added, as if that was a simple explanation.


    ¡°What?¡± Jesca gulped.


    ¡°Now I¡¯m the one confused,¡± Celeste added.


    ¡°Why yes. I mean, you touched my antlers and made ¡­ that happen. Faun law says we must be married now.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Jesca yipped, detangling herself from Ambria¡¯s clutches.


    ¡°Oh I cannot wait for you to meet my family. It will be strange to return home with a Catkin, and a female one, but I think my mother will like you well enough. My father should, too. My grandmother ¡­ she¡¯s a little bit of a traditionalist, but she means well. Try to make friends with her if you can.¡±


    Jesca was starting to get a slightly panicked look and leapt to her feet.


    ¡°Do you want a small wedding, or a big one? How many of your family will attend?¡± Ambria asked, fluttering her eyes.


    ¡°Wedding?¡¯


    ¡°And obviously we¡¯ll have to adopt to have a family, but we can have as big a family as you¡¯d like. The Beastkins like big families, right?¡±


    ¡°Adopt?¡± Jesca gulped.


    ¡°Uh-huh!¡± Ambria said, rising from the ground and almost stalking towards Jesca. ¡±We could live in the Fae lands if you want. There¡¯s a spot on our big farm where we could build the cutest little home. It¡¯s next to a creek and surrounded by trees. If that¡¯s not for you, though, we could find a compromise. I¡¯m not much of a city girl, though. Last time I went there I got Conscripted.¡±


    ¡°This is because ¡­¡± Jesca gulped, pointing with a wobbling hand towards the top of Ambria¡¯s head.


    ¡°Of course, silly,¡± Ambria cooed once more, before adding a sultry, ¡°and I can¡¯t wait for you to do it again.¡± She then rolled her tongue in a slow purr.


    Now truly in panic, Jesca spun, looking for anyone else that could save her. Callie had a look that beamed excited happiness for the new couple. Lhawni also echoed Callie¡¯s look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry,¡± Ambria said, looking up into Jesca¡¯s terrified eyes, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of all the wedding planning. It¡¯s been my dream since I can remember to plan just the most-perfectest wedding.¡± Then putting on a perplexed look, she added, ¡°I mean, I always thought it would probably be another Faun, and a male, that I would marry, but no matter. It will be so glorious to wake up in each other¡¯s arms every single morning for the rest of our lives!¡±


    ¡°What the hell did you do, Jesca?¡± Major Celeste gasped, rising to her feet like the others.


    ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t know!¡± Jesca said, spinning her head and looking for an escape.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you while we walked and I guess ¡­¡± Ambria added sheepishly, her sentence trailing off, moving even closer. She purred again and asked in a low, quiet voice, ¡°May ¡­ may I touch your butt?¡±


    Jesca took two rapid steps backwards, trying to get space between herself and the amorous Faun. In ever growing panic, she looked around, almost begging for help. The Major was just as confused as she was, but both Lhawni and Callie seemed really happy for them. Them? Jesca suddenly realized, somehow she had just become a them!


    ¡°Aww, look at that,¡± Callie said, grinning. ¡°Jesca¡¯s so happy she can¡¯t even speak. When Ambria told us all about Faun law, I was a little unsure. Apparently if you can ¡­ well you know ¡­ only by touching her antlers, then you¡¯re fated soulmates. But the look on your face is so happy that I now understand. The Fates got it right for sure!¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°We¡¯re so happy for you both!¡± Lhawni echoed, reaching to give Jesca a hug. Jesca immediately stepped backwards again.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want ¡­¡± Jesca tried to sputter.


    ¡°Don¡¯t want a big wedding. That¡¯s ok,¡± Callie said. ¡°We can do something smaller, just immediate friends and family. Oh wait! I have the best idea!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ambria asked.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we do a wedding during the Midsummer holiday thing! I¡¯m sure Master Trainer Thorn would share the happy day with both of you! Ooo! Maybe he could even perform the wedding for you both. Or the Commandant could. Wouldn¡¯t that be great, Jesca?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jesca croaked. Her legs finally gave out as she fell backwards onto her rear, a look of abject terror in her eyes.


    ¡°Darling?¡± Ambria asked, ¡°What¡¯s your favorite color, so I can think about decorations?¡±


    ¡°My ¡­?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, your favorite color,¡± Ambria beamed.


    ¡°R-R-Red I guess?¡± Jesca babbled unconsciously.


    ¡°Awww, just like my hair,¡± Ambria grinned, tugging at her long braid. ¡°We are fated to be together for sure!¡±


    Suddenly, from behind the tree where Callie had been originally sitting, there came the sounds of roaring laughter. Pixyl fell into view, tears in her eyes as she cackled uncontrollably, her fist pounding the ground as she tried to breathe.


    Callie, Lhawni and Ambria looked uncomfortably at each other, the huge grins they¡¯d been wearing for the happy occasion seeming to falter just a tiny bit. It was suddenly quiet, the only sounds being Pixyl¡¯s unceasing gasps of laughter.


    ¡°Dammit,¡± Callie finally groaned, her voice growing disappointed. ¡°Pixyl, you spoiled everything!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sor ¡­ I¡¯m sor ¡­¡± the Pixie spluttered, trying to form any kind of words between her gasping breaths, more tears leaking down her cheeks.


    Celeste was the first to realize what had happened, and she started a giggle on her own. Everything proved too much and Lhawni collapsed, soon followed by Callie, who fell to the ground holding her side.


    ¡°Wait ¡­¡± Jesca finally said as the others around her cackled in glee. It took several more seconds before suddenly her brain snapped back together enough to process something wasn¡¯t right. ¡°We¡¯re ¡­ we¡¯re not getting married?¡± Jesca asked, confusion all over her face. ¡°What about Faun law?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no Faun law, you goofball!¡± Callie snapped, her laughter ceasing suddenly. She continued, a somewhat-false anger in her voice, ¡°This is what you get for making us run non-stop for the last forty-five minutes!¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Ambria said seductively, sashaying up to the confused Cheetahkin, ¡°If you are interested, we could talk about it. You do have a spectacular ass.¡± Then she bent down slightly before kissing the confused Ranger on the top of her leather helmet.


    The giggling returned to everyone as Callie and Lhawni high-fived Ambria from the ground. Pixyl finally managed to pull herself upright again, falling back against the trunk of the tree and wiping the tears from her eyes as her gasps of laughter slowly petered out.


    Eventually, Jesca came to her senses, connecting all the dots together into something that her brain was able to make comprehensible. Her own weak laughter gradually joined the others, not quite as raucous but at least still there. ¡°You really got me good,¡± she finally said, hesitation in her voice.


    ¡°And let that serve as a warning to you, Major, and tell the guys too! Slow down or you¡¯ll be next. And we''ll be quite creative with our revenge!¡± Callie snapped in warning, before immediately snorting out a new giggle.


    ¡°Wow,¡± the Major replied simply. ¡°We¡¯ll slow down, for sure.¡±


    Jesca continued lightly laughing, finally absorbing all of the joke. ¡°I was so confused! I thought you and Kaisess were together now.¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± Ambria suddenly mumbled, the laughter on her face immediately fading.


    ¡°Kaisess?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Wait! You and Kaisess? When?¡±


    ¡°You promised not to say anything, Jesca.¡± the Faun hissed.


    Jesca returned a confused look, then started to grin evilly, recognizing she now had an unexpected payback opportunity. ¡°Yeah, I ran into her coming out of his recovery tent the morning after he got hurt. Her clothes were on inside out!¡±


    All eyes swung to the Faun, the color of her face quickly matching the color of her hair.


    ¡°Ooo! Did the two of you hook up? Taking the morning-after Walk of Shame!¡± Callie said lightly, raising a fist in cheer. ¡°Way to go, girl!¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t he your patient? And injured for that matter?¡± Celeste asked, raising one of her eyebrows.


    ¡°Actually ¡­ Tasi took over as his Healer, so ¡­¡± Ambria mumbled, shrugging as her voice trailed off, as if realizing it wasn¡¯t a very good defense.


    ¡°So you two are a thing? Is it serious?¡± Callie asked, fishing for the juicy details.


    ¡°Nah,¡± Ambria replied with a shrug. ¡°Just those couple nights before he left. He¡¯s gone back to Imor and I¡¯m off to war, so nothing serious.¡±


    ¡°Ambria!¡± Celeste chastised. ¡°Was that really a good idea? For either of you?¡±


    Ambria shrugged again. ¡°I was having difficulty dealing with messing up, and good sex helps me clear my head. It¡¯s therapeutic for me.¡±


    ¡°And going back again?¡±


    Ambria shot the Major a slightly sly grin. ¡°It was really good therapy.¡±


    Major Celeste sighed, slapping her hand to her face. ¡°Officially, we¡¯re supposed to discourage the recruits from getting together. This, of course, means that it happens all the time anyway. It¡¯s just going to get worse during Midsummer, too. Honestly, I don¡¯t care. Have fun and be safe and don¡¯t cause trouble, and absolutely don¡¯t let it affect your training. Make sure your Yogosi is up to date, too. You¡¯re all adults.¡±


    ¡°You know what he told me?¡± Ambria said, mostly ignoring the Major¡¯s chastising, her voice seeming to ring nostalgic. ¡°He said he¡¯d find me someday. He told me he¡¯d understand if I didn¡¯t wait, but wants to actually get to know me if I¡¯m not with someone. It was kind of sweet.¡±


    ¡°Aww, that is sweet,¡± Lhawni said. ¡°Are you going to wait?¡±


    Ambria looked at the Goblin with an ¡®are-you-crazy¡¯ expression. ¡°Fuck no! I like therapy too much. But, who knows, I might still be single. I¡¯m in no rush to get married, unless it¡¯s to my lovely Sweetie right here.¡± Ambria reached to take Jesca¡¯s paw in her own hands, fluttering her eyes up at the Catkin.


    Jesca yipped and pulled her hand from the Faun¡¯s grasp, eyes the size of dinner plates.


    As a group, they all laughed at poor Jesca, even the Major raucously joining in. That only led to circling back to relive the practical joke they had played on her, reviewing all the expressions that appeared on her face. Up ahead, Tazrok had returned from his wandering, having joined with the other guys. Reynard was wearing a stern expression, obviously wanting to get moving again.


    Callie tilted her chin at her trainer. ¡°I think he wants to get going, and I suppose we should.¡±


    ¡°Go slower this time,¡± Pixyl snarled to Celeste and Jesca.


    ¡°I think I have a better idea,¡± Callie said. ¡°Everyone get your stuff.¡±


    As a group, they joined Reynard and the rest.


    ¡°We could hear your giggling all the way over here,¡± Reynard snapped. Then he looked at Jesca. ¡°Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.¡± He tried to hold a stiff face, but snorted out a quick laugh. Callie realized that his hearing must be better than many, maybe as good as hers. He hadn¡¯t let that slip before, and she tucked that information away for another time.


    Jesca groaned. ¡°I hate all of you right now!¡±


    Callie smirked, before gesturing to Reynard. ¡°Okay, I know you don¡¯t want to go slow, so I have an idea.¡± She pointed at Shul¡¯an. ¡°You can carry Pixyl on your shoulders. She¡¯s tiny and you¡¯re the biggest besides Tazrok.¡±


    ¡°Sure, I guess I can do that,¡± the Beastkin replied hesitantly, although Pixyl didn¡¯t seem thrilled with the idea.


    ¡°Tazrok,¡± Callie continued. ¡°Hellhound form. You should be able to carry the rest of us. I don¡¯t think your Curvax could hold three, even though we¡¯re small.¡±


    The Ogre grunted. ¡°Doggie form can carry three small ones.¡±


    ¡°There ya go. Don¡¯t bounce us around too much, we don¡¯t have much to hang on to.¡± Callie looked at Reynard. ¡°That should allow us to go a little faster.¡±


    ¡°Um, I¡¯ll just shapeshift instead,¡± Lhawni said, sighing. ¡°I can move through this easily enough.¡±


    ¡°Can use Curvax with two Little Ones,¡± Tazrok said, shrugging.


    ¡°Good, let¡¯s get going,¡± Callie said, nodding as she tried to project some authority.


    Lhawni transformed into her Yalokin form, which was a vaguely fox-shaped creature, the size of a medium dog, with small curved horns on either side of her head and a huge, bushy tail. In this form, her fur was a dark green, almost brown, with an off-white chest and underside. The darker colors helped her to blend into the forest terrain, and she was far more nimble, able to leap the logs and other detritus with ease.


    Pixyl grudgingly settled onto Shul¡¯an¡¯s shoulders, although secretly happy for the relief from having to walk or fly, while Tazrok assumed his Travel form. Ambria and Callie scrambled into place on the Ogre-Curvax, taking a moment to get settled so they wouldn¡¯t fall off or get bounced around too much.


    Callie took the tracker to direct Tazrok, and he moved ahead of everyone else, looking for the easiest path for the others to follow. Just a few more kilometers and they¡¯d see what they were really facing.

 Chapter 44 Part 2 - War Chant

    PART II - WAR CHANT


    ¡°Well ¡­ shit ¡­¡± Callie said glumly, running her hand over her head. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of zombie animals.¡±


    ¡°Out of range, too,¡± Reynard said. ¡°I had hoped we might be able to take a few out from here with Sniper Shot, but at this distance there¡¯s no way. It must be at least six-hundred meters to the dead zone. Even if I could get a shot that far, I¡¯d have almost no accuracy or damage in it.¡±


    Everyone was standing on the ridge overlooking the swamp, trying to take in the scene in front of them. They had found the huge fallen tree with the help of the tracker/beacon combo, and true to Rowani¡¯s word there was a way down the hill to the flat ground below. It was steep, but the ropes would make going down and back easy enough. From there, it looked like it would be a quick, but likely marshy, hike towards a copse of blackened and rotting trees. Reynard, with his better Eagle Eye, was able to zoom in enough to make out what he was sure would be the Bogwump dome and the area around it.


    The problem was that all around the nest were at least a couple dozen decently-sized animals, including what looked like a couple wolf and at least three bear-shaped ones. Even with only Bronze Eagle Eye, Callie and the other Ranger Recruits could make out streaks of dark reds flowing from their eyes and mouths as they simply stood there, silently waiting to die and become food for the new brood of hatchlings.


    ¡°It¡¯s kinda sad,¡± Jesca said, a melancholy tone in her voice.


    ¡°I hate this,¡± Thucax added, angrily turning from the sight, kicking a stone as he walked towards where everyone had dropped their packs.


    Reynard turned, watching the Gnoll for a moment and sighed. ¡°Remember, if they are infected to the point that their eyes and mouth are bleeding, we can¡¯t save them. I honestly don¡¯t know if they can feel anything at this point, but if they can, we will be helping to end their suffering.¡±


    Overhead, at least eight Drakelings circled, and a quick zoomed inspection showed no sign of infection on their faces. Reynard reasoned that if a lot of their usual prey was infected, they may not be eating, and that would likely explain why they went after Rowani so aggressively. Periodically, one would disappear into rock crevices on the hill below the team, with others then flying out as a replacement. There was no way to tell how many of the flyers were nesting in the rocky hill, but it had to be dozens of them. Tazrok was warned to avoid his weasel and kitty forms, and even Pixyl was wary, as the larger Drakelings were pretty close to her size.


    ¡°Should we eat maybe?¡± Lhawni asked, breaking the awkwardness as she turned from the hillside overlook.


    Callie instinctively looked up at Reynard for his opinion, and just as instinctively he nodded. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that,¡± Callie sighed, turning away from the scene of death glumly. ¡°Twenty minutes to rest, eat, use the bushes if you need to, and drink the potions while we figure out the plan. Rangers, we might as well pull out our bows now so our storage can start getting its third charge back.¡±


    After calling them into existence, each of the Rangers leaned their respective bows against the fallen tree and everyone settled into a circle, pulling their meals from their backpacks and trying to relax. It really wasn¡¯t possible. Their stomachs were queasy with nervousness, and it made eating difficult.


    Finally, to fill the void in the conversation, Major Celeste took some time to review sword safety. On its surface, it was for the Rangers, and to a lesser extent, Pixyl. Things like fighting back-to-back and knowing where the others were so you don¡¯t step into their swing. But the message also was aimed for the others, too, specifically reminding Lhawni and Ambria to announce their presence before stepping too close to someone. The Major kept the instructions remarkably light, adding jokes and even a couple stories, which helped ease the dread they were all feeling, while at the same time making sure everyone had their safety knowledge refreshed. The hope still was that none of the Rangers would need to even draw their blades, their bows eliminating the dangers before anything got close.


    True to Callie¡¯s suggestion, everyone took their own moment to disappear into the woods and do their business, with Jesca accompanying Pixyl, lest a Drakeling make use of an opportune moment. None had deemed to fly down from circling overhead, but Pixyl was pretty sure they¡¯d try to come at her if she were alone and had an opening, given how hungry they looked and her proclamation that she was ¡®probably tender and delicious¡¯.


    Callie picked up a stick on her way back to the rest of the group. Upon arriving, she offered it to Reynard. ¡°You got a better look at the nest than we did. Draw out what we¡¯re dealing with.¡± She almost added an instinctive ¡®Sir¡¯, and surprised herself when she didn¡¯t.


    Reynard nodded, put the last bite of his sausage into his mouth, and took the stick from Callie. He started by drawing a circle to use as a reference, then added a line that ran roughly through the circle. ¡°So, if this is the nest, it appears to be close to the shoreline, or at least what looks like more-solid ground, that runs east to west.¡± He gestured to the line. ¡°Some of the nest juts out into the water to the south.¡± He then drew another circle around the first. ¡°This is a dead area around it. In our direction, for maybe twenty or thirty meters, all the plants have withered away, which is good, because we¡¯ll be able to see whatever is coming for us. Watch the water side, though, as something could sneak close underneath the surface. There¡¯s things that can charge you fast from there.¡±


    Lhawni knelt down and drew a wiggly line with her finger out and away from the twin circles to the north, which was the direction the group was now sitting. ¡°This game path goes from here all the way to the water¡¯s edge, exiting not far from the nest, so the ground is solid or shallow enough that the bigger animals are able to get to the water. It hasn¡¯t been raining much, so the water is down. That¡¯s actually good. Hopefully we won¡¯t have to fight in deep muck.¡±


    Reynard looked at the Goblin with a surprised expression. ¡°You got all that from here?¡±


    Lhawni rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m a Goblin. We know swamps better than anyone.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Reynard nodded before continuing with his overview. ¡°About twenty meters from the nest, along here,¡± he gestured south and east of the Bogwump dome, ¡°is the start of denser trees out in the water, most of them looking fairly rotted, I¡¯d guess with the parasite. That may cut down visibility from those directions a bit.¡±


    ¡°Those reeds are pretty tall,¡± Major Celeste said, gesturing along the trail line on the ground. ¡°It¡¯s going to be hard to see until we get to the dead area.¡±


    ¡°It will,¡± Reynard confirmed. He gestured to the four shorter ones. ¡°Especially for them. We¡¯ll want to move as quickly as we can to get into the clearing by the nest.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan when we get there?¡± Shul¡¯an asked.


    Reynard looked at Callie. ¡°Sergeant?¡±


    Callie almost defensively deferred back to the trainer, before remembering it was her show. She blew out her cheeks. She could do this. If she was wrong, Reynard or the Major would correct her, right? ¡°We brought Pixyl here so we can do this fast. We get in and the Rangers can set up a perimeter like we¡¯ve been working on this past week, and she can slice into the thing quickly. We just need to be sure nothing approaches, and call for the Major or Tazrok if we think something might get through. As soon as she has the top opened, someone drops in the oil stuff and we get the hell out of there. I don¡¯t want to overthink this.¡± Callie looked up at Reynard, seeking at minimum some kind of concurrence.


    Reynard studied the battle plan on the ground for a long, hard moment. ¡°You have the basics down,¡± he finally said. He then looked up. ¡°Piercing shots when you can, if you have the time. Otherwise use Rapid Fire, or if that¡¯s out, Multishot. They all help with fast takedowns.¡±


    ¡°Have egg bomb,¡± Tazrok pointed out, gesturing to his backpack lying a few meters away.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Reynard said. ¡°If this starts to get overwhelming, throw one of those. Hopefully the noise will draw things away and give us a moment to regroup.¡± The Foxkin gestured to Tazrok. ¡°You¡¯ll have to drop form, though.¡±


    ¡°Can change fast,¡± Tazrok grunted. ¡°Have practiced.¡±


    Callie looked up from the drawing on the ground, seeing the faces around her. Most were studying what Reynard had drawn, but Ambria was looking at her worriedly, soon joined by Lhawni. Callie cleared her throat. ¡°If you get hurt, fall back if you can or call for help.¡± She gestured towards the two Healers. ¡°Anything we need to know.¡±


    ¡°I have a few different types of healing spells,¡± Ambria said. ¡°I can heal at range, but it¡¯s a general heal, so not very strong and uses a lot of mana, so I try not to use it. I also have a generalized one that is better, but I need to touch your skin; good for smaller, numerous or unreachable wounds. The last I have is a focused one, for bigger wounds, that is slower. I need to touch the injury for that one, or the skin over it if it¡¯s internal damage. Oh, and I can easily block pain or stop any major bleeding with a Coagulate spell.¡±


    ¡°Almost the same for me, but the two general ones both heal over several seconds,¡± Lhawni added, reviewing her repertoire. ¡°My touch heal for larger wounds is slower than Ambria¡¯s, but not too bad. I also have my deep Repair Wound like I used on Trainer Rowani, but that¡¯s far too slow to use in the heat of battle, and gobbles mana for most injuries. Oh, I also have the Healing Pulse from my Totem for smaller wounds, which will also dull some pain. That could heal whatever is attacking us, though.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°If they are infected, they can¡¯t be healed,¡± Callie pointed out. ¡°Remember what happened to Trainer Rowani. It¡¯s probably okay to use it.¡±


    Callie then reached to her side, slipping the green potion from its pouch. She held it up with her thumb and forefinger. ¡°Time to drink up, everyone.¡±


    A general groan went up around the group as everyone pulled their own potions from their belt. Callie popped the stopper off with her thumb, and held it up as if it was a toast. ¡°To saving Juniper.¡± The toast was echoed, almost reluctantly, by everyone as they tilted back the liquid together. The potion tasted like rancid meat, soaked with sour milk, that had been left in the sunlight for several hours.


    ¡°That¡¯s revolting,¡± Celeste coughed out. There was a universal concurrence in the form of groans, coughs, and attempts to spit the taste out of their mouths.


    ¡°This will keep us safe, at least,¡± Reynard pointed out, his face scrunched up.


    ¡°Not worth it!¡± Lhawni snapped in retort, still nearly gagging.


    Jesca fetched the bundle of summoned rags from her backpack, separating and handing them out to the other Ranger recruits, before slipping her pack on. Everyone else also donned their backpacks, stretching their shoulders and arms to make sure everything was settled comfortably into place.


    Callie retrieved her bow from next to the tree, and then walked over to the side of the hill, looking out over the swamp towards the far off dead area. Almost mechanically she sat down in the tall grass, wetting the cloth with her remaining Resist Disease potion, before wiping it along her bow, making sure not to miss any of the surface. Behind her, the other Rangers each retrieved their own bows before returning to the circle to get them ready. She didn¡¯t notice Reynard approaching until he squatted down next to her.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± he asked, almost in a sub-vocal whisper.


    ¡°I think everyone is ready,¡± Callie replied, adding a half-hearted smile.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t what I asked. How are you doing?¡±


    Callie realized his question. ¡°A little worried,¡± Callie said with a shrug.


    ¡°About?¡±


    ¡°People getting hurt, mostly. Maybe of it being my screwup that causes it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to give you any grand words of inspiration, Callie,¡± Reynard said quietly. ¡°I am honestly not very good at it. But I will tell you this. Neither I, nor the Major, nor anyone else would have let you lead this if we didn¡¯t believe you could do it. You¡¯ve done a great job so far.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said, smiling again. ¡°It means a lot that you said that. But, don¡¯t be afraid to take over if you think you need to, even if I resist.¡±


    Reynard patted Callie¡¯s shoulder, and rose, turning to walk back to the group where Lhawni and Ambria were relaying to Shul¡¯an and Thucax the story of the sudden and temporary engagement of Jesca and the Faun, much to everyone¡¯s amusement and the utter embarrassment of the Cheetakin.


    ¡°Sir?¡± Callie said, looking up and back.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I realized a couple days ago I forgot to tell you something, and I haven¡¯t had a good moment since. But before we start this thing, I want to make sure I do.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I forgive you.¡±


    A confused look appeared on Reynard¡¯s face. ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For what you did to me and said to me that first day.¡±


    It took several moments for Reynard to recall what Callie was talking about, and then his face softened. ¡°I suppose I did, indeed, admit you are a Ranger.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for that, too,¡± Callie said. ¡°Thank you for everything.¡±


    Reynard nodded his head, touching his paw to his chest in a small bow of acknowledgement.


    Callie and Reynard, as well as the others, had been so engrossed in their conversations, they hadn¡¯t noticed that Tazrok had started to sing. He had walked over to the downed tree, and then climbed up on top of the huge fallen trunk. Now he was standing far above them and looking out over the swampy valley, eyes closed and making some of the most unique sounds. It was a steady chanting of a repeating series of differently pitched grunts, feeling tribal in nature, that seemed to call out from the Ogre. But it wasn¡¯t a single voice. For every sound that Tazrok made, a second, or maybe even a third harmonized note seemed to come from him as well. It was like a pulse, the notes changing in a perfect, clear sequence, producing a beat without percussion.


    As Tazrok sang, slowly everyone stopped whatever they were doing, seeming to be both confused and enraptured by the music. It reached out to touch them somehow, saying they knew not what.


    ¡°Whoa, Mongolian throat singing! Cool!¡± Callie gasped in a whisper. She¡¯d taken an easy music appreciation class her freshman year of college, and one of the modules covered tribal musics, including a sub-section specific to this type of harmonized singing. She¡¯d never heard it in real life, though, only the few videos the instructor had prepared.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Reynard asked quietly.


    ¡°It¡¯s a vocal technique. You can sing more than one note at the same time,¡± Callie casually answered in a whisper, eyes focused on the Ogre standing above them all.


    Tazrok continued to sing, his low voice steady and strong, seeming to call out to not only the rest of the team, but increasingly to the valley below. The grunted notes, eleven of them in total, repeated over and over. Then the Ogre picked up his foot, stomping it hard on the tree, causing a slight thump to be felt by everyone. The notes of the song rose minutely in pitch, and seemed to grow in intensity as well.


    Everyone stood, now totally engrossed in what the Druid was doing, and they gathered close, joining Callie and Reynard.


    ¡°He¡¯s using that skill again,¡± Major Celeste whispered in Reynard¡¯s ear. ¡°That ¡®Chieftain''s Inspiration¡¯ skill of his.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I can feel it,¡± the Foxkin replied just as quietly.


    The music continued, the ever-repeating pattern of eleven notes. Again his foot stomped down and again the force of the impact vibrated through the tree and the ground, before flowing up the legs of the nine standing below. As before, the pitch of each note rose a tiny amount, and the intensity of the power was dialed up another notch.


    Having heard Celeste¡¯s whisper about Tazrok using a skill, Callie looked inward, past the sounds, past the scene of her huge friend singing. She couldn¡¯t tell what she was feeling, but she was feeling ¡­ something. Somewhere, deep inside her, it was as if her soul had started to dance and spin to the pulse of Tazrok¡¯s call.


    *stomp*


    Again, Tazrok stomped his foot on the tree below him. It seemed even stronger this time, and Callie could feel her heart starting to beat in time with the repetition of the sung notes. Next to her, Shul¡¯an opened their lips and started to sing the same sequence along with Tazrok. They couldn¡¯t harmonize multiple notes like the Ogre could, but the Salamanderkin¡¯s voice seemed to merge into the song, adding another to the chorus.


    *stomp*


    The pitch rose again, and this time Thucax joined, followed almost immediately by Jesca. Her feminine voice was naturally higher pitched, but nonetheless seemed to harmonize into the song.


    *stomp*


    Tazrok stomped his foot again, and the pace of his thumps seemed to be increasing, with fewer repetitions of the eleven-note sequence. Now all of them could really feel the effects of Tazrok¡¯s magic. They didn¡¯t understand what it was, or really what it was doing, but it was all around them. Callie unconsciously shaped her lips into an ¡®o¡¯ shape and joined in singing out the song of the Ogres, following the same eleven angry notes.


    *stomp*


    This time, the sequence of sounds only played out a single time before Tazrok again called for the increase in pitch; called for an increase in their combined power. Ambria, Lhawni and even the tiny Pixyl shaped their mouths and added their call.


    *stomp*


    The pattern somehow changed. Now, Tazrok would call out the sequence of notes, and those singing would echo the same sequence back. The notes seemed to grow even angrier, no longer a simple slow, steady chant. The Ogre only sang ten notes this time, then waited for the echo from the rest, before bringing his massive foot down, the tree resonating the sound around them.


    *stomp*


    Nine notes, rising in pitch yet again, getting angrier in tone. Major Celeste, bewildered, did the only thing she could, and opened her mouth to sing the response with the others.


    *stomp*


    The sequence was getting shorter, this time rising after only an eight-note call and response. Reynard, the last holdout for this wild call of the Ogres, finally surrendered and threw his voice into the chorus. They could feel their blood starting to heat with warlike excitement.


    *stomp*


    Seven notes, the intensity and power somehow continuing to increase along with a hissing rage forming in their voices.


    *stomp*


    Six notes ¡­


    *stomp*


    Five notes ¡­


    *stomp*


    *stomp*


    *stomp*


    Four notes. Three. Two.


    Tazrok raised both arms towards the sky, his eyes still closed. Now he would call out the last two notes, and his found tribe of nine on the ground repeated them back, before doing it again. The two note call and response continued as the group moved as one to the edge of the ridge, facing out and joining Tazrok¡¯s roar to the valley and the feral sentinels below. The rage in their combined voices had turned into fury!


    *stomp*


    And now there was only one note left. Tazrok roared it out, and the rest joined. Everyone¡¯s hearts pounded in synchronicity with each other, and they fixated together on this last single note, growling it out in harmonized primalness. They locked their stares to the zone of death that was their target. Their blood pumped in unison and senses tightened. Their confidence soared and roars served to deliver only one single warning. They! Were! Coming!


    Tazrok made fists with his gigantic hands, and then brought his arms crashing to his side. Somehow everyone knew what to do, and without being told, they all ceased their howls in unison. Through the woods around them, across the valley and from the very skies above, their voices circled and reflected back to them. The sounds echoed like rolling thunder, an ever shortening call and response, finally collapsing to a single, final, savage note. And then the echoes ceased, the last reflected cry abruptly cut off.


    They stood in a group, all panting and gasping for breath as they stared to the south. Everyone looked up at Tazrok, unsure what to say or do next, like they were seeking guidance from the conductor of this primal symphony. The Ogre cracked his neck before sliding down off the giant tree trunk, almost mockingly making another heavy thump as his feet hit the ground. He took a step and stopped, looking at his other nine team members, perplexed by their expressions.


    ¡°So ¡­ that just happened,¡± Callie said, her breathing still heavy.


    ¡°What ¡­ what the hell was that?¡± Celeste asked, pointing up to where Tazrok had been leading the call.


    The Ogre looked up to where he had been standing, cocked his head quizzically, and then shrugged. ¡°That was an Ogre war chant, my good Major. We are stronger now, and they are afraid.¡±


    Still stunned, they watched Tazrok lumber past them and towards the edge of the ridge where the trail began down the side of the hill. He turned and looked back, nodding his giant head sharply a single time. ¡°Come, my friends, let¡¯s go be heroes.¡±


    <hr>

 Chapter 44 Part 3 - The Plague Heart

    PART III: THE PLAGUE HEART


    ¡°Eww! What the hell was that!¡± Callie cried out as something slimy bounced off her helmet.


    ¡°Something¡¯s head!¡± Ambria cringed, dancing around something¡¯s head now lying on the ground.


    ¡°Major!¡± Callie yelled out, ¡°Watch where you fling your decapitations!¡±


    ¡°Sorry!¡± came Celeste''s response somewhere in the weeds to her right.


    ¡°How far, Reynard?¡±


    ¡°Fifty meters to the dead area. Everyone stay tight.¡±


    Callie heard the snarl of something in the reeds to her left, and then saw movement. Shul¡¯an had heard it too, and dropped their pickaxe before both Rangers shot on instinct. Two thumps from arrow impacts were heard a split moment later.


    ¡°We¡¯d be there already if somebody hadn¡¯t decided it was the perfect time to get a migraine!¡± Callie snapped, obviously directing the statement to someone. Ahead, a huge Blue-footed Cave Spider turned to look back at the group, seeming to shrug two of its legs in apology. Then another of its legs kicked out, sending something flying.


    Following Tazrok¡¯s inspiring battle cry, everyone had made their way quickly down the path to the valley floor, using the ropes to assist their descent. Lhawni had the easiest time with it in her animal form, her fox-like body leaping quickly around the rocks and needing no other help. Once they had all reached the bottom, they found Tazrok sitting on a large boulder holding his head and needing almost ten minutes before he felt well enough to begin the trek towards the nest.


    Callie and Pixyl had seen something like this happen to the Ogre before, on the day he punished Dunni and the other recruits, after giving his inspiring speech. Like then, a little rest and Tazrok seemed to return to normal, but Callie filed this new recurrence away. Something odd was going on with her huge friend.


    Tazrok back on his feet, they had all started the trek towards the Bogwump nest, following the path that Lhawni had pointed out. The ground was indeed solid, although the squelching sounds made people a little wary. On either side of the trail were reed-like plants standing about a meter-and-a-half tall, which meant for Callie and the other short people, they couldn¡¯t see much, except what lay ahead along the trail. Luckily, the taller people were able to see over the tops, and it was easy to detect movements as the reeds parted for something below.


    They made it almost four-hundred meters before the first of the infected creatures attacked. Callie had had a sudden knot in her stomach, as did the other Rangers, as their Danger Sense triggered a warning and direction. Celeste and Lhawni also felt it, and the Bladedancer Flashstepped off the path, appearing about ten meters away in perfect position to take care of the incoming creature. That was Tazrok¡¯s cue to turn into his spider form.


    Now they were pushing steadily ahead, coming under occasional attack from either side as well as from the direction they were moving. Tazrok drew the most attention, even without Taunting, simply due to his size and the amount of foliage his huge body and legs displaced. So far, most of the attackers had been relatively small, perhaps nothing larger than a housecat, so not a significant threat. The Ogre-spider did have a couple minor bite wounds on one of his legs where some reptile thing had latched on, but it wasn¡¯t bad and Tazrok waved off the offer of healing with a dismissive flick of a leg, seeming to imply waiting until any healing was more worth the mana costs.


    Another flash of movement caught Callie¡¯s attention, as well as the others, and both she and Jesca loosed almost simultaneously towards it. There were two soft thumps of arrows hitting something meaty, and the movement seemed to stop coming their way.


    One thing Callie found rather eerie was that the animals remained utterly silent. She had anticipated ferocious snarls, growls, and other menacing sounds from these zombie creatures. However, they simply charged directly at them, ready to use their claws and teeth to attack, without making a single sound. Even when struck by an arrow, a sword, or Tazrok''s legs, they didn''t emit any noise. This silence was disturbing, though it did make it easier to detect movements from the sounds of crunching vegetation, at least. To Callie, it just seemed plain wrong; zombies were supposed to make some sort of noise when they were active, like groans or snarls or something, at least they did in the movies. It should be the same here!


    ¡°Tazrok, something big on your left!¡± Reynard called out.


    The spider seemed to jump straight up, spinning a quarter turn counter-clockwise in the air before landing. Tazrok rose back, driving two of his legs forward, obviously piercing something from the thumping sounds, before a second pair of legs speared in after the first. He made a couple more stabs with all four legs, while simultaneously trying to shake off a hairy critter that had latched on to one of his rear legs with its teeth. With a final whip, the little zombie-animal lost its grip and was flung back into the reeds. Tazrok, seeming satisfied whatever large thing had attacked from his left flank was no longer a threat, started moving again towards the dead area ahead, while Reynard released a long Rapid Fire into the swamp grasses where the flung critter had landed.


    They edged forward, slowly but steadily moving down the trail. Tazrok had to fend off another large creature, and Major Celeste was Flashstepping all over the place to take care of anything charging through the reeds. Pixyl had removed her suppression bracelets at the bottom of the hill, but because everyone was so close, refrained from extending her Ethereal Blades. Once, she had to use an Ethereal Blast at something coming towards them, the flash of light vaporizing whatever it was into fine ash mid-leap.


    ¡°Hey! Get off me!¡± Ambria hissed, shaking her leg. There was a tiny, rat-sized hairy critter attached to it, gnawing away, but not able to penetrate her armor.


    Celeste ran by, casually grabbing the thing by its tail and flinging it far off into the swamp. ¡°You okay?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± the Healer said. ¡°It didn¡¯t get through, just chewed on it a bit.¡±


    Eventually, Tazrok emerged from the hallway-like trail of reeds into the open area made up of dead vegetation. His feet noticeably sank about four centimeters into the muck, the divots replaced quickly by water when he moved. Lhawni called out a warning to everyone to be more-careful of their footing, but still felt things were pretty solid.


    A squealing sound of some kind from Tazrok came forth as he was beset on two sides by large, rabid wildlife. On one side was a wolf-like creature with razor-sharp fangs trying to get to him, while on the other, one of the Bearthings seen from the ridgeline was trying to get in close as well. The spider kept both back, using a pair of legs on each, looking for an opening. Eventually the Ogre-turned-spider found one, and used his stinger to skewer the Wolfthing through the skull, and it spasmed momentarily before going limp. The threat from that side dealt with, he turned to face the other, but the Bearthing had turned to face a charging Celeste.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Taunt it!¡± Celeste yelled out as she rushed.


    With a renewed ferocity, the Bearthing spun and began to even more savagely rip at Tazrok as the Druid pushed the Taunt. The Ogre was able to hold it at a distance, but still took several swipes to his legs and a deep one to his underside that drew significant blood, even through the hardened carapace. That was all it was able to do, though. The Major jumped high, flipping once in the air, before driving her two swords into the top of the bear¡¯s head from above. The creature¡¯s legs simply went limp, and it still never made a single sound.


    ¡°Heals!¡± Celeste called out after rolling to her feet, pointing at the spider as she now swiveled her head rapidly to guard from all directions. Extending her hands, both swords leapt from the bearthing¡¯s skull, flying into her hands.


    Ambria heard the call and charged forward, dodging around the taller Rangers. She hesitated a half step at seeing Tazrok-the-Spider, her instinctive arachnophobia rising unbidden for a moment. That moment was all she needed to get her head straight, though, as she focused on the fact it was Tazrok and pushed on. The Ogre-spider stopped moving so the Faun could get close and then under him. Ambria pushed first a targeted healing into the gash on his underside, the bleeding ceasing as the wound zippered itself closed. Next, she cast a general touch heal to take care of the multiple smaller wounds on his legs and body.


    As the Faun ran out from under the spider, the rest of the team members emerged from the weeds. They fell into a vague cover formation, working to secure the area around the Bogwump nest. While the charging animals were fierce, they were also single-minded in their attacks, meaning they were almost entirely predictable.


    Celeste ran to and fro, dispatching a few zombie critters that were rushing for them, while Tazrok faced off against another Bearthing, using two legs to hold it at a distance, another to trip it to the ground, and a fourth to skewer right through its neck. A second skewer assured it wasn¡¯t going to move again.


    ¡°Careful of that shoreline!¡± Reynard called out, reminding everyone that things could be lurking in the water beyond.


    ¡°The ground will be soft close to the water, too,¡± Lhawni added, as she, Pixyl and Ambria all scrambled towards the dome.


    The Bogwump nest itself was bigger than Callie had thought it would be. The top was nearly two meters off the ground, with the sides gradually falling from the high point over a several meter radius. About one-fourth of the nest jutted out into the water, the sides disappearing into the murky swamp.


    ¡°Fan out,¡± Callie called out. ¡°Just like we talked about.¡± Thucax and Shul¡¯an both set the pickaxe they were carrying part of the way up the dome, then joined the other Rangers moving to take up spots so they were covering all approaches, and could easily assist each other¡¯s line of fire. That put the Healers and Pixyl behind them in the center. Callie glanced briefly to her right and called a Turret into existence to add yet another source of ranged attack.


    Celeste and Tazrok charged around for a while longer, clearing out a few things as everyone got set, before they also pulled back, allowing the Rangers unobstructed sightlines. Tazrok quickly shapeshifted back to Ogre form so someone could get into his backpack, and Celeste pulled both of the Egg-sploders out, setting them in easy reach, not far from the pickaxes. When and if needed, someone would twist the timer and then hand it to Tazrok to throw, his hands being too large to easily wind the countdown himself.


    Callie caught a glimpse of something rushing from the reeds and her Turret fired at the same time she loosed her own arrow, and a cat-sized zombie frog-like creature was knocked back into the vegetation by twin arrow hits.


    ¡°We ready?¡± Callie called out. Once everything was set, then Pixyl would start her cutting, but not before. Reynard had warned them, based on his previous experience, that things would get a lot more crazy as soon as the break-in started.


    One by one, each of the Rangers called back, confirming they were as ready as they were ever going to be, with the two Guardians confirming the same. ¡°Go for it Pixyl!¡± Callie ordered.


    The Bladeweaver¡¯s magenta power sword flashed into existence, and its owner plunged it deep into the top of the dome. Or tried to, that is. Pixyl encountered almost immediate resistance. It still cut through, but was slow going, more like using a dull knife to slice through frozen ice cream rather than a sharp one through soft butter. It took a couple seconds before the Pixie¡¯s fist finally reached the roof of the nest. Pixyl started to pull, trying to make a cut, but it continued to be agonizingly slow going. ¡°This is going to take longer than I thought!¡± Pixyl called out.


    None of the Rangers really registered her words though. As soon as the first piercing was finished, creatures started to rush out of the weeds. Everything from shrew-like tiny critters, to another pair of Wolfthings. They had been ready though, and Callie dropped a layered Piercing Rapid Fire attack into one of the larger animals, while Shul¡¯an and Jesca took out the other with piercing attacks of their own. The little turret dutifully loosed its own bolts, Callie almost casually directing it mentally to target the smaller creatures easily felled with its single, non-enhanced crossbow bolt.


    Reynard seemed to blur into action, dropping arrows faster than the eye could follow, both enhanced and normal. Small things, medium things, even large things, took no more than a few steps before they were struck, either dropped in place or thrown back into the reeds. If it hadn¡¯t been for the increasingly chaotic situation around them pulling their attention, the other Ranger recruits would have been transfixed in utter amazement at what their Platinum Tiered mentor was able to do. It put their paltry Bronze skills to complete shame in comparison.


    ¡°I think we need an Egg!¡± Shul¡¯an called out. ¡°Throw it west.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wind it!¡± Ambria called back as she rushed for one of the devices at the bottom of the mound, Tazrok changing forms and lumbering towards her to get the handoff. The Faun snatched up the device, twisted the knob as far as she could, and tossed it to the Ogre.


    ¡°Throwing now,¡± Tazrok growled as he spun, winding up to throw. His huge arm made the wind part as it moved, the Egg disappearing into the western reeds.


    ¡°Loud sound!¡± Callie called out, remembering Fizzlebek¡¯s warning. ¡°Someone cover Reynard¡¯s side!¡± She launched a final Multishot, tagging a pair of zombie lizards, before stepping back, crouching and covering her ears. To her left, she saw Major Celeste Flashstep next to the Foxkin trainer while he pulled back with paws over his own ears, guarding against anything approaching from that direction. She was right, he did have sensitive ears like her!


    Even with their ears covered, Callie, Lhawni and Reynard were all sent reeling as the Egg-sploder began to scream. It was as if a hundred car alarms combined together into a single song of ear-piercing chaos. But, almost like a water-tap had been turned off, the deluge of charging zombie creatures slowed to a trickle as many turned, making a mad dash for the new threat. Several seconds later, both a Wolfthing and a Bearthing charged at it as well, the former leaping high into the air to get a pounce. As soon as it landed, the Egg-sploder activated its second surprise and detonated. Chunks of zombie Wolfthing were sent flying in all directions, along with several other smaller creatures. Even the Bearthing wasn¡¯t spared, and it was sent tumbling backwards, obviously injured and missing at least one leg.


    Callie shook her head, trying to get the residual audio-induced confusion out of her brain. It took a moment, but she finally got enough wits about her to look up again. It was good she did, because she was just able to roll away from a zombie Beaverthing. It looked like an almost-normal beaver at first glance, although its fur was more a dark green than a brown. It even had a flat tail, but attached to that flat tail was a long, bony spike, raised and ready to pierce, and Callie was reminded of a scorpion¡¯s stinger. She instinctively called mentally for her Turret to shoot it, but the time had run out on her summoning and nothing came to her aid. The ScorpoBeaver turned and charged her again, spike glinting in the sunlight.


    Scrambling backwards, Callie struggled to get anything into place to fend the thing off, but the best she could do was try to kick it in the face, managing at least to hit it a couple times. The ScorpoBeaver was relentless, though, and made several attempts to impale the Gnome by driving the spike forward. It was a standoff that Callie eventually lost, the bony tip of its tail plunging through the Gnome¡¯s armor and into the calf of her right leg. The zombie creature pulled its spike out, now red with blood, and lined itself up for another attack.

 Chapter 44 Part 4 - Enemies All Around

    PART IV: ENEMIES ALL AROUND


    Callie had tossed her bow to the side and was working to pull out her shorter sword, just to have something to try returning the attack besides her foot. Then the pain hit her, as well as the sudden realization that she¡¯d been injured. Unbidden, she screamed in agony as the ScorpoBeaver charged her again.


    A flash of reflected sunlight glinted in Callies face and there was suddenly a long blade impaled through her attacker¡¯s body, pinning it in place. A split-moment later Celeste charged into view, her second sword casually beheading the ScorpoBeaver with a single slash, the head flung aside and spinning through the air, dark zombie-blood pinwheeling out from it.


    ¡°Healer!¡± Celeste called out, extending a hand to her embedded sword. The blade seemed to struggle for a moment, but then leapt into her hand, as if returning to a place of comfort. With a hard kick from the Major, the body of the ScorpoBeaver was sent flying, followed by a crackle of orange light as the Major Flashstepped away, intercepting another zombie creature.


    ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± Lhawni said, Callie still stunned by what had just happened to her as she groaned and hissed in pain. ¡°Leg?¡± Callie didn¡¯t answer, and Lhawni lightly slapped her face. ¡°Hey! Are you hurt anywhere else?¡±


    Callie shook her head to clear the redness clouding her mind, a fresh wave of agony hitting her. She sucked in air through her teeth, trying to hold down another scream. ¡°Just the leg!¡±


    The stomping sound of Tazrok¡¯s rush to Callie¡¯s aid distracted the Goblin from her work. ¡°Callie Gnome!¡± the Ogre cried out.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± Lhawni snapped, returning to Callie¡¯s blood-soaked calf. ¡°Go kill something!¡±


    Tazrok stood confused in worry for a long second, before nodding sharply and rushing off to his right, his form warbling once again into his huge Spider form, legs almost immediately snapping out in multiple directions, either kicking, slashing or impaling anything they came in contact with.


    Lhawni had summoned her Totem a few minutes earlier, and as Tazrok turned, she called for a Healing Pulse. The wave of Healing energy passed through them all, sealing anyone¡¯s small wounds near-instantly, and in Callie¡¯s case, slightly numbing the pain in addition to slowing the flow of blood.


    ¡°Need me?¡± Ambria called a short distance away. ¡°I might be faster.¡±


    The Shaman shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± she replied as a faint blue light appeared in her hand, focusing on Callie¡¯s leg. ¡°Sorry, this is going to sting a bit. I have to touch it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± was all Callie could mutter before a fresh wave of pain hit her.


    Lhawni needed to touch the wound to heal it fast and properly, but with Callie¡¯s armor in the way, she didn¡¯t have much of a path to it except through the hole the spike had already made. She jammed her finger in, curling it on the underside of the armor so her knuckle was resting against the bloody wound.


    Callie hissed, fighting back an urge to scream again as new pain hit her, despite the numbing effects of the Pulse. But almost immediately, she could actually feel the pain ease as Lhawni began to stitch things together. The Goblin pushed her power. It was slower than Ambria would have been but the Goblin still worked fast and efficiently. In less than ten seconds, she pulled her blood-soaked finger out from under Callie¡¯s armor, everything as good as new.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be stiff for a while, and maybe scar,¡± Lhawni said. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine, though.¡±


    ¡°Battle scars are sexy!¡± Pixyl called out from the top of the nest in a singsong voice. She was still working to saw her way into the dome, but had been worried about Callie and watching carefully, barely resisting the immediate urge to rush to her aid.


    ¡°Yup! They sure are!¡± Shul¡¯an added, dropping a Multishot towards a couple somethings.


    Extending her hand, Callie¡¯s bow flew from where it had fallen. She used it to help stand, finding the calf of her leg was indeed stiff, but not in pain any longer. ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± she said, nodding towards Lhawni as she pulled a mana potion from her right side. The Shaman nodded in return and scrambled out of the way.


    ¡°How¡¯s that hole coming!¡± Callie yelled back to Pixyl, making a face as she drank back the foul liquid.


    ¡°It¡¯s going slow! Halfway!¡± the Pixie called back. Following Reynard¡¯s preparatory guidance, the goal was to cut a hole at least a half-meter in diameter, a little bigger if possible. It needed to be large enough that the DragonFire Oil flames had somewhere to go, lest the inferno blow the dome apart. But it also needed to be small enough that there was no risk of hatchlings escaping.


    ¡°Everyone stay focused,¡± the Major called out, needing to take a break for a moment to drink a mana potion of her own. She¡¯d been Flashstepping almost constantly since the first animals came at them, as often as her charge cooldown would allow, and it had finally caught up with her.


    A butt-lunge by Tazrok-the-Spider drove his stinger through the head of another Bearthing, the last of the ones they had seen in the vicinity. He then pushed it away with two legs before using the other six to concentrate on the various smaller creatures, first stepping on them, and then flicking the bodies off into the weeds or the water. The Rangers adjusted their positions slightly to assure the Ogre wasn¡¯t caught in any wayward crossfire.


    Callie called forth a new Turret, and mentally directed it towards targeting smaller creatures. It was grizzly work for all of them, but they focused on the task and not the effects. Reynard and Celeste had taken some time while they had waited for Tazrok to get over his headache to talk about what they all had before them. They had been warned it was going to be bloody, messy, smelly, and disturbing. But, success relied on everyone doing their part, so none of them could dwell on how awful they should feel. ¡°If you need to get sick, you do it later!¡± the Major had said simply. It didn¡¯t help a lot, though, and Callie could sense that she and some of the others would have a psychological reckoning once the danger had passed, or at least the need for a stiff drink or six.


    The sounds of heavy hoofbeats were heard in the distance, growing louder as something big and heavy raced towards them. Without even thinking, Callie layered up a Rapid Fire Piercing Shot and looked for the source of the thundering sounds, a bad feeling growing in her gut.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    It charged from the reeds, something resembling a huge, six-legged water buffalo. It¡¯s head was down, pointed horns thrust forward like a pair of lances, and aimed right for Jesca. Callie had been ready, though, and loosed her layered attack. A quintet of arrows flew, accompanied by additional Piercing shots from Reynard and Thucax. The trainer¡¯s arrow dove into the creature¡¯s skull, as did one of Callie¡¯s, her others plunging into the Buffalothing¡¯s neck. It stumbled, tripping on its failing legs, and began to tumble towards Jesca, throwing mud and dead grasses before it.


    The Catkin barely dodged out of the way, but the momentum of the beast carried it right past her and up the side of the Bogwump dome, barreling towards Pixyl. The Pixie¡¯s reflexes were as sharp as Jesca¡¯s, though, and Pixyl shot straight into the air just in time, using her melded Airborne Dash skill and leaving a streak of magenta mist behind her. Unfortunately, this put her almost twenty meters straight up almost instantly, and it took her a moment to get her bearings. Meanwhile, the dead Buffalothing continued its forward roll up and over the mound, splashing into the swampy water on the other side, a huge wave pushed out from it.


    Pixyl¡¯s momentarily confused position in midair was enough to give the circling Drakelings an opening, and one of the largest dove for her, claws out, intent on possibly making a meal of the delicious Pixie. Before Callie could even bring her bow to bear in the hope of shooting it down, Reynard had already released a Homing arrow into it, targeting time down to almost nothing at his Platinum tier. The impaled Drakeling¡¯s momentum carried it crashing right into Pixyl, though, sending her away from the shore and spiraling down towards the murky water.


    She plunged, stunned and feeling a pain in her side from where the Drakeling had hit her, before getting enough sense to get her flight telekinetics oriented and arrest her descent, the power making the water ripple. Unfortunately, she was now over the water, and her attempts to fly back to the shore were slow, cumbersome and immediately exhausting. Major Celeste Flashstepped, stretching and extending her arm out from the shoreline, eventually snagging the Pixie¡¯s hand. She yanked Pixyl in close before she fell to the ground, panting in exhaustion and wincing in pain.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± the Major asked.


    ¡°Just a bruise.¡± Pixyl panted, reaching for the blue elixir at her belt, ¡°I¡¯m low on mana and stamina though.¡±


    ¡°I can help,¡± Lhawni said, mentally triggering a Refreshing Pulse from her Totem, which served to give everyone a small, quick jolt of fresh energy. Then she scrambled to help Pixyl to her feet, hand on her neck, so she could deliver a Rejuvenation spell, adding another shot of both stamina and mana together. That, coupled with the mana potion, was enough to get Pixyl back into action, and she rushed back up the dome to resume cutting, swearing to herself about how long it was taking. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t need healing?¡± Lhawni called after her.


    Pixyl shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s just get this done.¡± Her hand flashed with light and she plunged her Ethereal Blade back into the top of the nest to continue cutting.


    Pixyl¡¯s renewed attack on the nest seemed to turn up the ferocity and number of the incoming attacking creatures. ¡°I think we need another one of those exploding things!¡± Celeste called out as she skewered another zombie ScorpoBeaver.


    Like before, Ambria ran for the Egg-sploder, while Tazrok lumbered to join her. The Faun snatched it up, juggled it loosely in her hands in nervousness, and finally got it under control. She twisted the timer knob before offering it to the Ogre.


    ¡°Which way?¡± Tazrok asked.


    ¡°I have no idea!¡± Ambria snapped back.


    Tazrok shrugged, and threw it in what looked like a random direction. This time roughly to the southwest, where it landed with a light splashing sound in the reeds. ¡°Loud noise!¡± he called out, remembering the warning Callie had given previously for those with ultra-sensitive ears.


    Callie, Lhawni and Reynard each knelt, plugging their ears with their fingers moments before the Egg-sploder started screeching. Like before, the flood of incoming attackers abruptly slowed to barely a trickle. The zombie infected turned as one, charging the deadly lure. Most of the larger animals by this point had been dealt with, so the screaming went on longer than last time before something large enough to disturb the device finally reached it. There was another tremendous explosion, and not only the large animal, but at least a couple dozen smaller ones all were sent flying. The explosion seemed almost twice as large this time, and for some reason Callie unconsciously made a mental note to mention the inconsistency to Fizzlebek.


    ¡°Tazrok! Pull here!¡± Pixyl yelled, breaking the sudden stillness. She had cut most of the hole, but didn¡¯t want to go further lest the top drop down into the nest. Instead, she¡¯d cut out a smaller hole that the Ogre could reach into and pull the whole thing out like a plug.


    The Druid lurched forward, but a cracking sound from the dome below him gave him pause, his weight likely too much for even the stone-like dome to hold. Grumbling, he grabbed a mana potion and made a face as he tossed back the foul liquid. The rapid shapeshifting had taken its toll and he needed a recharge. Now, he changed back into his spider form, allowing him to distribute his weight out between seven of his legs spaced around the edge of the nest¡¯s dome, while his body hovered above Pixyl where he would be able to reach through the handle-hole with his eighth.


    Tazrok shot his leg into the handhold, working to find the underside and get some leverage. It was thicker than he expected, but eventually he felt an edge and hooked his thin leg under it. Pulling with all his might, he fought against both the weight of the stone-like dome and the slippery underside. Pixyl had to make a few more cuts, but finally the plug was pulled free, crashing down the side before splashing into the water.


    ¡°Major! I need that oil!¡± Pixyl called out.


    ¡°Tazrok, take over for her!¡± Callie ordered.


    The Ogre-Spider seemed to nod in understanding, skittering around bodies to start fending off the slowly resuming influx of zombie creatures. Major Celeste swapped spots with him, sliding her backpack off so she could retrieve the metal container of Dragonfire Oil.


    Up until now, not a single creature had made a sound. No snarls or growls or even yips of pain. In fact, save the team¡¯s callouts and the thwacks of their weapons, the two Egg-sploder bursts, and an occasional Drakeling call, things had been eerily silent. Several of them had commented on how creepy the silence was, with Thucax even referring to it as ¡®a little nightmarish¡¯.


    Then, there came a deep, hissing roar. Around the team, what little ambient sounds there were abruptly disappeared. Overhead, the circling Drakelings abruptly turned tail and flew at high speed for the safety of their nests in the rocks. While it had been eerie before, now everyone felt the full weight of absolute silence as the only sounds everyone heard were the beats of their own pounding hearts.


    ¡°What the hell was that,¡± Callie asked slowly, with obvious trepidation in her voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­¡± Reynard said carefully, trying to orient himself on the direction it came from, which was proving difficult given the echoes off the valley walls. ¡°I think I recognize that roar from somewhere. Everyone, be ready!¡±


    From the southwest came the crashing of rotted trees and the splashing of water. Each of the rangers warmed up their bows, forming an arrow but holding off applying any spells to them before knowing what was coming.


    ¡°Why do I have a feeling Tazrok¡¯s bomb woke something up,¡± Jesca said, tensing.


    Major Celeste was distracted fumbling through her pack, trying to dig out the canister of Dragonfire oil, but in all of her fighting, it had sunk to the bottom and was proving far more difficult to retrieve than it should. It was jammed into a corner, and every time she thought she had it, the canister would slip out of her fingers. She was about two seconds shy of just upending the thing and dumping it all out.


    ¡°There!¡± Shul¡¯an shouted as another tree crashed into the swamp. ¡°I saw something big, dark and long.¡±


    ¡°Oh hell!¡± Reynard called out in a sudden panic as recognition finally came to him. ¡°I know what this is! Basilisk! Don¡¯t look! Everyone, turn your back to it!¡±

 Chapter 44 Part 5 - At First I Was Afraid, Then I Was Petrified ...

    PART V: AT FIRST I WAS AFRAID, THEN I WAS PETRIFIED¡­


    Not questioning Reynard¡¯s tone, Callie and the rest of the Rangers spun, facing away from the incoming danger. Her brain went into a slight panic as the word ¡®Basilisk¡¯ rattled around in it, suddenly remembering Harry needing to defeat one in the second movie. What was it? A really big snake-like thing, right?


    ¡°Lhawni, get down! Cover your eyes and keep your back to it, you¡¯re the only one that can break the curse!¡± Reynard ordered as he drew back on his bow, an arrow re-appearing from nothing.


    More fuzzy details flooded into Callie¡¯s mind. Curse. That¡¯s right. And what was its power? Then it all clicked into place. The creature had a cursed gaze ¡­ of DEATH!


    Callie may have been in charge of the mission, but at that moment Reynard took situational command. Even before the orders came, Lhawni was already crouching down. Her Swamp Sense trait had kicked in, finally recognizing the roar and realizing she couldn¡¯t fall to the creature. She instinctively put one hand over her eyes while using the other hand to roughly pull Ambria down with her.


    ¡°Rangers! Use Eagle Eye!¡± Reynard yelled. ¡°Keep it up and it won¡¯t affect you.¡±


    In spider form, Tazrok had vision in all directions, and there was nowhere for him to turn. Another crash of a tree falling into the water was accompanied by a new roar as the monster emerged from cover. Unable to look away, Tazrok immediately locked eyes with it. It just couldn¡¯t be helped and the curse hit him full on. His arachnid body froze instantly in place, as his muscles completely stiffened, three legs still in mid-movement. Only autonomous muscles like his heart and breathing were still working.


    Major Celeste was still fighting to pull the oil out of her pack. She¡¯d heard the distant roar and part of her knew she had to hurry. Finally freeing it, she flung the unneeded pack to the side just as the even closer roar came. But she hadn¡¯t fully processed Reynard¡¯s warning to not look, and as she reflexively glanced towards the sound, her eyes met the Basilisk¡¯s. Every muscle on her body tensed, stiffening her in place. Celeste tried to fight the curse as it rolled through her, but even natural Elven curse resistance couldn¡¯t fend off the Basilisk¡¯s gaze. As her fingers constricted, the Dragonfire Oil popped from her hand, clinking three times as it tumbled down the Bogwump dome, before disappearing into the murky water with a mocking splash.


    Pixyl''s hand was extended eagerly toward the Major when Reynard''s urgent warning called out. Her mind swiftly registered the term ¡®Basilisk¡¯, somehow suppressing her reflex to look towards the source of the roar. With a quick pivot, she turned her body away from the impending danger, all the while still poised to receive the precious Dragonfire from Celeste. Time seemed to crawl as the Major fought with her backpack, until finally the Dragonfire was pulled free.


    Horror held the Pixie transfixed as she watched in slow motion the metal container leap from the Major''s grasp as the curse took hold. Frantically, Pixyl reached out, first physically, her fingers desperately hoping, and then employing her telekinesis in a final bid to grab it. Yet, any attempt to stop it would redirect her peripheral vision towards the Basilisk; a risk she couldn''t afford to take.


    At Reynard¡¯s direction, Callie activated her Eagle Eye skill. It was a channeled spell, and the mana drain was fairly light, but it was still there. It wasn¡¯t designed for continuous use, though, so would quickly add up. She spun, taking in the Basilisk for the first time, while simultaneously starting to apply her last Piercing Shot charge to an arrow.


    The Basilisk wasn¡¯t a snake, as Callie had anticipated, or really anything serpentine at all. Instead, it resembled a six-legged alligator; a really big six-legged alligator. It was roughly the size of Tazrok¡¯s spider form, but supported on long, thick legs instead of spindly ones, the beast almost having a dinosaur feel to it. On its face, glowing eyes seemed to swirl with hypnotic colors and Callie could almost sense the curse bouncing off her vision spell. The eyes weren¡¯t the only horror, though. The Basilisk had long, sharp teeth and a jaw strong enough to back them up. This was truly a monster. Strangely, it showed no sign of blood leaking from its eyes or mouth, seeming to suggest it wasn¡¯t infected, just really mad. Tazrok had certainly disturbed it with the Egg-sploder.


    Almost at once, each of the five Rangers shot their arrows. Everyone except Jesca had used Piercing Shot, the Cheetahkin¡¯s unenhanced arrow almost casually bouncing off the Basilisk¡¯s tough hide. For the others, their arrows pierced deep into the beast, but it appeared largely unaffected. In fact, now, it was only more angry, and fixated its glare on the team, cocking its head slightly, as if wondering how the Rangers were still mobile. It roared again, using its tail to smash aside a pair of dead trees as intimidation before it began to lumber towards them.


    ¡°Disorient it!¡± Callie called out. It was directed at Thucax and he caught the suggestion.


    During the week, Reynard had repeatedly tested the Rangers on their skills, calling them out randomly in mock simulation of moments of opportunity to interrupt their rotations, including their new melded skills. As a result, Thucax was well trained to react to the call, and Callie¡¯s simple words called forth his unique power. The magic arrow flew towards the charging beast just as it raised its head to roar, impacting on its chest. A sphere of glowing red sparks seemed to erupt from the point of impact and the Basilisk stumbled to a stop, wobbling sideways in an almost drunken stupor. Sidestepping into one of the trees, the creature took issue with its personal space being intruded and it chomped into it, before tearing it from the swamp and throwing it to the side.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Reynard called out, almost a grin in his surprisingly calm voice. ¡°Please blow up my monster!¡±


    Callie caught the order instantly, and smiled slightly to herself in response, thinking back to when she killed the ¡®Monster¡¯ on Thorn¡¯s training course. ¡°I need a few seconds!¡± she yelled back.


    Reynard responded with a fast Burst Shot, followed immediately by a second. The loud sounds and flashes of light only added to the Basilisk''s disorientation, and it stumbled backwards, throwing its head as it tried to escape the assault. Quickly the other Rangers added their own Burst Shots, three more blasts keeping the monster confused.


    Callie was out of Rapid Fire and Piercing Shot charges, so she pulled a layered combo from a Talisman containing the triple-layer of Piercing Shot, Multishot and Rapid Fire. The layered spell broke apart, granting the much-needed charges for each of the spells as the Talisman drained.


    With fresh charges available for her go to spells, she began to layer up her new casting. The sounds of the Burst Shot explosions over the water were making her ears ring and her vision pulse from the concussions, but she was determined to work through. She struggled to concentrate, fighting the urge to check what the Basilisk was doing.


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + RAPID FIRE


    She aimed, hoping to hit the Basilisk¡¯s head. But it was now fully in the throes of both confused panic combined with genuine pissed-offness. Its disoriented thrashing started to slow as the other Ranger recruits exhausted their paltry two Burst Shot charges, with Reynard only able to add a couple more before he ran out as well.


    Callie loosed, five arrows flying from her Everliving Heartwood bow. At the last moment, the Basilisk threw its head aside, and the arrows plunged deep into its shoulder. As they reached depth, they released a quintet of Burst Shots constrained by the solid skin, muscle and bone.


    The explosions from within blew out the front right shoulder of the beast, and caused it to lurch sideways to its left, stunned, crashing into another tree. The damage wasn¡¯t as bad as Callie had hoped though. Chunks were missing, it was bleeding heavily, and its front leg seemed unlikely it would ever be usable again, but it wasn¡¯t down. Callie pulled a second triple-layer of charges from her other Talisman, and began to layer up a repeat of the three-layer attack.


    Thucax¡¯s Disorienting Shot finally wore off, and the monster quickly realized that it was both seriously hurt and still quite angry. Even worse, it knew exactly which pink-haired interloper had caused its pain. The Basilisk lowered its head and charged towards Callie, broken tree pieces parting in random directions with a wave of swampy water.Stolen novel; please report.


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + RAPID FIRE


    The image of the charging Basilisk was absolutely terrifying, and Callie instinctively activated her Resist Fear trait with barely a thought, allowing her to concentrate on her target. The angry, charging Basilisk coming straight towards her presented an easy target for Callie. It was no longer moving its head, fixated on the Gnome instead. Callie loosed, and like so many times before, five arrows lanced out in machine-gun rhythm. Three hit the monster¡¯s head, and you could almost hear a yip of startled pain over the snarls and growls. The other two missed the head but sank deep into the creature¡¯s body behind it. The Basilisk barely had a chance to register it had been hit before the Burst Shot effects detonated. The top of its head blew off, followed a moment later by another taking off the side, one of those devastating eyeballs exploding out with it. The others blew out the bottom of its neck, or parts of its body, but it was the first that truly doomed the creature.


    The Basilisk¡¯s legs seemed to collapse in mid-stride, the momentum carrying the charging body forward, plowing through the swampy muck. A wave of infected water rose before it, cascading towards Callie and the rest, sweeping her off her feet and sending her tumbling. The larger Rangers were spared, able to stand up against the deluge while Pixyl, Lhawni, Ambria and the Major were high enough on the Bogwump dome to avoid the wave.


    Callie wasn¡¯t thrown far, and remembered in mid-tumble to keep her mouth shut, lest she swallow any of the infected swamp. The wall of water sent her towards Tazrok and she somersaulted into one of his petrified legs, which barely prevented her being swept away into the reeds. While she ached, she felt sure nothing was broken. She was definitely bruised, though, and somewhere in there her bow slipped from her grasp, carried away in the torrent.


    Reynard dropped a final Piercing Shot into the downed Basilisk¡¯s head. It was already dead, but still twitching a bit, and one never wanted a final surprise. It was best to be sure. Then, just to be doubly so, he shot again into the monster¡¯s remaining eye with a long Rapid Fire, coupled with a few choice vulgarities, guaranteeing no more petrification possibilities.


    ¡°It¡¯s safe!¡± Reynard called out, giving Lhawni permission to open her eyes. She saw Callie was down, and ran towards her, able to tell the Gnome had been battered around. With worry on her face, she asked, ¡°Where are you hurt?¡± while helping Callie sit up.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, I think,¡± Callie responded.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡±


    ¡°Banged up a bit, but I¡¯m mobile. We can deal with it later,¡± Callie confirmed. ¡°Check on everyone else first.¡±


    Lhawni growled, rested her hand on Callie¡¯s cheek, and pushed a general heal anyway, which immediately started to make things feel better.


    Reynard turned from the monster and surveyed the situation. It was immediately evident that Tazrok had been petrified. He was about to direct Lhawni to start decursing him when the rigid body of the Major fell sideways, rolling awkwardly down the hill of the dome. Her limbs never moved and a clear crack of some bone could be heard. Reynard winced. She¡¯d be able to feel that, even in this state, but unable to make a single noise from the pain.


    Ambria scrambled for Celeste, having also heard the sound of something breaking. It didn¡¯t take long to see that at least three fingers on one hand were pointed very much in the wrong direction. Ambria realized it would best to remove the Major¡¯s curse after her fingers were healed, or she¡¯d make too much noise as she screamed in pain, and worse, probably writhe around, even hurting herself further. ¡°Major, I know you can hear me,¡± the Faun said to Celeste, who was lying sideways in the wet mud, limbs still held frozen. ¡°I want to heal your hand before we release you. I¡¯ll block as much of the pain as I can, though.¡± Then she added a tentative, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Placing a hand on Celeste¡¯s neck, Ambria pushed a short-duration, generalized pain blocking spell to encompass her entire body below that point, on the off chance there was another injury not immediately apparent. Then, she added a second, focused at the Major¡¯s wrist, since that injury was obvious and bad enough to likely exceed the general block. ¡±Lhawni, Tazrok first,¡± she added, gesturing with her antlers towards the giant spider standing over them.


    ¡°Rangers, stay on task. Watch for more incoming,¡± Reynard snapped. ¡°Pixyl, are we ready with the oil?¡±


    ¡°We lost it,¡± Pixyl replied. ¡°The Major dropped it when she got p-p-petrified. It¡¯s down there, somewhere.¡± She gestured vaguely to the muddy waters. ¡°I don¡¯t know how easy it will be to find.¡±


    Reynard cursed as he looked around. ¡°Let¡¯s get control and we¡¯ll figure something out.¡±


    Callie struggled to her feet and looked for her bow, not seeing it anywhere. She walked out from under Tazrok, still a little woozy, looking for the weapon, before finally just giving up and extending a hand. The bow came to her, but from a direction she didn¡¯t anticipate and it clonked her in the back of the head before falling to her feet. ¡°Ow!¡±


    Lhawni looked at the Gnome, automatically raising a hand to offer a heal, but Callie waved her off.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It just surprised me,¡± Callie grumbled, picking the bow up. She walked back to take up a spot between Jesca and Thucax and started watching for more creature attacks. ¡°Will our Elemental arrows work on the nest?¡± she called out. ¡°The fire ones, I mean.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Reynard called back, casually loosing an arrow at something. ¡°They don¡¯t burn very long, and nowhere near as hot as the Dragonfire Oil. It¡¯s wet in there, too. We¡¯ll probably need to find the Oil in the water.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s going to suck!¡± Callie growled to herself. She hated swamps.


    Lhawni saw Ambria futzing over Major Celeste¡¯s hand. ¡°Need me to do that instead?¡±


    ¡°Do we have time?¡±


    The Shaman looked up at Tazrok. ¡°Let me do him first. You do a full Diagnose spell in the meantime. Make sure there¡¯s no other injuries.¡±


    ¡°On it,¡± Ambria replied with a nod.


    Pixyl was close to the water¡¯s edge, trying to reach out with her telekinetics and see if she could feel the canister of oil. The spell wasn¡¯t built for moving something she couldn¡¯t see, though, and she finally had to give up. She could sense things in the water and backed away, not really wanting to present a meal of herself.


    ¡°Do we have anything else that will burn?¡± Callie yelled out, still trying to brainstorm ideas.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Jesca called back.


    ¡°Certainly nothing that burns hot and long,¡± Reynard added.


    Lhawni was focusing all her concentration on Tazrok, working to find the thread she needed to pull to remove the petrification curse. Decursing someone could be complicated, and Maugra had trained them to envision a curse as a tapestry. The stronger the curse, the finer the weaving, but there always was a thread somewhere you could pull to unravel the whole thing. Warlocks had it easy. They didn¡¯t break curses with subtlety, instead choosing to simply melt them off with their Nether magic.


    Lhawni pressed on her Remove Curse spell, searching for what she needed. It was slower going than she would have liked, but finally, she found it. Her magic grabbed that tiny loose thread and pulled, gently at first, just to be sure it was the right one. She put more power into the spell, pulling harder and faster. Once started, it took only seconds before the curse was no more, reduced to a fading pile of magical threads only she could sense.


    The giant spider finished the steps it was in the middle of taking, and then seemed to look around, fully taking in the scene. Tazrok was suddenly beset by a sudden wave of muscle cramps that almost brought the oversized arachnid to the ground. He forced past the pain, focusing on Celeste as Tazrok-the-Ogre warbled into its place, the muscle cramps suddenly disappearing. ¡°Major Elf!¡± he called out in worry, seeing the officer rigid on the ground. Lhawni scrambled backwards out of the way as the Ogre stumbled towards Ambria.


    ¡°Any luck with that oil, Pixyl?¡± Callie called out. ¡°Do you see it?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Callie cursed in a hiss. ¡°Reynard, can we burn some of those trees or something?¡± she called out as she Multishotted a pair of lizards.


    ¡°Maybe. We¡¯d need to get wood from on top of the ridge, though,¡± Reynard replied, shooting his own Multishot. ¡°What¡¯s down here isn¡¯t dry enough to burn very hot. That¡¯ll take time.


    ¡°Damn!¡±


    ¡°We really need that Dragonfire Oil,¡± the Foxkin called towards Pixyl, stating the obvious. ¡°The nest is open now, and I don¡¯t want to leave it until tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I should have brought both,¡± Callie chided to herself. ¡°Stupid of me.¡±


    ¡°Will look for oil,¡± Tazrok growled, having followed the conversation. He stomped around the dome, walking into the water which quickly rose to his upper thighs. Pixyl pointed to roughly where she thought the oil canister had rolled in, and slowly the Ogre started to run his hand through the muck-laced bottom of the swamp.


    Lhawni and Ambria concentrated on repairing the Major¡¯s broken fingers, Ambria thankfully finding no other significant injuries via her Diagnose spell. It was slow going, though, because the fingers needed to be re-aligned before she could start. They had swollen, turning an ever-deepening shade of purple, indicating internal damage. Remembering the lesson from the week before, Ambria pushed a reversed-Coagulate spell into the fingers to make sure blood clots were much less of a risk. Bruising would be a little heavier, but better than something else happening.


    ¡°Anything, Tazrok?¡± Callie called out as she and Jesca double-teamed another small ScorpoBeaver.


    ¡°Nope,¡± the Ogre replied, with obvious frustration in his voice. ¡°Still loo ¡­¡± his voice was cut off as the water around him started to roil and churn. He slapped at the surface, then reached under to try brushing something away. It apparently didn¡¯t work. Tazrok winced in pain as the water around him soon began to turn red with blood.


    ¡°Get out of there!¡± Pixyl cried out.


    <hr>

 Chapter 44 Part 6 - Anyone Know a Dragon?

    PART VI: ANYONE KNOW A DRAGON?


    For a few more seconds, Tazrok tried to fight whatever it was off, grunting even more, before he was forced to scramble back onto the shore. His legs were both a complete mess. His protective leather armor had multiple holes in it, sections looking as if they had been shredded by claws or long teeth. He was bleeding from several of the wounds, some quite heavily. The Druid turned to glare back at the water, only to reveal some kind of a toothy eel-like thing attached to his rear trying to chomp on him, but thankfully not yet through his armor.


    Pixyl ran for the Ogre. She hovered slightly, grabbing the bitey Eelthing, which was almost as big as she was. She twisted and wrenched it off, tossing it aside, where it flopped several times before managing to flip back into the dark waters. ¡°Ambria!¡± Pixyl called, gesturing to the bleeding Ogre.


    The Faun looked up, and then rushed to the Ogre¡¯s aid. She ordered Tazrok to be still so she could look him over. Like his armor, his clothing and skin was in tatters in several places, bite and claw marks evident as the multiple small wounds ran with blood. Serious, but not critical. She put her hand on Tazrok¡¯s skin where the leather had been fully ripped away and pushed her general healing touch spell. That served to close many of the smaller wounds, and at least get the bigger ones to stop flowing so freely, He was still going to need more work, though.


    ¡°I can fix,¡± Tazrok said, looking down at Ambria and gesturing to his wounds. ¡°Go help Major Elf.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ambria said hesitantly.


    ¡°Yes. Eat Healberry and Druid heal.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let me know if you need help, though.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re g-g-going to be able to get the Dragonfire. Does anyone know any nearby Dragons where we can get more?¡± Pixyl called out to Reynard and Callie. She was staring intently into the waters, trying once again to find it with her Telekinesis skill. The waters themself had calmed, almost becoming placid, betraying the danger under the surface.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Callie said in mid-shot. ¡°Reynard, what is Dragonfire Oil made of?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s what allows a Dragon to breathe fire, of course. It¡¯s thus rare and why it¡¯s so valuable.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s like Dragon spit?¡±


    ¡°I suppose,¡± Reynard replied with a shrug.


    It took a heartbeat to make the connection, but then Callie¡¯s face lit up. She spun to face Shul¡¯an. At the same moment, the Fire Salamanderkin made the same connection and spun to face Callie.


    ¡°Will it work?¡± Callie asked, nodding rapidly, a beaming hopefulness on her face.


    ¡°Yes, I believe so!¡± Shul¡¯an replied just as excitedly.


    ¡°Go! See what you can do,¡± Callie cheered. ¡°We¡¯ll cover for you.¡±


    Shul¡¯an looked briefly for somewhere to set their bow down, then foolishly remembered they already had a storage place and promptly unsummoned it. They rushed off towards the dome to take stock on next steps.


    ¡°Callie?¡± Reynard asked, not sure what had just happened.


    Callie gestured sharply towards Shul¡¯an. ¡°They breathe fire!¡±


    Reynard slapped his forehead, realizing he had missed something so obvious.


    Lhawni was concentrating on the last of the Major¡¯s fingers. The first two had been fully healed by now, although they were still an ugly purple and swollen. Celeste would probably have difficulty moving them until that swelling went down, which would make holding a sword difficult for probably a day, maybe two. Silently, the Goblin hoped the worst of the attacks were over before more people got hurt, because the Major wasn¡¯t going to be in top fighting condition.


    Tazrok summoned a Healing Berry, popping it into his mouth. He did that twice more, before starting to focus healing on his legs directly. As he worked to heal himself, Tazrok could tell his healing was less effective than it should be, and he realized he must now be infected by the waterborne parasite. While the Resist Disease potions were certainly helpful, even the few seconds of sizable open wounds in the water were enough to get through it. Rowani had said it moved fast, but he never envisioned it could move this fast. There was no time to do a proper Cure Disease right now, though.


    Shul¡¯an ran up the dome, falling to their knees to look through the hole Pixyl had cut. Inside, the smell of death and rot was rampant, almost making them gag. The decaying corpse of the original creature was easily visible in a layer of slime, along with dozens of wriggling hatchlings, each about eight centimeters long. The space was hollowed out, and Shul¡¯an was sure they could easily coat the inside walls and the creatures in their flammable spit. ¡°I think this will work!¡± they called out generally.


    ¡°Get the Major decursed first,¡± Reynard yelled back. ¡°It¡¯s going to be very hot and she¡¯ll need to move back. Shul¡¯an, you can light it, right?¡±


    ¡°I can,¡± the Salamanderkin called back. ¡°I have a spell and I¡¯m fairly resistant to heat and fire.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Major, I¡¯m going to remove your curse now,¡± Lhawni said, trying to remain calm despite all the yelling and activity around her. ¡°I need you to keep as still as you can, so you don¡¯t hurt yourself more.¡± The Shaman grabbed one of her blue mana potions and drank it back quickly, needing a refresh after all the work on Celeste¡¯s hand.


    With a deep breath, Lhawni began focusing on the curse. Having already done it once on Tazrok, the tapestry in front of her was more familiar, but she still needed to find the thread to pull. ¡°Come on, where are you?¡± she mumbled as she psychically stumbled through the curse. There! ¡°Remember, try not to move!¡± she warned a second time. She grabbed the thread and pulled, loosening at first and then yanking with all the speed she could manage.


    As if she was a marionette with its strings cut, Major Celeste¡¯s body suddenly went limp. The pain from her muscles being held at maximum rigidity for so long hit her, followed quickly by some in her fingers also leaking by Ambria¡¯s blocking spells, and she groaned in agony. Her body instinctively wanted to writhe, but she remembered Lhawni¡¯s warning and forced it to behave. Still, the groan of pain quickly grew louder, almost becoming a scream.


    Ambria was quickly at the Major¡¯s side as she struggled. ¡°I can block the pain at your neck again, but you¡¯ll be numb all over for a while and it will make moving and fighting difficult.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Celeste hissed, shaking her head. ¡°I need to be functional. Just give me a pulse from your Totem when you can,¡± she nodded at Lhawni. ¡°Good work. Both of you.¡±


    Lhawni pushed her last charge of Healing Pulse from her Totem, the magics washing out over everyone. The generalized anesthetic effect flowed through the Major, easing the full-body muscle cramps, as well as helping with her hand a bit as well.


    With the Major still not in fighting condition, Tazrok returned to his Spider form to take up Guardian duties again. This proved a mistake, however. The moment he did, a wave of muscle cramps washed through him again, much as had happened when he was first unpetrified. Tazrok-the-spider collapsed to the ground in pain, barely avoiding squashing Pixyl in the process, screeching agonized spider noises in surprised hurt. But before any of the Healers could assist, he quickly transformed back into his Ogre form, noting the muscle cramps had vanished a second time.


    Shul¡¯an, still perched on the lip of the open nest, pulled their attention away from the screaming spider turned Tazrok, calling down to the Major and the two healers. ¡°Tell me as soon as you¡¯re ready.¡±


    Callie, Thucax and Reynard concentrated on taking out any zombie creatures that came their way before they were close enough to be a threat. Reynard eventually needed a quick moment to drink a mana potion, everything finally catching up to him despite his extreme efficiency and huge mana pool at Platinum. Callie had noticed the incoming waves of animals had thinned, and she reasoned they had probably killed off the majority of the infected wildlife in the area of the Bogwump nest. Nothing large had attacked since the Basilisk, and it hadn¡¯t even been infected, just cranky. Could they dare to hope the worst was over?


    Major Celeste rose unsteadily to her feet, her face making grimacing expressions as she stretched out her complaining muscles. Her one hand was virtually useless; she couldn¡¯t even make a fist, let alone hold a sword with it. She resorted to wielding a single blade as she staggered into position to assist the Rangers.


    Tazrok, also wanting to get back into action, but wanting to avoid his Guardian spider for now-obvious reasons, assumed his ferocious Hellhound form. With no muscle aches in that shape either, he lept into the fray. His huge paws tore at anything coming close, flinging bodies into the reeds, or he would simply smash things with his heavy-tipped tail.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to do this!¡± Shul¡¯an called out, gesturing to Pixyl to get away. ¡°It¡¯s going to be really hot.¡± The Salamanderkin took a deep breath, a muscle in the back of their throat squeezing the gland filled with flammable oils into their mouth. Leaning into the hole, they exhaled, spraying the inside walls of the nest. The Beastkin took another breath, filling their mouth again with nearly all of the remaining fluid, and exhaled, coating the remains of the Bogwump corpse and the dozens of wriggling hatchlings. Shul¡¯an didn¡¯t have enough for a full third breath, but they had just enough for the final action.


    ¡°Are we ready?¡± Shul¡¯an called out one last time, waiting for a general confirmation.


    ¡°Fire in the hole!¡± Callie yelled out. Then, with a grinning snicker, she added, ¡°I always wanted to say that.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Shul¡¯an squeezed the final few drops of flammable fluid into their mouth. In their left hand they called forth their seldom used Burning Hands spell, flames erupting. Holding it before them, the Ranger exhaled one last time, the spell catching the mist as it blew through the hole into the dome.


    The resulting WHUMP that erupted seemed to suck the air inwards, as scorching flames shot easily a dozen meters in the air, maybe more. Pixyl had to scramble even farther backwards on her rear to get away from the heat, not daring to turn her wings towards it. Ambria and Lhawni crawled away as well. Shul¡¯an, while having some immunity to fire and heat, needed to rush away before their clothing ignited.


    At once, the few remaining attacking creatures seemed to stop, and then turn to run from the fire. Even with the zombie parasites pushing them to attack, it apparently wasn¡¯t enough to overcome that core instinct to run from fire. Callie lazily loosed a final arrow, missing the little critter she was aiming for as it slipped into the dark water.


    The Rangers turned to take in the scene, and what a sight it was. A scorching pillar of flame, constrained to the narrow half-meter hole, shot straight upwards like the fires from a rocket engine. You could see steam rising from the surface of the dome as the heat inside evaporated the moisture in the mud and clay. After ten or fifteen seconds, a divot appeared on one side before collapsing inwards, providing an inlet for fresh air, which just strengthened the inferno.


    ¡°That is ¡­ beautiful,¡± Thucax said, adding a low whistle as everyone gathered together a dozen meters away.


    ¡°It really is,¡± Reynard agreed, a smile forming on his furry face.


    The flames continued to roar skywards, the height slowly decreasing as the intensity eased, but it was still an amazing sight. The ten of them were mesmerized by the flames and by the dawning realization that they had accomplished their goal. Around them, the creatures all seemed to have vanished back into the swamp, either fully scared off by the fire, or maybe having a sense they had nothing left to protect.


    ¡°We go,¡± Tazrok finally said calmly, breaking everyone¡¯s reverie.


    Reynard nodded, taking a deep breath in relief. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s get the hell¡­¡±


    The rest of his words were cut off as something long and black flung itself out of the water behind him. Its huge head turned sideways as its jaw opened wide. With not even a snarl to announce itself, the creature chomped down on Reynard¡¯s leg, and pulled him backwards into the water, his suddenly-ending scream mingling with the roaring sounds of the Bogwump fire.

 Chapter 44 Part 7 - Heartbroken Retreat

    PART PART VII: HEARTBROKEN RETREAT


    ¡°Reynard!¡± Callie called, spinning as she brought her bow to bear, an arrow appearing. But there was no sight of him, just fading ripples on the water.


    The other Rangers spun and readied their own weapons, Shul¡¯an summoning their bow from the storage pocket under their skin. Celeste turned, Flashstepping to the water¡¯s edge as Tazrok¡¯s huge Hellhound form leapt over them all, landing in the water with a splash, looking for whatever had taken the Ranger trainer.


    There was a splash a half-dozen meters away, Reynard breaking the surface with a gasp. He had a dagger in one hand that he was driving madly into the head of something still latched around his leg. The red of blood mingled with the dark waters as the creature thrashed back and forth, shaking the Foxkin wildly. Reynard was grimacing in obvious pain, but pushing that aside to concentrate on simply staying alive.


    Tazrok-the-Hellhound turned and leaped again, water thrown in all directions. He must have landed on the creature because it immediately was pulled under, Reynard pulled with it. Tazrock¡¯s head came back out, part of the long body of some Eel-like thing in his mouth. He shook his head, tearing at the creature''s hide and pulling chunks of flesh from its body. The Eel¡¯s head emerged from the water again, Reynard still in its mouth where he was continuing to stab at the head holding him in its vice-like toothy grip.


    Realizing the larger danger, the Eel twisted, releasing and flinging Reynard from its mouth to face the Hellound threat. The Ranger trainer flew towards the shore, landing hard and tumbling through the muck, a stream of blood spraying from his leg. It took only a moment to realize that almost everything below Reynard¡¯s right knee was completely missing, blood rapidly pooling at the end of the mangled stump.


    While Lhawni and Ambria sprang into action to aid Reynard, Tazrok smashed the head of the Eelthing as it tried to bite him with the mace-like end of his tail, a solid thump sending the creature¡¯s toothy head flying back. The Hellhound¡¯s jaws ripped and pulled, throwing chunks of flesh and meat in several directions. The toothy Eel was being held down against the bottom of the swamp and whenever Tazrok¡¯s snarling head dove into the water, it emerged with another piece of it. The monster tried to fight, but every time it tried to bite Tazrok, the massive sledge of the Hellhound¡¯s tail would smash it aside.


    Callie and the Rangers had no clear shots with the giant Hellhound in the way. Unsure what to do, Callie looked to Celeste for guidance, but saw immediately she was wincing in pain, her muscles still cramped from the petrification spell.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it!¡± Pixyl yelled as she leapt from the shore, flapping her wings for control as she slowly flew high over the fight.


    Seeing her friend flying out over the water, and knowing how much harder that was than normal flight, Callie had a moment of worry that Pixyl would quickly get exhausted. Her head refocused, though, and she repositioned slightly in the hope of getting a better angle on the fight.


    Almost before she had arrived at the fallen Foxkin, Ambria was in the final moments of calling forth a Coagulate spell. She could see the blood pumping from Reynard¡¯s leg, spurting out around the torn meat and jagged ends of bones. The spell was sloppy, Combat Medic battle-healing, but it was fast and it was good and it was exactly what was needed to save his life. Any other healer would most-likely need to stem this level of bleeding with an old-fashioned tourniquet first, before being able to start stitching things back together. She dropped to her knees, slamming her hand against the shredded, bloody wound and was able to feel the blood vessels rapidly clotting themselves closed.


    Lhawni dropped a new Totem, but held off on casting anything for the moment until she had a better read on how bad the injury was, besides obviously really bad. She knew Ambria would concentrate on the bleeding and the pain, which gave her the briefest of moments to see if there were any other obvious injuries.


    Reynard had the wind knocked out of him when he landed, and gathered his senses just as the Faun landed on the ground next to him. Then the pain hit him again as he saw a spurt of blood from the end of his leg. The end of his leg! Legs should not have an ¡®end¡¯! He fought to hold in a scream of agony, and completely failed as Ambria applied her first spell.


    Tazrok was slowly backing towards the shore, throwing his head side to side with the Eel still in his mouth. The creature appeared dazed, and you could see areas on its head where it had been pummeled by the Hellhound¡¯s tail, several teeth smashed from its mouth.


    Pixyl was hovering overhead, looking for exactly the right moment, her arm extended. The strain of flying over water was creeping up on her rapidly, but she held position. Tazrok threw his head to the side once again, the Eel flipping upwards out of the water. Pixyl let loose the Ethereal Blast she¡¯d had at the ready, and the magenta ball of energy slammed into the side of the creature¡¯s head, disintegrating the top half of it away in a shower of color. As the Eel flopped back to the water, Pixyl casually turned, diving back to land on the shore, where she dropped to one knee, exhausted from even those few seconds over water.


    ¡°Don¡¯t knock me out,¡± Reynard hissed at Ambria, grabbing her arm. ¡°Just deal with the pain.¡±


    The Faun had been about to put a sleep spell on the Foxkin, but aborted in mid-casting. ¡°Are you sure? This is bad.¡±


    ¡°Keep me awake!¡± he snarled again.


    Despite knowing she should probably ignore his orders, Ambria grabbed Reynard¡¯s neck, pushing the strongest and longest-lasting pain block she could into him, followed immediately by a Stabilize spell to help keep him from going into shock from blood loss. ¡°Lhawni, keep him alert and Diagnose for other injuries,¡± she said, moving out of the way to take another look at Reynard''s leg.


    Tazrok was still ferociously tearing at the Eel he had pulled up on shore. It was assuredly dead, just a few post-death flops of its tail still occurring. But the Hellhound was in a rage, snarling and clawing at the monster, oblivious to anything around it and certainly not comprehending that Pixyl had basically blown its head off.


    The Major and the Rangers simply gaped as they watched Tazrok rend and rip. Celeste finally recognized what she was seeing, and quickly pushed everyone back. She had no doubt Tazrok had triggered some kind of a Berserking skill, and as a result would be single-minded in his task until something finally got through his clouded head. You didn¡¯t want to be in the way during that time, lest you get mistaken for another threat.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much I can do here,¡± Ambria said. ¡°The bleeding is stopped, but there¡¯s not a lot to actually heal.¡± She looked up to Lhawni.


    The Goblin pushed a quick Refresh spell into Reynard to help keep him awake and took a look. The sight of the mangled leg almost made her retch, but somehow she kept it together. ¡°That¡¯s going to need proper attention back at camp,¡± she finally said.


    ¡°Reynard!¡± Major Celeste exclaimed as she ran up, still wincing with cramps, having left the other Rangers with directions to give Tazrok as much space as they could. ¡°Healers! Report!¡±


    ¡°Pain numbed hard at the neck. Severed leg below the knee,¡± Ambria recited automatically. ¡°Bleeding stopped.¡± Then she looked at Reynard. ¡°It can be regrown, though.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s also got a cracked collarbone and a lot of bruising," Lhawni amended to the injury report. "There could be more, but I didn¡¯t have time to look fully.¡±


    The Foxkin winced at hearing the additional report. ¡°Just slap-heal the end of my leg, and then wrap it.¡± He looked up at Celeste, grasping her arm tightly. ¡°Let¡¯s get the fuck out of here!¡±


    ¡®Slap-heal¡¯ was field slang for applying the fastest, most powerful heal to a wound you could. There were no attempts at subtlety, no attempts to prevent scarring, and no attempts to prevent long term side-effects. You cast what you could, as hard as you could, as fast as you could, to save the person''s life, before moving onto the next task or person. Ambria powered up her touch heal and dumped as much magic into the end of Reynard¡¯s leg as she could. Muscles and skin and bone, healing hyper accelerated by the spell, almost instantly knit themselves sealed. Or they would have.


    As if she encountered something pushing back, Ambria found the healing being resisted and then it began to be almost denied. ¡°Somehow it¡¯s not working very well,¡± the Faun hissed.


    ¡°Are you infected? Already?¡± Celeste asked. ¡°Damn, that¡¯s fast!¡±


    ¡°I must be.¡± Reynard pulled a red Healing potion from his side. ¡°Just dump this over it and then wrap it. We need to get out of this swamp.¡±


    Ambria took the potion, popping the top off with her thumb. She poured it over the end of Reynard''s leg, seeing some more of the open flesh start to seal, but also seeing it was going much slower than it should. ¡°We need to cure this parasite!¡±


    ¡°Once we¡¯re on top of the ridge! It takes too long.¡± Reynard snapped.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    The Rangers were watching Tazrok-the-Hellhound continue to savage the Eelthing, now nothing but a ragged corpse. Dozens of chunks were missing, along with most of the head that Pixyl had blasted off, yet Tazrok showed no signs of realizing the fight was over.


    ¡°Tazrok!¡± Callie finally scolded loudly, stomping her foot on the ground with a light, muddy splash. In mid-rend, the fierce Hellhound turned to look at her, the yellow eyes showing a hellish rage in them as blood dripped from his face. ¡°Enough! It¡¯s dead!¡±


    The Hellhound shook his head a couple of times, as if to clear it, and then looked back at the mangled creature. Suddenly, his shoulders drooped, almost as if he was ashamed of his behavior. With a warble of magic, the Hellhound melted back into the form of an Ogre. Tazrok put his hand to his head, shaking it again, still trying to clear the remnants of his Berserking state from it. His head was covered in blood and goo, as was most of his armor, and he was soaked with stagnant, infected swamp water.


    The fire of the Bogwhump nest had largely settled, no longer a rocket-like inferno, instead reduced to mere scorching flames. Shul¡¯an braved the still hot area, grabbing the Major¡¯s charred backpack and tossing it roughly towards everyone. They then tried to pick up the two pickaxes, but found the ground under them was now brittle, and it broke, the tools dropping out of sight into a hole that quickly filled with water, the hot metal hissing as they sank.


    ¡°Leave them. We need to go!¡± the Major called out.


    Callie looked around, taking in the scene. Tazrok had summoned an ongoing stream of fresh water in his hands and was using it to wash his face and chest of the Eel guts. Jesca and Thucax were watching for anything that might come charging again. Reynard was obviously down, being tended to, and Pixyl was walking towards them, looking tired but otherwise fine. Celeste was basically one-handed, but seemed to be overcoming whatever remnants of cramping pain she was feeling from earlier.


    ¡°Is he able to be moved?¡± Callie called out.


    ¡°I think so,¡± Ambria answered, looking back at the Gnome. ¡°But carefully!¡±


    ¡°Ok, we¡¯re going,¡± Callie said, nodding towards Celeste. She pointed at Tazrok. ¡°You, carry Reynard. Healers, you stick close to him in case he needs help. Major, you take the lead. Pixyl, get in the air and direct her if you see anything coming. It looks like the Drakelings still seem to be hiding. Rangers, watch for anything but keep an eye out for any Drakelings coming back out. Jesca with me in the back.¡±


    Despite the seriousness of the moment, Reynard couldn¡¯t help but smile as Callie threw out her orders, completely unphased by the moment. He caught Celeste¡¯s eyes, seeing the same brief smile on her face as well. He hadn¡¯t been sure that Xera had done the right thing, handing this mission to Callie. Despite how clever she was, and her run at the training course, it seemed way too much, too soon, for a second week recruit, especially with her memory loss. He had to admit though, at minimum she was rising to the responsibilities. Despite everything that had happened, she¡¯d kept calm and managed to keep everyone else calm as well.


    ¡°Pixyl, you¡¯re exhausted,¡± Callie said, gesturing to the Pixie. ¡°What do you need?¡±


    ¡°Just Stamina,¡± the Bladeweaver responded, fumbling for a yellow potion on her belt.


    Ambria and Lhawni had finished wrapping Reynard¡¯s leg in the clean bandages from their Healer packs. They weren¡¯t sterile, but would offer a little protection while they moved back to the ridge and got reorganized. Tazrok, mostly clean of Eel innards, gently picked up the wounded Foxkin, easily carrying him. Reynard grunted as a little of the pain got through the block spell, but he muscled through. Together, they all started moving towards the hallway of reeds that would lead back to the hillside.


    As she walked by, Callie took one last look at what was left of the Eel monster. Before being savaged by Tazrok-the-Hellhound, it must have been at least five meters long, and its jaws had been filled with dozens of dagger-length, needle-like teeth. The top jaw was gone now, blown away by Pixyl¡¯s spell, and of what was left on the bottom, more than half the teeth were missing, having been smashed out by Tazrok¡¯s heavy Hellhound tail. Absently, she bent down to touch one, and finding several loose, twisted three off, looking at them closer. They were a good fifteen centimeters long and no more than one or two in diameter at the larger end, and needle-sharp at the other.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Celeste called out with a whistle, everyone waiting.


    Callie absently reached behind her, dropping the teeth through an opening into her backpack, and started to walk towards the rest of her team, detouring slightly when she spied Reynard''s Ironwood bow. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said, handing the bow to Reynard to unsummon. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here. We¡¯ll stop at the top of the hill.¡±


    Celeste took point with Pixyl flying air cover, and they made their way forward towards the valley¡¯s exit. Occasionally, Pixyl would call out something approaching, and the Major would Flashstep to intercept, completely effective despite having only one usable sword. As a group, they didn¡¯t run, but tried to move quickly, eager to leave the swamp behind them as soon as possible.


    Bringing up the rear, Callie and Jesca watched for anything that might be following them, and occasionally they would need to shoot something that would step on to the trail before making a beeline for them. At this point, all the creatures were small and fairly harmless, except in their rabid tenacity. They were easily felled by the two Rangers, hardly even needing to use enhanced arrows at this point.


    They had gone about four-hundred meters when the sound of hoofbeats were heard again. It didn¡¯t seem as loud or heavy as the horned Buffalothing from earlier. But, now that they were closer to the rock walls of the hillside, the echos resounded all around them, making it difficult to figure out the direction.


    ¡°Where is it, Pixyl?¡± Callie called out. ¡°Do you see it?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± the Pixie responded, turning in circles to look.


    Callie called for the other Rangers to fan out and get ready, as Jesca did likewise, so they could cover all approaches. Celeste stepped up next to her, ready to help. Callie mentally prepared for a Rapid Fire and Piercing Shot combination, but didn¡¯t want to cast it yet lest the casting expire before she had a target. She¡¯d only need a couple seconds, and hoped she¡¯d have enough time.


    ¡°Anything, Pixyl?¡±


    The Pixie pushed herself higher, trying to see where the sound was coming from, but saw no sign of bending reeds or motion. Then she caught it, a glimpse of something towards the smoking Bogwump nest. ¡°There!¡± she yelled, pointing.


    It came tearing around the corner, charging down the hallway of reeds towards the retreating team. Callie gasped at the sight. ¡°Is that a unicorn?¡±


    Callie stood in a state of momentary confusion. The creature charging them looked like a unicorn, but at the same time, it was not completely right. Like one would expect, it was pure white, with a very evident silver horn, but after that, things were just a little bit off. The unicorn¡¯s head was not-quite horse-shaped, while its not-quite horse-shaped body was somewhat similar in shape to Tazrok¡¯s Curvax travel form, or the donkey-sized animals used to pull carts back at the camp, but bigger than both. Interestingly, when running at high speed, a Curvax would, for lack of a better word, retract their center pair of legs, holding them tight against their body and running on only four legs. The incoming unicorn had done the same thing, charging at them in an all out rabid gallop on four white legs.


    ¡°Callie, take the shot,¡± Reynard said calmly from Tazrok¡¯s arms.


    Layering up a Piercing Rapid Shot, Callie snapped the bow into shooting position. Zooming in with her Eagle Eye skill to get a better aim, she could see the telltale signs of blackened blood around the unicorn¡¯s mouth and eyes, obviously showing Bogwump infection. She aimed carefully and ¡­ couldn¡¯t shoot.


    ¡°But it¡¯s a unicorn!¡± Callie whined.


    Even charging in a rage straight for her, the animal was so beautiful. Despite looking not-quite-right, it instantly made Callie desperately homesick as flashes of Earth unicorns danced through her head.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Reynard said, a firmer, warning tone in his voice this time.


    ¡°Shoot it,¡± Celeste said in equal warning, tensing slightly.


    Callie tried to loose, but stopped. ¡°I can¡¯t! It¡¯s a unicorn!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already dead, Sergeant,¡± Reynard hissed, ¡°it just doesn¡¯t know it! Take it down!¡±


    She didn¡¯t really realize she actually shot. Simply one moment the beautiful and now deadly creature was charging down on them, its hooves thundering as they threw mud and vegetation, spitting black blood with every exhale. The next moment, the unicorn was tumbling forward, a quintet of magical arrows bringing it down. Callie watched in slow-motion horror as the beautiful animal rolled one last time before sliding to a stop only a half-dozen meters away. The unicorn let out two final exhales of breath before it lay still and silent.


    Callie stood there simply stunned as a childhood memory washed through her. It was of her father, reading a bedtime story to her about a unicorn, the very last unicorn in the world, who quested to find others like her, only to be turned into a human and discover the pain of love and regret. She had made him read that story to her at least a half-dozen times over the years, a few chapters every night. Young Callie could tell he had grown tired of it, but he dutifully read to his daughter night after night, and she would fall asleep to the visions of magical horned horses of white in her head. She even had a poster from the movie on her wall, until she outgrew such silly, childish, and obviously make-believe things as unicorns. And now, Callie had killed one.


    Oblivious to what was around her, Callie began to walk forward. Celeste put a hand on her shoulder, but she shrugged it away.


    ¡°Callie?¡± Jesca and Lhawni both called. Callie ignored them, too.


    The little Gnome walked the short distance to where the dead unicorn lay, storing her magical bow away inside her body as she did. In her head, Callie knew the beautiful creature would have hurt them, maybe even killed someone. In her head, she knew it had been sick and suffering and not in control of its actions. And in her head, she knew it was at peace now, no longer slowly-dying food for the nest of Bogwump hatchlings. But she also knew that she was the one that had killed it; she had killed a unicorn. Was that a sin that could ever truly be forgiven?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Callie said quietly, kneeling down. She hesitantly extended a hand, before resting it on the side of the unicorn''s still-warm head. She looked into the vacant, half-closed eye before reaching up and closing it the remainder of the way. ¡°I am so sorry,¡± she whispered one final time.


    Gingerly, Callie did the one thing she had dreamed of doing as a little girl, and she gently touched the unicorn¡¯s horn, still glowing with a faint silver light. A flood of radiant warmth washed through her. She had no significant wounds needing healing, just scrapes and bruises. Yet, they faded and healed nearly instantly, torn skin weaving anew and bruises simply vanishing. Callie was still hurt though, still in pain over what she had done. It was a pain that even this magic could never heal; the pain of love and regret.


    ¡°Come on,¡± a voice next to her said quietly, and Callie turned to see Pixyl standing there, her hand extended.


    Callie took her sister-friend¡¯s hand and stood. ¡°My dad used to tell me stories about unicorns when I was a little girl,¡± she said wistfully, wiping a tear away with the back of her hand.


    Pixyl squeezed, looking up into Callie¡¯s beautiful purple eyes. ¡°Mine did, too.¡±

 AUTHORS NOTE - Comments on the First Big Fight (Chapters 42/44)

    Wow! What a fight! Even going back and reading it again a few months after I originally wrote it, I''m still really happy with the results.


    <hr>


    First a little history:


    While we have had a couple exciting action moments (for example, Callie sparing with Vonn, Pixyl vs the Demon, the Bunkerball game and its resulting Healer scenes), they were all very tiny and almost more of an appetizer. The main story was everything else going on, and while not full of action, I''d argue was full of anticipation and even excitement.


    This fight, though, was the biggie for me as a writer, and for the story. Well, the first biggie, I should say (I''ve written another big boss fight already). Very early on in writing the story, probably all the way back in Chapter 10 or so, part of my mind had already been choreographing this first big fight. I knew the dance steps that Callie, PIxyl and Tazrok in particular would take, and where people would be come the end of the fight. I knew what would happen to Reynard, and the final attack from the unicorn and its outcome. I so wanted to write it, but it would distract from the job of getting there. Eventually, finally, it was time, and I truly believe it was worth the wait.


    Chapter Commentary:


    From a writing standpoint, I hope I kept things exciting for the entirety of the fight. I know it''s long (word wise) and a lot of things happened, and that''s what I was aiming for - the ongoing never-ending chaos of the moment. Things needed to go wrong, and then right, and then wrong again, in order to make it truly feel like a victory. I think I did that, even if the victory was a little hollow, too, given what happened to Reynard. I also needed to make sure to showcase every character contributing their own mini-moment at some point. Honestly, I looked to Endgame and other epic-battle movies for inspiration on pacing and ensemble combat.


    Character Commentary:


    So many things happened to each of them, particularly for those in Callie''s close friend-circle (I''ll reference both Chapter 44 as well as back to Chapter 42 a bit):


    Thucax - The Gnoll hasn''t been part of the story very much. He''s not part of Callie''s group of close friends, and is a bit of a loner by his very nature, so isn''t seen a lot. From a writing standpoint he''s one of those background characters. As a Ranger, he''s nervous and full of some of his own self-doubts going into this fight, which Koda was able to help him through in private in Chapter 42. When the chips were down, though, he rose and performed, with his special, unique attack playing its critical part when needed to defeat the basilisk.


    Shul''an - I''ve always pictured the Fire Salamanderkin as a pillar of walking professionalism. They came to the camp already Bronze, with years of their own experiences in combat and in life. Here, they were no different. Skilled, professional, and reliable, with of course their special racial ability helping to turn the tide when the mission success seemed bleak.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Lhawni - Obviously adept as a healer and calm under pressure. She was in her element in the swamp (Goblins have a Swamp Sense trait, similar to a Gnome''s Underground Sense), so her environmental expertise was of great help and certainly appreciated. She''s one of Callie''s gal-pals, and that friendship shows.


    Ambria - The Combat Healer Faun is actually one of my favorite tertiary characters for many reasons. We''ve seen her evolution as a healer over the last few chapters, and that continued to shine. Her ''therapy'' must have helped. You also saw how much she is part of Callie''s close group of friends with the joke they all played on Jesca, and the sly sense of humor she has buried inside her. You can also get an appreciation for Tasi''s teachings in her as she takes control of the team''s healing duties.


    Jesca - Ahh, Jesca. Another one of my favorites. A great Ranger. A great friend. An obvious violator of Faun Law. Some unexpected things in her world have changed, which you''re going to be seeing in the next couple chapters. Stay tuned for some absolutely amazing growth in her.


    Tazrok - We can see he''s fully embraced his role as a Druid, showing comfort across all roles and forms. Still, he has the spirit of an Ogre and that heart of a Warrior, and that showed. And yet, there is still this strange mysterious Aura he can project, and the impact using it has on him and on others ...


    Reynard / Celeste - I''m lumping them together only because I want to consider them purely in their roles as trainers. You can see how much almost everything they do is in part to pass along a lesson or bit of knowledge, or to get the recruits to think. You can also see the pride they have as their students rise to the circumstances. Learning-by-doing is the training method, with the trainers acting as a net to catch someone if they fall. Reynard obviously will have ongoing struggles from his injury, as you can imagine. His future is going to be murky.


    Pixyl - Our Bladewaver is finally back in her element. She''s a fighter, a brawler, and wields a giant heart of a warrior in her tiny body. You can see how much Callie and the others have helped her become a completely different person than when she arrived, breaking out of her shell of being a loner and that lifetime of loneliness through their friendships. Her closeness and caring for Callie is evident. The first steps in her journey of being a soldier, not just a fighter, have been taken.


    Callie - Our sweet, innocent Callie. Hah! Who are we kidding! Callie was tested, and, while making mistakes, passed it. There will be ramifications for some of her decisions and actions, as one can expect. But, like so many times so far, she''ll learn and grow from those missteps and continue evolving towards the person we are starting to see being born. I don''t want to dwell here, but the seeds that have been planted over the last two weeks are now starting to germinate, and our little Gnome is beginning to grow.


    In the end, everyone had their own personal evolution and changes. Each of them came out of the fight different than when they left camp, with experience and the realities of the world shaping them as combateers. You''ll see more of these effects in upcoming chapters, but the beginnings were created for many in this fight.


    Callie''s Heroes has always been about the characters as people. Their individual stories coming together is what forms the story, not the other way around. My hope is that as you read this fight with ten of our characters, you felt each and every one of them as those individual people, and not just a cardboard cutout to fill the space.


    As closing thoughts, I just want to once again thank each and every one of you for reading, commenting and more importantly, participating. This story wouldn''t exist and couldn''t continue without your encouragement to keep me on task. You all mean so much to me. Thank you so, so much.


    RAH

 Chapter 45 Part 1 - Regrouping

    PART I - REGROUPING


    As they retreated towards the bottom of the hill, Callie noticed Tazrok was not looking well, appearing a little flushed with beads of sweat on his forehead. Reynard wasn¡¯t that heavy, but she knew the Ogre had been in the water with open wounds, and was worried the infection was quickly setting in. She pointed it out to Lhawni and Ambria, and they both concurred that could be the case. They¡¯d need to address that as soon as they got out of the swampy valley.


    Callie also assumed Reynard wasn¡¯t that far behind, since he had a massive open wound exposed to the infected water, plus he likely swallowed some, too. Even she had been potentially exposed, due to a few small scrapes she had received when carried away by the Basilisk¡¯s water surge. As of now, though, she still felt fine, so hopefully the potion was doing its job.


    Single file, they climbed the hillside game trail, using the ropes to help pull themselves up and emerging where it had all begun with an Ogre war cry. Tazrok carried Reynard over to set him where they had all eaten their lunch, the map the Ranger trainer had drawn still scratched into the dirt. The Ogre cracked his back and stretched as he stood straight, letting out a slight groan. Everyone looked beat, covered in mud, sweat and blood.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, ¡°who needs what?¡± Then she gestured towards the Ogre. ¡°I think you need to do that Cure Disease thing on yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Did not have time,¡± Tazrok replied. ¡°Might need Shaman help.¡±


    Callie gestured towards Reynard. ¡°He will need it too, I¡¯m sure. Ambria, how¡¯s his leg?¡±


    The Faun took a deep breath, glancing over at the Foxkin. ¡°Stable, but it¡¯s a long hike. The sooner we get him back, the better.¡±


    ¡°Can we spare, say, fifteen minutes before we get moving.¡±


    Ambria nodded. ¡°Yes. Still, the sooner, the better.¡±


    Tazrok and Lhawni both set to work. The Shaman dropped a totem, pushing out a Refreshing Pulse, which Reynard and Tazrok both in particular needed, but everyone welcomed. Tazrok began using his Druidic magic to purge his own Bogwump infection, ultimately needing an assist from Lhawni when he started getting tired again. The Goblin eventually finished the job, ordering Tazrok to rest. After drinking a mana potion, Lhawni focused on Reynard. His parasite infestation proved deeper than Tazrok¡¯s, and was accompanied by general wound infection quickly trying to set in, too, likely from other nasties in the water or the eel¡¯s mouth. There wasn¡¯t a lot of danger yet, but the Shaman had an extra tough time of it, and eventually Tazrok, rested and feeling better after a potion of his own, provided a return assist.


    Ambria pushed a fresh pain-blocking spell into Reynard¡¯s leg, much to his scowling. He wasn¡¯t taking well to being fussed over, especially by three recruits, and would probably have been willing to hop all the way back to camp in pure stubbornness if people had let him. Despite his complaints, though, he let the Healers do their work, thanking them all when Lhawni finally declared him parasite and infection free. Able to be properly healed now, Lhawni next focused on his collarbone, easily fusing the simple fracture.


    While the Healers provided aid, Callie walked over to the edge of the hill, pulling up and coiling the two lengths of rope before looking down at the distant, still-smoking ruin that had been the Bogwump nest. She couldn¡¯t really tell what she was feeling. On one hand, the nest had been destroyed, and that was the mission, so she should be happy about that, even excited. Juniper was now presumably safe from threat, and she should be happy about that, too. But the words from her conversation with Reynard in this very spot, that she was worried someone would get hurt, rattled around in her head. She looked back at her Trainer, who was grousing at being fawned over, literally by a Faun, and wondered briefly if it had been worth it. Then, she looked back at the white body of the unicorn, laying in the muck far below. She knew that to save Juniper it had been worth it, but at such a high cost.


    Sensing someone approaching, Callie looked over her shoulder. ¡°How are you doing?¡± Major Celeste asked.


    Callie huffed a single sad laugh. ¡°I¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the laugh for?¡±


    ¡°Reynard asked me the same question, in the same way, before we started down the hill. I was worried someone would get hurt. Ironic, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Celeste glanced back at Reynard being a difficult patient. ¡°Maybe a little,¡± she said with an empty laugh.


    The two stood side-by-side for a long minute, saying nothing. ¡°I heard what you told Pixyl,¡± Celeste finally said. ¡°I grew up with stories about them, too. I¡¯ve never seen one, though.¡±


    Callie weakly smiled. ¡°It was just a sudden reminder of home. And of my father. Even before coming here, I missed him.¡±


    ¡°I never knew my father. Or my mother for that matter. My real ones that is. Cherish those memories.¡±


    As Celeste turned to join the others, Callie grabbed her arm.


    ¡°Major, can I ask you a question?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember shooting her,¡± Callie said. ¡°I know I was hesitating, but I don¡¯t remember actually doing it.¡± She looked up quickly, and then back out over the Valley. ¡°If the answer is yes, I won¡¯t be angry, but did you or Reynard do something to me? With your Command Aura thing, I mean.¡±


    Major Celeste frowned, and then sighed as she nodded. ¡°I did,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t actually force you to do anything, though. It was more like a little nudge, to help push the cloud of emotion aside in the moment, so your logical brain could make a decision. I¡¯m sorry. Honestly, I did it on instinct, and didn''t realize I had until after.¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Callie said. ¡°It¡¯s a good tool. I probably would have got my wits together in another second, but ¡­¡± Callie trailed her voice off.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Celeste said again, true sincerity in her voice.


    Callie suddenly waved the issue away, forcing her face to brighten, but it was a little artificial. ¡°It¡¯s okay, really. Thanks for being honest with me.¡± She turned towards the rest of the team, seeing Reynard hopelessly trying to fend off the attention he was getting from each of the healers, Tazrok now offering additional aid as well. ¡°Do you think we need to rescue Reynard?¡±


    ¡°Probably. Healer recruits tend to get a little overprotective of some of their first real patients. It¡¯s actually rather adorable, in a way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Reynard snapped. ¡°No pain at the moment. I don¡¯t feel anything below my thigh, remember? Stop asking.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just making sure. You let me know,¡± Ambria insisted, standing at the ready to apply another spell, hands on her hips.


    The recruits all saw Callie returning, accompanied by the Major, and stood. They shuffled into a group, wondering what the plan was.


    ¡°How is he?¡± Callie asked, gesturing to the Foxkin on the ground as the Major set down the ropes.


    ¡°Cleaned of the parasites,¡± Lhawni reported. ¡°Tazrok, too.¡±


    ¡°His leg is stable, but we should get going,¡± Ambria added. ¡°It¡¯s going to take a couple hours to get back, unless we run.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re not running,¡± Callie flatly stated. ¡°We¡¯re tired and someone will just get hurt tripping on something.¡± She rolled a couple thoughts around in her mind, quickly coming to a conclusion.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this, then. Tazrok, you go on ahead with Reynard, as fast as you can reasonably go without his leg flopping around. Use your Curvax form. The rest of us can take our time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving the rest of you,¡± Reynard said, sitting up straighter.


    Callie shot the trainer a doubting look, and then promptly ignored him. ¡°Will that work, Tazrok?¡±


    ¡°Might fall off. Send another to hold him.


    Callie nodded. ¡°Okay, we need someone to ride along and make sure he doesn¡¯t fall. Thucax, I pick you.¡±


    ¡°Why me?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re lighter than all the other normal sized people, and us shorter people probably don¡¯t have the strength to be much help. Take the Major¡¯s last stamina potion in case Reynard needs it.¡±


    ¡°Ahh,¡± the Gnoll replied, not entirely happy he had been volunteered.


    ¡°Also must use Helldoggie for two,¡± Tazrok said, holding up two huge fingers.


    Thucax seemed suddenly quite a bit more nervous as he looked up at the huge Ogre, remembering his ferocious attack on the eel in the swamp.


    ¡°No! I¡¯m not going to ride the Ogre,¡± Reynard snapped.


    Callie narrowed her face slightly and walked over to the Ranger, still seated on the ground. She squatted down next to him, looking him right in the eyes. ¡°Tell me, who did they put in charge?¡± she asked coldly.


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t give me ¡­¡± Reynard started to snap in return, but then, remembering this was partially a training exercise, cut himself off. ¡°You were put in charge.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Callie said, nodding as a smile came to her face. ¡°So, I¡¯m going to tell you five words that I bet you never thought you¡¯d hear in your life.¡±


    Reynard''s face screwed up in a scowl. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Get. On. The. Damn. Hellhound.¡± Callie said slowly, counting them off on her fingers. Then she added, just for good measure, ¡°Sir.¡±


    Major Celeste tried to stifle a giggle as Reynard and Callie locked equally stubborn gazes with each other. Neither blinked.


    ¡°Besides,¡± Callie suddenly beamed, a huge grin appearing on her face. ¡°You get to ride into camp, victorious, mounted on the biggest Hellhound anyone has ever seen. You can¡¯t tell me that isn¡¯t going to be cool as hell.¡±


    Reynard was about to continue objecting, possibly just on simple principle. Then, the image of what that might actually look like flashed through his mind. Him, riding high on the back of a huge Hellhound, triumphant. He rolled his eyes and forced himself to nod in agreement, mumbling, ¡°That would look pretty cool, wouldn¡¯t it.¡±


    Several of the other recruits had started to pick up some of the various ¡®Callieisms¡¯ over the previous two weeks, the word ¡®cool¡¯ being the most common. Callie hadn¡¯t heard Reynard use it before, and internally she giggled, realizing it was yet another way she had managed to get under his skin, metaphorically at least.


    ¡°I can rig up a harness,¡± Shul¡¯an said. ¡°I had a lot of time in my days with the caravans to learn rope skills. It will give you something to hold so you are less likely to fall off.¡±


    ¡°See? Perfect!¡± Callie said with a grin, slapping Reynard on his arm in encouragement as she stood.


    People set to work. Tazrok summoned up a batch of Healing Berries for Thucax to give Reynard if his wound reopened, while Major Celeste handed off her remaining Stamina potion. Shul¡¯an took up one of the lengths of rope, beginning to tie some of it in knots for the makeshift Hellhound harness.


    ¡°Take him straight to medical,¡± Ambria told Tazrok. ¡°Then I want all three of you to have another round of Cure Disease, too, just to be sure.¡±


    ¡°Let everyone know we¡¯ll be there in a couple hours,¡± Callie added. ¡°No other significant injuries that haven¡¯t been healed, and the nest has been destroyed.¡± Then she added to Thucax, ¡°Don¡¯t forget to give your bow a round of Cure Disease, too.¡±


    The Ogre nodded, receiving his instructions before wibbling into his fearsome Hellhound form. Shul¡¯an worked their expert rope skills, looping under and around the terrifying Tazrok-the-Hellhound and providing both riders with small loops to hold tight. They also showed Thucax a simple knot to undo which would release the whole thing, allowing the Ogre to resume his natural form without getting tangled.


    The Hellhound crouched down, and Reynard was carefully helped up onto his back, Thucax scrambling up after him. It wasn¡¯t exactly comfortable, but with a few trots around the clearing, the two riders found spots where they were both steady and not in any immediate discomfort. As a final parting action, Ambria refreshed the pain block on Reynard¡¯s leg to make sure it would last all the way back to camp.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, looking Tazrok in his glowing eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t have to run. Just a walking pace will still be way faster than the rest of us. No risks, just get him home, understand?¡±


    The huge, black Hellhound nodded his head, growling out an accompanying affirmative. He turned, walking off to the northwest, two riders clinging to his back. Soon, he was lost down a small hill, out of sight.


    Callie sighed, relieved that the immediate issue had been dealt with. Despite assurances, she was worried about Reynard and his missing half-limb. He had seemed in good spirits, all things considered, even verbally sparring with her. Both Lhawni and Ambria reiterated to her that the limb could be regrown, probably in less than a few months. That made Callie feel a little better, but that kind of body trauma was going to eventually catch up, no matter how much magic was thrown at him.


    A part of her still felt like his injury was her fault, too. She really couldn¡¯t think of a particular reason why, though. Maybe it was just a case of, what had Reynard called it? ¡®A hundred fates coming together and meeting in a moment¡¯? Was it really that simple?

 Chapter 45 Part 2 - Grisly Responsibilities

    PART II - GRISLY RESPONSIBILITIES


    The remaining seven each took stock, and mutually decided to delay departure for another fifteen minutes so everyone could use the bushes and rest a bit more. Pixyl, in particular, looked extremely tired, despite the jolts of refreshing energy she had received, which surprised Callie and the others. After a little resisted investigation, it turned out she had been quite injured by her collision with the Drakeling, and worse, had been hiding it the whole time. It was only the uncharacteristic fatigue as well as Ambria catching her wincing that gave it away, and she was forced to admit she was hurt.


    Ambria and Lhawni checked her over, finding the entire left side of her torso had become a single large bruise. With all the males gone, the Pixie sat nearly-topless on a log, wearing only her binder, still trying to assure the Healers she was fine, as they took turns chastising her for not saying anything sooner. A thorough Diagnose spell yielded not only the massive bruising, but a pair of cracked ribs, too. Nothing was out of place, thankfully, but even something as simple as breathing caused pain, and Callie couldn¡¯t imagine what her friend had been enduring as the battle went on and after the adrenaline wore off.


    Lhawni worked on the ribs, easily melding them together again, while Ambria applied a low-powered general pain block, just to make it easier for the Pixie to breathe. While they did that, Major Celeste scolded Pixyl for not disclosing her injury, slipping into trainer-mode. She emphasized that you couldn¡¯t hide injuries, because you might be called on to do something nobody is aware an injury would prevent. Unfortunately, because Pixyl had waited so long to get treatment, the ugly purple bruising wasn¡¯t able to be lessened with healing, and it would likely take a few days to fully fade and be a little tender in the meantime.


    Callie laughed, a bit of a melancholy tone in her voice. ¡°You know, when I touched the unicorn horn, it healed all my scrapes and bruises. Pretty much instantly in fact.¡±


    ¡°It did?¡± Ambria asked, her eyes going wide.


    Lhawni shrugged. ¡°Unicorn horns heal on touch. The blood will restore youth, too, so it is used to heal the aging attacks of some undead. There¡¯s lots of other parts that have their uses too. The tail hair, hooves, and hide can all be used in armorsmithing. Bones even, adding all kinds of magic to things. At least that¡¯s what I¡¯ve heard from others, so I¡¯ll assume those stories are true.¡±


    ¡°Apparently the horn at least works,¡± Celeste said with a shrug, as she turned to look towards the Valley.


    ¡°Do ¡­¡± Callie started to say, amazed that the words were even coming out of her mouth. ¡°Do you think we should bring the body back with us? We have the body bag, if it¡¯s big enough.¡± Then she added, ¡°I mean, I suppose it would be nice if some good could come from this.¡±


    Everyone looked at each other, unsure how to answer that rather morbid question.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Pixyl flatly said, breaking the silence. ¡°If any of the stories are t-t-true, it¡¯s too valuable to leave.¡±


    ¡°That idea is a little gruesome,¡± Ambria mumbled.


    ¡°She¡¯s right, though,¡± Lhawni added, gesturing towards Pixyl.


    Major Celeste frowned, and then looked at Callie. ¡°This is your mission, Sergeant. It¡¯s your decision. The body bag is big enough to hold an Ogre if need be, so it should hold the unicorn. With the weight reduction, we¡¯ll be able to get it back easily enough.¡±


    Callie likewise frowned, but then remembered again the moment of warm healing she felt when she had touched the horn. If it was somehow able to keep healing people long after death, that in itself was a nearly priceless magical item. But if there were other uses for the unicorn, too ¡­ Yes, it was gruesome to think about, but as a pragmatic soldier, one could say they had a duty.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get it,¡± Callie finally said, sloughing off her backpack.


    Jesca and Ambria both groaned, feeling queasy at the whole idea.


    Fishing through her pack, Callie pulled out the tightly wrapped body bag. She didn¡¯t see how it could possibly be large enough to hold an Ogre, but then realized they were retrieving a damn unicorn corpse. The answer was magic. Simple as that. Trying to understand more than that would likely just drive her mad, like everything else around here that didn¡¯t make proper sense. Gently, she tossed the bundle to the Major.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Nobody was excited to go back down the hill, but grudgingly they did, re-tying the remaining rope to assist. Overhead, the Drakelings had re-emerged, a half-dozen circling lazily in the afternoon sky, looking for something uninfected to make a meal of, while others could be seen far off picking at the still-fresh Basilisk corpse. Pixyl was wary, given how tasty she apparently was to them, agreeing with the recommendation to stay close to the rest of the party and out of the air.


    It didn¡¯t take long to reach the unicorn, still lying silently on the ground, and still beautiful.


    ¡°I feel really bad about this,¡± Jesca said quietly, an uncomfortable look on her furry face. She then looked up at the others, defensively adding, ¡°I know we should bring it back. Really. But I¡¯m still allowed to feel bad about it.¡±


    ¡°We all do,¡± Celeste said as she squatted down by the creature¡¯s head. Hesitantly, she reached out with her swollen hand, gently resting it on the horn¡¯s tip. There was no visual indication of magic, but a radiant warmth spread through the Major. In less than a trio of eye blinks, the ugly purple bruising on her hand faded. Carefully, Celeste flexed her now-flexible fingers.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Ambria said simply. Then she looked at Pixyl. ¡°You touch it.¡± Then she held up her hand. ¡°Actually, show us your bruises as you do.¡±


    The Pixie scowled at the attention, but dutifully unwrapped the armor around her torso, handing it roughly to Callie. She grudgingly pulled up half of her tunic with one hand, exposing the nearly-black bruises covering her side. Far less reverently than the Major, Pixyl grabbed on to the horn¡¯s end. Within moments, the bruises began to fade, much to the giddy fascination of Ambria and Lhawni. Within ten or twelve seconds, they were gone, only a vague discoloring remaining. Pixyl¡¯s face also showed significant relief from what discomfort had been leaking past Ambria''s blocking spell.


    ¡°I guess it still works,¡± Lhawni said with a shrug.


    Celeste set to work. She pulled the knot on the body bag¡¯s binding, and instantly it seemed to spring open, reminding Callie a little of an emergency life raft suddenly inflating. The result was something akin to a large duffel bag, designed to open flat. The material was incredibly strong, though, and seemed to vaguely hum in her hand as Callie touched it, obviously magical. It must be the hide of some magical creature. She¡¯d have to ask Fizzlebek at some point, curious what other things could be crafted and similarly enchanted to reduce weight. Backpacks, maybe?


    With expertise betraying that she had done this before, Major Celeste directed. Nobody was happy, and the Major pushed everyone to just focus through the task. Celeste and Shul¡¯an did most of the work, being the strongest, with Jesca, Callie and Lhawni holding the edges in place as the body was slid into it. Callie felt awful, fighting with competing emotions of regret and duty.


    Eventually, the body was in place, and Celeste folded a flap over the top of the bag, covering the unicorn. She aligned the sides with each other, before directing Shul¡¯an to pinch the overlapping fabric together on the other end. As they did that, the Major worked on the opposite side. They worked quietly, and once the last edge was sealed, the bag seemed to hum with power for a few seconds, before the whole assembly seemed to stiffen, and the pinched edges sealed even tighter. Looped handles on either end had been built into the bag to allow two people to pick up and carry the whole thing, and there were several loops for long poles on either side if they had them. The Major advised everyone to watch for trees or fallen branches to serve that purpose on the way back.


    Quietly, reverently, everyone walked back to the bottom of the hill, the Major and Shul¡¯an carrying the precious pack. With the bag stiffened, it didn¡¯t droop in the middle, almost like carrying a body on a litter. The magical weight reduction assured the whole thing didn¡¯t weigh more than perhaps thirty kilograms, easily light enough for the two to carry, each using a single arm. Celeste and Shul¡¯an went up the hill first, using the rope to pull the unicorn up after them, followed soon by the rest.


    Once on top, everyone now took the delayed break, ducking away for privacy before beginning the hike back. Nobody had much to say, their eyes occasionally darting to the black object lying on the ground a short distance away. In their heads, they knew bringing the unicorn back was for the best, but their hearts were still heavy, that responsibility, as well as the day¡¯s events in general, weighing on each of them.


    Callie looked up at the sun, judging the time as late-afternoon, perhaps around four or five. The walk back would take about two hours, but it would certainly still be daylight by the time they arrived. Depending on how much the unicorn slowed them down, plus with the need to be cleansed of any possible parasites and clean up, they would miss the evening meal. That was a shame, but it was better to not rush, rather than risk someone tripping. They¡¯d find something to eat, even if only general dried rations.


    Finally, they set out. With their Wilderness Survival perk, the Rangers had an excellent sense of direction in the forests as long as they had the camp as the original reference point, as did Lhawni with her own Goblin racial trait. No longer needing it in place, Callie had collected the magical beacon from next to the tree where Tazrok had conducted his symphony, slipping it into her backpack alongside the tracker and the giant eel¡¯s teeth. They walked quietly, with Shul¡¯an and Celeste carrying the unicorn, but planning to rotate Jesca in if one of them got tired or sore. Lhawni assumed her cute animal form, leaping easily over and around the fallen tree limbs with ease, while the others had to occasionally scramble. Pixyl grudgingly accepted a ride on Jesca¡¯s shoulders, and would switch piggybacking to whomever wasn¡¯t on unicorn-carrying duty, taking to the air if needed for a bigger obstacle.


    After twenty minutes, Jesca asked everyone to halt, which they did. She set Pixyl on the ground, looking back the way they had come, a concerned look on her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Something is following us,¡± Jesca replied quietly.

 Chapter 45 Part 3 - Child of Dreams

    PART III - CHILD OF DREAMS


    Shul¡¯an and Celeste had set the unicorn¡¯s body down, and with Jesca¡¯s warning, the Major swiftly moved into action. She took position at the front of the group, ready to intercept anything, arms crossed and hands on her swords to draw them if needed.


    ¡°Nothing is triggering my Danger Sense,¡± Celeste said. ¡°Any of you?¡±


    The three Rangers looked at each other, before each shrugged. ¡°Nothing here,¡± Callie replied for all three of them. Around the team, bird calls and insect noises continued as normal, seeming to indicate no imminent danger. The Rangers each activated their Eagle Eye skills, searching through the trees for whatever Jesca had sensed.


    ¡°There!¡± Shul¡¯an called out, pointing. ¡°I saw something flash behind those bushes.¡±


    Slowly, almost soundlessly, the Major drew her swords and each of the Rangers tensed, prepared to call their bows if needed, but holding off using the charge if not.


    Lhawni saw it first, gasping in surprise, before everyone else did the same. It walked hesitantly from behind the little stand of bushes, looking nervous and appearing ready to run.


    ¡°Is that¡­?¡± Callie whispered, her voice trailing off in pure awe.


    Before them stood another unicorn, but this one was small, obviously a very young foal.


    ¡°It¡¯s not charging us,¡± Ambria whispered.


    Callie quickly zoomed in, as did the other Rangers. ¡°There¡¯s no blood on its face,¡± she said. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s infected.¡± Then horror came to Callie¡¯s face as she gasped, and she put her hand over her mouth. She looked over at the black body bag. ¡°Oh my God! I ¡­ I think I killed its mother,¡± she whispered. ¡°It must have been following us, or ¡­ following the body.¡±


    Everyone looked at the wrapped unicorn, suddenly making the same connection.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Pixyl said quietly as she fluttered back to the ground, a sense of horror appearing on her face.


    Callie had no sense of horse sizes, let alone six-legged sort-of-horses, so had no idea how old the foal was. But it was definitely young. If it had been born in the spring, though, that would make it at most only a few months old. And she had killed its mother. Callie¡¯s heart was breaking at the sight.


    ¡°What do we do? If that was it¡¯s mother, it¡¯s not likely to survive long,¡± Lhawni whispered, worry in her voice.


    ¡°We should help it,¡± Callie said in a return whisper to the group. Then, with more confidence, she added, ¡°I dunno. Take it back with us or something. The camp can take care of it until it¡¯s big enough.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ¡­ not really what we do there,¡± Celeste pointed out. She had relaxed slightly, but was still holding both of her swords ready. ¡°And we¡¯d need to catch it, too. I¡¯m sure it will run if anyone approaches.¡±


    The unicorn foal threw its head, tiny horn glinting in the afternoon sunlight leaking through the tall trees. It wasn¡¯t running, but it also wasn¡¯t moving any closer, and was obviously nervous and confused.


    ¡°We need to help it,¡± Callie said again, with some firmer conviction this time. ¡°I need to help it. I killed it¡¯s mom! I have a responsibility.¡±


    ¡°Callie¡­¡± Celeste said, a warning in her voice.


    ¡°How do we catch it? Is anyone good with animals?¡± Ambria asked. Nobody responded.


    ¡°You know, the stories say a unicorn will always trust a virgin,¡± Lhawni helpfully pointed out with a laugh, shrugging.


    ¡°Well, we know Ambria¡¯s out, then,¡± Pixyl snickered.


    ¡°Hey! I¡¯ll let you know I have standards.¡±


    ¡°Standards? Like what?¡± Pixyl snorted, hands on her hips as she teased the Faun. ¡°You slept with your p-p-patient!¡±


    Ambria shrugged. ¡°I won¡¯t have sex with anyone I wouldn¡¯t want to wake up and have breakfast with. It keeps me away from the creepy ones.¡±


    Celeste slowly turned, a look of confused condemnation on her face, but then it softened as she processed what the Healer had said. ¡°Actually, that¡¯s a remarkably good standard to have. It would have saved me a few mistakes.¡±


    ¡°Me, too,¡± Lhawni added as she analyzed the guidance as well.


    ¡°See? I¡¯m not a complete tramp,¡± Ambria snorted to Pixyl in mock indignation. ¡°And he wasn¡¯t my patient any longer, anyways.¡±


    ¡°How would a unicorn even know if someone is one?¡± Callie asked, pulling the topic back to the matter at hand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lhawni shrugged as she looked at the creature. ¡°Magic I guess? Maybe Ambria smells spoiled or something.¡± She shot the Faun a teasing grin.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Ambria replied. ¡°Not a complete tramp, remember?¡±


    ¡°So, what do we do?¡± Shul¡¯an asked, wary and still watching the young unicorn closely. It hadn¡¯t moved, and was using one hoof to tear at the forest floor with nervousness. It still wasn¡¯t running, though.


    Pixyl grabbed Callie¡¯s arm and pulled her ear close. ¡°Didn¡¯t T-T-Tasi say you were a virgin?¡± she whispered.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Callie shrugged. ¡°This body is,¡± she whispered back. ¡°I¡¯m not, though.¡±


    Pixyl shrugged back, leaving the idea hanging in the air.


    ¡°Since I have no idea if I am one,¡± Callie said out loud to the group, ¡°I suppose I could try.¡±


    ¡°Hang on, let me rig up a lead,¡± Shul¡¯an said, fishing in Jesca¡¯s backpack for the length of rope.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re actually doing this,¡± the Major mumbled. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m even letting you try! This is foolish and you¡¯re going to get hurt, Callie.¡±


    ¡°My mission, remember?¡± Callie said, smirking. Then she added, ¡°But be prepared to plug the hole if it spears me, Ambria.¡±


    ¡°Fine, but when it runs, we¡¯re not going to chase it!¡± the Major grumbled.


    It took only a few seconds for Shul¡¯an to tie a loop in the rope that could serve as a lead, and they handed it to Callie.


    Hesitantly, Callie took a few careful steps forward, holding a hand out like in that movie about taming dragons. She had no freaking idea what she was doing, or honestly even why she was doing it. For some reason, she had to try, though. Even if the unicorn just turned and ran, at least she could say she tried, right?


    The foal actually took one, and then two, steps forward. It was breathing heavily, as if drawing in a scent. Callie took another careful step forward herself. ¡°Hey girl? Are you a girl?¡± Callie bent sideways and looked. ¡°It looks like you¡¯re a girl. I¡¯m here to help you.¡±


    That was close enough, and the unicorn bolted to Callie¡¯s left, bounding over a downed log before coming to a stop a dozen meters away, still nervously looking first at Callie, and then at the rest of the group.


    ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯m a slut, too,¡± Callie giggled as she shrugged her shoulders, walking back to the group. ¡°Any other thoughts?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a slut, either!¡± Ambria defended, but still laughing about it, before adding, ¡°Mostly.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s still not running away. She might just follow us back,¡± Lhawni suggested.


    ¡°Even if she did, as soon as we get close, the other people will just spook her,¡± Celeste pointed out. ¡°Callie, we should just go. We have to get back.¡±


    Narrowing her eyes, Callie slowly turned a steely gaze to the officer. ¡°We¡¯ll figure something out! I owe her that for what I did,¡± she said slowly. Turning back to the rest of the group, Callie pleaded. ¡°Ideas, people. We need ideas.¡±


    ¡°Shul¡¯an, can you throw the rope over it?¡± Lhawni asked, thinking out loud.


    ¡°Not very likely. It¡¯s too far and I¡¯m not skilled with rope like that.¡±


    ¡°Ooo! How about a sleep spell?¡± Callie asked Ambria.


    ¡°I¡¯d need to touch her for it to work, assuming it even would,¡± the Faun replied. ¡°She¡¯s probably resistant to magic. And someone would need to carry her, then.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Callie grumbled.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way she could get close, either. She¡¯s spoiled, remember?¡± Pixyl pointed out, still ribbing the Faun.


    With a sigh, Jesca simply held out her paw to Callie. ¡°Give me the damn rope.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why?¡±


    The Cheetahkin gestured a second time, wagging her paw in a ¡®gimme¡¯ motion. ¡°Just give me the rope. If Lhawni¡¯s right, I¡¯ll be able to get her. But I¡¯m only trying once!¡±


    Confused, Callie held the coil out to Jesca.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ambria said, a look of realization on her face as she held up a finger. ¡°Jesca, are you saying that you¡¯re ¡­¡±


    The Beastkin growled in irritation, snatching the rope from Callie¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Celeste asked in bewilderment. ¡°You are?¡±


    Jesca sighed heavily and started to walk towards the young unicorn, ignoring her friends¡¯ questions. ¡°Hey girl. We¡¯re here to help,¡± she whispered. She held out her paw as Callie had done, making gentle cooing noises as she approached. ¡°I¡¯m no threat. That¡¯s a good unicorn¡­¡±


    The foal carefully considered Jesca, nostrils flaring. She stepped back once in nervousness.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m not going to hurt you,¡± Jesca said calmly. She looked down at the rope in her paw and tossed it aside. ¡°See, nothing in my paws.¡± ,


    The two looked at each other, the unicorn carefully took a tiny step forward, followed slowly by a second, while the rest of the team held their collective breaths. Jesca stopped moving, allowing the animal to come at her own comfort as she held her arm out like Callie had done. After what seemed like an eternity, the foal finally bumped her nose against Jesca¡¯s outstretched paw. ¡°There you go,¡± Jesca whispered, as she ran it along the unicorn¡¯s cheek, scratching lightly behind her ear. ¡°We will bring you somewhere safe, okay? Nobody¡¯s going to hurt you.¡±


    ¡°My stars!¡± Major Celeste said in a gasp, jaw dropped completely open. ¡°Did that actually just happen?¡±


    Carefully, Jesca rubbed her paw down the unicorn¡¯s neck. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go home,¡± she said quietly, taking a step towards the rest of the group. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t hurt you.¡± Amazingly, the foal took the step with her, eyeing the others suspiciously, before she took a second step. Jesca continued forward, keeping herself between the foal and the others, picking up the rope as she walked by it.


    Callie looked up at her friend and the unicorn that had apparently accepted her. ¡°Seriously, Jesca? Never?¡±


    ¡°Never ever?¡± Lhawni asked, adding to the interrogation.


    Jesca glared at them all, before turning back to the unicorn, clicking her tongue and making gentle sounds.


    ¡°I¡¯d think you¡¯d have males lined up wanting to court you,¡± Lhawni said, still confused. ¡°I mean, let¡¯s face it, you¡¯re pretty damn starfire.¡±


    ¡°They keep wanting to,¡± Jesca sighed. Then she added, ¡°Ick! Sex just sounds ¡­ sticky.¡± She made a shuddering gesture. The other ladies and Shul¡¯an all looked at each other, forced to sort of concede that point.


    ¡°I guess giving Ambria some really good antler doesn¡¯t count,¡± Callie pointed out, gesturing to the Faun, to which there were stifled giggles and a very embarrassed Combat Healer.


    ¡°Pay no attention to them,¡± Jesca cooed, petting the unicorn gently as she pretended to ignore the others. ¡°They¡¯re all just a bunch of trollops.¡±


    Still somewhat stunned at everything that had transpired in the last ten minutes, they watched Jesca slowly walk off, the unicorn keeping pace with her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it,¡± Major Celeste said. ¡°And I have no idea what to do with a youngling unicorn back at camp. We could put her in the stables, I suppose, and we have a Herdmaster in charge there.¡± Then she snorted in laughter. ¡°But he has kids.¡±


    Callie found herself dumbfounded, too, and a little selfishly disappointed. When Pixyl had reminded her that she was technically a virgin here, part of her expected to be able to approach the foal. Now, she actually felt a tiny bit jealous of Jesca. She was certainly glad they were providing help, at least that was the intention. But her mind had looked back again to those pre-teen years, where unicorns and their stories were cool and life was simple and her dad was still around. Plus, she had killed the foal¡¯s mother, so shouldn¡¯t she be the one helping?


    ¡°Callie?¡± Celeste said, bumping the Gnome¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Huh? What?¡±


    ¡°I asked, ¡®should we get going¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Uh, yeah, let¡¯s. Maybe keep the unicorn up front so she doesn¡¯t have to see us carrying that?¡± Callie gestured towards the body bag.


    As a group, the seven set forth again. Jesca in front, talking in a low and comforting voice, guiding the unicorn. The other six scrambled along behind, a respectful distance away.


    Callie let her mind wander a bit, realizing just how unreal the entire day had become. It was supposed to be so simple. First, the Bunkerball game, and then afternoon tea with Pama and Fizzlebek, and then a hike to Tazrok¡¯s lookout rock with Pixyl. Somehow, it had all become ¡­ this. Well, there was always next weekend, right?

 Chapter 45 Part 4 - Homecoming

    PART IV - HOMECOMING


    Xera was feeling fidgety with worry. Reynard had ridden into camp almost three hours previous, riding high on the back of an Ogre-turned-Hellhound, along with one of his recruits. He was also missing half of one of his legs and really not looking the best, flush with sweat and obvious fatigue.


    ¡°The nest is destroyed. Everyone is alive. I¡¯m the only serious injury,¡± Reynard reported tersely, but wearily. ¡°The rest should be here in under two hours.¡±


    Looking at the slightly bloody bandages on Reynard¡¯s severed leg, Xera immediately sent the Hellhound on to Medical, where Tasi would be waiting, ready to receive any injuries. But that had been it, the only information they had about what happened. Xera could have talked to the Ogre or the Gnoll Ranger, but they had needed treatment for the parasites, and then to get cleaned up. And really, it was proper to wait and take the report from the mission Sergeant. Two hours wasn¡¯t too long, right?


    But two hours had come and passed with no sign of the team, and Xera was growing impatient and worried.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine. Knowing Callie, they stopped to pick flowers or something else bright and shiny caught her eye,¡± Legate Galin said, trying to be light and calming, with mixed success. ¡°I¡¯m sure it will all be quite amusing.¡± He wasn¡¯t worried, at least not yet. In another half-hour, that might begin to change.


    ¡°Did I make a mistake, Galin?¡± Xera asked, dropping ranks to speak informally.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. The Major is with them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. Did I make a mistake with Callie? Push too much on her?¡±


    The Legate rubbed his hair roughly, and then shrugged. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t think so. She¡¯s resourceful and bright. That mission planning was very thorough; fast, too. Reynard said they succeeded and that he was the only one injured. I¡¯m sure he was just sent ahead because he was hurt. He¡¯ll need Regrowth, but I assume he¡¯ll be fine, eventually.¡±


    ¡°Tasi suggested that I may have been out of line in choosing Callie.¡±


    ¡°You were absolutely out of line,¡± Galin chuckled. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to say anything in front of the others, but you should have at least checked with Reynard first. But that¡¯s how you are, Xera. You don¡¯t follow the rulebook, at least not if you can help it. That¡¯s what is making this place work, your gut instincts. It¡¯s why I stay here, too. It took a little time to convince me of your relaxed way of doing things, but you have. So, if there¡¯s something about Callie you see, I will trust your judgment until I see it, too.¡±


    ¡°You heard about her on the Bunkerball field last week, right? She stepped into the Field Marshal role and everyone followed her.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d heard about that. She did it again today, right? Rather surprising, for sure.¡±


    ¡°When that Tigerkin was hurt, the one that went back to Imor this past week, she took it as a leadership failure on her part.¡±


    ¡°That was an accident, though,¡± Galin said, almost scoffing.


    ¡°True,¡± Xera said with a nod, ¡°but it also became her first moment. Reynard pulled her aside and talked her down. Masterfully, I might add.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why you picked her to lead this?¡± Galin asked.


    ¡°It is, and all the other things she¡¯s done, but mostly the Marshal thing. You see it, Galin, right?¡±


    The Legate pondered what Xera had said, and then carefully nodded. ¡°I do, but Reynard got hurt badly. If she blames herself, it could break her.¡±


    ¡°True, but if she doesn¡¯t break, it¡¯s a gigantic step forward for her. After the talk he gave her last week, I think she¡¯ll actually be better for it.¡±


    Xera stood and paced to the window, half-snarled through it and then paced back. ¡°This is the part I have always hated; the waiting. It was easier when I was out there.¡±


    ¡°We do our duty, Commandant,¡± Legate Galin said, adding rank back into the conversation, dropping the informality. ¡°Your duty now is to wait for their return.¡±


    There was a long moment of quiet, and then Xera said, ¡°Reynard suspects. About Callie that is. At least that she doesn¡¯t really have amnesia.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s no fool. I¡¯m not surprised.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he would take it well if he was told.¡±


    ¡°Probably not. Maybe, if it came from Thorn. They¡¯ve been friends forever.¡± Galin said with a shrug. ¡°He won¡¯t say anything until he has irrefutable proof, though. He¡¯s sly like that. Maybe with being laid up for a while, we¡¯ve bought some time before he makes an issue of it, or I suppose it could give him time to work it out, too.¡± The Legate frowned, adding, ¡°Her secret is going to get out at some point, you know that, right?¡±


    Xera nodded, saying nothing.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time until ¡­¡± The Legate¡¯s words faded as a horn sounded out a trio of short blasts. ¡°Ah, good. They¡¯re back!¡±


    Quickly, but trying to maintain some semblance of command bearing, the Commandant and Legate left Xera¡¯s office, making all haste towards the partially-opened south gate. As they drew close, they saw a crowd of recruits, trainers and several staff had gathered, about thirty or forty people total, waiting to welcome the team home. The reports about Reynard¡¯s injury spread rapidly, but also the news that everything had otherwise been successful, so there was excitement in the air. That excitement suddenly died as everyone¡¯s heart dropped.


    ¡°Oh my stars!¡± Xera gasped. ¡°Which one?¡±


    Ahead, walking through the gate, was Major Celeste and the black-skinned Salamanderkin Ranger. They were carrying a body bag, and that meant someone had died.


    ¡°Easy, Commandant,¡± Galin said in a sub-vocal whisper. ¡°You need to be absolutely steady right now. You cannot let the recruits see you falter.¡± He knew it had been years since Xera had anyone under their command fall.


    ¡°I know,¡± Xera said, nodding minutely and straightening their posture. ¡°Thank you, though.¡±


    Celeste and Shul¡¯an stepped to the side, setting the body bag on the ground. The Major walked towards the center of the crowd, while Shul¡¯an ran off at high speed, pushing their way through it.


    ¡°Listen up, everyone,¡± the Major called out to the crowd, briefly acknowledging Xera and Galin with a nod. ¡°Something is going to happen. Nobody is going to make a single sound! Not a gasp, whisper, or even the sound of you breaking wind. Do you hear me? Absolute silence.¡± She gestured towards one side of the crowd, where Shul¡¯an had broken through. ¡°I want an opening, right there, at least fifteen meters wide.¡±


    Nobody moved, still confused about the body bag.


    ¡°Now! Make a hole, right there, so something can get through.¡±Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The way slowly and haphazardly parted, people re-distributing themselves around the now-broken circle of the crowd.


    ¡°Okay, once again. Nobody makes a sound, and nobody moves.¡± Celeste spun once more in a circle, seeming satisfied, and then blew sharply through a whistle she wore around her neck, directed towards the gate. ¡°Not a sound!¡± she warned one last time.


    Despite that warning, gasps erupted for a moment, before everyone remembered the Major¡¯s demand for silence. Through the gate walked Callie, leading the rest of the team. They were covered in muck and blood and grime and all looked exhausted. But, almost nobody noticed any of them. The only thing everyone saw was a mud-covered Cheetahkin loosely holding the end of a rope. On the other end of the rope, looped lazily around its neck, was a vision of pure perfection.


    The unicorn only came up to the chest of the Catkin, obviously young, at best only a couple months old. It was nervous seeing all the people, and pushed itself closer for protection. Jesca struggled to ignore the stares, simply looking straight ahead and willing the unicorn to stay calm. She concentrated on following the plan the Major had laid out to get it as quickly as possible to the stables, with Shul¡¯an running ahead to warn someone and get a space cleared.


    No one in the crowd had ever seen a unicorn, only heard the stories, and to take in the sight, this closely, was unimaginable. There was no sense to be made about what they were seeing. How had a combat mission somehow returned with this wonder? Why did it follow willingly? And why was it being led by the Beastkin girl?


    Celeste walked towards the hole in the crowd she had ordered, silently pushing people back a little farther on either side, as Jesca quietly led the unicorn through. The silence was only broken by the soft hoofbeats of the magical creature in the sand and grass. The crowd watched, entranced, having forgotten completely the body sitting on the ground. The slow walk took only a minute, and then the unicorn was gone, led quietly around a building and out of sight.


    It had actually taken several seconds for Xera to realize there was a unicorn being walked into their camp. As Callie and the others came through the gate, they focused on the faces, ultimately seeing all five of the remaining recruits not yet accounted for, and almost sagging in a profound sense of relief. They had no idea who was in the body bag, but it thankfully wasn¡¯t one of the ten that had left hours earlier. Only then did they really comprehend what was walking with this final group, and their heart was filled with wonder and awe like all the others, as silently a creature from dreams was guided through the courtyard.


    Callie led Lhawni, Ambria and Pixyl towards Xera and Galin, slinking quietly through the crowd while it was focused on Jesca and what she was leading.


    ¡°Commandant,¡± Callie said quietly, the four of them coming to attention and actually saluting.


    Xera¡¯s vision was yanked away from the amazing sight, refocusing on the filthy, blood-covered pink-haired Gnome, and then on the other three. Reflexively, they returned the salutes. ¡°Sergeant, who is that?¡± Xera demanded, gesturing with their head towards the body bag.


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated, but the Major gave me directives to pass along,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Who is it, Recruit,¡± Galin demanded, a slight growl in his tone.


    Callie lowered her voice, leaning close. ¡°It¡¯s the body of a dead unicorn, Sir. The Major said to get it to the Tannery as quickly as possible, and to send Fizzlebek and Trainer Cheena there immediately.¡±


    ¡°And Quartermaster Fullo,¡± Pixyl added, ¡°If she¡¯s not already there. She¡¯s p-p-probably not, since it¡¯s Homeday.¡±


    ¡°Right, her, too.¡±


    It took a couple heartbeats for Xera to register what Callie had said. ¡°Legate, take charge of the body and see to it. Send Sprites to summon who is needed.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Galin replied with a nod. ¡°Everyone knows a body was brought in, though. Word is going to get out about what it is.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll deal with it somehow. Go quickly.¡±


    Nodding once, the Legate walked stiffly through the crowd, tapping the shoulder of two junior soldiers, who then walked with him.


    The crowd that had been awaiting the returning team had completely forgotten about them, and largely forgotten about the body as well, still in wonder about the unicorn. Conversations were rising, everyone sharing their own thoughts and feelings from the brief, almost-magical encounter, some even with tears in their eyes.


    Xera considered the rising volume of voices, realizing that they¡¯d soon turn towards Callie and the others for more information, and looked for somewhere to move that would be quieter. ¡°With me,¡± they ordered flatly before walking briskly away from the crowd, ducking into one of the large tents that encircled the courtyard, the recruits following. ¡°Report, Sergeant.¡±


    ¡°Did Reynard get back? Is he okay?¡± Callie asked, ignoring the order.


    ¡°Uh, yes,¡± Xera momentarily stammered when a report wasn¡¯t immediately forthcoming. ¡°Over three hours ago. All three went straight to medical. He only told us that you succeeded in destroying the nest and he was the only one seriously injured. What happened? And why do you have a dead unicorn? And for that matter, why is there a live unicorn here?¡±


    Callie looked back at the other three. ¡°I can fill you in, but can they go? We¡¯re all going to need to be cleaned of parasites and desperately need showers.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Xera said, looking at the three. ¡°Dismissed.¡±


    ¡°Go,¡± Callie said. ¡°We¡¯ll find each other later.¡±


    Lhawni and Ambria began to walk out, but Pixyl was reluctant to go. ¡°Go, Pixyl,¡± Callie said. ¡°I¡¯ll be right behind you.¡±


    Slightly scowling, Pixyl turned and joined the others, the three of them disappearing from view.


    ¡°Report,¡± Xera ordered again.


    ¡°Super short version,¡± Callie replied, holding up her hand to tick off the high points as she went. ¡°The nest is destroyed. Reynard was the only one seriously injured when he was snatched by some huge, eel-monster thing; Tazrok and Pixyl rescued him. A bunch of us were injured throughout the fight and all got healed, although I might have some scars where some kind of a beaver-thing spiked me. We were attacked by a Basilisk, but I blew that up, and then Lhawni had to thaw Tazrok and the Major. We lost the Dragonfire oil, but Shul¡¯an breathes fire, so we got the nest that way. As we were leaving, an infected unicorn attacked us, and I had to kill it. Lhawni said the body was really valuable, so that¡¯s why we went back to get it. Its horn heals instantly, so I can see why we did. Then, the unicorn¡¯s baby started following us. I didn¡¯t want to leave it in the woods to die, and it seemed comfortable with Jesca, so we brought it back here to take care of it.¡±


    Callie took a long breath after spouting out the random stream of babble that sure didn¡¯t seem like the ¡®super short version¡¯, and would have given Jesca a challenge for rambling on. Xera carefully worked to sort through it all in their head. It seemed some things were out of chronological order, but Callie¡¯s rambling report did appear to contain the highlights.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry we didn¡¯t complete the mission,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°What? You said you destroyed the nest?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we did, but I didn¡¯t get everyone back in one piece. Sorry.¡±


    It took a moment for Xera to remember the second mission they had given the team. It was supposed to simply be a reminder to the recruits to exercise caution, rather than be taken literally.


    ¡°Although,¡± Callie said slowly, a pondering look on her face. ¡°Technically, the other piece of Reynard got eaten, so there aren¡¯t really two pieces of him left. Thus, you could say he is still in his only piece.¡± Then she brightened, looking up at the Commandant. ¡°Does that count?¡±


    Xera wasn¡¯t sure what to make of Callie¡¯s twisted wordsmithing, and really didn¡¯t have a good answer. Finally, they laughed. ¡°I suppose that would be up to Reynard in that case,¡± was the best response they had. ¡°Somehow, I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll agree with your thinking, though.¡±


    ¡°Darn,¡± Callie grumbled. ¡°It was worth a shot.¡±


    Xera took a deep breath, running a hand along their neck. ¡°Recruit, what are we supposed to do with a youngling unicorn?¡± Xera asked, changing the topic slightly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Take care of her until she¡¯s big enough to survive on her own?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a place for pets.¡±


    Callie sighed. ¡°Commandant, I had to kill her mother. Do you have any idea how hard that was? My dad used to tell me stories about them when I was a little girl! I know that the mother was infected and was attacking us, and it had to be done, but I need to make up for what I did, somehow. I wasn¡¯t going to just let her baby wander in the woods to die.¡± Callie gestured vaguely in the direction of the stables. ¡°I couldn¡¯t see leaving it as an option, if we want to call ourselves good people, at least.¡±


    Xera looked deep into Callie¡¯s purple, almost pleading eyes, feeling conflicted. Morally, Callie was right, in a way. You don¡¯t leave things to suffer if you are able to help. To do so is ¡­ simply reprehensible. But at the same time, this was a military training camp. What were they supposed to do with a baby unicorn? And what might happen if, or more likely when, word got out that they were holding one? A unicorn¡¯s horn by itself was worth at least as much as a dozen of the rarest Symbiotes, let alone the rest of the animal. People would want it!


    The little Gnome¡¯s huge, pleading eyes hadn¡¯t changed at all, and finally Xera¡¯s heart relented, at least a little. ¡°Fine. She can stay for now, until we take stock and determine what to do long term. I don¡¯t even have an inkling of what that might be, though.¡±


    Callie almost instantly relaxed, pent up worry evaporating. ¡°Thank you!¡± she gushed. ¡°We¡¯ll make it work, somehow. I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t be any trouble at all.¡±


    Upon hearing that assurance, Xera instantly knew that was very unlikely to be the case.

 Chapter 45 Part 5 - Patient Status

    PART V - PATIENT STATUS


    ¡°Oh, thank the stars,¡± Reynard mumbled to himself as he heard the triple blast from the sentry¡¯s horn. He wasn¡¯t sure how long it had been since he had arrived in camp, but it was well past the two hours he had expected. He had been slipping in and out of partial unconsciousness for a while now, moved to a recovery tent after Tazrok and Thucax assisted him in getting cleaned up in the showers, following an examination and another treatment for parasites by Tasi. He needed to rest before his regrowth was started, and they would likely need to cut the wound cleaner, too. At least he¡¯d be asleep for that.


    Reynard was exhausted, the trauma of the massive injury finally really catching up to him, despite all the pain blockers, stamina and healing. He didn¡¯t want to sleep, but he couldn¡¯t help it. He kept falling into a fleeting doze, waking constantly to listen for the telltale horns indicating the rest of his students were back. Now, his worries were eased and he slipped into a welcome unconsciousness.


    <hr>


    Reynard opened his eyes to soft knocking on the door, and he instinctively checked the window. The sun was still out, but there were very long shadows, making it feel like later evening, not long before dusk. He shook his head, trying to clear the fuzzy feeling in it. Then he remembered why one of his legs felt numb. He scowled on general principle, resisting the urge to throw back the blanket and glare at what was the stump of his leg. It wouldn¡¯t help anything if he did that, except put him into an even more-sour mood.


    Again, there was another knock, and this time Reynard fully registered it. ¡°Come!¡± he called with a grunt.


    The door opened, and Callie entered, a careful smile on her face. She was cleaned, and in fresh clothes, so Reynard realized he must have been asleep for at least an hour, maybe even two after the team returned.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Callie said, a careful concern in her voice.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Callie cocked her head, and then smirked slightly. ¡°Sir, all my Ranger trainers are important to me.¡±


    It took a moment for Reynard to register the echo of the words he had used a week previous, when it had been Callie lying in bed injured, and him watching over her. He couldn¡¯t help but to smile.


    ¡°Mostly, I needed to see how you were doing,¡± Callie added in a mumble, her foot fidgeting on the wood floor. ¡°So ¡­ how are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ¡­ getting by,¡± Reynard replied hesitantly. Then he added, trying to appear stronger, ¡°I will recover in time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I was worried.¡±


    ¡°I assume everyone is back?,¡± Reynard asked, trying to change the subject. ¡°I heard the horns a while ago. No problems? It took you longer to get back than I thought it would.¡±


    ¡°We ¡­ uh ¡­ had a couple detours on the way, but we¡¯re all here. Everyone has had their parasites cleaned, and have changed into fresh clothes after we showered. I also filled the Commandant in on everything that happened, or at least the basics.¡±


    Reynard narrowed his eyes.  ¡°Detour?  What did you do?¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Callie groaned, rolling her eyes. ¡°Stop being so dramatic. Not everything I do is bad. In fact, it usually turns out pretty good.¡±


    Taking a calming, centering breath, Reynard asked again, false politeness evident. ¡°Please, tell me about your sightseeing adventure on your return to camp.¡±


    Callie glared at the sarcasm, but powered ahead. ¡°Well, after you and the other guys left, we decided to get the unicorn body to bring it back. Lhawni said it was pretty valuable, and we were able to use the horn to heal the Major and Pixyl.¡±


    The Foxkin put a paw to his face. ¡°Of course you brought the corpse back with you.¡± Then he asked with concern in his voice, ¡°Pixyl? What happened?¡±


    ¡°Remember that Drakeling attacking her you shot down? When it smashed into her, it apparently broke a couple of her ribs. She didn¡¯t tell anyone until Ambria finally noticed her wincing in pain after you left. Her whole side was one gigantic bruise. Lhawni fixed her ribs easily enough, but because it had been too long, couldn¡¯t clear up the bruising and soreness. As an experiment, we made her touch the unicorn horn and the bruises and pain disappeared almost instantly. The same happened with the swelling in the Major¡¯s hand. I guess other parts of the unicorn''s body will also be really useful, too, not just the horn. I¡¯d like to think some good can come out of what I had to do.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating! I supposed with all that was happening, it didn¡¯t even occur to me to bring the body back. I¡¯d heard the stories about unicorn horns, but that¡¯s all, just stories. I don¡¯t know how long the horn continues to work, but if it continues for a while, that¡¯s almost priceless.¡± Reynard said, his face deep in consideration.


    ¡°Yeah, that was my thinking, too. Unfortunately, it apparently doesn¡¯t work on scars, so my leg has a faint pink spot where that Beaver-thing spiked me. Trainer Cheena thinks it¡¯s because a scar is actually already healed, or something.¡±


    The Foxkin shot Callie a comforting smile, before he realized something. ¡°You said ¡®detours¡¯. Plural. What other trouble did you get into?¡±


    Callie winced. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going to tell you, but only if you promise not to get mad.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°I absolutely won¡¯t make that promise,¡± Reynard replied dryly.


    ¡°Well, will you at least promise to count to five before you yell at me, then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±


    Callie delayed the news by walking over to a chair and climbing up into it. She dangled her feet over the edge for a few moments, before taking a deep breath. ¡°On the way back, we were being followed.¡±


    ¡°By what?¡±


    ¡°A baby unicorn. The one I killed was its mom.¡±


    Reynard had nothing to say for a long moment. Then he suddenly lept to the logical conclusion. He tried to count to five, and made it only to three. ¡°You brought home a pet, didn¡¯t you?¡± he growled out with a glare.


    ¡°Sort of?¡± Callie said, a questioning inflection in her voice.


    ¡°Just tell me,¡± Reynard said with a growling sigh, resigning himself to whatever happened.


    ¡°So, we tried to catch it, but it didn¡¯t like me, at least not at first.¡± Callie laughed, ¡°Apparently I¡¯m not virginal enough for her delicate sensitivities to trust. It is a girl, by the way.¡±


    ¡°How did you get it?¡±


    ¡°It actually seemed to like Jesca. I guess she¡¯s a ¡­ well ...¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie laughed. ¡°We were surprised, too.¡±


    ¡°So, Jesca has a pet unicorn now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that. We brought it back and put it in the stables. For the most part, once Jesca shows her that someone is trustworthy, the unicorn doesn¡¯t panic, so Jesca was able to get her to trust the Herdmaster even though he has kids. At least trust him enough to not go crazy, that is. He¡¯s set up a pen for her with fresh hay and food and stuff. Hopefully she¡¯ll be comfortable and not hungry. Jesca said the Herdmaster actually has experience with raising and taming abandoned Curvax foals, and magic aside, they are pretty similar to unicorns.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do with a pet unicorn?¡± Reynard asked, his voice still slightly icey, and the ¡®you¡¯ implying not just Callie, but also all the other cohorts she¡¯d apparently recruited into her web of mischief.


    ¡°Nothing. We just needed ¡­ I just needed her to be safe. I killed her mother, Sir. I know the mom was sick and I didn¡¯t have a choice, but that also gave me a responsibility to the baby. She wouldn¡¯t have lived long in the wild, probably, and I couldn¡¯t allow that. Maybe after she grows she can be released back. That would be my hope, at least.¡±


    Reynard put his head back against the wall with a thump, and then started to chuckle.


    The laughing caught Callie off guard, and she brightened. ¡°What''s so funny?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe the Major went along with this.¡±


    ¡°Well, in her defense, she was against the idea. We had to talk her into giving us at least one chance.¡±


    ¡°Of course you did,¡± Reynard huffed, shaking his head.


    After a bit of an awkward silence, Callie spoke up. ¡°Sir, I let the others know I was coming to check on you. They¡¯re worried, too. Do you need anything?¡±


    Reynard shook his head, appreciating the concerns. ¡°Not tonight. I¡¯m just going to rest, but thank you.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to have to go away like Kaisess to get your leg regrown?¡±


    ¡°Rowani will be able to do it,¡± Reynard said with an assured nod. ¡°It probably will take a couple of months, though. I won¡¯t be very mobile, at least until I can start using crutches and get used to them.¡±


    ¡°That was another question I was asked to find out. What are we going to do about training? I don¡¯t want to assume you won¡¯t be able to continue, but ¡­¡± Callie let the sentence trail off.


    With another nod and a sigh, Reynard thumped his head against the wall again. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I can do some of it even if I¡¯m an invalid, but for things like field work, I¡¯m not much use unless Shul¡¯an carries me everywhere.¡±


    ¡°What about Vonn? Could she sub in for you?¡± Callie asked. ¡°She just reached Platinum when she made our bows for us.¡±


    ¡°I had the same thought, and she¡¯s the only other person remotely qualified. But she has other duties making weapons, so I don¡¯t want to presume she can set that aside. I saw Thorn briefly while Tasi was examining me, and mentioned it to him as an idea. We¡¯ll see. If we need to get someone in from Imor, it would take at least a week if they rode reasonably hard.


    ¡°Well, if there¡¯s something specific we should work on in the meantime, let us know.¡±


    ¡°For tomorrow, take the day off,¡± Reynard said with a sigh. ¡°You all lost Homeday, today, and could use it. Maybe all of you get together and reflect back on the fight; think about what you might have done differently.¡±


    ¡°Okay, we can do that. I¡¯m sure the others will appreciate that,¡± Callie said, then added, ¡°The Commandant said they do want to get everyone together first thing in the morning, to get a full report on everything that happened. We¡¯re supposed to meet right after breakfast. If you¡¯d like, we can come get you.¡±


    Reynard tilted his head back and forth as he considered the offer. ¡°If I¡¯m up for it, I¡¯d like to be there. Check in with me, if you would.¡±


    ¡°Sure. And again, if you need anything, just let one of us know.¡±


    Callie slipped off the chair, offering Reynard a wave of her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll go update everyone.¡±


    ¡°Callie?¡± Reynard called out as the Gnome walked for the door.


    ¡°Sir?¡±


    The Foxkin seemed to make a slightly sour look, as if not looking forward to something he was about to say. ¡°I just want to thank you for visiting. It means a great deal to me.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Callie replied, smiling.


    ¡°Also, you did a really good job today. As Sergeant that is. And everyone else performed admirably as well. Tell them that, if you would?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to.¡± Callie replied, before slipping through the doorway.


    Reynard leaned back, rolling the whole conversation over in his head a few times, along with the events of the day. It had been one hell of a day, at that. It seemed almost like a lifetime ago that he and Callie were squaring off across the Bunkerball field, and somehow that had turned into lying in bed with half his leg missing. The whole thing simply felt ¡­ surreal.


    He shifted to lay down, being reminded of what he was missing as he tried to use his leg to help get comfortable. He pushed it out of his head. It could be grown back. It was just a temporary problem that would be resolved before the next term started. Logically, that all made perfect sense. Still, there was a depression lurking in the back of his mind, as memories of a similar injury years ago, with Jorin, crept unbidden into his head. And no memory of Jorin could come without longing memories of Talania.


    Then, the memories seemed to disappear, and he chuckled to himself. ¡°Who brings a unicorn home with them?¡±


    The obvious answer echoed back to him. ¡°Callie, of course.¡±

 Chapter 45 Part 6 - Retelling

    PART VI - RETELLING


    ¡°Here you all go,¡± Pama said with a comforting smile as she handed a low-sided basket to Thucax. Two of her Goblin assistants were along, and handed off baskets to others, which were all set on the table. The entire Bogwump team, minus Reynard and Celeste, were sitting in the mess tent, relaxing as a group. Pama promised she would whip up something for all of them since they had missed dinner. She delivered in the form of simple sandwiches of grilled meat slices with various condiments, some raw vegetables and a tasty dipping sauce for said veggies. It wasn¡¯t anything elaborate, but honestly, nobody felt in the mood for anything complex. Somehow, Pama knew exactly what they needed.


    ¡°How¡¯s Reynard?¡± Shul¡¯an asked.


    Callie shrugged, breaking a yellow carrot-like thing in two. ¡°He pretended everything was good, but he was obviously exhausted and in pain. I guess that¡¯s to be expected. He was worried about us, too, when we took a while to get back.¡±


    ¡°He is going to be fine, eventually,¡± Lhawni reminded everyone.


    Callie nodded in agreement. ¡°He said Trainer Rowani will be able to regrow his leg, although it will take a while, it sounds like. He doesn¡¯t need to go back to Imor, like Kaisess did, at least.¡±


    ¡°Did you tell him about the unicorn?¡± Jesca asked reluctantly, worry evident on her face.


    ¡°I did. Both bringing the body back and the baby.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°He seemed fine with the body, once I explained about the horn¡¯s magic. As for the baby he was ¡­ let¡¯s just say he was skeptical.¡±


    Jesca groaned, thumping her head on the table. ¡°He¡¯s angry at me, isn¡¯t he.¡±


    ¡°He was at first,¡± Callie said, before quickly adding, ¡°but it¡¯s me he was angry with, not you. He just assumed it was my idea, which I guess it was. Once I explained we couldn¡¯t leave her, I think he understood. He isn¡¯t thrilled we brought back a pet, though.¡±


    ¡°But she¡¯s not a pet!¡± Jesca snapped defensively, relief on her face at the fact she wasn¡¯t in trouble. ¡°She¡¯s in the hands of the Herdmaster now, so doesn¡¯t need me any more. What am I supposed to do with a unicorn here?¡±


    ¡°Ride it,¡± Tazrok pointed out with a shrug. He then looked thoughtfully in the air, pondering. ¡°Jesca Catkin riding War Unicorn. Would be sight.¡±


    The rest of the table quickly agreed it would be an amazing sight.


    The Cheetahkin groaned. ¡°I¡¯m a Ranger, Tazrok. How would I hit anything if I was shooting while riding something?¡±


    ¡°Get good?¡± Tazrok suggested, actually trying to be helpful, but eliciting a chuckle from everyone else around the table.


    ¡°What about training?¡± Thucax asked, changing the topic slightly.


    Callie swallowed her bite. ¡°He gave us tomorrow off. Like I told the others on the hike back, I think he¡¯s going to ask Vonn to help out, but she may not be able to get away, so I don¡¯t know what the plan is. We should probably just relax for the day and let him and Thorn figure out what¡¯s next. He did say he wants me to check in with him in the morning. I think he feels the need to join us when we sit down with the Commandant. Tazrok, maybe you could come with me to help carry him, or he can ride your Curvax form?¡±


    ¡°Can do,¡± the Ogre mumbled through the entire sandwich he had shoved in his mouth.


    The sound of someone¡¯s throat clearing interrupted, and everyone turned to see Lena. It was now dark outside, so she was lit by the few lights inside the tent.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Hey there. I wanted to let you know nearly all of the recruits have moved up to the training grounds for a bonfire. You all should join us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not really in the mood for a party, Lena,¡± Callie sighed. It had been a long day and the idea of something upbeat just didn¡¯t fit with her mood. The others from the mission joined with nods in agreement.


    Lena shook her head quickly. ¡°No, it¡¯s really mellow. Vanis is playing his lute, and using his light spell to create shapes in the air. A couple other people that know how to play or sing are joining as well. There¡¯s some wine and harder alcohol, too. We¡¯re just, what¡¯s the word you use, Callie? ¡®Chilling¡¯?¡±


    That did seem a little more appropriate for Callie¡¯s mood. She had to admit she wanted to be around people tonight, but just couldn¡¯t stomach something that was going to be a loud, raucous celebration. Reynard was hurt, and she had killed a unicorn. She didn¡¯t feel like celebrating.


    ¡°We¡¯ll think about it,¡± Ambria replied before Callie could, speaking for everyone and seeking to cut Lena off from pushing any harder.


    ¡°Thanks for telling us,¡± Jesca added, trying to be polite, but also implying Lena shouldn¡¯t push the subject.


    ¡°Oh ¡­ alright. I just wanted to let you all know,¡± Lena said, sensing Jesca¡¯s hint. Then she added, as if it might change everyone¡¯s mind, ¡°I think a lot of people are curious about what happened today, too. You might want to share? All they know is that Reynard got hurt badly and about the baby unicorn.¡± Lena was obviously fishing for details of what happened, and not doing a very good job of being subtle.


    Callie sighed, a low growl unintentionally in her voice. ¡°Some of us I¡¯m sure will come up. Give us a bit to finish eating.¡±


    <hr>


    In the end, all eight of the recruits decided to join the bonfire party. Callie had mentioned to everyone that she wanted to be around people as long as it was a low-key affair, with the others revealing they felt the same way. Even Thucax, who generally was anti-social and mostly kept to himself when relaxing, was feeling the need for people, admitting he felt ¡®a little lonely for some reason¡¯. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Thankfully, the gathering really was relaxed. There were no loud conversations or cheering or people whooping it up. Instead, everyone seemed to be lying back, a few in pairs or larger groups, watching the fire¡¯s embers and the stars far overhead. Vanis was lightly playing his lute, a slow, almost somber tune to which a few people sang quietly along.


    Vanis spied Callie and the others entering the light thrown off by the fire, and smiled. He slowed and then stopped his playing, and the singers continued on for a few more notes, one by one cutting off as well. The sudden cessation of music caught the attention of the rest of the crowd, and soon all eyes were fixated on the team.


    She wasn¡¯t sure who started it, but Callie heard someone start a slow clap. One by one, everyone stood, joining in the applause. Embarrassed, the team tried to wave everyone off, not wanting the attention. Soon though, everyone was on their feet, clapping loudly. A few even cheered, and at least one shrill whistle was heard, Callie was pretty sure from Lena, but for the most part the adulation didn¡¯t get that crazy. Not having a choice, Callie and the others acknowledged the accolades, while they tried earnestly to settle everyone down.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Callie finally said, speaking for everyone as she tried to bring solemnity back to the circle. ¡°Thank you for that, but we¡¯re really just here for the wine.¡± Then she added, ¡°Preferably, a lot of it!¡±


    Almost before she could look for one, a cup was in Callie¡¯s hands and the hands of the others, accompanied by people scruffing their hair or patting their shoulders. While there was a general upbeat in the tone of the gathering, it still didn¡¯t become boisterous, and the team fanned out, joining their houses or other people they were close to. Callie spied Vanis sitting with Lena and Juniper, and both she and Pixyl moved towards them, Jesca choosing to join as well.


    Handing her cup to Vanis to hold, Callie climbed up on a log to sit, Pixyl doing the same by handing hers to Jesca. The crowd of recruits were almost completely silent, eyes moving between the eight team members, but generally resting on Callie, having heard that she was leading the mission. There was anticipation in the air, which Callie tried to ignore.


    ¡°What?¡± she finally said, in general, to all the staring.


    ¡°So, tell us?¡± someone called out, instantly joined by several people nodding and calling in agreement. Everyone¡¯s eyes were eager and full of questions. Callie heard more questions called out, ranging from a simple, ¡®what happened to the Foxkin¡¯ and ¡®what about the unicorn¡¯, to someone grousing about the rest of the Bunkerball game being delayed until the next Homeday, and another snarled comment about Callie being ¡®Xera¡¯s new pet¡¯.


    Callie looked at the other team members around the circle, and they all shrugged, seeming to unanimously volunteer Callie to be the storyteller. She didn¡¯t want to. She didn¡¯t want to explain again what happened to Reynard, or about all the sick animals they had to kill. She didn¡¯t want to talk about the dead unicorn, or the live one for that matter. But she could see from all the eyes looking at her, she had to say something, or the demand for details would never stop. ¡°Fine,¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the overview of what happened.¡±


    Gulping down her cup of wine, thankful it was almost instantly refilled by someone, Callie began to relay the events. She kept the details fairly light, explaining the mission, and why they had to do it in order to eliminate the risk to Juniper. She briefly talked about Rowani¡¯s return, but not that she had admitted to multiple mistakes on her scouting flight. The trek to the swamp was skipped, including the brief engagement of Ambria and Jesca, resuming with Tazrok¡¯s war song.


    The audience was enraptured. This was something that happened to eight of their fellow recruits. Sure, the Major and the Ranger trainer were along, essentially as chaperones, but it was their peers that were leading the mission and in the thick of the fight. Someday, this might be them. This was real.


    Koda was incredibly helpful, doing a wonderful job keeping the story from drifting, especially after Jesca took over the telling when Callie got some of the chronology wrong. He¡¯d spent most of his adult life either giving or receiving reports, as well as probably telling similar stories around similar campfires. Thus, he knew where the focus should be and how to keep things moving, without getting caught in nuance. With Jesca now telling, he had to work a little harder to keep her on task, but they paired well, and the audience hung on every word.


    When Jesca got to the part about the Basilisk, there were audible gasps when she told of Tazrok and the Major being petrified, followed by cheers when Callie blew it up with her exploding arrows. Callie was now solidly tipsy, the wine doing its job of putting her in a happy mood despite the underlying sense of melancholy she had felt a little while ago. She tried to wave off the cheers, but silently enjoyed the calls of ¡®Basilisk killer¡¯ and ¡®monster hunter¡¯ she heard, due to the fact she essentially killed the beast single-handedly, with distracting assists from the others.


    While Jesca continued her storytelling, it was about this time that Callie saw Xera, Galin, and the Major, standing back in the shadows, easily able to make them out with her Darkvision. Xera shook her head when waved to join, finally giving a ¡®hold on¡¯ gesture when Callie pressed. They were content to listen to the story without interfering with the recruits and making it a formal report, and more importantly, wanted to be able to take stock of the reactions of all the recruits as events were laid out.


    Everyone gasped in horror at the Dragonfire Oil being lost and Tazrok being attacked in the water while looking for it, forcing his retreat. The revelation that Shul¡¯an came to the rescue, his flaming breath weapon serving as a substitute, elicited cheers of relief and an ¡®excellent on-your-feet thinking¡¯ from Koda, and a hardy slap on Callie¡¯s back from Vanis, as well as similar slaps on Shul¡¯an¡¯s.


    Reynard being snatched by the toothy eel-monster elicited another set of worried gasps, but then a round of cheers as Jesca described Tazrok¡¯s Hellhound doing battle to save the Trainer, drunkenly cooing and calling him ¡®the best little hellpuppy around¡¯. Pixyl was also given credit for her well-timed Ethereal Blast while over the water, furiously embarrassed by the attention. Tazrok also was embarrassed by the adulations, but accepted a dozen slaps on his back and arms from those close to him and finally waved to the circle in blushing acknowledgement. Jesca made sure to mention all the great healing that Ambria and Lhawni did, especially in getting Reynard¡¯s severed wound under control. Ambria, who was sitting with the inseparable Tigerkin twins, echoed the attempt to wave everything away, as did Lhawni, trying to stay modest.


    Finally, Jesca kindly skirted over the fact that Callie specifically was forced to kill the unicorn mother, saying instead that she was simply infected and an unfortunate duty they had. That naturally led to the baby unicorn, and their decision to bring the young foal back to camp for care until she could be released back to the wild. This elicited a round of chatter among those that had seen the arrival, bringing those that had missed the experience fully into the fold. Jesca did make a point to tell everyone not to approach the unicorn in the stables, adding that if they had to look, to please do it from a comfortable distance. Callie noticed that Jesca specifically ignored the reason why the unicorn chose to follow her, imagining it could just lead to further awkwardness, and wondered if anyone in the audience might figure it out for themself.


    The story concluded, Koda rose from his seat, and held out his cup, a sense of his experienced presence drawing everyone¡¯s attention and calling for silence. ¡°I¡¯d just like to say a couple things,¡± he said, turning slowly in a circle. You could tell he was a little inebriated, which seemed to make his words all the more heartfelt. ¡°Congratulations on the success of your mission. Despite the challenges, you each exhibited courage and skill, undertaken for the best of reasons - to save our fellow recruit. I take pride in knowing all of you, and you inspire me.¡± He then gestured in general towards the rest of the crowd. ¡°I hope they inspire the rest of you as well.¡± He called for a toast, which led to another round of cheering for the eight of them as Koda slumped back to the ground, a big drunken bear grin flashed to Callie.


    Almost immediately questions started being called out, most directed to Callie, but a few to the other team members. Callie didn¡¯t know where to begin answering them, and finally took to waving her hand and saying ¡°No more questions!¡± with growing irritation. It was Tazrok that finally got the interrogations to end, growling out a demand to leave them be, that may have been more forceful than he intended. Rather than irritate their Corporal Punishment further, the chatter seemed to die away.

 Chapter 45 Part 7 - Corporal Callie

    PART VII - CORPORAL CALLIE


    After several minutes, when the talk about the mission had mostly faded, Vanis took up his instrument. The song he played wasn¡¯t anything special, and not anything Callie knew, but it was well known to a lot of people. It was apparently a popular song sung in pubs, and many half-tipsy voices soon joined in the music. He led everyone in three verses of the song, finishing with a flourish that seemed to reset the excitement back to how it was when the team first arrived. Callie knew Vanis had a skill called Inspiring Melody, and suspected he may have tapped into that to help close out the period of excitement and bring it back to the calm chill it was before.


    Vanis played another slow song, before passing the lute off to a Dwarf that played on. The music succeeded in allowing everyone to return to their quiet conversations and introspections, while watching the sparks from the fire rise into the starry skies. Callie knew there would be more questions from people, but also knew that they could come another time.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a little bit,¡± Jesca said quietly to Callie and Pixyl, before standing. She left, taking the long way around the circle before sitting down next to Ambria, who switched spots with Koka. Over the general murmurs and the crackle of the fire, Callie couldn¡¯t hear what they were talking about, but could tell that Jesca was quite upset by something.


    Callie¡¯s concern grew even further when the Cheetahkin was suddenly pulled into a close embrace by Ambria, before starting to shudder in nearly silent sobs. Koka scrambled from her brother¡¯s side, and took up a spot opposite Ambria, sandwiching Jesca between them and joining the comforting embrace. Now quite worried, Callie almost lept down to race to her friend, but Ambria shot her a silent ¡®later¡¯, along with a gesture, to ward her off. Reluctantly, she chose to give her friend some space.


    Pixyl nudged Callie, jerking her out of her worry about Jesca. ¡°You should play something,¡± she said, gesturing towards the lute, now in the hands of one of the Geomancer Elves, the music quite lovely.


    ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t,¡± Callie said with a blush.


    ¡°You can play the lute?¡± Vanis said, curiosity on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯m still figuring it out. It¡¯s not quite what I¡¯m used to.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s been practicing with it when you¡¯re not around,¡± Pixyl pointed out. ¡°She can sing, too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell him that,¡± Callie groaned. ¡°I am still trying to figure out all the chords. It¡¯s just different enough to be weird.¡±


    ¡°Did I hear you can play, Little One?¡± Juniper asked rather loudly, gesturing towards the lute, obviously more than a little drunk on the wine. ¡°You should play!¡±


    Soon several others close by joined in, encouraging Callie to play something, and promising they didn¡¯t care how good she was.


    ¡°You play really great!¡± Pixyl said, trying to be encouraging. ¡°At least, I think you¡¯re great. And I love your voice, too.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Pixyl,¡± Callie said flatly, not sure she believed her obviously-biased friend. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what to play. It shouldn''t be anything fast.¡±


    ¡°How about that rainbow song?¡± Pixyl suggested, nodding her head eagerly.


    ¡°Rainbow song?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the one by the talking frog? I like that one.¡±


    ¡°Callie, you should definitely play something,¡± Vanis said encouragingly, joining in the other dozen or so people pushing her. ¡°I think we¡¯re all sufficiently intoxicated to forgive any mistake you may make.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Callie groaned at the pressure from Vanis, and then groaned again as she saw the lute being quickly passed back down the line towards her. But before Vanis could hand it over, a hush came over the crowd, and all eyes turned.


    From the darkness, there was a squeaking noise, and silently, Reynard, sitting in a wheeled chair steered by Thorn, was pushed into the circle. Walking next to him on one side was Commandant Xera, and on the other was Legate Galin and Major Celeste. He had spread a light blanket over his legs, hiding his injury from everyone. While smiling, Callie could immediately sense how tired Reynard was from the look on his face and in his eyes, and suspected it took a lot of work to get Tasi to let him come up the hill, assuming he even asked permission.


    Reynard cleared his throat. ¡°Good evening,¡± he said quietly, the only other sound the quiet crackling of the fire. ¡°For those that don¡¯t know me, I¡¯m Trainer Reynard. I heard that someone was telling stories ¡­¡±


    The Foxkin was cut off in mid-sentence by the sound of someone clapping, soon joined by others, and quickly by everyone. Most people stood, while a few overly tipsy recruits applauded from where they were seated on the ground. Close to Reynard, the four officers took steps back, joining in the applause. It was an inspiring sight to see, everyone knowing from Jesca¡¯s recounting how and how seriously the trainer had been injured.


    Suddenly embarrassed, Reynard acknowledged the crowd with a hand, and a few gruff ¡®thank you¡¯s. The clapping continued, not rising to a cheer, but not stopping either. It lasted for almost a half-minute before Xera finally raised their hand, signaling it to a stop. Reynard smiled humbly, calling out a final, simple, ¡°Thank you, all.¡±


    Xera raised their hand again, calling for attention. ¡°I arrived while Recruit Callie and Recruit Jesca were relaying the events from this afternoon, and decided it best to let them finish. I was quite prepared then to step in and make some grand speech to you all, but I believe Recruit Koda said it simply, and said it best. I personally take pride in the work everyone did this afternoon, and hope all of you are likewise inspired.¡±


    There was a smattering of polite applause, before Xera continued. ¡°In recognition of her fine work planning and leading this mission, Recruit Callie is hereby promoted to the rank of Corporal.¡± There were a few gasps and Pixyl lightly punched Callie¡¯s arm in celebration. ¡°Corporal Callie rose to the occasion when called, and I am pleased to have watched her work. Each of you has it in you to answer that call, and I hope you too take inspiration from her actions.¡±


    Xera stepped back to a quiet round of applause directed towards Callie. They gestured to Thorn, who stepped forward, raising his own hand. Quickly everything went quiet.


    ¡°I will simply echo the Commandant¡¯s sentiments. There really isn¡¯t much more I could possibly say except how proud I am of not just the team that went out this afternoon, but of all of you. You¡¯ve excelled in your training so far, and I couldn¡¯t ask for a finer batch of recruits than I see before me.¡±


    There was a murmur of voices as Thorn leaned down to speak with Reynard, who quickly shook his head, waving his friend away. Callie got the impression he was asked if he wanted to speak, and said no.


    Thorn raised a hand and cleared his throat again. ¡°Just a couple announcements since nearly all of you are here. Please pass word to any that may not be in attendance. Classes are canceled tomorrow morning. I encourage all of you to take some time to reflect back on what happened today, and rest. There will be a served lunch, as well, so no need for the usual lunch provisions. Around ten, we¡¯re going to assemble on the field to introduce all of you to some of the actual Demons you will be fighting. We¡¯ve reached the point where it is time to put the skills you¡¯ve all mastered to the test against the real enemy. Conditions will be controlled for safety, of course, so you need not worry. By the time we finish training in six weeks, what you meet tomorrow won¡¯t even register as a threat to you.¡±


    There was instantly a wave of nervousness in the crowd. The morning without training was nice, but the realization that it was time to fight the real enemy, even in safe conditions, was instantly frightening for most.


    Xera stepped forth again, sensing the sudden worried feeling in the air. ¡°As Master Trainer Thorn said, training will be carefully controlled. Besides,¡± Xera added, gesturing to Callie, ¡°if a little Gnome can solo-kill a Basilisk, I am fairly sure all of you will be able to defeat a few tiny Imps.¡±


    That statement actually seemed to diffuse the tension in the crowd, but only partially from the reminder of Callie¡¯s actions on the battlefield. The other part was how they could feel how much faith the Commandant and Thorn truly had in their skills to be so unconcerned. There hadn¡¯t even been a need for Command Aura.


    Speeches concluded, the officers broke apart. Thorn and Reynard stayed where they were, but the others walked the circle, generally mingling and raising spirits. It was remarkably informal, the officers going so far as to have wine in their hand. Any lingering nervousness about the next phase of training was quickly extinguished out by the officers joining them.


    ¡°Callie, you still must sing for us,¡± Juniper said, an excited look still on her encouraging face.

 Chapter 45 Part 8 - Wonderful World

    PART VIII - A WONDERFUL WORLD


    ¡°Damn, I hoped you would forget about that,¡± Callie grumbled, as Vanis handed the instrument to her. It was big in her hands, and slightly awkward. She could make chords, though, and had spent some downtimes the last two weeks learning the new finger positions that would approximate what she had learned over the years back home with her dad.


    Carefully, Callie played through each of the chords she would need to play Rainbow Connection, just making sure she had all the fingering down and quickly warming up. It had been a while since she had really played back home, but Pixyl had encouraged her to try here, and Callie had found a little joy in playing for her Pixie friend. Now, being thrust into playing before a large group was making her nervous, and she was worried about messing up the song.


    The unfamiliar chords being haphazardly played started to quiet people, and they looked to see Callie, almost hidden by the instrument. Whispers quickly followed, and soon most eyes were on her. Callie remained almost oblivious, running through the lyrics in her head while she finished her brief warm up. Then she realized how quiet it had become, and looked up to see the faces looking at her.


    ¡°Oh great,¡± Callie mumbled to herself.


    ¡°Please, play for us, Corporal,¡± Koda said, grinning his beautiful big bear grin and making sure to use Callie¡¯s new rank. A few others echoed his encouragement.


    Swallowing, Callie suddenly wished that, at least, the instrument was properly sized for her. With the pressure, it felt extra-huge and awkward on her lap. Then, she chuckled, realizing something sized for her would probably be a ukulele, not a guitar.


    Ukulele ¡­


    Callie glanced at Reynard, seeing he was watching her in curiosity, as were the officers. As was everyone, for that matter. ¡°I¡¯ve got a better rainbow song,¡± she said quietly to Pixyl.


    Quickly, Callie fingered out the seven simple chords she would need, rushing the lyrics through her head to make sure they were all there. This had been one of her grandmother¡¯s favorite songs, and in her final years, as dementia increasingly took its toll, Callie would often play and sing Israel Kamakawiwo?ole¡¯s medley of Over the Rainbow and Wonderful World for her. Towards the end, when her mind was finally completely gone, the simple notes, Callie¡¯s soothing voice, and the beautifully simple lyrics somehow made it through, her grandmother seeming to smile every time. Those were bittersweet moments, but they were wonderful, important memories.


    Clearing her throat, she spoke up nervously. ¡°Uh, hi everyone. You all know I¡¯ve lost most of my memory of before I got here. They say music is part of your soul, though, so I remember a bit of it, apparently. This one is for Reynard. And for all of us I suppose. Better days will come.¡±


    Callie played out the simple seven chords, sounds and rhythms that had never been heard in this world, before closing her own eyes, and singing like she used to. She channeled all the love she had once put into music in another life, and let it pour out here. The eyes of many watching went wide, expecting ¡­ not this.


    The vaguely calypso island sounds played out for the first time ever in this world, with the lyrics celebrating the simple joys of life, and what it meant to be with friends. Callie opened her eyes briefly, seeing Jesca across the circle was watching her, still being held by Ambria and Koka, a hesitating look of wonder on her face as she heard a simple song about hope.


    Vanis, as dumbstruck as everyone, finally collected enough wits to channel his Dancing Lights spell. Overhead, a simple image of a rainbow appeared, hanging in the air, pulsating slightly with the rhythm. Like watercolors flowing together in the sky, images of birds and clouds appeared, soon turning to random faces as the words of the song called for them. Vanis had never been very good at this spell, usually only able to make vague patterns and sparkles of light, but Callie¡¯s song carried a clarity that somehow allowed him to paint actual pictures with it, and suddenly he understood the finer parts of the Illusionist magic in the spell that had eluded him for all these years.


    Xera heard the strange music and felt as if the wind had been knocked out of them, and actually had to find a seat. This song was so simple, the lyrics at best vague ideas, but with the echoes of their conversation with her best friend earlier that day replaying in their head, they suddenly knew the time had actually come. Xera had asked for a day to think about seeking help and leaving Between, and that need for time had just ended in an instant, Callie¡¯s voice and strange music simply evaporating the worry of what the next stage in their life might bring. Xera was no longer afraid, and more importantly, able to finally admit to themself it had been fear holding them back this entire time.


    Around the circle, everyone had their own personal insights on hearing Callie play and sing. For some, it was simply this strange, Gnomish music they had never heard before that drew their rapt attention. It was different, yet so simple and filled with feeling. But for many, they welled with their own personal emotions, thinking back to family and old or current loves, and feeling a hope for what future lay ahead. They hadn¡¯t expected to feel this way, and more than a few drunken tears fell. Many more moved to be close to others they¡¯d connected to since arriving, simply enjoying being together.


    As for Reynard, he had stiffened upon hearing Callie¡¯s dedication to him. He had expected the Gnome to launch into some kind of a bawdy rendition of the One-Legged Elf from Fardorro, or something else to make fun of his predicament, even if in jest, but not this. As Callie¡¯s simple Gnome chords and words played out, the Foxkin was whisked back to his much younger days. Times of laughing with Jorin and Talania when coming back from a successful outing played in his head, accompanied by the bittersweet emptiness of her being gone, followed by sadness they never reached the point they were ready to have children. He had no need to dwell on those memories, though, and made an effort not to live in the past. Simply to focus on the present. For the first time, though, a teeny part of him felt he could look forward towards the future, thinking maybe it couldn¡¯t be all bad, and maybe even could be good. Better days could indeed come.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Jesca wiped a paw across her eye, embarrassed, as she listened to Callie and tried to understand what she was feeling. Earlier, while she had been telling the story of their Bogwump adventure to the rest of the recruits, her mind kept drifting back to the practical joke Ambria and the others had played on her, just like it had all afternoon. It was a good joke, and she wasn¡¯t angry at any of her friends in any way. But, for the tiniest of moments, Jesca stopped being one person, suddenly becoming a ¡®them¡¯. In that simple moment, she felt something she had no words for. She¡¯d never really felt romantic or physical attraction to people. Friendships, sure, even close ones, and she enjoyed being physically demonstrative of those friendships. But that was a different kind of love than most people felt, and different from what had tugged on her in that joking moment.


    After she finished telling the story, Jesca struggled, her head swimming as the constant heartbeat of ¡®them¡¯ sounded in her chest. She had a sudden need for ¡­ someone ¡­ to be there. She wasn¡¯t sure why she had gone to talk to Ambria, instead of Callie, who was sitting right next to her. Once she reached the Faun, she wasn¡¯t even sure what she wanted to say, and finally found she couldn¡¯t say anything. She couldn¡¯t shake the word, and she simply collapsed. Jesca simply sat there, holding that brief moment of the afternoon¡¯s ¡®themness¡¯ protected inside her like a tiny flame in the dark of a loneliness she didn¡¯t know she had, with the Faun being the only one that had shared that moment with her, even if it wasn¡¯t real. Nothing made sense.


    Ambria had been confused by the approach of her Cheetahkin friend, and more confused as Jesca sat, saying nothing for several long seconds. ¡°I need to be held,¡± was all Jesca had been finally able to squeak out, and the Faun instinctively rushed to her side, not questioning why. Questions could come later, if they were even needed. Ambria waved Callie off, not wanting to make the moment more awkward for Jesca, while Koka, ever so empathic, had rushed to the other side of the Cheetahkin, helping to close the lost soul in a cocoon. As Jesca sobbed silently in their arms, they shrugged to each in confusion and worry with their eyes, not really sure what to do. Then, Callie had started to sing.


    It took a while for the music to reach her, but soon, like most of the others in the circle, Jesca found herself entranced. The words, the strange Gnome music, the soft sentiments of hope for a future, was somehow perfect for her in this moment of confusion. She realized that she didn¡¯t necessarily want a lover, or even a mate, but Jesca did need a person. She needed to be a ¡®them¡¯ again, to be a part of someone¡¯s life, and have them a part of hers. But she also realized she had to do it in her own way, and not the way that was expected of a Beastkin. She had no idea what that meant for her, or what it could mean for the other person, or even people, that would be there. In the end, while Callie¡¯s music didn¡¯t show her the directions to find what she needed, it did somehow show her a new destination.


    The whole song was only about four or five minutes long, and quietly came to a close, Callie echoing Israel''s final jazzy ending. She opened her eyes, seeing many faces transfixed on her, a few with wet cheeks. Overhead, the images in the air wiped themselves away, leaving only the embers of the fire rising into the night. Some people clapped politely, but there was no outburst of applause; that would be the wrong response to her song.


    ¡°That was lovely,¡± Vanis said quietly.


    Callie saw a warm smile on the Warlock¡¯s face, and she handed him the instrument. ¡°It was one of my grandmother¡¯s favorites,¡± she said, almost in a whisper, as if that was some kind of an explanation. She didn¡¯t know what she was trying to explain, though.


    Next to Callie, Pixyl was absolutely amazed. The singing-frog rainbow song had been one of her favorites that Callie had practiced with her, but this new rainbow song she sang was so rich and wonderful. It was all she could do to resist the urge to throw herself at her friend and clutch her in a never-ending embrace. Pixyl couldn¡¯t understand how she could suddenly love Callie even more than she already did, but somehow it happened with the simple words of this strange song from another world. Her heart fluttered as her head swam, and she did all she could to push her feelings away. She couldn¡¯t ever tell Callie what she felt, because that would risk their friendship, and to Pixyl, that friendship was more important than anything else she may hold in her heart.


    Slowly, everyone moved on from Callie¡¯s strange, Gnomish song, returning to their own interests. Soon, someone else took up the lute, but it became quiet background music, rather than something to focus on. Callie caught Reynard¡¯s eye just as he was being wheeled away, and they gave each other a simple nod in acknowledgment. It was obvious now he was beyond exhausted, and she was sure it took all of his strength to come up the hill and stay as long as he had.


    The other officers mingled, but made a point of avoiding Callie and the rest of the team. It didn¡¯t seem a purposeful slight, but more that Xera and the others wanted to make sure that the attention wasn¡¯t solely focused on the day¡¯s excitement, or the people directly involved in it. As Tasi had told Xera earlier, all the recruits were important, and needed to feel they were getting the attention they deserved as well.


    Eventually, the fire burned low as people stopped adding new wood to it, and slowly people began to disappear, most returning to their cabins. Callie had lost sight of Jesca, as well as Ambria and the twins, and wondered briefly where they had gone, and if they had gone there together. She pushed back the implied innuendo of that thought, shifting instead to worry about her friend, and the emotional turmoil she was obviously feeling. Something had triggered the reaction, and she could see her friend was in pain. She wasn¡¯t sure if she should talk to Jesca in the morning, or wait and talk to Ambria first, and decided to sleep on it.


    Soon, Callie herself, feeling the day¡¯s exhaustion finally becoming unavoidable, decided it was time to return to Ogre House. Only a few remained around the fire, with Pixyl the only one of her cabinmates. Together, they walked quietly home, passing no one, saying nothing, and simply enjoying the starry skies with each other. It had been a long day, full of amazing experiences on so many levels, none of which could really be properly analyzed in what little time remained before sleep. Tomorrow was another day though, and maybe the answers would come then.


    <hr>

 Chapter 46 Part 1 - New Awakenings

    PART I - NEW AWAKENINGS


    It was unsurprisingly dark when Jesca woke, just like it was every morning for her. On one paw, only needing two hours of sleep meant she had a lot of time to herself. On the other paw, it also meant she had a lot of time to herself, and she knew this morning was going to be particularly introspective. She could only hope that running for a few hours would help clear her head.


    Ambria and Koka, along with Koka¡¯s brother, had been unbelievably caring the previous evening when she had what was essentially a complete breakdown. None of them asked any questions, simply hearing her need and responding in an instant. Being held had helped settle the panic Jesca had been feeling, but didn''t really help her figure out what she was actually feeling.


    Ultimately, it was all Callie, with her strange music and simple message of joy and love, that gave Jesca some much-needed calm and maybe a moment of clarity, and those thoughts flooded into Jesca¡¯s head now. Could she really have a life other than was expected of her? Could she actually be happy that way?


    At the end of the evening, Ambria and the twins had walked Jesca home. The Faun hugged her good night, reminding Jesca to find her if she needed anything, no matter when. The memory of the embrace had kept Jesca calm as she fell asleep.


    Jesca sat up on her bunk, stretching her back and then legs. She slipped quietly to the floor, padding into the latrine, before returning to her footlocker. With six Beastkins in the cabin, there was really no need for modesty, so she had been sleeping in the nude, and she slipped underwear on, and then her binder, just to keep the patrol Dwarf happy. She once again was amazed at how much muscle she had built up over the previous two weeks, especially across her chest and back, from all the archery. The daily long-distance running had turned her legs even leaner than they had been before she arrived. She plain felt good, at least physically. She¡¯d figure out the rest, somehow, in time.


    As was her routine, she walked out of their house, looking up at the clear, star-filled night sky while closing the door quietly behind her. Next, she stretched a bit and reached inwards to check her point total, hopeful for a large increase due to the Bogwump adventure the day before.


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: BRONZE.589 / IRON.000


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°What the¡­¡± was all Jesca was able to say, before she tripped over something and went tumbling down the porch steps, landing hard on the packed ground. She winced, trying to fight back the pain in one arm while at the same time trying to make sense of the query she had just sent. This wasn¡¯t right!


    Even as she was sitting up, she queried a second time.


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: BRONZE.589 / IRON.000


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The increase in her Bronze total was fairly substantial, as she had been BRONZE.392 the previous morning. Jumping nearly two-hundred points in one day obviously showed how much she had learned from the Bogwump fight, and subtly reinvigorated her quest to reach Gold before training ended. But why did she also have IRON.000 as one of her reported point totals?


    ¡°Are you ouch?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°What?¡± Jesca replied, still trying to figure out the query result.


    ¡°Are you ouch?¡±


    ¡°Am I ¡­¡± Jesca started to respond, but she looked around and didn¡¯t see anyone nearby. In fact, the only thing she saw was a small unicorn lying on the porch that she had just tripped over.


    It was looking at her, and the unicorn tilted her head slightly. Jesca again heard someone speak. ¡°Are you ouch? Can help no ouch.¡±


    Now Jesca¡¯s mind was confused on multiple levels. First, the strange query result, and now the unicorn that had obviously escaped from her pen, while at the same time someone was playing another joke on her.


    Slowly, the unicorn stood, stretching her legs as if just waking, and walked down the three steps of their porch. She bent her head down towards the stunned Catkin, lightly touching Jesca¡¯s shoulder with her horn. ¡°I make no ouch.¡±


    Like they had all seen the day before with the unicorn mother¡¯s horn, in only a few seconds the pain in Jesca¡¯s arm faded away, along with the bit of a hangover headache she didn¡¯t quite realize she had been nursing.


    Jesca¡¯s brain finally started to connect a few things together. Looking quickly all around her, and still seeing no one, she looked warily at the unicorn standing over her, carefully asking, ¡°Did ¡­ did you talk to me?¡±.


    ¡°Say with think.¡±


    Not expecting any kind of an actual answer, Jesca scrambled back about a meter on all fours, a momentary panic hitting her. ¡°You can¡¯t speak! Unicorns can¡¯t speak!¡±


    ¡°Say with think, not with face.¡±


    ¡°Hello?¡± Jesca called out, trying to be loud enough to actually call out, while not so loud that she woke anyone up. ¡°Who¡¯s out there?¡±


    There was no answer, only the unicorn looking at her, confused.


    ¡°Only us here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re talking to me?¡± Jesca said, her voice wavering as she shakily pointed to herself.


    The unicorn actually seemed to frown, almost frustrated. ¡°No! Say with think, not with face!¡± The words seemed annoyed and insistent.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW CLASS PERK: BONDED ANIMAL COMPANION


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The information seemed to flow into Jesca''s brain from nowhere, just as they had on that second day in camp. She barely had time to register what had happened before her world started to begin the ever-familiar spinning that would accompany a new reveal. It was almost as bad as the reveals had been at Iron Tier, the vertigo unrelenting, and she fell sideways into the dirt. Jesca gritted her teeth and concentrated on making fists with her paws, just to get through. She didn¡¯t know how long it lasted, but eventually the world stopped and she lay there, gasping and hoping that she was just having a bad dream.


    Jesca tried to move and sit up, but something was holding her to the ground. She opened her eyes, and found herself only a few centimeters from the head of the unicorn, looking right into one of her eyes. It ¡­ she ¡­ was lying protectively over the Catkin, a worried expression somehow evident on her horned head. Jesca squeaked in surprise.


    ¡°No more spin?¡±


    ¡°What? No, I¡¯m fine,¡± Jesca mumbled automatically, before realizing she had just answered a question, and then finally started making some sense of things. ¡°Is ¡­ is it really you talking to me?¡± she asked the unicorn with hesitation.


    In response, the unicorn actually sighed out loud. She stood up with an annoyed aura about her and glared down at the nearly prone Catkin. ¡°No! Say with think! Not say with face!¡±


    ¡°Say with think?¡± Jesca asked, tumbling the words in her head.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Like ¡­ telepathy? Speaking into my head?¡±


    The unicorn seemed to nod. ¡°With think.¡±


    ¡°What the ¡­¡± Jesca began to mumble to herself as realizations finally began to take shape. ¡°Oh my stars!¡± she whispered in a panic. Fearing the worst, she sent a query.


    What is my Class?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS: RANGER / BEASTMASTER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    In a new panic, Jesca scrambled away from the unicorn, fear in her eyes. She stood, spun and ran for the central garden, coming to a panting stop leaning against the fountain. She looked back, seeing the confused expression on the face of the animal that had been speaking directly into her head. Jesca plunged her face into the nearly ice-cold water, hoping to wake up enough to make any kind of sense, or better yet, wake from this dream. Beastmaster? No, it couldn¡¯t be. Not a Beastmaster! She couldn¡¯t be one of them!Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°You are scared?¡± the voice in her head said.


    Jesca turned, seeing that she had been joined. ¡°I am confused,¡± she muttered, half to herself and half to the unicorn. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what is going on.¡±


    She didn¡¯t get an answer. Figures.


    Wait, didn¡¯t she learn a perk? What was it called? Jesca thought back, remembered, and then sent the query.


    What is Bonded Animal Companion?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: BONDED ANIMAL COMPANION (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL AT HIGHER TIERS (LOW)


    BONDED COMPANION MAXIMUM: 2


    DESCRIPTION: The Beastmaster is able to form a psychic link with up to 2 Bonded Companions. This connection is unbreakable unless intentionally severed by either the Beastmaster, the Bonded Companion, or by death. The final decision to form this bond always rests with the Bonded Companion, ensuring a willing and harmonious partnership. Should a Bonded Companion perish, a new one may choose to form a bond in its place. Higher tiers of this perk grant the Beastmaster the ability to form bonds with additional companions, use additional communication methods, and other capabilities. NOTE: Mated pairs of Companions may only require a single bond.


    COMMUNICATION: At Iron Tier, the Bonded Companion possesses the ability to establish telepathic communication with their Bonded Beastmaster, but this connection is one-way only. If the Bonded Companion is capable of sensing sound, it can comprehend the natural speech of the Beastmaster, as well as those engaged in direct conversations with them, provided the language is understood by the Beastmaster. However, if the Beastmaster is absent, in most situations, the bonded companion will be unable to interpret the speech of others.


    CONTROL: Bonded Companions will generally obey the Beastmaster''s commands, as well as protect the Beastmaster from danger. However, most of their self-preservation instincts remain intact, and thus will not heed orders that recklessly endanger their lives, or the lives of other Bonded Companions. Some Bonded Companions may refuse orders in accordance with their personality and natural instincts.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Jesca turned, eyes huge in wonder, as she slowly sank to the ground. Companions? Bonds? Did she have two classes now? Had she stopped being a Ranger? Quickly, she randomly queried some of her Ranger skills, seeing they were all still there and seemingly unchanged. Was it even possible to have two classes? And a Beastmaster? From the lore?


    The unicorn lay down, tucked her legs under her body before casually placing her head across Jesca¡¯s lap. Without knowing it, still in a daze, Jesca started to slowly pet her ¡­ new Bonded Companion?


    She needed to tell someone! She needed help! Or at least some kind of confirmation that she hadn¡¯t gone mad. And maybe confirmation that she was actually awake. Who to go to? Jesca¡¯s first instinct was to get Callie. Her friend always knew how to handle strange things. In fact, she was usually the cause of strange things. But ¡­ no ¡­ this was bigger than Callie, and she actually needed to talk to a Beastkin. Reynard? No, that wasn¡¯t fair to him, he was in the recovery tent and needed rest. Who was above him?


    Jesca scrambled to her feet. ¡°I need to talk to Thorn!¡± she said confidently. ¡°He¡¯ll know what to do.¡± Then she realized she was telling that to the unicorn!  She was definitely going mad.


    ¡°Thorns are ouch!¡± the unicorn replied, also standing but very concerned.


    ¡°Uh ¡­ yes ¡­ they are,¡± Jesca said, tripping over her brain momentarily. ¡°But this is a good Thorn.¡±


    ¡°Not ouch?¡±


    ¡°Not ouch.¡±


    Looking skywards, Jesca ventured it was after four, but there was no hint of light on the horizon yet, so not yet close to five. She had slept in a bit, as she normally woke around two. It was a late and confusing night, though. Still, was it too early to wake Thorn? Probably, but this couldn¡¯t wait.


    Without thinking, Jesca took off in a sprint. She¡¯d run thirty steps before she realized she had no idea where Thorn actually lived. But the night-patrol Dwarf, Jaelarn, would know. She didn¡¯t know where he was on his patrol, but had crossed paths with him enough on her morning runs to have an idea of what his route was. She ran hard, following along where he likely had been, looking for the telltale shape or shadow of something moving through the camp.


    ¡°We run now?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Jesca hissed in annoyance, turning to see the unicorn excitedly keeping stride with her. This couldn¡¯t be! Not a Beastmaster!


    <hr>


    Jaelarn was casually walking through the camp. As usual, he had seen nothing out of the ordinary, except a pair of recruits, that Domestic Catkin and an Elf, he was pretty sure the female that lived with the Gnome, returning from the woods a couple hours previous with obvious guilt on their faces when confronted. He had sent them on their way with a warning to stay quiet, having better things to do than hassle consenting adults.


    The sounds of several running footsteps caught Jaelarn¡¯s attention and he turned to face it. At first, he saw his daily near-naked nemesis running hard. He had no idea why she wasn¡¯t willing to wear proper clothing, but the Major had said to let it go when he reported it, so he did his best to do that. Still, he wasn¡¯t above reminding her that she should cover up.


    But then he saw it, running stride for stride with her. At first he was afraid the Catkin was being pursued, but then realized they were actually running together. It was the unicorn that was supposed to be in the stables, or at least he assumed it was the one brought into camp the day before. He hadn¡¯t actually seen it, since he was sleeping at the time, and in the past the Herdmaster had asked him not to patrol too close to the stables at night, as it spooked the animals. Had the unicorn broken out? Or more likely, she must have let it out!


    Jesca spied the Dwarf, and doubled her efforts to get to him. She could tell before she even got close that he was well past irritated about something. A snort on her left made it immediately obvious what he was going to be irritated about.


    ¡°I need your help,¡± Jesca said quickly as she stopped short, cutting off the Dwarf before he could begin yelling at her. It didn¡¯t help.


    ¡°What are you doing with that!¡± Jaelarn hissed, gesturing to the unicorn, but trying to keep is voice from carrying. ¡°And why did you let it out!¡±


    Jesca stepped back at the accusation, which she quickly realized she should have expected. ¡°What? I didn¡¯t let her out! She was sleeping on the steps when I woke up. That¡¯s not important, though. Where does Master Trainer Thorn live? I need to see him immediately.¡±


    The patrol Dwarf didn¡¯t hear Jesca¡¯s question though. He finally took a moment to look at the unicorn, and its magical beauty held him momentarily transfixed. He¡¯d never seen one, having only heard a few stories from his grandmother as a small child, so had assumed the tales were just that, made up stories of wonder and enchantment. To see one ¡­


    ¡°Hey! Wake up!¡± Jesca snapped, pulling Jaelarn out of his daze. ¡°I need to see Thorn right now.¡±


    ¡°What? Why? And why is this unicorn with you!¡±


    Groaning, Jesca threw her arms out, realizing this was likely to be a repeated conversation all day long, maybe even longer. ¡°I woke up and received a second class. Beastmaster, if you can believe that.¡± Jesca gestured to the unicorn. ¡°Apparently, she¡¯s my Bonded Companion, whatever that means. Please, just tell me where Master Thorn lives.¡±


    The Dwarf appeared skeptical.


    Jesca, on the other hand, was getting both angry and actually starting to panic a little, for some reason, as she listened to what she had just said and reality struck again. ¡°Look! Either tell me, show me, or I¡¯m going to go over to staff housing and pound on every single door until I find him. I¡¯ve got Dash and you¡¯ll never catch me.¡± Jesca put her paws on her hips, trying to be as strong and as confident as she could be. She knew it was an act, and the guard probably did, too.


    After a long pause, Jaelarn finally relented. ¡°Fine, I will take you, but you need to be silent. I don¡¯t want to wake anyone else. We¡¯ll stop by the stables on the way so you can return your ¡­ unicorn.¡±


    ¡°No! Not return to alone cave!¡± came the voice in Jesca¡¯s head.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to go back.¡± Jesca said flatly, her paws still on her hips.


    ¡°How would you know that?¡±


    ¡°Because she just told me.¡±


    ¡°Are you telling me you can talk to animals now? Only Druids can do that!¡±


    Jesca shrugged. ¡°She¡¯s able to talk to me, apparently, and she doesn¡¯t want to go back. Considering she probably broke out, I doubt it would do any good.¡±


    The Dwarf looked confused, not sure what to do. Finally he sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll take you. Just keep quiet, and tell her to be quiet, too!¡±


    Jesca glanced down. ¡°Hear that? Keep quiet.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to put on any clothes first?¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Sir? Wake up please!¡± Jesca called out in a loud whisper as she knocked again on Master Trainer Thorn¡¯s door, a little harder this time. His cabin was a small, one-bedroom structure and generally the same as several others in the area, save for a bed of flowers on either side of the steps leading to a small, roofed-over porch.


    ¡°Keep it down!¡± Jaelarn hissed, looking around the area worryingly.


    ¡°Can kick open?¡± the unicorn suggested.


    ¡°No! We¡¯re not going to kick the door down!¡± Jesca snapped back in a loud whisper, glaring down at her new apparent companion.


    From inside, there was the sound of a thump, followed immediately by someone swearing a string of expletives that made Jesca blush.


    ¡°What!¡± the Ratkin scowled as he snapped the door open. He was wearing only underwear and a pair of black socks. Several very-old scars were evident across his chest and belly, indicating injuries from long ago. He did not have a happy look on his face as he glared at Jesca, one eye twitching in irritation, as did his whiskers.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir,¡± Jaelarn said, a little timidly, from the ground. ¡°She insisted on seeing you immediately, and threatened to make a scene if I didn¡¯t bring her.¡±


    Thorn looked around Jesca at the Dwarf, and then returned to the Cheetahkin. ¡°This better be important,¡± Thorn scowled. ¡°And why couldn¡¯t it wait at least until dawn?¡±


    Jesca swallowed with a gulp. She¡¯d never seen Thorn this irritated before. He¡¯d always come across as easy-going, even caring. The grumpy one was always Reynard. She opened her mouth to say something, but barely a squeak came out.


    ¡°Well?¡± Thorn demanded. Then he frowned, pushing Jesca roughly aside and gesturing. ¡°Why the hell is the unicorn here? She should be in the stables!¡± He had missed the arrival of the unicorn the day before, and only heard about it third paw. After cornering Major Celeste to find out what everyone was talking about, he¡¯d walked carefully by the stables, seeing the Herdmaster finalizing everything in the pen for their new resident and catching a glimpse. She was absolutely beautiful in the previous evening¡¯s light, but at this time of the morning, he just didn¡¯t give a damn.


    ¡°Speak up!¡± he demanded of Jesca, again.


    Jesca tried to speak, but again barely more than a whisper came. She took a deep breath and pushed, the words all jumbled together into a Jesca-babbled torrent. ¡°Iwokeupandgotasecondclass. Sheismybondedcompanion.¡±


    ¡°What? Try again.¡±


    Jesca took another deep breath like Callie had taught her, in through her nose, out through her lips, in order to slow her mouth and brain down a little. Carefully, enunciating every word, Jesca tried again. ¡°I woke up and got a second class. The unicorn is my Bonded Companion.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean you got a second class? That makes no sense. Nobody has two classes.¡±


    She shrugged weakly, not sure what to say. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what ¡­¡± she began before her words trailed off.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW CLASS SKILL: HEAL COMPANION


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I just got another reveal,¡± Jesca whimpered as her world began to spin all over again.

 Chapter 46 Part 2 - Legend Reborn

    PART II - LEGEND REBORN


    Trainer Reynard, mounted on the back of a slowly-walking Ogre-turned-Curvax, arrived at the Commandant¡¯s office, Callie walking along with them.  Shul¡¯an was waiting outside, and helped him down, so Tazrok could assume his normal form and carry him inside.  It was humiliating to need the assistance getting around, but he didn¡¯t want to miss this formal debriefing.


    ¡°I found Jesca,¡± Shul¡¯an quietly said to Callie.  ¡°She¡¯s inside.¡±


    ¡°Oh good,¡± Callie said in relief.  She¡¯d been worried when Jesca didn¡¯t make an appearance at breakfast, and her friend¡¯s cabinmates hadn¡¯t seen her since they went to sleep either, although Koda said she stopped in briefly to get dressed after her run, before leaving again.  As a longshot, she had even asked Ambria, thinking that maybe Jesca had joined her, but the Faun hadn¡¯t seen her since the previous evening came to a close.  Given the obvious emotional breakdown she¡¯d witnessed, Callie was more than a little worried.


    ¡°Good morning, Trainer Reynard,¡± Kyra said with a chipper grin as Tazrok entered the waiting room carrying the Foxkin.  ¡°I won¡¯t be so bold as to ask how you are doing after less than a day, but do wish to extend an offer of any assistance I may be able to provide.  Please, do let me know.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Reynard grunted in return.  He appreciated the offer, in fact, and also that she skipped over the platitudes.  Kyra was good people.


    ¡°They are expecting you, so please do go right in.  I believe you are all the last to arrive.¡±


    Shul¡¯an pushed open the Ogre-sized door, and everyone entered the conference room.  The atmosphere felt surprisingly jovial, with most everyone having smiling conversations in small groups of two or three people.


    ¡°Reynard!¡± Thorn called out, throwing his arms wide in greeting.  ¡°So glad you felt up to joining us.  How¡¯s the pain today?¡±


    The Ranger trainer grunted a scowling acknowledgement as Callie pulled out a chair.  With a little more assistance, Shul¡¯an helped him from Tazrok¡¯s arms and into the seat.  Reynard hated being fussed over like this.  He understood it, and accepted it would be this way until at least he had some crutches and got used to moving with them, but he didn¡¯t actually have to like it.  ¡°I¡¯m fine.  One of Tasi¡¯s people heavily numbed it a while ago, and I have some potions if that starts to wear off.¡±


    Looking around the table to see who was present, Reynard saw the expected five senior officers, along with what looked like the remainder of the Bogwump team.  In addition, Trainer Rowani, Juniper the Dryad and her little plant monster, the unicorn, and the Prince, Vanis, were also at the table.  Wait ¡­ the unicorn?


    ¡°What the?¡± Reynard gasped.  Sure enough, standing next to a seated Jesca was a unicorn foal, simply looking as if she was a perfectly appropriate person ¡­ animal ¡­ to be at the table.  He¡¯d once seen a unicorn in the wild, back in his adventuring days.  Up close in fact.  So the immediate wondrous shock wasn¡¯t present like for most people seeing one for the first time.  Of course, seeing one at a conference table offset that lack of complete surprise, too.


    ¡°Jesca?¡± Callie asked, having scrambled into her own chair, as she gestured to the obvious unicorn in the room.


    ¡°Noticed that, did you?¡± Thorn said with a chuckle.


    ¡°A little hard not to,¡± Reynard said.  ¡°Please tell me this can be explained.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Xera said coolly as they sat down in their own chair.  ¡°Both Thorn and the recruit have been dreadfully coy for the past ten minutes, and had us all speculating wildly.  He promised us an amazing explanation if we let her remain, but demanded we wait for your arrival.¡±


    ¡°Behave!¡± Reynard heard Jesca whisper, almost as if she was talking to the unicorn.  ¡°Both he and the Ogre can be trusted, too.¡±  Then after a pause, ¡°Yes, I know he¡¯s big and scary, but he¡¯s very nice.¡±   Reynard suddenly started to wonder if Callie wasn¡¯t the only crazy one of his students.


    Thorn stood, and took a couple steps back.  ¡°I¡¯m actually going to let Recruit Jesca tell you.¡±  He then nodded towards the obviously-nervous Cheetahkin.  ¡°Go ahead, just like we talked about.  Try to keep your report simple and clear.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Jesca said, her normally-babbling voice slightly shaky.  ¡°When I woke up this morning, I queried to check my point total like always, but I got two numbers back.  I was both BRONZE.569 and IRON.000.  I asked what my class was, and the response said that I¡¯m both a Ranger and a Beastmaster.  I somehow received a second class last night.¡±


    Gasps went up around the table; some in confusion, some in surprise, a couple in skepticism.


    ¡°Is that even possible?¡± Xera asked, turning first to Tasi and then to Thorn.  ¡°Possible to get a second class?  Especially this long after coming of age?  And I¡¯ve never heard of this Beastmaster class.¡±


    Before either could answer, Rowani interrupted.  ¡°It can¡¯t be!  The Beastmasters are just a myth, Thorn.  You know that.  Something else must have happened.  They are only ancient legend!¡±


    ¡°She is right,¡± Shul¡¯an added.  ¡°My grandmother used to spin tall tales when I was but a youngling.  The Beastmasters don¡¯t exist.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a Beastmaster,¡± Callie said, carefully raising her hand.  ¡°I mean, beyond what the name implies, I suppose.  Is this why the unicorn is here?¡±


    ¡°An old tale amongst the Beastkin, Callie,¡± Reynard said, narrowing his eyes.  ¡°It is said that a lone Beastmaster led the uprising against the Mad Wizard, at the time of The Escape, and helped birth the Beastkin nations.  At least there are some who say that.¡±


    ¡°Whoa!  Cool, Jesca!¡± Callie grinned.  ¡°What¡¯s it do?  Have you gotten new skills and stuff?¡±


    ¡°A few,¡± Jesca said.  ¡°They are coming in slowly, like when I first got my Symbiote, not all at once like with Bronze.¡±The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°New powers as well?  What has been revealed, Recruit?¡± Xera asked, leaning forward in their chair with rapt interest.


    ¡°I first received a perk called Bonded Animal Companion.¡± Jesca gestured to the unicorn, ¡°Apparently she¡¯s one of them.  I can have two Companions at Iron Tier according to the description.  She can talk to me, at least in my head, and understand what I say.  Also, she can understand what all of you say, too, if I¡¯m around.  In addition, I have unlocked three skills and two more perks.  For example, I have a Heal Companion skill.¡±


    ¡°Healing?  Really?  Fascinating,¡± Tasi said, glancing at the unicorn.  ¡°Have we done a scry yet?  Recruit, would you consent?¡±


    ¡°I assumed you¡¯d want to do that,¡± Jesca said, shrugging.  ¡°I actually want one done, too.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to wait, on the chance we didn¡¯t want the Scryers to know about this,¡±  Thorn said as an explanation.  ¡°We could have Kyra fetch Yulayla.¡±


    ¡°Juniper could do it,¡± Callie said, gesturing to the Dryad.  ¡°And she¡¯s right here.  She figured out Tazrok was a Druid on that first day.¡±


    ¡°Would you be willing,¡± Vanis asked, looking at the Dryad next to him.


    ¡°Of course.  It is a strange thing to have two classes, though, is it not?¡±


    ¡°It is very strange, yes.¡±


    Juniper rose, and walked over to Jesca, placing Loki casually on the back of the unicorn, the plant monster now looking like he was a rider.  ¡°Oh, it is good to see you again, as well.¡± Juniper said, looking at the foal and scratching the side of her head.  ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much in only two months.¡±


    ¡°You can talk to it?  Uh, her that is?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°Of course.  I can commune with all the intelligent animals in my domain.¡±


    ¡°Does ¡­ does she know what happened? To her ¡­ I mean?¡± Callie asked, suddenly feeling sick about the mother.


    Juniper looked down, and the baby unicorn looked back.  ¡°Yes, I¡¯m afraid your mother was very sick.¡±  There was a pause.  ¡°No, she wasn¡¯t able to get better, and she has returned to the circle.  Jesca will take good care of you now.  She is your new mother.¡±


    ¡°What?  I am?¡± Jesca squeaked, a fresh look of panic on her face.


    ¡°Of course you are.¡±


    Everyone around the table watched the exchange with confused fascination.  Callie was thankful that Juniper skirted around the gory details of the adult unicorn¡¯s death, worried what the baby would think if it knew what had happened, and that she did it.


    ¡°The scry, if you would?¡± Xera said calmly, but with a firm ¡®get on with it¡¯ tone to their voice.


    Jesca turned her chair to face the Dryad, and Juniper clasped her paws.  ¡°You have such a lovely aura,¡± Juniper said, smiling gently as she focused on her reading.  ¡°Your name is Jesca Llalanuras.  You know many many skills, as we would expect.   Your colors are ¡­ how very odd.  I see your brown and yellow, which I believe is for Ranger.  But it is as if those colors ride on a field of another color, and one I am not familiar with.  What class is green?¡±


    Everyone looked at Thorn and Tasi, who were generally considered the camp experts on classes and Symbiotes.


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Thorn said, shrugging.  ¡°But it¡¯s not for Scholar.  They are purple, from what the Scryers have told me.  Tasi?¡±


    The Fairy Healer shrugged.  ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of green as a class color, nor seen it on a Symbiote except as a Specialist mark.  Thorn¡¯s right, Scholar is a dark purple.  There¡¯s several in camp on staff, both standard as well as advanced Scholar classes like Yulayla, but no recruits.¡±


    ¡°Juniper, what skills does she have for this odd color?¡± Xera asked.  ¡°And are you able to see her perks as well?¡±  Then they looked at Jesca.  ¡°No offense.  Just to get an outside view.¡±


    Juniper closed her eyes again.  ¡°For this strange class, she has the skills Calm Wild Animal and Commune with Animal, as well as Heal Companion, which she mentioned.  I will look for her perks, but this could be a little uncomfortable.  I will try to be gentle.¡±


    As Juniper focused harder, Jesca at first winced, and then clenched both her paws tightly, obviously a little more than simply uncomfortable.  Why didn¡¯t they just ask her?  It wasn¡¯t as if she would lie about anything.  Finally, after an eternity of a few seconds, the pain vanished.


    ¡°She knows three perks for this green class.  Animal Handling, Animal Taming, and Bonded Animal Companion.¡±  Juniper released Jesca¡¯s paw, extended her own hand to take Loki back, and her familiar quickly jumped off the unicorn, scampering upwards to take a spot in her arms.


    ¡°Calm Wild Animals and Commune with Animals are both Druid skills,¡± Rowani said.  ¡°The first comes at Iron Tier, while we get the second at Bronze.¡±


    ¡°So there is some Nature magic as part of this class, perhaps?¡± Thorn asked, rubbing his furry chin, whiskers twitching in contemplation.


    ¡°Sounds like it,¡± Rowani said with a shrug.  ¡°Are you still receiving reveals, Jesca?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what more may come,¡± Jesca said.  ¡°I hope they''re done, but I have a feeling there¡¯s more.  It doesn¡¯t feel complete, yet.¡±


    Reynard cleared his throat, seizing the room.  ¡°Jesca, would you please detail that Bonded Companion perk?  I¡¯d like to know the full information.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Jesca said nervously.  She quickly queried the information, and then carefully dictated its lengthy description back.


    ¡°That¡¯s so cool!¡± Callie said, imagining having all kinds of animal friends to talk too.  Shul¡¯an and Lhawni quickly agreed, thinking it was an amazing perk to have.


    First making a face, and then tapping the table a few times with his finger in thought, you could see Reynard was mulling something over, or maybe trying to remember something.


    ¡°Reynard?  What is it, my friend?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°This may be nothing,¡± the Foxkin replied, ¡°but about twenty-two or twenty-three years ago I may have met one of these ¡®Beastmasters¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Xera said, immediately interested.


    ¡°I was in Imor, I don¡¯t even remember why, still an Adventurer at the time.  We met a Beastkin, another Cheetahkin actually, at a pub or inn or something like that.  I am trying to remember his name, and I¡¯m sure it will come to me eventually.  At the time, and in the years since, I¡¯ve just assumed he was a little crazy in the head.  He had at least three animals he went everywhere with, a bat of some kind that rode on his shoulder, along with a pair of large Grists.  He would talk to them as if they were having a conversation.   Even walking down the street, various animals, from domestics to even the vermin, would come up to him, and he would casually kneel down to chat with them, offering them pats on the head.  Once a rat even dropped a Silver Crown in front of him, which he rewarded with some food, thanking it.¡°


    As Reynard relayed his story, nearly all eyes turned to Jesca, the Cheetahkin shrinking under the gazes.


    ¡°I just assumed it was a Druidic Commune with Animals skill,¡± Reynard continued, ¡°or simply well-trained pets.  I remember asking his class, though, and now that I think about it, he never really answered, only implied it was Scout.  That never felt quite right.   Again, my wife and I thought he was simply daft, and we left the city within a few days to go back out.  Never saw him again after that.  I just wonder ¡­¡±


    ¡°Could that have been one of these ¡®Beastmasters¡¯?¡±  Vanis asked.  ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of anyone having that strong of an animal kinship, even among the Master Herdkeepers.¡±


    Reynard shook himself out of his deep thoughts.  ¡°Could be, I honestly don¡¯t know.  But based on that perk that Jesca just relayed, it feels similar.  Stars, I certainly never imagined him as a Beastmaster, like the one from the lore that rose against the Mad Wizard, though.¡±


    Before anyone could comment, Jesca groaned suddenly and wrapped her arms around her head, pulling it down to the table.  ¡°Another reveal,¡± she whimpered.  ¡°Two of them, actually.¡±

 Chapter 46 Part 3 - Debriefing

    PART III - DEBRIEFING


    Everyone awkwardly sat while Jesca went through the reveal vertigo, not really sure what to do at that moment. The little unicorn rested her head on the Catkin¡¯s arm, apparently trying to be comforting, and Ambria eventually stood to pour fresh water into a cup for Jesca as she emerged from the event.


    ¡°What did you get?¡± Callie asked eagerly, once Jesca raised her head, giving the unicorn a pat on its neck. ¡°You said two things?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I got the skill Dash, which I already have as a melded Ranger skill, but now I can have up to two charges. Actually, this second one is just a little different. I can run a few seconds longer with the Beastmaster version, but otherwise it¡¯s the same as my melded Ranger skill.¡± She shrugged. ¡°The other one is a melee fighting style perk for ¡®Whip + Shield¡¯. The description said I can use a whip in each paw, too, since I have Dual Wield and Ambidexterity from Ranger.¡±


    Callie tried to picture Jesca in her mind, animal companions surrounding her, wielding a whip like Indiana Jones. With a quirk of a smile, she had to admit to herself Jesca would be absolutely badass as hell!


    ¡°Fighting with whips,¡± Xera said, making a considering face. ¡°Quite the unique statement, for sure. I¡¯m sure Quartermaster Fullo¡¯s people would be able to braid up a pair from their leather supplies, perhaps in varying lengths as you become more proficient?¡±


    Jesca really had no idea how to respond to that suggestion, her head still slightly spinning from the most-recent reveals, and frankly from the events of the entire morning. Plus, she still hadn¡¯t really had a chance to give any time to what happened the evening before at the bonfire. She felt simply overwhelmed and out of control, and thumped her forehead on the table.


    Master Trainer Thorn cleared his throat. ¡°As fascinating as all this is, and I really do wish we had more time to spend on exploring this new class right now, we need to get through this mission review so I can prepare for the Demon demonstrations with Trainer Terrin, or delay the debrief for another time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite right,¡± Xera replied, recognizing the distraction. ¡°Master Trainer Thorn, since the Rangers have the day off, find some time to work with Recruit Jesca this afternoon. Get a full accounting of all her new powers once they are all revealed, and determine if any changes to her training regimen are needed. Have Scryer Yulayla do another scry, as deep as is reasonable, to see what else can be learned. Obviously, work with Trainer Reynard to assure her Ranger studies don¡¯t suffer; that¡¯s why she¡¯s here, afterall. You should also explain the presence of the unicorn to the rest of the recruits at your assembly, to forestall any questions or confusion. For now, we¡¯ll treat Jesca¡¯s companions as if they are similar to a Sylvan¡¯s familiar.¡±


    ¡°Recruit,¡± Rowani added, ¡°come and find me at some point soon, and I will review those skills that Druids also have with you. I don¡¯t understand this new class you have received, or why you have two now, but I¡¯ll do what I can to be of assistance.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jesca said. ¡°I¡¯ll try not to be a burden on anyone.¡±


    ¡°Recruit, it is not a burden,¡± Xera said firmly, looking at the Cheetahkin. ¡°We are here to see that each and every one of you has their potential maximized to the best of our ability. We have come to embrace the strangeness that may come from that, as your friend Callie can certainly attest. You are no different, no matter the circumstances. You will leave here not only the best Ranger, but also the best Beastmaster that we can make you.¡±


    <hr>


    The debrief had gone better than Callie had expected it to. She was worried that Reynard and Major Celeste would have a whole list of critiques for her and the others, and it would just be a negative experience. Instead, as they went through the entirety of the mission, most questions were focused on understanding the thinking, or in some cases non-thinking, that influenced each recruit¡¯s decisions they made, rather than pointing out any mistakes. It was much more positive and productive, and allowed each of the recruits to really look inwards and have a less-defensive conversation. This also allowed the recruits to discover what their own mistakes were themselves, rather than be lectured on every thing that they screwed up. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    In the end, Callie identified several places where she felt she had made mistakes. One example being only bringing a single Dragonfire Oil. At the time she felt her thinking was sound, but had it not been for Shul¡¯an, they would have been in real trouble with the nest opened and no way to easily set it alight. The officers made a point of skipping over the details of the retreat, for the sake of Jesca¡¯s unicorn, but Callie also admitted without specifics that her hesitation had been quite dangerous, and thanked the Major for the moment of clarity she was able to send to her. The other recruits all had their own self-critiques, as well, Pixyl, for example, grudgingly acknowledging she should have revealed her injuries immediately rather than try to ¡®not be a bother for anyone¡¯.


    Even Reynard and Celeste were not immune to admitting their own mistakes. The Major owned up to being so focused on the Dragonfire Oil stuck in her backpack that she missed the warning about the Basilisk, and Reynard made a point of chastising himself for letting his guard down once the nest was ignited and the zombie wildlife looked as if they had retreated, which led to him being vulnerable to the attack from behind.


    All things considered, Reynard¡¯s outlook and demeanor were surprisingly positive. There was always the minor undercurrent of grumpiness that he carried, but despite losing about half his leg, he was struggling to remain upbeat. His critiques towards Callie and the rest were at least minor and constructive, and compliments easily outnumbered them. Callie knew that being able to have his leg regrown was a big part of it, but it was still nice to see an overall good mood, considering what happened.


    The whole debriefing concluded with a roundtable of ¡®what would you do differently next time¡¯, and everyone had their own personal changes they would have made in everything from potion loadouts to Rowani once again beating herself up for going in so unprepared. In the end, the entire conversation was incredibly positive, and much more training-focused, despite it being largely about identifying mistakes and self-critiques, and all the recruits came away with a new perspective on their own responses to a combat moment.


    Finally, Xera once again congratulated the team for completing the mission and destroying the nest. They actually gushed a bit, explaining they were worried it was too much, too soon for both Callie as the Sergeant, as well as the rest of the team in general, given they had only had two weeks of training. They were quite happy to be proven wrong on that concern. Both Reynard and Celeste echoed, stating it had been a privilege to work with them all, and that they''d do it again without a single hesitation should the need ever arise.


    The rest of the team boosted Callie¡¯s ego, each of them extolling her quick decision making during several key moments, her focus on keeping them all safe, as well as making sure to solicit their opinions as often as possible. Shul¡¯an admitted they had expected Reynard would need to take over almost immediately, then adding they were quite happy he hadn¡¯t. Callie quickly forgave them for expecting her failure as Sergeant, before the Salamanderkin could even apologize, saying she had her own doubts throughout the entire mission. She went on to thank the rest of the team, saying it was great to work with all of them, and echoing Reynard and Celeste in saying she¡¯d work with them any time.


    During the debrief, Jesca had received another reveal, this one being a channeled skill called Companion Sense. At Iron Tier, it would allow her to look through the eyes of any Bonded Companion at a range of a few kilometers. Future tiers promised greater range and the ability to use other senses. Thorn, who Callie could definitely see was a bit of a nerd when it came to all things classes, had Jesca try it out. The mana drain with the brand new spell was heavy, but she was indeed able to look through the eyes of the unicorn, which was both fascinating as well as a bit unnerving for Jesca, since she was able to effectively see herself for the first time ever without looking in a mirror.


    Unfortunately, it was about then that Thorn and Pixyl had to leave to get ready for the Demon demonstration. Callie wasn¡¯t sure why he needed Pixyl, and she was tight-lipped about it when pressed. She had a gut feeling it was going to be interesting, though.


    The conversation continued, slowly wrapping up, and soon the bell rang to call everyone up the hill. Before everyone departed, Juniper requested her own moment, trying to find the words to express her gratitude. It was unfamiliar territory to the Dryad, having a potential danger to her very life present in the lands she oversaw, and then needing to be reliant on others to address that on her behalf. While Vanis encouraged her, and Callie was sure supporting her was the only reason he was here, Juniper finally ended up choking on the words. In the end, she kept it simple, with a final, meek ¡®thank you¡¯ to everyone. More words were really not needed, although they all did get hugs from the Nymph and another whispered ¡®thank you¡¯ on their way out the door.

 Chapter 46 Part 4 - The Demon Pit

    PART IV - THE DEMON PIT


    While Callie made her way towards the training field, joined by Ambria, Lhawni and Jesca, the Cheetahkin Ranger/Beastmaster received yet another reveal. Jesca stumbled quickly for a shady spot under a tree to ride out the vertigo, while the others took up seated positions close to her to be supportive. The unicorn followed along dutifully, likewise sitting in the grass close to Jesca.


    ¡°How are you feeling,¡± Ambria asked after a few minutes, patting Jesca¡¯s arm while her head slowly stopped swimming.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± the Catkin growled. Callie offered Jesca her waterskin, but she waved it away, almost annoyed at all the attention. Before anyone could ask she said, ¡°A new skill called Camouflage. It¡¯s channeled and lets me blend into my surroundings, including anything natural I may be wearing or holding. Not a lot of details on future tiers, though, just that it will ¡®improve¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to try it out?¡± Callie asked in a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°Your new skill, I mean.¡±


    ¡°Callie!¡± Ambria snapped, looking around as if worried they¡¯d be overheard.


    ¡°What? We¡¯re pretty close to the training field, and it¡¯s not a combat skill.¡±


    ¡°She is right,¡± Lhawni pointed out, shrugging. ¡°There¡¯s no real risk.¡±


    Jesca seemed to ponder it for a few seconds, and then decided to give it a try. Ambria glared a warning, reminding her tersely that it was channeled, and to not go too long since it was a brand new skill. Jesca acknowledged Ambria¡¯s concern, then focused, drawing a pair of deep breaths to center herself. There was a wibble-wobble of the light, and suddenly Jesca was almost perfectly blended against the tree she was leaning against, as well as the ground. If you looked hard, you could see her, especially if she moved, but if she was still and you had no idea she was there, the Catkin was effectively invisible.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Lhawni cried as Jesca broke the spell, flowing back into normal vision.


    ¡°I could make out your metal buckles,¡± Ambria pointed out. ¡°They aren¡¯t very big and you¡¯re in the shade, so they didn¡¯t stand out, but they also weren¡¯t included in the effect.¡±


    ¡°It must be like Shaman shapeshifting,¡± Lhawni said. ¡°We can¡¯t do it with metal, as it will just drop to the ground unless it¡¯s inside a bag of natural material. You might have to have some changes made to your armor to have no buckles, like mine.¡±


    Jesca nodded. ¡°Good to know. I¡¯ll mention it to Master Trainer Thorn later today. As for the spell, it needs quite a bit of mana to channel, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s only because I haven¡¯t used it. Once I get better, I can see some interesting possibilities, especially with ambush tactics like the Duelists use.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure they actually get the same skill,¡± Callie pointed out, ¡°or something similar. I heard one of them talking to Nola about it, comparing it to her natural chameleon skin trait as a Lizardkin. Unfortunately, Nola¡¯s racial trait doesn¡¯t work on anything she might be wearing, so she¡¯d need to be naked to really make her¡¯s useful.¡±


    The ten-minute bell rang out, and the foursome rose to continue their trek towards the training field. Callie could tell Jesca was feeling exhausted, the morning¡¯s excitement, coupled with the constant reveals, slowly taking their toll. Maybe after lunch, she could be encouraged to take a quick nap? With her sleeping metabolism, thirty minutes would probably refresh her for the rest of the day.


    Understandably, Jesca received a lot of stares and whispers from people due to the unicorn that was quietly following along. Unlike the day before when they arrived in camp, the foal seemed much less skittish around other people, although Callie did hear a fairly regular ¡®yes, you can trust that one, too¡¯ being muttered under Jesca¡¯s breath. Those that hadn¡¯t seen the unicorn the day before stood transfixed in awe as they all walked past, for some having a childhood tale suddenly come true before them.


    ¡°Ladies!¡± a deep voice called out, as Koda waved to everyone as he walked towards them. He glanced briefly in confusion at the foal and then Jesca. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Jesca. Callie was quite worried when you didn¡¯t arrive for breakfast. I heard you leave this morning, and briefly return to get dressed, but had no more knowledge of your whereabouts.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a strange morning,¡± Jesca said glumly. ¡°I think I may need some time by myself this afternoon, at least for a little while.¡±


    The Bearkin instantly inquired as to what was wrong, and while they walked, Jesca, with help from Callie and the others, filled him in on the new class, and why there was a unicorn trotting along with them. His huge eyes went even wider with the news.


    ¡°The Beastmasters are real? By that, I mean, they are an actual class? I always assumed that, if the stories were true, it was just someone with a strong animal affinity, not an actual class. And a second class on top of your Ranger one, too? My dear Jesca, I am both in awe and quite excited for you. You must keep me informed on how your training progresses.¡±


    Jesca mumbled a general acknowledgement as they all crested the hill, seeing that the Bunkerball field in front of the stands had received a makeover during the night, surely the work of the Geomancers. There was now a two-meter high earthen wall encircling an oval area about twenty meters in diameter. On the outside of the wall was a lip that everyone could stand on, allowing them to see over. Several wood crates had been stacked in a neat pile for the smaller races to use as boosters, so they could get high enough to see. The unicorn stretched to look over the top as well, needing a small booster to stand on.


    Inside the ring, at one end, were Warlock recruits Fynisse and Dunni, along with two Fairies in robes that Callie didn¡¯t recognize. On the other end of the make-shift arena was Thorn, along with the Warlock trainer, Terrin, and Pixyl, of all people. The Pixie was decked out fully in her armor, bouncing up and down as if she was warming up for a boxing match. She was punching at the air, squatting to limber up her knees and fluttering her wings madly.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°What¡¯s Pixyl doing in there?¡± Callie asked, not really directing the question to anyone.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Ambria replied with a shrug.


    Before the speculation could continue, Vanis tapped Callie on the shoulder, lightly clearing his throat.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    The Elf smiled gently, Juniper standing dutifully next to him, likewise wearing a warm smile. ¡°I do not wish to intrude, Corporal, but might you be willing to allow Juniper to join you in spectating? My presence is required as part of this demonstration.¡± Vanis gently nodded towards the end with his two fellow Warlock recruits.


    ¡°Of course! You didn¡¯t even need to ask, Vanis. You know that.¡±


    ¡°Yes, well, manners in all things,¡± the Warlock replied regally, a sly smirk on his face.


    Juniper stepped up to the arena wall, taking a spot between Callie and the unicorn, with Jesca on her Companion¡¯s other side. Loki, wanting a good view, was proudly perched on Juniper¡¯s shoulder, raising his arm as if shielding eyes he didn¡¯t actually have. Around them, Callie could hear a dozen whispers of other recruits wondering about the presence of the unicorn. Some were simple, polite statements of curiosity, but more than a couple were either rude or downright crass, mentioning Jesca¡¯s presumed sexual history. One asshat even offered to ¡®fix¡¯ the ¡®problem¡¯. Before Callie could walk over and firmly thump him for that statement, someone beat her to it and the guy was soundly smacked on the back of his head. From the look on Jesca¡¯s face, Callie could tell she had heard some of the comments, and while she didn¡¯t outwardly show anything, a few stung for sure.


    Thorn and Trainer Terrin retreated from Pixyl towards the Warlock end of the arena, leaving her bouncing in eager anticipation for whatever was being planned as she shook out her hands. They both stopped in the middle of the circle, and Kyra quickly ran out to give Thorn an amplification sigil, followed by a second to Terrin, before retreating and hopping deftly over the wall. Thorn raised his paw, calling for silence, clearing his throat a few times for emphasis, as slowly the chattering of the crowd faded.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Thorn began, his voice echoing around the arena area. ¡°We¡¯re going to start with a general announcement, and this is important, so please listen and heed my warning.¡±


    Instantly, any remaining murmurs and whispers ceased.


    ¡°For reasons we don¡¯t understand yet, one of our recruits awoke this morning having received a second class. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know this was possible, but that is what happened.¡± There was a round of mutterings, a few people making the connection and looking towards Jesca. ¡°Specifically,¡± Thorn continued, ¡°that recruit woke up with the additional class of Beastmaster.¡±


    Almost instantly, there was a flurry of conversations among the Beastkin, as people recalled the ancient legends of the Beastmaster that led their ancestors to freedom. Even though not specifically mentioned, everyone that hadn¡¯t made the initial connection now realized Thorn was referring to Jesca, which in turn provided a vague explanation for the unicorn¡¯s presence.


    Thorn cleared his throat again. ¡°For most of the Beastkin, that word has some historical significance, so if you¡¯re unsure what that means, please take it up with one of them. As it relates to the matter at hand, the unicorn foal that was rescued yesterday has bonded with the recruit, and should be considered a familiar, much like the plant companions the Sylvans use. Under no circumstances shall anyone torment the unicorn, nor even touch it, without express permission from her Bonded master. Do not cross me on this. You will not like the result.¡± Thorn let that warning hang in the air for several long seconds.


    ¡°We are researching how this could have happened,¡± Thorn eventually continued, ¡°but in the meantime, I don¡¯t want to hear any speculation or mean-spirited comments directed toward or about the recruit. If I do, it will not be a good day for you. We¡¯re here to maximize every recruit¡¯s potential, regardless of class, or in this case, classes, and I won¡¯t have anyone undermining that. If you have concerns, you bring them to me directly. I have nothing more to say on this matter at this time. Trainer Terrin, the field is yours.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master Trainer,¡± Terrin began, as Thorn retreated to join the other Warlocks, taking command before the crowd¡¯s mumbles regarding Jesca could get too loud. ¡°For the past two weeks, all of you have trained and practiced your new skills, and it is time to start putting that work to the test. This week, we shall begin with combat against two types of Demons, specifically Iron-tier versions of the Imp and the Fiend. These are the two most common types of Demon on the battlefield. In fact, Iron and Bronze Tier Imps account for well over half of their numbers.¡±


    Vanis had taken a few steps forward and laid down a Ritual Circle. While Terrin was speaking, he focused and conjured up a simple Imp. Held in place by the circle, the Imp hissed and spit for a few seconds before Vanis¡¯s will overtook it and it calmed, under his control. Over the previous week, the Warlocks had all worked to learn to summon and control their Demons. For safety, the Warlocks had secluded themselves to an area about two kilometers from camp, on the off chance something was to get loose. Thus, this was the first time anyone had really seen an Imp, especially close up.


    The little creature only stood about as tall as Pixyl, with sickly-brown skin and a skinny, lanky build. But each hand sported four long fingers ending in long, vicious claws. Its head was almost all mouth, and its mouth was almost all teeth. Even though it was simply standing there, fully under Vanis¡¯s control, you could tell it was fast and vicious.


    During another of their lunchtime girl-chats, Fynisse had discussed how she was able to control Demons a little bit. One couldn¡¯t give them complex orders, except for some of the higher-tier ones. For Imps, they were pretty dumb and she was essentially limited to ¡®stand there¡¯ and ¡®follow me¡¯ and ¡®attack that¡¯. Any use of organized tactics was almost impossible, because once ordered to attack, Imps did so with reckless abandon, unless ordered to do something else. Fiends were a little brighter, but not much.


    The mutterings and gasps in the crowd finally eased as the initial shock of seeing the Imp wore off. Terrin gestured to it. ¡°The Imp is a feral attacker; a Striker. It will come at you fast and hard, doing what it can to shred you apart. As we demonstrate, try not to watch the fight, so much as watch how it fights.¡± He gestured again to Vanis, stepping aside. ¡°You may begin.¡±


    Vanis cleared his throat and straightened, a nervous look on his face. ¡°Are ¡­ are you ready, Corporal-Major?¡±


    Callie looked from the Imp towards the other end of the arena ring. There, her tiny friend had just summoned a magenta shield in one hand, and her humming and glowing green sword in her other. They meant for the Imp to attack her!


    ¡°Bring it!¡± Pixyl hissed, lowering herself into a crouch.


    Swallowing once, his face still obviously worried, Vanis glanced at Trainer Terrin. The Elf nodded encouragingly in return. ¡°Very well,¡± Vanis said, swallowing hard. He pushed the simple mental command ¡­ ¡°Attack!¡±

 Chapter 46 Part 5 - Never Have I Seen

    PART V - NEVER HAVE I SEEN


    The Imp hissed once and then sprang forward, the claws on its feet tearing into the ground. Its mouth was wide, oozing spittle as its teeth gleamed in the sun, eyes fixated on the tiny Pixie in front of it.


    With a mighty backhand, Pixyl used her ghostly shield to send the Imp tumbling to the side. It rolled, coming to a stop in a heap and shaking its head in confusion. The Imp leapt, but was once again swatted to the side by the Pixie, like a matador deflecting a bull, again tumbling several times. Imps don¡¯t quit, though, and it charged again. Pixyl switched to using her green sword, parrying a series of swift attacks, and jabbing the Imp a few times in return. Still the Demon never ceased its attack, relentless and unstopping.


    ¡°There!¡± Terrin called out, yanking everyone¡¯s attention away from the fight for a moment. ¡°Watch how it moves. Straightline attacks, counting on speed and savagery to overwhelm you. Think about how you would defend against that, both at range for those classes, as well as once you are engaged directly.¡±


    As the trainer spoke, Pixyl continued to hold the imp at bay. She was grinning wildly, using her sword to parry, or her shield to block or bat the Demon aside. The fight continued for almost a half-minute, Pixyl holding the Imp in a stalemate, while Terrin provided commentary, focusing on what the Imp was doing more than the unbelievable sight of Pixyl doing battle.


    Callie was worried about her friend. All Callie could wonder was whether the trainers were idiots. Pixyl couldn¡¯t fight Demons like that! Yet, there she was, laughing in glee as she casually parried yet another series of sharp swipes, thumping the Imp on the back of its head for the effort.


    At the Warlock end of the field, Vanis was in careful concentration, not wanting to fully detach from the Imp. Terrin had told him to fully release it, maintaining just enough of a connection to keep it summoned, in order to simulate an uncontrolled Imp everyone would encounter in battle. Vanis didn¡¯t want to let go, though, on the chance he needed to pull the Imp off of Pixyl at a moment¡¯s notice. The strain of maintaining such a tight reign was starting to wear on him. ¡°Trainer Terrin,¡± he said firmly, the implication obvious in his voice.


    Terrin looked at his student, seeing the sweat appearing on his forehead. Why hadn¡¯t the fool relinquished control as he had been told? Then he answered his own question - because she¡¯s his friend ¡­ and only a Pixie. He turned to look downfield, seeing the Queen of the Marandine Pits almost lazily taking on the Imp. ¡°Pixyl! End it,¡± he called firmly.


    Pixyl instantly replaced her shield with a magenta blade, followed by executing a trio of slashes in a ¡®Z¡¯ formation, cleanly slicing the Imp into four pieces. The chunks of Demon meat flopped to the ground with a sickening squelching sound. Almost immediately, the remains of the Demon started to emit purple smoke, beginning to melt and return to the Nether from where they were formed.


    Terrin tapped the sigil glowing on his chest, temporarily muting the amplification. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you release control?¡± he asked Vanis, waiving the other two Warlock recruits close.


    ¡°My apologies. A lapse on my part, Trainer Terrin. I was worried for my friend, apparently unnecessarily so.¡±


    Terrin patted his student¡¯s shoulder in understanding. ¡°Step back please and catch your breath.¡± He motioned to one of the Fairies. ¡°Tovinen, if you could lend your expertise on this next one?¡±


    ¡°You want me to attack her? Seriously?¡± Tovinen gasped.


    ¡°I do. Just remember, summon an Iron Tier Imp, then send and detach. It must be wild, just as in battle¡± Terrin lectured. ¡°Trust me, Pixyl can handle herself without difficulty.¡± He gestured to include Dunni and Fynisse. ¡°Three Iron Tier Imps, please, one from each of you.¡±


    ¡°Terrin, when you said that a Pixie was going to be part of our demonstration,¡± Tovinen said, gesturing to Pixyl, ¡°I assumed she was one of your students. You didn¡¯t mention she was a Bladeweaver. Never have I seen such a thing. I didn¡¯t even know that was possible. And now you have someone with two classes? What kind of place is this?¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen anything,¡± Fynisse said, grinning at the Warlock¡¯s disbelief. ¡°This place is nothing but strange. Wait until you meet our Ogre.¡±


    ¡°Or our Gnome,¡± Thorn added.


    At the far end of the arena circle, Pixyl was kicking smoking Imp chunks out of the way as she prepared for the next part of the demonstration. Shield on one arm and her green sword on the other, she took a fighting stance and nodded.


    ¡°Recruits,¡± Terrin called out, tapping the sigil to reactivate it and getting everyone¡¯s attention, ¡°watch what happens when we send three Imps this time. Pay particular attention to how they behave.¡±


    Terrin again muted himself for a moment. ¡°Remember to release them, this time,¡± he repeated again, ¡°so they fully mimic what they would be like at the front.¡±


    With a gesture, Fynisse, Dunni and Tovinen each summoned up a Ritual Circle, followed by an Iron Tier Imp, giving the Demons orders to attack Pixyl simultaneously. Instantly, the three Demons tore across the ground, screeching and charging their target.


    This time, two Imps charged forward, while the third steered itself to the side, standing back and waiting for an opening. The Pixie casually batted away both of the initial attackers, and then kicked the third in the face when it thought it had an easy opportunity. The first two resumed their vicious assault while the third shook its head to clear it, before again standing back to watch for a moment.


    ¡°In groups of three or more,¡± Terrin called out, ¡°Imps begin to employ pack tactics. One will stand back, or more than one in larger groups, waiting for the right opportunity while their target is distracted. If you find yourself facing off against several, you must remember the pack leaders waiting for you to make a mistake.¡±


    Pixyl swept her leg, tripping one of the Imps before backhanding it with her shield as it fell, sending it tumbling into the wall. Pixyl laughed, almost cackling in glee, as all the years of her former life began to rebubble to the surface. She was in her zone, ducking, dancing or smashing her way out of every attack that looked as if it could end her, and simply enjoying putting on a show for everyone.


    ¡°Is this supposed to be funny? How can she be laughing?¡± Callie asked her friends, seeing them both mesmerized as well as worried for Pixyl.


    ¡°She ¡­ seems to be doing fine,¡± Ambria hesitantly pointed out.


    ¡°End it!¡± Terrin called out eventually, and within three seconds, each of the Imps had been sliced in half, two at the neck and the third at chest level.


    ¡°More than fine, actually,¡± the Faun added.


    Pixyl stomped around the ring, kicking smoking chucks aside, working the crowd as she smashed her arms to her chest. ¡°Are we having fun!¡± she called out to the recruits stationed on the walls, nary a stutter in her voice. She then looked across the arena to Terrin and the others, pointing as she issued a challenge. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡±


    Trainer Terrin smirked and started getting his people organized. Pixyl continued her parading around the arena, egging on the crowd and getting everyone in the mood for the fight. This was her zone; her world. She was back home.


    This time, Vanis rejoined his fellow recruits, as did Iftan, the other Fairy Warlock. Each of them conjured up an Imp, so that there were now five prepared for release. Terrin waited, enjoying Pixyl working the crowd a bit, before she focused back on the task. He nodded sharply to the Pixie once she gave him her attention, then gave a flick of his finger in signal.


    The five Imps sprang forth with a squeal, three closing fast while the other two circled, looking for an opening. Pixyl aimed her fist, shooting a blast of Ether at one of the closing Demons. It was from her suppressed hand, though and it just blew the thing back a half dozen meters. Immediately, one of the circling ones stepped in to fill the ranks.


    ¡°There! Did you all see that,¡± Terrin called. ¡°When one of the front attackers fell, one of the pack leaders joined in its place. Now, the one that was downed will take a circling position.¡±


    Just as Terrin had said would happen, the Demon rose, seemed to clear its head and then rejoined the fight, orbiting with the other pack leader, looking for the perfect opportunity.


    Terrin let the fight continue for a little while longer, Pixyl periodically blasting or smashing an Imp back to allow another to step in. Finally, he called out his casual, ¡°End it,¡± and without losing momentum, Pixyl¡¯s shield became a sword, and she sliced through the three close attackers in the blink of an eye, before blasting one at range, vaporizing it from the waist up. She squared off against the suddenly, solo Imp, who true to instinct charged forward. At the last moment, the Pixie simply stepped aside, casually holding out the energy blade as the Imp decapitated itself on it. The already worked-up crowd cheered, enjoying the show as much as the lesson, Pixyl making the experience memorable.


    ¡°That¡¯s unbelievable, Terrin!¡± Iftan said. ¡°Who is she?¡±


    ¡°That, my new friend, is the Queen of the Marandine Pits, and all Demons should fear her.¡± The crowd went silent as the words echoed around the makeshift arena, and that¡¯s when Terrin realized he forgot to mute his sigil.

 Chapter 46 Part 6 - The Queen!

    PART VI -


    Slowly, sixty-some pairs of recruit eyes, several of staff and officers, another pair belonging to a unicorn, and whatever non-eyes Loki had, swung from Terrin to the tiny, winged dervish standing before them. Pixyl paused for a moment at the mention of the name from her previous life, but only for a moment. She thrust her arms wide, turning slowly to face the entire crowd. Slamming her fists into her chest again, she bellowed, ¡°Are we not entertained?¡± Then she turned to look across the ring once again, and one could sense pure excitement dripping from her. She pointed straight at the Warlock trainer. ¡°Send them all, ancient one!¡±


    Terrin couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the juvenile taunt, but he played his part, and returned the challenge. ¡°As you wish, your Majesty!¡± Just to rub it in, he bowed deeply. Quickly he turned to the five warlocks, remembering to mute his sigil this time. ¡°Three Iron Imps from each of you, each about ten seconds apart in mutual waves, and then Vanis, send in a single Iron Tier Fiend at the end.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re joking!¡± Tovinen gasped, his eyes going wide. ¡°That many? They¡¯ll kill her!¡±


    ¡°She should have thought of that before she started hurling insults. I don¡¯t take kindly to being called ¡®ancient¡¯,¡± Terrin said with a grin. Then he added, ¡°It will be fine, trust me.¡±


    Looking across the ring where Pixyl was once again rousing up the crowd, Terrin finally caught the Pixie¡¯s eye. They had planned this, or something close to it. He subtly flashed her five fingers three times, followed by a single one. Pixyl nodded minutely, and discreetly pulled the suppression band off her arm, tossing it casually to the side.


    ¡°You can still yield, Corporal-Major! And apologize for calling me ancient!¡± Terrin called out, engaging the crowd a little more himself.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re not only old, but a comedian, too?¡± Pixyl taunted back as she crouched into position.


    ¡°Begin!¡±


    Within a few seconds, five Imps materialized and sprang forth. Almost before they had even left the circle, each of the Warlocks began to summon another, in preparation for the next wave.


    As the five Imps charged Pixyl, three taking the lead as expected, the tiny Bladeweaver charged in return. A single Ethereal Blast vaporized most of the first. As she ducked the other two trying to grab her, swords sprang to life, cutting each in half at the chest. After a leap into the air with her Flight Telekinetics, Pixyl twisted gracefully, Blasting the forth from above before she landed. The remaining Imp, having lost its prey for a moment, spun, reaching with its claws. But Pixyl simply sliced off its hands, then the arms at the shoulder, and then its head.


    The next wave rushed Pixyl just as she kicked the headless Imp away from her. She immediately spun, Blasting two of them, and the two in the rear that were circling closed into the attack. She was out of Ethereal Blast Charges for the moment, but she didn¡¯t have that skill before coming here, and certainly didn¡¯t need it now. She engaged the other three, switching to her shield to send one tumbling while her other sword finished the two. Pixyl laughed. Imps were so ridiculously predictable. They came straight at you, no sense of self preservation, in a way much like the feral animals of the day before.


    At the wall, Jesca suddenly whined and turned, sliding quickly down the earthen barrier. The unicorn dropped from its perch, and you could sense the Companion¡¯s sudden worry.


    ¡°Jesca!¡± Callie cried, jumping off the booster she was standing on.


    ¡°Just another reveal,¡± the Cheetahkin growled. ¡°A perk called Mana-Enhanced Senses. Watch Pixyl¡¯s fight, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡±


    Jesca nodded, waiting for the inevitable spinning that was coming next.


    Callie looked at the others, still standing on the wall, but all looking down worried. ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. A reveal.¡± As if that explained everything, they each returned to the spectacle in the ring.


    As she began to climb back up, a thought occurred to Callie. ¡°Jesca, don¡¯t unlock that perk! If it does what I think, it¡¯s too noisy here.¡± As if to emphasize that point, another cheer went up from the crowd in response to whatever Pixyl had just done.


    Jesca got one final nod of understanding off to her friend, before her world turned inside out. She grabbed a scraggly tuft of grass in each paw and held on tight, willing herself to stay sitting upright. Something moved close and then lay across her lap, keeping her from falling into the sky. ¡°Help not spin,¡± a clear voice called to Jesca, somehow cutting through the crowd and the sound of blood pumping in her head.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Callie, still worried for her friend, saw the unicorn carefully lay her head on Jesca¡¯s lap. She knew, then, that the Catkin was taken care of, and she finished clambering back onto the booster. Amazed, she looked out on a field of absolute carnage as Pixyl absently decapitated the last Imp standing. ¡°Who the hell is this person?¡± Callie said quietly, gesturing towards the Pixie, having no idea what to make of this Pixyl she was seeing.


    ¡°She¡¯s absolutely amazing!¡± Ambria said, awestruck.


    A roar at the Warlock end grabbed everyone¡¯s attention. For many of the recruits, they recognized what they saw, and for many more, they recognized it from the descriptions they had heard. It was a Fiend, just like the one Pixyl had struck down two weeks previous to save everyone.


    But Pixyl was facing away from it, ignoring the roars and working the crowd. The excitement, though, was falling rapidly, as the crowd saw the monster.


    ¡°Release,¡± Terrin called out, his voice amplified and informing everyone, including Pixyl. Vanis sent the mental command before detaching his control. If he needed to, he could retake control, or use Banish, but it would require a few moments. He was now much less worried about his friend than he had been a short time ago, though.


    The Fiend raced forward, barreling down on the back of Pixyl. She casually turned, and glared. Raising her hand, she launched a ball of magenta light, which stuck to the Demon¡¯s chest, before she shot a half-dozen meters straight up, hovering in midair. The Fiend, confused that its target was gone, and confused by the sparking ball of Ether on its chest, stopped, trying to brush it away. It then looked skyward and roared in anger.


    ¡°Will you shut up!¡± Pixyl called out in response, before she pumped her fist a single time.


    In a flash of light, the Ethereal Bomb exploded, vaporizing at least half of the Fiend, and sending the remaining chunks in all directions, including several over the walls and into the crowd. Silence descended over the watchers, save a few making various ¡®ewww¡¯ sounds, as Pixyl slowly floated toward the ground in the center of the circle, meeting Terrin, who had walked from the Warlock end. Olin also joined them, having leapt over the barrier, clapping as he approached.


    Pixyl grinned up at the Warlock master and her Lionine trainer as they looked down on her. Terrin knelt, ruffling the Pixie¡¯s hair and putting on a proud grin. Olin knelt as well, and as one, both he and Terrin raised Pixyl¡¯s arms in triumph.


    ¡°Corporal-Major Pixyl!¡± Terrin called out through the sigil, as applause from the crowd rang out.


    ¡°The Queen!¡± someone in the crowd roared back.


    Despite what was right before them, nobody could really believe what they had seen, and it certainly was not at all what they were expecting from a demonstration about Demons. Across the ring, chunks of rapidly-dissolving Demon were turning to purple smoke, forcing a few spectators to have to move away from where the light breeze was blowing it away.


    ¡°That was fantastic,¡± Olin said quietly to Pixyl. ¡°When Terrin told me what he had planned, I had my doubts, but I let myself trust him. It was all I could do not to leap in and help, and if I had, I never would have seen that.¡±


    Terrin leaned down, one hand tapping the sigil silent, while the other slipped the Pixie a blue mana potion. ¡°Better than when I saw you in the Pits, Pixyl. Olin¡¯s training you¡¯ve received is showing.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Pixyl replied, blushing with the praise. ¡°But, they were only Iron.¡±


    ¡°Only?¡± Olin asked, with surprise on his face. ¡°You were taking on five at a time! In multiple waves, at that.¡±


    The Pixie replied with a simple shrug, looking up at Olin. ¡°With what I know now? I could probably take a Gold Fiend. Maybe even a Gold Netherhound.¡±


    ¡°You think? You were slipping into some of your old swordplay habits. I¡¯m not sure you caught that.¡±


    Pixyl nodded. ¡°I noticed. They are good for p-p-putting on a show, but not real combat.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll work on it this week.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of, we still need to demonstrate Fiends, let¡¯s not forget. I think we¡¯ll stick with Iron, though.¡± Terrin said as he stood.


    Rising and padding the air to quiet the crowd, Terrin tapped the sigil and sought to regain control. ¡°Thank you all. You must forgive Corporal-Major Pixyl and myself for deciding to put on a little show to at least add some fun to what I¡¯m sure you can see is serious business. You did see how the Imps fought, right? You did think about how you would handle them if encountered on the field, right?¡±


    A general murmur went up around the crowd as they considered the lesson that had been part of the entertainment. Imps were fierce, but feral and unthinking. Three or more and they use pack tactics. The lessons were there, seared into their thinking by watching their tiny fellow recruit show them all how it¡¯s done.


    ¡°What did I miss?¡± Jesca mumbled as she stood, still seeming a little woozy.


    ¡°Just Pixyl being utterly awesome!¡± Callie said with an excited, gleeful bounce. ¡°She took on, like ¡­ what ¡­ fifteen of them at once!¡±


    ¡°Plus the Fiend,¡± Ambria added.


    ¡°Yeah! Plus a Fiend!¡± Callie echoed excitedly.


    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Lhawni asked.


    Jesca nodded. ¡°I am. I¡¯m tired of reveals, though. I hope it¡¯s done. With my luck today, there¡¯s more to go, though.¡±


    ¡°Lunch is soon, at least,¡± Lhawni pointed out. ¡°They should be done by then, right?¡±


    Jesca could only shrug as she returned her eyes to her friend in the center ring.


    ¡°Next, we will properly demonstrate a Fiend,¡± Terrin called out, silencing the chatter as he shifted into obvious instructor mode. ¡°In many ways, they are like Imps. But they are a little larger, heavier, and able to take some punishment. They are smarter too, bright enough to dodge blows, and tend to make a lot of noise to try and intimidate, functioning more as a Guardian. But strip the size and noise away, and really they are just big, tough Imps.¡±


    The center of the ring cleared, Olin joining the Warlocks at the far end, while Pixyl retrieved her discarded suppression bracelet, wrapping it around her wrist again. She had taken a potion, she was feeling good, the crowd was excited, and the sun wasn¡¯t even in her eyes. She smashed a fist into her hand and crouched in anticipation. It was time for the Queen to let loose Pixie hell.

 Chapter 46 Part 7 - What is Love?

    PART VII: WHAT IS LOVE?


    The demonstration with the Fiends was almost as chaotic as the one with the Imps, with Pixyl continuing to display her Pit-honed dominance of the ring. True to Terrin¡¯s description, Fiends were much like Imps. They tended to pound their chest and roar a lot, Pixyl mockingly doing the same in return a few times, and occasionally tried to dodge attacks, but otherwise their strategy was generally the same; simple feral fury.


    If you put two or more Fiends in close proximity, however, things would change a little bit. Fiends seemed to enjoy their personal space, and if two got too close to each other, they would tend to shove or scuffle. One time, two actually started to tear at each other, completely ignoring Pixyl. Terrin described and Pixyl demonstrated a strategy of luring the Fiends close to each other, which would lead to an opening for your counter attack.


    The crowd, following Terrin''s instructions, had the behavior and tactics driven into their heads, knowing that soon they would need to face the monsters themselves. That didn¡¯t stop them from getting excited, though, as Pixyl worked the crowd between waves. Callie was no different, and was soon yelling and cheering for her friend like a rabid fangirl. [*] People would occasionally shout out ¡®The Queen!¡¯ when a demonstration round ended. In turn, Callie managed to get everyone doing a ¡®stomp-stomp-clap¡¯ cheer, mimicking the band of the same name and upping the excitement. The crowd wasn¡¯t exactly sure what it meant to ¡®rock¡¯ someone, or why they were doing it, but the noise and the chanting was infectious and fun for everyone.


    When the demonstration eventually concluded, Thorn dismissed everyone to lunch, and the crowd dispersed. Spirits and conversations were excited, both from the worried anticipation of facing their own Demons soon, but also from Pixyl¡¯s antics in the ring and the show she put on.


    As Callie and the others walked towards the hill, Jesca was again hit by another reveal, and they all quickly detoured to the nearby bleacher seating to help her ride it out. Callie could see her friend was beyond frustrated with what was happening to her. Not just the new power reveals though, but also the whole morning¡¯s events, and maybe the night before, too.


    ¡°So, what did you get?¡± Lhawni said, asking the obvious question as Jesca came around.


    The Cheetahkin snarled a little in general frustration. ¡°A new skill. Deploy/Recall Bonded Companion.¡± She looked up at Juniper. ¡°That¡¯s what you do with Loki, right?¡±


    The Dryad nodded. ¡°It is! One of my skills, although it is called Summon/Unsummon Familiar. He doesn¡¯t like it, though.¡± Next to her, the little Plant Monster looked up, approximating a scowling ¡®hands on hips¡¯ gesture and hissing in annoyance at the idea. ¡°I try not to force him if I don¡¯t have to.¡±


    Jesca nodded, running that information through her head. ¡°I¡¯ll unlock it later,¡± she said glumly.


    ¡°Maybe after lunch, you take a quick nap?¡± Callie suggested, a worried tone in her voice. ¡°Even thirty minutes for you would be pretty refreshing, and we do have today off.¡±


    Jesca nodded, considering the idea.


    ¡°Greetings, ladies,¡± a voice called out as Master Trainer Thorn approached. ¡°It looked like you got a reveal, Jesca. Are you alright?¡±


    Jesca coughed and looked up, before jumping to her feet. ¡°Uh, yes. Yes, sir. I did. I also received another earlier, during the fight.¡±


    ¡°She can now unsummon her unicorn, just as I can my Loki,¡± Juniper said, eagerly trying to be helpful.


    Thorn pondered that for a half moment. ¡°An excellent skill, and absolutely appropriate for the class. May I ask what the other was?¡±


    ¡°A perk called Mana-Enhanced Senses.¡±


    Thorn blinked in surprise. ¡°Really? That¡¯s a perk I have as a Martialist as well.¡± Then he got a worried look. ¡°Have you unlocked it? If you haven¡¯t, don¡¯t do it yet.¡±


    Jesca shook her head. ¡°Callie suggested waiting, and I have a feeling she¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°She is. Once you unlock it, all of your senses will become much more acute. The sudden influx of sounds, in particular, can be quite overwhelming. I recommend you do it somewhere quiet and dark, so you can get used to the effect more gradually. Maybe on your morning run?¡±


    Thorn¡¯s warning received, he soon took his leave, and everyone headed down the hill to the mess tent for the midday meal. Callie felt a nostalgic sense of home when the prepared lunch turned out to be simple, grilled-cheese sandwiches. Bread, cheese and butter was a pretty universal taste, and Callie was swept back to her childhood, when her mother or grandmother would make them for her. Callie even cut the sandwich into four triangles, exactly as she liked it when she was seven.


    Callie had just returned with a second sandwich, when Pixyl briefly stopped by, having been delayed finishing up with the Warlocks. Even though she¡¯d get sweaty again with her afternoon training, the Pixie wanted to put on fresh clothes that weren''t covered in ash and various chunks of singed Demon. She did acknowledge the few cheers from other recruits with a polite wave, but was mostly worried how Jesca was doing. They all filled her in on the latest reveals, and you could see Pixyl mulling them over in her head before declaring them ¡®cool¡¯. As a parting action, with a grin she snatched half of Callie¡¯s sandwich, a triangle in each hand, before scampering off towards the bunkhouses, laughing.


    Before long, the bell rang, Calling all the recruits to their afternoon training, which left Callie alone with Jesca and her unicorn. With people now dispersed, the unicorn felt comfortable enough to walk several meters away to nibble on some grass. Jesca had put her head in her arms, not asleep, just deep in her own thoughts and mentally exhausted from the morning.


    ¡°Hey, Jesca?¡± Callie asked carefully.


    ¡°Hmm? What?¡± the Cheetahkin replied looking up.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll be fine. Maybe I¡¯ll even take that nap you mentioned.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, but that¡¯s also not really what I meant. I saw you last night. With Ambria and Koka. I don¡¯t want to pry if it¡¯s not my place, but do you want to talk about it? It¡¯s just us right now.¡±


    Jesca sighed and shrugged. ¡°I suppose, but I¡¯m still not really sure what happened. My head is all muddy. Your Gnome music helped me, though, somehow.¡±


    Callie nodded, not saying anything in order to encourage her friend to keep talking, although it took her a moment to realize what she meant by ¡®Gnome music¡¯.


    ¡°Yesterday, when you played that joke on me? I had flashes of a sudden life with Ambria. Meeting her parents, a wedding, a cute little house somewhere, growing old together. It scared me, Callie. A lot. But a minute later it disappeared, because it wasn¡¯t real, and somehow that scared me even more; the loss of that possible simple, quiet life hurt for some reason I can¡¯t explain.¡±


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Callie cried out. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡±


    Shaking her head, Jesca took Callie¡¯s hand with her paw. ¡°That¡¯s just it. If it hadn¡¯t been for your silly little joke, I never would have realized how much I missed that feeling when it was gone. For just a few seconds, my life had a different purpose than it¡¯s had since I was a little cub. Sure, it was forced on me by your supposed ¡®Faun Law¡¯, and it was scary because of the surprise, but it also felt ¡­ good. For some reason I would have been happy growing old in Ambria¡¯s little mushroom house, Callie, if that really had to happen. I guess it all finally came crashing on me at once last night.¡±


    ¡°Are ¡­ do you have feelings for Ambria?¡±


    Jesca laughed lightly. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never really been attracted to people, physically or romantically, that is. And love? I¡¯m not even sure what love is. But the idea of being part of someone¡¯s life together? The idea of making my own way with someone, rather than the Beastkin way? That felt right.¡±


    ¡°You mentioned to me that first day about getting married and having kids,¡± Callie said, a little confused, letting the statement hang.


    ¡°It¡¯s just assumed, as a Beastkin. We¡¯re all supposed to have at least four cubs, preferably more. This is why Beastkins have become so numerous in only a few hundred years after The Escape. Getting married is supposed to go with all those cubs, but probably just to assure stability. More and more people don¡¯t bother getting married. After my Curse, I¡¯ll go home and be expected to make babies, and quickly while I¡¯m still young.¡±


    Callie tried to drink this bit of information in, and resisted the urge to start asking a dozen questions about Beastkin society that immediately popped into her head. This conversation was about Jesca.


    ¡°The idea of a quiet future with Ambria, something different than what I have in front of me, somehow felt ¡­ good.¡± Jesca smiled weakly. ¡°And then in a blink, that possibility was gone.¡± Jesca sighed and shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think I¡¯m just going to need time to figure it out. Maybe there¡¯s a Listener in camp I could talk to.¡±


    ¡°A Listener?¡±


    ¡°You know, someone to help you sort out your feelings?¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. A therapist. You could ask Tasi. She would know who might be able to help.¡±


    Jesca mulled that a bit and then nodded her head. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll ask her later today since we have it off.¡± She looked at Callie and smiled, taking her hand again. ¡°Really, I¡¯m okay. If anything, I apparently have this new life as this Beastmaster class, with her and whatever other animals decide to bond with me.¡± She gestured to the grazing unicorn. ¡°Maybe they¡¯ll end up being my family, instead.¡±


    Callie squeezed Jesca¡¯s paw. ¡°Jesca, if our joke in any way hurt you, please know we didn¡¯t mean to. I know you said it was fine, but please, just know that.¡±


    The Catkin smiled, and her eyes were actually bright. ¡°I do know. You don¡¯t even need to say anything for me to know that. And it was really funny, too.¡± She looked up at the unicorn, and then back towards the bunkhouses. ¡°She said she¡¯s thirsty, so I¡¯m going to take her to the fountain and I think I''ll take that nap. Can we find each other in, say, an hour? If I¡¯m not up, feel free to wake me.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s going to need a name you know, right?¡± Callie said, nodding to the foal.


    ¡°Do you remember any more Gnome gods that might apply to a female unicorn? Loki has been a pretty good name for Juniper¡¯s little thieving plant-monster.¡±


    ¡°Maybe? Let me think.¡± Callie pondered a moment. At first, she considered the name ¡®Amalthea¡¯ from The Last Unicorn as the obvious choice. Jesca was right, though, unicorns were so majestic that she needed to be named after one of the gods, especially since Loki got one of those names too. It could become a pet theme for when she adopted more companions, too! But what would be a good match for a unicorn? Venus? No, she was the goddess of beauty, and while the foal definitely was beautiful, it needed to be something ¡­ wildernessy, too. Callie didn¡¯t know a lot of the more about the obscure pantheon members, really only the common ones, and Loki kept making her think back to the Marvel movies. Then, she remembered a Women¡¯s Studies workshop her junior year about women in mythology.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± Callie grinned.


    ¡°Oh? Really? Is it the goddess of exploding contraptions or something?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Callie said, laughing. ¡°She¡¯s the goddess of wild animals and nature and goddess of the hunt. A few other things that I can¡¯t remember, too. Oh yeah, she¡¯s also the goddess of virginity, so if you think about it ¡­¡±


    Jesca rolled her eyes at that, throwing her arms up. But then she looked at her new Companion, and remembered why the foal had presumably trusted her in the first place. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Her name is Artemis!¡±


    Jesca¡¯s eyes opened wide at the strange, Gnomeish name. It was so ¡­ different and unique. ¡°Do you like that name?¡± she asked the foal. ¡°A name is what someone would call you. Yes, you are still a unicorn if you have a name. Yes, all people get names. No, you¡¯re not a people. Wait, you know what, you are a people, because you can talk, at least to me, and that makes you a people.¡±


    Callie snickered, hearing only one side of Jesca¡¯s exasperated conversation with the little unicorn. It was like watching a mother argue with a five-year-old, which, in a way it sort of was.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t understand,¡± Jesca sighed. ¡°But I think it¡¯s a great name, Callie. It¡¯s so ¡­ Gnome! It will always remind me of you and our time here.¡± She turned. ¡°You hear that, your name is Artemis.¡± Then she rolled her eyes again, sighing. ¡°Yes, you are still a unicorn!¡±


    Jesca shook her head, slightly smiled, and squeezed Callie¡¯s hand one last time. She rose and started walking back towards home, the newly-named unicorn quietly clopping along next to her.


    Callie was glad to see Jesca smile, at least a little. Still, a part of her felt awful, both because of the joke they played, but also because she honestly didn¡¯t really know how to help her friend. She had always been bad at the deep emotional support stuff with people she truly cared about, which probably partially explained why she had been single since she came back home.


    Not sure what to do now that she had some free time, Callie¡¯s mind wandered and drifted a bit, finally seeming to settle on an image of this new dual-class Jesca. She imagined the Ranger-Beastmaster mounted on her now fully-grown Artemis, surrounded by a small group of various creatures that didn¡¯t really have form. She was sitting tall and commanding, wearing leather armor with a bow across her back and a whip at her side instead of swords. The image was ¡­ magnificent, almost regal. Then it struck Callie. The Jesca in her mind was missing something to make the image just perfect.


    ¡°She needs a hat!¡± Callie said, leaping from the bench.

 Chapter 46 Part 8 - The Perfect Hat

    PART VIII - THE PERFECT HAT


    Callie started to run, but then realized she wasn¡¯t sure exactly where to go. She found a staff member moving a wheelbarrow, and ran up to him, panting slightly.


    ¡°Quartermaster Fullo. Where can I find her?¡±


    ¡°Fullo? I think her office is in the Tannery building,¡± he answered, verbally stumbling from being pressured.


    ¡°Great! Where is that?¡±


    It took a couple more ¡®where is that¡¯ questions before Callie finally had an idea where she was going, and was off in a sprint again. As she ran, she sorted through in her mind how to describe what she needed the Quartermaster to make. If they could make the right hat, it was just going to be perfect!


    Ten minutes, and one wrong turn, later, Callie finally arrived at a large barn-like building. The wide doors were open, but a few people were working and she didn¡¯t want to get in the way. It reasoned that if Fullo had an actual office, there must be another entrance. Glancing around the corner of the building, she saw an Ogre-sized door that looked promising. As she got close, Callie saw a wooden sign over the door with the word ¡®OFFICE¡¯ painted on it in the strange letters of this strange world.


    ¡°Huh, this must be it,¡± Callie chuckled to herself, as she pushed the smaller inset door open.


    Through the door was a fairly typical service counter, along with the overwhelming smell of leather. She could hear multiple voices calling out in the distance, but the immediate area was quiet and empty. It seemed like the basic hustle and bustle of an active workshop.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Callie called out. There was a booster next to the counter and she stepped up, instinctively looking for a service bell to ding. ¡°Hello?¡± she called again.


    ¡°Little One?¡± Quartermaster Fullo said, peering around the corner. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be in training? Is there something you need?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I do. I need you to make me a hat. A special hat.¡±


    ¡°Is the one you have not serving you?¡±


    Callie reached up to touch the side of her Ranger hat. ¡°No, this one is fine, great even. No, this is for my friend Jesca.¡±


    Fullo had a confused expression on her face as she approached. She was wearing a leather apron that was covered in dust and grime, and smelled of sweat. Obviously she had been working on something. ¡°Why would this Jesca need a special hat?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s kinda complicated, but also kinda cool.¡±


    Fullo blinked, having heard that word used recently. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. You have my attention, though, so explain from the start.¡±


    Callie immediately launched into a Jesca-esque babbling tale of them rescuing the unicorn, and then Jesca waking up with a second class, and that the unicorn was now bonded with her and ¡­


    ¡°Okay fine! We¡¯ll make you this special hat!¡± Fullo said with exasperation, cutting off Callie with a laugh.


    ¡°Great! It¡¯s called a Fedora. Do you know ¡­ no, you probably don¡¯t. So it is made of soft leather, with a ¡­¡± Callie mimed a hat on her head trying to explain all the design elements of a perfect Fedora. Fullo just had a confused look on her face.


    ¡°Um ¡­ maybe I could try drawing it?¡± Callie suggested. ¡°It won¡¯t be a very good drawing but probably better than I am at explaining it.¡±


    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll try that,¡± Fullo said, seeming a little cross with Callie¡¯s chaotic request.


    The Quartermaster led Callie over to a short-height workbench, and then stepped away for a moment, returning with a few pieces of parchment and a charcoal pencil.


    Callie looked at the parchment and tried to visualize the Fedora her grandfather had. He¡¯d loved the Indiana Jones movies, and purchased a knock-off hat at some point, thinking it was cool. On him, it looked cool. When Callie¡¯s father had found it in a closet after her grandfather died, he tried wearing it too. It didn¡¯t look nearly as cool on him. But Callie remembered holding it, and pictured it on the page in front of her.


    Carefully she began to sketch, following the outlines of the image she held in her mind¡¯s eye. She traced the curves of the brim and the pinch of leather in front. Even the cute little black ribbon. Then, she drew it again, this time rotating it to look from the side. Finally, a third time as if looking from below, showing the inside band. She couldn¡¯t draw, but she was in a zone. She was going to make this perfect for Jesca! Plus, besides being cool, she¡¯d need it with her new Heightened Senses perk anyway to deal with the sun, right?


    After a couple minutes, Callie finished, releasing the final picture in her head and looked down on what she had drawn, fully expecting to have to again apologize for its awfulness. It was actually ¡­ good? It wasn¡¯t at all artistic, like Xin¡¯s drawings. Instead, it resembled a schematic or diagram of something, mimicking completely the image she had held in her head. Callie looked down at her hands, amazed, just as Xin had when she had learned of her own beautiful skill.


    Fullo walked back from the shelf she was straightening and pulled the parchments from in front of Callie. ¡°All of you Gnomes say you can¡¯t draw, but then you make something like this. You engineer everything!¡±


    All Gnomes can do this? From Tinker maybe?


    ¡°It¡¯s a styled design, but simple enough. You said leather?¡± Fullo said, rotating the pictures slightly


    ¡°Uh huh. But it''s super fuzzy leather, and soft. Almost like a leatherish-cloth. What¡¯s that called?¡±


    ¡°A felt?¡±


    ¡°Yes! Strong, but not very thick or stiff.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not actually leather. It¡¯s tightly woven animal fur, and I don''t have any of that here.¡±


    Callie¡¯s heart fell.


    ¡°But, I do have a soft leather I could use,¡± Fullo suggested helpfully, still looking the design over. ¡°It would have a similar feel and weight to high quality felt.¡±


    Would that work? It was good enough. Yes! The shape is what mattered.


    ¡°That should work. Oh, it had silk cloth on the inside and a sweatband.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have silk, but I have a lightweight cloth I can use, and something more-absorbent for the band.¡± Fullo set the page down, taking up the pencil. She made a few marks on the design Callie had drawn, and then a few notes off to the side. ¡°Why is this hat so important to you? You said she needs one for the light, but you¡¯re pretty insistent on this design.¡±


    ¡°My grandfather used to wear one,¡± Callie said, before realizing she may have said too much, but she couldn¡¯t stop her mouth in time. ¡°He¡¯s ¡­ gone now.¡±


    ¡°I know your memory is largely missing, but that is a good memory to still have,¡± the Tigerkin said with a smile. ¡°I believe we can honor it.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°You can? Thank you thank you thank you! You¡¯re the best! All of you! This is going to be great for her.¡±


    ¡°I can have one for you by tomorrow morning. I¡¯ll have it delivered to you, so you can gift it to her yourself. If it needs refinement, see me again and we can make another one with those adjustments.¡± Fullo looked down on the Gnome. ¡°We¡¯ll get it right. It seems important enough. And a fun challenge for us, as well.¡±


    Callie was giddy with excitement on so many levels. On one hand, the idea of bringing a tiny piece of Earth culture to this world via fashion made it suddenly feel just a bit more like home. On the other, Jesca was simply going to look so ¡­ bad ¡­ ass!


    ¡°Callie!¡± a voice called out, jolting Callie¡¯s attention. It was Fizzlebek, walking in from the back area. ¡°Someone said there was a Gnome out here, and didn¡¯t mention it was Pama. I just knew it had to be you. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°She needs a hat,¡± the Quartermaster said, chuckling, as she flashed the pages to him. ¡°A special hat, apparently.¡±


    After giving Callie a hug, Fizzlebek took the pages and leafed through them. ¡°Very ¡­ unique,¡± he finally said, sounding a little doubtful. He looked at Callie and raised an eyebrow in question.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± a voice called from a doorway to the back. ¡°Fullo, you¡¯re about to boil over back here. Should I take it off the heat?¡±


    ¡°Damn!¡± Fullo snarled, as she snatched the drawings from Fizzlebek¡¯s hand. ¡°Forgive me, I need to get back. Recruit, let me know if you want any changes from what we send you in the morning.¡± Quickly she half-jogged around the doorframe and out of sight.


    ¡°Why do you need a hat like that?¡±


    Callie quickly launched into a much-calmer explanation of what had happened to Jesca that morning. Of course, Fizzlebek was dubious of the idea of someone getting a second class, but bought into the idea once Callie confirmed they had done a scry and that the Master Trainer had accepted what happened. He also knew of the Beastmaster, and the special, historical meaning that word had with the Beastkin. Callie finally explained the need for the hat, first focusing on Jesca¡¯s new senses perk, but ultimately using the same excuse she had with Fullo.


    ¡°How goes the processing of the ¡­ ¡± Callie started to ask, changing the subject but trailing off as Fizzlebek quickly held up his hand..


    ¡°Let¡¯s step back into my work area,¡± the Artificer said in a low tone, gesturing with his head. ¡°We can discuss it there.¡±


    Curious, Callie followed the Gnome, and he led her into a small room with a small-height workbench and table. Immediately obvious on the table were several dozen potion vials, each filled with a silvery liquid. The workbench had various things that were likely alchemy tools; a mortar and pestle, various flasks, a few cast-iron bowls. It was definitely a workspace.


    ¡°Sorry, everyone here knows what we are processing,¡± Fizzlebek said. ¡°but a lot of them are uncomfortable with the idea, which I understand. We promised to limit discussion and work to a few areas they could avoid, for their ease.¡±


    That actually made sense to Callie. On a logical level, in part because of her Wilderness Survival skill, she understood that animals had their uses. They fed and clothed people, and other parts could be used in various magical ways. But, it was a unicorn, and that was certainly disquieting if your brain moved past the logic.


    ¡°It¡¯s going well,¡± the Gnome said, answering Callie¡¯s original question. ¡°We should be done by tomorrow. The body you brought back has been unbelievably useful. I can use much for enchanting, or the crafters can in their weapons and armor. Most will be sold, though, so we can use the funds to buy more raw materials and Symbiotes.¡±


    ¡°What are these?¡± Callie said, looking at the array of vials.


    ¡°Unicorn blood,¡± Fizzlebek said. ¡°It makes a person younger.¡±


    ¡°Like a Youth Potion? What about the parasites?¡± Callie asked, remembering Lhawni mentioning something about unicorn blood being able to make you young again.


    ¡°We purified and removed the parasites, so they are clean. As for their use, it¡¯s only given out to people who have been caught in an aging attack of some kind, from a ghost for example, rather than just make someone younger.¡±


    ¡°But anyone with enough money could buy one to make themselves younger. Wouldn¡¯t that just mean rich people live forever?¡±


    Fizzlebek shrugged. ¡°Even if they managed to find some on a black market, they couldn¡¯t live forever. You can only ever drink so much unicorn blood; about one vial¡¯s worth. After that, it¡¯s as if you have potion sickness with it. Drink more and anything could happen, usually something bad. Plus, even if someone swallowed a whole one of these at once, they¡¯d get, perhaps, fifty years back, maybe a couple more, and that would be all they could ever receive. Smaller races like us, around one-hundred, maybe even a bit more. Most people only need a small amount to offset age damage.¡°


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Callie said, looking at a vial in each hand. The silvery liquid inside seemed to resemble liquid mercury, which she remembered from her high-school chemistry teacher handing a bottle of the stuff around so everyone could feel the weight. ¡°How many did you get?¡±


    ¡°I need to double check, but somewhere in the mid-fifties, total, I think. I¡¯m going to inventory and package them later this afternoon on the chance I can recover any more. Eventually we¡¯ll send what we have back to Imor.¡±


    ¡°So you just drink it? How long would it take to work?¡± Callie asked, curious.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Just drink it like a potion. Not sure how long. If I had to guess, a few hours. Overnight, maybe? Not very long, that¡¯s for sure.¡±


    ¡°Neat!¡± Callie said as she walked over to the workbench, just casually looking at the items on it. ¡°I know about the horn, but what do some of the other parts do?¡±


    ¡°The hooves can be used in a footwear enchantment that allows you to run for much longer durations, and the hide repels magic, so that can be used to line shields or armor. The tail hair can be woven in with rope to make it enchanted and nearly unbreakable. There¡¯s even uses for the teeth, bones and the muscles. Unfortunately, your arrows pierced her heart, so we can¡¯t use it, but otherwise, nothing will go to waste. Processing has been going slow, though, because I am putting a good, long-duration Preservation spell on everything, so it will last until expert crafters make the best use for it.¡±


    Callie had continued poking around while Fizzlebek had been talking, and was about to open a little hinged wood box, but Fizzlebek snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t open that!¡± With a guilty look, she quickly set it back down.


    ¡°Why, what¡¯s in it?¡±


    Fizzlebek made an uncomfortable face. ¡°It¡¯s her ¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Callie said, holding up her hand and cutting the Gnome off. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me. I don¡¯t want to know.¡± She quickly raised her hands and stepped away from the mystery box.


    ¡°Sorry. Again, nothing goes to waste.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Callie walked back to the table, shaking her head. ¡°But just ¡­ nope, don¡¯t need or want to know.¡± She glanced back over the table, seeing all the vials of blood, and then had a thought. ¡°Let¡¯s change the subject. A question for you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Hypothetically, what could you do for enchantments on something made of leather?¡±


    ¡°How do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Something long and ¡­ weaponish?¡± Callie added, trying to be coyly vague.


    ¡°What? Oh! You mean a whip for the Beastmaster?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie said, smiling. ¡°She¡¯s going to need a pair for her new class. What could you do to help her out?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never enchanted a whip before. Probably that storage enchantment like on your bows, since there¡¯s no metal. It really depends on the quality of the materials and the final weapon.¡±


    ¡°What if one were to, say, use some unicorn tail-hair when making it, or even use a little unicorn hide?¡±


    Fizzlebek brightened. ¡°I like the way you think! If you ever stop being a Ranger, you should become an Enchanter. It would be more work as a non-Wizard, but you¡¯d probably like it.¡±


    Callie grinned. ¡°I want to learn to make magic food, like your wife can, first. Then enchanting!¡±


    The blue-haired Gnome rubbed his chin. ¡°If I put some unicorn bone into the handle as a core, and wove some tail hair into the length of leather¡­¡± Fizzlebek paced, motioning in the air a series of spirals as he pictured the weapon in his head. Finally, he said, ¡°At least two enchantments, I¡¯m sure. Probably even a third, but that would depend on a lot of unknowns. I don¡¯t think I have any enchantments that are specific to that weapon, either. I have a book of weapon enchantments back home, though. I can check to be sure. There might be something I can adapt to a whip. Unfortunately, leather tends to not hold runes well, so there¡¯s not much we can do there.¡±


    Callie put her finger to her lips. ¡°Thorn is probably going to come by later today, or tomorrow, to order whips for Jesca. If you can do something special, make sure nobody tells her. I want it to be a surprise. He probably would have some thoughts on what might be good enchantments, though.¡±


    ¡°I can do that,¡± Fizzlebek nodded, whispering conspiratorially as well, an excited grin on his face. Obviously the idea of a never-done project was calling to him.


    ¡°Speaking of Jesca,¡± Callie said. ¡°I probably need to go wake her up. She needed a quick nap.¡± Then she added, ¡°Reynard gave us the day off while they figure out what to do about Ranger training.¡±


    ¡°I heard what happened to him. I assume they¡¯ll ask Vonn to help out,¡± Fizzlebek said with a shrug. ¡°She¡¯ll do it, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°I assumed she would, too, but I¡¯ll let them figure out what¡¯s next. Thanks for chatting,¡± Callie said with a bounce, the two parting with a hug, Callie gleefully skipping back out the office door and into the sunlight. Indiana Jesca! She was going to be so amazed!

 APRIL FOOLS 2024 - (Was: Epilogue)

    EPILOGUE


    And then a big dragon came and burninated the camp and ate everyone and it was very very sad. Except Artemis and Jesca, they rode off into the sunset, fedora on her head and whip at her side.


    The EndThis story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    April Fools :P


    And apparently it won''t let me update this chapter unless it is long enough, so I''m going to fill in this space with a bunch of words that really don''t mean anything just to reach the limit. How''s it going out there?

 Chapter 46 Part 9 - Time in a Bottle

    PART IX - TIME IN A BOTTLE


    The knock on the door was hesitant, but then a second set was a little more confident. Trainer Rowani set aside the scrapbook full of memories she was leafing through, took the light blanket off her lap, and rose gingerly from the rocking chair to answer the door. Outside was a little Gnome with pink hair and a perplexing smile on her face.


    ¡°Little One?¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± Callie said. ¡°Do you have a few minutes?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s getting late.¡± It was already past dusk.


    ¡°I know, this won¡¯t take long, I promise.¡±


    Shrugging, the Druid stood aside, clearing the way. The inside of Rowani¡¯s cabin was nice, pleasant even. It was a simple one-room affair, with a bed against one wall, a table with chairs that would sit three or four, and a small, unlit stone fireplace. There was a small counter area that appeared plumbed for water, a spigot hanging over an empty basin. A wooden rocking chair sat next to the fireplace, a soft cushion on the wooden seat covered by a thin blanket and a large book. There was also a small bookshelf and a traveling trunk by the foot of the bed, with the bookshelf containing only a few other books, while the rest of the shelving was stacked with neatly-folded clothing. A narrow door led into an adjoining space, and Callie assumed it was a latrine. Finally, a long mirror was mounted on the wall, not very big, but large enough to see most of yourself.


    ¡°Would you like some tea?¡± Rowani offered. ¡°I could set some to heat.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but that¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be long. I know it¡¯s getting late. Thank you, though.¡±


    The Pantherkin gestured towards the table and pulled out a chair for Callie, before sitting herself. Callie scrambled into the other chair and then stood on it, so she could reach the top of the table easily.


    ¡°So, what may I help you with?¡±


    Callie made a face and started to speak, before promptly tripping over her own tongue. She took a deep breath.


    ¡°What is it, Little One?¡±


    Callie couldn¡¯t help but smile at hearing ¡®Little One¡¯ come from Rowani. The Druid trainer was an absolute badass in every way, and yet those words seem to almost feel grandmotherly. Of course, Callie wasn¡¯t dumb enough to actually say that to her.


    ¡°Can I ask you a personal question?¡±


    Rowani looked perplexed. ¡°If you wish. I may not answer.¡±


    ¡°What were you like when you were my age?¡±


    The Druid frowned, and then got an even more confused look on her face.


    Quickly Callie tried to clarify. ¡°By that I mean, were you outgoing or a quiet type? Were you already an Adventurer? Were you married? Did you have kids? Were you ¡­ I dunno ¡­ were you happy?¡±


    The Pantherkin cocked her head. She wasn¡¯t sure what the Gnome was trying to ask her, and honestly wasn¡¯t in the mood to be some kind of a Listener tonight. But those big purple eyes seemed to want, maybe even need, an answer.


    ¡°How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-six,¡± Callie said, before quickly covering and adding, ¡°I think.¡±


    ¡°At that age? Let¡¯s see ¡­ I had left home. I had been a Healer in my village for a few years and I hated it. So by twenty-six, I was an Adventurer with my then husband, and had been one for a few years, taking breaks for a few months from time to time.¡±


    ¡°Do you have regrets?¡± Callie asked. ¡°About things you never got to do?¡±


    This was a very strange line of questioning, and Rowani¡¯s puzzled look simply grew more puzzled. ¡°Why do you ask? Is something wrong?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°No, nothing¡¯s wrong. I¡¯m just curious. If it¡¯s too personal, we can move on.¡±


    After a pause, Rowani shrugged, stood and walked over to the counter. ¡°Of course I have regrets. Anyone my age would have them. I regret getting married, I was young and foolish. I regret again when I didn¡¯t marry someone else later in life, probably out of fear I still was.¡± Returning to the table, she set down a small basket of cookies, and gestured for Callie to help herself, also taking one. ¡°I never had children, which for Beastkin is very frowned upon. Occasionally I regret that too, although not often; maybe the regret is because my mother never really forgave me for that choice. I don¡¯t think I would have been a very good mother, anyway.¡±


    Callie nodded her head, taking in Rowani¡¯s story, as she nibbled on the cookie. She remembered what Jesca had said about Beastkin culture and the expectation to have children.


    ¡°I never saw the great oceans to the south,¡± Rowani continued, sighing. ¡°I do regret that. In all my wanderings, I never made it that far. Also, I never saw a Dragon. There are so few that are friendly with people, I likely would have been eaten if I sought one out, so maybe that is for the best. Oh, I once slapped a noble¡¯s son that grabbed my ass on the street. I only regret that I didn¡¯t do it again. It was worth the fifteen days in jail I received, all the same.¡±


    Callie giggled at that, and Rowani giggled, too, before she sighed again.


    ¡°I regret not studying ritual magic more, Little One,¡± Rowani continued, growing more introspective, maybe even a little sad. ¡°I had no need for it as an Adventurer or combat Druid, and it makes little difference now. I would have liked to have done that and been closer with Gaia in my old age.¡± Rowani looked at Callie. ¡°Why do you ask these things?¡±


    ¡°Mostly I was just curious what you were like.¡±


    ¡°I suppose, like all people, I made mistakes, probably hurt people I didn¡¯t want to. Succeeded at some things, failed at more. In the end, though, I think I¡¯ve been a good person. Well, maybe only mostly-good.¡± Rowani leaned close and whispered, ¡°There was a good fifteen years where I slept around, and not just at Midsummer.¡±


    ¡°Nothing wrong with that,¡± Callie said, shrugging.


    ¡°A lot.¡±


    Callie just shrugged again.


    ¡°A lot a lot!¡± Rowani said again, adding emphasis and waggling her furry eyebrows.


    ¡°Good for you,¡± Callie said as she shrugged a third time. ¡°Seriously, I mean it. I approve.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. Usually admitting that is so scandalous.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always thought we spend too much energy suppressing ourselves, or letting others do it. Obviously be safe about it, but have fun.¡± Callie smiled mischievously, nibbling more on the cookie.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s another regret, then. I wasn¡¯t always safe about it. I ended up in bed with some very questionable people.¡±


    ¡°You should ask Ambria about that,¡± Callie grinned. ¡°She has sleeping around completely figured out.¡±


    For some reason, Rowani grinned, too, despite having no idea what Callie was talking about. She hadn¡¯t ever talked to this Gnome, except as related to the mission. She was an odd one, but reminded Rowani a little of herself when she was that young. Naive, impulsive, not yet worn down by the world and the twilight of life. Mostly innocent, but with just enough life experience to not be completely.


    ¡°Why do you ask me these things?¡± Rowani finally asked, genuinely curious now.


    ¡°Oh, right! I have something for you, if you want it,¡± Callie said, smiling. From a pocket she produced a bottle of silver liquid and set it lightly on the table.


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s unicorn blood. Fifty years worth, give or take.¡±


    ¡°Where did you get that?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°It¡¯s from the unicorn we brought back. The mother, that is. I took this to give to you, and one for Trainer Maugra, too. Don¡¯t worry, they cleaned it of the parasites.¡±


    ¡°You took it? Without permission? For me? Why would you do this?¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°Because you deserve to see the ocean, and to meet dragons. And you deserve to sleep around all you want.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ can¡¯t accept this, Little One. This is ¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. There are fifty-some more vials back at the tannery. Two aren¡¯t going to be missed. Besides, if it wasn¡¯t for me, they wouldn¡¯t have it, so I should at least have the say in a couple.¡±


    Rowani just stared dumbly at the tiny Ranger.


    Smiling, Callie hopped down from the chair. ¡°Trainer Rowani, yesterday, when you came back hurt, I was watching. You were in agonizing pain, I suspect close to dying, and still you took the time to guide Lhawni and Ambria and Tazrok through how to heal you. You had every right to let Tasi take over when she got there, too, but you let three recruits with only two weeks of formal training fix you up. They did an awesome job, and that is all because of you. Because of that lesson, down the road they will save dozens, if not hundreds of lives. You¡¯re a good person, amazing even, and you deserve fifty more years.¡±


    Callie walked towards the door.


    ¡°You took one for Maugra, too?¡± Rowani called out.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. You weren¡¯t back yet when I came by earlier, so I went to see her next. We had a really nice chat like this. She comes across as a little grumpy, but she¡¯s actually quite nice if you can get her talking. Her life sounds a lot like yours. She was also an Adventurer. In fact, you two are a lot alike, once you get past the crankiness.¡± Callie let out a little giggle, adding, ¡°she offered me cookies, too.¡±


    ¡°What did she end up doing?¡± Rowani asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. She asked for some time to think about it alone, which I understand. I¡¯m going to do the same with you, and let you decide alone. Just drink it and you¡¯ll wake up fifty years younger, according to Fizzlebek. If you decide not to, just get it back to him. Or give it to me; I can return it, too.¡±


    Rowani sat stunned as the little Gnome walked out the door, closing it gently behind her with a wave goodnight. Absently, she took a cookie from the basket and munched on it. She had no idea what to do. Actually, what she should do is take the unicorn blood directly back to where it came from and pretend none of this had happened.


    But that wasn¡¯t something she could pretend. There, less than a meter away, sat a bottle no larger than her paw. A little bottle filled with the most-precious substance in existence ¡­ time. Could ¡­ could she seriously consider this?


    She leapt from her seat, walking as fast as she could towards the other side of the room and sat roughly on the bed. Time still stared at her. It burrowed its gaze into her, almost painfully, as dozens and hundreds of memories flooded into Rowani¡¯s head. Joys and pains and regrets and mistakes, all the elements that make up one¡¯s life.


    How many people wouldn¡¯t get proper care if she drank the bottle? How many people, withered by attacks from vampires or ghosts, would be prematurely pushed towards death, unable to be pulled back, if she did this? A dozen? Maybe even two dozen? What made her the better person, the more deserving person, than they all were?


    Standing, Rowani started to pace, and her movements were fast and worried. She wasn¡¯t worthy. She wasn¡¯t important enough for ¡­


    ¡­ more time ¡­


    Looking up, the aging Beastkin caught her reflection in the mirror, and she peered into her own image. The face looking back at her was so worn, so tired. Once pitch-black fur was now mostly gray, and a few almost white. When did that happen, and how did she never really notice it? Or maybe she had and just didn¡¯t want to acknowledge it. Her mother had called the white fur ¡®sparkles¡¯, and Rowani laughed at the memory, seeing she was now covered in them.


    Dropping her robe to the floor, Rowani looked at the reflection of the rest of this old Beastkin. The body was growing tired, you could see it. Skin that sagged. Belly that sagged. Face that sagged. Breasts that sagged. Simply all-over that sagged, stretched from a lifetime. Rowani sat introspectively back down on the bed, where once again the bottle of time stared at her.


    What would happen if she took it? She¡¯d probably be fired. Could she be jailed? For what? Theft maybe? And what about Callie? Could she get in trouble, too? Xera was Rowani¡¯s friend, but there were some things even they couldn¡¯t look away from. It certainly wouldn¡¯t be without consequences.


    So what! So she gets fired! She¡¯d be ¡­ what ¡­ twenty? Even younger? A whole life ahead of her to make a living, a lifetime of knowledge and Platinum Tier powers to do it with. She¡¯d even have a Symbiote on top of that. She could maybe reach Topaz, or even higher! Almost unheard of for a Beastkin.


    She could study Druidic ritualism; she¡¯d have the ¡­ time.


    Rowani found herself sitting at the table without even knowing she had moved there. A half-meter away sat time in a bottle. Simply there for the taking. All she had to be was a little bit selfish. To take time from someone else. Could she really be so cruel?


    The sudden pounding on the door jolted the Druid hard enough that the almost heart attack nearly made all the questions irrelevant. ¡°Just a moment,¡± she called unconsciously, rushing to the bed to put her robe on. As she walked to the door, she remembered the vial on the table, and grabbed it, hiding it in her fist.


    Opening the door, a grouchy Goblin, also wearing only a robe, limped in with nary an invitation. She promptly hopped up into the seat that a short time ago a pink-haired Gnome had vacated.


    ¡°You gave her cookies, too?¡± Maugra said in her raspy, quiet, almost-whisper, as she set a glass vial filled with silver liquid on the table.


    ¡°As I pushed them in front of her, I felt like her grandmother,¡± Rowani said with a sigh.


    ¡°Hmph. I did too.¡±


    ¡°Tea?¡±


    ¡°No, but some water would be nice.¡±


    After bringing a pitcher and two cups over to the table, Rowani poured into each, and then sat, before setting her own bottle of time on the table. There was silence for a long while, neither having the right words.


    ¡°Did you look at yourself in the mirror?¡± Maugra asked.


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. Were you naked?¡±


    Rowani laughed. ¡°Yes, I was.¡±


    ¡°Me, too. We¡¯re really old, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°I sag everywhere. And all my fur is gray.¡±


    ¡°I have huge tufts of gray hairs growing out of my ears, and I¡¯m fairly sure my breasts hang almost to my knees,¡± Maugra laughed dryly, breaking a piece off a cookie.


    ¡°What are you going to do, Maugra?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you decide to do. And I¡¯m sure you are going to do whatever I decide. So, we can decide together.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d probably get fired, you know that right?¡±


    ¡°Who cares,¡± the Goblin said, dismissing the threat. ¡°I was quitting at the end of the term anyway. Don¡¯t tell her I said anything, but Cheena is ready.¡±


    ¡°I was going to, as well,¡± Rowani replied. ¡°I had a revelation on the first day of training, it was time for me to go ¡­ somewhere.¡±


    ¡°Same with me. One of my students stood up to me. Stared me down despite being hit with a Command Aura pulse. That¡¯s when I knew it was time. My old ways don¡¯t work on these younger people.¡± Then glumly Maugra added, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just time to go home and die, wherever home might end up being.¡± Maugra crunched on the cookie. ¡°I don¡¯t have any family to go home to.¡±


    ¡°Just nieces and nephews for me, and I don¡¯t really know them. My brother and sisters are gone. I never had children.¡±


    ¡°Young, alone, free of obligation, and Platinum Tiered with a Symbiote. Not a bad way to start life over again, is it?¡±


    Rowani nodded. ¡°I had the same thought.¡±


    A long silence followed, punctuated only by the sounds of cookies being nibbled on.


    ¡°I¡¯m fairly sure I met this unicorn,¡± Rowani said, almost in a whisper, as she gestured towards the two vials. ¡°That first day of training. She and her foal joined us in the Meditation Grove for a while. I had never seen one before.¡±


    ¡°I saw one once, maybe eighty years ago. It was close enough to almost touch, but gone before I really realized what it was.¡±


    ¡°Seeing her was when I knew it was time,¡± Rowani said, staring at nothing. ¡°Beautiful creatures. Awe inspiring. Maybe it was fate.¡±


    ¡°And the child is apparently a pet of one of the Rangers, now. This term gets stranger every day, it seems,¡± Maugra laughed.


    ¡°She¡¯s a Beastmaster, too,¡± Rowani said, almost laughing as well. ¡°Can you believe it? An actual Beastmaster?¡±


    "As I said, ¡®stranger every day¡¯.¡±


    There was silence for several minutes, both trainers deep in their own thoughts.


    ¡°What¡¯s the first thing you¡¯d want to do?¡± Rowani asked, picking up the vial, and looking at the silvery liquid inside.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Maugra thought. Then she really thought. ¡°Stretch without creaking,¡± was her final answer, ¡°and without pain.¡±


    ¡°Oooo! I like that one. Much better than mine. I may steal yours instead.¡±


    ¡°What was it?¡±


    ¡°Get laid,¡± Rowani said, with a chuckle.


    Soon that chuckle grew into a laugh, then the laughter was joined by Maugra. Both trainers laughed until they were out of breath, Maugra having a mild coughing fit as it began to wear down, Rowani wiping a tear from one of her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Maugra finally said, wiping one of her own eyes as well. ¡°Yours sounds much better than mine.¡±


    Rowani refilled their cups and both sipped for a bit, getting their composure back. ¡°I¡¯ll get about fifty years,¡± Rowani finally said, still staring into the bottle of time she was holding.


    ¡°Twice that for me, at least, from what the Gnome said. I¡¯ll be about seventy or so, maybe even younger.¡±


    ¡°Younger than twenty for me; practically a child.¡±


    There was another long silence as both trainers stared at nothing. Finally, Rowani said simply, ¡°We¡¯re really going to do this, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    The Shaman shrugged. ¡°I think we both knew the answer when the little Ranger gave these to us.¡±


    ¡°Time in a bottle,¡± Rowani whispered, rolling the vial in her paw, before setting it back on the table next to the other.


    Another few minutes passed, before Rowani reached over and switched the position of the two vials.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± Maugra asked.


    ¡°Mine had a little more. You could use a few more years and I didn¡¯t want to risk waking up before puberty.¡±


    ¡°Going through that again would be awful!¡± the Goblin agreed, making a face. Then she gestured towards the bottles. ¡°Thank you, Rowani. I truly mean that.¡±


    Both stared at the floor for a long while, introspective and saying nothing. Then, nearly simultaneously they each reached for their respective vial, picking it up and removing the stopper.


    ¡°A toast,¡± Rowani said, holding it up. ¡°To fixing regrets.¡±


    ¡°Damn! That was good. Better than the one I was going to make,¡± Maugra said, smiling.


    ¡°What was it?¡±


    ¡°To getting laid.¡±


    ¡°Apparently we¡¯re supposed to talk to the Faun about that,¡± Rowani laughed. Both trainers clinked together, and, as one, swallowed more time.

 AUTHORS NOTE - State of the Story (end of Chapter 46)

    Greetings Readers!


    It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve done one of these, the last being over six months ago, all the way back after Chapter 28, which was the big ¡°montage chapter¡± for the first day of training, and I thought it was a good time to reach out and check in with everyone. I¡¯m going to try to be spoiler-free in what I write, but it¡¯s possible spoilerish things could fall through.


    First, hope you enjoyed the April Fool''s joke. I left the chapter in place (changing the title and adding an author''s note) for historical posterity (and because the comments were fun).


    THE STATE OF THE STORY


    As it stands today (April 2, 2024 when I wrote this), I have just completed Chapter 58 in draft, and have started my first brain-dump of Chapter 59 (which then gets rewritten to draft status). Total story length I¡¯ve written at this point is 567,569 words, so I¡¯m well past the half-million mark! There¡¯s about 120,000 words between the ends of Chapter 46 and 58, so amazingly I¡¯ve somehow managed to maintain enough of a backlog to keep content flowing to all of you on a regular basis. Given some things that I¡¯ll talk about later, this is a good thing.


    So far, I¡¯ve managed to largely stave off burnout, although I did have some ¡°brownout¡± after my mad scramble to rewrite Chapters 1-8 (plus sizable edits to 9-12) during NaNoWriMo, which carried through into January and February, dropping my pace lower than I would have liked. Now that the weather is improving, I feel like I¡¯m getting back on track as the winter doldrums burn away.


    Storywise, while the pace is quite slow in terms of time passage, I¡¯d like to believe there are enough things happening to Callie and the other colorful characters to keep things fun and interesting. CH has become as much about the journey as it is the final destination, and I try to always keep some new twist waiting in the shadows to provide a thrill. That many of you have commented how invested in the secondary and even tertiary characters you have become, actually means the world to me in terms of how I want the story to feel.


    We had one big fight scene, which I think you all enjoyed, and obvious fallout from that affecting multiple characters, most-notably Thorn and Jesca. That fallout will continue, obviously, as the story progresses. The lessons learned by Callie from defeating the Bogwump nest will continue to shape her as she learns and progresses towards leveling to Silver Tier. I think you¡¯ll like how her powerset expands when we reach that point (as well for many of the other characters).


    My goal is to complete writing the time at the training camp by the end of the summer, which essentially will be the end of the first grand story arc as things move forward. I have an additional goal of completing the entire story by the end of 2025, which may be a bit aggressive, but might be doable. You need to aim high to hit high, though, right? We¡¯ll see.


    SOME PERSONAL THINGS


    So in addition to real-world responsibilities like a day-job and such, some things have changed that have made me reevaluate my world. A couple months ago, as part of a routine physical, a lump was found, which has turned out to be a small, non-aggressive lymphoma. Surgery is planned to remove it in mid-April, and recovery should be quick. Assuming there¡¯s no signs of further spreading after six months, that will hopefully be the end of that. I¡¯ll just take a quick moment and say, see your doctor regularly and FUCK CANCER!Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    But, this has also put some things in my life into a bit of a new perspective. As I walked into the oncology department for the first time, masking my own fear with stupid jokes and not-very-witty banter, things in my life started to reshuffle a bit. They say we all have a bucket list, even if we don¡¯t have it written down. Well, I started to write mine down right there in the waiting room.


    #1 on my bucket list was ¡°Finish Callie¡¯s Heroes¡±


    #2 on my bucket list was ¡°Get Callie¡¯s Heroes recorded and on audible¡±


    #3 was to visit Hobbiton (and the other LotR sites) in New Zealand.


    Finish Callie¡¯s Heroes, though. Literally, I realized that was the most important thing in my life to me. And even as the prognosis went from scary to become the least bad of all bad options, finishing the story has remained as #1.


    So, I¡¯m going to finish it. This I have decided (thank you Tazrok)! But, I did take stock of my overarching plotline, and removed two novella-length side-quests that didn¡¯t directly serve the narrative, as well as put a big question mark on another as a likely-to-remove. Once the main story is done, they can always be written to go back and fill in gaps if needed or wanted.


    I¡¯m also going to start looking at options for getting it recorded. That will be a longer road, especially given my dream of who I want to narrate it (I know she has a sizable backlog), but I¡¯m still going to start looking into it. If I can¡¯t find a publisher to front the narration costs, I¡¯ll have to find a way to pay for that myself. As an aside, if anyone here has an in at SBT, please reach out.


    This also means I¡¯ll likely need to hire an editor to at least go through the story and clean up things like grammar, typos, punctuation, etc. Unfortunately, an editor won¡¯t be very cheap either. I might (not particularly leaning that way, but it is a theoretical option) try a Kickstarter. Stubbing this work on Royal Road and publishing on Amazon is a possibility, but I¡¯m not sure how well that will work given the slow-pace/slice-of-life nature of the story. Time will tell.


    Oh, maybe somewhere in all this I¡¯ll take a few weeks and go to New Zealand. I might get a one-way ticket. Hobbit holes have WiFi, right?


    Now please, do not shower me with sympathy comments and well wishes. I am doing okay. As I said, it¡¯s very likely this is just a brief scare and all will be fine after the surgery is completed. If anything, kind comments, feedback, and story-related banter as chapters are posted will do far, far more to support me as I keep writing than anything else possibly could. Nothing motivates a writer more than knowing their work is being enjoyed, along with positive feedback. I¡¯ll also add the obligatory ¡®please follow, favorite and review''.


    ROUNDTABLE/Q&A


    I¡¯d like to consider this update posting to be an opportunity for us to talk, author to audience. If you have any thoughts you¡¯d like to share, or questions about the story, characters, plot (within spoiler-free reason), etc, I¡¯d love for us to have that discussion as a group. Please, fire away in the comments below.


    FINAL THOUGHTS


    I do want to thank you all, as I have so often, for being readers. If it wasn¡¯t for you, I would never have been able to reach this point in the story, nor would I be able to keep writing it. You mean the world to me and I hope the story can continue to live up to your expectations.


    RAH

 CHARACTER/LOCATION LIST - End of Chapter 46

    <table style="table-layout: fixed; font-family: Arial; border-collapse: collapse; border: none" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><colgroup><col width="182"><col width="119"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"></colgroup>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Name</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Gender/Race</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Class</td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Tier</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Rank</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">First Mention</td>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Notes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Alena del Montano</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Legacy Princess and sister of Vanis, Age 8, presumptive heir to the del Montano Legacy Kingdom of Imoria</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ambria</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Faun</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Combat Medic recruit and friend of Callie, comes from the Fae woods where her family has a mushroom farm, was apprenticed to the local healer, and unfortuantely visiting the city with her grandfather when she was chosen for the lottery, slept with Kaisess before he returned to Kaises and is fairly sexually liberated</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Artemis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Unicorn</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bonded Companion</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 45</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Very young unicorn. Child of the unicorn Callie was forced to kill during the assault on the Bogwump nest. Bonded Companion of Ranger/Beastmaster Jesca.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Balneis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 7</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Part of the Quartermaster and Logistics staff, works the provisioning services</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bratig</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Pushed Pixyl causing her to break her wing, was disciplined by Tazrok which included removing his beard. Druid forms include: Forest Grist (stealth), Blood-faced owl (flight), Rockjaw (striker) and Armored Cyophroda (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Callie (Calliope) Willow Archer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human transported from Earth into pink-haired Gnome body, Conscription Cursed and currently in advanced class training, Is a race/class combination not seen before, has background archery and accounting</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cavin''s Bows and Fletching</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Archery shop in Imor highly recommended by Reynard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Celeste</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Major</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Senior officer in Camp, doing double-duty as Bladedancer Trainer and head of training camp internal security, former recruit at the camp from the first training class</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cheena</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Trainer under the mentorship of Trainer Maugra, acts as her interpreter and assistant, but is ready to assume role of lead trainer, should Maugra ever finally retire. Known Animal Forms: White Spotted Leopard, Unspecified Flight Form</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Chown</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, learned Arcane Blast from grandmother, who is a Wizard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cylanae</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Duelist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 28</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Duelist trainer. Duelists are a dual-wielding Scout specialist that excel at ambush tactics.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Delin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Master Healer Tasi''s son. He works on the staff of the Imorian High Commander.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dermic</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Squirrelkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dregorio</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Catkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, Catkin with Domestic Housecat background, comes from far to the south along the sea, but came north to be with his love - alas it did not work out and he was Conscripted before he could return home</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dunni (Dunilalwal)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for six months, used to be in service to Duke Rallaxe and recognizes Vanis from that time, accidently summoned a Demon (Fiend) to the training field, which was defeated by Pixyl</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Earick</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Scryer on staff at training camp who has left to join his wife, as they are expecting their first child soon</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Eirlys</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 26</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Floramancer/Sylvan trainer, expert in plant-related magics</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fidas</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch.14</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer on staff. Served as monitor for Ogre House while they recovered from their Symbiote joining</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fizzlebek</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Enchanter</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of the workshop section of the crafting area, Enchanter (class) and Artificer (vocation), Married to Pama, the head Culinar, is working on a mechanical golem in his spare time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Flick</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Crime Boss</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still working in organized crime, treated Lena well and made sure she was trained</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fullo</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 8</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Quartermaster in charge of laundry, tailoring and training armor, leads a team of Brownie tailors and armorsmiths (cloth and leather armor), yellow Tigerkin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fynisse</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lionkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for one month. Don''t call her Kitty Girl!</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Galin Molanar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Legate (Colonel)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Second in command of training camp, reports to Commandant Xera, is in a relationship with Commandant Xera''s assistant, Kyra. In charge of military and operations issues for the camp. ''Legate'' is a title referring to his position as military commander of a facility.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Grig</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kitchen staff member and bartender during start-of-term party</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Halc</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Dwarf that harassed Callie when she woke in the recruit wagon, apologized to her for his behavior and received a harsh lesson on the importance of consent.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Harzol</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Wolfkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Berserker</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Berserker recruit Callie first met as a player in the Battleball/Bunkerball game</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Hoxx</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Crime Mini-boss</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still in organized crime, treated her poorly and attemted to have her killed, before Tazrok was able to stop the attack</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Huvaen Amalrinde</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warrior</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Captain</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 49</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Captain in the Imperial Guard, which reports only to the royal family. Rode hard to the camp to bring Vanis the news of the death of his grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as report the presence of Stone Elementals on the road</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Iftan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 46</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock hired to assist at the training camp by summoning demons for the recruits to practice with.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jaelarn (aka "Beatcop")</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 15</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Was walking patrol when Callie woke the morning after her Symbiote joining, as well as when she leveled to Bronze Tier, can be occasionally seen on patrol at night, is not fond of the fact that Jesca runs every morning wearing only her underwear</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jesca Llalanuras</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Cheetahkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger / Beastmaster</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze/Iron</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Fellow Ranger recruit and friend of Callie, has a tendency to babble a bit. Received the second class of Beastmaster, and has a unicorn foal named Artemis as a Bonded Companion.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jitta</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 28</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Paladin recruit training alongside Koda</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jorin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warrior</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former adventuring partner of Reynard, in his days before the war and his duties as trainer.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Juniper</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dryad</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious and mischievous Dryad that lives close to the training camp, has some arrangement with Xera but is considered a nuisance by most officers and staff, is recruited into camp training in exchange for agreeing to lead camp personnel to Symbiotes in the area, is close to Vanis in a way that is possibly romantic</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kaisess</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, yellow Tigerkin, learned the Parkour skill before arrival. Suffered a Bunkerball injury which led to having a stroke, and was forced to return to Imor for treatment.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Karen</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Interviewed Callie Archer for a poor accounting position</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Karira</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Daughter of Governor Solva, who was being courted by Vanis, before the Humans exiled themselves away behind their walls</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kela</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Captain</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of Quartermaster and Logistics at the training camp, reports to Legate Galin, arguably the most-important person at the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Koda (aka Bear Guy)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Bearkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Large Bearkin that accosts Callie, Jesca and Thucax, before turning polite, nicknamed ''Bear Guy'' by Callie, is an officer in the militia and is undercover to learn training techniques first hand, has asked Callie to provide information on how the training is going for the three anomalies</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Koka</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin sister (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Moka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kyra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 29</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Commandant Xera. Able to place sound amplification sigils on a person, allowing them to address large crowds, as well as replicate objects. Is in a relationship with Legate Galin, although it is still eary</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Lena (Lenora) Mosswood</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 1</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, has a mysterious and criminal past, powerset includes multiple Thief skills as well as Truthseeking</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Lhawni</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit and friend of Callie. Known animal forms: Yalokin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Loki</td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Plant Monster</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan Familiar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Semi-intelligent familiar of Juniper''s resulting from her Summon Carnivorous Plant spell, very pet-like and generally friendly, did not initially get on well with Pixyl, is a bit of a kleptomaniac and quite mischevious, beloved informal "mascot" of the recruits in camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Maugra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Very old Goblin Shaman Trainer, requires walking-staff for assistance in bi-pedal fom, unable to speak well, and uses Shaman Trainer Cheena to translate a form of sign language, refuses to retire so Cheena can take over training duties, Known Animal Forms: Wolf, Owl</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Melga Fireheart</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit. Druid forms: Rolli (stealth), Drakeling (flight), Horned Ice Uraxe (striker) and Owlbear (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Meyra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer and assistant to Master Healer Tasi</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Moka</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin brother (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Koka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Natala</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sergeant-Major</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Master Trainer Thorn, battle veteran with lingering injuries</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Nola</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lizardkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time. (NOTE: Lizardkin are hermaphroditic and use female pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Olin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Lionkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Trainer for the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Pama</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Culinar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11/19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Head Culinar for the camp. Mentioned (Ch. 11) by Vanis using incorrect name as someone that once cooked for a feast in the royal court, Married to Head Enchanter/Artificer Fizzlebek</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paven Dalash</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 43</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">A now-defunct distillery well know for its fine alcohol.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Pixyl (Pixylataweneecina)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Pixie</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Blue-haired Pixie, housemate of Callie Archer, fiercely independent but has made new friends through Callie. Is a race/class combination not seen before. Used to fight in the Marandine underground fighter pits and is quite used to fighting demons. Pixyl received two medals for her courage and injuries when fighting a demon on the first day.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rakona</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time, green tigerkin variant with orange stripes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rallaxe</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male (Unknown)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Duke (Nobility)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kingdom nobility known to Vanis, used to employ Warlock Recruit Dunni on his staff, before forcing Dunni to quit and devote time to studying his new class.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Reynard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Foxkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 7</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Trainer, good friends with Master Trainer Thorn, initially not happy with having a Gnome recruit or with Callie''s stubbornness, but has learned to accept it and become friendlier</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rowani</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Pantherkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 5</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid trainer, Elder battle veteran. Known Animal Forms include: Black Panther, Golden Hawk</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Sania</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shirax</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Rhinokin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Barbarian</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Barbarian recruit Callie first met as a player in the Bunkerball game. Was disciplined at the start of term by Tazrok for brawling with other recruits</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shul''an</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A Salamanderkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, Fire Salamander background, pitch-black skin with red highlights, hails from the Great Oasis in the Southern Desert and when Conscripted was too far to return home, able to shoot flammable spit, served as trade caravan guard and has learned several Ranger skills, plus Earthen Wall (Geomancer) and Burning Hands (Wizard) which can be used to ignite flammable spit (NOTE: Salamanderkin are hermaphroditic and use neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Solva</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Governor</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human nobility and friend of Vanis before the Humans isolated, Vanis was courting his daughter at one point.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Swopik</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, was part of the town militia before being Conscripted, so knows some warrior skills</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Talania</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Foxkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Adventuring partner and wife of Trainer Reynard, who passed away twenty-one years previous</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tasi</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Master Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Supervisor of Healers and healing services at training camp, best of friends with Commandant Xera going back decades, her son Delin works for the High Commander</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tazrok (Deathstorm) Thunderfist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Ogre</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Corporal</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 1</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Berserker and Barbarian skills, Is a race/class combination not seen before. "Promoted" to Corporal and takes his disciplinary duties quite seriously, Druid forms include: Sky Weasel (stealth), Kheprexi (flight), Hellhound (Striker), Giant Blue-Footed Cave Spider (Guardian), Curvax (Travel)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Terrin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Trainer, old friend of Commandant Xera forced out of retirement to serve as trainer, has very little patience for young people, 236 years old. Expert in demons and pit-fighting fan</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Thorn</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Ratkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Martialist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Topaz</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Master Trainer (Colonel)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Officer in charge of all recruit training. Reports directly to Commandant Xera</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Thucax</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnoll</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, generally sour disposition (common for Gnolls), his family owns several warehouses and distribution centers in large cities</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tovinen</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 46</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock hired to assist at the training camp by summoning demons for the recruits to practice with.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Usis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male / (Catkin)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Network Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 39</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Network Scryer for the village of Meadowglade, approximately 30km from the camp. Is close to and occasionally intimate with Scryer Yulayla.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Utora</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnoll</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Soldier</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Graduate of training camp, killed in action saving a family from Demons, first combat death of a camp graduate</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Vanis del Montano</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 2</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, Son of Legacy King Feldwin del Montano. Powerset includes Dancing Lights (Illusionist) and Inspiring Melody (Bard) plus instrument perks</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Vonn</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lamia</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Ranger (retired) turned craftperson (weaponcrafting), used to be an Adventurer until Conscripted, fought on the line with Celeste, is able to craft swords and bows, and crafted the Heartwood Bows that the Ranger recruits use</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Wallir</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Druid Forms include: Dire Rat (stealth), Dire Bat (flight), Dire Wolf (striker) and Dire Bear (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Winnu</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Trainer for the Combat Healer class</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Woman in the Red Hat</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female (Unkown)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious woman in a bright yellow dress and large red hat. Pushed Callie Archer in front of a train in Chicago, IL (Earth)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Xera Delnara</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Between Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Commandant (General)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Army general and Commandant of training camp, missing one arm and a portion of their wing due to presumed combat injury. Commandant is a title given to the one in command of a training facility (NOTE: Fairy are able to change gender as desired, Xera is between genders and uses neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Xin (Xinchaine), Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A Lizardkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 2</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, volunteered for duty, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Spearmaster Skills, Known Animal Forms: Giant Grist (NOTE: Lizardkin are hermaphroditic and use female pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Yulayla</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp. Was part of the military pre-war, but wasn''t a model soldier. Returned to aid the military when the war started, but as a civilian. Is close to and occasionally intimate with Meadowglade Scryer Usis.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 47 Part 1 - Intangibles Analysis

    PART I - INTANGIBLES ANALYSIS


    ¡°I am livid! Absolutely livid! At all five of you!¡± Xera fumed, standing on their side of the table. The Legate and Major sat off to their right, while the Master Trainer sat on the left. Everyone had unhappy expressions.


    Across the table, standing at attention was Callie, a regal-looking Warlock standing behind her. On one side of Callie was a blue-haired Gnome with a confused look on his face, and on the other was an early middle-aged Goblin next to a young Pantherkin, who couldn¡¯t be much older than seventeen. They were all standing at attention, too.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you would ¡­¡± Xera¡¯s words trailed off as they forced down an incoming string of expletives.


    Callie started to respond, but a harsh glare from Xera, coupled with Vanis giving her shoulder a painful squeeze, cut her words off.


    ¡°I can¡¯t fire you,¡± Xera growled, jabbing a finger at the teenaged Rowani. ¡°I need you, at least until the end of this term, and then I can throw your ass right through the gate!¡± They then angrily gestured at Maugra, ¡°But you! I don¡¯t need you. Cheena can teach your students just fine! Tell me why I shouldn¡¯t have you pack up your shit?¡±


    Rowani moved behind the Goblin, placing her paws on Maugra¡¯s shoulders in support. ¡°If you fire her, then you fire me, too. We made this choice together.¡±


    Maugra smirked slightly, trying to not let it show on her face, as she reached up and squeezed Rowani¡¯s paw, feeling a slight squeeze in return.


    ¡°What I should do is reinstate your commissions and bring you both up on charges!¡± Xera snarled. ¡°I have that authority.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± Callie said, confusion in her voice. ¡°What¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    Vanis¡¯s grip tightened again as Xera¡¯s eyes turned towards the little pink-haired Gnome that had once again caused all the trouble. ¡°You don¡¯t say anything until someone asks for your opinion. And you can forget that promotion I gave you, too!¡±


    Xera turned her gaze back. ¡°You were both Adventurers! You know what unicorn blood is used for. You know what you took from someone else that needed it!¡±


    ¡°I vowed never to regret my decision,¡± Maugra said, her voice now strong, clear and remarkably soothing.


    ¡°We both did,¡± Rowani added.


    Xera threw up her hands in exasperation. ¡°You had no right to do this.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Callie asked, genuinely confused. ¡°And if you¡¯re going to yell at anyone, then yell at me. I¡¯m the one that brought it to them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll get to you, Recruit,¡± Xera said, pointing. They turned back to the two trainers. ¡°What were you two thinking?¡±


    ¡°That I can do more good in this world, now,¡± Rowani said, stiffening in confidence.


    ¡°And you?¡± Xera asked, glaring at the Goblin


    ¡°What she said sounds about right,¡± Maugra said, gesturing behind her. ¡°Plus, I got my voice back, my leg works again, my body doesn¡¯t constantly hurt everywhere, and my breasts don¡¯t drag on the ground any more. A win for everyone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve hurt other people, Maugra!¡± Xera snapped.


    ¡°Did I? I can help hundreds, now. If you include those my trainees will eventually help, thousands. Hell, many thousands, if any of them, in turn, train people!¡± Maugra snapped back. She gestured behind her. ¡°It¡¯s the same with Rowani.¡±


    Callie really was having a hard time figuring out what the big deal was. She had taken the two vials because she thought it would be a great surprise for Rowani and Maugra, and there were plenty more still on the table. But Maugra was right, if you looked at the numbers, another one-hundred years of a Platinum-Tiered Shaman being able to do their work, even if only some of it was spent training or helping people, far outweighed a couple vials of unicorn blood, especially when there were over fifty more of them. Why couldn¡¯t Xera see that?


    ¡°Xera, let¡¯s maybe all take a breath,¡± Thorn said quietly.


    Turning to the Ratkin, Xera narrowed their eyes.


    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± the Legate said. ¡°You can be angry, but let¡¯s back down a little bit.¡±


    Xera took a deep breath, walked a few paces towards the map, before taking another. ¡°Fine,¡± they growled as they turned. ¡°We¡¯ll have a nice, calm conversation before I really let them all have it!¡± Xera snarled again, pulled out their chair roughly and sat. They did not offer chairs to the five standing before them. ¡°Did you know about this?¡± Xera growled towards Fizzlebek.


    ¡°N-N-No. Nothing. I didn¡¯t even know they were gone until I was fetched this morning.¡± The Gnome shrugged. ¡°I didn¡¯t get around to inventorying them until yesterday evening. With fifty-four vials as my final count, I didn¡¯t notice anything was missing.¡±


    ¡°See? I told you he had nothing to do with it!¡± Callie interrupted. ¡°Ow!¡± she groaned as Vanis squeezed her shoulder again.


    ¡°I want that blood secured, along with all the other parts you¡¯ve harvested,¡± Xera said, jabbing a finger towards the Enchanter. ¡°Put that horn in a sealed, iron chest and have it chained and locked in my office!¡±


    Maugra¡¯s previous statement about being able to help so many people now that she had longer to live had made Callie really think. It made a huge amount of sense, if you analyzed it logically, to have given the blood to them. Strategically, that was. They were an Army asset that was going to be lost because of age. Maugra was going to quit at the end of the term, she¡¯d told her, and also said she suspected Rowani was going to as well. Why would the Army, why would Xera, want to lose the valuable resources of two seasoned trainers? It really seemed like a no-brainer. Callie just wanted to do something nice for the two, but one could quantify the benefits to the Army with a little bit of calculation.


    ¡°Fizzlebek, you¡¯re dismissed. I better not find out you were in on this. See to securing everything,¡± Xera sighed.


    ¡°Of course, Commandant,¡± the Gnome said. He turned, frowning as he briefly caught Callie¡¯s eye, before exiting the room quickly, closing the door behind him.


    ¡°What were you thinking, Recruit?¡± Galin asked, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Callie shrugged, pulling out of the vice-like grip of Vanis. ¡°The table was full of vials, and Fizzlebek said one would give someone fifty years, or a smaller person one-hundred. I just thought it would be something nice for them.¡± She gestured to the two now-young trainers.


    ¡°We are not in the business of being ¡®nice¡¯ to people,¡± Xera almost hissed.


    Callie narrowed her eyes, actually a little irritated. ¡°Look, I know I¡¯m in trouble, and I¡¯ll accept my punishment if I need to, but can I speak freely?¡±


    ¡°Why not,¡± Xera said coolly.


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s look at this from a different angle then,¡± Callie said. ¡°What did the Army gain?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± the Legate asked.


    ¡°You had two veteran trainers that you were about to lose. Maugra told me she was quitting after this term, and thought Rowani might too. Both of them because of their age.¡±


    ¡°You were?¡± Thorn asked.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Rowani nodded. ¡°You usually ask us mid-term if we are coming back, so I was going to tell you then.¡±


    ¡°So there,¡± Callie said, gesturing. ¡°Now you don¡¯t have to go find another Druid trainer.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t need her,¡± Xera growled, pointing at Maugra.


    Callie looked absolutely dumbfounded. ¡°Have you no idea the value of institutional knowledge?¡± She was channeling one of her college courses on how to account for intangible assets.


    ¡°Careful. Watch your tone, recruit,¡± Galin said coolly.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Xera snapped.


    ¡°You were about to lose a huge, strategic asset, Commandant. A veteran trainer with a lifetime of experience, combat knowledge, and Platinum Tier expertise in her skills. During a time of war you would really want to throw that away? Her knowledge is invaluable. Plus, on top of all that, she has a Symbiote.¡±


    ¡°Should we just give all trainers the unicorn blood? Is that what you''re saying?¡± Xera asked sharply, a little bit of patronizing sarcasticness in her tone. ¡°Trainer Terrin is over two-hundred and fifty. Should we just give it to him because he¡¯s old?¡±


    Another of the courses that Callie had taken was an Ethics in Statistics class, which had a section that focused on decisions made during modern wartimes. It covered, for example, sacrifice for the greater war effort by reducing civilian manufacturing for a shift to making weapons. It even did a deep dive into the issues surrounding the decision to drop the bombs on Japan. She never thought it would be of any value, but now her brain scrambled to remember as much as she could.


    ¡°By the numbers? Absolutely!¡± Callie snapped back with a nod. ¡°If you¡¯re going to lose someone invaluable due only to something you have the power to easily fix, then pour that right down their throat. Why wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Where does it stop then? And how many other people is this going to hurt because the blood isn¡¯t available to them?¡±


    ¡°Taken to an extreme, lots, it sounds like,¡± Callie said, shrugging. ¡°But how many lives will be saved because you have kept these valuable people from leaving or dying of old age? How many lives at the front will be saved by the people they train? These numbers can be easily quantified, if you really want me to. I just need to know some values and do some kind of an intangibles analysis, maybe mixing in a little six-sigma, too.¡±


    Xera fell back in their chair, some of Callie¡¯s gibberish actually getting through their still seething anger at the situation. How many lives could be saved by extending the lives of Rowani and Maugra? How many would be saved if Terrin, an absolute expert on Demons, decided to step down because of his age, and a simple vial of blood could change that?


    ¡°I could make more arguments, too,¡± Callie continued, channeling her training from another world. ¡°For example: Up until two days ago you didn¡¯t have anything, so you effectively had what is called an ¡®unexpected windfall¡¯, which allows you to consider spending resources on things you might not normally consider. In this case, that¡¯s retaining and improving assets like these two. Or I could point out that you wouldn¡¯t even have the unicorn blood without me killing her and deciding to bring the body back with us, and because of that, maybe I deserve a say in what happens. I¡¯m not going to, because I don¡¯t have to. The numbers can speak for themselves and they have no emotion to them.¡±


    Major Celeste let out part of a surprised laugh, forcibly holding most of it back, eyes going wide.


    Callie sighed. ¡°Commandant, I¡¯m not going to pretend I thought about any of this when I took the unicorn blood. I just wanted to do something nice for two people that reminded me of my grandma, who I would have given anything to spend more years with. That¡¯s all. I think I understand how I was wrong, maybe at least a little. But from my mistake, significant value to the Army has come out of this, even if I didn¡¯t intend it to. If you need the numbers, I¡¯ll work them up and show you the math.¡±


    There was a heavy, oppressive silence in the room as Callie took a step backwards towards Vanis. The Warlock placed his hand back on Callie¡¯s shoulder, but instead of a painful grip, he gave a gentle reaffirming squeeze this time.


    Thorn leaned in close to Xera, whispering, ¡°She may not have been right, but she¡¯s not exactly wrong, either.¡±


    Callie, of course, was able to hear this, given the overwhelming silence in the room. She focused hard on not changing her facial expression, but was glad her arguments were getting through to at least someone. She wasn¡¯t trying to get out of trouble, and honestly didn¡¯t really understand what she had done wrong, but if pointing out the unexpected benefits of what she¡¯d done helped lessen the outcome for her and the two trainers, that was all for the better.


    Xera glared at Callie, but they could feel their glare softening despite the simmering anger. ¡°Fine,¡± Xera said, a false smile appearing on their face. They fixated on the two trainers. ¡°No matter the Recruit¡¯s explanations for her actions, both of you knew better. But, as she has pointed out, you are also both valuable military assets. Thus, effective immediately, both of your commissions are reinstated, and you will serve at the pleasure of the Army, which you both better understand is me, by the way. At this time, my orders are that you will serve as trainers for no less than the remainder of this term, and the next two terms as well, unless the war comes to a conclusion.¡°


    Xera took a breath, narrowing their eyes at Maugra. ¡°Furthermore, simply because I am able to, Cheena is now lead Shaman Trainer. The both of you figure out how to make that work.¡± They glanced briefly to their left. ¡°Thorn, see that Cheena is made aware.¡±


    Refocusing on the trainers, Xera continued, an almost sinister, mocking smile appearing on their face. ¡°Should either of you disagree with this sentence, then we will more than happily hold a full tribunal to determine if a greater, or possibly lesser, sentence is warranted. Report immediately to medical for a full examination, and then return to your students. You are both dismissed.¡±


    Rowani and Maugra both stood stunned at the abruptness of Xera¡¯s verdict, trying to digest what had just happened and what that meant. They had both expected to be summarily fired, although Rowani wasn¡¯t exactly surprised that Xera had been reluctant to send her away, since she was still needed for the Druid recruits. Now they had essentially been conscripted for, what, almost a year? Was that good or was that bad? The general shock made it hard to actually make that determination.


    ¡°I said you are both dismissed! I need you out of my sight, at least for the rest of the day. I¡¯ll cool down in time, and we can talk when my emotions aren¡¯t running high.¡±


    With a curt, ¡®Yes, Commandant!¡¯, both trainers executed a stiff turn before making a speedy exit out of the room, the door closing behind them, Rowani¡¯s now-young tail swishing in the air rather than drooping to the ground.


    There was a long silence in the room as everyone refocused their stares towards Callie, both Xera and Galin drumming their fingers on the desk. Callie felt nervous, as if she was under a microscope, and she pushed away a tiny urge to hide behind Vanis.


    ¡°You were a little cavalier when speaking of your otherworld knowledge,¡± Xera finally said. ¡°All that talk of math and whatever a sigma is and your grandmother.¡±


    ¡°I was?¡± Callie raced her mind back through everything she had said. Honestly, she didn¡¯t really realize what she was saying at the time. ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±


    Xera drummed some more. ¡°Nothing we can do about it now. If either of them ask you about it, refer them to me. Same with Reynard, for that matter, it¡¯s very likely he suspects something.¡±


    Callie swallowed hard, wondering what Reynard might do if he knew the actual truth, and her throat went dry. Whatever he might do, it likely wouldn¡¯t be pleasant, even if he had to give chase, hopping on one leg to catch her. Carefully, she squeaked out a wispy, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The Commandant stood up and paced to the map again. They weren¡¯t nearly as agitated as earlier, but Callie could tell there was still a great deal of frustration simmering. Finally, Xera ran their fingers through their hair and returned to the table, leaning on the back of their chair.


    ¡°Recruit, I can appreciate why you did what you did. From your perspective, your heart was in the right place. But you were wrong, very wrong.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m starting to get that now,¡± Callie said, sullenly.


    ¡°Still,¡± Galin said, interrupting. ¡°You have to admit looking at retaining aging people as a military asset, at least during a time of extended war, is an interesting perspective.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what bothers me,¡± Xera said. ¡°That view can make it very easy to justify things we would otherwise find unthinkable. Who are we as a people, then?¡±


    Major Celeste cleared her throat. ¡°No offense to the deep thoughts you are all considering, but I need to get back to my class. They have Demons this morning. I¡¯d like to move quickly ahead or postpone until this evening. I¡¯d be perfectly happy to get drunk with all of you on Lastday evening and discuss the ethics of war, but I just don¡¯t have the time right now.¡±


    Xera cleared their throat, shaking their head to refocus on the matter at hand. ¡°You are correct, Major. I think we can easily move to judgment against the recruit. She has freely admitted that, at minimum, she stole military resources. While I do believe there may be mitigating factors, punishment is warranted. She should have simply known better, or at least asked permission first. Does anyone object.¡±


    Callie wasn¡¯t actually going to say anything, but Vanis immediately put his hand over her mouth, just in case. No one objected.


    ¡°Major, what is your punishment,¡± Xera said. ¡°I don¡¯t wish this determination to be made by the Ogre. They are too close.¡±


    ¡°Good question. It can¡¯t interfere with her training, that¡¯s for sure.¡± The Major rubbed her chin for a long moment, squinting at Callie. ¡°Stable duty for six nights seems fair.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, I was going to recommend four,¡± Xera said, before looking at Callie. ¡°Recruit Calliope Archer, you have been sentenced to three hours of work in the stables for each of the next six evenings. You will report directly to the Herdmaster after your evening meal, and follow his instructions. Furthermore, you are being reduced in rank to Recruit. You may someday earn the promotion back, but for now, you¡¯ve lost that privilege. Do you object?¡±


    ¡°She does not,¡± Vanis, who had been called as Callie¡¯s guardian, said, speaking his first words since arriving, his hand still over Callie¡¯s mouth.


    Callie frowned and pulled his hand away, glaring up at the Warlock, before turning her eyes back to the officers. ¡°No, I do not object.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± the Commandant said flatly. ¡°Recruit, congratulations for now having the shortest promotion in the history of this Army. You are dismissed. Return immediately to your training.¡± Then, as an afterthought, Xera added, ¡°And stay out of trouble!¡±

 Chapter 47 Part 2 - Young Surprises

    PART II - YOUNG SURPRISES


    Trainers Rowani and Maugra exited Xera¡¯s office building into the morning sun, Maugra instinctively shielding her eyes from the bright light. Below them were the four Druid recruits that Rowani had told to stay on the training field when she¡¯d been summoned, each looking worried and a little confused. Maugra¡¯s students had remained with Cheena.


    ¡°My eyes are much improved,¡± Maugra said quietly. ¡°The world doesn¡¯t look as cloudy as it did. It¡¯s a very strange thing.¡±


    ¡°Mine are the same way,¡± Rowani whispered back.


    The young Elf Druid, Wallir, stepped forward. ¡°Trainer Rowani, we ¡­ we wanted to apologize for how we responded to you this morning. The three of us were ¡­ we were out of line. Tazrok pointed out some things and we all talked it through. We should be happy for you and we weren¡¯t. Can you forgive us?¡±


    The Pantherkin walked over to her students, patting Wallir on the shoulder. ¡°I should take you all over my knee for disrespecting your elders, is what I should do.¡± Rowani said, adding a chuckle for levity. It seemed to help as the recruits chuckled as well. ¡°I understand why you would feel this way, though. It will be an adjustment and perhaps a longer conversation for later. Of course I am able to forgive you all.¡±


    ¡°Young Kitty Lady good for war,¡± Tazrok pointed out. Then he gestured to Maugra. ¡°Young Little One, too.¡± Then he pointed to his fellow recruits. ¡°They understand now.¡±


    ¡°Strange. I don¡¯t think anybody has called me ¡®Little One¡¯ for at least fifty years,¡± Maugra said laughing. This shocked the students, who had, up to now, never heard the Shaman clearly speak. She had always been interpreted by Cheena, or on very rare occasions, been a hoarse, raspy, almost-whipser.


    ¡°Good voice,¡± Tazrok said, nodding towards Maugra and grunting an approval.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been ordered to Medical for an exam, for obvious reasons,¡± Rowani said, gesturing between herself and Maugra, ¡°so all of you are dismissed until after lunch. We¡¯ll resume our training then. I know this is a change, but it is still me.¡±


    As the young Druids departed, Maugra observed, ¡°You have good recruits.¡±


    ¡°They are. The Ogre is the one that holds them together, if you can believe that. I had my doubts about him in the beginning, but he¡¯s become one of my best students. From the debriefing of the Bogwump mission, his combat expertise was beyond commendable. He¡¯s going to reach Gold before we¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°His cabinmate, the Lizardkin, is my best,¡± Maugra mused. ¡°Very driven and very skilled, although she doesn¡¯t like healing much. She was the one that stood up to me that first day.¡±


    ¡°One of your Goblins, Lhawni, is a stupendous healer, too.¡±


    ¡°She is,¡± Maugra agreed, ¡°although she doesn¡¯t like the other stuff. She may not be a good candidate for the combat lines.¡±


    The two trainers began their walk towards the medical tent, drawing more than a few long glances, several of them seeming quite sour. Rowani had known there were going to be ripples around the camp for a while, so this wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected, but it still hurt a little bit. Maybe more than just a little.


    ¡°Are you going to ask to go to tribunal?¡± Maugra wondered, looking up at the Pantherkin.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. If I don¡¯t, I''ll be forced to remain here for almost a year. You saw that look on Xera¡¯s face, though. I have a suspicion that if I do, the result will be even worse. It probably isn¡¯t a good idea. Maybe when they¡¯ve calmed down, Xera will reconsider.¡±


    ¡°That was my thinking, too. Honestly, I was looking forward to getting fired,¡± Maugra groused. ¡°Now, unless something changes, I¡¯m not only stuck here for a year, but Cheena has been placed in charge of the Shaman training.¡±


    Rowani scoffed dismissively. ¡°Split it up by type of training. Let her concentrate on healing and support, and you train offense. You¡¯re practically doing that already, now just make it formal. If possible, let her think it was her idea. It will be awkward, but you can manage. She doesn¡¯t have to interpret for you now, so you can share the work and get twice as much done. I¡¯d bet you could get all of your kids to Gold.¡±


    ¡°I still would have rather been fired. The Gnome calling us a ¡®military asset¡¯ didn¡¯t help us any. She¡¯s the reason we got re-commissioned.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame her,¡± Rowani said, smiling down at the Goblin. ¡°She was trying to be helpful, and she¡¯s actually not wrong, depending on how you look at it. There is still a war on.¡±


    Maugra simply grunted.


    ¡°She has such a strange mind, though. I saw this the other day before the Bogwump mission.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a Gnome,¡± Maugra said, as if that explained everything. ¡°Gnome¡¯s are weird, even by Goblin standards. ¡®Six-sigma¡¯ and something called an ¡®intangibles analysis¡¯? Crazy, weird, Gnome talk, if you ask me.¡±


    ¡°She brought us time, Maugra. We owe her everything.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Maugra responded quietly. ¡°She¡¯s still weird.¡±


    The sidelong stares had been following them the whole walk so far, and the uncomfortableness was weighing on Rowani. She shouldn¡¯t care, but before this morning the elder Catkin had honed a well-earned respect across the entire camp, and now that seemed to have evaporated completely. ¡°We really broke a taboo, didn¡¯t we,¡± she whispered to the Shaman.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I wanted to get fired and go far away and start fresh. Now I¡¯m stuck here. This is really going to be awful for a while, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Based on the looks we¡¯re getting, I suspect so, at least for a few weeks.¡±


    ¡°Frankly, I¡¯m too old to really care! And so are you, for that matter. At least we should be.¡± Maugra said firmly, stopping her walk and putting her foot down. ¡°We did exactly what any of them would have done, and I refuse to regret it. If it means I have to give another year to the Army, then that¡¯s the price I¡¯ll pay.¡±


    Rowani looked around, watching a few people avert their eyes and hearing distant whispers. Maugra was right, and she wasn¡¯t going to apologize either. Ever! ¡°You''re right! They can just get past it.¡±Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± The little Goblin snapped, before she started walking stiffly ahead, obviously trying to hold off a rush of anger. Rowani raced to catch up.


    After a long awkward silence, they crested a hill together, seeing the vine-covered medical tent a ways ahead. ¡°Do we need to talk about this morning?¡± Rowani asked.


    ¡°Do we? What about it?¡±


    ¡°About what happened?¡±


    ¡°I thought that was the first thing you wanted to do with your new body?¡± Maugra said, seeming a little confused.


    ¡°Well, I did say that. I didn¡¯t actually expect it.¡±


    Maugra narrowed her eyes. ¡°Then why did I wake up in your bed?¡±


    ¡°Because you passed out a few seconds after drinking the unicorn blood, and I didn¡¯t think you would want to wake up on the floor. Then I suppose I passed out, too.¡±


    ¡°Rowani, I woke up and you were snuggling with me.¡±


    ¡°You were snuggling with me!¡± the Druid pointed out in return. ¡°And think about where your hand was.¡±


    ¡°You kissed me,¡± the Shaman pointed out right back, instinctively defensive.


    ¡°Because you kissed me first!¡±


    ¡°Maybe ¡­ but then you kissed me back!¡± Maugra retorted. ¡°Passionately, I might add!¡± Maugra then mumbled, ¡°It was the best kiss I¡¯ve had in eighty years¡­¡±


    ¡°At least twenty-five for me.¡±


    ¡°And you did that thing with your tail¡­¡±


    ¡°What thing?¡± Rowani asked, confused.


    ¡°That thing! Where you ran it up and down my back. It was ¡­ fuzzy.¡±


    Rowani stopped cold, a quirk of a smile on her face. ¡°Fuzzy?¡±


    The Goblin shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ fuzzy! It made me feel¡­it was nice.¡±


    ¡°Oh. I guess that¡¯s good to know,¡± Rowani said. Being nearly completely covered in fur, the Catkin really had no real concept of how ¡®fuzzy¡¯ might feel on someone with smooth skin.


    ¡°Also, you make an adorable squeaking noise when you get to the end,¡± Maugra added gruffly, before continuing onward and leaving Rowani standing there stunned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t squeak!¡± Rowani whispered loudly, as she finally jogged to catch up.


    ¡°You squeak. It¡¯s loud, and it¡¯s adorable.¡±


    ¡°I really do?¡± Rowani asked, wondering if she always had or if it was something new with this younger body this time around. ¡°Does this mean there is something between us?¡±


    ¡°Do you want it to?¡± Maugra asked, still walking.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°Was this your first time with ¡­¡± The Shaman let the question hang in the air.


    Rowani paused walking again, before speaking hesitantly, Maugra also stopping and looking up. ¡°No, not my first time. There was a period from my late twenties to early forties, after my marriage ended, where I was quite wild with many, many different people, including other females. Nothing serious, though.¡±


    ¡°I suspected. I know it¡¯s not the Beastkin way, but you seemed to know what you were doing,¡± Maugra said in acknowledgement, her mouth grinning slightly.


    ¡°Did ¡­ did you ever have someone?¡± Rowani asked, curious.


    ¡°In my Adventuring days, there was someone that I worked with for several years, but it was ¡­ complicated. I loved her and I think she loved me, but she had a rich husband and wouldn¡¯t leave him. It ended. Later I tried being out in the open once with someone else, for a while. But we lived in the North, and the disapproval became too much for us both and we went our separate ways to get away from it. I went east to start over. I was probably about one-hundred, then. Nothing serious since, just a few ¡­ dalliances, until my body and voice failed me after the Grobbo Worm attack.¡± Maugra shrugged in a sort of ¡®what are you going to do¡¯ gesture.


    ¡°Grobbos? How long ago?¡±


    ¡°Thirty-three years.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been in that kind of constant pain for the last thirty years?¡± Rowani gasped. No wonder Maugra was always grumpy. The bile of Grobolinctus Worms, if not properly treated quickly, would invade joints all over one¡¯s body, leaving them forever irritated and inflamed even after the worms were cured, and could eat away at some connective tissues, or even muscles. If they reached a person¡¯s heart, it could even lead to death. The attack must have affected her vocal chords, and it would explain her leg and hip, and why they were never able to be properly repaired. The creature¡¯s secretions generally made Regeneration and Regrowth difficult or impossible.


    ¡°I learned to live with it, but I also pushed people away because I got so bitter over time. I knew I was doing it, but that much time constantly in pain makes you ¡­¡± Her voice trailed off for a moment. ¡°Somehow, though, the damage now seems repaired, so I have a chance to try again. I am making a vow to be better to people this time.¡± Then Maugra added a gruff, ¡°It might take me a while to get used to being nicer, though.¡±


    ¡°If we do ¡­ pursue something,¡± Rowani said cautiously, ¡°some will be uncomfortable, especially among my people; many of the Beastkins that is. At least the gendered ones.¡±


    ¡°Some Goblins disapprove, too, at least older ones,¡± Maugra said, a little sadness in her voice. ¡°Supposedly people like me ¡®upset the tribe balance¡¯, or ¡®break up marriages¡¯ or something else stupidly archaic. At least Elves and the Fae seem to be able to accept it, and the Gnomes, too. Never go to the Dwarven cities, though; just a warning. Best to just stay east of the capitals unless you keep it well-hidden. Marandine seems nice, or the Fae lands to the East of there if you don¡¯t like the city. I was going to go to Marandine if I was fired.¡±


    ¡°This could cause us even more problems here,¡± Rowani whispered, her voice sounding a little worried. ¡°If we were out in the open, that is.¡±


    Maugra stared up at the Pantherkin. ¡°Right now, nobody likes us anyway, and we are stuck here for a year, in young bodies with needs.¡±


    The Goblin put her hands on her hips, speaking calmly, and not too loudly. ¡°So here¡¯s your choice, Rowani, it¡¯s really easy. We can pretend nothing happened. Or we can acknowledge something happened, and decide it was just a single moment and move on. Or you can invite me over tonight, and we can find out what happens next. You give it some thought and tell me what you want to do and I¡¯ll respect that, but I¡¯ve spent my life hiding from myself and what other people might think. I¡¯ve been given another chance at living, and I¡¯m too damn old to care any more what other people think about who I am.¡± There actually wasn¡¯t emotion in her tone, simply a respectful acknowledgement of the choice Rowani had to make for herself.


    Maugra turned abruptly, taking two steps, before she stopped and looked back, glancing up and down. ¡°And so you know, your new body is absolute starfire.¡± Then she stomped off, seeming irritated, as she started the last one-hundred meters or so to the medical tent.


    Rowani couldn¡¯t tell if Maugra was actually angry at her, or if this was maybe part of the Goblin¡¯s instinctive extra-grumpy exterior, and found she was actually worried it was the first. Around her, more than a few eyes still shot suspicious looks, and she wasn¡¯t sure if it was related to the unicorn blood or if what Maugra had just said had been loud enough for others to hear. Rowani couldn¡¯t really look at her own body, since she was wearing her set of casual armor, but she did look at her paws. They were strong now, with no gray hairs. Her arm didn¡¯t sag any more, showing muscles rippling now, and the fur was all black; no sparkles. How the unicorn blood¡¯s magic did all that, or repaired Maugra¡¯s voice and leg, was unbelievable, but she absolutely wasn¡¯t going to question the results.


    The Druid looked at Maugra, walking stiffly away, and realized that right now, the Goblin was her only friend here, except maybe Callie the Gnome. But even more than that, Rowani was curious about who this person was that had always been hiding behind pain-caused snarls that pushed everyone away. Was it maybe just her new body awash with the passionate energies of fresh youth, or was there more to it than that? She definitely wanted another kiss, though.


    As Maugra arrived at the medical tent, she felt a paw on her shoulder. She turned and looked up, seeing Rowani standing there. She couldn¡¯t read the expression on her face very well, the fur making it difficult. But the eyes looking down on her were warm and maybe ¡­ what ¡­ curious? Or even anticipating?


    ¡°You should come over tonight,¡± Rowani said quietly.


    ¡°Good,¡± the Goblin said with an almost grunt and a sharp nod. Not a lot more needed to be said, but with a quirk of her mouth, Maugra added, ¡°Oh, and you should know, when I was this age the first time, I used to squeak too.¡±

 Chapter 48 Part 1 - Folk Tales, Traditions and Secrets Revealed

    PART I - FOLK TALES, TRADITIONS AND SECRETS REVEALED


    ¡°Oh, this one is so good!¡± Pixyl squealed as she bit on the corner of the cookie. ¡°How can you m-m-make something this good from only five ingredients!¡±


    ¡°Secret Culinar magic,¡± Pama said with a grin, as she walked from her tiny prep area to the table with a fresh batch of something else that would surely be just as delicious. Then she added in a loud whisper for everyone, ¡°The actual trick is to heat it up a second time before you add the sugar.¡±


    Callie leaned over the table and drew in a deep breath of the new food Pama had just set down. It looked like some kind of a firm fruit pastry with a flaky crust that was cut into bite-sized squares. ¡°Wow, this smells so much better than the stables did all week,¡± Callie moaned.


    Pixyl leaned in next to Callie and wafted the new scents in, before rolling her eyes back and moaning in foodgasmic bliss. She quickly snatched a morsel, falling back against the couch she was sharing with Callie and simply whimpering.


    ¡°I heard you had gotten in trouble,¡± Pama said, adding a ¡®tsk, tsk¡¯ chiding for effect. ¡°Something to do with the Army¡¯s decision to give Rowani and Maugra the unicorn blood? Fizzle won¡¯t give me any details, but apparently you mixed him up in it briefly? I have a feeling I know what happened, even without him saying anything, though.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to really talk about it,¡± Callie moped, ¡°but yeah, I got him in trouble. I didn¡¯t mean to do it, though. The Commandant didn¡¯t believe me, at first, when I told them he wasn¡¯t involved. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°He was a little cross for a couple days,¡± Pama said. ¡°He eventually talked to Xera, though, and I believe that has largely passed, but you did disappoint him.¡±


    Callie looked out the window into a small area behind the cabin where Fizzlebek seemed to be tinkering with something, and frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to him in a little while, then. I don¡¯t want him to be mad at me.¡±


    Most of the last week had proved incredibly uncomfortable for Callie. Everyone knew she was in trouble and got demoted, and most everyone suspected it had something to do with Rowani and Maugra, really not buying the story that the Army made the decision to extend their lives. For the first two or three days, she¡¯d hear muffled whispers everywhere she went, although they eventually died off as people moved on to new gossip.


    Rowani and Maugra had it worse, though. It was obvious, immediately, they were on the outs with their fellow trainers and the officers and staff. Most of the recruits were also quite suspicious of the now young trainers. As a result, they had kept to themselves for the most part, going everywhere together and really only separating to teach their classes, each other likely being the only friends they had at the moment. Callie did make an attempt to talk to them, mostly just to say hello and give them some support, but it felt like an uncomfortable intrusion for some reason, and the conversation didn¡¯t last long and didn¡¯t say much.


    On a different front, fighting against the Iron Tier Demons proved to be an intense challenge. For the Rangers, their new bows were absolutely devastating against the Nether-based enemies, with the Nature-blessing on even the most basic arrows immediately dissolving huge chunks out of the creatures, and any empowered shots being even more destructive. Vonn had indeed taken over for Reynard, although the Foxkin came by a few times just to check in, and both decided to switch the Rangers from using bows to fighting hand-to-hand. That was a lot more scary, and more than a couple times they had each found themselves overwhelmed, requiring the Warlocks to either pull back or Banish the Demon enemies, in part the result of Rangers not getting any melee skills, like the other sword classes. Thankfully, the injuries were largely mild, although Thucax took a huge slash to his leg that would have been quite serious had Healers not been immediately standing by. They had been ready, though, and not even a scar remained once the healing was completed.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Ambria asked, looking at the remains of a long, crunchy treat she was eating, her eyes wide at the delicious taste. It was about twice the length of her hand, and about the diameter of a fat finger, incredibly light and flaky, covered in a sugary sweetness and dusting of something unique.


    ¡°I call it a Honey Stick,¡± Pama smiled. ¡°It¡¯s baked, brushed lightly with honey-sweetened butter, and then rolled in a mixture of ground nuts and a few special things. It¡¯s one of Fizzle¡¯s favorites. Very easy to make, even without Culinar magic.¡± She reached forward, waving her hand at the three remaining Honey Sticks, and the plate they were on suddenly held over a dozen. ¡°But magic is faster,¡± she added with a wink.


    ¡°You have got to teach me how to do that,¡± Callie said, gasping, as she reached for one of the freshly-summoned crunchy pastries. They were still warm, and somehow tasted almost exactly like churros, with a slightly subtle nutty flavor in addition to something really close to cinnamon.


    ¡°Replicating food is at least Bronze tier,¡± Pama said, ¡°and you need at least Silver to do it with any kind of quality. But I may be able to teach you a very simple flavoring spell in the short time you are here. That¡¯s always good for when you¡¯re in the field.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, please!¡± Pixyl said, almost bouncing. Next to her, Ambria rapidly nodded her head as well.


    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s for the Marandine Queen, then I must absolutely find the time,¡± Pama giggled, winking at Pixyl and then extending a graceful bow. ¡°Perhaps in the mid-evenings, after the meal has concluded and everything has been cleaned.¡±


    ¡°Can we bring more people?¡± Callie asked, ¡°If so, how many?¡±


    Pama made a concentrated look. ¡°I could work with ten of you total in the kitchens behind the meal tent,¡± she finally concluded. ¡°However, you must come thirty minutes before we begin to help with final cleaning, in exchange for my lessons.¡±


    ¡°Callie is already good at cleaning,¡± Ambria helpfully pointed out. ¡°After this week she must be an expert.¡±


    ¡°Funny,¡± Callie said flatly, giving Ambria a dose of stink-eye. ¡°On the positive side, I have learned all about how to feed and care for the Curvax and the little Korrox, though. The Herdmaster was super excited to teach me. So I¡¯m going to call that a win, even if shoveling out the stables all week sucked. And we got one of the stalls all spruced up for Artemis and Jesca, too.¡±


    Jesca had needed a couple days to get used to the whole Beastmaster thing, but quickly learned to understand some of her new powers. Because no one was familiar with the class, Thorn and Reynard had started to speculate, almost wildly, as to what might come at Bronze and higher tiers, with Reynard suggesting she might learn animal shapeshifting like Shamans or Druids. Thorn thought she might be able to rally armies of wildlife to serve at her command, given the name of the class. Jesca mostly groaned from the attention and concentrated on her training, seeming to be extra driven to reach Gold in Ranger, and stating she was hoping to get at least to Silver with the new class as well. Even after only a few days, she had managed to raise her Beastmaster class to IRON.281.


    She and Thorn had worked closely to develop a training routine for her new Iron Tier powers, including working with the class trainers that had overlapping skills. Jesca had also received a pair of simple one-meter long whips to start learning to use. Nobody in camp knew anything about whip combat except the Herdmaster, and he enjoyed giving the Catkin some basic instruction. He admitted it was likely Jesca would soon outmatch him, since she had both a Symbiote and a class perk, and Thorn said he¡¯d look into getting some more information for when she had reached that point if he could. As her skill improved, she was going to be provided longer whips, and Callie was eager to see what the final magical ones would be able to do once Fizzlebek completed them.


    Jesca¡¯s new Mana-Enhanced Senses perk was quite interesting. In addition to hugely amplifying her normal five senses, it also worked on other things you wouldn¡¯t normally think about, such as minor temperature fluctuations and the ability to control her own sense of physical pain. Her Danger Sense ability seemed to broaden, providing even more of a warning and no longer being biome-restricted like the Ranger version of the perk. Even her senses of equilibrium and body position had become incredibly accurate, and she easily was able to gingerly walk tightrope-wide objects, or swing through the trees with nary a concern about falling.


    What was most fascinating, though, was her sense of time. Thorn had always seemed keenly aware of the passage of time, especially as it related to things such as potion cooldowns, and now Jesca had the same ability. She could tell down to the minute, if not the second, how much time had elapsed between two events, what time of day it was without even knowing the sun position, and most anything else relating to time. Callie and the other girls had enjoyed testing the Beastmaster by marking a start time and then asking hours later how many minutes and seconds had passed, to which Jesca was able to casually rattle the answers off in return.


    It took a few days, but soon all of the awe and wonder surrounding Artemis generally faded into the background as the unicorn was seen more often, and soon she became as much of a mascot for the recruits as Loki. During lunch one day, Artemis even had a fun time giving the plant-monster rides around the bleacher area, the little unicorn acting as a proud mount for the mischievous familiar. You could get a sense of what it was going to be like when Artemis was big enough for Jesca to ride, and what an imposing figure they would make together.


    Like Loki, Artemis wasn¡¯t a fan of being recalled, explaining to Jesca that she didn¡¯t like the surprise of new surroundings when she returned. As a result, Jesca chose not to recall her at night, which proved to cause its own share of problems. The unicorn also didn¡¯t like being alone in the stables, and ultimately, Jesca relocated her sleeping area there, rather than having Artemis break out and then kick open her cabin door again, having already done it twice during the week.


    On the fashion front, Jesca¡¯s new hat was an absolute hit, but only eventually. Jesca did hesitantly put it on when Callie gave it to her, grudgingly admitting that the sun-shielding brim was wonderful for her new heightened vision senses, but she was initially unsure about the fashion statement. However, that afternoon they were briefly hit with heavy rains, and while the other two Rangers and Vonn had to work with water in their eyes, the hats that both Callie and Jesca wore served to keep theirs clear. By the end of the week, fedoras had been requisitioned for both of the other Rangers, and they also ordered one for both Vonn and Reynard. The Foxkin scowled in general at the gift, but after finally putting it on, actually looked really great in it. Even Callie replaced her game warden hat with a fedora, the new attire now unofficially part of the camp¡¯s Ranger uniform.


    With it now being a Homeday without some kind of a crazy happening, Callie had finally come to visit Pama for the promised tea and cookies, getting permission to bring two others. Pixyl and Ambria won the drawing of straws to get to come along. Callie didn¡¯t think she¡¯d have the opportunity to talk about Gnomes much in an attempt to fill in her knowledge, but having her friends along for the delicious treats was wonderful.Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Your friend Jesca has some fun ideas about celebrating Midsummer,¡± Pama said, settling into a chair next to Ambria with a Honey Stick of her own. ¡°Apparently she wants to do a party for Thorn?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Callie nodded. ¡°He reached Topaz this past Fourthday, and said he didn¡¯t want a party. So, we outvoted him and he gets one anyway. Jesca absolutely loves Midsummer, so we turned all the planning over to her.¡±


    ¡°Well, she approached me briefly about food ideas, and we¡¯re going to talk in the next day or two,¡± Pama said, smiling. ¡°It won¡¯t be a formal feast dinner, but something special all the same. I¡¯m thinking I might even use all real ingredients if I can get enough of them. We¡¯ll have several visitors, so even more mouths to feed, too.¡±


    ¡°So, what exactly happens for Midsummer?¡± Callie asked. ¡°I know it¡¯s a big holiday, but beyond that and what we¡¯re doing for Thorn, I don¡¯t really know what it¡¯s about.¡±


    ¡°At least here, we have a big party on Midsummer night,¡± Pama said, ¡°which this year will be the evening between the two days. For the other days, last year we had bonfires every night, lots of drinking and singing, and the Shamans had some Dreamers for those that wanted to drift into Nature. We even had music for that big party, with some professional musicians brought in from beyond Meadowglade. Of course, on Midsummer proper, the females also donned their masks and chose their mates for the evening and night. Very traditional, and always quite fun.¡±


    ¡°Wait! Chose their mates?¡±


    Pama looked at Callie incredulously.


    ¡°Sorry, memory holes,¡± Callie said, pointing at her head, a confused look on her face.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s a tradition. Although not everyone participates.¡±


    Callie shook her head, the additional information not helping clear anything up.


    ¡°Almost always, it¡¯s the males that court females,¡± Ambria started to clarify, ¡°but for Midsummer, it¡¯s the other way around. We pick our companion or mate for that night, but just for that night. Or in the case of this year, for two nights.¡±


    ¡°Really? What if the guy isn¡¯t interested?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Then they politely decline and are expected to present a small gift in return,¡± Pama said.


    ¡°And if he accepts? He¡¯s your ¡­ mate? Does that mean you are expected to ¡­ you know ¡­?¡± She let the innuendo trail off.


    Pama shrugged. ¡°If they want, but not always. Whatever the people agree to, really.¡±


    ¡°They always agree,¡± Ambria added, waggling her eyebrows and chomping on the edge of a cookie.


    Pixyl and Pama laughed at Ambria¡¯s antics, but Callie was still trying to connect it all together.


    ¡°There has to be a story, then, if this is a tradition,¡± Callie finally said, throwing her hands up and needing some kind of context for the bizarre celebration. ¡°Right?¡±


    Pama gestured towards Ambria. ¡°It¡¯s a Fae story, so perhaps you tell it?¡±


    ¡°Sure. My grandmother used to tell me the tale when I was young.¡± She filled her cup and cleared her throat. ¡°The story I was told begins like this. There was once a beautiful Fairy queen. She had no child, but she did not want the father to be someone that would only love her because she was beautiful or because she was a queen. So she wore a glamour to make herself ugly, and went to the village in disguise. Of course, no male would court her, because they found her hideous to look upon.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s an awful way to start a story,¡± Callie mumbled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it gets more fun,¡± Pama said.


    ¡°So the next night,¡± Ambria continued, ¡°the Queen, still in her glamour, chose not to wait to be courted, instead boldly courting the males, asking them to bed her. Of course, they all rejected her, because she was hideous to look upon. That is until one person.¡±


    ¡°He said yes, then?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°He also said no, but he was gracious about it. He thanked the ugly Queen for the invitation to her bed, explaining that he was betrothed. He then gifted her a braided string necklace, which was all he had to give her, as a thank you for the invitation. He told her the necklace would give her strength to keep seeking, for surely she was destined for another somewhere in the village.¡±


    Ambria leaned forward, grabbing and crunching another Honey Stick.


    ¡°Finally, on the third day,¡± the Faun continued between bites, ¡°which was the day of Midsummer, the Fairy Queen returned again. She was still in her glamour, and wearing the braided necklace around her neck to give her hope it would help her find the one she sought. She asked many more males to come to her bed, and they all said no, scoffing at her sight. Her heart breaking and nearly ready to return home alone, she approached one last person.¡±


    ¡°And he said yes,¡± Callie interrupted.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Ambria nodded. ¡°He did not care about her hideousness, and said he would bed her as she was, because he could see beauty in her heart, and that was what mattered. In the morning, her belly now filled with the gift of a child, she revealed her beauty to her companion and showed him that she was a queen. And depending on the story, she asked him to be her king and they lived happily ever after with their new child, or she gave him a magical sword and they went their separate ways. I like the first one.¡±


    ¡°So the tradition is,¡± Pama continued, ¡°we make silly and hideous masks and ask a male to be our mate, or companion. If he says yes, then you reveal yourself. If he declines, he must do so graciously, and present you a gift. Of course with so few people here, everyone knows who¡¯s asking, but it¡¯s still a tradition.¡±


    ¡°The day before Midsummer, all of the females that wish get together to make our masks,¡± Ambria continued. ¡°We¡¯ll drink and sing and eat and have a fun time, with prizes for those with the most-ugly masks. The males do the same thing, gathering to make silly gifts of string and beads and cloth and such. On the day of Midsummer, we don our masks to seek our mates. If they say yes, then it''s an evening and night of whatever we would agree to, or two of them this year. In the morning you part ways.¡± Ambria then winked, ¡°Truthfully, most people arrange their pairing in advance, but the morning and early afternoon of gracious rejections and gifts are a big part of the tradition.¡±


    ¡°Midsummer is how Fizzle and I met,¡± Pama smirked. ¡±I had known him for many months, but he never would court me. Apparently he found me intimidating. I finally had to do it for him. He¡¯s never left my bed since that night, except when it was Midsummer and he was asked by others.¡±


    ¡°Married couples participate, too?¡± Callie asked


    ¡°If they wish,¡± Pama shrugged. ¡°It is often considered a way to ¡­ break the monotony of the marriage bed one might say. We stopped doing that a decade ago, though. Instead, every year, I put on a hideous mask and ask Fizzle myself. He likes to say no the first time, sometimes coming up with the most wonderful or funny rejections, so he can give me a gift he made. I usually make two masks, and will go back with the second later, to ask again. I really do love his silly little games,¡± Pama winked.


    ¡°My parents do something similar,¡± Ambria said. ¡°Making two masks, that is.¡±


    ¡°I bet Ambria gets t-t-two or three people to say yes every year,¡± Pixyl teased. ¡°Or more.¡±


    Ambria choked on her tea, swinging her eyes to the Pixie. ¡°Who told you about that!¡± she gasped, feigning that some secret had been given away. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve only been old enough for a few years, anyway,¡± she then added with a smirk.


    That elicited a round of laughter, while Pama refreshed the snacks and tea, Callie wondering if Ambria was actually being serious.


    ¡°All the guys participate then?¡± Callie asked. ¡°How would you know who it¡¯s okay to ask?¡±


    ¡°They will wear a red piece of cloth on their arm to show that they are not participating,¡± Pama said. ¡°If they have already said yes to someone, or arranged in advance, they would wear a blue cloth, so people can still collect rejection gifts from them and not feel sad for being rejected.¡±


    ¡°Ambria would end up with the most gifts,¡± Pixyl snickered, continuing to give the Faun grief.


    ¡°I ¡­ will not comment,¡± Ambria replied coyly, blushing furiously.


    ¡°Has anyone caught your eye?¡± Pama asked the Faun curiously.


    Ambria hid behind her tea. ¡°There are a couple people I¡¯m thinking about asking.¡±


    ¡°Oooo! Who?¡± Callie asked, fishing for the details. ¡°I mean, Kaisess isn¡¯t here to sleep with again, so who¡¯s next?¡±


    ¡°The injured Tigerkin?¡± Pama laughed.


    The Faun rolled her eyes. ¡°It was therapy!¡±


    ¡°Therapy. Uh huh,¡± Callie said, deadpan, absolutely not buying the defense. ¡°So who¡¯s next on your list? Moka?¡±


    Ambria shrugged, then looked at the Gnome teasingly, ¡°Mayyybeee,¡± she said, dragging the word out. ¡°But what about you, Callie? Who have you noticed?¡±


    ¡°Well until now I didn¡¯t know about this tradition. Honestly, I haven¡¯t been worried about dating, or even hooking up, so I haven''t been checking anyone out. But a girls¡¯ afternoon of drinking and doing arts-and-crafts sounds like a blast! I¡¯ll definitely do that!¡±


    ¡°What about you, Pixyl,¡± Pama asked.


    Pixyl blushed, glancing at Callie as she pushed her hair back behind her ear. She deflated, seeming defeated, unable to say anything. ¡°N-N-Nobody,¡± she eventually managed to whisper.


    Callie grabbed her friend around the shoulder with one arm, pulling her close in a rough hug. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Pixyl. We¡¯ll find someone for you.¡± With a look of someone on a mission, she looked at Ambria. ¡°Hear that? Let¡¯s focus on finding the right guy for Pixyl.¡±


    Pixyl blushed, glancing at Callie again. ¡°N-N-No, don¡¯t worry about it. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll p-p-participate.¡±


    ¡°Aww,¡± Callie said disappointed. ¡°Well, if you change your mind, let us know. We¡¯ll get you hooked up.¡±


    The conversation continued for a while, changing topics to the state of each recruit¡¯s current training and how it was going for each of them. Pixyl was obviously relieved at the new discussion, and talked about how she was working with Olin to further refine her sword skills and break old habits that had resurfaced during the Firstday Demon demonstration. She was also working with some of the other Bladeweavers directly, as essentially an assistant trainer, given her expertise with the low-level Demons. Callie only kept half an ear on the talking, though, occasionally looking out the window and seeing Fizzlebek still puttering away with whatever he was working on.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Callie said, seeming a little down. ¡°I¡¯m going to go talk to Fizzlebek for a little while. You two stay here and enjoy the treats. I¡¯ll be back in a bit.¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± Pama said, moving some of the desserts around to clear a plate and then setting a trio of Honey Sticks on it. She waggled her fingers, turning the three into twelve. ¡°Take these with you. The way to his heart is through his stomach.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said, picking up the plate. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a little while.¡±


    Pixyl watched Callie walk through the door and close it gently behind her. Her friend had mentioned earlier in the week that she had a feeling Fizzlebek was mad at her, and once she confided what she had actually done for Rowani and Maugra, Pixyl understood why the Enchanter might be angry. But still, he was one of the only Gnomes she knew, and Pixyl hated to see that bond being stressed.


    Callie¡¯s pink hair appeared through the window, approaching the blue-green of Fizzlebek¡¯s. To Pixyl¡¯s relief, the older Gnome eventually took the treats and then gave Callie a hug, but at the same time it didn¡¯t seem as enthusiastic as it had been in the past. If anyone could repair the relationship, though, it was Callie. She was so wonderful with people.


    ¡°Hey, Pixyl, wake up!¡± Ambria said, snapping her fingers. ¡°I asked if you wanted more tea. What were you staring at?¡±


    ¡°Huh? What?¡± The Pixie said, refocusing her attention back to where she was, before embarrassingly looking at the floor. ¡°No, I¡¯m f-f-fine.¡±


    Ambria glanced out the window, seeing Callie, and then back to Pixyl. She frowned for a moment, and then her face suddenly seemed to have a revelation, as if putting several final pieces of a puzzle together. She privately made a heart shape with her hands towards Pama, and then subtly wagged a finger several times, pointing between Pixyl and Callie outside, raising her eyebrows in a questioning expression.


    Pama seemed to consider for a brief moment, and then smirked, nodding her head.


    ¡°May I ask you a question, Pixyl?¡± Ambria asked.


    ¡°Hmmm?¡± Pixyl said, barely hearing the Faun, her eyes drawn out the window where Callie was chatting with Fizzlebek. She hoped things were going well. The conversation looked tense, but at least cordial. Still, she was worried.


    Ambria smirked, clearing her throat slightly before slowly asking, ¡°Tell me, Pixyl. How long have you been in love with Callie?¡±


    Pixyl shrugged absently, still focused on Callie and Fizzlebek¡¯s body language. ¡°Three w-w-weeks. Since that first night here.¡±


    It took a long heartbeat, but then the Pixie gasped, eyes suddenly shooting wide as she suddenly realized what she¡¯d just said.

 Chapter 48 Part 2 - Repair Team

    PART II - REPAIR TEAM


    ¡°Hey there,¡± Callie said as she warily approached Fizzlebek. He was heads-down over an outdoor workbench, working on something that seemed delicate, an awning of tent canvas over him to block the direct sun. He held up a tool, indicating to wait a moment, and then used it to finish fiddling with something. Dropping it on the workbench he straightened and turned.


    Fizzlebek did smile, but to Callie it seemed to not be tinged with the same amount of excitement and joy it usually was, and she just knew it was because of her actions the week before. ¡°I brought you some Honey Sticks.¡± Probably as a peace offering, if anything.


    The smile widened a little and he took the plate from Callie, setting it aside on a Gnome-height table. Fizzlebek then pulled Callie into a hug that was almost, but not quite, as strong as usual. ¡°Pama knows how to get to my heart,¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡°She said the same thing.¡±


    ¡°How did the bunkerball game go earlier?¡±


    ¡°We finished the game from last week, which we ended up winning by eighteen points. The next one was closer, but we won that one by twelve. Reynard is acting as their Field Marshal, and I suspect he doesn¡¯t have much to do all day except come up with ideas, so it¡¯s getting more challenging. I had some tricks of my own.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. At one point, I even had Tazrok in his spider form dancing on two legs as a distraction, and Xin managed to sink the ball for seven while they were confused. It was fun.¡±


    Fizzlebek snickered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I missed it. It does sound like fun.¡±


    There was an awkward silence, neither sure what to say next, and Callie finally decided to go with an old stand-by for conversation starting. It wasn¡¯t a good one given what needed to be discussed, but it might work. ¡°Whatcha up to?¡±


    Fizzlebek shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m just working on my Golem project a bit. The arm, specifically. Something inside it is catching after my last upgrade, and I haven¡¯t been able to pin it down.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to work on it together?¡± Callie suggested.


    Fizzlebek was hesitant for a moment, but he finally nodded, saying, ¡°Come help.¡± He picked up the Honey Sticks and led Callie back to the bench where a metal arm was lying. The cover was off, exposing an array of mechanisms and clockwork sprockets. ¡°When the cover is on, something catches, but only occasionally. I can¡¯t figure out what it is and why only when the cover is on, because it doesn¡¯t actually touch any of the innards.¡±


    Together, Callie and Fizzlebek started to dig through the mechanical arm. It was amazingly complex for Callie, even with Tinker, but the Golem-maker¡¯s mood had brightened now that he was able to talk nerdy. He guided her through first the basics, and then some of the more advanced elements that required magical assistance.


    Finding the problem was absolutely daunting, because of its inconsistency. With a little trial and error, coupled with the process of elimination, they soon determined it only happened when the thought-projecting headband was used to cause the arm to contract, but not if you manually folded the arm. Furthermore, the hand needed to be rotated into a fairly narrow range. Even with all those pieces figured out, the problem was still only happening one-time in ten.


    It took nearly an hour, but they finally found the culprit; a single screw and a long tooth. It turned out, when the arm moved under its own power, a metal plate inside was jolted slightly, which in turn moved towards a clockwork cog that rotated one step every time the arm contracted. On this cog was one tooth of ten that was just a little bit longer than the others, and it would catch on the plate that had moved into the way. But, if the hand was in a different position, then the plate didn¡¯t move enough to impede the clockwork part. The cover, it turned out, was a complete distraction and had nothing to do with anything. In the end, Fizzlebek only needed to tighten the screw on the internal plate to fix the problem, although he also replaced the oddly-toothed cog on a general perfectionist principle.


    As Callie and Fizzlebek worked through the problem, Fizzlebek¡¯s mood towards Callie slowly brightened significantly. He seemed to really enjoy tracking down the malfunction with another person, while also educating Callie more about the clockwork mechanism, and providing more information in general about being an Artificer. Most of the final problem was figured out by Fizzlebek, but Callie was the one that initially noticed the slightly-wiggling plate that set the whole diagnosis in motion, and Callie felt really happy about being able to at least contribute something to the solution.


    While they had been buried in the guts of the arm, Ambria and Pixyl stopped by briefly and dropped off another plate of snacks. Pama had needed to start getting ready for the evening meal, so the two of them decided to head out for other activities, and Callie promised to catch up with them for dinner. Oddly, Pixyl wasn¡¯t talkative at all. She seemed a little glum or as if she had something serious on her mind. Callie tried to inquire, but the Pixie waved her off saying it was nothing. Still, Callie felt like there was definitely something going on, but decided not to press the issue in favor of more tinkering.


    As they were wrapping up with the arm, putting tools back in the correct spots and re-sorting various sprockets into the correct containers, Callie spoke up. ¡°I was thinking about our discussion earlier in the week about Jesca¡¯s whips, and I have a question for you.¡±This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°I discussed with Thorn about enchanting a pair of whips for your new Beastmaster friend,¡± Fizzlebek said, squinting at a misshapen piece of metal that he then tossed into a basket of rejects. ¡°He liked the idea, but wanted to wait until she reached Bronze, just to see what powers she might get. It would be silly to enchant something she might get naturally.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that makes sense,¡± Callie said, making an agreeable face, ¡°but I had something else I wanted to ask you about. I was giving it some thought, and had an idea. I think it would be really simple from what you¡¯ve said about enchanting, but if it isn¡¯t, then we can skip it.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± the blue-haired Gnome asked, a look of both curiosity and a little excitement on his face.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little something for Reynard. A surprise. It would only need a super-simple enchantment, I think, and some carving.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Fizzlebek asked again, his interest intensifying.


    Quickly, Callie outlined her idea. For his part, the Enchanter drank in the details, quickly getting a bit of a far-off look in his eyes before refocusing. ¡°You¡¯re right, that wouldn¡¯t be difficult at all. In fact, this would be a perfect project for one of my apprentices to work on, since he¡¯s been struggling with permanency. I¡¯ll oversee to make sure he does it right, of course. You don¡¯t think it¡¯s a little morbid, though, do you? He did lose his leg.¡±


    ¡°I think he¡¯ll appreciate the sentiment, and I¡¯ll be super charming about it when I give it to him.¡± Callie grinned.


    Fizzlebek laughed. ¡°It¡¯s your funeral, then. The enchantment takes about a week to set, but we can start as soon as I have all the pieces.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Fizzlebek,¡± Callie replied, giving him a hug.


    As they finished cleaning up, both taking a moment to wipe the grease off their hands and faces, Fizzlebek once again suggested that Callie should take up Enchanting and Artificing some day, them both having had so much fun working the problem with the broken Golem piece. Callie heartily agreed to consider it at some point, but she still wanted to learn some Culinar magic first. Enchanting was definitely on the short list for someday, though. After all, she had a long lifespan ahead of her, and plenty of time to do and learn a lot of things.


    The thought about long lifespans reminded Callie about the issue that had initially brought her out to talk with Fizzlebek about, and that they had ignored while working on the arm puzzle. She now wasn¡¯t sure if she should bring up the previous week and the unicorn blood or not, or let the happy vibes stand and ignore it. Finally, she decided she wanted to clear the air completely. He and Pama were the only Gnomes she knew, and any blemish on that friendship magnified the sense of being alone that accompanied it.


    ¡°Fizzlebek, are we good?¡± Callie asked carefully.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Callie frowned, trying to come up with the right words. ¡°I guess the fact you got in trouble with the unicorn blood and all that. I thought you might be mad, and Pama said you were disappointed. I want to make sure we¡¯re okay.¡±


    ¡°I was a little angry,¡± Fizzlebek finally said after a long pause. ¡°For a couple days that is. I know your intentions were good, but ¡­ you took something that I was in charge of from me without asking. I didn¡¯t appreciate getting yelled at by the Commandant and having no idea what it was even about.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry,¡± Callie mumbled. ¡°I know I disappointed you, and that was the last thing I wanted to do. I should have known better.¡±


    ¡°I know. I just wished you had asked me first.¡±


    ¡°Would you have said yes?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Fizzlebek said flatly. ¡°But Xera and I talked the next day, and they told me about your ¡®intangibles analysis¡¯. They had to grudgingly admit that giving the blood to Rowani and Maugra could ultimately be a good thing for the Army, or at least good for people in general with the additional time they now have to be of help to the world. If you had told me about that and asked me for the blood, I would have helped you make a case to ask for permission. I even think we might have convinced them. Now it¡¯s all uncomfortable for everyone.¡±


    ¡°It honestly didn¡¯t even occur to me to ask, Fizzlebek,¡± Callie said, almost pleading. ¡°I just saw there were so many and figured two were no big deal.¡±


    Fizzlebek patted Callie¡¯s arm. ¡°I know. Xera explained that to me as well, so really, in the end I¡¯m not angry. You and I are fine.¡±


    Callie sighed, happy that Fizzlebek at least didn¡¯t seem to hate her. ¡°I just feel so awful for Rowani and Maugra. I had no idea that things would get so awkward with everyone. I don¡¯t like to see people hating them. Rowani¡¯s an amazing person, and I¡¯ve even seen Maugra laughing now, too. I just wanted to help and do something nice for two little old ladies, and now they only have each other for friends. Nobody else will really talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Ultimately, they made their own choice to drink it, right?¡±


    Callie nodded.


    ¡°Then that result is theirs. They knew they shouldn¡¯t, and had to suspect what might happen. Give it time, and people will get used to it and move on. I honestly think part of the problem is that most people know they would have done exactly the same thing if they had the opportunity, and hate themselves for that fact. Pama and I even talked about it and realized we would probably drink it too, even though we shouldn¡¯t. We both felt guilty with that admission.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s in everyone¡¯s nature to want to live longer. Plus, Pama and I have a big age difference. I¡¯m only sixty-four and she¡¯s nearly twice that. It would be nice to be closer to the same age and have the same time left to be with each other.¡±


    ¡°Awww, that¡¯s really sweet,¡± Callie cooed.


    Fizzlebek smiled, almost seeming embarrassed. ¡°I really love her. I honestly don¡¯t know what she sees in me, but I¡¯d be lost without her. That specter of her being so much older and losing her someday hangs over me.¡±


    Instinctively, Callie leaned in and gave Fizzlebek a hug. ¡°She loves you so hard. She basically told us that while we were chatting earlier. You''re both great for each other.¡±


    Grabbing a Honey Stick, Fizzlebek blushed. Eventually he cleared his throat and refocused. ¡°Just remember, next time you want to do something crazy, include me. I probably know how to keep everyone out of trouble.¡±


    Callie imagined her and Fizzlebek getting into generic mischief of some kind together, and couldn¡¯t help but giggle for some reason. Then her mind went crazy, envisioning a group, if not a small army, of Gnomes, a sea of individual colors on their heads, causing general mischief. She now laughed hard, and once she explained it to Fizzlebek, he cackled along, too, his eyes bright and any tension between the two of them now, thankfully, gone.

 Chapter 49 Part 1 - Herald at the Gate

    PART I - HERALD AT THE GATE


    Captain Huvaen Amalrinde was riding hard, as hard as he dared to go given the rough terrain. Thankfully, the curvax was a master of running over uneven ground, and even the injured one that bore him proved the reputation. She was getting tired though, and needed to rest for a bit. Steering the mount slightly to the right, Huvaen rode towards the edge of a grove of trees.


    ¡°Here you go, girl, we¡¯ll rest a few,¡± the Elf said, quickly dismounting. ¡°I know you¡¯re hurt, but that was the only healing spell I know. We can¡¯t be far now, perhaps eight kilometers, and we¡¯ll go slower if we need to.¡± He patted the animal, taking a piece of fruit from the saddlebags and offering it. The curvax accepted it happily.


    Examining the rear haunches of the beast, Huvaen winced at the obvious bruise and swelling. He thought briefly about casting a heal again, but that could just make it harder to give her proper care later. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t do more,¡± he said in a warm tone, patting the animal¡¯s neck. He was a Warrior, but had spent time in the past learning a simple healing spell, which he had applied both to himself and to his mount. He wasn¡¯t very good, though, and the healing wasn¡¯t much, but was enough to keep moving.


    This was his fifth mount since he set out at speed from Imor the previous day, swapping in villages along the way when the sprinting curvax he rode grew too exhausted. He managed to make it two-thirds of the way to his destination, finally forced to stop in Highridge Crossing due to the failing light and dark clouds threatening rain that never actually materialized. He¡¯d left shortly after first light and a light breakfast, with the hope to make it the final distance before noon, cutting overland when he could for speed. Now, with the injury, the going was slower.


    He had needed to follow the road for the first ten kilometers past Meadowglade, the final village along the route, to get to a pass through a long outcropping of rock, and that was where he had been attacked. Passing through the natural barrier, Stone Elementals, at least a dozen, had emerged on the southern side of the road. Normally, a few would be no bother. They were generally weak, or could be easily avoided due to their slow speed. But these were stronger than normal, able to summon and hurl stones and even small boulders. One had struck the curvax and another had hit Huvaen, almost knocking him to the ground. Now there was a danger to others on the road, and he had to get to his destination so the camp Scryers could notify the village not to send anyone until the problem had been eliminated. After the attack, he had done what he could with his spell, and then the curvax had run as hard as he dared push. He¡¯d lost time, though, and more than he wished.


    While the animal rested a bit, happily eating another piece of fruit when offered, Captain Huvaen used his sword to cut down a thick, solid-looking sapling. With a few more whacks, coupled with some work with his dagger, he removed all the limbs. This left him with a long, sturdy pole at least three meters in length. He pulled the banner flag from the saddlebag, tying it securely to the end of the makeshift flagpole.


    ¡°This should keep us from being attacked,¡± he said in a warm voice, patting the neck of the curvax again. ¡°It would be awful to come all this way only to be killed approaching the camp.¡±


    Carefully, trying hard not to bump his mount¡¯s injury, Huvaen mounted, sliding the thick sapling into the deep, hard-leather pole-boot attached to the saddle. He winced at his own throbbing arm, loosened it with a stretch, willing himself to ignore the pain, and grabbed the reins. Over him, the burgundy-colored cloth fluttered in the breeze, which carried distant scents of the forest and wildflowers. Instinctively, he patted his chest, feeling the subtle shape of the leather letter sleeve he carried inside his clothes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Captain Huvaen snapped, lightly kicking with his feet and clicking his tongue. The curvax needed no more encouragement than that, and took off at a light trot, slowly gaining speed. Before long, the speed was a slow, lazy gallop, easily passing over the uneven, grassy ground as they followed the straightest route they could. Overhead, the banner called out the royal crest of King Feldwin del Montano.


    <hr>


    Commandant Xera, along with Legate Galin and Master Trainer Thorn were seated at their conference table, not really talking about anything specific, as they ate a slightly-early lunch. It was the Lastday of the fourth week, which meant everyone was feeling particularly lazy, eager for the day to end so they could relax. Late next week would begin Midsummer, so there was a general excitement throughout the camp, with the upcoming Lastday having no training, to allow for the celebrations to kick off, and the first two days of the following week likewise being part of the holiday.


    ¡°Demon training is going well,¡± Thorn said casually. ¡°After nearly two weeks, everyone is able to handle the Bronze Imps and Fiends with little difficulty. There¡¯s a few that are struggling, but I think they¡¯ll get it. Everyone is trying hard to live up to Pixyl¡¯s example, which I suppose was why Terrin suggested using her for the demonstrations. More importantly, though, they aren¡¯t being reckless, which had been my concern early on, given how much she tends to show off.¡±


    ¡°She has proved quite entertaining, I must admit,¡± Xera concurred. ¡°As long as she¡¯s not inspiring foolish risks, and instead simply showing that it is possible despite her size, there should be no issues. But please make sure that the correct message is getting through.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of Demons, those new Ranger bows are something,¡± Galin added with a low whistle. ¡°They simply melt the Demons due to that Dryad Nature blessing. I¡¯m trying to picture what it will look like if the Ranger recruits hit Gold before we send them on. It will be a battle-changer, for sure. Plus Juniper has promised us more Heartwood, too.¡±


    ¡°It definitely will change things,¡± Thorn agreed. ¡°By the way, Vonn is doing a remarkably good job as the Ranger trainer, despite her insistence that she would be a poor substitute. That was actually according to Reynard, too.¡±


    ¡°And how is he doing?¡± Galin asked.


    Thorn shrugged. ¡°Honestly, he¡¯s going crazy being immobile, and maybe starting to get a little depressed, too; Midsummer is hard for him every year. We help him get up to the field so he can keep contact with the recruits, but he''s mostly stuck in his cabin, essentially waiting for his leg to grow. There was also some understandable tension between him and Rowani when she started the Regrowth treatment, considering she¡¯s now essentially seventeen years old and why. I think they got past it, though. He should be able to get around slowly, on his own, before long.¡±


    ¡°Mentioning the Rangers, how is our new Beastmaster doing?¡± Xera asked. ¡°It¡¯s been nearly two weeks now. Has she reached Bronze? Is she close?¡±


    ¡°I talked to her this morning,¡± Thorn said, swallowing his bite. ¡°Jesca will certainly hit Silver next week with her Ranger class, and I have no doubt she¡¯ll reach Gold before we¡¯re through, if she continues at this pace. She¡¯s incredibly driven. Her Beastmaster progression is progressing quickly, as well. She¡¯s at IRON.930 as of this morning, and yesterday she was at IRON.838, so steady progress, and I suspect she¡¯ll reach Bronze early next week, as well, possibly even Secondday morning. She¡¯d really like to go faster, but we don¡¯t know anything about this class, so we can¡¯t properly challenge her. As it is, when she¡¯s not working her Ranger studies, she¡¯s talking to the animals or practicing with her whips, or even working with the Unicorn on taming her, with the help of the Herdmaster. She¡¯s actually getting fairly skilled with the whips, from what I can tell, and has developed her own interesting style with a whip in one hand and a shortsword or dagger in the other, pulling the target close or entangling it so she can skewer it.¡±


    ¡°She can speak with the animals, even at Iron?¡± Xera asked, surprise in their voice.


    Thorn shook his head. ¡°I misspoke. She can only send and receive empathic feelings right now, just like the Druids when they first receive the skill. She should be able to talk to them verbally and receive thoughts telepathically at Bronze, though, if it follows Druid progression.¡±


    ¡°Did I see the Unicorn with a saddle?¡± Galin asked. ¡°Isn¡¯t she too young to be a mount?¡±


    ¡°Jesca and the Herdmaster are essentially training Artemis like a curvax,¡± Thorn said, ¡°even though she¡¯ll be larger than one in the end. They get light training saddles even at this age. She won¡¯t be able to carry Jesca for a few months, at least, although Callie and the Goblins are light enough.¡±


    "What kind of name is ¡®Artemis¡¯,¡± the Legate scoffed. ¡°Or Loki, for that matter. Crazy Callie names.¡±


    ¡°I like it. It seems ¡­ regal,¡± Xera said, shrugging their shoulders. ¡°Apparently it is named after a goddess in her world. A goddess of the wilderness or some such.¡±


    ¡°I thought they didn¡¯t have gods?¡± Thorn said. ¡°Just like here.¡±


    ¡°They are just myths and stories,¡± Xera replied. ¡°Just like here.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    The conversation was interrupted by the call of three short horn blasts in the distance, which then repeated a second time. The conversation cut short, and the officers looked at each other, confusion on their faces.


    ¡°Are we expecting anyone today?¡± Galin asked.


    ¡°Not that I¡¯ve been informed of,¡± Xera said, their face still perplexed.


    Then, the trio of sounds called out again, this time repeating in a more-insistent manner. It was joined by the long, slow drone of the deep-sounding alarm horn. That meant they were under attack!


    ¡°Go!¡± Xera yelled, pointing to the Legate. ¡°I¡¯ll be right behind.¡±


    Not waiting for further instruction, the Elf bolted for the door, grabbing his sword belt from where he¡¯d set it down. Thorn followed right on his heels, while Xera leapt to run into their office. They needed their own helmet and sword.


    ¡°The attack horn!¡± Kyra shouted as she opened the door, worry on her face, and then dodged aside as she was nearly bowled over by the Legate.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡¯ Galin said, stopping to help Kyra steady herself.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Go! And be careful!¡±


    ¡°We will!¡± The Legate replied. He turned towards the door, following after Thorn, and then spun. Placing a hand on either side of Kyra¡¯s face, Galin gave the Elf a quick kiss. ¡°It will be fine,¡± he added in a low, reassuring voice. ¡°Please assist the commandant with their sword, if you would,¡± he added, before sprinting out the door.


    <hr>


    Thorn and Galin raced towards the north gate, other soldiers seeming to emerge out of nowhere to join the rush. Again, the low drone of the horn sounded, alerting the entirety of the camp that there was an attack incoming.


    ¡°Who would be stupid enough to attack here?¡± Thorn asked the Legate as they ran.


    ¡°Someone with a death wish, apparently. They are in for a shock.¡±


    Reaching the bottom of the gate¡¯s lookout, Galin climbed as fast as he could, Thorn right behind. At its top, the Elf guard was still blowing the trio of blasts and another guard, a Dwarf, blew into the big horn again.


    ¡°Enough, you have our attention. Report!¡± Galin demanded.


    ¡°Rider approaching, sir!¡± the guard with the smaller horn snapped in return.


    ¡°Just one? You sounded the attack!¡±


    ¡°Look, sir!¡± the Dwarf said quickly, handing the Legate the spyglass. ¡°I thought you might want everyone.¡±


    Snatching it, Galin closed one eye and peered through it with his other. Just as the guard had said, a sole rider was coming at a slow gallop. But then the wind caught and the banner he carried fluttered. It was a deep red, with a golden eight-point star. The colors of the King!


    ¡°The King¡¯s herald?¡± Galin said with a questioning inflection as he handed Thorn the looking glass. ¡°He¡¯s coming reasonably hard, too. Maybe two kilometers out.¡± Then he looked down at the Dwarf. ¡°We probably didn¡¯t need the attack horn, but I admire your enthusiasm and the warning, all the same. Good thinking.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sorry sir.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, we¡¯ll call it an exercise.¡±


    Galin started down the ladder, sliding most of the way to the ground. He started pointing directions. ¡°Form up! There is a herald from the King coming. Everyone in ranks! Either side of the gate.¡± He then looked skywards. ¡°Sprites, find Corporal Vanis and get him here with all immediate haste! He should be on the field, possibly eating lunch. Go!¡± As if shot from a cannon, their ¡®goodbyes¡¯ fading away in a receding doppler, four Sprites poured on the magic and raced towards the field, streaks of colored energy fading behind them.


    ¡°You think he wants the Prince?¡± Thorn asked, having reached the ground as well.


    ¡°I have no idea, but I thought it best that he be available when the rider arrives. With the speed he¡¯s coming, I have a feeling it¡¯s something important.¡±


    It took a few seconds for the assembled dozen or so soldiers to fall into rank on either side of the gate entrance. While ostensibly a ceremonial display, it also put them in ready position should there be a problem. Galin observed, notating mentally those that seemed a little lax on their discipline, and he¡¯d pass that along to the Major to address. Still, as a whole, they fell into line quickly and stood smartly, likely in part due to who was coming.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Xera asked, running to join, now wearing their sword and helmet.


    ¡°Herald of the King,¡± Galin muttered, a touch of bitter attitude in his voice. ¡°Just a single rider, coming hard, though. The lookout was ¡­ enthusiastic.¡±


    ¡°A good drill, nonetheless. We should fetch the Prince,¡± Xera suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already sent Sprites.¡±


    ¡°One Kilometer!¡± a voice called down from abover, distant sound of hoofbeats now able to be heard.


    Quickly, Galin walked through the line of soldiers, shoring up two or three to straighten the formation, before taking up a commanding position, the Commandant to his right and Thorn to his left, both one step back. While Xera was in general command of the facility, military issues and operations fell to the shoulders of the Legate, and the Commandant deferred charge of the situation to him. Swallowing hard, Galin wondered why the King¡¯s herald would be coming unannounced. As much as he tried to fight it, his mind spun with increasingly dire scenarios, worried that Juniper¡¯s ability to find Symbiotes or Callie¡¯s origin had somehow left the walls.


    The distant sound of fast hoofbeats grew louder, and from the tower the guard called down, ¡°Thirty seconds!¡± The way for the rider was clear. The gate, in fact, was usually kept open, since the camp was so remote and the risk was so minimal. The wall actually didn¡¯t even encircle the entire camp, since it was open to the field and the forest beyond. It was more designed to provide a barrier against the road should it be needed, and it had in fact never been needed.


    The curvax and its rider tore through the gate and quickly slowed to a stop. The Elven rider looked around, seeing the receiving lines of nervous soldiers, before noticing the Legate and others.


    ¡°You! Hold this for a moment,¡± he said sharply, handing the banner to one of the soldiers. The nervous Fairy, unsure what to do, simply took the pole, swallowing as she looked up at the fluttering royal banner. The rider then swung down from the saddle.


    ¡°My curvax is injured. I applied light healing, but she needs further treatment,¡± the rider said tersely as he retook the banner. ¡°Someone see to her. Right rear flank; a crushing attack.¡±


    ¡°See to it. Take it to the Herdmaster,¡± the Legate ordered with a snap, pointing two fingers at the line. Immediately, two soldiers fell from formation, taking the offered reigns.


    Carrying the makeshift pole and its flag, the newcomer started walking towards Galin and the others. He was another Elf, and carried himself with a very strong command presence, despite being outfitted with only the lightest of leather travel armor. He was trying to look like a simple courier, and this was definitely no courier.


    The newcomer was about to speak, when the thundering sound of hoofbeats approached from within the camp. Eyes turned to see another curvax riding hard, dirt and grass being flung into the air behind it. Mounted on its back, appearing to hold on for dear life, was Vanis. The pair screeched to a stop, sliding well over a meter across the ground. Vanis slid from the curvax¡¯s back, stumbling but using the animal to steady himself.


    The Warlock approached the officers, as behind him, the curvax wobbled, assuming the form of Tazrok, who quickly stepped up behind Vanis, looking both concerned and intimidating.


    The herald saw Vanis approaching, and was just about to say something, but the hulking form of an Ogre suddenly appearing behind the Prince shocked him momentarily.


    ¡°Captain Huvaen?¡± Vanis asked. ¡°I am surprised to see you. Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°Well met, Sire!¡± Huvaen replied, forcing himself past the shock of seeing Tazrok and pounding a fist to his chest with a slight bow. ¡°I am tasked by your father to deliver a cipher with all haste to your hands alone, but that is not the most-pressing issue and it can wait.¡±


    ¡°What is wrong?¡± Vanis asked, a worried look on his face.


    ¡°I was attacked on the way here by a large number of Stone Elementals. The road to the village is not safe.¡±


    ¡°What? Where!¡± Legate Galin demanded.


    Huvaen looked at Vanis for direction.


    ¡°Go ahead, Captain. Legate Galin is in military command here,¡± Vanis then glanced at the Legate. ¡°The Captain is in the Imperial Guard, and answers only to the royal family.¡± Turning back to Huvaen, Vanis ordered, ¡°Captain, I also place you in the Legate¡¯s charge for the time being.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sire.¡±


    ¡°Explain!¡± Galin ordered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how far down the road, as I largely came overland, but there is a large outcropping of rocks, with the road passing through it. I was attacked by several Stone Elementals, at least a dozen. Likely Greater Elementals, as they were able to summon stones and boulders to throw at me. My curvax was struck, as was I.¡±


    ¡°Are you injured?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°I applied a healing spell to us both. What hit me was fairly small, so additional care can wait for now,¡± Huvaen said, wincing slightly at the reminder of his injury. He turned back to the Legate. ¡°The village must be warned not to send anyone through until the threat has been eradicated. You have a Scryer to send that message, yes?¡±


    ¡°We do,¡± the Legate confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°That outcropping is about twenty kilometers away, overland,¡± Xera said. ¡°Perhaps a little farther.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to assemble a team,¡± Galin snapped, looking skyward, ¡°and get moving quickly if we want to deal with this before we lose the light to dusk.¡±


    Master Trainer Thorn stepped up, placing his hand on the Legate¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This is a training opportunity. Corporal Vanis, as you are standing right here, the task falls to you. I place you in charge of this mission.¡±


    ¡°That is the Prince you are addressing!¡± Huvaen snapped sharply. ¡°You would dare so casually send him into battle?¡±


    Vanis sighed. ¡°Stand down, Captain. Here I am only a recruit. Seasoned veterans will assist.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°I said ¡®stand down¡¯.¡±


    Thorn nodded subtly to Vanis in thanks for diffusing the situation quickly. Ignoring the Captain, Thorn asked, ¡°Sergeant, how would you like to proceed?¡±

 Chapter 49 Part 2 - Getting There

    PART II - GETTING THERE


    Galin dismissed his assembled troops, ordering one of them to return Huvaen¡¯s banner to his saddlebags, which would be with his curvax at the stables. He then sent a second soldier to the training fields to inform everyone the attack warning was a false alarm. From there, the Legate left to see the Scryers, so that a warning could be sent to Meadowglade to not send anything eastwards until the threat was dealt with.


    Xera directed Thorn and Vanis, along with the Captain, to their office building where there were maps available and a quieter place for everyone to strategize. Tazrok followed along, asking if he could observe and Thorn, thinking it would be a good experience for him, agreed.


    ¡°There is an Ogre Druid here?¡± Captain Huvaen said quietly to Vanis. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that was possible.¡±


    ¡°Him? Captain, he is likely the least strange thing about this place.¡± Vanis said with a chuckle. Then he gestured to someone approaching. ¡°As if to make my point,¡± he said, before quickly adding in firm warning, ¡°Be nothing but polite to her!¡±


    ¡°Vanis? Is everything alright?¡± Juniper asked, running up to the group as they walked, Loki riding high on her shoulders, face to the wind like a happy dog leaning out a car window. ¡°You rode off so quickly, and then someone said that the long horn sound indicated the camp was under attack. The trainers made everyone stay, but I snuck away.¡±


    ¡°There is no attack,¡± Vanis replied.


    ¡°Ahh, I see,¡± the Dryad said, noticeably relieved. Then she glanced at the newcomer. ¡°Who is this?¡±


    ¡°This is Captain Huvaen of the Imperial Guard, and he encountered Stone Elementals on his journey here. Captain, this is Juniper, Floramancer-in-training and Warden of this region, and a dear friend.¡±


    ¡°Uh, g-g-good to meet you,¡± Huvaen replied, his face looking confused.


    Juniper fluttered her eyes momentarily. ¡°I sense no Elementals in my domain, only a very small Rift forming in a cave. It is quite small, and I don¡¯t believe it will manifest anything before it heals.¡±


    ¡°This may be outside of your vision, Recruit,¡± Xera called back. ¡°The rock outcropping where they are located is at least twenty kilometers to the northwest of your tree. Follow along and we¡¯ll look at the maps.¡±


    ¡°Will this be like the Bogwump nest?¡± the Dryad asked. ¡°If so, I wish to fight this time as well.¡± Juniper scrunched her face into a defiant look, Loki placing his vine-hands on his hips, also trying to look defiant.


    ¡°We will see,¡± Vanis said coolly, placing his hand on her arm. ¡°But, keep close with us, we may need your advice.¡±


    <hr>


    Vanis looked at the maps laid out on the table. There were two that Kyra had replicated, the first showing the area around the camp for several kilometers, including marks indicating Juniper¡¯s tree. The second map was a different scale, and much less detailed, but showed the winding road between the camp and Meadowglade, with a few landmarks indicated.


    ¡°This is where they were,¡± Huvaen said, pointing at the map where there was a mark indicating the rocky formation.


    ¡°We should have gone around it when we marked that road,¡± Galin said with a chuckle, having just joined everyone after his detour to the Scryers.


    ¡°There was a gap through, so there was no need,¡± Xera replied. ¡°Besides, it would have made the trek at least two or three hours longer for a Korrox team.¡±


    ¡°How do we get people out there?¡± Vanis asked. ¡°Do we have enough curvax to send a force.¡±


    Galin shook his head. ¡°Only two. We really don¡¯t have much need. We have several korrox, but while they are strong, they are also small and not fast at all. They wouldn¡¯t be much help.¡±


    ¡°What about the wagon?¡±


    ¡°We could use it, but it¡¯s not designed to be fast either, and is pulled by a team of the korrox. Same with the old prisoner wagon.¡±


    ¡°Blast!¡± Vanis snarled. ¡°The Druids and the Shamans would be the only ones that could make it in a reasonable time.¡± He looked up at Tazrok. ¡°Perhaps the Druids could carry someone?¡±


    ¡°Hard run with someone on back, if go fast,¡± Tazrok said, gesturing to the map. ¡°I could do, but not others.¡±


    ¡°Multiple Druids? How many Druids do you have?¡± Huvaen asked.


    ¡°Five,¡± Vanis said, concentrating as he leaned over the table. ¡°Most are trainees, though. Same with the Shamans.¡±


    ¡°Kyra!¡± the Commandant called out at the same time they pushed the button under the table, ringing the bell that called their assistant.


    ¡°Yes?¡± the Elf said, appearing in the doorway.


    ¡°Send for Rowani and Maugra, if you would.¡±


    ¡°Right away,¡± Kyra replied, closing the door. She would call on Sprites to deliver the orders.


    ¡°You want them?¡± Galin asked, a little unsure. While it had been nearly two weeks, there was still tension remaining due to the two of them drinking the unicorn blood. While the official word still remained that it was the Army¡¯s decision, nobody really believed that, and everyone knew the demoted Callie was somehow involved. The resulting rumors about what the real story was were generally correct. In turn, attitudes were still quite cold to the two now-young trainers. Callie, on the other hand, had been largely forgiven, owing to her ¡®memory loss¡¯ and the belief she didn¡¯t know any better, which in a way, was true.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Xera shrugged. ¡°Maugra has experience with Elementals, and both her and Rowani¡¯s expertise from their Adventuring days is extensive. Rowani also flies faster than Tazrok if we need her to scout. Legate, they may be young now, but they still have a lifetime of knowledge.¡± Then they added. ¡°We need to move past it. They are an Army resource.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Legate replied, almost in a grumble.


    ¡°Young now?¡± Huvaen whispered to Vanis.


    ¡°Shhh,¡± Vanis hushed back.


    It took only a few minutes, and soon the loud flapping of wings could be heard settling in for a landing outside, followed shortly by footsteps and Kyra opening the door. ¡°Trainers Rowani and Maugra,¡± the assistant announced.


    ¡°What is the emergency?¡± Rowani asked, her tail swishing high in nervous excitement as she jogged in, Maugra right behind her..


    ¡°She¡¯s just a kid!¡± Captain Huvaen said to Vanis, his whisper loud enough to carry. ¡°How could she have extensive knowledge on anything?¡±


    ¡°I said ¡®quiet¡¯, Captain,¡± Vanis growled in annoyance.


    After being introduced as the mission Sergeant, Vanis quickly brought the two trainers up to speed on the situation. Gesturing to the maps, he specifically reviewed the vexing problem of getting to the location quickly with the two trainers.


    ¡°I could handle a rider for maybe ten kilometers at a fast run,¡± Rowani said, scratching her head in contemplation, ¡°or a small race a little farther. But for travel, the other Druids are all smaller forms, except Tazrok. Melga and Bratig are both Drimlings, and they are barely a meter tall with almost no carrying ability. Wallir is a little larger, but still limited.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll need me there,¡± Maugra added, gesturing to the map. ¡°If these just appeared, then there¡¯s a decently sized Rift of some kind nearby, which I can drain and close. Cheena could do it as well, but I¡¯m more skilled, as I¡¯m sure she¡¯s never done it before. If we don¡¯t close it, though, more Elementals will just continue to spawn until it heals on its own, which will make fighting all the more dangerous. If they were large enough to summon and throw boulders, then that big of a Rift will last for several days, if not over a week. If I can relieve the pressure and seal it, any smaller Elementals should all fall quickly as the magic disperses, and we can eliminate the larger ones. At least, those that remain close to the road.¡±


    There was a long silence as everyone stared at the maps, the problems seeming to compound upon themselves.


    ¡°Ideas, people!¡± Xera snapped, clapping their hand on the table and jolting everyone back to the issue. ¡°I want to get this Rift closed quickly, and I want that road made passable!¡±


    ¡°I guess we just put a group together and do a forced march,¡± Vanis said, having no other ideas. ¡°We could probably make it close in about four hours, plus time to prepare, but once we arrive, everyone will be exhausted. We can camp close tonight and strike first thing in the morning when we have the light. We¡¯ll need a larger force, though, since they will keep spawning all night.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it? That¡¯s the best idea we have?¡± Xera asked incredulously. ¡°Damn!¡±


    Galin sighed and thumped the table in disappointed resignation. ¡°We can unload the wagon and everyone can ride in it, at least. That will save some walking, although it will take even longer to get there, so you¡¯ll still need to make camp until morning.¡±


    ¡°I can pull in draft form,¡± Tazrok said, volunteering. ¡°No need for korrox.¡± Then he added, ¡°But Brontorn pull slow. Won¡¯t arrive in time before dark.¡±


    ¡°There has to be another way,¡± Thorn said, as disappointed as the Legate.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see it,¡± Vanis said, gesturing helplessly at the maps..


    ¡°You need a strategist Gnome, is what you need. They can find crazy solutions for nearly anything,¡± the Captain said with a laugh. He looked up as all eyes slowly turned to him. ¡°What did I say?¡±


    ¡°We just so happen to have a Gnome,¡± Vanis said suggestively, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Should we see what she comes up with?¡± he asked the room.


    ¡°Kyra!¡±


    <hr>


    Word had filtered up that the attack signal had been a false alarm, allowing everyone to return to training. Now, Callie was casually shooting down the range as Vonn took a moment to review something one-on-one with Shul¡¯an. As the arrow left her bow, Jesca snapped out her whip, intent on deflecting it in midair. She¡¯d been trying for three days now with almost no success, only managing to hit the projectile twice, likely by luck rather than skill. The Beastmaster was convinced that if she could master such an action, not only would she blow well past Bronze with her new class, but it would significantly improve her whip capabilities. The whip fell limply, having missed the arrow, and Jesca growled in irritation.


    A flash of light drew Callie¡¯s attention. It was a Sprite coming in with full magical afterburners, making a beeline for Vonn. He stopped by the Lamia¡¯s head, saying something, before zipping off into the sky with a fading ¡®goodbye¡¯.


    ¡°I wonder what that¡¯s about?¡± Callie mumbled to Jesca.


    ¡°No idea,¡± the Catkin replied with a grump as she recoiled her whip.


    As if in response, Vonn took her leave from Shul¡¯an and slithered towards Callie.


    ¡°Your presenccce hasss been ordered at the Commandant¡¯sss officcce immediately. Go! Now!¡±


    Callie swallowed and stored her bow into the stone in her belly. ¡°Uh, okay?¡±


    ¡°Ooo! Ride Artemis!¡± Jesca suggested. ¡°She¡¯s been wanting an excuse to run. You¡¯ll get there faster.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Callie asked warily. ¡°Is she sure, I should ask. I know I¡¯m small enough that she can hold me, but we haven¡¯t gone very fast.¡±


    As if on cue, the Unicorn rose from where she was laying in the shelter and walked over to Callie, nuzzling her ear.


    ¡°She said she¡¯s ready,¡± Jesca said, shrugging. ¡°She¡¯ll walk back on her own once you¡¯re there.¡±


    ¡°Okayyyyy,¡± Callie said warily. She patted the unicorn before putting her foot into the stirrup and pulling herself into the lightweight training saddle. Artemis started forward at a walk, and Callie worked to get herself centered. Before long, the walk turned into a slow trot, Callie bouncing randomly as an inexperienced rider, but getting a few waves and cheers from the other recruits and trainers as she rode past, waving in return.


    <hr>


    ¡°Is ¡­ Is that a Gnome riding on a tiny unicorn?¡± Captain Huvaen gasped as he looked out the window a couple minutes later.


    Vanis casually glanced out the same window, seeing the sight. ¡°Huh, I guess it is. Callie appears to be an absolutely dreadful rider, though.¡±


    ¡°She is, at that. Quite dreadful,¡± Xera agreed with a laugh, watching the bouncing Gnome.


    Huvaen made a truly boggled expression, looking around the table, unable to understand the nonchalant attitude of the officers and trainers. ¡°A unicorn?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Bonded Companion of our Beastmaster,¡± Rowani said, staring at the map and making a dismissive wave. Then she looked up at the Captain and grinned. ¡°Just another day around here.¡±


    A half-minute later, Kyra opened the door. ¡°Recruit Callie, as you requested.¡±


    ¡°Hi everyone! I came as fast as Artemis and I dared to go,¡± Callie said, before grousing under her breath, ¡°although now my butt¡¯s sore.¡± She then brightened. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°We need your help to kill some rocks,¡± Vanis said coolly, with a quirk of a smile on his face.


    ¡°Kill rocks?¡±


    ¡°Rocks that throw rocks back at you,¡± Thorn added.


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡± Callie droned, not quite sure what to make of things.


    ¡°Big rocks,¡± Tazrok added to that, holding his giant hands apart.


    ¡°What do you want me to do? Blow them up?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Thorn said, ¡°but we also need to get there quickly, and that¡¯s where we need your help. Come, help us Callie up a solution.¡±


    ¡°Great, I¡¯m a verb now,¡± Callie muttered to herself. She looked up. ¡°Sure, fill me in on what¡¯s going on.¡±

 Chapter 49 Part 3 - Travel Agency

    PART III - TRAVEL AGENCY


    Callie scrunched up her eyes in near disbelief, hand on her face. ¡°Let me see if I have this straight. We need to go close a magical Rift that is creating rock monsters, and the longer it takes the more rock monsters there will be, and in the meantime we¡¯re cut off from Meadowglade.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Xera said.


    ¡°And we don¡¯t have enough mounts for people to ride, and only one Druid that can carry anyone the whole way quickly, while using the transport cart will be too slow.¡± She glanced out the window. ¡°And we¡¯d need to attack in the next, maybe, five hours or so to have enough light left, otherwise we realistically need to wait until tomorrow, unless everyone has Darkvision, which isn¡¯t likely. That¡¯s bad, because more rock monsters will emerge from this Rift thing during the night, so we really need to address this quickly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s also correct,¡± Vanis confirmed.


    Callie stared at the two maps in front of her, lining them both roughly up with each other, even though the scale was off. From what it looked like, the forest extended to a point only a few kilometers from the rock formation, the road winding around it to the north. From there, it was essentially open fields the rest of the way.


    ¡°How many people are needed for this fight?¡± Callie asked.


    Nobody was quite sure, but Maugra recommended a sizable force just to be sure. Ten to twelve was chosen as a general target, under the assumption that there would be a lot of Elementals, but maybe more if there were delays.


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you have anyone in camp that knows teleport magic?¡± Callie asked with a flippant laugh. She wasn¡¯t seeing a way to get people moved quickly, and time was ticking to make it before night would threaten.


    ¡°Sorry, no Astralists here,¡± Xera said. ¡°They are incredibly, incredibly rare, and there hasn¡¯t been a need.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m sure you can¡¯t carry anyone through the trees,¡± Callie mumbled to Juniper, again being flippant, her thoughts just spilling out in a random stream.


    ¡°Of course I can,¡± the Dryad said.


    You wouldn¡¯t have needed Gnome ears to have heard a pin drop as all eyes turned to the Sylvan.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Callie asked quietly.


    ¡°Yes, I believe I could carry up to two people with me.¡±


    ¡°And why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Callie snarled, throwing her arms out.


    ¡°You wished to move many people, so I did not think it important.¡±


    Callie took a calming breath, resisting the urge to wring her green friend¡¯s neck on general principle. ¡°Okay, you can take two people. Could you bring them here?¡± She pointed to the edge of the forest, as close as possible to both the road and the Elementals.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Juniper nodded, her voice chirpy. ¡°I could even bring up to four, if they are all smaller races.¡±


    ¡°Hang on. So how many people you can carry is based on how much everybody weighs in total?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Callie took another irritated breath, now imagining additional potential ways to wring Juniper¡¯s neck. An idea was starting to form, though, and slowly narrowing her eyes, she asked, ¡°What if someone was holding a Druid or Shaman in one of their small forms, like a Druid¡¯s stealth form. Does that count as something tiny or as what their size is normally.¡±


    ¡°They would only be as big as their transformed animal, so I could probably take more if they were held by someone.¡±


    A bit of a rumble went around the room, as people started to feel the situation changing. Callie quickly held up a hand. She didn¡¯t want anyone to derail Juniper. Slowly and carefully she asked, ¡°How many times can you do this quickly?¡±


    The Dryad scrunched up her face. ¡°I would need to go from here to my tree, and then from there to the final destination. As a result, I am able to only make two complete trips. I could only take people out, and then return. After that, I must rest. I¡¯ve been working on improving my Heartwood tree so I may use its power more often, but trees do take time to grow and change.¡±


    ¡°Last question,¡± Callie asked, still wording everything carefully, making sure Juniper didn¡¯t misunderstand anything. ¡°How quickly, after you took people out and came back, could you take another group out?¡±


    ¡°With how I¡¯ve grown my tree, about one hour now, perhaps a little less.¡±


    Callie tapped the pencil to her cheek as she slid to the floor and started to pace, Xera urging everyone out of her way as they smiled, recognizing that Callie had shifted into strategizing-mode.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the Major?¡± Callie asked, looking around the room and really noticing for the first time the officer was absent, having just assumed she¡¯d be here for any mission planning like this. ¡°She might be helpful.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d assume she¡¯s up on the field,¡± the Legate said. ¡°But now that you mention her, she didn¡¯t come when the attack horn sounded.¡±Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Kyra?¡± Xera called out as they reached under the table.


    The door opened. ¡°Yes, Commandant?¡±


    ¡°Could you ask a Sprite to retrieve the Major? She should be on the training field.¡±


    ¡°She isn¡¯t here. She went into Meadowglade with the shipment Quartermaster Baelneis was taking, as one of her guards.¡± Kyra glanced at the Captain, before adding, ¡°That important shipment. They should be back by midday tomorrow with return supplies. That¡¯s why the Bunkerball game was moved to the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Callie gasped as a sudden dread overtook the room. ¡°How long ago did they leave?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyra said. ¡°Two or three hours, perhaps? I saw Quartermaster Baelneis around ten, so they left sometime after that.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Hell,¡± Legate snarled. ¡°We need a real plan so someone can warn them. Can Juniper intercept?¡±


    ¡°Hang on!¡± Callie snapped. ¡°Let me figure this out.¡±


    For a half moment, Galin was about to rebuke Callie at being cut off, but then he saw her deep in thought, seeming to draw rapidly in the air with her pencil, and held back.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t see them on the road?¡± Vanis asked the Captain as they all watched Callie do whatever she was doing.


    ¡°I mostly came overland. I must have ridden around them.¡±


    Vanis snarled in frustration, before focusing back on the Gnome.


    Callie paced as she drew, trying to run all the permutations in her head. In her mind, she saw the transport slots Juniper would have, and started shoving different people into each of them, trying to build as large a team as she could, given the several constraints. Since Vanis was leading, he needed to be present for sure, unless someone else took over for him. He may not be the most-optimal choice against non-living Elementals, but at least his summoned Demons would be a useful distraction, if nothing else, and his threat suppression aura would help keep the ranged from being bombarded. She focused the other openings on the four-role tactics.


    Guardians. She only had one slot for a non-shapeshifting normal-sized person, and the Major wasn¡¯t available. Callie needed Tazrok for something else, so who could fill the role? Koda maybe? Possibly one of the Bladedancers? Actually, one of Bratig¡¯s forms was literally called a Rockjaw, and his Guardian form was naturally armored in addition to having a smashy, spiked tail. That would work and not use the large-person slot, since he could be carried. The rest of the Druids would be there, too, also carried by someone, so some could go Guardian if need be. By that token, Vanis¡¯s Fiends were sort of throw-away Guardians, or at least a meaty shield.


    Strikers. Fighting with swords seemed pointless against rock monsters, so the Duelists were all out. But the Bladeweavers could slice through anything and blow things up from short range. Perfect for rocks! Without the Major, there was a space for a regular sized person; so take one of the Bladeweaver students? No, best not to screw around, so take Olin. She didn¡¯t know if there was a limit on the number of trainers, but neither Xera nor Thorn said anything, so he was perfect. Pixyl as another Striker, then, since she was small and could go with the second wave. If more Strikers were needed, again there were Druids and whatever Vanis called forth.


    Healers. Lots of them were available already. Between Druids and Shamans, that should be covered. Maybe one Combat Healer to help with pain? If there was room, it would need to be someone small, so Ambria or Tasi.


    Ranged. She should go for sure, her layered arrows could blow things up with a Piercing Burst Shot. Plus, Juniper would be there, and she had plant options, while the Shamans could unleash Elemental-magic hell. Which Shamans? Maugra needed to go for sure, to seal the rift. Should they take Lhawni? One of the Goblin guys? Better to not mess around. If Cheena came along, she could handle the rift if Maugra wasn¡¯t able to for some reason, and would be able to be carried.. Maybe also bring Lhawni primarily as a healer? Her only animal form wasn¡¯t much smaller than she normally was, so couldn¡¯t be carried by someone.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a plan,¡± Callie finally said after less than a minute, seeming to push her invisible air-writing out of the way. ¡°Juniper, tell me if you could do exactly what I say.¡±


    The Dryad nodded in rapt attention.


    ¡°I need you to take two groups to this point.¡± Callie jabbed on the map. ¡°The first wave is Vanis, since he¡¯s the Sergeant, and Trainer Olin, and they will be carrying Bratig and Trainer Rowani in their smallest forms. Could you transport that many?¡±


    ¡°I believe so, yes,¡± Juniper confirmed with a sharp nod, Loki mimicking her confidence.


    ¡°Good. As soon as you drop them off, you get back here so you can recharge for the next group. That wave will be Pixyl, me, and Lhawni. We¡¯re going to be carrying Wallir, Melga, Maugra and Cheena in their tiniest forms. If you think you could take another small race, then we can add either Ambria or Healer Tasi.¡±


    The Dryad thought for a moment, Loki striking the same pose, before saying, ¡°I believe I could do that as well.¡±


    ¡°What about Tazrok?¡± Vanis asked. ¡°I¡¯d think we want him for this.¡±


    Callie shook her head, before turning to the Ogre. ¡°Tazrok, you will run the Major and Quartermaster down and stop them before they get to the rocks. Your curvax form is fast as hell over long distances, faster than one of the camp¡¯s would be with a rider. You could sprint all the way to the Elementals without tiring, if you needed to, right? Especially on the road?¡±


    The Ogre nodded. ¡°Yes. Can run long ways, very fast, as curvax.¡±


    ¡°Good! You should be able to catch them quickly, then.¡±


    ¡°I could fly to them,¡± Rowani suggested, then demurred. ¡°Actually, fifteen kilometers or more at a sprint could be a bit taxing. I have great speed to maybe eight kilometers, maybe ten, but not the endurance of Tazrok¡¯s Curvax form, even after my change.¡±


    ¡°That was my thinking, too,¡± Callie said. ¡°I¡¯ve got something for you to do when you get there, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d still want Tazrok for the fight,¡± Vanis said flatly. ¡°He¡¯s just too useful against things we may need to smash.¡±


    Tazrok grinned at the compliment.


    Callie nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve got you covered.¡± Then she turned to Rowani. ¡°When you arrive with the first group, you go bird form and fly back along the road to meet Tazrok at the wagon. I¡¯d guess they¡¯ll be fairly close to you by that point unless the Major and Baelneis have really been taking their time. Then lead him back to everyone else.¡± Callie looked back to Vanis. ¡°While she does that, Bratig can use his flight form to scout out the Elementals. He just needs to stay out of range of any attacks.¡±


    Callie turned to Xera and Galin. ¡°That would make an attacking force of thirteen or fourteen people, depending on the Combat Healer, in a little over an hour, plus prep time and any extra time needed to retrieve Tazrok. Does that work?¡±


    There was a quiet silence before Thorn whistled slowly. ¡°That was one-hundred twenty eight seconds, from when she told the Legate to shut up and let her think.¡±


    ¡°Who won?¡± Maugra asked.


    Shaking his head slowly in disbelief, Thorn gestured to Xera. ¡°The Commandant said ¡®under three minutes¡¯. Rowani was next with under five.¡±


    ¡°I trust you all to pay up by the end of the day tomorrow, once you¡¯ve returned,¡± Xera said smugly, winking at Callie. ¡°Corporal Vanis, Corporal Tazrok, we¡¯ll work out a suitable substitute for coin. Fifteen minutes? Truly, your Majesty, what were you thinking?¡±

 Chapter 50 Part 1 - Advanced Forces

    PART I - ADVANCED FORCES


    The final plan and mission members ultimately changed very little from what Callie initially proposed.  The only change was for Maugra to go in with the first wave, rather than Bratig.  Callie¡¯s initial thinking was that, because he was naturally armored in Guardian form, Bratig was the safer choice on the chance there was combat before the second wave could join.  Maugra countered with her own justification for going first, which was simply that she had more experience with Elementals and the Rifts that created them.  Thus, she would serve as a better scout than the Druid would, and being able to determine exactly where the Rift was would ultimately save time.  For defense concerns, she added that she could use her own Totem-summoned Earth Elemental as a Guardian in a pinch if she was back, and Vanis also had his Fiends.  Callie deferred the decision to Vanis, admittingly not knowing very much about the Shaman Elementals, while Rowani worriedly made Maugra promise to stay out of range of any hurled boulders.


    That roster change settled, Vanis took to his Sergeant duties, coordinating with Kyra to send Sprites that would retrieve the rest of the mission party.  The summons included instructions to get fully armed and armored and proceed directly to a muster point outside of the provisioning building.  Ambria was ultimately chosen as the alternate Combat Healer, and Juniper felt confident she¡¯d be able to carry her with the rest of the second-wave as well.


    Pixyl arrived at Ogre House soon after Callie, Tazrok and Vanis, not really needing to change any of her armor, except to swap into heavier boots.  She also wanted to use the facilities before things started getting crazy.  Callie, for her part, had done the same, before needing to switch out the Ranger fedora for her regular helmet, and exchanging her dull training swords for sharpened combat blades.  They were part of the gear, even if not likely to help against rocks.


    Tazrok also took the time to use the little Ogre¡¯s room before donning his own helmet and strapping a trio of Ironwood daggers to his leg.  Well, what he called daggers were more like short swords to most, and almost the length of Callie¡¯s longer blade.  The daggers, being made of a natural material, allowed him to shape change with them, unlike if he¡¯d been using steel blades.  Unfortunately, Ironwood wasn¡¯t nearly as strong as steel, so they¡¯d tend to wear or break much faster.  With his part of the mission being time sensitive, Tazrok then took his leave so he could outfit his potions and start running down the road to catch the Major and Quartermaster.


    ¡°What are we fighting?¡± Pixyl asked as the door closed, while she worked on lacing her boots tight.


    ¡°Stone Elementals,¡± Vanis said flatly as he patted himself down, as if trying to determine if he had forgotten anything.  He wore a focused but worried expression on his face.


    Pixyl scoffed.  ¡°Easy, then.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Vanis asked, distracted momentarily by Pixyl blowing off the threat.


    ¡°They have a w-w-weak spot.  I can explain once we¡¯re all together.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, that is good to know,¡± Vanis said, returning to patting himself down, the fretting look still on his face.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°What?  Yes, I believe so.  I just feel like I¡¯m forgetting something and, honestly, I¡¯m feeling a little unprepared for leading this mission.  Captain Huvaen wouldn¡¯t have come this way with a cipher, especially under the cover of being a courier, unless it was something important.  While he said the message can wait, I¡¯m afraid part of me is more than a little distracted with concern.  Still, that is exactly the reason why Thorn gave me this responsibility at this specific moment, and I must focus on the matter at hand.¡±


    Callie smiled, walking over to take the Elf¡¯s hand, gesturing for him to sit on his bunk.  ¡°I totally understand how you¡¯re feeling.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you do,¡± Vanis said with a chuckle.  ¡°You were thrust into the same predicament two weeks ago, weren¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°I was, and when I felt like you are feeling right now, the Sergeant-Major gave me some really good advice that helped me get focused.¡±


    ¡°Oh really?  What was that?¡±


    Grinning, Callie looked Vanis firmly in the eyes.  ¡°Get your shit together!¡±  Then she smacked Vanis lightly on the side of his helmet.


    Vanis grinned in return, accepting the ¡®advice¡¯ in the light spirit it was offered.  ¡°That is actually quite helpful, thank you.  I needed a laugh.¡±


    ¡°I thought it might be,¡± Callie giggled.  Then she got serious.  ¡°She added one more thing, and I think it¡¯s good advice too.  She said that when I eventually fucked up, I needed to focus on the problem, and not let emotions get in the way.  That stuck with me when the Bogwump fight went sideways a couple times.  Deal with the emotion later, focus on the issue now.¡±


    ¡°¡®Went sideways¡¯?  You sometimes have the strangest ways to say things, Calliope Archer, but your words are always unique poetry nonetheless.  I humbly thank you for the inspiration and support.¡±


    ¡°Any time,¡± Callie said, oddly not feeling any irritation towards Vanis for using her full name.


    About ten minutes later, the three arrived at the Provisioning building, having been joined en route by Ambria, Lhawni and Wallir.  Olin was already present, along with the senior officers and Captain Huvaen, deep in conversation.


    ¡°Sergeant!¡± Olin called out, seeing Vanis leading his small group and calling him by his acting rank.


    ¡°Trainer Olin,¡± Vanis replied with a nod, clasping wrists with the Lionkin.  ¡°Thank you for joining us.¡±


    ¡°No trouble at all,¡± Olin replied, his excited grin almost as happy as Koda¡¯s always was.  ¡°Stone Elementals?  This should be interesting.  I¡¯ve never fought them before.¡±


    ¡°Nor I, but I know Trainer Maugra has experience with Elementals, so she¡¯ll be able to brief us all on the needed tactics, I¡¯m sure.¡±  Vanis then gestured towards Pixyl.  ¡°Apparently, the Corporal-Major also has extensive knowledge, and indicated they have a weakness we can exploit.¡±


    ¡°Just destroy the glowing center stone,¡± Pixyl said while stretching an arm casually behind her head to loosen up.  ¡°They¡¯ll f-f-fall apart instantly.  They aren¡¯t that hard to kill.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Olin asked the little Pixie, confused curiosity on his face.  ¡°Please, explain, if you would.¡±


    Pixyl sighed, realizing she¡¯d probably need to do this a few more times.  ¡°I¡¯ve fought them in the past.  They are just made up of a b-b-bunch of random rocks, held together by magic.  In the center is a glowing stone.  Think of it as their heart.  If you destroy that, or separate it from the rest of their body, they die.  Our Ethereal swords go right through it easily enough.  I¡¯m sure Ethereal Blast will be j-j-just as effective.¡±


    ¡°How do you know this?¡± Thorn asked, his face as confused as everyone else''s.  ¡°From Marindine?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.  I¡¯ve fought them many times in the Pits,¡± Pixyl said, nodding.  After the first Demon demonstration, a few details of Pixyl¡¯s past as a veteran pit fighter quickly made their way through the camp, most people in further awe of the tiny Bladeweaver.  Bratig, in particular, was given a new round of grief for who he chose to pick on that first day, and realized that had he not caught her unawares, Pixyl would have completely kicked his ass.


    ¡°Fought them?  Even if true, these are Greater Elementals.  They summon and throw boulders,¡± Captain Huvaen said incredulously.  He¡¯d been briefly warned by Vanis that Pixyl was a melee-oriented Pixie, but was having problems wrapping his head around how she could have battled Stone Elementals.  She was just so tiny.  How could she have survived such a thing?


    ¡°Greater Stone Elementals?¡± Pixyl said nonchalantly.  ¡°You just need to w-w-watch where they throw so you aren¡¯t where it lands.  They can¡¯t summon again for at least fifteen seconds, so that¡¯s you¡¯re opening to get in and destroy the core.¡±


    ¡°Recruit Pixyl, how many times have you fought these?¡± Xera asked, amazed that the Bladeweaver could be so casual about something so dangerous, despite the shows she¡¯d put on demonstrating the Demons.


    ¡°Greater Stone ones?  At least a few dozen times, probably,¡± Pixyl shrugged again.  ¡°Usually in groups of three or f-f-four at a time.  That was as many as our Elementalist could create at once.¡±


    ¡°Well, it appears they are in expert hands, Captain,¡± Legate Galin said with a twinkle in his eyes as he clapped the visitor¡¯s shoulder.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°But ¡­¡± Huvaen gasped, tumbling over his words.  Eventually, all he could blabber out was, ¡°But she¡¯s a Pixie!¡±, gesturing towards her with two hands.


    ¡°Who is this guy?¡± Pixyl sneered, glaring as she looked him up and down.  He didn¡¯t look like much, and honestly, was acting like a bit of an ass.


    ¡°He¡¯s a captain in the Imperial Guard,¡± Vanis muttered.  ¡°Although you wouldn¡¯t know it from his attitude.¡±


    ¡°And she¡¯s probably going to hit Silver tier tomorrow, leveling that far from Iron after only four weeks,¡± Olin added in a growl, defending his recruit.  ¡°A little more respect, if you would, Captain.¡±  Olin added a heavy sneer at spitting out Huvaen¡¯s rank.


    Pixyl just scoffed an implied ¡®whatever¡¯, blowing off the visitor and refocusing on the group in general.  ¡°Just go for the center stone and they will drop like ¡­ well, they¡¯ll drop like rocks.¡±


    ¡°Cool!¡± Callie cheered.  ¡°Sounds simple enough. Tazrok may need to go Hellhound though.  His spider legs may be too thin to stand up to being hit by a thrown boulder.¡±


    Ambria laughed.  ¡°Hellhound form would still be devastating.  Remember what he did to that poor giant eel that was eating Trainer Reynard?¡±


    ¡°Hellhound?¡± Huvaen said, still confused.  ¡°The Ogre?  Surely you jest!¡±


    ¡°Captain, a word, if I may?¡± Vanis growled.  He was getting irritated at Huvaen¡¯s constant interruptions of disbelief and, quite honestly, the effect his incredulous attitude might have on the morale of the other recruits.  Pixyl was happy to laugh any negativity off, and probably Callie too, but the rest of the team didn¡¯t need him constantly second-guessing everything going into an unknown situation.


    ¡°Sire?¡± the captain asked after they had stepped away.


    ¡°Captain, I ask that you only make me say this once.  You need to speak less and withhold your constant negative comments.  Each of the recruits here are well-qualified, easily surpassing the power and skills of many non-officers in the Imperial Guard.  You would do well to treat each of them only with respect.  Many here are unusual, but have proven themselves time and time again.  Yes, we have an Ogre Druid, that Pixie is an incredibly-skilled Bladeweaver, and we even have a Cheetahkin Beastmaster.  Callie, that silly, unicorn-riding Gnome that we just watched plan this entire mission in just over two minutes, is also a Ranger, with aptitude far surpassing her simple Bronze Tier.¡±


    ¡°A Ranger?¡±  Huvaen laughed back at the pink-haired Gnome, currently giggling about something as if she was only ten years old.  ¡°How could she even shoot a bow?¡±


    ¡°Callie?¡± Vanis called out, not breaking eye contact with the Captain.


    ¡°¡®Sup?¡±


    ¡°If you would, summon your bow to show Captain Huvaen.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure, I guess,¡± Callie replied, shrugging.  She snapped out her arm, the magic Heartwood bow appearing in the blink of a moment.


    ¡°Now, she has a bow,¡± Vanis said curtly, not looking at Callie and this time speaking loud enough that everyone could hear.  ¡°So, kindly comport yourself as is fitting a captain in the Imperial Guard, and keep your foolish comments to yourself!  Don¡¯t make this an order.  Do you understand?¡±


    Huvaen swallowed, eyes drawn to the obviously magical bow the Gnome was holding.  ¡°Yes, Sire.¡±


    ¡°Duwana!¡± Vanis hissed in finality.  He didn¡¯t even wait for the response before he turned his back and walked to the rest of the team, his face re-brightening.


    ¡°Apologies for briefly stepping away,¡± Vanis said, pretending he hadn¡¯t just publicly chastised Huvaen.


    ¡°Not a problem,¡± Callie sighed, storing her bow away again.  She had heard the entire conversation with her Gnome ears, and could see why Vanis was irritated.  She gestured to herself and Pixyl, speaking quietly.  ¡°I have a feeling we¡¯ll encounter that everywhere we go, won¡¯t we.  Jerks like him, that is.¡±


    ¡°Regrettably,¡± Vanis concurred.  ¡°You certainly recall what it was like those first few days here for you both.  But, you¡¯ve more than proven yourselves in only a few short weeks.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t tell the others I said this,¡± Olin said to Pixyl after overhearing Vanis, ¡°but you¡¯re one of the finest students I¡¯ve ever trained.  I¡¯ve only had one other reach Silver by the end of the fourth week, and he was already mid-tier Bronze when he arrived.  The biggest challenge has been untraining you of some of your old habits¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Pixyl replied, blushing, embarrassed slightly by the praise.


    ¡°And what¡¯s this about hitting Silver tomorrow?¡± Callie asked.  ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡±


    ¡°With my l-l-luck, I¡¯ll miss it by two points, just like you did,¡± Pixyl said, blushing even deeper.  ¡°But I was Bronze.988 this morning.  I just wanted to save it as a surprise, until I was sure.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going into combat, so you definitely will get twelve measly points.¡±  Callie cheered, giving her blushing friend a hug.  ¡°We will be able to celebrate tomorrow!¡±  Ambria quickly concurred that a Homeday celebration was going to be needed.  Even Wallir, who wasn¡¯t really part of Pixyl¡¯s close friend group, was excited for the little Bladeweaver.


    Callie caught Vanis shooting a glare at the Captain, cutting off any comments before they formed.  She wasn¡¯t sure what the Captain¡¯s problem was, but was glad Vanis set things straight before she had to say something she¡¯d probably regret.  Still, Vanis was right, the first few days here were accompanied by a lot of people expressing constant disbelief about her and the other two anomalies.  Now everyone was used to the constant oddness of the camp, to the point that Jesca¡¯s Beastmaster class and unicorn companion walking around with her was only considered strange for two days or so.  In fact, Artemis was now generally greeted by everyone, by name, as they walked by, almost as if she was another recruit.


    Bratig and Melga soon arrived, seeming worried about what was happening.  Bratig asked if it was another Bogwump nest, and Melga breathed a sigh of relief when informed it wasn¡¯t, not relishing the idea of anything even remotely related to water or swamps.  Apparently, Dwarves sank even faster than Gnomes did.


    Next to arrive were the recently inseparable Rowani and Maugra.  Looking at the two now-young trainers, Callie noted that they seemed to have become almost as close as she and Pixyl had.  Given the subtle animosity that had been directed at them over the last two weeks, Callie understood why that might be the case, and she hated to see the two of them as pariahs.  Thankfully, things of late had seemed to finally be easing as people started moving on.  The two trainers still kept to themselves, though, seeming to be extremely reluctant to let down their personal guards.  Maugra didn¡¯t have any ¡®friends¡¯ before her youth transformation, her sour mood essentially driving everyone away, and Rowani had mostly kept to herself, not fitting in with the other, younger trainers.   Now that they had returned to the prime of their lives, they weren¡¯t really sure how to make friends again.


    The next to arrive was Juniper, accompanied by Loki, who was now proudly sporting a well-fitting leather helmet of his own.  It didn¡¯t look like it would provide much protection, and Callie suspected the little plant-monster just wanted to be like everyone else, and Juniper had somehow talked Fullo into making it for him.  Still, he looked really cute.


    Cheena was the last to join the team, a little breathless after a hard flight from her cabin.  ¡°Apologies for the delay,¡± Cheena said after resuming her Elf form.   ¡°Maugra informed me it was Stone Elementals, and I had an old Talisman with an Elemental warding on it I wanted to find.¡±  She removed a round, dark-red piece of stone tinged with flecks of light blues from a leather pouch on her belt.  It hung on a leather cord to allow the user to wear it around their neck.  ¡°Once activated, it will weaken the bonds of any Elementals within a few meters of whoever wears this.  Unfortunately, it also would affect our Totem-summoned Elementals if we use them, so we''ll want to be aware of that if we activate it.¡±


    ¡°That could be quite useful,¡± Vanis said as a thank you.


    ¡°Unfortunately, it only has one use per day, and only for a short time.  Still, anything helps.¡±


    Now that everyone on the team had arrived, save Tazrok, who had already departed to chase down the Major and Quartermaster, Vanis proceeded to give a quick mission overview and organize everyone loosely into the two transport waves.  Spirits remained high, although the prospects of Juniper using her ability to teleport everyone via the trees added a significant unease for some reason.


    ¡°The biggest danger with Stone Elementals,¡± Maugra explained, ¡°is that while they are slow, they hit very hard, so all of us healers need to be aware of the kinds of crush injuries we will be seeing.  Since at least some of these are Greater Elementals, their thrown rocks are an extra threat, and some of those rocks can get quite large.  It¡¯s critical you know if one is throwing, so you can be aware where it¡¯s going to be landing.  For the smaller people, we could get outright squashed if we don¡¯t watch ourselves.  Also note, the Guardian Druids won¡¯t be able to use a Taunt on the Elementals, as they are immune to charms, so be careful that you don¡¯t appear to be the bigger threat.¡±


    ¡°I have a melded threat suppression aura that should help, assuming it works on the Elementals,¡± Vanis added.  ¡°It has a range of about five meters, so those close to me should draw less attention as long as I channel it.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.  If it¡¯s a variation on a charm, it¡¯s not likely to,¡± Maugra said, mulling the idea over.  ¡°See what happens, but just be ready to scatter if something is incoming.  Above all, don¡¯t risk being squashed.¡±


    Pixyl also took a few moments to explain the weakness the Elementals had to those that had just arrived, with Maugra concurring, wowing those new arrivals first learning more about her extensive background fighting them, in addition to the Demons they already knew about.  She, of course, waved it all off as a casual every-day thing to be fighting boulder-throwing rock monsters, but Callie could sense she was enjoying impressing the others a bit.  ¡°Just remember, they are m-m-made of stone,¡± Pixyl said.  ¡°They will be resistant to anything but blunt and magical attacks, except piercing attacks directly to their glowing stone hearts.¡±


    While the quick overview-briefing had been ongoing, those in the first wave collected their potion allocations from the stand-in provisioner, along with Healer kits and three body bags, of which Olin and Cheena each took one.  The goal was to get the first group on site quickly, so Maugra could start scouting and Rowani could backtrack along the road to retrieve Tazrok.  They¡¯d be arriving still missing a few things, but would be a few kilometers from the Elementals, so the threat was considered minimal if they didn¡¯t engage.  The second wave would bring anything else that might be needed, as well as food and other provisions for after the fight.


    Xera shared some final words of encouragement, echoing Maugra¡¯s warning about not getting hit by boulders, with pointed glances at Pixyl, Lhawni and Callie.  Legate Galin also offered parting thoughts, and even Captain Huvaen seemed to get his negativity under control enough to at least wish everyone ¡®good hunting¡¯.


    Vanis set off with the others, Juniper at his side.  In order to carry all four people at once, along with the second wave of eight, the Dryad would need to use the twisting vine-tree over the Medical tent as her starting point, jumping from the camp to her Heartwood tree deep in the forest first.  From there, she¡¯d teleport to the final destination at the forest¡¯s edge, before returning the same way.  Callie and the rest had been assured by Juniper several times that her method of travel was perfectly safe, and coming from the Dryad, there was absolutely no way anyone was going to believe that.

 Chapter 50 Part 2 - The Nature of Magic

    PART II - THE NATURE OF MAGIC


    The early-afternoon sky was almost entirely blue, save for a few wispy white clouds lazily drifting by. Below, a green field of grasses stretched out between the rather sudden edge of the forest and a large outcropping of jagged rocks, a well-defined dirt road splitting the latter in two. The day felt lazy, the kind of day that made you want to lie back and simply stare up, drinking in the sun and feeling not a single worry.


    At the forest line, from one of the larger trees, a warble of magic appeared. It coalesced into an image of an armored, green-skinned Dryad, holding hands with two others. One was a fair-skinned Elf wearing light leather armor, the other was a large, furry Lionkin with a great mane wearing the same. The Elf extended his hand, allowing a snake to slither down his arm to the ground, where it promptly changed shape into a very young, black-furred Beastkin Druid. The other set down a half-meter tall owl that likewise changed shape into that of a green-skinned Goblin.


    Promptly, the four newcomers raced in separate directions, violently vomiting into the underbrush, while the Dryad looked on in awkward confusion.


    ¡°Oh my!¡± Juniper exclaimed, as a second round of retching sounded out from the other four.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Vanis finally said, gasping. ¡°That teleportation is quite disorienting.¡± A third round hit him and he charged for the underbrush yet again.


    After a few minutes, the four were feeling better, or at least less nauseous. Rowani used her magic to create a torrent of fresh water from her hands, so everyone could refill their waterskins after rinsing their mouths out. As they did, each occasionally shot irritated glances at Juniper, who was still quite shocked at everyone¡¯s reaction. Maugra helped by dropping a Totem and pushing a Refresh pulse out to everyone, to restore some of the strength they may have lost getting sick.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Vanis said with a sigh, the returned strength a blessing. Then he shot a look. ¡°You could have warned us, Juniper.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve ¡­ I¡¯ve never carried someone else through the trees,¡± the Dryad said sheepishly. ¡°I did not expect that reaction.¡±


    ¡°Are you telling us you didn¡¯t know if that would work?¡± Maugra asked, a slightly-surprised bitterness in her tone.


    ¡°I was fairly sure I would have no issues carrying all of you,¡± Juniper said semi-confidently. She didn¡¯t have Loki standing on her shoulders to back her up, though, as the Familiar needed to be unsummoned for the trip.


    ¡°Only fairly sure?¡± Olin said with a growl.


    ¡°Mostly sure,¡± Juniper reaffirmed. ¡°And it did work.¡±


    Vanis held up a hand before an argument could ensue. ¡°Please make sure the others are aware of the effect, so they are not surprised.¡± He then gestured to another large tree thirty meters away. ¡°Perhaps come back via that tree over there, so no one stumbles into our messes.¡±


    ¡°Ahh,¡± Juniper said, ¡°of course, dear.¡±


    As eyes turned towards the Warlock, the implications of the ¡®dear¡¯ comment immediately obvious, Vanis coughed politely, trying to avoid the stares. ¡°We¡¯ll see you soon, Juniper. Travel safe.¡±


    With a graceful nod of her head, the Dryad turned, stepping into the tree they all emerged from as she wibbled out of sight.


    ¡°¡®Dear¡¯?¡± Olin said, a light taunting tone in his voice.


    ¡°I thought Elves were immune to Dryad charms?¡± Maugra added.


    ¡°We are,¡± Vanis assured. ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ complicated.¡±


    ¡°That might be a really bad idea,¡± Rowani warned. ¡°Nature magic and Nether magic, coming together ¡­ It''s a really bad combination. We¡¯ve seen what those Nature-blessed Ranger bows do to the Demons.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Callie uncomfortably warned me against ¡®hooking up¡¯ with Juniper last week,¡± Vanis said wistfully. ¡°Hence, one of the many complications.¡±


    ¡°Well, good for you anyway,¡± Olin said, clapping his heavy paw on Vanis¡¯s shoulder. ¡°May you find a way to navigate all the complexities.¡±


    ¡°Plus, she is absolutely starfire,¡± Maugra added tauntingly.


    Rowani quickly nodded in agreement, as Vanis blushed and turned away.


    ¡°Perhaps we should move on to the next steps in this mission?¡± the Warlock suggested with a cough, by way of deflection.


    Olin grunted a laugh. ¡°Oh, I think we¡¯ve embarrassed him.¡±


    ¡°You would think that it wouldn¡¯t be so easy, being a prince and all,¡± Maugra likewise grunted with her own laugh. ¡°But, all the same, he¡¯s right, we should probably get to work.¡±


    Rowani placed her hand lightly on Maugra¡¯s shoulder, quietly saying, ¡°Be careful, alright?¡±


    ¡°I will. You, too,¡± the Shaman replied softly, patting Rowani¡¯s paw and then giving it a light squeeze.


    The Druid nodded, turned, and warbled into her hawk form. With a quick birdcall, she took off to the north to find the road, where she would then turn east to find Tazrok. Similarly, Maugra ran towards the distant outcropping of rocks, leaping as she changed into her own owl form, taking off high into the air to begin her scouting mission.


    <hr>


    ¡°So, what exactly is an Elemental?¡± Callie asked Trainer Cheena as they sat. They were killing time close to the Medical tent, having collected all the provisions they needed and now waiting for Juniper to recharge enough for the second trip. ¡°I mean, you said they are rock monsters, but are they alive? Shamans summon them, right?¡±


    ¡°They are sort of alive,¡± Cheena replied. ¡°In the wild, they are formed from concentrations of raw Elemental magic that can spring forth across the world. We call those concentrations ¡®Rifts¡¯.¡±


    Callie shook her head, not getting it, and even a couple others were equally confused.


    ¡°Hmmm, let me try to keep this simple,¡± Cheena said. ¡°Think of it like this: Arcane magic tends to flow across the world, almost like rivers of power. We call those rivers ¡®Ley Lines¡¯. Like flowing water, the size ranges from small trickles of magic, to sometimes raging torrents of it, and those flows can come together, and split apart like a web. In some cases, that flow of magic can, in a sense, overflow its banks and break through. That creates a Rift where the raw magic can leak out of the Ley Line for a while.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound safe,¡± Bratig said.


    Cheena shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s usually not a concern, as the Rifts will heal themselves quickly, usually in just a few hours, or a day at most, as the pressure behind them eases. They are fairly harmless, and in fact, quite useful for anyone that uses Arcane types of magic, as your mana regeneration is increased in those areas. For larger Rifts your spells may even be more effective than usual. Ley Lines tend to move, and thus you can never really tell where one might appear, so it doesn¡¯t make sense to, say, build upon one, as it could move away.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Arcane magic? I¡¯ve heard people say there are types of magic, but don¡¯t really understand it.¡± Callie asked. ¡°What magic do Rangers use?¡±


    ¡°This is all magic theory that I don¡¯t fully understand or care that much about,¡± Cheena said, blowing out her cheeks with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not an academic, so this description is going to be really simplistic.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°There are generally two types of magic in the world: Natural or Nature magic, and Arcane magic. Nature magic exists all around you, created ambiently by living things, and is what Druids use as their source of power. Rangers, like you, and many Scout-based classes, as well. Arcane magic is far more common, and is what Wizards and most Healers use, as well as most Scholars with magical skills. In fact, Warriors also usually tap Arcane. For that magic, the power comes from absorbing and focusing the magic in Ley Lines. I do know of one exception to that rule for Warriors, and that¡¯s the Martialist class, which is a Warrior specialist. Their magic is Nature-based. There could be others, too.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡±


    Cheena shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s just it, it really doesn¡¯t matter very much. This is why I don¡¯t really worry about it. They both restore mana in your body, and both create similar skill effects, which is what matters. However, there are places in the world where Nature magic can fade, where there is a lot of death or desolation for example. That can make it slower for a Druid or Ranger or other Nature casters to restore their mana. Likewise, if an Arcane user is too far from any Ley Line, they could have similar limitations. By the same token, if you are in a Nature-rich area, your mana regeneration will be faster and maybe even your skills improved, just as with the Arcane users and Ley Lines.¡±


    ¡°What about Ethereal and Elemental magic?¡± Callie continued asking. ¡°Pixyl said she uses Ethereal magic, and you guys use Elemental, if I remember what Lhawni said?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lhawni confirmed.


    ¡°Arcane magic within the Ley Lines is actually a twisting mix of many different specific types of magic.  Shamans, as well as Elementalists, pull just that specific type out of the torrent to recharge their mana.¡±  Cheena gestured towards Pixyl.  ¡°The same with her, as she uses Ethereal magic.  There are a few other types swirled into the Ley rivers, too, such as Astral.  Again, though, I¡¯ve never thought it really mattered where a person¡¯s power comes from.  I heal just as effectively using Elemental magic as a Druid does with their Nature magic or a Combat Healer does with general Arcane.¡± She gestured both to Wallir and Ambria to emphasize the point.   ¡°It all turns into mana in the end.¡±


    ¡°So these Stone Elementals we are going to be fighting, they form from a bigger Rift that lasts long enough?¡± Bratig asked.


    The Shaman nodded. ¡°If a Rift is large enough, the Elemental magic within the torrent will enchant the area around it. As this is a stony outcropping, apparently that is the type of material that has animated. They aren¡¯t really alive, but they will attack anyone that gets too close. With a Rift of this size, even after it closes, there¡¯s enough ambient magic to keep the Elementals moving for some time as they continue to wander the area, which is why we want to close it as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Your T-T-Totems create a tiny Rift, don¡¯t they?¡± Pixyl asked. ¡°When you summon an Elemental, that is.¡±


    ¡°Not quite. Think of our Totems as a tap that is able to filter Elemental magic out of the general Arcane, and then focus it into a result through the Totem, which indeed could be to create an animated Elemental. Maugra will be able to use her Totem to tap directly into the Rift, and then siphon off the overflowing magic enough that the Ley Line can reseal itself. I could do the same thing, although I¡¯ve never attempted to seal a Rift, and she¡¯s Platinum and I¡¯m only high Gold. She¡¯ll be much better at it.¡±


    ¡°What about Nether Magic?¡±


    Cheena laughed. ¡°Now you¡¯re getting into weird magic. Nobody is really sure of its source, although many think it originates wherever the Demons are summoned from. All I really know is that it is considered the ¡®opposite¡¯ of Nature magic, and if the two come together, it¡¯s usually quite devastating.¡±


    ¡°That is true,¡± Juniper said. ¡°Nature and Nether cannot exist together without mutual destruction.¡±


    ¡°There you go,¡± Cheena said, gesturing at the Dryad. ¡°But, like Nature and the Arcane variants, the result is to fill a person with mana all the same.¡± The Shaman shrugged. ¡°You¡¯d need to talk to Trainer Terrin to learn more, or perhaps the Prince. These are things that Scholars in the Nexus have been trying to understand for decades, and all that comes from it is arguments and fistfights.¡± Then she leaned forward conspiratorially. ¡°It¡¯s just easier not to care,¡± she whispered loudly.


    After about ten or fifteen minutes more of idle chit-chat about the nature of magic and the apparent pointlessness of trying to understand it, Callie heard a now-familiar squeaking and turned to see Thorn pushing Trainer Reynard towards the team. Even after roughly two weeks of Regrowth treatments, the Foxkin wasn¡¯t really that mobile over irregular ground, and while he hated it, he usually allowed himself to be pushed in his wheeled chair in the interests of time. But, his mood had turned more than a little depressive over the past week, which Callie suspected was in part because he had very little to actually do except be reminded of his injury while the world continued on without him. Vonn had tried to keep the Foxkin involved in directing training, but for the last three days Reynard hadn¡¯t even visited the class, and his absence had been noticed.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Callie said as a greeting, sounding a little more patronizing than she wanted to. She was worried about her Trainer, and she had been thinking a visit from her and Jesca might be beneficial tomorrow, even if he didn¡¯t want one. Maybe she could bring some Pama treats.


    ¡°I hear you are going up against Stone Elementals,¡± Reynard said to the assembled team.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Cheena responded, nodding.


    Reynard grunted, studying Callie, and then the others assembled. ¡°A lot of Druids, don¡¯t you think?¡± he said, directing his gaze back to Callie. ¡°Explain.¡±


    Quickly, Callie summarized the transport plan to get on site as soon as possible, explaining the limited number of slots available to Juniper, and how the shapeshifters could essentially get a free ride as one of their smallest forms. ¡°It¡¯s a little clunky,¡± Callie added after her summary explanation, ¡°but it was the best I could come up with in a couple minutes to get people there quickly. Otherwise we¡¯d likely need to wait until tomorrow to attack, which would make the number of Elementals higher.¡±


    If Reynard was surprised by Callie¡¯s mission plan in any way, or the fact she planned it, he didn¡¯t show it. Callie had been expecting at minimum a sneer of some kind, or maybe a snarky comment, but instead, his face was essentially non-expressive. Perhaps it was simply that Thorn had already filled him in, but it seemed as if he wasn¡¯t really hearing her or even interested. Maybe she could include him somehow? ¡°Do you have any advice or suggestions?¡±


    The Foxkin glanced at Callie for a moment, before looking at Cheena. ¡°I assume you¡¯ve briefed them all on what they are facing?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Trainer,¡± Cheena said in confirmation. ¡°It also turns out that Corporal-Major Pixyl has extensive combat experience with Stone as well as other Elemental variants, and has provided excellent guidance on tactics and weaknesses.¡±


    Reynard only grunted an acknowledgement. ¡°Recruit Callie, may we speak?¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure.¡±


    To save Reynard needing to move for privacy, everyone else, including Thorn, relocated to a spot about fifteen meters away. Callie felt a sudden sense of being abandoned as she worked to force her face into a smile. ¡°What¡¯s up, sir?¡±


    ¡°Unless the Nature blessing on your bow has an effect, your normal arrows won¡¯t be of much use,¡± Reynard said without preamble.


    ¡°I thought that likely,¡± Callie said with a nod. ¡°But I can layer up an Explosive Shot every thirty seconds or so. I¡¯m hoping that¡¯s strong enough to blow them apart.¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course. I forget about that strange perk of yours. All the same, be mindful of your cooldowns.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± The combination of Burst Shot and Piercing Shot, which Callie had taken to calling Explosive Shot, had become her signature layered ability, often combined with Rapid Fire as a third layer. While Piercing had an agonizingly long thirty-two second recharge time with the assistance of her bow¡¯s rune, Callie nearly always kept a rapid-fire triple-layer stored in her Talismans, effectively giving her four charges. She¡¯d also become quite adept at always tossing the spare shot-cocktail into said Talismans if one was empty, despite the minor mana cost, that way she¡¯d be able to get both internal personal charges back if the time allowed.


    Reynard looked as if he was about to say something important, but then seemed to backtrack. ¡°Very good. Watch your shooting, as most of your team hasn¡¯t worked with Rangers before, and your layered explosive concoction should be avoided if someone is engaged with the target.¡±


    Callie knew all this, of course, but didn¡¯t say anything. She sensed Reynard needed to play the part of trainer a bit, maybe just to feel involved somehow. She was also definitely convinced he needed some cheering up of some kind, and hoped the Midsummer celebrations the next week might help, too. She couldn¡¯t imagine him participating in the finding-a-companion tradition, but there were a lot of other activities planned, including the dinner party for his friend, Thorn. She¡¯d need to talk to the other Rangers and make sure they all did something nice for him.


    ¡°One last warning,¡± Reynard added by way of bringing the conversation to a close, ¡°watch out for those boulders the Elementals throw. If one hits you, it could kill you outright, as small as you are, and even a hit to a limb could turn you into¡­¡± he gestured to himself, ¡°this.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to say they¡¯d already been told that, too, so instead Callie replied with a simple, ¡°Thanks for the warning.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Reynard said, taking a breath and looking at the rest of the team sitting or standing a short distance away. ¡°Be safe, all of you. Good hunting.¡±


    Callie reached out and took the Foxkin¡¯s paw, giving it a squeeze, which caused him to jump with surprise. ¡°Thank you, Sir. We¡¯ll be careful.¡±

 Chapter 50 Part 3 - Rift Hunters? Assemble!

    PART III - RIFT HUNTERS? ASSEMBLE!


    Callie couldn¡¯t understand what was happening to her. It was as if some force had wrapped a giant hand around her chest and was pulling her down a tunnel that was both pitch-black and vibrantly colored at the same time. The tunnel seemed to be never-ending, yet the experience passed in less than a heartbeat.


    As she emerged from the bright darkness, her eyes fell upon the most-beautiful site she had ever seen. As if drawn from a fairy tale, before her was a beautiful meadow of brilliant greens and yellows and reds and blues and all the other colors in between. Beyond that, a slowly-rolling river drifted lazily, while birds and animals frolicked in the field, having not a single care in the world. Looking up and over her shoulder, the afternoon sun was being filtered through the branches of the largest tree she had ever seen, with a trunk made of dozens of twisting vines braiding themselves into the sky. It was much like the tree around the medical tent back at camp, but oh-so-much grander.


    Next to her, Juniper let go of Callie¡¯s hand, turning to face the tree. She grabbed Callie¡¯s hand again, doing the same to Ambria¡¯s with her other, and just like that, the wondrous glade was replaced by the never-ending dark tunnel of bright colors.


    After an infinite moment shorter than the blink of an eye, they emerged from the tunnel again, this time facing towards a forest. Compared to what they had just seen, the trees felt drab and dull, as if someone had drained the colors from the world.


    From Callie¡¯s shoulder, a pitch-black rat scampered down her arm before leaping off her hand, which was still holding Juniper¡¯s. The rat charged for the woods, assuming the shape of an Elf. Around her, the others all scattered for the woods as well, two Dwarves and another Elf appearing from their tiny animal forms. Then it hit Callie, and she too found an unoccupied bush where she promptly lost her lunch.


    It took a couple minutes, the sounds of people retching into the underbrush alerting Olin and Vanis to join them, for everyone to collect their wits. Weak with the remnants of getting sick, everyone moved away and well upwind from the arrival point, where Cheena called her Totem and pulsed out a Refresh for strength.


    ¡°That was awful,¡± Lhawni said, groaning as she spit water into the grasses.


    ¡°Does anyone want mint flavored water?¡± Callie asked, waggling her fingers over her waterskin. ¡°To help wash the taste away,¡± she clarified when she received several confused stares.


    ¡°Very much, yes,¡± Pixyl said, holding her own water up for Callie.


    Over the past week, Callie and nine others had been working with Pama learning a simple Culinar spell called ¡®Season¡¯. Once fully learned at Iron Tier, it would allow one to imbue a liquid with simple flavors, and Callie practiced quite a bit with it, in part because she wanted minty water for circumstances exactly like this.


    The spell itself was very flexible in what it defined as ¡®simple¡¯, but could only create a single flavor, and it had to be what Pama called a ¡®pure¡¯ flavor. Sweet, salty, minty and others could be infused into the liquid, but a flavor that was the result of two or more ingredients couldn¡¯t. The longer you focused the spell, the stronger the flavor, and Callie was more than happy to put several long seconds into getting maximum mint flavor into her water, to the point it nearly burned her tongue. She did the same for the others, not caring about how much mana it used. They¡¯d have time for everything to recharge before the fight started.


    The others in the ad hoc Culinar class had largely done well with their learning. Pama had been an amazing instructor, with Ambria, Pixyl and Lhawni excelling during the six evenings of training. Callie still wasn¡¯t very good at the spell, but she had at least largely mastered making a mint flavor, which was most-critical. Pama hinted it would take more work, but Callie would eventually be able to move on to more complex flavors once she¡¯d mastered the simple ones, and eventually the other Culinar spells would likely come easier. Summoning or replicating food wasn¡¯t something she¡¯d be able to do for a long, long while, but turning mediocre food into something tasty and nutritious was realistically doable in the near future, especially once back from the conflict when she¡¯d have time for relaxing study.


    Once everyone had cleaned their mouths out, Wallir produced a stream of fresh water so they could refill their waterskins, both Vanis and Olin getting in on Callie¡¯s mint-water action before refilling their own again.


    ¡°Any sign of Maugra?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Or Rowani and Tazrok?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Vanis replied, ¡°I had expected Maugra would be back by now, though, so I¡¯m hoping there hasn¡¯t been trouble.¡±


    Callie looked to the west, seeing the upheaval of jagged rocks bisected by the road a few kilometers away. It had an ominous feeling about it. The ridge seemed dark and foreboding, despite the bright sunshine overhead. Somewhere, over there, raw magic was pouring out and making the rocks come alive. And somehow, she was expected to ¡­ kill the rocks. A month ago, the very idea would have been so foreign to her as to be a joke. Now, she simply accepted it as just another Lastday.


    ¡°I feel stronger,¡± Ambria said, flexing her fingers. ¡°Magically, that is.¡±


    ¡°Proximity to a large Rift,¡± Cheena said, explaining the sensation as she gestured towards the rocks. ¡°This is a big one if you are feeling it all the way out here, so in addition to restoring mana more-quickly, I suspect our spells may be more-powerful as we get close, too. At least for Arcane casters.¡±


    ¡°This really feels good,¡± Pixyl said in slow wonder, looking at her own hands as she also flexed her tiny fingers. The extra power of the Rift was really noticeable. ¡°If only I had this back in Marindine.¡±


    ¡°It does feel wonderful, doesn¡¯t it,¡± Olin agreed, giving a giddy nod to his student.


    <hr>


    It was roughly another ten minutes before Callie¡¯s Eagle Eyes spotted a bird flying directly towards them, and she assumed it was Maugra. After telling the group, Vanis, who had been worriedly pacing, relaxed visibly in relief. Strangely, though, the bird was coming from the northwest, rather than straight from the west where the rocks were. Certainly there was a reason, but Callie worried it was something bad.


    ¡°Apologies for taking so long,¡± Maugra said after she landed and assumed her normal form. ¡°I wanted to fly along the entirety of the ridge to see if there were any other areas we needed to worry about. I have good and bad news on that front.¡±


    ¡°That sounds ominous,¡± Vanis said worriedly. ¡°Report, if you would.¡±


    The Goblin pointed to the southwest, then swept the gesture north along the entire outcropping. ¡°There are actually several Rifts, maybe eight in total, along the entirety of the rocks, which run about five kilometers north and south from the road. Only two are large enough to require that we seal them. The others are small enough not to manifest any Elementals, and as soon as we start to relieve the pressure on the larger ones, they should seal themselves within a few hours.¡± She looked deadpan at Vanis. ¡°That¡¯s the good news.¡±


    ¡°Oh oh,¡± Callie said. ¡°What¡¯s the bad news?¡±


    ¡°Around the two large Rifts are a lot of Stone Elementals, and we really should get rid of them all. I¡¯d guess over one-hundred Greater Elemental between the two larger Rifts, based on who I saw throwing stones at me. There are countless normal-sized Elementals as well. We¡¯ll need to eliminate any of the Greater ones we find close to the road, as they¡¯ll remain animated for probably at least two or three days once the Rift is sealed, possibly longer. Any of the normal Elementals will fall on their own a few hours after their accompanying Rift closes.¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± Olin said dejectedly.


    ¡°Where are the Rifts,¡± Vanis asked, turning to look to the west. ¡°Can we see them?¡±


    ¡°Those with Darkvision can see them easily,¡± Maugra said, "but otherwise they aren¡¯t readily visible at a distance. The largest is south of that spire of rocks,¡± she gestured towards an identifiable formation, ¡°while the other is a few kilometers north of that one, close to the road. That smaller of the two larger Rifts is the one responsible for your captain being attacked.¡±


    Squinting slightly, Callie snapped her Darkvision on, the world dissolving into its monochromatic false light. It was bright in the sun now, but by squinting and cupping a hand over her eyes, she got the light just low enough for the light enhancement to be usable. Sure enough, she could see pinkish bright light next to the spire Maugra had pointed out, and a smaller one father to the right. She didn¡¯t see any sign of the others, but Maugra had said they were unimportant.


    ¡°So, do we go after the biggest one first? Or the one by the road, knowing the big one might make more before we get to it?¡± Callie wondered out loud.


    ¡°The road,¡± Vanis said flatly without hesitation. ¡°Our mission is to open the pass, so we start there. If need be, we can fall back and assault the second Rift tomorrow, even if it is more-heavily defended.¡±


    ¡°Everyone can see at night, can¡¯t they?¡± Melga asked, looking around at the team. ¡°A lot of us have Darkvision, and everyone else has Nightvision. Well, Tazrok doesn¡¯t naturally have anything, but he has Nightvision in Hellhound and his flying cat forms, and his cute weasel has Darkvision.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no moon tonight,¡± Olin said, instinctively glancing at the sky. ¡°Roka doesn¡¯t rise for a couple of nights, still. Nightvision might not be enough for close combat, even with good starlight and clear skies, without a moon overhead. We can put down flares, but that¡¯s not optimal, as they can overload enhanced vision if too close.¡±


    ¡°We have a good five or six hours of light before sundown,¡± Vanis said, also looking skyward. ¡°Probably another hour of usable twilight for those with Nightvision. We¡¯ll need to make the decision at that time, but if we¡¯re effective, we can move quickly and make the decision moot. How long does it take to seal one of the Rifts?¡±


    Maugra shrugged and looked at Cheena. ¡°My guess would be fifteen minutes for the smaller one. Twenty, maybe twenty-five, for the larger. I don¡¯t really have to do anything during that time, just plant one of my Totems and channel a Flameblast spell from it. That just needs a little steady concentration, but not outright focus.¡±


    Vanis glanced at Cheena for her input.


    ¡°She¡¯s the expert,¡± Cheena responded, ¡°but that seems right.¡°


    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask a dumb question,¡± Callie said, gingerly raising a hand. ¡°Does it make sense to maybe split into two teams, to take them both at once?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Vanis, the trainers, and a couple others firmly replied at the same time.


    ¡°Splitting up is the kind of silliness you would see in a heroic adventure story,¡± Olin chuckled. ¡°In reality, someone would just end up killed, especially since most of you are still recruits.¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stay together,¡± Vanis added with finality, ending any discussion. There seemed to be an implied ¡®duwana¡¯ added to his statement.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said quietly, slowly lowering her hand, feeling embarrassed for even bringing it up.


    Vanis put his hand comfortingly on Callie¡¯s shoulder as he looked west and then north. ¡°Let¡¯s move up to the road, since we are assaulting the Rift closest to it first. Rowani and Tazrok will be more easily able to find us, and the approach will be faster.¡±


    Olin detoured briefly to retrieve a sapling they could use to mark a spot while everyone set out for the half-kilometer walk north towards the road. About twenty meters from it, the sapling was set where the food provisions and other unneeded items could be set down in a large, leather sack. This would save the weight and awkwardness of carrying unneeded things into the fight to come and provide a spot far enough away to fall back to, if needed.


    ¡°I need a piece of cloth or something,¡± Vanis grumbled, searching himself randomly. ¡°It will make it easier to find if it¡¯s dark by the time we return.¡±


    Loki tapped Vanis to get his attention. Seeming to grin, he partially spit out a red piece of fabric. Confusedly, Vanis grasped the end and pulled, eventually disgorging a pair of very-feminine lacy red underwear that presumably the plant monster had stolen from somewhere.


    ¡°I¡¯m not even sure where you could have been hiding that, and please tell me this is clean,¡± the Warlock said.


    ¡°He said he took it from the Major¡¯s clothesline where it was drying,¡± Juniper said casually.


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Olin said with a chuckle.


    Vanis seemed about to scold the plant, but finally rolled his eyes and shrugged, tying the panties to the sapling marker. After four weeks of never-ending camp strangeness, this barely registered as odd at this point.


    ¡°Why do I have a feeling a lot of things are inside him,¡± Callie said skeptically, having heard several people over the last few weeks complaining about miscellaneous things that had gone missing, and remembering when the little plantling had stolen her red bow, managing to fit it inside somehow. ¡°That might explain ¡­¡± Callie¡¯s words were cut off by her Gnome ears picking up the distant sound of hoofbeats.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Vanis asked, seeing her expression.


    ¡°Someone is coming,¡± Lhawni and Callie said simultaneously


    Running to the road and looking to the east, Callie added, ¡°I think it¡¯s Tazrok, maybe? I hear hoofbeats.¡±


    Immediately, the team ran to Callie and then fanned out. Nobody drew weapons, but everyone tensed, watching where the road disappeared down a small hill, waiting to see what was coming.


    Rowani was the first to appear, coming into view as she flew overhead. ¡°There she is,¡± Callie said, pointing and waving her arms to get the Druid¡¯s attention. With Eagle Eye, she was easily able to recognize the hawk form of the Druid trainer. Around Callie, everyone relaxed.


    The hawk changed its direction slightly and dove towards the rest of the group, morphing into the teenaged Pantherkin as soon as she landed, stumbling to a stop. ¡°Greetings everyone. We are all here?¡±


    ¡°Just waiting for Tazrok,¡± Vanis said, gesturing with his head down the road towards the approaching sounds. Almost on cue, a curvax appeared over the rise moving at high speed, but also carrying a rider on its back.


    Tazrok slowed to a trot and then a halt, a very harried Major on his bare back hanging on for dear life. Celeste slipped to the ground, stumbling forward and wincing in obvious pain. Once she was clear, Tazrok changed back into his natural form.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ambria asked, instinctively rushing towards the Major.


    ¡°That¡¯s a hard ride without a saddle,¡± Celeste replied, trying to shake her legs out and making more faces of pain. ¡°Especially as fast as we were going.¡±


    The Faun sighed. ¡°Silly you,¡± she said, applying a general pain reduction spell followed by a general, non-targeted healing. ¡°Let us know if that¡¯s not enough. We have so many healers here that someone should be able to help.¡±


    ¡°I suppose we do,¡± Celeste said, turning her head to take in everyone. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°We did not expect you,¡± Vanis said, stepping forward and offering a hand to the Major. ¡°Thank you for coming, all the same.¡±


    Celeste returned the gesture, clasping wrists with the Warlock. ¡°Happy to help. Baelneis turned around and headed back to camp. She should get there shortly. Thanks for sending someone to warn us. You¡¯re acting sergeant, right?¡°


    ¡°I am, and you have Callie to thank for the planning,¡± Vanis said, gesturing to the Gnome. ¡°We were stymied before she determined a way to get everyone here quickly.¡±


    The Major laughed, a twinge of pain still showing on her face. ¡°Of course it was her,¡± she added, grinning at Callie. Then she looked back to Vanis and the group as a whole. ¡°So, Stone Elementals? Fill me in on everything.¡±


    While Vanis and Maugra briefed the Major and Tazrok on the situation and the general plan to assault the smaller of the two must-close Rifts, Callie found herself slightly frustrated. It took her a few minutes to figure out why, but finally realized it was because the Major was now present. She screwed up her plan. Hell, she screwed up her math! They¡¯d need a third trip to get everyone back using Juniper, plus she now had an unplanned Guardian to account for. Callie scowled, both at the changes to her vaguely organized chaos, but also at the realization that she really shouldn¡¯t be as irritated about it as she was. Shit happens, after all. Still, numbers matter, dammit!


    ¡°Alright,¡± Vanis finally said after finishing with the Major and Tazrok. ¡°Five minutes and we¡¯re going to move. We won¡¯t force-march, but let¡¯s not dawdle either.¡± By unsaid agreement, the males disappeared into the grasses to the north, while the ladies did the same to the south, everyone spreading out for some personal space. Better to go now than have to go later.


    Having finished, Callie stopped on her way back to the road when she saw a red Slingstone Beetle, just like the one she had watched her first day in this world walking on the fountain in the garden. This one was bigger, much bigger in fact, probably as big as her head. It was just sitting on the end of a stiff branch on a bush, as if bathing in the afternoon sunlight, really not doing anything else. Callie wasn¡¯t a bug person in any form, generally finding them as creepy as spiders. But, looking at the beetle she could see a beauty she hadn¡¯t appreciated a month previous, as the sun reflected off the hard shell, shiny iridescent greens and blues mingling with the base red.


    ¡°Callie!¡± a voice called out.


    ¡°Coming!¡± Callie yelled back. The loud noise startled the beetle, and it turned to face her. Before she could even step away, it promptly shot her right on the cheek! ¡°Ow,¡± Callie mumbled, putting her hand to her face, which came away with a tiny trickle of blood. ¡°That wasn¡¯t nice!¡± she hissed at the beetle, wagging a finger but backing away before it pelted her again.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Ambria asked as Callie emerged from the weeds, pointing to her own face to indicate what she was asking about.


    ¡°Bah,¡± Callie grumbled. ¡°I saw one of those big red beetles, and it shot me.¡±


    Ambria walked up to Callie and started to look at the injury. ¡°How big was it?¡±


    ¡°I dunno. About this big.¡± Callie held her hands out in a circle approximating the beetle¡¯s size.


    ¡°Oh dear. Trainer Cheena?¡± Ambria called out. ¡°I might need you for this one.¡±


    Quickly, the Shaman raced over, kneeling down to look at Callie¡¯s face.


    ¡°Slingstone Beetle,¡± Ambria said, clarifying the cause of the injury. ¡°A red one. About this big!¡± She copied Callie¡¯s size reference. ¡°It might be really bad.¡±


    ¡°A big red one? Did the stone get stuck in there?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± the Faun replied.


    Cheena proceeded to contort and pinch Callie¡¯s cheek. ¡°Hopefully it just grazed her, but it might still be a problem.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie asked, worriedly.


    ¡°The pellet is coated with a toxin,¡± Cheena replied, almost lecturing. ¡°It can make a necrosis set in.¡±


    ¡°Then your face rots off,¡± Ambria helpfully added.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Callie screamed, jumping slightly, her eyes going wide in panic. ¡°Fix it! Fix it! Fix it!¡±


    ¡°Relax,¡± Cheena laughed. ¡°I don¡¯t think it will get that bad.¡±


    ¡°Does it look like it¡¯s turning black?¡± Rowani asked, having joined the trio. ¡°It looks like it¡¯s turning black.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I was wrong,¡± the Shaman said, a frown of concern showing. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s getting all full of pus, too.¡±


    ¡°Already? Oh no!¡± Rowani gasped. ¡°That may be beyond even my skills. We could cut it off, I suppose, but we need to move quickly.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie cried in a panic.


    ¡°It may be too late even for that,¡± Ambria added. ¡°Callie, are your ears getting numb?¡±


    ¡°My ears?¡± Callie put her hands up to check. They still had feeling, at least for now. ¡°Not yet!¡±


    ¡°Vanis?¡± Cheena called out.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°She got shot by a Slingstone Beetle. A big red one! This doesn¡¯t look good at all.¡±


    ¡°Oh my!¡± Vanis said as he bent to look close. ¡°That looks absolutely dreadful! I¡¯m sorry Callie, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re not going to make it. Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll retrieve your body on our return.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie eeped, wide-eyed. It was only then she noticed the huge, stupid grin on Lhawni¡¯s face as she made every attempt to hold in a snicker. Turning, she saw nearly an identical look on Pixyl¡¯s. Even Ambria¡¯s eyes were barely remaining serious, and quickly losing the battle. Finally, it was Pixyl that broke, doubling over and bursting with laughter, falling to the ground on her butt.


    ¡°You¡¯re all fucking with me,¡± Callie said coldly, narrowing her eyes in a flat deadpan.


    ¡°Just a little,¡± Rowani laughed, rubbing Callie roughly on the head.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Vanis said mirthfully. ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯d like, though, we could put you in for a Heartstone medal,¡± Maugra added. ¡°For grave wounds sustained in combat.¡±


    ¡°I hate you all,¡± Callie growled, but knew it was actually a funny joke, or it would be, eventually.


    ¡°At least it was only a smaller one,¡± Maugra giggled. ¡°There¡¯s a type that gets as big as we are that lives far to the south. Those can understandably be a little dangerous if they shoot you.¡±


    Cheena stood, and Ambria stepped in with a short piece of wetted cloth from her Healer¡¯s kit. She wiped the blood off Callie''s cheek and then patted it gently, her magics sealing the two centimeter long scratch as if it had never happened. ¡°There you go. All better. Do you need a candy?¡± the Faun said patronizingly.


    ¡°Do you have one? If so, I¡¯ll take it,¡± Callie scowled in response. Surprisingly, she did, and it tasted like a lemon drop.


    While everyone had been laughing at Callie¡¯s expense, Tazrok had walked a dozen meters or so down the road towards their destination. With a low rumble, a familiar-to-some singing started again. Guttural. Savage. Angry. Perfect. The teasing laughter cut off almost instantly as the Ogre¡¯s strange power began to pulse out in time with his tribal, tonal chanting.


    ¡°He¡¯s doing it again!¡± Pixyl gasped excitedly.


    ¡°Doing what?¡± Maugra asked, confused.


    Callie immediately forgot all about her near-death experience with the Slingstone Beetle, grinning gleefully. ¡°He¡¯s doing the thing!¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± Major Celeste said, waving everyone to follow with equal excitement. ¡°Just sing back what he sings. Trust me.¡±


    Pixyl and Lhawni ran, taking up a position on either side of the massive Druid, echoing the song of the Ogres in response to his call. Quickly, everyone else lined up, huge grins on the faces of those that had been through this before, and expressions of confusion or surprise on the others.


    ¡°This is such a strange power,¡± Callie heard Olin whisper to Rowani.


    ¡°It¡¯s some Ogre thing,¡± the Druid replied, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯ve felt this before, but when we were all meditating.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so ¡­ bestial!¡± Olin growled as the primal magics somehow called to him.


    ¡°I know!¡± the Pantherkin agreed, grinning. ¡°It¡¯s amazing.¡±


    Tazrok roared, his makeshift tribe responding as his strange Chieftain''s Inspiration power pulsed out in waves. Worries faded, trust in each other increased, and the determination to defeat their enemies became absolute. Even the generally professional and stoic Vanis soon wore a huge grin of his own, amazed and emboldened and roaring back with angry, undignified delight. Olin and Rowani felt the power swelling in them as some primal part of their Beastkin lineage rose to the call. Loki even danced and spun to the rhythm as a gleeful savagery sprang forth in Juniper, her eyes narrowing and stare becoming piercing and intense.


    Finally, the Ogre call to arms faded, the echos of all fifteen seeming to cling to the grasses around them, trying hard not to fade away. The team stood staring into the distance, panting lightly and primed for battle, daring the enemy to defy them.


    ¡°What ¡­ what happened?¡± Bratig asked, looking down at his own hands with wide-eyed wonder.


    ¡°We are stronger now,¡± Tazrok said in a clear, confident voice.


    ¡°And they are afraid!¡± Callie, and the others who had been through it before, echoed knowingly in response. ¡°Let¡¯s go be frickin¡¯ heroes,¡± Callie added with a grin.

 Chapter 50 Part 4 - Approach Tactics

    PART IV - APPROACH TACTICS


    It was about two-thirds of the way to the rocks when they ran into the first of the enemy. But, these initial Stone Elementals the team encountered could barely be called that. From Maugra and Pixyl¡¯s descriptions, Callie had expected the magical stone constructs to be roughly the size of a normal-sized person, or about two meters. Instead, what they ran into were barely larger than Pixyl. Quickly dubbed ¡®Pebble Elementals¡¯, they seemed to be largely made of gravel, magically held together into something vaguely bipedal, although the legs moved as if the tiny stones flowed over each other rather than actually walking.


    This provided a good opportunity for the recruits to each try out their combat skills on a weak enemy, as for many this was the first true fight any of them had faced, save the semi-controlled Demon skirmishes back at camp. Each took turns, although Tazrok wasn¡¯t at full strength due to another post-Inspiration headache. Instead, he served as a towering scout, calling out targets as they approached.


    Each of the other Druid trainees used both their Guardian and Striker forms to engage the little pebble monsters, Melga managing to get thumped rather hard while in her Ice Uraxe form and needing a spot of healing from Ambria. On her next opportunity, though, Melga got her revenge, using her Uraxe¡¯s icy breath weapon and freezing a pair of Elementals in place, before pouncing on them, ice-covered gravel scattering in all directions. As Callie had expected, Bratig¡¯s Guardian form, in particular, was absolutely devastating. Between the spiked tail and strong jaw, no animated pebble stood a chance. With his body covered in armor, he didn¡¯t even feel a few of the hits that he purposely allowed, wanting to gauge the effect.


    With newly-youthful enthusiasm, Rowani also got into the mix, transforming into her Guardian, which was something vaguely like a huge turtle known as a Tortalis. In addition to claws and bites, she had a Rhino-like horn on her head she could use in an amazingly-fast charge attack, allowing her to impale an enemy with said horn. As another option, she could retract her head on the charge, using her shell as a heavy ramming attack instead. Rowani even explained a tactic she had used in the past where she would retract her head, tail and all her limbs, continuously use her Taunt skill to hold the attention of the enemy while others picked them off, nearly impervious inside her shell. Unfortunately, that tactic wasn¡¯t going to work here, as the Elementals proved immune to the Taunt effect, which had been expected.


    For her part, Lhawni used lightning magic to zap the little enemies, fire proving of no use. The lightning would either stun the Elementals for several seconds, allowing someone else to finish them off, or in most cases cause them to simply fall into a heap of inanimate rocks as the glowing stone heart disintegrated. She groused about needing to use her combat spells, though, emphasizing again how much she preferred healing instead, and that she was much better at that duty. Unfortunately, the loud concussive noise of the lightning spells rattled Callie¡¯s head, causing her ears to ring. While she didn¡¯t say anything to her friend, she hoped the need for that magic once the real fight began was minimal.


    Juniper made a point of trying out a few types of attacks as well. For example, one-on-one, Loki was able to easily defeat the little Elementals by tackling it in a rush and ripping it savagely apart. Unfortunately, such a tactic was unlikely to work against anything larger, and Olin suggested Loki should be unsummoned for his own protection when they reached the bigger enemies. To make up for that eventual limitation, Juniper conjured a pair of long tentacle-like vines that would lash out like whips, smashing the targets apart, or even in one case, they both picked an Elemental up and worked together to tear it in half. Her Thornblast spell, which appropriately sprayed out a swarm of bullet-like thorns towards the target, proved ineffective, given the substance of the Elementals, and she conceded that attack would unlikely be of much use. Another spell she demonstrated was a defensive shield of thorny brambles she could summon nearly instantly, which she suspected might be strong enough to even stop a boulder attack or two.


    Tazrok eventually focused on his caster form for combat once his headache faded, lobbing both Burst Berries, which produced an effect much like Callie¡¯s Burst Shot skill, as well as summoning a thicket of grasping vines to hold the little Elementals in place, which would set the monsters up for someone else to finish them off, if they were not crushed outright. He also used an attack spun from raw mana called Nature Blast, which lanced out towards the target with a bright green beam of energy. It was of mixed effectiveness against the body of the Elementals, simply stunning them like the Shamans lightning attacks, but if he hit the heart, the target simply dropped to the ground. Rowani explained that some of the effect came from reacting with something alive in the target. The spell had been absolutely devastating against Demons, given their Nether magic origin, back at camp.


    As she expected, Callie¡¯s bow did minimal damage against the pebble monsters using a normal arrow. On the other hand, if she hit the magical center of the Elementals, they were strong enough to kill them outright, causing the beings to fall apart. But that was a small, difficult target, even with Homing Shot, so wasn¡¯t terribly reliable. Of course, her Explosive Shot combination was absolutely devastating to the little monsters, simply blasting them apart. She was limited to four charges total, with a long thirty-two second cooldown to get Piercing Shot back, so Callie expected she¡¯d need to get creative when the time came.


    Finally, for Vanis, most of his directly-damaging spells proved useless against the Elementals, as the targets were immune to curses as well as his Deathbolt. His Netherhold worked, functioning much like Tazrok¡¯s Entangling Roots spell, pinning the targets in place while someone else finished them off cleanly. To make up for the limitations on his damaging spells, Vanis focused on conjuring up five Imps and a Fiend, and they proved surprisingly effective against the small Elementals. Either the quintet of tiny Imps would simply rip it apart using their swarming pack tactics, or the Fiend would easily smash it. An Imp did take a good beating, which was unsurprising given how weak they were, but that was easily remedied by dismissing it and summoning another in its place. Vanis avoided using his Nether Wraith, because the Demon¡¯s Deathbolt ranged attack wouldn¡¯t be effective, and said attack had an area of effect, so was bad in fights where allies were also engaged. For the same reason, he didn¡¯t deploy his Nether Bats, as their acidic spit attack was just as likely to hit a friendly.


    When they finally reached the first of the actual full-size Stone Elementals, Bratig smashing it with his tail, Vanis called a brief halt so everyone could rest for a few minutes. Not only did this allow everyone to recharge any mana they may be down, but also reorganize and firm up duties a bit. Ambria and Lhawni were tagged as primary Healers, with Wallir being added as a backup third after losing a round of ¡®Rock, Parchment, Dagger¡¯ to Melga. Wallir jokingly blamed Callie for his loss, since she had introduced the game to the recruits over the last month. Rowani did give him permission to go Guardian, as long as he didn¡¯t lose track of his Healing duties as his first priority, and promised to fall back if things got chaotic. Tazrok assumed his Hellhound form, agreeing with Callie that his spider legs might not fare well against boulders, while Bratig and Melga both went Guardian. For the Major, while her sword attacks might be of limited effectiveness, and Taunt would be useless, her ability to distract and harass using her Flashstep would be helpful. Her plan was to focus as much as possible on simply holding the Elementals¡¯ attention so others could take them out. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Any questions?¡± Vanis asked, as Olin and a hovering Pixyl kept a lookout for anything moving their direction, with Cheena also watching from higher in the air.


    ¡°I can see where the Rift is,¡± Callie said, pointing up the hill, her eyes in Darkvision mode. ¡°Do we want to just get to it and then hold the ground, or should we clear around it first?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to clear the area first. It would be a little dangerous to be too distracted while I¡¯m doing the siphoning,¡± Maugra said. ¡°I don¡¯t need a lot of focus, but I do need some, and the last thing we want is multiple things sneaking up on us.


    ¡°Did you see a way up?¡± Celeste asked.


    Maugra shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t have time to look very carefully. One of the fliers may need to find a path once we get closer. If it¡¯s not me, make sure you don¡¯t get hit by something!¡±


    The chaotic experimentation of the initial approach now vaguely organized, the group resumed their focused march forward. There were still Pebble Elementals occasionally, but instead of taking turns, the Guardians focused on nabbing them, dropping each into piles of gravel quickly. The counts on the pebble monsters were decreasing, though, as more and more regular-sized Elementals started to attack, taking their place.


    For the first few, Pixyl took the lead, using her pit experience to demonstrate the glowing weakness in them. Callie found it awe-inspiring to see her friend zipping around, either using her Ethereal Blast to simply blow the monsters apart, or swooping in close to put her sword through its chest or back. True to the Pixie¡¯s promise, they did indeed ¡®drop like rocks¡¯ as soon as that center stone was pierced. ¡°Eat your heart out, Tony Stark,¡± Callie mumbled to herself, seeing a real live Iron Man er ¡­ Iron Pixie come to life and flying through the air, throwing out blasts of energy.


    In a way, these ¡®medium-sized¡¯ or normal Elementals actually proved easier for Callie to kill than the tiny ones, as the glowing heart was larger, giving her a bigger target. A single normal arrow had about a fifty-fifty chance to drop the monster with a direct heart hit, otherwise it would be stunned and open to easy dispatch by someone else, or almost assuredly would fall apart if hit a second time. As expected, an Explosive Shot combo did the job every time, scattering the rocks a couple meters in every direction if hit dead-center.


    Juniper was the first one to actually get hurt by one of the larger Elementals, getting backhanded by one that had been hiding in the grasses as she tore another apart with her vines. The Dryad had taken a hard blow to her chest, getting four ribs broken and a lot of bruises, and causing her to cough up some blood. While Pixyl dispatched the Elemental that struck her, Vanis was immediately at the Dryad¡¯s side, his minions taking up guarding positions around them, as he called for Healer assistance. Near instantly, both Ambria and Lhawni were on task, Rowani also briefly falling back to offer an assist if needed. Of course, it proved of little worry for the now battle-veteran Recruit Healers, and Lhawni repaired Juniper¡¯s injuries in under two minutes, while Ambria gave the Nymph a short-duration pain block to ease her discomfort, before returning to stand by for whatever might occur next. Once back on her feet, though, the Dryad was absolutely pissed, and soon had multiple sets of twin vine tentacles waving in the air, lashing out and smashing any Elemental with angry effectiveness, or simply ripping them apart.


    Vanis was actually embarrassed, apologizing as he realized how much he had instinctively over-reacted in coming to Juniper¡¯s aid. Callie got it and really didn¡¯t blame him. Whatever the nature of their relationship, it was obviously becoming romantic. More importantly, it was something they could all tease the Warlock about when the mission was over and they got back home. It was important to look forward to that, after all.


    As Bratig and Tazrok finished off a trio of the enemy, the team finally encountered their first Greater Elemental. They were nearly to the outcropping, starting to give some thought as to how they would scale the jagged formations, when one seemed to wake up, rising and hurling a rock as large as Callie¡¯s head, which bounced off Bratig¡¯s back. Thankfully, he was largely uninjured due to his natural armor, but that immediately put everyone on alert that the threat level had just gone up another notch. Vanis called for a halt, and as a group they backed off about forty or fifty meters to take stock. Back in people form, Bratig did have a solid bruise on his back, in spite of the armor, which Wallir set to work quickly tending.


    ¡°We need to locate an easier way up,¡± Vanis said, cupping a hand over his eyes as he scanned the formation. ¡°Preferably something with space to dodge any incoming attacks, or things we can use as cover.¡±


    Callie scanned using Eagle Eye, but from her low angle, she unfortunately didn¡¯t see a path that looked like a good option. She was dreading the prospect of needing to scale the rocks directly, although they did have rope that a flier could secure for everyone to ascend. With all the archery work over the last month, her muscles were practically bulging, and Callie suspected she¡¯d easily be able to pull herself up if needed. Still, she¡¯d rather just find a way to walk.


    ¡°Let me scout quickly and find a path,¡± Rowani said. ¡°I¡¯m fast enough to dodge anything thrown at me, assuming they even take notice since I¡¯m so small, and if need be I can get pretty high, too. My hawk¡¯s sight is now much better than it used to be.¡±


    ¡°Go,¡± Vanis said with a sharp nod, and the Druid wibbled into her flight form. With a screech, she took to the air and flew off.


    ¡°We need a better way to detect the rock throwers,¡± Olin said, glancing at Bratig as the Dwarf worked the stiffness out of his back. ¡°If we don¡¯t know where they are, we¡¯ll keep getting surprised.¡±


    ¡°We could run around really fast,¡± Melga suggested, gesturing to the other Druids. ¡°When they rise up to attack us, the rest of you can take them out from range.¡±


    Maugra quickly shook her head. ¡°Too dangerous. I know your Striker forms are quick, but with all those jagged rocks, you won¡¯t see where you¡¯re going and could stumble into trouble.¡±


    ¡°Wait, would that work, though?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Someone just running close, that is. Is that enough to make the Elementals wake up?¡±


    ¡°It should be.¡±


    ¡°Why not just use them?¡± Callie suggested, gesturing to the quintet of Imps, along with the Fiend, that were standing idle in a group. ¡°Just send them ahead to wake up whatever is hiding. If one gets squashed, Vanis can just summon more, right?¡±


    ¡°That should work,¡± the Warlock said, with a puzzled expression as he thought it through. ¡°I have a range of about one-hundred meters or so to control them, but that should be plenty. They¡¯ll keep doing what I¡¯ve told them if they get out of that command range, unless I close the Nether link to them, in which case they¡¯ll be unsummoned and collapse.¡±


    ¡°Give it a test,¡± Callie suggested. ¡°Send some up and over the rocks and see if anything wakes up.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if this works,¡± the Warlock replied, sounding slightly dubious, but curious as well. He took a half-dozen steps forward before summoning a Ritual Circle into being under him, to give himself a bit of a range boost. With a flick of a finger, three Imps sprang from their group, tearing up the last few meters of prairie grasses in a mad race towards the outcropping. They snarled and hissed and worked their way through cracks between stones, or scrambling madly over the top of them, racing towards a spot Vanis had ordered them to.


    Almost like a synchronized ballet, four Greater Stone Elementals seemed to unfold and rise, each turning slightly to track the trio of Demons. Two quickly summoned boulders and threw, missing the Imps, but a third also summoned, managing to hit one of the little Demons. The boulder basically turned it into a gooey green paste that quickly started to turn into purple smoke.


    ¡°Eww,¡± Callie winced. ¡°That had to hurt.¡±


    ¡°It sure didn¡¯t hurt for long, though,¡± Maugra said with a huffing laugh.

 Chapter 50 Part 5 - Rift Hunting

    PART V - RIFT HUNTING


    Rather than call the Imps back and risk the Elementals following, Vanis cut the link of power holding them to the world, and the other two went limp, falling to the ground like marionettes with their strings cut, before also beginning to smoke. They were immediately set upon by standard-sized elementals, their bodies squashed into goo.


    ¡°Well, that worked,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Now what?¡±


    ¡°I can probably take them from here,¡± Callie said, holding her bow up to demonstrate. ¡°But I don¡¯t know if they¡¯ll know it¡¯s me at this range and attack.¡±


    Vanis looked for suggestions from the others, and seeing none immediately offered, made a decision. ¡°Ranged, be ready to engage if they come at us, and everyone be ready to scatter if they throw. Hopefully, the distance is too far. Callie, see what you can do.¡±


    Callie took a deep breath and sighted down the bow. Three of the Greater Elementals were currently facing either towards or away from her, which exposed the glowing heartcores to attack. It was a small and moving target though, with a limited window to shoot once she cast the spells on her arrow.


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + MULTISHOT


    Taking a deep breath, Callie carefully aimed and released, her arrow immediately splitting into four. One each was targeting one of the Elementals with exposed cores, while the fourth flew towards the last, generally aiming chest-high. At the last moment, one of the exposed three turned, though, which caused the arrow to impact into what could loosely be called an arm.


    Four small explosions lit up the hillside. The two Elementals with exposed hearts burst, stones flying in multiple directions, The other two seemed to lose chunks of their stoney bodies, but without their cores destroyed, stones all around them, including the ones from their dead friends, rose to fill in the missing pieces, making them whole once again. Thankfully, the two remaining Elementals didn¡¯t realize where the attack came from, or the team was too far away to be considered a threat, so no attack followed.


    ¡°That got two of them,¡± Vanis said with an encouraging tone.


    ¡°Looks like I can only kill them if I can destroy their heart,¡± Callie said. ¡°I''ll need to use my Explosive shot to do it, and I can only do that so quickly due to recharge times and mana usage. It could be slow going to pick them off.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the safest,¡± Olin warned Vanis. ¡°Even if it takes a while to scale to the Rift, we have the potions and the time.¡±


    ¡°Not very fun, though,¡± Pixyl pouted.


    ¡°We still have the smaller ones to kill on the way,¡± Maugra pointed out, which actually seemed to brighten Pixyl slightly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hold for Rowani,¡± Vanis finally said, looking skyward for any sign of the scouting Druid.


    Everyone relaxed slightly, Tazrok returning to his towering Ogre form to keep his eyes peeled for anything that might be approaching, directing Bratig on one occasion to engage a pair of Pebbles that were moving their way. Callie focused on the two remaining Greater Elementals, who were now simply standing there, doing nothing. Occasionally, one would move a few steps, and she managed to pick one off when it turned the right direction for a clean shot. Eventually, though, the last seemed to curl in on itself, falling back to the ground and now looking like a harmless pile of rocks.


    Rowani finally returned, wobbling back into her Pantherkin form. She was panting slightly, and quickly summoned fresh water into her hands for a long drink before reporting. ¡°I''ve found what I think will be the easiest way up the hill. There¡¯s still a couple places where we¡¯ll need to climb, but Tazrok might be tall enough to boost everyone up. The good news is that there is plenty of cover as we approach, so that should offer protection. The even better news is that once we¡¯re up there, we¡¯ll be able to walk south along the top of the ridge to the second Rift easily, with no large obstacles to climb over.¡±


    ¡°That sounds encouraging,¡± Olin said, actually sounding a little surprised.


    Nodding, Rowani continued. ¡°I saw what you did with the imps. Good thinking. I think most of the Greater Elementals can be flushed out and dealt with from long range using your tactic. We¡¯ll still have to address the normal ones as we approach, though.¡±


    ¡°All the same,¡± Maugra said, adding a warning, ¡°the boulder attacks are the biggest danger, so we¡¯re going to take our time and not engage more than we can keep track of. For all the ranged, make sure to use the various rocks for cover if you can, looking out only to make your attacks. If you need healing, get behind something if you are able, or someone drag the injured there so the Healers can focus out of danger.¡±


    With the Guardians in front, Rowani directed the way, the group following towards where the climb would start. Periodically, Vanis would send out a Nether Bat, rather than an Imp, to try drawing out the Elementals, since the bat¡¯s path wasn¡¯t impeded by any of the jagged rocks. As the creatures rose, Callie would sight in on the Greaters, dropping an Explosive Shot when the opportunities presented. By the time they reached the ascension point, Vanis and Callie had managed to kill five more, while the rest of the team fended off a handful of standard-sized ones, and even a couple remnant Pebbles.


    The climb up the hill was slow, though. The terrain was irregular and random, with a couple gaps large enough that Tazrok needed to straddle them to lift Callie and others across. Tazrok also served his duty as an elevator, lifting the non-flyers up two sheer faces that were just over four meters tall.


    Combat Injuries were light, thankfully, with both Melga and Wallir taking hard hits and needing to fall back for a little repair by Ambria and Lhawni. It was at least an hour of exhausting forward and upward movement, fending off smaller Elementals from several directions while the Greaters were engaged either at range, or in one case, by Pixyl zipping in to blast a pair apart when Callie missed a shot and was stuck on cooldown. The Pixie did get a stern talking-to from Celeste and Olin about risking a boulder strike, and she responded with a shrug saying she was ¡®getting bored¡¯.


    All told, Callie and Vanis had flushed out and killed seventeen Greater Elementals during the approach and climb, with Pixyl¡¯s two making the total nineteen. But all these were on the eastern face of the hill, and down on the western side were even more of the boulder-throwing monsters. Maugra ignored the Rift for the moment, instead helping to bring the situation under control, throwing spells to stun the enemies for easy demolition by the Guardians. After at least fifteen minutes of non-stop fighting, another dozen Greater Elementals had been scouted and defeated, along with countless smaller ones. There were several minor injuries and one major when Tazrok was hit on a rear leg by a boulder, emitting an ear-splitting yelp in pain. With her healing power amped up, though, Ambria giggled with Ley magic as she repaired the Ogre¡¯s fractured leg in record time and with minimal effort, with Cheena verifying the quality of the repair.


    As a final duty to clear the remaining Greater Elementals, Vanis focused everyone to the north. His bat flushed out the area along the ridge towards the road, allowing Callie or a still-bored Pixyl to take them down, with the others working on the little guys. None of the larger Elementals appeared when the Demon bat swooped the rocks on the north side of the road, so Vanis felt confident the area would be safe for passage once the Rift was closed and the smaller ones eventually fell.


    ¡°That ¡­ was grueling,¡± Vanis said, panting as they finally finished. The non-stop summoning, especially on the move, was exhausting for him, since the increased mana regeneration from the Rift wasn¡¯t helping any. He waved a hand, dismissing a Nether Bat that had been making final sweeps around the area, no more Elementals responding to its proximity. It promptly flopped to the ground, turning into purple smoke.


    The area now cleared and everyone able to relax, the team followed Maugra towards the Rift. Callie¡¯s Darkvision finally overloaded, the image becoming nothing more than a blinding pink light. Thankfully, Maugra knew what she was looking for and led everyone to their first destination.


    The Rift was actually utterly unremarkable. It looked simply like a hole in the ground about twenty centimeters in diameter, with a mound of dirt and stone around it as if pushed from below. From the hole oozed a wispy, white smoke that rolled across the ground for a few meters, reminiscent of the fog caused by melting dry ice. Maugra assured everyone the fog was harmless, and just the result of the leaking magic overflow interacting with the air.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Callie asked, showing her clear disappointment.


    ¡°What did you expect?¡± Cheena responded.


    ¡°I dunno. Something more ¡­ rifty. More like a fountain or geyser at least, I guess. Or, you know, a rip in space and time. Something impressive, at least.¡±


    ¡°I have to agree,¡± Rowani said, showing similar disappointment.


    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Pixyl exclaimed, looking at her hand. ¡°This is amazing! I have so much power right now.¡±


    ¡°Still, it is a little ¡­ underwhelming,¡± Olin said, gesturing vaguely to the smoking hole. ¡°Visually at least. The strength I have right now, though ¡­¡±


    For Callie, being a Nature magic user, she didn¡¯t really feel anything different. In fact, with the lack of vegetation and life around them, she even felt like mana recharging was going just a tiny bit slower than normal. For the Arcane casters, though, it was as if they were hopped up on a dozen cups of coffee. Their reflexes were sharp and jumpy, their spells overpowered, and mana regeneration was through the roof, spells effectively limited only by charge cooldowns and general exhaustion.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°I¡¯m going to tap this,¡± Maugra said, gesturing towards the hole after letting Vanis rest a couple minutes. ¡°Everyone, it¡¯s going to get really hot, though, so you all need to move away.¡± She gestured generally towards the south, the direction of the second Rift, shooing everyone to safety.


    At Platinum, Maugra could have up to three Totems summoned at once, and she called one into being directly over the Rift¡¯s hole. The lights coalesced into form, and it promptly dropped into the opening until the Totem was wide enough to hit the sides, acting almost like a plug. The Goblin casually waved her hand as she turned to walk towards the rest of the group, now standing about twenty meters away. Maugra looked almost like some badass from an action movie as she refused to look back at the roar of fire suddenly shooting skyward from the Totem. It blasted straight up, as if from the end of a rocket, a single stream of blue-hot fire at least fifteen or twenty meters long that eventually started to fan out and dissipate into the sky. The heat was intense, even at their distance, and soon everyone needed to edge another ten meters away, Pixyl quickly blasting a pair of normal Elementals they had missed on first clearing.


    ¡°That is ¡­ wow!¡± was all Callie could say as the awesome inferno roared in front of them. The fire at the Bogwump nest had been nothing compared to this. The others on the team, including Cheena, were as speechless as she was. This was certainly more exciting than the vaguely-oozing fog hole that had been there before, and really demonstrated the invisible power that was leaking out.


    Maugra sat facing the Totem, concentrating lightly on the channeled command that ordered the Totem to use its Flame Blast. ¡°If I had to guess, it should take about twenty minutes. The fire will gradually get lower as the pressure eases, and once it does, we can move on. The Rift should then close by itself in a few hours. The hole was wider than I expected, though, so we probably want to put a boulder over it so nobody falls into it some day.¡± She gestured towards Tazrok, clearly indicating who was going to be doing the boulder work.


    After several minutes of rest and a mana potion for both of them, Vanis and Callie went back to work, once again using Nether Bats to scout the path they would be taking to the south. A total of a half-dozen additional Greater Elementals rose, and Callie eventually had the line-of-sight to their cores she needed to drop an Explosive Shot into each. Another dozen smaller rock monsters also appeared, with both Bratig, Tazrok as well as a still-bored Pixyl, quickly dispatching each of them once there was no threat from the larger ones.


    In time, the rocketing flames from the Totem began to noticeably ease. Pixyl complained she could feel some of the magic boost draining away, melodramatically pouting that she wasn¡¯t as amped up as she had been before the Rift was relieved.


    ¡°You could still kick everyone¡¯s ass, Pixyl,¡± Callie pointed out as she and Vanis rejoined the party..


    ¡°It was more fun, before.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the boost will come back once we approach the next Rift,¡± Maugra said with a laugh, causing the Pixie to grin in excitement again.


    Finally, the flames began to sputter, and the elder Shaman unsummoned her Totem, the heat immediately relenting, much to everyone¡¯s relief. Tazrok found a huge boulder far enough away to not be too hot, which Maugra was able to confirm was real and not summoned, and he set it over the now fogless hole, as if capping off a well.


    It had taken nearly four hours since the first team arrived to reach this point and it had been a long slog. There would still be usable light for a while, but the sun was clearly showing its intent to keep moving through the sky. Vanis needed to make the call.


    ¡°I estimate perhaps three hours of good light left,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We should decide if we proceed now, or retreat for the night.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s less than four kilometers to the next Rift,¡± Maugra said, ¡°so not very far. But it will still be slow going between the terrain and the Elementals we encounter. I think we can make it in plenty of time, with enough light to climb back down, too.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± Callie said. She gestured towards Pixyl and Olin, then to herself. ¡°We have flares that should light things enough for everyone to see the way down, and the Shamans have a light spell, right?¡±


    ¡°We do,¡± Cheena confirmed.


    ¡°I know most of the kills were from Callie, but I think we¡¯ve largely determined appropriate tactics,¡± Olin added.


    ¡°I say we go for it,¡± the Major said, shrugging her shoulders, making sure it felt like another opinion, not an order. ¡°I think we can get this done in under two hours. But it¡¯s your call, Sergeant.¡±


    Vanis thought for a long moment, eyeing the ridgeline south towards the next Rift. You could tell he was conflicted,


    ¡°What¡¯s your gut say?¡± Callie asked, trying to be helpful.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Vanis said, snapped out of his thoughts. ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°Your gut instinct?¡± Callie said again, trying to clarify. ¡°What¡¯s it say we should do? I just go with that if I¡¯m not sure of something.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Little One, I¡¯m overthinking this,¡± Vanis said, affectionately rubbing Calie¡¯s head. He then addressed everyone. ¡°We¡¯ll go ahead and assault the Rift now. But, if things take too long and dusk threatens, we¡¯re going to fall back, either going back down the hill if we have time, or maybe camping back here for the night. We¡¯ve cleared the area around this Rift, so it should be safe before long. Some of the fliers can go retrieve our provisions and the Major¡¯s underwear.¡±


    ¡°Retrieve my what!?¡±


    <hr>


    The smaller of the main two Rifts relieved of pressure and capped off, the team gathered their strength and set forth to the south towards the larger one. The Demon-scouting tactic had worked quite well on the march up, so Vanis continued to use his Nether Bats to sweep ahead and to the sides, waking up any Elemental that might be lying in wait. As soon as one rose, Callie would explode it with a layered arrow if it was a Greater Elemental. If it was one of the smaller ones, either Maugra or Cheena would give it a zap to stun it, generally followed by Bratig or Tazrok smashing it with their tails. Of course, Pixyl would occasionally charge in on her own, too, expertly destroying anything in her way, which seemed to irritate the Major. So far, they had suffered only minimal injuries to the Guardians that were easily addressed, and they moved forward at a steady speed primarily dictated by Callie''s recharge times.


    While the march from the road to the first Rift hadn''t been without challenges, it had largely gone smoothly, with most of the biggest threats destroyed at range. Thus, even Maugra, who had initially emphasized not to underestimate the Elementals, was feeling fairly confident about the next phase of the mission. They had a system and a rhythm. While not the fastest, it had proven both safe and effective.


    "How are you doing on mana?" Maugra eventually asked Callie and Vanis as she dropped a Totem, sending out a Rejuvenation pulse to help a little.


    "I''ll need a potion soon, I think," Callie grumbled, knowing the foul taste that was coming.


    "I will as well," Vanis said, an edge of fatigue in his voice. "Perhaps another one-hundred meters and we will take a short break."


    As the team crept slowly and steadily forward, the number of Greater Elementals seemed to diminish, until they reached the point that the only enemy they were encountering were the normals and a few of the tiny pebble variety. Maugra hypothesized it was because they were moving away from one Rift, and the stronger creatures would soon return as they drew closer to the next one.


    Callie had long ago lost count of how many she had blown up, at least fifty of the Greaters and countless of the smaller rock monsters. On the other hand, Bratig and Tazrok were having a contest to see who could destroy more of the Elementals. Tazrok was ahead by quite a bit, although, when the Ogre leapt into the air, changing shape mid-leap into his Brontorn, and smushing six under his weight, the Dwarf angrily snarled, "That only counts as one!" Callie couldn''t help but giggle at the bickering. Everyone¡¯s mood was feeling good.


    Eventually, the Nether bat scout finally encountered another Greater, the team apparently having drawn close enough to the next Rift for its power to animate the larger ones. Callie dispatched it easily enough, and Vanis called a ten minute halt so he could recover a bit before the next push. Callie was silently thankful for the break, too.


    "What''s wrong?" Ambria asked Maugra, who was staring with a concerned look towards their destination.


    "Something feels ... I don''t know ... off," the Shaman replied. "I can''t put my finger on it. Something about this next Rift."


    "Do we need to fall back?" Olin asked.


    Maugra paused for a long few seconds, before carefully shaking her head. "Until I know what is wrong, I can''t advise anything, except that we proceed with caution. I''ll speak up immediately if I sense something more out of the ordinary."


    Vanis shot Celeste a concerned look, but all the Major did was shrug. Hunches were important to heed, but something this vague was hard to take action on, beyond the advice to be wary. "Callie, can you see anything with your Ranger eyes? Or has your Danger Sense triggered?" he finally asked, hoping for a possible second opinion.


    Callie shrugged. "I don''t think my Danger Sense has been working well since we encountered the first rock-throwers. I haven''t been calm enough, and I¡¯m still pretty pumped up." She took a moment and zoomed in with Eagle Eye. "But I can see some fog from the Rift, I think. Nothing seems that odd, but I honestly wouldn''t know, either."


    "How far?"


    "Half a kilometer, maybe? Possibly a bit more. The fog is coming from under that stone arch," Callie pointed, indicating the rock formation. It was the same identifiable one they had all seen when Maugra had returned from scouting hours earlier, just from a different angle this time.


    Vanis looked briefly to the other trainers for advice, but got only the same shrug the Major had replied with. "Fine, we''ll continue on. High alert, though. And Pixyl, you need to stay close. No flying off to destroy things this time. We''ll do this properly as a group."


    "Awww!" the Pixie growled, obviously disappointed.


    After summoning another Nether Bat, Callie and Vanis moved ahead, sending the winged demon off to scout. Around them, the Major and the five Druid Guardians fanned out, Rowani''s Tortalis part of the vanguard. Overhead, an eager Pixyl hovered, looking for her own targets of opportunity that were close enough to not be considered ¡®flying off¡¯. As the bat flew, smaller Elementals would rise like stone zombies, take a half dozen steps trying to catch it, before finally going still again. These were ignored, and would be easily dispatched once someone got close enough that they started to move again. Then, a pair of Greater Elementals stood, both immediately throwing boulders after the flying Demon scout. One missed, but the other caught its wing and it flopped to the ground, where it was promptly set upon by three normals.


    "Ouch!" Olin winced with a chuckle. They had gone through a lot of bats today.


    "Can you take them both?" Vanis asked.


    "Not a problem," Callie replied, grinning up at her friend.


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + MULTISHOT


    Holding for a couple of seconds to make sure she had clear targets, Callie loosed two arrows into each of the Elementals. They hit hard, and in an instant both targets were nothing but dust and rubble, their glowing cores destroyed.


    "Easy, peasy," Callie giggled, high-fiving the Major with one hand and then Bratig with the other..


    As the dust finally settled, something did not look quite right. Where there had been two of the largest elementals, and maybe a few of the smaller ones, now there were more, and more were rising. The explosion had set off a chain reaction of alerting another Elemental, which would rise from the ground, which in turn alerted the next one, and the next. More importantly, they seemed to have a purpose this time, and a small army of rock monsters began to slowly shamble in the same direction, towards the team, as if knowing where the danger had come from.


    "Oh shit," Vanis said quietly, his eyes going wide.


    "This ... this definitely counts as out of the ordinary," Maugra said, summoning up a pair of Totems and getting ready for a fight.


    The Guardians quickly took station in front of the party as the first of the Elemental army approached. Then all hell broke loose.

 Chapter 50 Part 6 - Waves of Resistance

    PART VI - WAVES OF RESISTANCE


    Callie ducked behind the huge rock again, just as her target exploded, a shower of now-gravel raining off her leather helmet, as well as Lhawni and Ambria, who were sharing the cover with her. "How many big ones are still out there?" she yelled.


    "A lot!" Major Celeste snarled back, in between the zappy sounds of her Flashstepping around the battlefield.


    "Do we need to fall back?" Vanis asked loudly, but also slightly distracted as part of him focused on keeping this anti-threat aura active, which Callie was fairly sure wasn¡¯t doing a damn thing to help. He also had multiple Fiends summoned, and was working to keep them organized as well.


    "Not yet, dammit!" a somewhat-angry Pixyl screamed back as she swooped in on another Greater Elemental. She deftly slipped sideways, narrowly avoiding a boulder thrown her direction. A two-fisted double shot of her Ethereal blast to the monster''s chest vaporized its Heartcore, and it collapsed into a heap. Her bombing run completed, the Pixie started to circle again, looking for her next target while dodging an occasional throw from below.


    Callie cursed to herself as another boulder crashed into the protective barrier, making the ground shake and her teeth rattle as cracks appeared. She ducked around for an instant, launching another of her signature Explosive Shots, which burst the core of the Elemental that had just attacked. Another shower of rocky chunks pelted down. ¡°We¡¯re going to need to move soon,¡± she said in warning to Lhawni and Ambria, nodding to indicate the failing cover they were hiding behind.


    A roar and a smashing sound heralded Bratig''s destruction of two normal Elementals, but another crunch of a boulder off his armored back was unmistakable. He''d taken at least three of these hard hits since things had started to go crazy, and he had to be hurting. The Dwarf refused to fall back for healing though, staying on task. The Major was going to rip him a new one for that.


    "How far?" Cheena asked as she called forth another Healing Pulse from her Totem, trying to help. She then managed to get another general healing spell directed from the Totem towards Bratig for a few seconds, before the construct was summarily smashed into tiny pieces of light by a boulder crashing through it. The remnants of magic sputtered and fizzled as they shot in random directions like tiny fireworks, burning themselves out after a few moments.


    "Two-hundred meters," Maugra called back. "Maybe a little less. I can see the vent, though."


    "We need a better plan than ¡®just shut up and kill them¡¯!" Callie snarled out loudly to anyone that would hear her.


    "I''m open to suggestions," Vanis yelled back, shooting the Gnome a glare as he released a duo of Bronze-Tier Fiends on a pair of Elementals closing from the side. They weren''t Greaters, though, so the Demon pair would take the enemies down in a moment.


    Another huge explosion rang out, this time from Olin''s Ethereal Bomb that he lobbed into the middle of a pack of six rock monsters. Stone was vaporized, with the remains flying in all directions. At least one Greater Elemental survived, its Heartcore seizing on the remnant scattered pieces to rebuild itself anew. "I got a few there. On cooldown," the Bladeweaver called out, a professional and focused tone to his voice.


    "Get ready to push forward! We¡¯ll have a window in a moment!" Celeste warned, her Command Aura pulsing out and seeming to synchronize everyone. Celeste¡¯s observation skills were uncanny, and she could somehow track when all the monsters threw their boulders, and when enough would be on cooldown to press the attack forward. "Charge ten meters and then get behind cover again. Rowani! Clear the way!"


    The Pantherkin had fallen back to lend a hand healing Melga. The Dwarf had taken a hard boulder hit to her side in Owlbear form, hard enough to cause her to return to normal form, and Tazrok had all but thrown the Dwarf to safety before returning to the fight. "I¡¯m going now!" Rowani yelled out, rushing from behind the rock and shifting to her Guardian. The Tortalis charged forward with amazing speed, head retracted, and bowled over at least eight Elementals. An excited Pixyl swooped in behind her like a dive bomber, zipping and flipping in the air as she used her glowing swords to one after the next pierce the hearts of the downed enemies, before using an Ethereal Blast on the last one and flying into the air again, laughing the whole time.


    "She''s crazy!" Lhawni said quietly from next to Callie as Pixyl''s momentum carried her high into the air. The Pixie arched over, setting her sights and diving on her next target, her swords held forward like the spikes of a falling missile.


    "Yeah, but she''s our crazy," Callie grinned. "Damn, she''s amazing," she added as Pixyl sliced a normal Elemental in two before casually blasting another Greater into rubble just as it was about to throw.


    "You¡¯ve got that right," Ambria agreed. ¡°She absolutely is.¡±


    "Everyone move now!" Celeste ordered before blowing long on a whistle she kept around her neck, just like a Sergeant on the Bunkerball field, and together everyone dashed forward as another hail of boulders rained down where they had just been.


    Callie looked back, watching as the shelter she, Ambria and Lhawni had just been hiding behind got smashed to pieces. That had been close.


    The team pressed the attack, and Callie dove for refuge behind another pile of rocks, while Lhawni and Ambria found their own cover. They were slowly making headway as they thinned the Elementals in front and to the sides. "How are you doing?" Major Celeste asked Callie after the officer zipped in behind the rocks protecting the Gnome as well. The Major had a big grin on her face, despite the seriousness of the moment, probably rivaled only by the giddy glee of the overhead Pixyl.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Callie glared at Celeste, before edging around the rocks and loosing another arrow. Somewhere ahead, there was another explosion sound. "Oh, I''m just doing peachy, Major," Callie snarled sarcastically as the ground shook from another boulder hitting her rock barrier in response. "A month ago I was home in my soft, comfy bed, happily wasting my days looking at cat memes. Now? I''m fighting monsters made out of living rock! With a bow and arrow! I¡¯m pretty sure none of this makes any sense!"


    The Major peeked around, taking stock of the battle. "Well, you''re doing a great job!" she said casually, before there was a blurred flash of orange light and she was gone.


    Callie glared after the Elf on general principle. A little ways away, Cheena and Lhawni were busy working on Ambria, who had apparently taken a hard tumble on the last rush when a bouncing boulder knocked her feet out from under her. After a quick check, the injuries seemed treatable. She had hit her head hard when she fell, though, and had been seeing stars for a bit, and there was a lot of blood on her face from what looked to be another broken antler. Ambria insisted she was fine, just bloody, but the two Shamans were fussing over her all the same.


    "How many more?" Callie called out to anyone that would answer.


    "About twenty more of the big ones!" Maugra called back, a ball of lightning shooting from her hand. There was a concussive sound of an Ethereal Blast a ways off, then a second, both followed by an excited whoop from an easily identifiable Pixyl. "About eighteen more of the big ones!" Maugra amended.


    "We can handle eighteen," Callie mumbled to herself. "No problem." Another boulder crashed to the ground only a few meters away, leaving a huge divot as it rolled away. "If we don''t get squashed first and turned into salsa," Callie added. Piercing Shot finally restored another charge and Callie layered up an Explosive Shot paired with Multishot. She looked around the protective barrier, taking aim at a pair of Greater Elementals, but her shot went harmlessly wide as she was forced to take cover, another incoming boulder crashing into her protection. Callie cussed a string of expletives, trying to will her powers to recharge faster.


    Over Callie¡¯s head flew one, two and then a third normal Elemental, flung long by Juniper¡¯s tentacle vines. They crashed motionless in a heap, their cores crushed by their own falling weight. The Dryad was on an angry tear, concentrating on clearing the field of anything not a Greater Elemental and doing it with amazing effectiveness. She had summoned multiple pairs of vines, seeming to control them with one hand, flinging Elemental bodies in every direction, although careful to avoid the rest of the party after a harsh warning from the Major. From her other hand, she projected the body-size shield of thick brambles strong enough to deflect away the boulders as they hit, somehow no momentum being transferred to the crazy-eyed Sylvan when the shield was struck.


    A roar from Tazrok signaled another enemy torn to the ground, but the yelp of pain also signaled a hit he took. The Druid seemed more stunned and surprised than injured, and immediately pounced on the Greater that had just attacked him. They crashed to the ground together, the Hellhound grappling with the enemy. Tazrok quickly detangled himself, before proceeding to repeatedly smash the Elemental¡¯s Heartcore into tiny shards of dead rock with his weighted tail, the Hellhound adding a final snort of victory at the end.


    Not far away, Melga and Wallir were tag-teaming a pack of Elementals, the Owlbear and Direbear working in near harmony as they batted aside or crushed the smaller types. Finally, a lone Greater Elemental stood, winding up for another boulder throw. As if in mutual agreement, Melga went high and Wallir went low, bringing the monster crashing to the ground, and Melga¡¯s sharp beak was able to tear its Heartcore right out before crushing it to dust, the Elemental losing form and becoming inert rubble.


    Slowly the team crawled forward, the Elemental horde¡¯s resistance finally starting to ease as Callie and the chaotic, flying Pixyl destroyed the bulk of the remaining Greaters, while the rest of the team concentrated on the final mop up of anything smaller. One benefit of the Elementals all coming for them was that there was no longer a need for scouting, either on the top of the ridge or even down the sides, as everything conveniently came to the slaughter instead. As a result, space was being effectively cleared between the last of the incoming Elementals and the stone arch marking the Rift.


    Every once in a while, a new monster would form by the arch, usually a normal one, but occasionally one of the Greaters. Like the rest, they would immediately begin to amble towards the team, stepping forward to be quickly brought down by any one of a number of means. Thankfully, the rate of new Elementals forming was slow enough to not be of significant concern as long as any boulders were dodged, which was easy at this distance.


    It didn¡¯t take much longer, and the battlefield was finally quiet. Piles of rocks and rubble showing where elementals had fallen littered the landscape, and occasional plumes of purple smoke showed the resting spots of various fallen Demons.


    ¡°Is everyone unhurt?¡± Major Celeste asked, removing her helmet for a moment and running her hand through her sweaty hair.


    The team looked at each other. It was obvious a few people had some bruises and scratches needing attending, maybe even a little more than that for Bratig, although he still brushed it off as just being ¡®a little stiff¡¯ as he tossed a general heal onto himself. The Major gave him a hard glare, not fully believing him, but Vanis suggested they give him a proper examination once the Rift had been tapped. The Dwarf grumbled a bit before Rowani put her foot down as his trainer, and he grudgingly conceded.


    ¡°Shall we,¡± Vanis said, graciously gesturing towards the stone archway over the Rift. They were within eighty meters now, maybe closer to sixty, and save one or two normal elementals that had emerged, the way was clear. Everyone was exhausted, but a final victory walk as a group was exactly what they needed, and Callie imagined them looking like a crazy pack of misfits doing that epic slow-motion walk to a pounding movie score, purple smoke billowing and debris all around them.


    Maugra put her hand up, a worried look on her face, and stopped everyone¡¯s approach. ¡°Something¡¯s not right.¡±


    ¡°Do you have Danger Sense?¡± Vanis asked warily.


    The Goblin shook her head, turning in a slow circle as if trying to find the source of whatever she was feeling. ¡°No I don¡¯t, not here, but something is wrong with the magic ¡­ it¡¯s ¡­ I don¡¯t know ¡­ focused oddly.¡±


    ¡°Major? Wallir? Callie?¡± Vanis said, asking the same question of those he knew also had the alert capability. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling anything.¡±


    Callie was already pretty calm at this point, fighting being over for a while, but to help, she took another pair of calming breaths. There was suddenly a queasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, stronger when she vaguely faced the stone arch over the Rift. She pointed. ¡°Something¡¯s not right and it¡¯s coming from there.¡±


    Major Celeste, an Elf¡¯s natural Danger Sense giving less of a warning, shot her eyes wide as she finally felt it too. ¡°Everyone back!¡± She yelled, turning and breaking into a run as she spun her finger in the air and then pointed back the way they had come.


    The ground around them started to rumble, and the huge arch began to crack and fall.

 Chapter 50 Part 7 - Awe and Shock

    PART VII - AWE AND SHOCK


    ¡°What the hell is it!¡± Ambria screamed as she ran as fast as her furry Faun legs could carry her.


    ¡°Something bad,¡± was all Callie could respond with, her voice fighting against the sound of rumbling rocks as she ran as well. She risked a glance, trying to understand what she was seeing.


    Behind them, the chunks from the crumbling archway plummeted to the ground with a crash, where they started to reform. Broken boulders and pieces of the shattered arch seemed to fly haphazardly into the shapes of four pillars at least four or five meters tall, some kind of vaguely-glowing magic holding them together. Next, chunks of various dead Elementals began to fly towards the chaos, beginning to build a support between each of the four pillars, upon which started to form a central spire, at least another five meters tall.


    Callie dove behind a rock, joined a moment later by Lhawni, and peeked out at what was happening, now about one-hundred meters away. A chaotic assortment of rocks, from tiny hand-size stones to boulders as big as she was, were flying towards the ¡­ whatever it was, seeming to give it form. ¡°This can¡¯t be good,¡± Callie said to no one as she stated the obvious. ¡°Looks like we found the big boss Elemental in charge.¡±


    More dead-Elemental detritus was sucked through the air, melding to the vague shape of two giant arms attached to that central pillar.. They were at least six meters long, but with the blood pounding in her ears it was hard for Callie to really get a sense of scale on anything. Finally, to call it a head wouldn¡¯t be right, but that was still what seemed to fit, formed at the top of the central spire body. It was as if it looked down to the field below, seeming to know who it was up against.


    ¡°That ¡­ is a big boss in charge ¡­¡± Maugra said in disbelief, her hands on her head.


    ¡°Is there a Heartcore?¡± Cheena asked.


    ¡°I ¡­ don¡¯t see one,¡± the Major responded, now evaluating the thing tactically. ¡°Callie, can you see anything closer from here?¡±


    Callie Eagle Eyed her vision tighter on the construct at the same time she instinctively triggered her Resist Fear. This thing was huge and the smart move was for all of them to run like hell. Still, she had to stay focused until someone in charge made that decision. Now, able to get a closer view, she could see the telltale glow of its heart. It was leaking around plates of stone, though, which seemed to be floating in front of its chest, acting as protection, the light buried deep inside a layer of makeshift armor. ¡°It¡¯s in the center pillar, but it¡¯s covered,¡± Callie called out.


    One of the four pillars moved, now obviously acting as a leg, and it began to slowly walk forward.


    ¡°Ah, hell!¡± Vanis said, stating exactly what everyone was thinking. ¡°Run or fight?¡±


    ¡°Let me try something,¡± Callie said, taking careful aim. This thing wasn¡¯t moving its legs very fast, but it was large enough to make up the ground quickly, and so it was coming. Callie only had a couple opportunities before it would be on them.


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + SNIPER SHOT


    With the armor protecting the core, Callie used Sniper rather than her normal go-to, Rapid Fire, as the single-arrow spell put significantly more into the attack. She sighted carefully, taking the necessary four seconds for the final layer to form on the arrow. She released, the sniping attack flying hard and fast, where it impacted on the huge Elemental¡¯s ¡­ well ¡­ chest. There was an explosion and a lot of dust, but when it cleared it looked like there had been minimal, if any damage, and the telltale glow was still present under the armor. ¡°Well ¡­ shit!¡± Callie snarled.


    ¡°Run or fight?¡± Vanis called out again. They really should run and regroup out of danger.


    It was Pixyl that seemed to react first with any decisiveness, and she took off at high speed towards the giant monster. Juniper saw the Pixie rushing, and swept into action as well, waving her hands in vague yet complex patterns as she summoned one, two, three pairs of vine tentacles that sprang from the ground. They wrapped around the Elemental¡¯s legs, trying to pull it apart, pull it down, or at least hold it in place. Rowani, seeing Pixyl charging and what Juniper had done, cast her own Platinum-powered Entangling Roots spell, effectively doing the same as the Sylvan to the remaining leg.


    The monster responded by raising its arm, pointing it at the Sylvan, and launching a boulder from its end, barely missing the incoming Pixyl, who twisted out of the path as she flew. Juniper just had time to summon her thorny shield into existence, and the incoming projectile slammed into it, the shield magically absorbing the momentum as the boulder glanced off, falling with a thump next to her. But the distraction weakened the grip the tentacles had, and the giant Elemental managed to tear two pairs apart as it loosened its legs, before Juniper was able to regain control of the third.


    Vanis ¡­ was confused. He didn¡¯t know what to do. Every fiber of his being said they should turn tail and run. They weren¡¯t expecting something like this. Yet, Pixyl was already on the attack before they even had decided, and then both Juniper and Rowani were forced to take action a moment later. The Dryad and Druid had the thing momentarily held in place, but that wouldn¡¯t last. His brain raced, trying to make sense of what the next steps were, but nothing he knew was fitting what he was seeing. Part of the problem was that nothing he possessed in his skill repertoire was designed for this type of enemy. Deathbolt was only usable on living things, the same as his Lifetap. Curses were useless and he was too far away for Nether Hold. His summoned minions? He couldn¡¯t see how any of them could be effective against something nearly ten meters tall. Even his Threat Reduction Aura had ultimately proven useless. He was of absolutely no combat value at the moment! He felt like his brain was locked into place.


    ¡°Vanis!¡± Callie called, catching the Warlock¡¯s attention. He looked her way.


    ¡°Try sending in something to distract it!¡±


    He could at least do that, Vanis realized. With barely a thought, he brought forth a Ritual Circle, summoning a Bronze Tier Fiend, which he immediately ordered to attack. There was no way the Demon would be able to kill the Elemental, or likely even harm it, but it could at least crawl all over it and draw its attention. He quickly followed the first with a second, and then started on a third, which would be the limit of his concurrent summoning capability, and put the spell on cooldown, recharging.


    Pixyl flew forward, diving down and through the Elemental¡¯s legs, twisting to fire an Ethereal Blast at it from underneath. There was a magenta explosion of light and sound, but whatever damage had been done was quickly repaired as more chunks of smaller, dead Elemental flew in to repair the wound. A giant arm swung towards the tiny Pixie, and if not for her Instinctive Dodge, she would have been smashed to the ground and certainly killed.


    The rest of the team fanned out slightly, the Healers running to take up positions behind piles of rocks for protection, as they had done before. Lhawni ran from Callie¡¯s side, moving to another spot where she¡¯d be more-easily able to get to multiple people should the need arise.


    Maugra waited for Pixyl to finish her attack and clear the monster, heart stopping for a moment as the tiny Fey was almost smashed. Once clear, the Totems on either side of her simultaneously lashed out with a bolt of lightning, the thunderous cracks echoing across the scattered landscape. For the briefest of moments the monster seemed stunned, but after maybe three seconds, shrugged the attacks off and resumed trying to pull its legs free.


    Seeing the attacks effective, at least partly, Cheena summoned a Lightning Orb, launching it in a high arc. It struck! She had been aiming for its chest, but the monster was moving as it struggled, the attack landing roughly at the base of its body, close to where the four legs came together. That was good enough. Electricity danced up and down the big Elemental, completely stunning it again, and Callie saw another opening. If one sniper-based Explosive Shot couldn¡¯t cut through the armor, could five normal ones?


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + RAPID FIRE


    With the enemy momentarily not moving, Callie had an easy target-of-opportunity. She aimed precisely at the plate protecting the Heartcore, hoping that multiple hits would be able to eat their way through. She loosed, and five arrows traveled sequentially, striking the target. Without Sniper Shot as part of the layered cocktail, each individual arrow did far less damage, but struck one after the next, each eating away at the armored protection. When the dust settled, though, the monster¡¯s armor was still in place, sporting only a few marks of where it had taken some damage. It was going to take several attacks to get through that much protection.


    The stun effect wore off. Responding to the quintet of exploding arrows, the Elemental launched a boulder towards Callie. She dove towards another cover, the incoming attack certain to smash the protection she was already using. There was another crack of lightning energy, this time from one of Cheena¡¯s Totems that she had just summoned. The Lightning Bolt struck the in-flight boulder, shattering it into tiny, marble-sized pieces, which instead rained down around Callie. ¡°Huh, it worked?¡± Cheena said quizzically, glancing at her hand, amazed the counter-attack was effective.Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Wish we had known that before!¡± Callie yelled back with a cranky inflection, huddled under new cover, as the last remnants of the boulder rained into the ground, each leaving little puffs of dust as they struck.


    ¡°Spread our Totems out!¡± Maugra shouted. ¡°Use them for the defense!¡±


    Cheena moved, summoning her second Totem while repositioning the first. Maugra did the same, spreading out the line of point-defense as she resummoned her own two Totems into better spots, before adding a third. They were immediately put to use as one of Maugra¡¯s Totems lanced out, destroying a boulder in midair that had been launched towards Cheena in apparent revenge for the Lightning Orb attack.


    Tazrok and the other Guardian Druids were unsure what to do. Both Bratig and Melga, while able to move quickly, weren¡¯t exactly agile. It was obvious those arms were going to be quite good at smashing, and even with his bony armor, Bratig would be injured, if not squashed. Tazrok was significantly more agile in his Hellhound form, but one good hit would injure him just as badly. The best he could do was to probably harass the enemy, and hope to hold its attention, even though Taunt was ineffective and not available in his Striker form anyway.


    The first of Vanis¡¯s Fiends arrived at the giant Elemental, and began to scramble up one of its moving legs. It tore at any small pieces of stone it could dislodge, trying to fling them away, but the Elemental¡¯s magic simply grabbed what was torn loose and pulled everything back into place. Seeing a second Fiend just summoned and following after the first, the Elemental raised its arm. As it fell, the stone making it up flew apart, telescoping the entire arm out like a whip, a hazy wisp of magic still holding the materials to form. It fell on the Fiend, turning it immediately into a puddle that slowly began to boil away into purple smoke as the extended arm slowly started to retract back to its normal length.


    Pixyl continued to harass the Elemental, zipping and swooping around its body, using Ethereal Blast to take potshots where she could. The attack was largely useless, but did at least do some negligible damage, the concentrated Ether disintegrating small chunks of stone. Unfortunately, replacement stones continuously rose from the battlefield, filling in any damage. Even with Olin adding to the mayhem, the attacks weren¡¯t going to be able to get ahead of the monster¡¯s ability to repair itself.


    Tazrok had noticed something interesting. While Pixyl was underneath the Elemental, she was largely safe. The long, stone arms didn¡¯t have any fingers, and so the best they could do was wave vaguely around trying to hit her. That gave the Ogre an idea. He stomped up to Cheena, who was busy watching for incoming missiles. ¡°Give Talisman!¡± he demanded, extending his fingers.


    It took Cheena a moment to realize what he was talking about, but she quickly fished it from the leather pouch on her belt. Not arguing the point, she sent the mental command to activate its Elemental-disrupting powers and handed it over. It was so tiny in the Ogre¡¯s hands. ¡°It lasts about five minutes,¡± the Elf warned.


    Tazrok grunted a nod. The cord to hang the Talisman around one''s neck was far too short, so with his almost-too-big fingers he shoved it down the front of his armor, safely sandwiching it between his skin and the tunic he wore. He could feel it, a warm humming of power seeming to radiate out. He looked and transformed into his Curvax, taking off at incredibly high speed towards the giant Elemental. He charged, dodging a boulder and heading right for one of the monster¡¯s legs. As he drew close, at the last moment, he leapt, changing midair into his giant Brontorn form. With the momentum of the high speed Curvax, his massive Draft form bowled into the Elemental with its shoulder. The ramming attack, coupled with the weakening power of the Talisman, sent him straight through the leg. Stones went flying, and the Elemental buckled momentarily, a leg quickly repositioning to form an effective tripod to maintain stability.


    It hurt Tazrok though! Twelve tons of Brontorn-Tazrok running at the speed of Curvax-Tazrok may have done a lot of damage, but the Ogre could feel bones creaking from the impact, possibly even some breaking. A Brontorn was not at all a nimble animal, and when he landed, the rolling caused as much damage as the initial impact did, and Tazrok quickly assumed his Hellhound form to finish the tumble. It hadn¡¯t been the brightest of ideas.


    The Ogre watched in horror with his Hellhound eyes as the leg he had just smashed began to reform itself, the hazy magic sucking in replacement stones from all around. At best, all he managed to do was to slow the thing for a moment. All that for probably some cracked ribs and a lot of bruising. WIth a snarl, and within the relative safety of the monster¡¯s underside, Tazrok set to work, ripping and tearing whatever he could, from whatever leg was closest to him. He¡¯d smash it with his weighted tail, sending shards of rock flying in all directions, the Talisman weakening the bonds. His efforts didn¡¯t do much good, except to continue to slow the monster¡¯s march, and give Tazrok a way to work his frustrations out.


    Juniper finally got another charge of her Twisting Vines spell back, and immediately cast it. The twin tentacles sprang from the earth, before wrapping tightly and struggling to hold the giant Elemental in place. She had seen Tazrok smashing away underneath, so focused on holding it still, rather than pulling it down, lest her Ogre friend get hurt. Now with the Shamans providing protection from most of the incoming boulders, she was able to discard her shield and put more strength into each of the tentacle summonings she had active.


    ¡°Come on, come on, come on!¡± Callie hissed to herself, waiting for Piercing Shot to come off cooldown. She actually had one of her normal triple-layered shots still stored, but was reluctant to pull it out, worrying she¡¯d need at least some of its parts for an emergency. She glanced around the rock she was behind, seeing Tazrok tearing away at the underside of the Elemental, and focused her attack again at the armored chest of the titan they were fighting. Loosing the quintet of exploding arrows, each struck and created loud flashes, but still very minimal damage from what she could see, despite the piercing layer. The attacks just weren¡¯t strong enough. This whole plan wasn¡¯t working! They either needed to run, or figure out something different. Hell, that really wasn¡¯t much of a plan.


    Ten meters away from Callie, Vanis was starting to panic a little. The fight was slowly being lost, and he seemed powerless to provide any significant contribution to the fight, given most of his skills were simply ineffective against Elementals. He kept, almost mechanically, summoning Fiends to replace the ones that were killed when he could, sending them forward to distract and harass. That was about all he could accomplish, though, and his brain was struggling with what to do next. His heart leapt into his throat for a moment as he watched Pixyl just barely dodge a swinging arm, which then crashed to the ground, sending chunks of stone in all directions.


    The Major saw the look in the eyes of their Warlock sergeant, and could tell he was beginning to waver. She once wore that same look what seemed like a lifetime ago when she was nothing but a corporal. She Flashstepped, arriving at a spot right next to him, and asked a very pointed, ¡°Are you good?¡±


    Surprised for the briefest of moments by the sudden appearance of the Bladedancer officer, Vanis swallowed hard, able only to say, ¡°I¡¯m not helping any.¡± Then he added a humblingly-honest, ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    Frowning, the Major had two choices. Either she could simply assume command, which probably made the most sense, and maybe even call for a retreat, or she could try to get through to the Warlock. She chose the latter, for now, but being pressed for time, she wasn¡¯t going to be subtle about it. She pushed out a hard Command Aura pulse, mentally slapping Vanis upside his head to get his attention. ¡°You don¡¯t go into a fight with the soldiers you want, you go into a fight with the soldiers you have!¡± she hissed, before smacking the side of his head, for real this time. ¡°Deal with it, or relinquish command to someone else. Decide quickly! Duwana!¡± With that, Celeste disappeared in a flash of static as she re-entered the fight.


    Downfield, Pixyl dove from above. She had seen Callie¡¯s exploding arrows fail again due to the armored protection over the Elemental¡¯s Heartcore, and was determined to do something about it. She twisted and bobbed, pushing off hard telekinetically against everything, focusing on speed and avoidance. As she zipped by the Elementals body, she launched her single Ethereal Bomb charge. The attack struck, sticking to the stone over the Elementals chest. Pixyl continued, pulling up and corkscrewing to avoid a boulder launched at her. She looked back, and pumped her arm once, the bomb detonating.


    There was an explosive roar as the bomb went off, causing Callie to peek around her rock defense. It took a few moments for the remnants of Ethereal magic to clear, but to her amazement the armored protection was gone! On instinct, the Ranger pulled her last layered combination from the bow¡¯s Talisman, restoring a charge of Piercing Shot, and began to weave as fast as she could. Burst Shot and Rapid Fire were instantaneous, but Piercing Shot took just over a second to cast with help from the Heartwood bow, which felt like a never ending eternity. Finally, the castings completed, Callie ducked out again to aim and fire. The arrows, five of them, flew true, but were stopped cold as new stones flew through the air, rebuilding the armored plate just in time. She had taken too long!


    Pixyl watched in annoyance as Callie shot her five explosive arrows towards the Elemental, only to have them blocked at the last possible moment. It would be almost a half-minute before her Ethereal Bomb spell was off cooldown. Maybe next time she could plant the bomb, hold the explosion, and then circle around with a well-timed Ethereal Blast attack at the same time? She focused, mentally lining up a flight path that would work. Before she could start her run, though, she watched in horror as one of the Elemental¡¯s arms lashed out, extending its whip-like reach, aiming right for Callie in response to the Ranger¡¯s attack!


    Hiding behind her rocky protection, Callie scowled to herself, trying to figure out what to do. It would be several more seconds before her Piercing Shot came off cooldown, but maybe she could try to coordinate an attack with Pixyl? She¡¯d have such a small window of opportunity once she started to layer up the attack, though.


    The air was nearly knocked from Callie¡¯s lungs as something swooped in from her right. Bathed in a magenta-colored haze, Pixyl lifted her off the ground, carrying her several meters, before they both fell to the earth, rolling several times as they came to a stop behind another pile of rocks. She looked back, seeing the tell-tale streak of the Pixie¡¯s Flying Dash skill fading away, just as the Elemental¡¯s arm fell and smashed where she had been hiding a moment before. If she hadn¡¯t been saved, she would be nothing but a puddle of chunky Gnome! She turned to look at her friend, who was panting from the hard flight and needing to carry her for even a dozen meters.


    ¡°Th-thanks!¡± was all Callie could say as she scooted her back up against the rock cover. ¡°It almost got me.¡±


    Pixyl looked back as the last remnants of the streak of magic faded away behind them, the Ethereal Armor she had summoned to protect her wings in the tumble winking from existence. She then looked at Callie. She looked at those big purple eyes. Then she looked down the field, seeing the Elemental smash another of the summoned Fiends into nothing with its other arm. This was stupid, and it wasn¡¯t the right time, but she did it anyway, just in case.


    Without a preamble, Pixyl rushed towards Callie. Placing her tiny hands on either side of Callie¡¯s face, she roughly pressed her lips to Callie¡¯s, hard and passionately. Callie¡¯s eyes went wide in surprise and confusion, but then she instinctively closed them like one should do when one was kissed. The kiss lasted forever, yet for only a blink of a moment, and the Pixie pulled away. Callie didn¡¯t know what to say, her mouth simply hanging agape, her brain utterly locked for the moment.


    ¡°If one of us is going to die,¡± Pixyl said, no stuttering in her voice, ¡°I needed to do that.¡± She turned, about to launch herself back towards the fight, but stopped, looking back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I should have asked permission first.¡±

 Chapter 50 Part 8 - Blue-Haired Angel

    PART VIII - BLUE-HAIRED ANGEL


    Callie¡¯s world froze!


    Behind the unmoving Pixyl, out on the field, a bolt of lightning was lashing out at an incoming boulder, the rock just starting to break apart into tiny pieces, but nothing moved. Major Celeste, in mid-Flashstep, was held still, crackles of orange energy twisting over her body as she zipped to her new target, held frozen in a moment of time.


    Pixyl had just kissed her!


    Like a series of snapshots, images began to race through Callie¡¯s mind. Images of all the times the little Pixie had sat by her, worried for her, been there for her when this new world became too much. She saw all the times Pixyl had held her hand and memories of the many times Pixyl pushed her hair back from her ears, her tiny pointed ears, before shyly looking away. She remembered when she had woken up in the medical tent after almost boiling her brain away, to find her friend asleep next to her, protecting her, and eventually coming to tears of relief when finding out Callie would be fine. And then there was that first night they met, when they had locked eyes as the little Bladeweaver¡¯s Symbiote took hold, and Callie now realized Pixyl had such amazing, beautiful eyes.


    Callie could only sit in stunned confusion while time stood still, more and more images of the last month washing through her head. All the moments she and her sister-like friend had been there for each other. That first day in the mess tent when Pixyl collapsed from her skill reveals, and soon after kicking Bratig in the crotch. Pixyl¡¯s offhand comment that she looked great ¡®from behind¡¯ that Callie had taken for simple encouragement, but now seemed to take on a whole new meaning.


    Was she more than just a sister? Did Pixyl have feelings for her? She must have them, to kiss her like that! If so, how did she feel about that? Callie didn¡¯t really have time to analyze it, but in that instant ¡­ she realized it felt ¡­ it felt good!


    ¡°Pixyl?¡± Callie called out. The Pixie looked back again. ¡°Ask ¡­. Ask me when you get back!¡±


    Almost in slow motion, slyly waggling her eyebrows, Pixyl turned and leapt into the air, taking off at high speed, a sword of energy flashing into existence.


    Callie tried to focus, pushing aside the rush of confusing emotions that had just been dumped on her. It was a distraction, but one she found she was looking forward to exploring, assuming they lived through this battle. She mentally checked, seeing Piercing Shot was still on cooldown, and tried to figure out a plan.


    Not far away, Vanis was nearly squashed by another strike from the Elemental¡¯s extended arm as he dove out of the way. The monster seemed to have figured out where the Fiends were coming from. Vanis was in the open for a moment, but scrambled towards new cover as Juniper leapt into the path of an incoming boulder that had made it through the lightning point-defense, deflecting it aside with her thorny shield, before picking up and literally throwing the Warlock to safety with surprising strength. Unfortunately, her attention now focused on Vanis, the two pairs of vine tentacles were left to their own, and the Elemetal ripped its legs out of their grasp.


    Callie locked eyes with Vanis, who was struggling to sit up, the two communicating without words. She could see something in his eyes that went beyond simple worry. He was actually afraid and his eyes were full of indecision. Vanis looked around momentarily, and then gave Callie the subtlest of nods, as if resigning himself to something. ¡°Callie, take over,¡± he said flatly, the words coming clear despite the chaotic noises all around them.


    She didn¡¯t hesitate, something inside her clicking into motion. Looking around, she took in the status of everyone. Not far away, Lhawni was hiding behind some rocks, and beyond that were Ambria and Wallir, also under cover, although the blood on her face looked even worse than earlier. She was at least on her feet though, so something to worry about later. Good! The healers were safe for the moment. Juniper had Vanis guarded, so they were fine, too.


    In front of their positions, Cheena and Maugra were using their Totems to shoot down incoming boulders. They managed to get most of them, with only a few getting through. But it was a losing battle of attrition, as Totems were needing replacing often, when the Elemental would smash one of them with its arm as it drew closer. Olin and the Major were both engaged, tag-teaming a trio of normal-sized Elementals that had either been missed, or had been summoned by the Rift at some point. They were basically safe for the moment.


    Underneath the Elemental were Tazrok and now Bratig, both smashing and tearing at whatever they could get to. Not far from them was Melga and Rowani, both struggling to use their Entangling Roots spells to slow the Elemental¡¯s movement.


    Finally, flying through the air was Pixyl, taking occasional but ineffective shots at the enemy, mostly acting as a distraction. Pixyl ¡­ the one that had just kissed her ¡­ the one ¡­ ¡°Not now, Callie!¡± she hissed to herself, shaking her head away from what had happened moments before. ¡°Think! We need a plan!¡±


    Almost like the clockwork cogs of Fizzlebek¡¯s Golem arm, Callie¡¯s brain whirred into motion, connecting individual actions into a chain of events that would need to occur in the correct order for what she needed to do. She was only going to get one shot at this, and while she was fairly sure it wasn¡¯t going to kill her outright, it was certainly going to leave her helpless, and she could just as easily get killed that way.


    ¡°Major!¡± Callie shouted, grabbing the officer¡¯s attention. ¡°If this doesn¡¯t work, then take over and call a retreat. Get everyone to safety!¡±


    Celeste looked confused for a moment, before glancing at Vanis, who simply returned a subtle nod. Part of her was incredibly pleased with the Warlock. It was hard for someone to admit when they were in over their head, and even harder to turn control over to another. It was a good lesson for the young prince, and the rest of the team as well, and one she was looking forward to reviewing when the time came. She wasn¡¯t completely sure turning things over to Callie had been the right answer, but he had, and she was going to accept that for the immediate moment.


    ¡°Understood!¡± the Major shouted to Callie. ¡°What do you need?¡± That simple statement let everyone in hearing range know that the person in command had changed.


    Callie looked around, putting the mental finishing touches on her plan, and started to issue orders. She pointed to Vanis. ¡°I need mana, as much as you can give me.¡±


    ¡°Do ¡­ Do you need a potion?¡± the Warlock asked.


    ¡°No, I need the potion cooldown for something else. Use that Lifetap thing in reverse,¡± Callie clarified. She turned to Lhawni, only a dozen meters away. ¡°As soon as I do this, hit me with a Rejuvenation spell and dump a purple potion down my throat!¡±


    The Goblin swallowed, almost asking for clarification, but then glanced briefly at Major Celeste, before closing her mouth and nodding, simply acknowledging the order.


    ¡°Maugra!¡± Callie shouted.


    ¡°What the hell now!¡± the Shaman snarled back, instinctively cranky as she kept her focus on the incoming boulders and the swinging arms of the Elemental.


    ¡°When I tell you, count to three and put one of those Lightning Orb things on the monster to stun it!¡± Callie called back. Then she added, ¡°Cheena, you too, if you are able. Wait for my signal before you attack. After that, I need both of you to put out a Rejuvenating Pulse maybe ten seconds later. You¡¯ll know when.¡±


    The two Shamans grunted an acknowledgement as they both gestured at an incoming missile, two lightning bolts shattering it in mid-flight.


    Finally, Callie needed to give an order to Pixyl. She had to give an order to the girl that had just kissed her. Give an order to ¡­ not now Callie! ¡°Pixyl!¡± Callie screamed out, the Pixie pulling up from a swoop and looking her way. ¡°Put your bomb on its chest, but wait until I tell you before you blow it!¡± Pixyl was confused for a half-moment with all the chaos and noise, looking briefly to Vanis and then to Celeste. Callie pounded her chest, trying to get the message to her another way. It took a moment, but the Bladeweaver finally nodded in understanding.


    Finally, the little Gnome shouted out one final set of orders. ¡°Bratig! Tazrok! Get clear!¡± She didn¡¯t want the thing falling on them. Even with their tough bodies, that was a lot of rock and they would certainly be squashed.


    While she had been issuing those orders, Vanis chugged back a mana potion, and then began weaving his channeled Lifetap spell towards Callie. Normally, it would drain mana and stamina from the living target, but he reversed it, sacrificing his own raw mana to give some to Callie instead. It wasn¡¯t efficient, though. Maybe only twenty percent of the mana he used would be transferred at Bronze, but it was something, and he pushed as much as he could, as fast as he could, trying to top off Callie''s reserves.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Callie took shelter behind the rocks again, impatiently waiting for all the elements she needed for her attack to come off cooldown. For the briefest of moments, she had doubts her plan was even going to work. But, if it didn¡¯t, the Major would take over. She¡¯d be sure to sound a retreat and get everyone to safety. They could move faster than the huge Elemental, right? Even if they were carrying Callie, they¡¯d be able to get away ¡­ right?


    The incoming mana infusion from Vanis was helping significantly. A potion would have been better and faster, but not with that blasted five-minute cooldown, so this was the only other option. After an unending eternity, Callie felt the missing Piercing Shot charge finally return, giving her all the pieces she needed. She peeked out from cover, zooming in and seeing the telltale magenta glow on the chest of the Elemental. Pixyl only needed her order to blow it at exactly the right moment. It was now or never!


    ¡°Maugra! Lightning Orb! Now!¡± Callie called from behind cover at the same moment she began to cast. This was a stupid idea, but it had to work! It just had to! She ¡­ she wanted another kiss!


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + SNIPER SHOT + RAPID FIRE


    It wasn¡¯t long ago that Callie vowed never to try another four-layer attack. The first time had almost killed her, and even with the mana infusion from Vanis, she wasn¡¯t at full strength. Thankfully, mana wasn¡¯t actually used when applying the spell to the arrow, instead it was consumed when the arrow was released, so she would be able to keep her wits about her until the actual attack. Her only hope was that immediate Rejuvenation attention from the three Shamans and a potion would be able to keep her brain solid. That, and the fact that all four layers were spells she had received at Iron Tier and they were well-practiced, so maybe that would make it a little more likely she¡¯d be okay. Maybe?


    The first layer was cast instantaneously, and it was while the second layer was being applied that she heard the crackling sound of Maugra¡¯s Lightning Orb being launched across the field, followed a split-moment later by a second, presumably from Cheena. The third layer began to weave into place, but even with the rune on her bow speeding up the casting time, it would take a glacial four seconds to apply. Finally, the fourth layer, the one that could melt her brain, was applied, instantly turning her into Machine Gun Callie. Then it was assembled, her deadly four-layer munition.


    Racing from behind cover, Callie knelt to get as much stability as she could. Charges of electricity were dancing up and down the Elemental¡¯s body from the Lightning Orbs, temporarily stunning it. It was about as perfect a shot as Callie could want. A huge, unmoving enemy with a bright, shiny target for her. She sighted in on the glow of Pixyl¡¯s bomb. ¡°Pixyl, blow it now!¡±


    She counted out a one-Mississippi followed by a two-Mississippi. Five arrows flew from Callie¡¯s bow, their damage potential hugely cranked up by the Sniper Shot, just as the bomb exploded. The armor plate protecting the core of the Elemental was again vaporized, clearing the path for the quintet of arrows to thread through the remnants of Ethereal magic. One after the next, they each pierced deep into the exposed core, before their deadly final layer activated.


    The final explosions almost seemed anti-climactic. The solid body of the Elemental contained the bursts, seeming to be lit from within by five concurrent flashes of light. Yet, chunks of its core were thrown from the exposed hole, the glowing light on them rapidly fading as they fell to the ground. In turn, the incoming monster simply ¡­ stopped, a leg held a meter in the air, having been in mid-stride. One long arm was extended after being thrown out to smash one of Maugra¡¯s totems, and it simply ceased retracting, frozen.


    Callie didn¡¯t see what happened though. Immediately after shooting, she collapsed to the ground, first on her butt and then falling to her back. She wasn¡¯t quite unconscious this time, but her eyes were filled with sparkling lights that streamed by her as she fell down an endless tunnel towards darkness. She wasn¡¯t sure how long she was like that. Moments? Minutes? Then, almost like a defibrillator, she felt a whump somewhere inside the core of her being, as someone¡¯s Rejuvenation spell hit her. Unsure if it was from Lhawni or from the Totems of the Shaman trainers, Callie was filled with just the tiniest amount of strength, slowing her fall into the dark and pushing the lights just slightly away. There was a second jolt of power, this time pushing the lights even farther, and she was able to open her eyes, seeing the blue sky above, and a wispy cloud that looked a little like a swan.


    Lhawni came into Callie¡¯s view, blocking the swan. There was another whump of magic, causing her body to jolt, as the Goblin¡¯s own Rejuvenation spell was pumped into her. Callie felt even more like she was pulled away from the abyss that was the never-ending tunnel of darkness and lights.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Lhawni cried, leaning over her friend, her voice sounding hollow, distant and echoey. ¡°Wake up, wake up!¡± she intoned in panic, slapping the Gnome¡¯s cheek.


    There was a scrambling sound, and Cheena came into view, a look of worry on her face. The Elf quickly pushed her own touch-based Rejuvenation spell into Callie, giving the Gnome yet a fourth infusion of magic and strength and causing her body to jump. This was enough to clear most of the fog in her brain, and even push back some of the headache that had started to form. ¡°Mana drain?¡± Cheena asked Lhawni, the sounds starting to no longer echo inside Callie¡¯s head. ¡°How bad?¡±


    ¡°Bad,¡± was all the Goblin could respond with. ¡°Stupid of her!¡±


    ¡°Did we get it?¡± Callie somehow groaned out.


    ¡°Foolish Gnome,¡± Cheena snarled, holding up a faintly glowing hand that she started to run all over Callie¡¯s body, focusing primarily on her head. The examination only took a moment, before the Shaman sighed, seeming relieved. She put on a lecturing face. ¡°Foolish, foolish, Gnome. I think you¡¯ll be fine, though. You¡¯re lucky we were here!¡±


    Forcing Callie to sit up, the trainer took the purple potion from Lhawni, grabbing the stopper in her teeth before spitting it aside. ¡°Drink this!¡± she ordered, holding the vial up to Callie¡¯s lips.


    As she started to swallow, a fifth jolt of Rejuvenation hit Callie, this one so much stronger than all the others. In fact, she was feeling quite strong now, all that fresh Stamina pushing away any exhaustion, too. Her brain fog was finally blown away completely by the winds of the magic elixir, and Callie fully realized where she was, and what was going on. Then the taste hit her. Potions were all so awful!


    ¡°She¡¯s making a potion face,¡± Maugra said with a grunt, her head appearing in Callie¡¯s vision alongside the others. ¡°Looks like she¡¯ll live. Get her on her feet, it will help.¡±


    Callie groaned as she was helped up. ¡°Is ¡­ is everyone okay?¡± she asked. She was still wobbly, and leaning against Cheena, but quickly getting her stability.


    ¡°We¡¯re still counting heads, but I think so,¡± Maugra said gruffly.


    ¡°What about the monster? Did we get it?¡± Callie asked quickly, worry rising in her voice, as she tried to push people out of the way. She stumbled, Cheena offering a steadying hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s dead. You got it,¡± the Major said, having just Flashstepped to the group, Olin quickly joining her. ¡°At least it¡¯s not moving, and not throwing stuff at us.¡± She moved aside so Callie could get a good look.


    Seeing the Elemental, it seemed immediately obvious to Callie it was dead, or inactive, or whatever it was that an Elemental this big became when its heart was destroyed. The wisps of magic between the stones had hardened, and were slowly becoming a grayish-white, looking almost like cement. Smoke was rising from the exposed hole where its heart had been, and from the pieces that had been blown to the ground. The Elemental was simply frozen in place, holding the final position it was in. It had essentially become a statue, almost as if memorializing this fight.


    There was a flapping of wings as Tazrok and most of the other Druids flew in, each assuming their people forms as their feet touched the ground. Bratig turned to face the Elemental, putting his hands on his head and whooping in excitement, before immediately groaning in pain. Tazrok likewise had the biggest grin on his face Callie had ever seen. Rowani¡¯s face simply showed relief, and she knelt to embrace Maugra, who had rushed into her arms, seeming likewise relieved.


    Callie turned, counting to see who was missing. Vanis had fallen to the ground and was panting, Juniper tending to him with a worried look on her face. ¡°He might have mana drain,¡± Callie said, gesturing to the Warlock. He gave me quite a bit. Someone check on him. He just drank a potion, so watch that cooldown.¡± Maugra immediately pulled away from Rowani, and jogged over to render assistance. Ambria and Wallir had also joined the group now, the Faun¡¯s face and armor utterly covered in nearly-dried blood, but she was at least still looking mostly alert.


    There was just one face missing, and Callie¡¯s heart immediately tightened in worry. Her throat became hoarse and she barely managed to croak out, ¡°Where¡¯s Pixyl?¡±


    Everyone looked around, as if searching for something that had been misplaced, before Major Celeste laughed. She pointed up towards the top of the Elemental statue. There, high in the air, a triumphant Pixie was holding a heroic pose, her foot on what was effectively the monster''s head, clearly showing that it had been vanquished. Then, Pixyl fluttered into the air, her wings making eddies in the rising smoke as she descended slowly. Her eyes were on Callie, and Callie¡¯s eyes were on her. Both of their worlds shrank until it was just the two of them.


    Her heart pounding in her chest and her stomach tied in knots, Callie pulled away and took a few steps forward, still locked on the sight of what truly had to be a blue-haired angel falling from the sky before her. She had no words, and all she could do was awkwardly smile, a tiny part of her feeling like a giddy teenager again.


    Pixyl lightly touched down, taking a single step forward to steady herself. This was the one moment she feared and why she had never said anything to anyone, until Ambria and Pama figured it out. Would Callie reject her? Was their friendship over? She swallowed. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ask,¡± she said quietly, her voice meek, yet clear and stuttering free. If she didn¡¯t ask, Callie couldn¡¯t tell her no, after all.


    ¡°You ¡­ you don¡¯t have to!¡± Callie said in response, almost before she even knew the words came out of her mouth. Then she nodded, just slightly, as her face brightened with a smile.


    A beam of relief and surprised glee stronger than the brightest of sunshine washed over Pixyl¡¯s face. Throwing all worry to the winds, she squealed and rushed forward, leaping into the Gnome¡¯s Ranger-strong arms, wrapping her legs around Callie¡¯s waist as she grabbed her face with two hands. Their lips met, and met hard, nothing but passion between them. For one it was love finally realized, and for the other it was love unexpected, and in that moment Callie and Pixyl loved harder than either had thought possible.


    The kiss went on, the rest of the team soon feeling increasingly uncomfortable, not sure what to say or do. A couple people coughed lightly, while others eventually started to look around idly at really anything but the pink and blue sight before them.


    ¡°About time,¡± Tazrok grunted, finally interrupting the moment as he rolled his eyes.

 Chapter 51 Part 1 - Mission Complete, Return to Base

    PART I - MISSION COMPLETE, RETURN TO BASE


    Tazrok¡¯s sudden words caused Callie to open her eyes, and she pulled her head back slightly, breaking the kiss. Pixyl likewise pulled away, feeling warm and embarrassed, detangling herself and dropping to the ground, but still looking up into Callie¡¯s beautiful purple eyes.


    ¡°We ¡­ uh ¡­ we should probably go deal with that Rift,¡± Callie said, trying to change the subject as quickly as possible. She coughed lightly, still looking at Pixyl, and smiled awkwardly again, unsure what to do next.


    ¡°What did we miss?¡± Vanis asked, walking up to the rest of the group and seeing their odd expressions, Maugra on one side and Juniper helping to hold him steady on the other..


    Major Celeste chuckled once, turning to the Warlock. ¡°Callie and Pixyl,¡± she said mockingly, using two hands to form a heart shape against her chest.


    ¡°Really?¡± Vanis said, a surprised look briefly on his face, which quickly turned into a smile. ¡°It¡¯s about time.¡±


    Callie turned slowly, looking back at her housemate, before finally realizing that Tazrok had said the same thing. She shifted her glare to the big Ogre and then to the rest of the team. ¡°You knew?¡±


    There were grunts and nods in agreement from Ambria, Maugra, Lhawni, and Celeste, with Tazrok and Vanis also confirming again. ¡°It was obvious,¡± Celeste added for good measure, a laugh in her voice.


    Shaking her head slowly, Callie threw out her arms in exasperation, letting them flop to her side. ¡°Let¡¯s just go take care of that damn Rift.¡±


    <hr>


    Making a quick assessment before they moved, it turned out there were a few serious injuries, but none were life-threatening for the moment. Tazrok was still hurting from his ramming-speed Brontorn attack, fairly sure he had dented a couple ribs at minimum. Bratig was likewise in pain from even before the fight with the huge elemental, wincing, but still mobile. Rowani hit them both with a generalized healing spell, but it was a stopgap on the promise that a proper examination was done once the Rift was tapped.


    Unfortunately, Ambria had also been hurt, and actually somewhat seriously. During the fight, she fell while dodging out of the way of a boulder, hitting her head. With the hard hit, she snapped a few centimeters off of one of her antlers. As a result, her entire head was covered in blood, which had dripped heavily down her face, staining her armor. Of course, the one that had been damaged was the one that hadn¡¯t been broken while healing Kaisess, and she tried to laugh it off, pointing out how even more ridiculous she must look, despite assurances that combat scars were sexy.


    Despite all the blood, the Healer continued to brush everything away, saying that the injury was minor and antlers simply bled a lot when broken, but Callie could see that there was a lot more to it. It took a little cajoling, followed by a straight-out order from the Major, before the Faun revealed the extent of her injuries. Hitting the ground antler-first had wrenched her neck fiercely. As a result, not only was it quite sore, but she had pain, residual tingling sensations and weakness in her arms and legs, as well as occasional dizziness. Thankfully, she was able to move all her limbs, including wiggling her hooves and tail when ordered, so it didn¡¯t appear to be any kind of paralysis. While the Faun stated her own examination showed everything was fine for the moment, Cheena ordered her to the ground for a proper Shaman examination, which quickly revealed some seriously bruised neck muscles and one of her vertebrae slightly misaligned, which explained the ongoing tingling sensations and weakness. It would likely have corrected itself without help, probably within a day, but there was no way the Shaman was going to let it go untended.


    ¡°I can fix this easy enough,¡± Cheena said, ¡°but it¡¯s going to take a bit of time and concentration. You don¡¯t want to rush a neck injury, especially one to the bones.¡± She then looked across the battle area, past the Elemental statue. ¡°Why don¡¯t you all go close that Rift. We can join you in fifteen minutes or so, when I¡¯ve finished.¡±


    Callie was about to offer to stay behind, to assist or offer protection should it be needed, but Wallir beat her to it, with Melga also making the offer.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need my help?¡± Rowani asked.


    The Shaman shook her head. ¡°I can handle this.¡± Then she looked up at the two Druids staying behind. ¡°I¡¯ll send one of them if I need you. In the meantime, get that Rift tapped and then everyone else taken care of.¡±


    Rowani nodded in response, and then generally gestured towards the Rift in the distance. As one, the remaining team walked forward, Callie again imagining an epic movie slow-walk. They passed under the remains of the huge Elemental, marveling at what they were seeing towering over them, and boggling that only a short time before it had been animated and trying to smush them all.


    As they were approaching, a pair of normal-sized Elementals rose from the rift, assembling themselves from the scattered remains around them. Pixyl charged ahead, zipping through the air to expertly blast both of them. Another Greater that came into being soon after was quickly killed by Callie, although she was thoroughly chastised by Maugra for using mana so soon after suffering mana exhaustion. Celeste made an important point of firmly ordering Callie to stand down going forward, unless there was absolutely no choice, even if she was feeling fine.


    This Rift was as uninspiring as the first one had been. As before, it was simply a hole in the ground with fog burbling out before rolling for several meters across the stones. This hole was larger, though, a little under one-half a meter in diameter, and Tazrok quickly started to assess the boulders available around him to see which were good candidates for sealing it.


    Maugra summoned her Totem, which this time fell nearly completely into the Rift¡¯s hole before catching as the summoned construct finally grew wide enough. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to start,¡± the Goblin warned, waving for everyone to get back as she distanced herself as well. With a flick of her finger, the Totem roared to life, blasting a cone of blue-hot fire straight upwards, visually extending a good twenty meters before dispersing. The flames were far hotter than the first time, and everyone needed to retreat even farther, Maugra quickly joining them, her face covered in sweat.


    ¡°That is magnificent,¡± Vanis said, essentially stating the obvious.


    Callie kept glancing at Pixyl, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism, or something, as she resisted the urge to scoop the Pixie up again. She could tell their display had made others uncomfortable, and wanted to avoid that. Pixyl, hovering several meters away, kept looking her way as well, a sly, embarrassed smile on her face. They needed some time alone to talk ¡­ and other things.


    ¡°What do we need to do next?¡± the Major asked, this time deferring back to Vanis, apparently restoring command to him now that the threat had been neutralized.


    Vanis looked at the Major, and then to Callie, a little shocked to be back in charge, considering what happened. He wore the shock well, and quickly composed himself. Looking at the sky, the sun now starting to grow a little red, his face put on a frown.


    ¡°Let us concentrate on those with injuries for the moment. A decision needs to be made whether to return down the hill tonight, despite the rapidly fading light, or perhaps make camp up here on the ridge and make that journey in the morning. We¡¯ll need to leave early to get someone back before the camp sends reinforcements, if we don''t send word tonight.¡±


    Before departing, there had been a debate about whether the camp should send additional people immediately, even if they wouldn¡¯t arrive until dusk. They would then be onsite to assist with the attack in the morning, assuming the team teleported in by Juniper hadn¡¯t succeeded.


    Eventually, it was decided that if nobody reported to the camp by the end of breakfast the next morning, then a full wagon of reinforcements would be sent, placing them onsite by early afternoon. Now, with the threat cleared, Juniper would teleport someone to the camp as soon as they could get back to the trees. Otherwise, one of the flyers, or even Tazrok in Curvax, could race back and let the Legate know there was no need to send more.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    With the roar of Maugra¡¯s Totem blasting away the Rift¡¯s overflowing power, Rowani and Lhawni took some time to look over each person. Bratig was the most-heavily injured, his back sore from the multiple boulder hits he¡¯d taken in his Guardian form. The Druid trainer was actually surprised that, thankfully, nothing appeared to be broken, Bratig¡¯s natural armor on his Cyophroda serving him well. She pushed some direct healing into the shirtless Dwarf, and while it helped with the crush-injuries, it did very little to fade the dark-purple bruises he wore.


    Tazrok had been nearly as injured as Bratig, but he¡¯d slapped some durational general healing onto himself during the fight, so was in overall better condition. Still, Lhawni, with a little oversight from a partially-distracted Maugra, needed to focus on fusing a couple cracked bones back together before dealing with what bruising she was able. Some internal organ bruising also needed a little care.


    The rest of the team was largely unhurt, outside of some minor bruises from trips and tumbles, or pieces of flying rock. Nobody had been hit by any boulders directly, save Bratig and Tazrok, amazingly. More importantly, nobody had been squished into paste.


    While everyone was being examined, Pixyl sidled closer to Callie, looking up at her. Neither were sure what to say to each other, especially with an audience. Instead, they simply held hands with each other, their fingers intertwining, acknowledging what had happened, and implying a promise to discuss it as soon as they could. Callie saw a few people glancing at them, and most seemed to have a smile on their face on seeing the pair. Rowani and Maugra were in huddled conversation low enough that Callie couldn¡¯t hear the pair over the roar, but smiling glances seemed to indicate it was somehow related to Callie or Pixyl, or the both of them as a pair.


    Eventually, Cheena arrived with Ambria and the others. The Faun was no longer in pain, but she was embarrassed because she had suffered another antler injury. Wallir had summoned fresh water, and used a cloth from his Healer¡¯s kit to clean Ambria¡¯s face and wipe her armor down as best he could. Still, dark stains of crusty red remained, clearly showing that there had been a very bloody injury.


    Ambria took a seat on the ground, sheltering from the intense heat behind one of the Elemental¡¯s legs, needing to rest a bit. Between the fight itself, and likely the impact of the bloodloss, she was simply feeling exhausted. Cheena did thump out a Refresh pulse to help, which everyone else appreciated as well. Still, the Faun looked to be in rough shape, and she commented on her plans to sleep in as much as possible the next day, or at least go back for a nap if there was another early-morning debrief.


    Eventually, getting a little bored, Pixyl left Callie¡¯s side, flying off to inspect the now-statued Elemental. Wallir also did the same, skipping happily up the inert outstretched arm like a long ramp, before finally sitting on the edge with his legs dangling as he leaned back against the dead Elemental¡¯s body, watching the sunset. Melga joined him after a bit, choosing to fly up rather than walk. Callie couldn¡¯t help but notice the two of them were a little extra cozy with each other.


    Gradually, slowly enough that nobody really noticed at first, the hot flames from the Totem started to wane as the pressure in the Rift eased. This was a relief for Maugra. While controlling the Totem¡¯s magic only required a light channeling, the long duration and last several hours were finally catching up with her, despite the enhanced power from the Rift. Cheena lended an assist, tagging her with a Rejuvenation spell to add a little mana and stamina to the Goblin¡¯s reserves, but the Goblin eventually had to down a mana potion, making an awful face in the process.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Major Celeste finally called out, gesturing towards Vanis again. ¡°The Rift is almost tapped and everyone has been healed. What do you want to do?¡± She had been hoping that Vanis would have called for this discussion already.


    The Warlock turned towards the setting sun, and then back to the East at the forest a few kilometers away. Looking at the rest of the group, Tazrok was the only one that didn¡¯t have some form of enhanced or low-light vision, and the Ogre had it in alternative forms and could fly, too. The Dwarves, Goblins, Juniper, Callie and Pixyl each had Darkvision, and the Elves and Catkins had Nightvision, so would need just the barest of light to see.


    ¡°I believe we will be able to get safely down the hill,¡± Vanis said, speaking his thoughts out loud. ¡°We may need an occasional flare or other light, and may encounter a remnant elemental or two, but I¡¯d much rather camp well away from this ridge if we¡¯re able.¡±


    ¡°Juniper may even be able to take some of us back this evening, depending on her teleport cooldown,¡± Olin added. ¡°We just need to get to the treeline.¡±


    ¡°Oh a bed sounds wonderful,¡± the still mostly-exhausted Ambria commented. A few murmurs of agreement sounded in support.


    ¡°It¡¯s your call,¡± the Major said flatly, again gesturing towards Vanis. ¡°You¡¯re in charge.¡±


    Vanis eyed everyone, including glancing up at those on the Elemental statue. As he looked towards Callie, she gestured subtly with her head in the general direction of the trees. Nodding, he made a concurring decision. ¡°We¡¯ll go. If we are able to return this evening, we can do that, but I think we¡¯ll need an extra trip for the Major and Tazrok, unless the right people head back on their own.¡±


    A few eyes looked to Callie for an agreement, since the travel logistics had been her doing, and she simply shrugged, saying, ¡°Sounds good.¡± As far as she was concerned, Vanis may have asked her to take over briefly in the middle of the fight, but this was still his mission. If he or Celeste said otherwise, she¡¯d step up permanently, but the Warlock seemed to have his wits back. In the meantime, she¡¯d give some thought to the best way to get everyone home.


    <hr>


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you used my underwear as a flag!¡± Major Celeste grumbled, as Wallir rejoined them on the hike back and handed them to her. She then glared down at Loki, who Juniper had resummoned once they reached the bottom of the hill. ¡°And you, stop taking my things!¡±


    The little plant-monster only seemed to grin, before another piece of lacy red fabric emerged from his mouth.


    Celeste growled, pulling out what was the sexy top piece to what was a matched set of lingerie. ¡°You little shit!¡± Quickly, she stuffed both pieces of cloth into her backpack, before putting it roughly back on, while several others chuckled good-naturedly.


    Wallir and Melga had flown off to retrieve the provisions and the makeshift underwear flag, while the rest of the team decided to make a direct path through the prairie grasses to the treeline. Nobody was quite sure what the plan was for getting back to camp, but were grateful for getting off the ridge.


    ¡°So, who¡¯s the underwear for?¡± Callie asked the Major, a sly bit of innuendo in her tone.


    ¡°What?¡± Celeste responded, horror on her face.


    ¡°The underwear, who¡¯s it for?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think it¡¯s for someone?¡±


    Callie shrugged, and smirked a bit, too. ¡°Come on, nobody has sexy red lacy underthings unless they are wearing them for someone.¡±


    ¡°Never you mind!¡± Celeste scowled defensively.


    There was a bit of a teasing ¡®ooooooo¡¯ sound from much of the party.


    ¡°Bah!¡± the Major snapped, before looking down at Loki. ¡°I blame you for this!¡± Then she looked at Juniper. ¡°And you, for that matter. Keep your little thief away from my undergarments.¡±


    ¡°You heard the Major,¡± Juniper cooed to her familiar. ¡°Do not be taking her pretty clothing. There are plenty other of the Major¡¯s things you may take if you wish to play.¡±


    The laughing at the Dryad¡¯s response drowned out any angry response the Major may have tried to argue, and she eventually threw her hands out in exasperation before storming ahead of everyone.


    As they walked down the hill and out into the grasses, about a dozen Elementals were encountered, most of them being of the pebble variety, which Pixyl, Olin or Tazrok in Hellhound form quickly dispatched, Eventually the group was far enough away from the lingering Ley magic that no more Elementals threatened.


    The sun had fully set, and now with the barest of light in the western skies, most of it hidden by the ridge, everyone had to rely on some form of enhanced vision to see where they were going. Thankfully, the clouds were absent and the stars were coming out, providing just barely enough light to at least move ahead carefully.


    Callie walked, enjoying the twilight and using her Darkvision as needed to see where she was going. Even with the light gone, the air was comfortably warm, and her head kept circling back to the idea of simply finding a quiet, out of the way spot to sit with Pixyl and see what might happen. Then, as she thought about it, the idea of what might happen made her face feel flush, especially when Ambria looked between her and Pixyl, adding a wink of apparent knowing.


    Trying to distract herself, Callie decided to give some focused thought on how to get everyone back to camp. The problem was that the addition of the Major and Tazrok required a third wave for transport, and Juniper had effectively a two-hour cooldown between round trips. That meant, for a couple people, it would be at least three hours of sitting around waiting. Originally, it was assumed Tazrok would get back on his own via Curvax form if his weasel couldn¡¯t fit in somehow, or that Rowani might fly. But now, Celeste just made the math more complicated, since she couldn¡¯t shapeshift. Maybe Callie could rearrange people? Or other people get back on their own, too? Or maybe ¡­


    ¡°Hey everyone,¡± Callie called out, bringing the group to a halt. ¡°I just had a thought.¡±

 Chapter 51 Part 2 - Idyllic

    PART II - IDYLLIC


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± Major Celeste said flatly.


    ¡°Hey! Not all of my ideas are bad!¡± Callie snapped, but she laughed at the same time.


    The Major looked back unconvinced. ¡°What are you plotting?¡±


    Rolling her eyes, Callie ignored Celeste and addressed the entire group. ¡°Juniper is going to need to make three trips to get everyone back, now that Tazrok and the Major are here, unless enough people want to fly or walk. Juniper can only make one round trip, before she¡¯s going to need to rest for two hours for another round trip, and then another hour for the final group.


    ¡°That will be quite the wait, especially for the last people,¡± Olin pointed out. ¡°It looks to be a pleasant night, and I don¡¯t think there¡¯s much danger, but there is always a chance something may come from the woods.¡±


    Callie nodded in agreement. ¡°That said, I think I have a way to get everyone to a completely safe spot in only thirty minutes, and then get word back to camp thirty minutes after that.¡±


    ¡°Explain,¡± Olin said, more curious than commanding.


    ¡°Juniper effectively has enough charges on her teleport to make four hops, which is one round trip to camp and back. However, she could take two groups immediately to her Heartwood Tree, leaving them there, and then bring the last group a half-hour later. Once we¡¯re all there, thirty minutes later, Juniper will have a charge back, and could take a group to camp, or an hour later if she wants to make a round trip at once.¡±


    ¡°Juniper, would you be comfortable with everyone close to your tree?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°I ¡­ suppose,¡± the Dryad said cautiously. ¡°I have never had someone else near my tree, except earlier for mere moments on our way here. It ¡­ makes me nervous.¡±


    Callie mentally kicked herself for not even first asking Juniper if she¡¯d approve of the idea. It just seemed like a simple solution to the problem of the group being exposed at night here. ¡°Juniper, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t even think to ask. If that won¡¯t work for you, please don¡¯t be pressured to say yes.¡±


    The Dryad swallowed hard and looked worriedly to Vanis.


    ¡°Shit! I¡¯m sorry,¡± Callie apologized again quickly. ¡°You know what, we¡¯re good. We can stay here and just do three waves to camp directly.¡±


    ¡°No, Little One,¡± Juniper said, still hedging. ¡°You are all my friends, and I trust you to do no harm. There cannot be a fire, however, even one of the safe ones. I must insist on that.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Vanis asked carefully.


    The Dryad didn¡¯t say anything, but did nod her head a few times after a momentary pause. Callie could still see the worried look in her eyes, and was absolutely hating herself for mistakenly forcing her friend into such an uncomfortable position. She had been so focused on finding a solution, she didn¡¯t even consider the possible impact on Juniper! Time would need to be found to apologize properly as soon as possible.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good plan, Recruit.¡± Major Celeste said, nodding briefly towards Callie. ¡±Olin and I would like to take some time to sit and discuss the fight with all of you. The Commandant will want to do a formal review tomorrow morning, but there are some things to talk about immediately, and we can do it at Juniper''s tree while we relax and she recharges to take a group to camp.¡± The Major addressed the entire group. ¡°Everyone, you heard Juniper. We are guests and we will treat everything with utmost and absolute respect.¡±


    Callie was curious what the Major might want to discuss in advance of the post-mission debrief. Maybe she wanted to discuss what happened to Vanis? He froze up in the middle of the fight, and that certainly did deserve a conversation. But in Callie¡¯s mind, he did the right thing, realizing he wasn¡¯t in a state to do the job and handing command off to someone else. That should be applauded, not criticized. Maybe he took longer than he should have, though, so that probably should be mentioned.


    Turning, the Major led the entourage forward, moving with a careful, steady pace. The closest tree of any appreciable size was still about one kilometer away, and while the prairie was free of obstructions, it was still slow-going in the dark.


    ¡°So is it another officer?¡± Lhawni asked the Major. ¡°Or one of the trainers? Or one of the staff?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not having this conversation!¡± Celeste scowled again. This had been the repeated response to an on-again off-again game on the hike, with people trying to guess who the Major¡¯s lacy underwear was for.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a recruit,¡± Ambria said. ¡°She hasn¡¯t had time to get to know anyone enough to justify sexy lacy things.¡±


    ¡°I would never ¡­¡± Celeste gasped defensively. Then she added, ¡°It is not a recruit.¡±


    ¡°So ¡­¡± Callie said, drawing the word out. ¡°You admit there is somebody.¡±


    ¡°I did not!¡± There was a strong pause. ¡°Shit!¡±


    ¡°Tell me this, did you get the underwear yourself, or were they given to you?¡± Callie asked, a tiny hint of teasing in her voice.


    ¡°Why would that be important?¡± Olin asked, his furry face slightly confused.


    ¡°Because, if she got them herself, it''s either new or she¡¯s hoping to get with someone,¡± Maugra said, also joining the mocking conversation.


    ¡°And if someone gave them to her,¡± Ambria added, ¡°Then it¡¯s been a thing for a while.¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± Maugra agreed.


    ¡°You shut up,¡± the Major growled at the Faun. ¡°Considering it took you only a week to get with one of the other recruits, you don¡¯t get to judge my private life.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s judging?¡± the Faun replied, almost seeming insulted.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie agreed. ¡°Go you, Major!¡±


    ¡°I could just order you all to drop it!¡± Celeste sneered.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Vanis in charge?¡± Callie smirked. ¡°We don¡¯t have to take orders from you.¡±


    ¡°Leave me out of this,¡± the Warlock said, raising his hands defensively and wanting nothing at all to do with the Major¡¯s possible wrath.


    Juniper, who so far had had a perplexed look on her face the whole time, finally seemed to figure out what everyone had been talking about. ¡°Are you all trying to deduce who the Major¡¯s mate is?¡±


    ¡°Ooooo! Do you know something?¡± Lhawni asked eagerly.


    ¡°Oh yes, it is very apparent that ¡­¡±


    ¡°You better not finish that sentence!¡± Celeste scowled, turning and holding up a finger to the Dryad.


    Juniper swallowed hard, suddenly nervous. Following a quick whisper in her ear from Vanis, the Dryad said, ¡°Perhaps this is not something for me to share.¡±


    A collective ¡®awww¡¯ of disappointment went up around most of the group.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    <hr>


    Callie was falling again down the endless dark tunnel of light. Before she even had time to take it all in, though, their group stepped out of the great Heartwood Tree as they arrived in Juniper¡¯s protected grove. Setting Wallir down, who quickly resumed his Elven form, everyone waited for what they expected would be the acute nausea they had felt the first time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel sick,¡± Ambria said eventually, a hand still instinctively on her belly.


    ¡°I feel fine, t-t-too,¡± Pixyl added.


    ¡°Maybe because we¡¯re used to it?¡± Melga added, also not feeling unwell.


    ¡°Or maybe because it was only one hop?¡± Callie suggested. If getting sick only came from doing more than one teleport in rapid succession, that was an interesting piece of information to know if they ever needed to rely on Juniper for transport again. Heck, considering the world had the ability to teleport or portal distances, facilitated by ultra-rare Astralists, a Wizard specialist, it was good information to know.


    ¡°I shall return to get the next group,¡± Juniper said, interrupting everyone. ¡°Please stay clear of this area so we can arrive safely.¡±


    Quickly, everyone moved aside as the Dryad stepped forward and warbled out of existence, off to get the next wave, which would consist of Celeste and Tazrok. Olin, Vanis, Cheena and Bratig were going to hold at the forest¡¯s edge, returning once a charge of Juniper¡¯s magic returned in a half-hour. Vanis felt it was his duty to be the last to return, while the others plus Juniper would fill out the other team roles should there be any unexpected threats.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Ambria said, a sense of wonder in her voice.


    Everyone turned to look at the Faun, and continued to follow her gaze. The idyllic grove that Callie had seen briefly on the first trip had been beautiful, and she had to admit that seeing it again was one of the selfish reasons why she had suggested bringing everyone here first. However, now, under the absence of all but the faintest starlight, the surroundings were nothing short of surreal. Everywhere, from the flowers and trees to the entwining ivy, the world glowed in a mesmerizing array of bright, bioluminescent hues. Even the tips of the grass emitted a brilliant green glow, resembling a vast expanse of lights moving like the waves of a dreamlit ocean. Overhead, a small nightbird of some kind flew by, its wings glowing yellow at the end of its feathers. It reminded Callie of that movie with the giant blue people on another planet, where Humans come and, like usual, fuck everything up.


    Turning on her Darkvision out of pure curiosity, Callie was flooded with an even more-brilliant array of saturated colors. Normally, the Darkvision trait simply saw the world in various shades of detailed greens and grays, but earlier today the Rifts had been visible in pink, and now it was even more awe-inspiring.


    ¡°I have no words,¡± Rowani said, her voice nearly a whisper, before she looked down and smiled at Maugra, whose mouth was hanging open, simply awestruck.


    ¡°Take a look in Darkvision,¡± Callie whispered down to Pixyl, who had stepped up next to her.


    A squeak of surprise dribbled from the Pixie¡¯s mouth as she activated her own magical sight and the flood of new colors swept over and through her. ¡°This is amazing!¡± she finally gasped out in a whisper.


    ¡°It really is,¡± Callie responded, placing a hand on Pixyl¡¯s shoulder. She looked down, as Pixyl looked up and their eyes met again. ¡°We probably need to talk, don¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°P-P-Probably,¡± Pixyl responded, sounding a little glum before looking away.


    Was that a worried look on the Pixie¡¯s face?


    The tinkling sound of Juniper teleporting in with the next group sounded behind them, and Callie looked back quickly, seeing a weasel leap from the Major¡¯s arms, gliding gently to the ground before morphing into the form of Tazrok. Looking down to Pixyl, she still saw that worried look on her friend¡¯s face. Or was that her girlfriend¡¯s face? It was too much to figure out at the moment, but with everyone¡¯s attention on the new arrivals, Callie bent slightly, tilting Pixyl¡¯s head up by her chin, and gave her a hard, quick kiss to help put the Pixie¡¯s mind at ease. It was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.


    ¡°So ¡­ pretty,¡± Tazrok said quietly as he looked out over the self-lit grove around them. ¡°Many colors.¡±


    Callie noticed the hard face that the Major had made earlier, wanting to talk about the fight, had eased a little bit. Maybe it was the comfort of Juniper¡¯s space, or just that most of the team was one step closer to home, but she was definitely relaxing a bit.


    ¡°I shall depart to join the others,¡± Juniper said, interrupting everyone that was gawking at the lights. ¡°As a reminder, please keep this area close to the tree free of people, so we do not appear on top of you. Stay within the grove and nothing will bother you.¡± The Dryad turned, but then turned again. ¡°Also, do not go close to the river, lest something think you delicious.¡±


    ¡°I will summon a Ball of Light,¡± Maugra said. ¡°We can gather around that like a campfire.¡± Then to Juniper she added, ¡°I can have it give off some heat, but nowhere near enough to cause a fire. Would that be permissible?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ¡­ I¡¯m not sure,¡± the Dryad replied, concern showing on her green face. ¡°Would you show me?¡±


    Quickly, Maugra summoned a weightless ball of light in her hand about the size of a basketball, and set it on the ground. She focused, and it turned into an undulating ripple of oranges and reds, and it now gave off a comfortable warm heat. It wasn¡¯t nearly as warm as a campfire, but it would serve as a nice substitute. ¡°I used to use this light source when I was an Adventurer, instead of an actual fire, as I could dismiss it in an instant if needed. Very useful for light and heat inside of a tent, as well.¡±


    Callie looked at the little ball, fascinated by all the colors. She had seen Xin use her Ball of Light spell several times. At Iron, it was only the size of a golf ball, and couldn¡¯t float. It could however be slapped to any surface, where it would stick and continue to glow for about five minutes after she ceased channeling. When Xin reached Silver, the little ball was not only able to get bigger and brighter, but could float in the air and be slowly directed by thought within a couple meters, plus be winked out in an instant. Callie had always thought it a somewhat silly, but situationally useful spell, probably because she could see in the dark. A simple glowing ball of light wasn¡¯t all that impressive compared to summoning Demons or energy swords or dozens of arrows falling from above. Now seeing Maugra¡¯s higher tiered enhancements made Callie appreciate the spell quite a bit more.


    Juniper reached down towards the glowing ball, but drew back before she touched it. ¡°This does not burn anything?¡±


    Maugra shook her head. ¡°No. Just pleasant light and a little heat to fend off any of the night chill.¡±


    ¡°Then ¡­ this would be permissible,¡± The Dryad said simply. ¡°I shall return as soon as I am able with the others.¡±


    ¡°Okay everyone,¡± the Major called out after Juniper stepped back into her tree. ¡°We have a half-hour to relax. Don¡¯t wander off, and remember we are guests here. This is a special place, and we¡¯re going to leave it in the same condition we found it.¡±


    With a flick of a finger, Maugra dismissed the orange globe of light. She walked about ten meters into the grove, staking out a nice spot for everyone to sit around, and resummoned the fake campfire. A few people moved close, either taking a spot to sit on the ground, or in some cases lying back to look at the stars, the gentle heat a nice addition to the evening and the orange glow a cozy replacement for firelight.


    Callie subtly reached for Pixyl¡¯s hand and they mutually stepped backwards into the shadows, slipping around behind a tree. Her heart was skipping and fluttering wildly, as if she were sneaking out of the house. There were so many things she wanted to say, and even more that she, quite honestly, wanted to do. She had to push aside some of the more-lurid thoughts for the moment, as there was an audience, after all. Instead, she simply looked down, causing Pixyl to strain her neck looking back, before Callie charged in for another kiss.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Callie whispered when the two finally came up for air.


    The little Pixie shrugged, the muted bioluminescent light making prisms of unimaginable colors as they refracted through her wings. ¡°You might have said ¡®no¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Apparently I¡¯m completely blind. I didn¡¯t even know you were gay, let alone interested. I mean, my gaydar is usually pretty good, but apparently I just completely missed it, and you never mentioned anyone you¡¯ve been involved with in the past.¡±


    ¡°Gay? Gaydar?¡±


    ¡°You know? That sixth sense that tells you someone is attracted to the same gender? I¡¯ve always been good at picking that up in people. I guess it¡¯s not working here, or probably the social cues are different. It also was something I just wasn¡¯t thinking about much.¡±


    On the walk back, Callie had been wrestling with her own confused thoughts about what had happened with Pixyl, when not giving the Major shit about her underwear, that was. Since arriving here, she¡¯d given absolutely no thought at all to dating anyone, or even hooking up, for that matter. Well, Juniper maybe, but that wasn¡¯t real. Her life here was so new and confusing here that it simply wasn¡¯t a priority. Plus, for all she knew, she¡¯d be whisked away back to Chicago at any moment, although that was seeming less like a possibility as the days passed. She didn¡¯t even know if it was socially permitted to be gay in this world, and had assumed she¡¯d need to go back into the closet for some reason. A couple times she¡¯d thought about asking Lena, but the right moment never came up and it wasn¡¯t much of a priority. She¡¯d need to get that lowdown at some point. At least the others in the mission group hadn¡¯t seemed negative about it, so maybe it was acceptable?


    ¡°There¡¯s a few of us around here,¡± Pixyl said carefully, ¡°both males and females.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to know,¡± Callie replied just as carefully, resisting the instinct to immediately ask who and inwardly sighing slightly to know that they weren¡¯t the only two.


    Both lying back in the grass, Pixyl snuggled up close, putting her head on Callie¡¯s armored chest. Until they got out of these things and away from people, there would really be nothing more than being close to each other. Still, Callie amazingly felt warm and happy, and Pixyl simply felt relieved that her secret was out and she hadn¡¯t been turned away.


    They awkwardly snuggled there for a bit, just watching the colors ripple and flow all around them. Things needed to be said, but neither was really sure where to start, let alone what those things might be. Finally the near silence of their vibrant darkness was broken by a simple whisper.


    ¡°I love you, Calliope.¡±

 Chapter 51 Part 3 - Lessons Learned Now

    PART III - LESSONS LEARNED NOW


    Not long after Juniper returned carrying the rest of the team, the Major called everyone to the lighted circle. The delayed members of the party hadn¡¯t encountered any issues during the half-hour wait, but were quite thankful to be away from the forest¡¯s edge and back with everyone else.


    The general plan was to take a group back to camp in an hour, primarily so they could warn off sending reinforcements. Ambria was feeling a bit off, despite her neck being fully tended to, and was relishing an early evening, planning to skip the Lastday evening bonfire back at camp entirely. After that, Juniper would be able to take another group back every hour, and they¡¯d figure out the plan at that point. There had even been a couple mentions of maybe just spending the night in the grove, given how tranquil everything was.


    ¡°Listen up,¡± Major Celeste called out, projecting authority with her voice. ¡°I want to talk about some things, so everyone, get comfortable around the fire.¡±


    ¡°Not fire,¡± Tazrok helpfully pointed out.


    ¡°You know what I mean,¡± Celeste said with a sigh, but smirking slightly, too.


    Callie and Pixyl returned to the light from their makeout session in the shadows, and the few others that had been enjoying the darkness away from the center did the same. Callie had realized a few things over the past twenty minutes or so. First, she really liked kissing Pixyl, and second, it was really hard to feel someone up while they were wearing armor. Callie had debated taking her armor off, or Pixyl¡¯s, but then realized things would quickly get more than a little heated, and there was that whole potential audience thing to contend with. Plus, she and Pixyl still needed to talk ¡­ eventually.


    As people settled, some travel provisions were handed around the circle, giving everyone something to fill their bellies with as they talked. Most hadn¡¯t even realized how hungry they were, and the fare was welcomed, even if only simple dried meats, dense flatbreads and fruit.


    ¡°We need to talk about this fight,¡± Celeste said once everyone was in place and comfortable. ¡°Some things happened, and not all were good. While the Commandant generally prefers a more-casual peer discussion, frankly, I¡¯m going to put it out there because you all have some things you need to hear directly and think about, before we meet with Xera.¡±


    Callie had a sudden knot in her stomach as she mentally reviewed everything that had happened in the fight. From her perspective, it went remarkably well, but it was obvious the Major thought otherwise. Vanis and what happened to him would surely be a topic, but it sounded like some other things needed review.


    The Major groaned a bit as she sat, removing her belt and swords and accepting some offered jerky. She settled into a spot between Olin and Rowani, with the other trainers next to them. This put all five of the trainers on the same side of the circle, and gave the sense that this was an important teaching conversation. ¡°To begin, I do want to say everyone did a great job today. There are some issues, which I¡¯ll get to, but everyone performed spectacularly. The training you¡¯ve received in only four weeks truly shows. That final Elemental, the big one, was wholly unexpected, and each of you played a role in defeating it. Callie, I will call you out for doing an excellent job coordinating everyone in the heat of battle for that final attack.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie said, feeling slightly better with the praise.


    ¡°Still,¡± Celeste continued, ¡°It was reckless to put yourself at such risk with your attack. If we hadn¡¯t had multiple Shamans and potions, you could have ended up one of the Mana Dead, or worse. You were supposed to have learned that lesson when you almost melted your brain that day you hit Bronze. The same applies to you, Vanis. You ran your mana past your limits, and if not for Maugra, it could have happened to you as well. I know you know better than that. Everyone, if you are a class that needs mana to fight, then you need to be respectful of it.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie snapped, feeling a little targeted. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have done that attack if there weren¡¯t that many Shamans. That big boss of a monster needed to go down, or we were going to need to fall back.¡±


    The Major held up her hand to settle Callie¡¯s temper. ¡°I know, and the fact you told me to sound the retreat if your plan didn¡¯t work tells me you gave some thought to what you were doing. If it hadn¡¯t worked, though, we would have been in a bad spot, with effectively two downed teammates needing to be carried. You¡¯re light, he¡¯s not.¡± She gestured between both Callie and Vanis. ¡°Even with Tazrok carrying him, the retreat would have been slowed.¡±


    ¡°Everyone,¡± Olin began, briefly interrupting the Major, ¡°we¡¯re going to point out mistakes that were made. We aren¡¯t attacking whoever made them, we¡¯re holding them out as an example for all of you, so both they and you can learn from those mistakes. This honest conversation is being done now, while the fight is still fresh in everyone¡¯s head, and not muddled by a night of sleep or the passage of more time. That was one hell of a fight, though, and it could have ended up a lot different if not for some quick thinking and all of you performing exceptionally.¡±


    ¡°On the topic of putting yourself at unnecessary risk, I want to talk next about getting hurt,¡± the Major said. ¡°Some of you should know better from the Bogwump fight, but this goes for all of you, so listen up. It is not brave to pretend you are not hurt. It¡¯s stupid. If you are injured, you need to tell someone. If someone asks, you need to be honest when you respond. Pushing through broken bones, hurting limbs, or blows to the head will ultimately get you, or someone else killed.¡±


    A few eyes swung towards Bratig and Ambria.


    ¡°Imagine,¡± Celeste continued, "if we had needed Ambria to rescue someone, but because she didn¡¯t tell anyone about her neck injury, she instead fell from the weakness. Now we have not only the person needing rescuing in danger, but a critical Healer as well. Or you, Bratig. You took multiple blows from thrown boulders, I say again, multiple boulders! You could have had an injured spine or broken bones, even with your armored form. By brushing it off, you put yourself, and as one of our Guardians, the rest of us, at risk.


    ¡°But there is often no time for proper healing in combat,¡± Bratig pointed out, instinctively defensive like Callie had been.


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. But still, people need to actually know you are hurt, so they know what they can rely on you for, and so what healing is available can be prioritized and directed properly. If not available immediately, you might be told to drink a potion or eat some Berries instead. Again, it is not brave to simply ignore an injury, or pretend you hurt less than you really do.¡± Celeste waved her hand to the entire circle. ¡°Learn this now so it never happens again, understood?¡±


    There was a low murmur of general agreement and a sour look from Bratig. Even Ambria looked a little angry, although she was mostly angry at herself. She had learned this lesson from the Bogwump mission when Pixyl had been hurt, and then promptly failed to follow it herself. She knew better.


    ¡°We mean it,¡± Rowani said. ¡°Healers and group leaders need to know everything that is happening, and that includes who¡¯s hurt and how badly. This fight, in particular, had nine possible Healers. Nine! This was with a group of fifteen people. A Healer and the injured could have stepped into cover for longer, more-intense treatment if needed, with plenty of people still in the fight.¡±


    ¡°We understand that battle is chaotic,¡± Olin said, ¡°but that gives you no excuse for foolish bravado when it comes to being injured. That just leads to mistakes being made and people getting dead.¡± He gestured generally towards himself and the other trainers. ¡°Are we clear?¡±


    There was another muted wave of agreement.


    ¡°Alright, then I won¡¯t dwell and we¡¯ll move on to the next topic,¡± the Major said, taking a breath, as if she was reluctant for whatever was to come. ¡°Someone tell me, what did Pixyl do wrong?¡±


    Next to her, Callie felt the Pixie immediately tense up, and in turn, she felt the need to say something. ¡°What do you mean? If it wasn¡¯t for her, we wouldn¡¯t have killed the big one at the end!¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I understand, but the question to all of you still stands.¡± The Major pointedly looked at every one of the recruits. ¡°What did Pixyl do wrong?¡±


    Around the fake-fire circle, the recruits looked at each other, all seeming to shrug in confusion at the question. Even Juniper had a puzzled look on her face as she seemed to struggle to find an answer, or possibly even understand what Celeste was asking. Pixyl just glared daggers at the Major.


    The question hung in the air for almost a minute without so much as even a hint being provided, forcing each recruit to search deep for the answer that Celeste seemed to be looking for. It was finally a deep voice that broke the silence.


    ¡°Charge big monster,¡± Tazrok said carefully. There was no questioning inflection in his response; he knew it was the answer and he hated to be the one to say it. Looking towards Pixyl, he shrugged apologetically, adding, ¡°Sorry, but did.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the Major said, nodding at the Ogre. ¡°She charged without orders, and not just the big one at the end, but several times before that.¡± An uncomfortable silence hung in the air, made all the more ominous by the lack of crackling fire.


    ¡°He couldn¡¯t decide anything! He even had to eventually put Callie in charge!¡± Pixyl scowled between gritted teeth, gesturing with two hands towards Vanis. How dare the Major call her out like this! If it wasn¡¯t for her and Callie, the big Elemental wouldn¡¯t have been defeated. Plus, she¡¯d destroyed, what, a hundred of the smaller ones? Maybe more? And how many Greaters?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re going to get to Vanis,¡± the Major said, seeming to absorb the seething cold the Pixie was sending out. ¡°Right now, we¡¯re talking about you, though. Pixyl, you charged into that last fight when no order had been given to do so. You forced the rest of us to fight, if only to protect you. Bratig was injured. Ambria was injured. We were not at full mana. On top of all that, we were facing something nobody had fought before. We had no knowledge of its capabilities.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    You could cut the tension with a dagger as Pixyl and Celeste stared each other down. Callie was conflicted, because on one hand, the Major wasn¡¯t wrong, not in the slightest. Callie hadn¡¯t given it a lot of thought, simply being generally so in awe of Pixyl¡¯s skills to not even notice she was often quite reckless, and the Major¡¯s statement now made it obvious. On the other hand, at least for the moment, she and Pixyl were apparently a thing, and damn if she didn¡¯t have a responsibility to defend her girlfriend! Before Callie could even speak, though, it was Wallir that broke the silence.


    ¡°Pixyl, you¡¯re amazing,¡± Wallir said simply. ¡°You have been such an inspiration for all of us. Not just that first day when we arrived and you saved everyone, but constantly. You¡¯ve shown us how to not just kill Demons, but how to do it well. You¡¯ve shown that a tiny Pixie can do anything, and if you can do it, then we know we can do it, too. You make us better soldiers and you don¡¯t have anything to prove to anybody.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do!¡± Pixyl lashed back, an angry snarl lacing her voice. ¡°I have to do it better than everyone to prove them all w-w-wrong! I have to show them that I¡¯m not a mistake.¡± The air was suddenly very, very cold and tense.


    Callie had never heard Pixyl talk like this, with this much fundamental bitterness, and she could tell that the Major and now Wallir had both accidentally touched on some really deep-seated emotions. But after a few seconds of actually digesting Wallir¡¯s words, Pixyl seemed to deflate slightly. The Druid wasn¡¯t part of Pixyl¡¯s tight friend group, and to hear such praise from someone without that bias of close friendship seemed to eventually pierce the Pixie¡¯s armor of anger.


    ¡°He¡¯s right, Pixyl¡± Olin added, gesturing to Wallir as he nodded in agreement, several of the others in the group also nodding, including Rowani and Maugra.


    ¡°Do you know how you prove yourself better, Pixyl?¡± Celeste asked rhetorically with a calm, caring tone, pointedly not asking who ¡®them¡¯ were. ¡°You do that by coming home alive. You do that by getting the rest of your team home alive. And people come home alive by following the orders of the one in charge, so they can work together, not by charging blindly into unknown situations, risking yourself and maybe the rest. Certainly not by wandering off to engage the enemy because you¡¯re ¡®bored¡¯.¡± The Major chuffed out a short laugh, and smiled. ¡°Hell, Pixyl, you are the only person in the history of the entire Army to have received the Bronze Sword of Valor on their first day, and you also received a Red Heartstone. You have absolutely nothing to prove to anyone.¡±


    ¡°Little Pixyl,¡± Tazrok added, a strange, clear calm seeming to resonate from him, ¡°you are mighty, you are not a mistake. But, it is now time to fight wisely, not recklessly. If you can do that, you and those who fight with you will be unstoppable. Quite simply, you will win the war for us. We do not need to decide this, because it is already true.¡± He sank back with a final nod, as if to definitively state he spoke the truth, before he shook his head once and put his hand to his forehead, nursing a sudden headache.


    There was a long, hard silence, with Pixyl simply staring at the ground, the angry look on her face slowly giving way to other emotions. She¡¯d let go of Callie¡¯s hand, and was now looking at her own, as if seeing them for the first time. Pixyl knew Tazrok had used his strange aura power, that Chieftain''s Inspiration. She¡¯d felt it before, his primal sense of comfort he could cast to all around him. She knew that she was being influenced by him. She knew that! Yet, she somehow also understood the perfect truth in the Ogre¡¯s words.


    ¡°That ¡­ got a little deeper than I expected,¡± Major Celeste slowly said, breaking the awkward quiet. ¡°Pixyl, my apologies for ¡­ making the moment more personal. That was not my intent. Think on what we have all said, and we¡¯ll talk more tomorrow, just the two of us.¡±


    Surprisingly, her eyes still staring down at her hands, Pixyl slightly nodded, then quietly said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Like air slowly leaking from a balloon, the tension around the fakefire seemed to deflate. Everyone shuffled and stretched and brushed away the heavy emotions, allowing them to focus on the simple message the Major had started with.


    Carefully, Callie reached down and took Pixyl¡¯s hand in her own. She could feel Pixyl immediately tense at the touch and start to pull away, but then she stopped, letting Callie continue as she finally realized who it was. There was too much of an audience for anything physical, even if to be comforting, so Callie simply held Pixyl¡¯s hand trying to be there for her. She was really bad at emotional support sometimes, and Pixyl had just been dragged through something that dredged up deep, painful feelings. She didn¡¯t know what else she should do.


    ¡°Let¡¯s change topics,¡± the Major said, getting the attention of everyone. ¡°There¡¯s one other thing I want to discuss tonight, because it¡¯s really important.¡± She gestured towards Vanis. ¡°Before Tazrok and I came here as Juniper¡¯s second group, I told Vanis he was going to speak, and to give some thoughts to what he needed to say. Sergeant, go ahead.¡±


    Vanis cleared his throat, and then coughed nervously. ¡°As you all know, I needed to turn command over to Callie towards the end of that last fight, so perhaps that rank is no longer warranted.¡± He tried to laugh lightly, but it didn¡¯t make it any easier. ¡°The Major asked me to guide you all through what was in my head, and why I had to do what I did. What I offer should not be seen as excuses, only as an explanation. It would be my hope that a lesson may come from my shortcomings."


    The Warlock took a deep breath, as if inhaling a bit of courage, before continuing. "This enemy was quite troubling for me. My summoned minions were able to defeat the smaller ones, but as the enemy grew in strength, they became less and less effective. Most of my other spells are based on curses or charms, or require the target to be alive. They proved immune to those powers. Even my melded threat suppression aura proved useless, although I wasn¡¯t surprised, as it is effectively a charm-based spell.¡±


    Blowing out his cheeks, Vanis looked around the circle, taking in all the faces fixated on him. ¡°I was not prepared for that final battle. We engaged too quickly, before we could strategize or recharge all of our spells and get full mana.¡± Several eyes swung towards Pixyl, but Vanis cleared his throat, claiming them back. ¡°That seemed to throw my confidence off. As the fight progressed, nothing I could do was of any help, save minor distractions from my summoned creatures.¡±


    ¡°I think they were still helpful,¡± Callie said, trying to be supportive, ¡°at least a little bit.¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Vanis said, shaking his head and giving a weak smile. ¡°At least not against the large one. Nothing I had in my repertoire was of any value against it, and quickly I was overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness, and worry for all of you. If I couldn¡¯t do anything ¡­¡± His voice trailed off. ¡°I froze,¡± he finally said. ¡°Frozen with dread for my team as I fixated on everything that should have been done differently and as I tried in vain to come up with a workable strategy. Seeing Callie¡¯s arrows and Pixyl¡¯s attacks on the heart prove ineffective only strengthened the frozen moment.¡±


    ¡°So you turned it over to Callie?¡± Melga asked. ¡°Why her?¡±


    Vanis laughed slightly. ¡°When I finally realized I needed to relinquish command, I looked for the Major. I couldn¡¯t find her in all the chaos. Callie was the next face I saw.¡±


    There was a long silence eventually broken by a low chuckle from Tazrok. It was infectious, and soon most of the circle were laughing along with him; laughing at the pure serendipity that had put the fight into Callie¡¯s hands. Callie actually felt slightly offended. She had assumed Vanis had given the fight to her because she led the Bogwump attack, or at least because he trusted her. Now, she suddenly found out it was purely accidental luck. It was funny in a way, but still, her ego took a bit of a hit.


    ¡°For what it is worth,¡± Major Celeste said. ¡°I was moments away from taking command. If I would have, I would have ordered an immediate withdrawal. At that moment, we were making no headway, which means we were slowly losing the battle. It was only a matter of time before either a boulder or those stone arms crushed someone. I think Callie saw that as well.¡±


    ¡°I did. I had that one idea, but if that hadn¡¯t worked, we needed to get out of there,¡± Callie confirmed. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have even done that, except for all the Shamans and having potions available,¡± she added, to re-emphasize her earlier point.


    Around the circle, there were a lot of concerned faces and awkward glances towards Vanis. On a personal level, everyone generally understood what had happened to him, and understood how quickly moments of confusion could cascade upon themselves and overwhelm. But at the same time, that clear leadership is what was needed to keep everyone functioning as a team, and that had failed them. Torn between wanting to support their fellow recruit, and seeing how his hesitation put them at risk, nobody was quite sure how to feel.


    Callie saw the looks on all the faces around her, and then the grim, almost apologetic eyes of Vanis. She felt the need to speak up in her friend¡¯s defense. ¡°Hey, everyone,¡± she began, ¡°Vanis did exactly the right thing.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s right,¡± the Major concurred. ¡°There is a lot that goes into being a leader, more than I could even scratch in the time we have tonight. One of those traits has to be a recognition when you are not in the position to lead, for whatever the reason is. It¡¯s in our nature to not want to admit our shortcomings, so for Vanis to do exactly that is a good thing. My only critique would be that he probably should have done so sooner.¡±


    While the recruits pondered what Celeste had just said, several mumbling to each other, Trainer Olin leaned in close and whispered in her ear. Callie couldn¡¯t hear what they had said over all the low murmurs, but Celeste looked quizzically at Olin, responding with a simple, ¡®Do you think so?¡¯, to which Olin nodded an affirmative.


    Clearing her throat, the Major seized everyone¡¯s attention again. ¡°When all of you arrive at the front, you¡¯re going to find some things quite shocking. Nearly all of your fellow soldiers are going to be non-Advanced classes, and almost none of them will have Symbiotes. They are only going to know a subset of their entire class skills, and likely only at high Iron or low Bronze tier, or perhaps very low Silver if they¡¯ve been there for a while. You are all going to be at least Silver, if not Gold tiers, and know all of your skills. Like it or not, you are going to be looked up to, and expected to be leaders.¡±


    This was a sudden shock to everyone, although as they started to think through the Major¡¯s words, they made sense, given Symbiote rarity. But, how were they supposed to lead? They didn¡¯t know how. Vanis? Sure, he was the Prince. He knew how to lead before he even arrived, despite what had happened during the fight today. But each of them?


    ¡°We generally don¡¯t tell recruits this, because it can be a distraction,¡± Olin continued, ¡°but given this conversation we¡¯re having, I think it¡¯s useful. Please don¡¯t share with the others, though. As we move into these next weeks of training,¡± we¡¯re going to start focusing more on mixed class group combat. You all know when and how to use your skills now. Even new ones you will receive at Silver, or even Gold, you will know how to quickly master, with minimal guidance needed from your trainers. Instead, much of the rest of the term will be spent learning how to use them together with other classes and how to fight as a cohesive group. Then, specifically, during the last two weeks, there will be much more focus on that leadership you¡¯ll be expected to provide as an expert of your class.¡±


    ¡°This won¡¯t be leadership at the level of an officer or field sergeant,¡± Celeste said, ¡°but the kind needed for leading small teams; perhaps three or four people, during the thick of it. You all already know how to fight. Instead, you¡¯re going to learn how to get everyone to fight as one.¡±


    Around the circle, there were a lot of wide, concerned eyes. The earlier discussion about Vanis, what had happened, and the realization that the same could happen to them in similar circumstances, had already set the heads of the recruits spinning with worry. Now, they were going to be expected to step up and do the same? The knowledge was suddenly a bit overwhelming.


    Trainer Olin laughed. ¡°Please, don¡¯t dwell on this information. Instead, think about how much you¡¯ve all learned in only four short weeks. You will all leave with the knowledge you need, don¡¯t worry about that. But, the important information to remember, as you begin to pick up these leadership skills, is that not being able to do something is not a failure. The failure is not recognizing that fact, or letting your own ego get in the way of what is right for the team as a whole. Never forget today¡¯s lesson. It will save lives some day, possibly including your own.¡±

 Chapter 51 Part 4 - The Rules of Attraction

    PART IV - THE RULES OF ATTRACTION


    With Olin¡¯s final advice, or perhaps it was a warning, Major Celeste concluded the ¡®fireside¡¯ chat, releasing everyone to relax in the glade, with another admonishment to not wander far. Juniper was still recharging for a round trip to and from camp, and it was decided in addition to the Major, that Cheena, Bratig and Ambria would also go back. Ambria continued to not feel that great, so Cheena was going to escort her to medical for another examination under non-field conditions, although still felt that the Faun probably just needed a hot shower or bath and some rest.


    Next to Callie, Pixyl leapt to her feet and stormed off as the circle broke up. It was obvious she was still angry from the discussion, despite the acknowledgement of understanding she had given Celeste. Callie, a worried look on her face, caught the Major¡¯s eyes briefly, before racing off after the Pixie.


    Approaching Pixyl, Callie could swear that her wings were dimly glowing red with anger in the darkness, and she had a moment of reluctance about trying to get close. She hadn¡¯t realized that Pixyl was capable of the kind of hot-headed temper she was showing now, and simply wasn¡¯t sure how to interact with it. She¡¯d seen anger back when Pixyl had kicked Bratig, but this was something else entirely, and Callie suspected it was partly because Pixyl was directing some of that anger towards herself.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Callie finally said quietly.


    Pixyl looked back for a moment, before turning back to the colorful glowing foliage, staring into the dark, saying nothing.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Callie carefully asked.


    Even looking away, Callie could feel Pixyl¡¯s scowl, and debated just backing away to give some space. After an awkward few moments, she started to turn to do just that.


    ¡°I¡¯m really angry,¡± Pixyl said quietly, a hissing undertone to her voice, like hot steam escaping.


    ¡°I can tell.¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t have to attack me like that.¡±


    It was hard, but Callie resisted the immediate urge to point out it hadn¡¯t been intentional, and, at least in Celeste¡¯s eyes, it hadn¡¯t been an attack at all. It would just piss Pixyl off even more if she did. Still, she didn¡¯t know what to do at this moment. Emotions were high, and Callie had a muddled sense of what she should do in response. She simply kept quiet, deciding she didn¡¯t want to comment on the Major¡¯s words.


    Pixyl turned, hands on her hips as her wings vibrated angrily. ¡°Do you agree with her?¡±


    Shit.


    ¡°I think it was wrong of her to call you out like that,¡± Callie finally said, taking obviously too long to evasively answer.


    ¡°So you agree with her!¡± Pixyl snarled.


    Double shit.


    Callie¡¯s brain scrambled for an answer that wouldn¡¯t put a wedge into the blossoming something that had come into being between them. ¡°I absolutely agree that you have nothing to prove to anyone.¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t what I m-m-meant!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true though. You¡¯re amazing! Everybody can see that.¡±


    That seemed to help a smidge, and Pixyl¡¯s expression softened just a tiny bit. ¡°What about the rest she said?¡± she asked softly, but with still a tinge of anger.


    Triple shit!


    Callie bent down to get close to Pixyl¡¯s upturned face, and put a hand on the Pixie¡¯s arms. ¡°You don¡¯t need to go charging into a fight to prove yourself. Not to the Major, or Olin, or me, or anyone.¡± Before Pixyl could even respond, Callie put a hand on each of her cheeks and kissed her. It was a manipulative tactic she¡¯d used on people she¡¯d been involved with in the past, but she didn¡¯t want the possibility of a fight right now.


    The kiss held for a long several seconds, and Pixyl seemed to melt in Callie¡¯s arms, as if deflating as anger leaked away. ¡°You did that to shut m-m-me up,¡± Pixyl said sheepishly when the kiss broke.


    ¡®Yeah, I did.¡±


    ¡°It worked,¡± the Pixie said with a laugh, blushing slightly. Callie chuckled in response, her face warm and soft, and silently relieved to hear Pixyl laughing at something.


    Moving towards a tree that would block the view from the rest of the people, Pixyl took a seat on the ground. ¡°Do you think I was reckless?¡± she asked, looking up.


    Callie sighed, realizing she wasn¡¯t going to be able to avoid the conversation. How could she put this that wouldn¡¯t make Pixyl angry again and still be truthful? She finally shrugged. ¡°At the time, I didn¡¯t think so. But after what the Major said, and then Vanis saying what it did to his confidence, maybe. Don¡¯t get me wrong, you were absolutely amazing, but maybe ¡­¡± Callie trailed her voice off, worried how she was coming across. She didn¡¯t want to sound like she was completely agreeing with the Major, but the officer had been right.


    There was a long silence as Pixyl seemed to mull Callie¡¯s response. While she was thinking, Callie sat on the ground, taking Pixyl¡¯s hand in her own and leaning back against the tree. Pixyl leaned against Callie¡¯s shoulder and stared into the darkness, lost in thought.


    ¡°When I fought in the Pits,¡± Pixyl finally said, ¡°my job was to m-m-make the fight exciting. Then, people would drink more and bet more. The m-m-more they bet and the more they drank, the more money the b-b-bosses made.¡±


    Callie listened close, not asking any questions. Pixyl had always been reluctant to talk about her time as a pit fighter, having said nothing before Trainer Terrin accidentally revealed it the day of the first Demon demonstrations. Since then, Callie, Lena and some of the others had tried to learn more, but Pixyl had been at best vague in her responses, like it was a bad memory, or something she was embarrassed about. She¡¯d been completely tight-lipped about her family and childhood, too. Vanis said everyone needed to respect her secrets, but it had been frustrating to do so. Now that she¡¯d shared a little something, though, and given what had happened between them, Callie now wanted to know everything she could about Pixyl¡¯s history and background, and what made her into the amazing person she was.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Charging in blindly was a way to get that excitement up,¡± Pixyl continued with a somewhat-distant sigh. ¡°Low-tier Demons and Elementals are really no threat, so that was fine. It was even f-f-fun sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Things have changed now, though,¡± Callie said, trying to keep her voice comforting. ¡°It¡¯s not just you any more, and entertaining the crowd doesn¡¯t matter. Well, maybe a little when you introduce the new Demons, but we understand that it is all in fun, and teaches us how to fight them. Once we get to the front, the rules will change completely.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Pixyl said, a little sadness in her voice. She shuffled a bit, lying down on the cool grass with her head on Callie¡¯s leg. ¡°I feel like I don¡¯t know another way, though.¡±


    The two sat quietly for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. While Pixyl replayed her actions leading up to that last fight, Callie¡¯s mind was still swirling around how her world changed with the girl in her lap. She couldn¡¯t believe how clueless she¡¯d been to how Pixyl felt about her, and she found herself feeling guilty and unsure of her feelings towards her friend. She cared for Pixyl, that was for sure, and really enjoyed kissing her. But whenever she tried to think about what a future might look like, everything seemed to get murky. Was it just because they would soon be deployed to the front, almost certainly to different locations? Was it that she still didn¡¯t feel like this world was her home, maybe? Was it just too much too fast? That was probably it. They¡¯d only known each other for four weeks.


    ¡°How long have you felt this way? About me, that is,¡± Callie found herself asking.


    Pixyl looked up from Callie¡¯s lap. ¡°Since we got our Symbiotes.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Callie asked, dumbfounded and sitting up slightly. ¡°That was at best a couple hours after we met! All the way back then? That fast?¡±


    Pixyl simply shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just how it happened.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really not sure how to respond to that,¡± Callie said, before adding, ¡°except with surprise. Did you tell anyone?¡±


    Pixyl shook her head, but then added, ¡°Ambria and Pama figured it out last Homeday. I made them p-p-promise not to tell you. Others apparently suspected.¡±


    Callie remembered back to when Pixyl and Ambria left while she was working with Fizzlebek on the Golem arm. Pixyl had seemed out of sorts at the time, but Callie had been so involved with the mysterious arm glitch she hadn¡¯t paid it much mind. That must have been a result of Ambria and Pama learning her secret. Suddenly, Callie found herself irritated that she hadn¡¯t inquired more about what was bothering Pixyl at the time, because maybe the secret would have come out and they wouldn¡¯t have lost a week.


    ¡°Hello?¡± a voice called. ¡°Are you two back here?¡± It was the Major. She then added, ¡°Are all your clothes on?¡±


    ¡°Over here,¡± Callie called back as Pixyl sat up. There was the sound of someone walking through the grass towards them.


    ¡°Ah, good. I thought I saw you two disappear in this direction.¡± Pixyl started to stand up, but the Major waved her down. ¡°No, no. No need to stand. In fact, would you mind if I sit?¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure?¡± Callie said, gesturing towards a convenient patch of grass. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± she added as Celeste sat down. Callie noticed that Pixyl¡¯s expression had hardened again. It wasn¡¯t necessarily anger towards the officer, but it definitely was a bit of lingering coldness.


    Pixyl¡¯s hard gaze was not lost on the Major, and she shifted awkwardly. ¡°I know we¡¯ll talk more tomorrow,¡± she said, looking at the Pixie, ¡°but I wanted to apologize again for making things uncomfortable for you earlier. It was my hope it would be a teaching moment for everyone, but in my haste I didn¡¯t think it through fully.¡±


    Nobody said anything. Callie had hoped Pixyl would at least accept the apology, but her bitter stare remained. That felt slightly disappointing.


    The Major cleared her throat, moving on. ¡°I do have another topic I want to discuss, and it may be a little uncomfortable, too. I won¡¯t apologize for this one, because we need to talk about it, but I will give you some perspective first.¡±


    Callie had a sneaking suspicion she knew what this was going to be about, at least in a general sense, and was a little worried.


    ¡°When I came to the camp as a recruit for the first term, there were just five of us,¡± the Major started, telling a story. ¡°It was myself, two Rangers, a Warlock and a Bladeweaver. Everything was riding on us doing well and Xera was staking a lot on the belief it was worth the cost to train Advanced classes provided with Symbiotes. It was going well. We all reached Bronze within the first two weeks, and we started to rank towards Silver. Then, I fucked up.¡±


    That got Pixyl¡¯s attention, along with Callie¡¯s. The Major? How could she possibly screw up?


    ¡°The Bladeweaver and I became a thing,¡± Celeste said. ¡°We were all over each other nearly every minute we could be. The officers and trainers told us to stop. We ignored them. They threatened us with punishments. We ignored them again.¡± She smiled slyly. ¡°We were almost as bad at following orders as the two of you are.¡±


    Callie¡¯s chest tightened, suddenly worried what might come next, despite Celeste trying to keep things light. ¡°What happened?¡± Callie croaked out, her throat hoarse.


    ¡°Our training started to suffer,¡± the Major said flatly. ¡°We were so enamored with each other, so distracted, that half the lessons were lost on us. Xera finally had to put their foot down and they gave us a choice. Either one of us was going to be sent to the front, in the hopes the other could be salvaged, or we could agree to some restrictions.¡±


    ¡°And what were those?¡± Pixyl asked, the coldness towards the Major still in her voice.


    Celeste sighed, trying to get past Pixyl¡¯s attitude. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know what may be developing between the two of you, but it''s obviously been happening since you both got here, and I know full well neither of you will follow my orders if I told you to stop. I didn¡¯t, after all, and you¡¯re both more stubborn than I was. So, here¡¯s my rule, and it¡¯s the same rule I give to any other recruits that get involved with each other; the same I gave to Lena and Dregorio. Understand that this is absolutely non-negotiable! It¡¯s simple ¨C from the moment the thirty-minute training bell sounds in the morning, until the end of training for the day, you cannot be together. You need to focus entirely on training. That means no sneaking off! No heavy public affection! No nothing! You can eat lunch together, and give each other a quick kiss before you return to training, but that¡¯s it. Understand?¡±


    Callie and Pixyl looked at each other, both seeming to realize Celeste wasn¡¯t kidding about this. ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, nodding slightly. She knew full well that the Major could make things difficult, even force them apart, and this was an entirely reasonable compromise, all things considered.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Pixyl snapped after a long, contemplative pause.


    ¡°I mean it, you two. Don¡¯t cross me on this. Because of the time I was focused elsewhere, I left training only around SILVER.400. If I had kept my focus, and I suppose kept my pants on, too, I probably could have reached Gold. If I need to, I will send one of you away. I don¡¯t want to do that, but there are bigger things at stake. Got it?¡±


    Callie nodded immediately, and Pixyl soon followed.


    ¡°Alright then. If things don¡¯t work out, you let me know and we¡¯ll move one of you to a different cabin. I have a suspicion you¡¯ll both be fine, though. Above all, training absolutely comes first! I¡¯ll be informing Vonn and Reynard, Callie, so they can take action if you start slipping. The other senior officers will also be made aware. You two get exactly one chance to follow the rules I just gave you and maintain focus on your training. Don¡¯t fuck it up. I almost did, and if I had been sent away, I¡¯d very likely not be alive to give you this order.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said again, sending a strong vibe of urging towards Pixyl. Hesitantly, the Pixie nodded as well.


    ¡°Last thing, and then I¡¯ll leave you be,¡± Celeste continued, changing the subject. ¡°Both of you were great today. I mean that. Pixyl, your skills are absolutely amazing and Callie¡¯s right, if not for you we never would have brought the big one down at the end. And Callie, the way you pulled everyone together to finish it was particularly impressive. Not a lot of people can take over from someone else that quickly, and then put together a coordinated attack on top of it. Xera will probably promote you back to Corporal again.¡±


    Laughing, Callie held up her hands. ¡°No no! No promotion.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to do something else in the next couple of days and you¡¯ll need to take it away again. Just keep score and give me whatever rank I end up with at the end. I¡¯ll probably end up with a negative number and be demoted to whatever is below Recruit, honestly.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing below Recruit,¡± the Major laughed.


    Pixyl actually laughed too. ¡°Trust me, something will get invented, just for her.¡±

 Chapter 51 Part 5 - Living the Moment

    PART V - LIVING THE MOMENT


    Pixyl¡¯s laugh and gentle ribbing of Callie served to greatly lighten the mood. Callie could tell there was still some sub-surface anger towards the Major on the part of Pixyl, but suspected their private conversation to come, and the passage of some time, would smooth everything over. This was good. Callie really liked Celeste. Unlike the other officers, she was always relaxed and felt more like one of them, perhaps because she was also one of the first-generation camp recruits. Or maybe it was because she tolerated her mischief-making. The others just seemed to have a stoic professionalism that kept them a little unapproachable on a personal level, even when they would let their guard down.


    Speaking of making mischief ¡­


    ¡°So, do you have someone you¡¯re thinking about asking for Midsummer?¡± Callie casually asked, almost whistling innocently at the question.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged to spend the time with ¡­¡± Celeste started to mindlessly answer, before catching herself just before the big reveal. ¡°You sneaky little ¡­¡±


    Laughing, Callie snapped her fingers. ¡°Damn! I almost got it.¡±


    ¡°You mind your own business!¡± the Major growled with her own laugh. ¡°When did you even learn about Midsummer?¡±


    ¡°Ambria, Pixyl and Pama told me about it last week, and shared the Fae story of its origins. At least the history about the hook-up part of the holiday.¡±


    ¡°Of course it was Ambria.¡± Celeste rolled her eyes and looked back into the glade, where the Faun was seated next to the fakefire chatting with Cheena.


    ¡°Hey! Remember, she has standards!¡± Callie said in defense of her friend. ¡°It¡¯s not like she¡¯s hooked up with anyone else. Well, maybe the twins. Probably Moka for sure.¡±


    Shaking her head in disbelief, the Major stood. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading back to camp soon. I know a few have talked about spending the night here, but you all need to come back. We¡¯re probably going to do Xera¡¯s review of the mission right after breakfast again, and it would be good if everyone was rested. Pixyl, Olin said you¡¯re going to hit Silver, but you need to sleep well for that to happen.¡± She glanced at Callie. ¡°I mean it, actual sleep!¡±


    Grudgingly, Pixyl nodded. It would stink to be so close, and then miss it because she was awake all night, even if the likely reason for being awake was probably worth it.


    ¡°Callie, I¡¯m curious, how close are you to Silver?¡± Celeste asked.


    ¡°I was BRONZE.688 this morning,¡± Callie replied. ¡°With today¡¯s fight, I might get it next week, but more likely the week after.¡±


    ¡°Week six is when most everyone reaches Silver, so you¡¯re right on schedule.¡±


    That actually made Callie quite happy. She¡¯d been worried that she was falling behind. Jesca and Shul¡¯an would for sure reach Silver before the break for Midsummer, and Thucax was surprisingly just a little bit ahead of her, so it was a bit of a friendly race to see who made it first.


    ¡°How close are you to Platinum?¡± Callie asked the Major, out of return curiosity, remembering Lena had mentioned she was Gold Tier.


    ¡°Close! Really close! I was at .983 this morning. It¡¯s possible, with today¡¯s mission, I could make it before Midsummer. For sure I¡¯ll make it in the next few weeks. Progress really slows once you reach Gold, because you tend to develop patterns and habits, so learning new things becomes more difficult.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Callie squealed, truly excited for the Major. ¡°If you do make it, we¡¯ll have to add you to the party that we¡¯re throwing for Master Trainer Thorn. Vonn too, for that matter, since she also just hit Platinum.¡±


    ¡°As long as we don¡¯t overshadow Thorn. Getting to Topaz is an amazing accomplishment, especially for a Beastkin, and it needs to be the focus.¡±


    Callie nodded in understanding, making a mental note to let Jesca know about those that just made Platinum. As the organizer of the party, she¡¯d figure out a good way to recognize everyone without diminishing Thorn¡¯s big achievement.


    Soon the Major departed, once again leaving Callie and Pixyl alone in the bioluminescent darkness. As they found each others¡¯ eyes, the last of the cold, prickly aura Pixyl had put up against Celeste almost immediately melted away.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Callie said quietly, her brain scrambling to come up with something profound to say, and failing magnificently.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Pixyl replied, failing as well.


    After a long moment, Pixyl simply rushed at Callie, the two of them locking lips like it was their first time all over again. Callie fell to her back, or maybe Pixyl pushed her down, and the Pixie straddled her torso, lips still attached. The kiss was eager and passionate and full of fire, as if trying to make up for lost time. In a sense, they were.


    Finally sitting up, still straddling Callie, Pixyl tore her shoulder armor off, the Scufrow making its Velcro-like tearing sound, before she tossed it aside. Next came the leather bodywrap, likewise torn open and added to the pile. She unbuttoned the clasp of her tunic above the wings, and then pulled the bottom out of where it was tucked in.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Callie whispered, a soft giggle in her voice, ¡°there¡¯s others around.¡±


    Pixyl had started to lift the shirt off, but stopped at the warning, a tiny bit of a pout on her face. Instead, she reached under and behind, unclasping her binder, pulling it away and likewise adding it to the growing pile of discarded items. Pixyl charged back in, again locking lips with Callie.


    With the Pixie leaning over, her tunic hanging loosely, Callie¡¯s hands instinctively reached up and under the cloth, cupping Pixyl¡¯s breasts. The Fae¡¯s skin was passionately hot, and the Pixie gasped for a brief moment at the sensitive touch, before returning her attention to Callie¡¯s lips. Stolen story; please report.


    Callie squeezed and brushed her thumbs against each of Pixyl¡¯s nipples, awkwardly groping like she was in high school again. She wanted to embrace and pull Pixyl close. Hell, she wanted to get Pixyl¡¯s clothes off, as well as her own. Her mind kept competing with itself, though, debating between ¡®enjoy the moment¡¯ and ¡®now¡¯s not the time¡¯ and ¡®is this really a good idea¡¯. None of those thoughts were emerging as the clear winner of that argument, so she simply groped around like a dork.


    ¡°T-T-Touch my back. Where the wings meet,¡± Pixyl whispered between whispered breaths.


    ¡°What? Doesn¡¯t that hurt?¡±


    Fearful of hurting her, Callie had so far resisted fully embracing Pixyl and pulling her tightly close. She had never forgotten that first-day lesson where she accidentally hit the base of Xera¡¯s wing, sending them sprawling in pain. In fact, even after four weeks living together, Callie had never even touched Pixyl¡¯s wings, worried it was a crass invasion and about their sensitivity, despite being so curious about what they might feel like. The only contact she¡¯d ever had with them was when she¡¯d been hit in the face during Pixyl¡¯s quintuple skill reveal.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just do it lightly,¡± Pixyl whispered gasping breathy kisses. ¡°I¡¯ll guide you.¡±


    Not arguing, Callie slid one hand around, forcefully pulling Pixyl close at the same time. Carefully, she brushed a finger against the base of Pixyl¡¯s wings, instantly feeling the strong flying-muscles in the Pixie¡¯s back clench and quiver. Pixyl suddenly squeaked and pulled away from the kiss. Her eyes now opened wide in surprise, and then glee, before she again dove for Callie.


    Utterly mystified by the reaction, Callie repeated the move, this time spreading her fingers and rubbing down both sides of where the wings met. Pixyl¡¯s entire body seemed to tighten, and she gasped in shock before falling forward. Her eyes became unfocused and she opened her mouth, panting into Callie¡¯s ear as she moaned.


    ¡°Do it again,¡± Pixyl whispered with a heavy breath, a tiny inflection of pleading in her words.


    This time, Callie brought up her other hand, using the forefingers on each to run her nails lightly down either side of the intensely-sensitive area. Pixyl spasmed in shock this time, squeaking into Callie¡¯s ear as her breath caught for a moment, before breathing out white-hot air. Callie didn¡¯t really understand how this was working, this was all strange biology to her, but clearly the base of Pixyl¡¯s wings were an erogenous zone if handled delicately, and it was obvious the effect it was having. Callie was as turned on as the Pixie though, and she opened herself to the sexual energy being created around her.


    ¡°Again! A little harder,¡± Pixyl groaned, something between begging and demanding.


    Not daring to question, Callie simply followed the directions, repeating the motion, this time pressing her fingernails slightly harder. Pixyl spasmed, jerked herself upright and gasped in surprise, eyes wide as she blankly gazed skywards, trying to hold in any sounds. Callie could feel the muscles of Pixyl¡¯s back and body tightening even more, and her wings seemed to vibrate faster than imaginable; fast enough they actually hummed. The Pixie then looked down at her, slightly panting, and then leaned forward again. Grabbing Callie¡¯s pigtails in each fist, she moved her lips close, almost touching, but not quite. Pixyl¡¯s eyes were wild with passion and desire, almost seeming alight.


    ¡°Do it again!¡± she growled, this time almost a savage, primal order, before slamming her mouth over Callie¡¯s and pulling hard on her hair.


    Callie repeated the motion with her fingers, but this time, using two on each hand. Her nails scraped down the obviously sensitive base of Pixyl¡¯s wings, maybe even leaving a mark impossible to see in the darkness. But this time, she didn¡¯t stop at a single motion, she kept going, maintaining the pressure and adding a repeating rhythm.


    Pixyl¡¯s body quivered and shook, wings humming and vibrating in a low drone like a dragonfly¡¯s, as they started to glow faintly magenta with raw sexual energy. She ground and rocked her pelvis against Callie¡¯s armored stomach, pressing hard, in time with the hot exhales of breath she pushed into Callie¡¯s lungs, synchronized to Callie¡¯s deft touches.


    It took only a few groaning breaths more, and there was a final staccato series of jerks, before Pixyl¡¯s body stiffened. She held her breath, the ecstasy of release finally overtaking, her fingers entwined in Callie¡¯s hair, making tighter and tighter fists. Callie didn¡¯t care her hair was being pulled so hard, in fact it just made her feel more entwined in the moment, happily drowning in Pixyl¡¯s moment of orgasmic passion.


    Finally breaking the seal between their mouths, Pixyl fell forward again, her body going limp as she panted hot breath heavily into Callie¡¯s pointed ear, slowly releasing and untangling her grip. Her wings ceased their humming and seemed to slowly deflate, eventually folding flat and pinning Callie¡¯s hands into place against her back. Callie just hugged tighter. They lay there, wrapped in the Pixie¡¯s embracing afterglow as the tiny Fae¡¯s panting slowed and her wings spread out over them both like a blanket.


    Callie understood full well what had actually happened, yet part of her brain was still trying to understand how such a simple touch could cause this reaction, some Tinker-nerd analysis trying to make sense of something so wonderful. At the same time, it was a stark reminder that she was in a different world, and that she wanted to, no, she needed to, know every square centimeter of Pixyl¡¯s strange, magnificent body.


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure how long they laid there, but did distinctly hear the whooshing sound of Juniper¡¯s teleport returning from the trip to camp, having dropped off the Major and others. Pixyl¡¯s panting had eventually slowed to normal as she finally caught her breath, and now she was simply lying on Callie¡¯s chest, eyes closed, and making happy little purring noises.


    The intimate moment with Pixyl was bringing up a lot of introspective thoughts for Callie, despite its brevity. It had been a long time since she had been with anyone. She¡¯d had a lot of one-nighters and short-term things when she was first at college, and even a couple bathroom hookups when out clubbing. But then her junior year came with a sort-of-casual but steady ¡®friends-with-benefits¡¯ relationship with a girl named Morgan, which eventually turned into something serious her senior year, and they were both working to find jobs that would allow them to live together. But when her dad died, something changed between them. Callie needed to move back home, and before long, the relationship with Morgan had simply fizzled away from neglect. Since then, she¡¯d been on two first dates, both were disasters, and she had plain given up. She knew she hadn¡¯t really been ready to be with someone new, and was content to be happy with solitude for the foreseeable future. What these thoughts and memories really meant, Callie wasn¡¯t sure, except maybe to put what had happened into some kind of odd perspective, and maybe signal it was time to rethink things.


    As her head raced through it, though, there were a lot of reasons springing to mind why getting serious with Pixyl was a bad idea. In either four or eight weeks they¡¯d be separated as they were sent off to war, which was the most-prominent. Or she could be whisked back home unexpectedly, even if a growing part of her didn¡¯t really want to go back and was becoming comfortable thinking of this world as her new home. Or a relationship could so fuck with her head that she¡¯d end up distracted from training, even if following the Major¡¯s rules. Still, did it matter? Or was it just more important to live in the moment while you could?


    Another happy little trilling moan came from Pixyl as she wriggled into a more-comfortable position, seeming to purr even deeper. Callie looked down her chest, seeing only the Pixie¡¯s hair, oddly colored by the bioluminescent rainbows around them. As Callie breathed, Pixyl rose and fell, dozing a bit now as the post-sex endorphins slowly waned. Callie smiled at the sight, and at the memory of what had just happened, then at the anticipation of more memories that would come, and then even had the passing thought of an eventual future together. She realized the only thing holding her back was her own fears and worried thoughts of ¡®what if¡¯. The future was unwritten, and anything could happen, so you had to embrace the now. If the last month had taught her anything, it was that.


    To hell with it!


    ¡°I love you, too.¡±

 Chapter 52 Part 1 - Command Evaluations

    PART I - COMMAND EVALUATIONS


    ¡°I do believe we have concluded,¡± Xera said, rising from their chair, ending the morning¡¯s post-mission debriefing.  Around the table sat the members of the Elemental team, although a few stood due to lack of seating.  ¡°First, I¡¯d like to personally congratulate Recruit Pixyl on being the first this term to reach Silver.¡±


    Light applause went up around the room, Pixyl blushing furiously.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find some time to work on your new melded Flashstep skill,¡± Major Celeste said, a huge, almost excited, smile on her face. ¡°It¡¯s a fun skill, but requires some practice and finesse so you don¡¯t smash into something. A shame it won¡¯t work in the air for you, but it¡¯s still a great addition.¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­ thanks,¡± Pixyl mumbled, feeling embarrassed by the attention.


    ¡°To the rest of you,¡± Xera continued, ¡°You all did a truly admirable job sealing the Rifts and securing the road. I commend you all. There are obviously some lessons to be taken from the mission, but all of you seem to have those well in hand and I won¡¯t dwell on them. Take the time today to think through those things.¡±


    A general rumble of ¡®thank you¡¯ or ¡®yes, Commandant¡¯ rolled around the room.


    ¡°You are dismissed,¡± Xera concluded. ¡°Corporal Vanis, if you would remain. You as well, Major.¡±


    As the rest of the team members shuffled out of the room, Xera invited Vanis to sit. Captain Huvaen, who had been allowed to observe the debriefing, seemed hesitant to go, but a firm dismissal from the Warlock sent him on his way. Vanis had yet to sit with Huvaen to review and discuss the cipher, the two mutually choosing to wait until the mission was fully completed with this debrief, so Vanis would have his head properly focused.


    ¡°Informal rules,¡± Xera said, retaking their seat. ¡°No ranks, just a conversation if we could.¡± By removing rules and rank, Xera made clear this was to be a casual discussion, and everyone was both equal and encouraged to say whatever was on their mind. ¡°Vanis, please consider what we talk about confidential. We¡¯d like to hear your thoughts on some things.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Vanis said. ¡°Where would you like to begin?¡±


    ¡°Tell us about the education you received in your youth, especially any military instruction,¡± Galin asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I am now suspecting you have quite a bit of the latter.¡±


    ¡°Uh, certainly,¡± Vanis said, perplexed momentarily by the question. ¡°Starting when I was about fourteen, I would have occasional classes taught by various officers in the Imperial Guard. Early they focused on history, but eventually moved on to some work on military tactics, logistics, and command. It was very focused, though, and it was all purely academic. The teachings weren¡¯t designed to educate me to actually function as a battlefield leader, but more to understand what would be my eventual responsibilities as the King. Even if the position is largely ceremonial, I would still be expected to be able to converse with the High Commander and other high-ranking officers, and participate in that decision-making. Much of that military training was also intermingled with training in non-military leadership and etiquette, and all the other things that would be expected of me.¡±


    ¡°Were you a good student?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°No. Not at all. At least when I was young. I found it all quite dull and absorbed little. Then there was a good six months after I received my class where I stubbornly focused solely on being a Warlock. Eventually, I moved on from that when I finally realized the class was incompatible with my responsibilities. I matured, becoming more serious about my studies and eventual duties. Formal training ended when I was roughly twenty, and I took on a more-formal role as an advisor to my father, which came with other duties, as you can imagine.¡±


    ¡°Tell us, why did you falter yesterday?¡± Galin asked directly. The inflection was odd, though. While worded as a direct inquiry, it seemed to suggest Vanis give thought to his answer first; to dig a little deeper.


    ¡°I have been considering that since it occurred,¡± Vanis began, buying a moment to figure out a proper answer. Why had he frozen? It wasn¡¯t because his Warlock skills were largely ineffective as he had said, or if it was, it was only part of it. It wasn¡¯t even his concern for his fellow teammates, or again, that was only part of it. Something made him unable to overcome the moment, and up until now the answer had been eluding him. But the discussion about his childhood education provided a clearer picture.


    ¡°I believe I was overthinking,¡± Vanis finally said, stiffening in his chair. ¡°All of my training is theory, none of it is practical. When the moment came, while I had the actual knowledge, I didn¡¯t have the experience I needed to use that knowledge. My brain ¡­ it seemed to be locked in a circle, trying to match up what I had been taught with what was happening. Looking back, had I listened to my instincts instead, I feel I would not have needed to hand off command.¡±


    Xera chuckled, and soon both Thorn and Galin did as well.


    Vanis half-smiled, unsure what the joke might be, and if it was being played on him.


    ¡°Academy Syndrome,¡± Xera said, trying to wave the laughter away. ¡°I apologize for laughing, but what you said is exactly what happened.¡±


    ¡°Academy Syndrome?¡± Vanis asked, perplexed.


    ¡°Obviously not an actual medical condition,¡± Galin said, smirking, before continuing with an explanation. ¡°There are two kinds of officers, Vanis,¡± Galin began. ¡°Those, like the Major here, that are commissioned from the enlisted ranks, and come with battlefield experience. Then, there are those that are trained at the Academy in Imor. Academy graduates know a great deal about a lot of things, but have no real experience to put that learning into context. The first time they get into a chaotic situation, it¡¯s even odds they¡¯ll lock up exactly as you did. Eventually, they move past it as they get more experience. Nearly always, an Academy officer is initially assigned at minimum a field sergeant, if not an experienced officer, just to keep them from hurting themselves.¡±


    ¡°This is likely why Callie did so well when you turned command over to her, or at least didn¡¯t freeze up,¡± Xera said, their laughter mostly under control. ¡°She has no academic instruction, so relied completely on her own ideas and instincts; she was easily able to listen to her gut, as it were. Thankfully, her gut tends to prove itself correct more often than not.¡±


    ¡°I apologize, Vanis,¡± Thorn said, shaking his head as he continued to chuckle. ¡°It didn¡¯t even occur to me you¡¯d had that much and that kind of military instruction. If I had known, I would have assigned a second for you, or at least properly informed the trainers. That was an oversight on my part.¡±


    ¡°I could tell he was having problems,¡± Major Celeste said. ¡°I gave him a good smack to try to get him focused, with orders to hand off if he couldn¡¯t get his shit together.¡± She looked at Vanis. ¡°It is good that you did, you must understand that. None of us think less of you. Quite the opposite in fact.¡±


    ¡°You should know, I¡¯m also Academy trained,¡± Xera said, actually winking at Vanis. ¡°My first assignment as a fresh sub-captain was an absolute disaster. I just ¡­ as you said ¡­ my brain locked up trying to overthink the solution. It took at least two more incidents before I finally got it through my skull that I needed to listen to my instincts as much as my head.¡±


    Vanis had been beating himself up ever since the battle, actually quite angry with himself at times. Learning that this was something known to happen, and that the Commandant had suffered the same situation as a new officer, actually provided great relief to Vanis. It wasn¡¯t that he now had an excuse for what happened, but instead understood what had happened, and more importantly had a guide should something similar happen in the future. He looked across the table. ¡°Thank you all. I greatly appreciate this insight, and I know it will be invaluable.¡±


    The room took a momentary breather to let the topic settle. Refilling their cup, Xera continued. ¡°If we could, I¡¯d like to discuss the rest of your team. Please, give us your thoughts on their performance.¡±


    ¡°Well ¡­ ¡° Vanis began, again stalling for time briefly, trying to determine where to start on such an open-ended question. ¡°I¡¯d begin by concurring that everyone performed admirably, as you have said. I will go beyond just their performance in combat, though. From the moment everyone came together, there was camaraderie and cohesiveness. Banter was friendly, which helped to keep spirits high, but still focused on the objective. This greatly impressed me, as it was the first time many of the others, and I for that matter, had worked with those outside our classes. I believe that camaraderie was an invaluable factor in our eventual success.¡±


    ¡°Do you believe anyone didn¡¯t mesh well with the others?¡±


    ¡°Let me think,¡± Vanis said, rolling the events through his head quickly. ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t get the impression of any animosity between the recruits. A small part of me had been concerned about Pixyl and Bratig working together, but they seem to have long since settled their differences from those first days.¡±


    ¡°What of Cheena and Maugra?¡± Thorn asked. ¡°As you know, Cheena was placed in charge of Shaman training recently. You also know why. Did you see any stress between the two?¡±


    ¡°None at all. Trainer Cheena deferred to Trainer Maugra¡¯s expertise and experience several times, and I sensed no issues of any kind between them, both in and out of combat. I saw no sign of resentment from Trainer Maugra, either.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s good to know at least,¡± Thorn said, leaning back in his chair.


    ¡°When I got there,¡± Major Celeste said, ¡°everyone was smiling and relaxed. I think that says a lot. Several people also played a good practical joke on Callie, which served to keep the mood light, too.¡± She briefly explained the incident when Callie was injured by the Slingstone Beetle, which got a chuckle from both Tasi and Xera. ¡°It also helped that, as we approached, the initial enemies were quite weak, which allowed each of the recruits to experiment and demonstrate to the others. As a result, there weren¡¯t as many surprises once the fighting intensified.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of the fighting, let¡¯s ¡­ ¡° Xera began, sounding almost reluctant, ¡°let¡¯s talk about Pixyl.¡±


    Vanis blew his cheeks out as he sat back. ¡°She¡¯s ¡­ very skilled.¡± It was an obviously evasive and diplomatic answer.


    ¡°She is,¡± Celeste concurred, also sounding quite evasive.


    ¡°She almost got people killed!¡± Legate Galin said, a little harshness in his voice. ¡°Celeste, she¡¯s your project. You were the one that recommended we promote her not one, but two field-command ranks. The medals were deserved, but you wanted more than just that.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°I know,¡± Celeste said with a sigh. ¡°I had hoped she would step up if given the rank, recognition and the opportunity. So far, she hasn¡¯t. Don¡¯t misunderstand me, she¡¯s an amazing fighter, but so far proving not to be the leadership material I had thought she might become. I may have misread her, quite honestly, or perhaps I was overly hopeful.¡±


    Vanis was surprised at hearing this information. He¡¯d personally never seen any sense of leadership in Pixyl, and was wondering what the Major had. Not because Pixyl couldn¡¯t lead if she had to, but because she simply wasn¡¯t interested in that kind of role or responsibility and didn¡¯t see herself that way. She was a fighter foremost, a brawler really, so why would it be important to her in that role? Now, knowing his friend had been given some special attention from the Major and others starting that very first day, gave him a different perspective of how the officers were evaluating the recruits.


    ¡°Vanis, you know the Pixie well,¡± Thorn said. ¡°Tell us what you might see in her.¡±


    Rubbing his head, Vanis blew out his cheeks again. ¡°Where to begin. As I said, she¡¯s very skilled, and only becoming more so with each passing day. I don¡¯t think that is what you are asking though.¡±


    Thorn shook his head. ¡°Tell us about her as a person.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s been very private about herself these four weeks. We didn¡¯t even know about her background fighting in Marandine until that first Demon demonstration, and even since, she hasn¡¯t discussed much about it. She may have been more open with her close group of friends, but if so, they¡¯re not talking about it either, at least not to me. That said, based on what she has let slip, and her reaction while in Juniper¡¯s grove, she has not been treated well by others in the past, I believe in part because of her stutter, and likely her unusual class. She¡¯s angry. She¡¯s defensive. She¡¯s ¡­¡±


    ¡°Unstable?¡± Xera asked flatly.


    ¡°I believe that may be too strong a word,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°Celeste? Your assessment?¡±


    ¡°She lacks confidence,¡± the Major replied, before quickly amending her statement. ¡°By that, I don¡¯t mean confidence in her combat prowess. What she lacks is confidence in other people; that ability to trust and believe them, and in them. She¡¯s quite self-conscious about her stutter, which only makes it worse when she does. I think that may be a big part of why she¡¯s not rising to my expectations. I have noticed she doesn¡¯t stutter when she¡¯s comfortable with what is happening, in combat for example, so that may be the key to unlocking her potential.¡±


    ¡°I can see how that could hurt her confidence,¡± Xera said. ¡°It can be hard to see yourself as a leader if you are worried you may trip over your own tongue in the moment.¡±


    ¡°People have also treated her awful all her life on a personal level,¡± Celeste continued. ¡°I can see that, because I grew up the same way. She sees herself just as she¡¯s always been told, as an outcast and strange misfit, and has a hard time believing people when they tell her otherwise. As a result, she has a constant need to prove herself and not be constrained by something so mundane as ¡®orders¡¯.¡±


    ¡°She has a tough mountain to climb,¡± Thorn said.


    ¡°She does,¡± Celeste replied in agreement. ¡°You remember what I was like when I came here with the first training group. I was not a pleasant person, especially to authority. She¡¯s not as bad as I was, but that¡¯s some of what she needs to get past.¡±


    ¡°You were worse than simply unpleasant,¡± Thorn said with a laugh. ¡°I was almost ready to boot your scrawny ass right out of here.¡±


    ¡°I know. Thank you again for not doing that, by the way. It took someone that truly believed in me as a person, and convinced me they were sincere, before I found my direction.¡±


    ¡°Well, the army has Olin to thank for that,¡± Xera said. ¡°He really supported you. Aggressively, I might add. I am glad we found a way and kept you.¡±


    ¡°So what do we do about Pixyl?¡± Galin asked, his tone gruff and to the point. ¡°She can¡¯t be fighting on her own like that, or charging blindly into a battle if the team¡¯s not prepared.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sit down with her later today,¡± Celeste said. ¡°If not before the game, then this evening. Just the two of us with no rank. It¡¯s going to be a painful talk for her, but I believe it will be positive. Depending on how it goes, some time with a Listener might help, too.¡±


    ¡°Scryer Yulayla can assist there,¡± Xera said. ¡°She¡¯s a trained Listener and she¡¯s very good.¡± There were a couple of surprised looks directed at Xera from around the table. ¡°I¡¯ve been talking with her for a little while. It¡¯s been helpful.¡±


    ¡°Good for you,¡± Galin said, encouragingly nodding at the Commandant. ¡°Let us know if we can be of assistance.¡±


    Xera simply returned the nod.


    ¡°In the end,¡± Celeste said, sighing, ¡°she just needs people that believe in her, but that she also trusts. Then, I think she¡¯ll slowly start to believe in herself and see a place as part of the team.¡±


    ¡°She has certainly come a long way from when she first arrived,¡± Vanis pointed out. ¡°And we¡¯d all be happy to help if we are able. I believe Callie has been a big influence in getting her to open up, and perhaps you can use her in some way, given what happened.¡±


    ¡°Good idea, Vanis,¡± the Major replied.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Galin asked, a worried look on his face.


    Both Vanis and Celeste chuckled at the same time, using their hands to make heart shapes.


    ¡°Oh thank the stars!¡± Xera said, exhaling a huge sigh.


    ¡°It¡¯s about damn time,¡± Tasi added.


    ¡°Really?¡± Galin asked, confused.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Tasi laughed. ¡°Pixyl¡¯s been absolutely smitten with her all term.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Thorn asked, the same confused look on his face that Galin wore. ¡°I didn¡¯t even realize either of them was ren.¡±


    Shaking her head, Tasi scoffed. ¡°You males really are thick, sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Just make sure they understand that training needs to come first,¡± Xera pointed out, gesturing to the Major.. ¡°Also, watch out for any potential hazing because they¡¯re renadit. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re in the west. Here, most people won¡¯t care, but the Dwarves in particular, and even some of the ¡®Kin or Goblins might say something hateful.¡±


    ¡°I already had that talk with them about training. We¡¯ll see how they do this next week. When I talk to Pixyl, I¡¯m going to ask her to take some time to explain to Callie how rens are seen and treated.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Xera said, refocusing to Vanis. ¡°Speaking of Callie, I¡¯d like to hear your thoughts regarding her, particularly during the fight.¡±


    Vanis was actually getting a little confused by the entire line of questioning. This was proving not to be a simple mission report, almost as if the officers were looking for some much-deeper insights into specific people. He was sure there was a legitimate reason, but it still felt a little awkward, given who was in the room.


    ¡°You¡¯ll forgive me,¡± Vanis finally said, realizing he¡¯d been quiet for a long moment, ¡°I¡¯m not sure where to begin. She¡¯s obviously a competent Ranger and an excellent archer, with an amazing perk in that layering capability. She¡¯s very good at quickly coming up with creative solutions to problems, which we witnessed several times yesterday, starting with the mission planning. I¡¯m not quite sure what you may be looking for insight on, however.¡±


    ¡°Where would you see her placed on the battlefield?¡± Legate Galin asked.


    An even stranger question. ¡°In the short term, on the Ranger lines and perhaps eventually leading one of them. In time, with some maturity and experience, eventually as part of the strategic planning command, like many other Gnomes.¡±


    ¡°Would you ever see her able to be part of, or even leading, a small, independent group?¡± Xera asked.


    Vanis frowned at the odd question. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure. Forgive me again, but would you be willing to share some context for these questions? It feels as if you¡¯re looking for specific information, and I¡¯d like to be helpful.¡±


    The officers looked at each other, and after a pause, Xera nodded towards Galin.


    ¡°Over the past few months,¡± the Legate began, ¡°we have received reports of our former recruits at the front teaming up into role-balanced teams of two or three, or in one case, four. We¡¯ve always spread the graduates from the camp out across the lines to provide maximum coverage, but they¡¯ve been joining together on their own. These small groups of advanced classes have been incredibly effective when operating independently; far, far more successful than the graduates working alone would be. Their activities have been limited only by their need to be near an Aura-trained officer every few days due to their Curse. A request has come down to consider assembling teams while still in training.¡±


    ¡°The extended session?¡± Vanis asked, cocking his head.


    ¡°In part,¡± Thorn said, ¡°but, essentially, yes. Our thinking was that having Rangers or Druids leading, or at least being part of them, would be useful to these teams due to their wilderness perks.¡±


    Scratching his head in thought, Vanis tried to take in what he¡¯d been told. ¡°She could do it, I¡¯m sure,¡± he finally said, ¡°but it¡¯s ultimately not the best use of her talents. She needs a larger group. Only two or even three others would honestly be a waste. Perhaps initially it would be fine, but once she has some experience ¡­¡± Vanis let the words trail off as he realized something. ¡°You¡¯re considering her for command? Despite the incident with the unicorn blood?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Xera said, tossing her head to show it was still up in the air. ¡°I¡¯m honestly unconcerned about the blood incident. She needed a dose of humility to get her facing forward, and I think the lesson was learned, so there¡¯s no more need to dwell on it. Honestly, in the end it¡¯s probably a good thing it happened, given the value we retained in Rowani and Maugra. But, there¡¯s a lot of other factors, too, not the least of which is her origin and what would happen if, and more-likely when, her secret was to get out. She¡¯s also a Gnome. Some soldiers won¡¯t be very keen to follow a Gnome field commander, especially one so young, despite the fact that she¡¯s shown great skill at both planning and leading people.¡±


    ¡°That she has,¡± Vanis said. ¡°It was honestly pure chance that I turned command over to her yesterday, but she was absolutely brilliant in her response. I believe the Major would concur.¡±


    Celeste nodded in agreement. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Vanis hesitated, his face making a considering look. ¡°Still, I feel a three or four person team would ultimately be wasted on her,¡± Vanis reiterated. ¡°She¡¯s able to strategize quite well, so the more people and options she has to put a plan together, the more-effective she will be.¡±


    Thorn nodded, adding, ¡°Valuable insight. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°How is Callie doing?¡± Tasi asked quietly. ¡°As a person, not as a recruit. She¡¯s been here a month, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯s endured a lot, mentally. Is she actually ¡­ enduring?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t break down very often anymore,¡± Vanis said, a bit of a sad look on his face. ¡°She doesn''t talk about her home much any more either, except in relation to music she practices and bunkerball. Apparently there was a similar game in her world she knew quite well, which likely explains how she¡¯s been so effective as the team''s Field Marshal and the oddities of her team¡¯s playstyle. She even talks about a future in this world as a worm hunter when out from the Curse.¡±


    ¡°Good option for a Ranger,¡± Thorn said, raising his eyebrows in an approving gesture.


    ¡°It would be,¡± Vanis agreed. ¡°She tends to take things as they come, though, so anything might happen in terms of her post-Curse plans.¡± He shrugged, not sure what else to say, but then quietly added, ¡°She misses her mother a great deal, though, and she often gets quite sad about that for brief periods. I also believe she¡¯s becoming resigned to the fact that she may be stuck in this world. Depending how things with Pixyl proceed, that resignation may become permanent.¡±


    The room was quiet for a long several seconds, each person having their own private thoughts about the enormity of Callie¡¯s situation, and how she was dealing.


    Xera was the first to shake themself out of their introspection. ¡°Thank you, Corporal Vanis,¡± they said as a dismissal, reintroducing rank into the conversation. ¡°We greatly appreciate your thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Oh ¡­ of course,¡± Vanis replied, jolted by the sudden end of the discussion.


    Galin stood, putting out a hand. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Vanis did the same, clasping wrists with the Legate. ¡°Happy to be of assistance,¡± he said with a nod.


    Xera likewise stood, adding, ¡°You are dismissed. In the meantime, we may reach out from time to time for additional observations. A reminder that this discussion is confidential and must not be shared with the other recruits.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Vanis confirmed. Turning he started to walk from the room.


    Then he stopped, turning back to the five officers.


    ¡°Master Trainer, how many of these teams were you thinking of training in the extended session?¡±


    Thorn shrugged. ¡°We haven¡¯t fully decided. Originally our thinking was about fifteen recruits staying on, and my first instinct was assembling four teams of three, with a few others getting individual attention, like the Beastmaster.¡±


    Vanis furrowed his brow as he rolled his idea through his head again. ¡°With regards to Callie, what about building a larger team for her?¡±

 Chapter 52 Part 2 - Does This Mean Anything to You?

    PART II - DOES THIS MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU?


    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Captain Huvaen said by way of greeting as Vanis left the Commandant''s office building. He had been waiting. ¡°Any problems?¡±


    His mind still drifting through the conversation he¡¯d just had with the officers, it took Vanis a moment to realize he¡¯d been addressed. ¡°What? No. No issues, Captain. They just wished for my evaluations of the other recruits in a more-informal setting. My duties to the mission should be concluded.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to forgive me,¡± Huvaen said. ¡°I¡¯m still having difficulty believing what that Gnome was able to do. And the Pixie for that matter. If I hadn¡¯t been here to hear the reports directly, I may have thought you mad.¡±


    ¡°Oh believe it, Captain. Pixyl in particular is a force to be reckoned with.¡±


    ¡°I hate to press the issue, but do we have some time to discuss my orders?¡±


    Vanis nodded. ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s find some privacy. We can return to my cabin; the rest will be out and about for Homeday.¡± They began to walk. ¡°Thank you again for indulging my duties here. I know you rode hard and were eager to deliver your message.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sire. Honestly, it was quite informative to see this place rally to the fight against the Elementals. Despite my initial ¡­ impressions, the Legate and Commandant seem to have this camp running well. The lack of rigid discipline seemed odd at first, but getting a Pixie Bladeweaver to Silver in only four weeks ¡­ simply incredible. All the recruits seem amazingly motivated to succeed together.¡±


    ¡°I may even reach Silver this next week as well, Captain,¡± Vanis advised with a smirk. ¡°If not, certainly the week after. Everyone leaves here at least Silver. Pixyl, and several others, will reach Gold.¡±


    ¡°So fast?¡±


    ¡°Amazing trainers, and having the Symbiotes help, too, as you are well aware.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but still ¡­¡± Huvaen repeated. ¡°And you? Will you reach Gold?¡±


    Vanis was about to answer no, but then the previous discussion with the officers came back to him. ¡°There is an extended four-week term after the initial training concludes, for select recruits. I believe I will be chosen to remain, so very likely I¡¯ll reach Gold during that time.¡±


    ¡°Then allow me to be the first to congratulate you in advance, Your Highness.¡±


    Together, Vanis and Huvaen walked the camp towards the recruit cabins, Vanis filling in any details regarding the fight and the past four weeks that the captain asked about. Passing the medical tent, Vanis also explained the strange, twisting tree, which they all now knew was another Heartwood tree, this one much smaller than the one in Juniper¡¯s grove.


    ¡°Speaking of her, I ¡­ uh ¡­ heard a rumor about you and the Dryad,¡± Huvaen said as they left the Heartwood tree behind them. ¡°Any truth to it?¡±


    Vanis frowned and then slightly glowered at the Captain. He knew anything he¡¯d say would quickly find his way back to his mother. She wouldn¡¯t disapprove, but would love to inquire for details. She tended to be a little nosy for gossip. ¡°Some,¡± he sighed. ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ complicated. We enjoy each other¡¯s company, but I don¡¯t know if more can come of it. She is locked here, as she is bonded to her Heartwood tree in the forest, and won¡¯t survive long if separated from it. Also, there are magic-related concerns. I use Nether magic. She¡¯s of Nature magic. They do not ¡­ mingle well.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see the complexities. As long as you are sure you aren¡¯t being beguiled ¡­¡±


    ¡°She has no charm over me, except perhaps her smile, Captain. I¡¯ll be off to the front in four or eight weeks anyway, so anything that may happen here is of little consequence.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Vanis!¡± a voice called out, and the two Elves turned to see Lena jogging towards them.


    ¡°Lena, good morning. I missed you at breakfast,¡± Vanis said with a smile.


    ¡°Yeah, I was tied up,¡± Lena said, slightly winded. Then added, ¡°Oh, shut up,¡± when Vanis raised his eyebrow speculatively. The Warlock knew where she¡¯d been all night, and with whom.


    ¡°How may I help,¡± Vanis said, quickly interrupting Huvaen, who was probably about to chastise the Bladedancer for being disrespectful.


    ¡°Just saying ¡®hello¡¯. I¡¯m on my way back to Ogre House to grab something.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going that way as well. Would you care to walk with us?¡±


    Lena fell in step with Vanis and the Captain. ¡°You haven¡¯t seen Pixyl, have you?¡± she asked idly.


    ¡°Not since our meeting with the Commandant ended. That was less than an hour ago. Is there a problem?¡±


    Lena shook her head. ¡°Trainer Olin was looking for her, that¡¯s all. I think he wants to try out some of her new Silver skills before the bunkerball game this afternoon. I heard him talking and he¡¯s quite excited about that ¡®Homing Blast¡¯ melded skill she received. He was also going on about how she now has Flashstep. I hope she doesn¡¯t crash into something learning how to control it. When I first received the skill, I crashed into things ... a lot. It hurts ¡­ a lot!¡±


    ¡°I believe the Major is planning to work with her directly.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, that will help quite a bit then. Injuries among the other Bladedancer recruits were fairly minimal with her assistance. I¡¯ll be happy to help, too, of course. In the meantime, if you see Pixyl, let her know to find Olin.¡±


    They passed through the garden area, which was surprisingly empty. With it being Homeday, Vanis had expected to see at least a few people lazing about. ¡°Where is everyone?¡±


    ¡°About twenty people decided they wanted to go on a hike in the woods for some reason,¡± Lena shrugged. ¡°I think people are feeling a little fenced in. Trainers Maugra and Rowani agreed to lead a little expedition out to some lookout rock with a great view. They should be back by gametime.¡±


    ¡°It is indeed a lovely day,¡± Vanis said, looking up at the nearly cloudless blue sky. ¡°I almost wish I had been able to join them. Perhaps another time.¡±


    As the three approached Ogre House, Lena got a perplexed look on her face. ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°Strange,¡± Vanis said. ¡°It appears to be a sock, tied to the door handle. Does this mean anything to you?¡±


    Lena shook her head, and then shrugged. She chose to open the larger, Ogre-sized door so they could all walk in together, and was immediately met by flashes of pink, blue and an awful lot of skin. The two horrified faces attached to the flesh were momentarily stunned, before they quickly disappeared down behind Callie¡¯s bunk, to the sounds of heavy falling and scrambling.


    ¡°What the ¡­¡± Captain Huvaen started to say.


    Callie¡¯s face popped up from behind her bed, shoulders exposed, hair untied and mussed, and righteous irritation on her face. ¡°Hey! Didn¡¯t you see there¡¯s a sock on the door!¡±


    ¡°What the hell does that mean?¡± Lena asked as she looked at the door handle.


    Pixyl¡¯s face popped up next to Callie¡¯s, and she quickly wiped it off with the blanket, her eyes saucer-wide in stark terror. In almost a blur, a Pixie-sized hand reached up, grabbing a couple pieces of clothing that were on the bed, before she disappeared out of sight.


    ¡°It means people are inside getting freaky!¡± Callie growled.


    The three newcomers looked at each other, still not really sure what was happening.


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    Finally, the situation clicked nearly simultaneously with all three.


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡± Lena said, momentarily unsure what to do. ¡°I¡¯ll ... um ¡­ just grab this quick,¡± she whispered loudly, stretching as far as she could and snatching a forgotten waterskin off her footlocker. Turning, she shooed the others out in front of her and started to close the door, briefly calling back, ¡°Olin¡¯s looking for you, Pixyl.¡±


    ¡°Th-Th-Thank you,¡± came the muffled, quivering reply as the door latched.


    ¡°It appears,¡± Vanis said, carefully clearing his throat, ¡°that the cabin is currently indisposed.¡±


    ¡°When did that happen?¡± Lena whispered to Vanis as the trio backed slowly and awkwardly away from the door.


    ¡°Pixyl finally made a move after the fight yesterday.¡±


    Lena rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, it¡¯s about damn time.¡±


    ¡°Coincidentally, Commandant Xera and Master Healer Tasi said essentially the same thing.¡±


    That caused Lena to laugh. ¡°Well, I got what I came for at least. I think I¡¯ll just ¡­¡± She trailed off, glancing at the huge Ogre House door and then back to the other two. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m just going to go. This is already feeling weird.¡±

 Chapter 52 Part 3 - The Cipher

    PART III - THE CIPHER


    Vanis looked around, noticing again that the garden was empty.  ¡°Captain, we can go sit, since everyone is elsewhere today.¡±  As Lena warily made an escape, the other two found a convenient shady spot in the garden on a pair of benches.


    ¡°Now, Captain, how may I help you.  You have orders?¡±


    ¡°I do, Sire,¡± Huvaen said, reaching under his light armor.  He stood, pulling out a leather letter sleeve just large enough to hold a few folded papers and stiffening formally.  ¡°I have been charged by King Feldwin in person with placing this cipher directly into the hands of Prince Vanis del Montano.  May I present to you my charge, Sire?¡±


    ¡°You may, Captain,¡± Vanis said, speaking formally as he stood.


    ¡°Portcullis.¡±


    ¡°Um, give me a moment ¡­ Ah, it¡¯s ¡®wellspring¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Terminous.¡±


    ¡°Er ¡­ ¡®lionhearted¡¯,¡± Vanis replied. Then he added in apology, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I may be a bit rusty on the correct countersigns after five weeks.¡±


    ¡°Nevertheless, thank you for the confirmation,¡± Huvaen said, the word challenge satisfied. ¡°My charge, Sire.  Once you have read it, I am to answer any questions I am able, and return with all haste with a ciphered response.¡±


    Vanis bowed his head, formally accepting the sleeve.  ¡°I thank you for your speed in traveling here, and thank you again for indulging my duties and the delay they caused.¡±


    After placing the letter into Vanis¡¯s hands, Huvaen pressed his fist to his chest and bowed his head, before gesturing towards a spot on the other side of the garden.  ¡°I will give you some space.  I am sure you will have questions.  Take your time.  If you need to be alone for a while, I understand.¡±  The Captain¡¯s tone sounded a little ominous.


    Sitting, Vanis opened the pouch, withdrawing an envelope with a red, wax seal, which was unbroken.  Embossed into the wax was the signet stamp of his father, the King.  Carefully, and with trepidation, Vanis broke the seal, removing a few sheets of off-white paper.  He began to read.


    Huvaen did not know the exact contents of the letter, but he knew what it was about.  He¡¯d held off pressing the issue about giving the Prince the cipher, knowing that it was going to be an emotional read.  The last thing Vanis needed going into a combat situation was more of a distraction, and while the message was important, nothing would change because of the delay of one day.  As he watched, the look on the Prince¡¯s face grew first pale and then grief stricken, and the Captain¡¯s heart broke.  Then, as expected, it turned angry.


    Vanis looked up, his head feeling both faint and fiery.  There was only preliminary details in the letter, but the implications were clear nonetheless.  Huvaen was right, he needed to be alone, at least for a short time.


    Looking towards some movement, he saw Pixyl leaving Ogre House, clothed again and rushing off at speed, probably chasing after Callie to find Olin.  That would provide some space.  He stood, walking over to the Captain, who rose to meet him.


    ¡°My condolences, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Th-thank you.  I ¡­ I need some time to ruminate on this news.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°The house is empty now, and will offer me some privacy.  May we speak in one hour?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sire.¡±


    Turning, Vanis walked across the garden, simply focusing on putting one foot in front of the other and not being seen faltering.  Huvaen knew what was going on in his head, and would understand if he broke down.  But despite his designation here as simply a recruit, he was still the Prince, and no others could be allowed to see it.


    Entering Ogre House, Vanis mechanically closed the door behind him, still in a daze, and moved to sit on the edge of his bunk.  So far, no tears had come, and with the accompanying anger, they may not any time soon.  But if or when they did, that needed to happen in solitude.  He looked down, uncrumpled and then smoothed the letter, before beginning to read again.


    ¡°You!¡± Callie growled, exiting the latrine to the sound of rushing water.  Her hair was back in pigtails and she was tucking her clothes straight as she glared daggers at Vanis.


    With a shock, the Elf looked up.  He had assumed he was alone.  He tried to contort his face back to, at minimum, neutrality.  ¡°Callie,¡± was all he could say as an acknowledgement, and that came out as almost a croak.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t have waited just one more minute?  I was this close!¡± Callie said with a grouchy snarl, holding out a thumb and forefinger.  ¡°How do you not have the sock-on-the-doorknob rule in this world?  Pixyl¡¯s absolutely mortified.¡±


    ¡°My ¡­ my apologies for the intrusion,¡± Vanis said nearly automatically.  ¡°It was not ¡­¡± his voice trailed back as the letter called him again.


    ¡°Oh, she will be fine ¡­ eventually¡± Callie said with a sigh, waving off the incident as she walked back to her bunk.  Then she stopped.  ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong, Vanis.  I can see it on your face.¡± She looked and saw the letter he was holding.  ¡°Is that what that Captain guy brought?  What happened?  Something happened, right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Vanis said, donning an obviously fake smile.  ¡°Simply kingdom affairs.¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± Callie said, warming her tone, dropping any sense of anger for being interrupted with Pixyl.  ¡°Vanis, really, what happened?  Something bad?¡±


    He wasn¡¯t sure why, but those big eyes somehow made saying it safe, even if saying it made it real at the same time.  Vanis swallowed and let it out.  ¡°My grandfather and great-grandfather are dead.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°What?  What happened?¡± Callie gasped, legitimate horror on her face.


    ¡°At the time this was written,¡± Vanis began, holding up the papers, ¡°little was known.  Some mysterious and incurable illness.  They both died within hours of each other, though.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°This is your father¡¯s dad, and his father, right?¡±


    Vanis nodded.  ¡°Correct, the King Regents; the former kings and still advisors to my father.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°A formal proclamation will be made before long, but my father wanted me to know as soon as possible.¡± Vanis held up the letter.  ¡°There¡¯s more, though.¡±


    ¡°More bad news?  Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    ¡°They both were visiting Queen Nemina, the Legacy Queen of Cillisant, the north kingdom.  It was an informal visit between our King Regents and her¡¯s, with no official agenda; just keeping up good relations.  Nemina has always been a great ally, and our relationship with Cillisant is quite peaceful and has been for over a century.¡±


    ¡°I assume her Regents didn¡¯t get sick?¡±


    ¡°Correct.  Only my grandfather and great-grandfather seemed to come down with this strange illness.  They went from being in perfect health to failing within a half-day, and by morning were comatose and died a few hours after, perhaps thirty minutes apart.  No magical healing or curative measures were effective.¡±


    ¡°So whatever this was, they got it at the same time,¡± Callie said, stating the obvious.


    Vanis nodded, his gaze returning forlornly to the letter half-crumpled in his hand.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t someone try to blame this Queen Nemina for trying to give your dad the Curse?¡± Callie asked, remembering that first night when Vanis explained how he had been Conscription Cursed.


    Vanis replied with a nod.  ¡°She swore she knew nothing, and offered herself for Truthseeking.  Our Scryers found her to be truthful.¡±


    ¡°This ¡­ this can¡¯t be a coincidence, though, can it?  Could your grandpas ¡­ They could have been murdered, right?  Poison, maybe?¡±


    ¡°My father, and the Chief Spymaster, have no doubt they were, and that their deaths and the Curse attempt are somehow linked.  Nemina swears again she knows nothing, and has once again offered to undergo Truthseeking, but I simply cannot believe she could be even involved.¡±


    ¡°So ¡­ another attempt to frame her, then?  To stir up trouble between the two kingdoms?¡± Callie asked, her mind already starting to place pieces of evidence on an imaginary bulletin board.


    Vanis nodded, but then shook his head in simple disbelief.  ¡°Honestly, Nemina is more than an ally, but also a good, personal friend of both my father and myself; of our whole family for that matter.  When I was younger, there was even talk about her and I being married.  We liked each other well enough as teens and courted briefly, but we were young and eventually her eyes fell on another.  Still, I would trust her absolutely implicitly.¡±


    ¡°What changes with your Regents being gone?¡±


    ¡°With the King Regents dead, and me out of the line of succession, if my father were to fall somehow, the Parliament would name a regent for my sister until she came of age.


    Callie hopped up to sit on her footlocker, facing Vanis and putting on a thinking expression.  ¡°It sounds like someone¡¯s coming for your family¡¯s throne,¡± Callie said idly, connecting things on her mind-board with string, like in the movies.  ¡°Why would anyone do that?  Power and money maybe?¡±


    ¡°That makes no sense, Callie.  The Legacy Kings don¡¯t really have power any more.  We haven¡¯t since the Slaver Wars.  It¡¯s all ceremonial and advisory.  We have no authority to make law, although we may propose law directly to the full Parliament for vote, which none of the Legacy Kings ever do.  We purposely stay out of the politics.  As for money, the family does have personal wealth, but nearly all the lands and estates are held in conservancy by the Kingdom, they do not actually belong to the royal family.  The power and money is largely an illusion, and that is by design.¡±


    ¡°When you put it that way, you''re right, it doesn¡¯t make much sense.¡±  To have some kind of a comparable reference, Callie pondered in her head why a fictional someone might want to go through the effort to seize the British throne, given it was also largely a ceremonial position.  The English Royals had money, she knew that, but there were far easier ways to simply steal money.  ¡°Could it be personal?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Vanis conceded with a shrug.


    ¡°Who¡¯s important and hates you?  I mean, it¡¯s pretty bold to kill off two King Regents at once, but getting you removed from the line of succession?  That took planning and influence, right?  Attacking your father with the Curse?  Same thing.  It seems like someone is playing a long game.  Who would want to see your family suffer?¡°


    ¡°That list is longer than you might imagine,¡± Vanis said with a sigh.  ¡°But, that is where our Spymaster is beginning her investigation, while trying to find common threads in all that has happened.¡±  He held up the letter, indicating where he¡¯d learned that information.


    Callie huffed.  ¡°Figuring out who benefits would be where I¡¯d focus.  I¡¯d start by looking at whoever pushed the law to remove you as heir,¡± she said with a scowl.  ¡°Or who might be chosen to be Regent for your sister, if your dad was gone.  Or worse, determine who would benefit if both your dad and your sister were gone.  After that, see if any of them hate you.  Your dad¡¯s in danger, and so is your sister.  You see that, right?¡±


    ¡°You raise good thoughts, there,¡± Vanis said.  ¡°I¡¯ll mention them in my reply, although I¡¯m sure the Spymaster is looking into those things, and many other leads.  You¡¯re right, though, the motive may be the key.  You¡¯re also right that they are both in grave danger.  Alena, at least, should really be taken from the city and hidden away for her own protection.¡±


    Callie pondered the situation some more, her brow furrowing.  ¡°It¡¯s all about who stands to gain, or who hates your family and is nuts enough to do all this.  At least, that¡¯s how it always is in the movies.  Thankfully, this Queen Nemina doesn¡¯t sound like a Cersei Lannister.  She was a real bitch.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Vanis said with a laugh.


    ¡°Story character that would basically do anything to get power.  Hot actress, though.¡±  Callie waved the reference away as unimportant.


    ¡°Ahh.¡± Vanis said, looking again at the letter in his hands, his face withdrawing.


    It suddenly occurred to Callie that they had both instantly gone into trying to figure out what happened, completely glossing over the fact that Vanis had just lost two close family members.  She slipped off her footlocker and walked over to her friend, putting her hand affectionately on his leg.  ¡°So what¡¯s next?  For you, I mean?  Maybe go back to Imor to be with your dad?  Or for the funerals at least?  What¡¯s the official story going to be?¡±


    Vanis shook his head and held up the crumpled letter.  ¡°My father ordered me to stay here, to let whoever is behind what is happening continue to think I¡¯m not a threat, and likely because he thinks I¡¯m safer here.   He¡¯s probably right in both those assessments.  As for the public cause of death?  I¡¯m not sure.  It¡¯s being kept secret for now, but will officially be made to appear as something innocuous.  There will be a proclamation in about a week, and then a kingdom-wide day of mourning, perhaps two, in about a month.¡±


    ¡°People will believe that?  They won¡¯t blame Cillicent or their queen?¡±


    Vanis shrugged.  ¡°Some might, assuming the official word even mentions they died there.  It may not.  The people don¡¯t know about the Curse being targeted at my father, either, as the official story is that I was chosen by lottery.  As a result, they won¡¯t see the pattern.  Ultimately, most people won¡¯t care; it doesn¡¯t affect their lives, after all.  It¡¯s not like we would ever go to war with another kingdom, especially with the Demon threat to the south.¡±


    ¡°You know,¡± Callie began, ¡°I told you this before, and I suspect you¡¯ve never really believed me, but I mean it.  I want to help with this, if I can.  Seriously!  If you need to ride into Imor to fight for the throne, I¡¯m going to be by your side.  I owe you everything.¡±


    ¡°I have a feeling if I told you no, you¡¯d still come with me, wouldn¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°Damn right I will!  Although, I suppose I should learn how to ride something, in that case.¡±


    Vanis laughed, remembering back to Callie bouncing haphazardly when riding on Artemis the day before.  ¡°For now, I must play my part, and perhaps be a little more wary than I was before this.  Besides, ranking to Gold will make me far more capable if the need should ever arise.¡±


    ¡°For both of us,¡± Callie agreed.  Then she softened her face.  ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about your grandparents.  If you need to talk, or anything, I¡¯m right here.  I mean it.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your condolences, Little One.  They were both good people, and will be missed by many, including myself.  Yet, despite the sadness for their loss that I feel, the smoldering anger at what has happened will last far, far longer.¡±


    ¡°Then I guess I need to go talk to the Herdmaster and learn how to ride something,¡± Callie said with a mischievous grin.

 Chapter 52 Part 4 - A Unexpected Realization

    PART IV - A UNEXPECTED REALIZATION


    Callie left Ogre House, leaving Vanis to some private time. Her mind was reviewing what had happened to the King Regents, and the obvious political implications. She certainly didn¡¯t know anything about what might be going on, beyond comparisons with Game of Thrones or the like, but the whole situation simply stank. What she couldn¡¯t figure out is why someone would go through all this effort for what was basically a powerless position. Sure, there was the illusion of power that Vanis had laid out, but that¡¯s all it really was, an illusion. Something about all of this felt personal, and that changed the rules. People making things personal did things that were difficult to predict, and that put her friend and his family in even more danger.


    Before setting off, Callie spotted the visiting captain sitting under a tree, appearing to doze slightly in the sun streaming through the branches. She momentarily thought about talking to him, to maybe make excuses for what had happened and what he had seen. After taking two steps, though, she stopped. No! She had nothing to apologize for. There was a sock on the door, for crying out loud! Everybody knows what that means! So he can just sit there and pretend he didn¡¯t enjoy the eyeful that he got. Besides, he was kind of a jerk the day before.


    Laughing to herself as she continued on her way, Callie relived the whole sequence of events that led to getting interrupted. After returning from Xera¡¯s debriefing, she and Pixyl had found Ogre House empty. Callie took the moment to ask Pixyl if she could do the one thing she¡¯d wanted since she¡¯d arrived, and that was to closely examine her wings. She hadn¡¯t really had a chance the night before, since it was dark and she¡¯d been focused on the moment and then enjoying the time cuddling until they were teleported home by Juniper. The Pixie had been perplexed by the strange request to look at something so mundane, but offered them for investigation.


    Expecting something light and delicate, Callie was amazed at what she found. Throughout the wing she could see tiny bones that held the skin between them taunt, and in a few places were equally tiny muscles that could help the shape of the wing change as Pixyl flew. The membrane between the bones, which she had imagined would be tissue-paper thin, like a dragonfly, was actually almost leather-like in feel and durability, although still quite thin and mostly transparent. Pixyl even demonstrated how amazingly durable her wings were, by using her hands to bend and twist them. There was a point where she had to stop, when the bones began to get stressed, but as long as there was a bit of a curve, the wing was strong enough to curl quite a ways.


    Of course, as Callie investigated, she eventually accidentally-on-purpose glanced a touch to the base of the wing, again pressing the button that instantly activated Pixyl, turning her on like a light switch. After a few seconds of locked lips, their clothes seemed to suddenly fall off. This time, the Pixie focused on her, and everything was going amazing until Lena and the rest barged in on them. After being chased off, the moment had been spoiled as a panicked Pixyl quickly threw her clothes back on, just wanting to get away in horrified embarrassment. Callie forced her to calm, assisted with the shirt button above her wings she was clumsily fumbling with, and gave her a hard kiss. The Pixie did relax slightly, but that was the end of the moment, and she left to go seek out Olin, removing and tossing the door-sock onto her bed. In turn, Callie gathered her own strewn clothing and went into the latrine to ultimately get dressed.


    Now, as she walked, Callie¡¯s head randomly floated back to the dozens of times over the past month that Pixyl had made subtle, and now looking back, not-so-subtle passes at her. She¡¯d just been so utterly oblivious to them, thinking of her like the sister she never had. She hadn¡¯t even realized Pixyl was into girls for crying out loud! She¡¯d always been good at picking up the vibes and sexuality of other people back in Chicago, but her gaydar was apparently not functional here. She surmised that the tiny common social behaviors present on Earth simply weren¡¯t the same here to subconsciously see, and it was something she was going to need to learn to recognize all over again.


    And then it hit her. She actually had a girlfriend. Here ¡­ in another world. Callie was trying to make sense of that, and then a second thought hit her, and she was forced to sit down for a few minutes. She realized she didn¡¯t want to go home any more! She still was worried for her mother, but beyond her, there was really no reason to go back to Earth. This world could be her home and more importantly, she could be happy here! Laying back against a tree, she watched some Sprites bob through the air as she tried to absorb her revelation. This is where she belonged, and she found she was happy with that. She thought about her mother again and it made her sad, but the thoughts of all her new friends, and now being with Pixyl, seemed to crowd in, simply overpowering the sadness.


    Scooting around behind the tree to be more-easily hidden, Callie took a few moments to let some tears fall. They weren¡¯t really tears of sadness, or happiness for that matter. It was more like they were tears of relief, as if the overwhelming burden of having to find a way back had been lifted from her, and somehow she had a clearer path forward with her life, or perhaps just a freedom to move forward without a destination as this new life unfolded.


    Wiping her eyes, eventually Callie stood and headed towards the training field, planning to check in briefly on Pixyl, to see her new Silver skills, assuming she had found Olin. Bladeweavers didn¡¯t normally get many new things at Silver, save improvements to their current skills. One they did get was called Ethereal Lance, and according to the description, it was channeled, forming a concentrated beam of Ethereal energy from Pixyl¡¯s hand, out to a range of about forty meters. Callie hadn¡¯t seen it in action, of course, but was assuming it was effectively some kind of a pinpoint laser or something. She was sure it was going to be really cool, though.


    What Pixyl did interestingly get were three melded skills, which was a shock to everyone. The first was Flashstep, which functioned exactly like the skill that Bladedancers received, allowing the user to zip as fast as lightning from one spot to another without momentum. It came with two charges and a fast recharge time of only twenty seconds, but had the drawback of apparently only working on the ground. Her second melded skill was a synergized power called Homing Ethereal Blast. While Pixyl¡¯s normal Ethereal Blast skill only had a short range of about ten or twelve meters, this was effectively a heavy-damage homing sniper attack designed for a long range of up to one-hundred-fifty meters, with the ability to ¡®lock-on¡¯ to a target like Callie¡¯s similar arrow skill. It was mana-intensive and slow to cast, even when fully learned, and had only a single charge with a long two-minute cooldown, but definitely had some usefulness, especially at higher tiers when the range, number of charges and other details would improve even further.


    Pixyl¡¯s last melded skill seemed a little odd, at least in the description. It was a melding of her Ethereal Shield and Ethereal Armor spells. This new Ethereal Wall skill would allow Pixyl to create a barrier of power within five meters that would block incoming and outgoing attacks. It would even remain for up to thirty seconds after she stopped channeling it, effectively allowing her to plant it in place and walk away. The information stated the wall was up to four meters wide and three meters tall, giving multiple people the ability to hide behind it, and Olin was quite excited to soon see it in action.


    ¡°Callie!¡± a voice called out, and she looked to see Jesca waving to her. Also in the group was Ambria, Lhawni and Koka, her brother apparently off on his own for once. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°Hey everyone,¡± Callie said, smiling. ¡°I thought you¡¯d all be on that group hike, maybe.¡±


    ¡°I did more than enough hiking yesterday,¡± Lhawni groused.


    ¡°And I didn¡¯t want to be around that many people,¡± Jesca added. ¡°Neither did Artemis.¡± Nearby, the unicorn was laying in the shade next to a tree, apparently sleeping. ¡°We¡¯re feeling a little ¡­ quiet this morning, for some reason. Don¡¯t worry, I''ll be fine for the Bunkerball game.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. We¡¯ve got all our new sneaky strategies planned for today. Hopefully we can stay ahead of Reynard. I suspect he¡¯ll get more tricky.¡±


    Jesca shook her head. ¡°He¡¯s not going to be Field Marshal today. Apparently he told someone who told the Major that he wasn¡¯t feeling up to it for some reason. We may not have to work so hard to win.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Callie said, instinctively turning the general direction of the staff housing. ¡°I wonder what¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Is it just me, or has he seemed out of sorts lately? I had been wondering if he might be getting depressed. This seems to make it even more likely. He hasn¡¯t been to training for a few days now, either.¡± Then she added, when Jesca made a confused face, ¡°He¡¯s been cooped up in his tiny cabin for two weeks now, unable to go anywhere without assistance and nobody really to talk to, outside of when someone needs to get him somewhere. That¡¯d get me down, too.¡±


    ¡°So, what should we do about it?¡±Jesca asked. ¡°If anything? Talk to Master Trainer Thorn, maybe?¡±


    ¡°We could go cheer him up. Bring him some flowers or something. Maybe Pama can magic up something nummy.¡±


    ¡°I saw a large patch of wild Snapdragons behind the bathhouse,¡± Ambria suggested. ¡°You could dig up a few. They¡¯re one of my favorites. The kitchen must have something you could replant them in.¡±


    ¡°Replant? You don¡¯t just pick them?¡±


    ¡°Callie! No! Why would you give someone not feeling well dying flowers?¡± the Faun chastised. ¡°We¡¯re civilized here!¡±


    ¡°Oh. Sorry.¡± Callie was immediately happy she hadn¡¯t made that mistake. It sounded like it would have been a serious social faux pas. She turned to Jesca. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I guess we could see him,¡± Jesca said quite nervously. ¡°I just hope he doesn¡¯t yell at us.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Callie brightened. ¡°I need to go check on Pixyl, but that won¡¯t take long and then we can track down Pama and a flower pot.¡±


    ¡°You already checked out Pixyl really well last night,¡± Ambria giggled, Lhawni smirking as well.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Callie asked, trying to play innocent.


    ¡°Nobody knew what that loud, humming noise was,¡± Lhawni said. ¡°They sent me to find out. I found out.¡±


    ¡°Humming noise?¡± Callie said, trying to figure out what the Shaman was talking about, and then she realized it. ¡°Oh shit! You heard that?¡±


    ¡°We all heard that,¡± Ambria laughed. ¡°Sound carries in the dark and you really got her wings going.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Koka asked, confused.


    ¡°Callie and Pixyl,¡± Ambria smirked, her hands forming a heart shape on her chest.


    Koka¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really? It¡¯s about time!¡±


    ¡°Oh, hell,¡± Callie began, her face turning beet-red as she put her hands over it.


    ¡°They were really going at it,¡± Lhawni added in a teasing voice. ¡°I was impressed.¡±


    ¡°Hey! At least our clothes stayed on!¡± Callie snapped, trying to come up with any kind of a defense.


    ¡°That makes it all the more impressive,¡± Ambria pointed out, snickering.


    Callie whimpered, cycling between pure, unbridled embarrassment, worrying about what Pixyl would think if she knew everyone had heard them, and a teeny bit of pride for impressing Ambria. Maybe more than a teeny bit.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t give her a hard time about it,¡± Callie finally begged. ¡°Even better, don¡¯t say anything, but if you do, be nice about it. I don¡¯t think she can deal with more embarrassment today.¡±


    ¡°Why? Did something else happen?¡± Ambria wondered, eyes going wide.


    ¡°We were alone in our cabin a little while ago and ¡­ you know ¡­¡± Callie mumbled with a shrug. ¡°Vanis and Lena and that Imperial captain guy walked in on us.¡±


    The titters became outright laughter and Callie blushed all over again. ¡°So I mean it,¡± she finally said when the laughter calmed a bit. ¡°Be nice about it to her, please?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lhawni nodded. ¡°We will. And I¡¯ll pass word to everyone else that was there to do the same. Hopefully Bratig and Melga will respect that.¡±


    ¡°Why ¡­ why wouldn¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Dwarves, generally, aren¡¯t very accepting of renadits. Some kind of a Dwarven cultural thing,¡± Lhawni said, shrugging. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the specific opinion of Bratig and Melga is, although they are from the city, so maybe it¡¯s not too bad.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a ¡®renadit¡¯?


    ¡°Someone who courts their own gender,¡± Ambria clarified. ¡°Or ¡®ren¡¯ for short.¡±


    ¡°Ahh,¡± Callie said. She¡¯d been wondering what the terminology might be here, if there was any. She had meant to talk to Pixyl about it earlier, but ¡­ well ¡­ magically falling-off clothing and all that. ¡°So Dwarves have a problem with it? What about any of the other races?¡±


    Lhawni shrugged. ¡°Some Goblin families still follow tribal traditions, especially outside the cities. Something about how rens upset the tribal balance, or break up marriages, or something else silly like that. These days they generally aren¡¯t as bad as the Dwarves though, especially in the cities. I¡¯m a city Goblin, and my sister is ren, so it doesn¡¯t bother me. It took my grandmother a while to approve, though, or at least not disapprove.¡±


    ¡°Some Beastkin, too,¡± Jesca added. ¡°With us, everything is about making babies, so that¡¯s hard in the case of rens. Then again, I¡¯m not interested in courting anyone, so I''m probably in the same category.¡±


    ¡°W-What about Gnomes?¡± Callie asked, a tinge of worry in her voice. Would Pama and Fizzlebek have a problem if she was with Pixyl? She¡¯d said Pama figured out about her, but hadn¡¯t shared the whole story. ¡°Or any of the others?¡±


    Ambria shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t think the Gnomes really care. Pama didn¡¯t say anything when we figured out Pixyl¡¯s secret. I¡¯m not sure about the Ogres, but Tazrok didn¡¯t say anything mean, ether. As for others, we¡¯re east of the capitals. With all the Fae and Elves on this side, rens are not really that uncommon. Go west or north, and that could change, especially in the underground Dwarven enclaves.¡±


    ¡°Pixyl is from Marandine, which is northeast of Imor, and my sister moved there a few years ago. She told me before she left that lots of rens tend to congregate there,¡± Lhawni added. ¡°Some even call it ¡®Renadine¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Callie said, a little saddened that the general culture of racial and gender harmony she¡¯d witnessed over the last month had a bit of a tarnish to it when it came to sexuality. ¡°Should ¡­ should Pixyl and I stay in the closet?¡± Callie asked, and then clarified for the quizzical looks, ¡°not be public about us?¡±


    Ambria shrugged. ¡°You might get a couple stares and cold responses from some, but there are certainly rens among the trainers or soldiers, since there are a lot of Elves and Fae. I¡¯m sure some of the other recruits, too. I don¡¯t think camp people will really make an issue of it, unless your training suffers. The Dwarves might make some remarks, but just ignore them and tell someone if it gets bad enough.¡±


    ¡°And tell me if Chown or Swopik say anything,¡± Lhawni said, a tinge of warning in her tone, ¡°and I¡¯ll smack them a good one!¡±

 Chapter 52 Part 5 - Delivery for Reynard

    PART V - DELIVERY FOR REYNARD


    ¡°He¡¯s going to yell at us,¡± Jesca said, stopping her walk suddenly, fear in her aura.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t going to yell at us,¡± Callie replied, waving away her companion¡¯s worries. ¡°How could he get mad, Jesca? We have a plate full of still warm jellycakes, a pot full of pretty flowers, and our charming personalities.¡±


    That did nothing to calm Jesca, and she gave Callie a very loud stink-eye.


    ¡°Besides, if anything, he¡¯s going to yell at me, not you,¡± Callie assured.


    That did nothing to calm Jesca, and she gave Callie an even louder stink-eye. This time, Artemis shared in the incredulity.


    ¡°Come on, Jesca. It will be fine.¡± Callie rolled her eyes and resumed the march to Reynard¡¯s cabin. Jesca and Artemis gave each other a doubtful look, but grudgingly followed along, Jesca carrying an overflowing flower pot.


    A little while ago, after finishing her discussion with the other girls, Callie had checked in on Pixyl, joining a small crowd of recruits, as well as a few trainers, including Thorn. They didn¡¯t get a chance to talk, but Callie was amazed to watch her girlfriend¡¯s new Homing Blast ability. Olin would throw a stone or stick as hard as he could, only for Pixyl to snipe it from distance, the blast of Ethereal energy curving in mid flight to find its target and vaporize it.


    Pixyl didn¡¯t experiment with her Flashstep, given the danger of injury without assistance or practice, but she did demonstrate her new Shield Wall skill, and it was likewise impressive. The wall proved very similar in construction to her Ethereal Armor, including its ability to easily resist blunted attacks. But, it also suffered from the susceptibility to piercing attacks and slow-moving things, Olin being able to actually push his way through if he didn¡¯t move too fast. Callie quickly saw a couple ways to make use of the new power, besides just flat out protection. For example, ranged combatants could stand behind it, poking out their hands just enough to get their spell off, limiting full-body exposure.


    After parting from Pixyl, giving her a quick wave and smile, but not wanting to pull her away from her work with Olin, Callie and Jesca dropped by to see Pama, hoping they could cajole a treat for Reynard. Pama knew exactly the right medicine, and volunteered to quickly make up a non-summoned batch of ¡®jellycakes¡¯. The treat ended up being similar to a jam-stuffed sugar cookie, and being non-summoned, they wouldn¡¯t disappear in a few hours, allowing Reynard to have time to enjoy them all.


    While the treats were being baked, the two Rangers tackled digging up some of the Snapdragon¡¯s, putting them into a flower pot that Pama provided. Unlike Earth Snapdragons, these flowers were perfectly named. The four-centimeter purple, white and orange flower itself was vaguely shaped like a dragon¡¯s head holding its mouth wide open, and was apparently a carnivorous plant. When something would trigger it, the flower closed like a Venus Fly Trap, making an audible ¡®snap¡¯ noise. One of the orange petals of the flower would end up sticking out of the ¡®mouth¡¯, and with a little squinting and imagination resembled a burst of flame from a dragon¡¯s head. These wild plants, besides being both fascinating and quite pretty, were fairly common as indoor plants. There was a domesticated variety with larger flowers, and they would aid in insect control while giving off a pleasant, lilac-like scent.


    Approaching Reynard¡¯s cabin, Jesca stored Artemis away. The unicorn was quite unthrilled with the action, acquiescing only after Jesca promised to recall her to the same spot. Swallowing in worry, the Cheetakin followed nervously along behind Callie as the Gnome walked up the steps.


    ¡°Who is it!¡± came the snarling voice from inside the cabin before Callie could even knock on the door.


    ¡°Delivery for Reynard,¡± Callie called out, deepening her voice and winking at Jesca.


    ¡°Go away, Callie, I¡¯m busy!¡±


    ¡°I told you!¡± Jesca said in a whispered hiss.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to do that,¡± Callie replied back, adding some sing¨Csong notes to her response.


    ¡°I said go away!¡±


    ¡°Look, you can let us in so we can deliver these delicious Pama treats, or I can nag you the rest of the morning from out here and probably make a scene. Your choice!¡±


    ¡°Pama treats?¡± Reynard said, the gruff in his voice lessening ever-so-slightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Callie called out, adding a mysterious, inviting inflection. ¡°Secret nummy treats made just for you. All you have to do is put up with me for a few minutes.¡±


    There was a long, long silence.


    ¡°Well?¡± Callie finally called out, a little bit of gruff now in her own voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m still deciding.¡±


    ¡°Bah! I¡¯m coming in!¡± Callie snarled, pausing for just a moment before opening the door, on the chance Reynard actually put up another objection. He didn¡¯t.


    The interior of the cabin was dark, with only thin slivers of sunlight leaking through gaps in heavy curtains over closed windows. The stuffy interior was almost identical to Rowani¡¯s cabin, with the same table, chairs and single-person bunk, and even the same rocking chair next to a fireplace, where Reynard was sitting. He was scowling, smoothing out a thin blanket over his lap and legs to cover what was missing.


    ¡°Jellycakes,¡± Callie said, holding up two stacked plates. ¡°The bottom ones are fresh-baked and not summoned, and the top plate was replicated, so eat them first. Pama said they¡¯ll be good for about eight hours or so, since she had time to put a light preservation on them.¡± She slid the stack up onto the table.


    ¡°Thank you. You may go now,¡± Reynard growled.


    As she looked at her trainer, Callie couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of when she had occasionally taken care of her grandmother. She¡¯d at times almost had to treat her like a child, and ignore the protestations and complaining just to make sure she got the care that was needed. Fine, she could do that here, too!


    Callie gestured Jesca forward, directing her to set the flowers on the table as she ignored Reynard. ¡°They¡¯ll need some light, so open the window a bit.¡±


    ¡°Fresh snapdragons,¡± Jesca mumbled under the glare of her trainer. Hesitantly she put the flowers down and reached for the curtains, watching Reynard¡¯s face. His surly expression didn¡¯t change as his eyes glowered, but she slowly persevered, pushing the curtains aside so some light could come in, and then opening the window to let in a little fresh air.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Reynard really did not look well. He seemed thinner, maybe even a little gaunt, like he hadn¡¯t been eating much for several days, or at all, and his fur was a little gnarly, as if not washed for a while. Callie had seen this before. When her grandfather had been diagnosed with stage four cancer, he fell into a hard depression that lasted for a few weeks. He eventually snapped out of it one morning, quoting his favorite movie and stating it was ¡®time to get busy living, or get busy dying¡¯. Unlike him, she knew that physically Reynard would be fine; Rowani had already been working on the regrowth of his leg. But he seemed to be hurting in other ways, and Callie really had no idea what to do, so was going to just try to be a little positive and wing it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you heard, but we closed those Rifts yesterday,¡± Callie said brightly.


    ¡°Olin came by and told me,¡± Reynard replied, his words curt and grouchy as he stared at the floor.


    ¡°Cool! Olin was great, as you¡¯d expect, but everyone else did a really good job, too.¡±


    ¡°He said you had to take over for the Prince.¡±


    ¡°Just for a few minutes,¡± Callie said with a shrug. ¡°He got a little overwhelmed, but did the right thing and handed command to someone else.¡±


    Reynard simply grunted. The mood in the room was dark and awkward.


    Looking across the small space, Callie saw a pair of crutches thrown haphazardly on the bed, as if in anger. She hadn¡¯t seen Reynard anywhere around camp with crutches, only in his wheeled chair, and quickly suspected he was having difficulty adapting to using them. Her dad had been on crutches for a few weeks when she was a young teen, following some kind of a foot surgery, and Callie remembered how much he grumbled and complained about trying to get around with them, so she instantly empathized with her trainer.


    Over the bed was the other window with closed curtains, so Callie casually walked over and climbed up on the bed, throwing them wide and cracking the window.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Reynard snarled as the sunlight streamed in and hit his face.


    Callie ignored him, hopping down from the bed. ¡°Are you ready for the game later? You almost had us last week. I¡¯m going to have to get extra tricky, I think.¡±


    His eye twitching in pure and unabated irritation, Reynard growled out, ¡°I¡¯m not acting as Marshal this week.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Callie gasped, putting her hand to her chest in feigned surprise.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like it.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Callie said, her face faking a sad look. She looked over to Jesca. ¡°Do you think we should just let them forfeit? It would save them all a whole lot of embarrassment.¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± the Cheetahkin trailed, her eyes darting between Callie and Reynard.


    The trainer apparently wasn¡¯t rising to the reverse psychology bait, though, and simply returned to staring at the floor. Callie needed another tactic. ¡°Jesca¡¯s going to reach Silver this week. And Bronze with her Beastmaster, right?¡±


    That second sentence had been directed to Jesca, and she quickly nodded in confirmation. ¡°Possibly both on Secondday morning,¡± she said. ¡°The Beastmaster might be the next day.¡±


    Reynard grunted, but then glanced briefly towards Jesca, adding, ¡°Good job.¡±


    ¡°Yup, we¡¯ve all been speculating on what her new skills might be for Beastmaster,¡± Callie said, slightly overselling the statement. ¡°I¡¯m hoping she can change shape like the Druids and Shamans; that would be really cool. No matter what she gets, though, I¡¯m sure your advice on how to make them work with her Ranger class will be really helpful.¡±


    Once again, Reynard simply grunted a vague acknowledgement as he stared at the floor. This was not going well. It was like trying to talk to a brick wall, but with less interaction. Although, he also hadn¡¯t asked them to leave, or at least hadn¡¯t asked very hard, so Callie suspected he actually wanted the company, even if he stubbornly wouldn¡¯t say anything. How could she engage him? She looked around the space for inspiration.


    Hanging on the wall, next to the mirror, was a detailed painting of some kind. Almost photograph-quality detail in fact. Painted on a smooth piece of wood was the image of two Foxkins holding paws as they gazed into each other''s eyes, the picture showing an obvious love between them. One was a little shorter and had very feminine curves to her, on her head was a little wreath of woven flowers and she wore a white dress adorned with what appeared to be other multi-colored blossoms. The other was a much-younger Reynard, the picture detailed enough to tell it was him. Was this a wedding picture? It looked an awful lot like a wedding picture. If it was, they made a lovely couple, reminding Callie of the wedding at the end of Disney¡¯s animated Robin Hood movie.


    ¡°Was this your wife?¡± Callie asked, looking towards Reynard. ¡°She¡¯s beautiful.¡± She really was, and Reynard looked quite handsome, too.


    ¡°As a ren, you would know,¡± Reynard mumbled.


    Callie immediately narrowed her eyes. This was a line Reynard did not get to cross. ¡°Hey! That topic is completely off limits for you if you¡¯re going to be all nasty like that. Got it?¡±


    Reynard looked startled by Callie¡¯s sudden angry tone, a look of realization coming to his face a half-moment after. ¡°My apologies,¡± he said quickly. ¡°It was ¡­ a reflex.¡±


    If he had been talking with Olin, then Callie was sure that the topic of her and Pixyl had come up. The Major had said both Vonn and Reynard would be informed, to help assure her training didn¡¯t begin to slip, so it was a legitimate conversation to have if Reynard had something to say. He did not get to be an ass about it, though!


    ¡°If that¡¯s something you want to talk about, we can, but not like that! The Major and I already discussed not getting distracted from my training. Understand?¡±


    Reynard swallowed, glanced briefly at Jesca, and looked back to Callie¡¯s firm glare. ¡°Again, my apologies. I spoke without thinking.¡±


    Nodding, Callie moved on. She knew how easy it was to accidentally make some off-handed rude remarks, especially when stressed. She¡¯d done it enough times herself, and Reynard was obviously stressed. Plus, given the way the two of them verbally sparred with each other, inadvertent words could easily slip by. She was willing to take the apology on face value unless he said something else mean. He wouldn¡¯t get another chance, though.


    ¡°That¡¯s you and your wife?¡± Callie asked again, her tone firmly changing the subject back to the painting.


    Reynard nodded, still seeming ashamed by his rude comment. ¡°Yes, that was the day when we were married. She was radiant that day.¡±


    ¡°You both look amazingly happy,¡± Callie said, pushing away any residual irritation at Reynard¡¯s remarks and smiling softly. Then she added, ¡°I mean it, truly,¡± on the off chance he thought she was being patronizing.


    ¡°I ¡­ I miss her sometimes.¡± It was a strange, quiet statement of vulnerability from Reynard, and a bit of a surprise.


    Glancing quickly to Jesca, who returned the slightest of shrugs, Callie said the first thing that she could think of. ¡°Of course you do. We all miss important people in our lives.¡± Shit! Now that did sound patronizing. If it was received that way, though, Reynard didn¡¯t show it. He just continued to stare at some invisible spot on the floor, his mind looking inwards.


    Callie was quickly realizing that Reynard seemed beyond simply depressed about his leg and the difficulty being mobile. There were some pretty heavy things on his mind that had apparently been dredged up by his injury and the convalescence, and her light comments likely didn¡¯t help any. On Earth, she¡¯d probably push him towards heavy therapy of some kind. Actually, who was she kidding, she¡¯d probably encourage him to ignore the problem and take him out partying instead, or at least would have, back during college. Something like that wasn¡¯t really a healthy response, no matter what world someone was on, though, and she refrained from making that kind of a suggestion, at least for now.


    Glancing at Jesca, Callie could see that the Catkin was just as unsure how best to help, and that she was quite uncomfortable. Turning to Reynard, she put on her best smile. ¡°How did the two of you meet?¡± It seemed like an innocuous question and would get him talking if he was willing.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°How did you meet?¡± she said again, gesturing towards the picture. ¡°There must be a fun story there.¡± Callie motioned Jesca towards one of the chairs by the table. Turning another chair to face Reynard, she scrambled up and gave him her full attention, while Jesca warily sat down.

 Chapter 52 Part 6 - Talania

    PART VI - TALANIA


    Reynard studied the smiling Gnome for a long, long moment, as if trying to figure out what game she was playing. But, with the look in her big, purple eyes, she genuinely seemed interested, or at least was faking it well enough to be convincing, and he felt at ease and as if he could open up, for some reason. ¡°It ¡­ it was in Imor. Jorin and I were there to get supplies for our next outing. We¡¯d taken a job from the Adventurer¡¯s Guild to clear a nest of giant swamp spiders, the green ones. In addition to culling them for the job, we could harvest their spinnerets and eyes, which had great value to Enchanters, and the venom sacs for Alchemists.¡±


    Callie made an involuntary shuddering sound, her body shaking in an exaggerated shiver. ¡°Spiders. Eww!¡± she added by way of explanation, when Reynard shot her a quizzical look. ¡°Sorry,¡± she added, when she realized she had interrupted.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a glamorous assignment,¡± Reynard continued with a shrug, ¡°but it was good money for two Adventurers starting out. Really good money, actually. With my Ranger skills and my father¡¯s magic bow, plus Jorin¡¯s combat prowess, the risk was fairly minimal, too.¡± He glanced at Jesca, who was making a perplexed look, adding, ¡°When I left home, my father gifted me a bow. It was nothing like your Heartwood weapons, but did have an Endless Arrows enchantment, and a couple minor runes. He spent what amounted to him as a fortune to get it custom made for me. I eventually had to sell it when Jorin lost a leg and needed Regrowth and recovery.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s too bad,¡± Jesca replied, not sure what else to say.


    ¡°It was a good, sturdy bow, especially for a beginner,¡± Reynard said, sighing nostalgically. ¡°My current one is so much better, but I still miss that first one, for some reason.¡± He looked at Callie, seeming to realize he¡¯d gotten a little off topic. ¡°None of that is really important. You wanted to know how I met Talania?¡±


    ¡°Mmm hmm,¡± Callie replied with a nod.


    ¡°Do you know about Midsummer? About finding companions?¡± Reynard asked.


    ¡°I do. Pixyl, Ambria and Pama filled me in about it last Homeday.¡±


    ¡°Well, it was also the week of Midsummer, so we had a few extra days to complete the assignment, and we decided we¡¯d join the festivities before leaving for the spiders. Neither Jorin nor myself were looking for a companion, but we made rejection presents with the others all the same, as that¡¯s part of the fun,¡± Reynard weakly smiled.


    ¡°She picked you up, didn¡¯t she?¡± Callie said, her eyes brightening. It must have been just like how Pama snagged Fizzlebek.


    Making a half-hearted wry grin, Reynard nodded. ¡°We were at a big, outdoor party in the south city. At least two hundred people there; nobody we knew. Honestly, we really were just attending for the ale and singing and camaraderie, and both steadfastly swore to accept no overtures, although not to the point we wore red fabric on our arms. I mean, you never know, right?¡±


    Jesca giggled for some reason at that, and then apologized for the interruption.


    ¡°In the lower city, there are a lot of Dwarves, so Jorin must have rejected at least six or seven ladies, always gracious and bestowing his handmade trinkets in response. A couple people approached me, and I did the same.¡± He looked at his audience, seeing their rapt attention. ¡°At these big public parties, especially where the attendees don¡¯t really know each other, there¡¯s generally a rule to reject everyone until mid-afternoon, so that the ladies can collect a number of presents and meet all of the eligible males. Someone will ring a bell or call out and then they go back again for whoever might have caught their attention, sometimes wearing a different mask.¡±


    Internally, Callie giggled for some reason. It sounded a little like collecting beads at Mardi Gras, but without having to flash your chest to people. Her junior year in college, she had come home from New Orleans with a lot of beads, and Morgan flashed her way to even more. It had been a fun trip.


    ¡°She wore the absolutely most hideous mask,¡± Reynard sighed in remembrance. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just covering her face, though. She had donned a full-body costume, all made up to make her look like some kind of a disgusting green swamp monster or something, replete with hanging pieces of fabric plants pinned in place. I never did learn exactly what she was supposed to be.¡± Reynard laughed once. ¡°So complete was her costume I didn¡¯t even know what race she was. She was obviously not a Dwarf, being too tall, and for some reason I thought she might be an Elf. Maybe it was the way she moved.¡±


    The Foxkin shifted in his chair, getting a little more comfortable. He seemed much more relaxed, and certainly much less sullen, now that he was talking and telling a personal story. Callie gestured towards the plate of jellycakes, making an offer to Reynard. He nodded, and then took two of the summoned ones. Jesca likewise took a couple, as did Callie. They were absolutely delicious, like all things Pama.


    ¡°So, there I am in this big open space, half drunk on ale,¡± Reynard continued between nibbles. ¡°Next to me, Jorin was again rejecting a Dwarf with a simple mask, using amazingly lovely drunken poetry that I didn¡¯t even know he could spout, when this hideous monster steps into my view, simply staring down at me. In my state, she actually was a little intimidating.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°She looked down at me and simply said, ¡®take me to bed¡¯. It wasn¡¯t worded as a request. Well, of course, I tried to say no. I had a bit of a speech I used for rejections, and started to recite it, removing one of the string necklaces around my own neck to give to this monster-person in front of me. For some reason, I noticed she wasn¡¯t wearing any trinkets yet, so hadn¡¯t been rejected before she approached me. You know what she said?¡±


    Jesca and Callie both shook their heads.


    ¡°She glared down at me and said, ¡®put that away and say yes¡¯.¡±


    Callie snorted in laughter, choking slightly on her cookie. ¡°Really? What did you do?¡±


    ¡°I looked to Jorin, hoping he¡¯d save me. He was still busy with the one he was rejecting, his slurred words apparently being so lovely that she was standing there with semi-drunken tears of happiness on her face. He was of absolutely no help, and here it was probably only around noon. So, I tried to say no again. I couldn¡¯t even get three words out. ¡®You¡¯re mine and I¡¯m yours¡¯ she stated flatly, before promptly tearing off a piece of her costume and tying it to my arm.¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Callie said. ¡°Talk about being forward!¡±


    ¡°Ambria would be proud,¡± Jesca giggled, causing Callie to do the same. Even Reynard smirked at the comparison. It was good to see another smile on his face.


    Callie had to admit, she suddenly sort of admired Talania, for some reason. If she had been alive, she was positive they¡¯d be besties. ¡°What happened next?¡±


    Reynard shrugged, gesturing for another jellycake. ¡°She promptly sat right down next to me. Jorin finished with the one he was talking to, only to find in the few minutes he had been distracted I had not only been claimed, but this giant green thing had taken a seat between the two of us. So much for taking no companions!¡±


    ¡°So at this point, you had no idea what she looked like, right?¡± Callie asked. ¡°Or even what race she was?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. For three hours, she and I talked to each other about everything and nothing, poor Jorin eventually heading off to find more-interesting people. She would always turn her head from me to eat or drink, and honestly not knowing became part of the game and maybe part of the allure. But during that time, she¡¯d won me over and somehow, in the back of my head, I knew there could be more than just Midsummer between us. Eventually, a bell rang out, indicating it was mid-afternoon, and the ladies all started to circle back to whomever might have caught their attention.¡±


    ¡°Then there was her big reveal?¡± Callie asked, obviously seeing where this was going.


    Shaking his head, Reynard continued, ¡°Not for a little while, so everyone else could get paired up, and for some reason Talania was quite reluctant to remove her mask, even though I did press her to. I was young and eager and honestly quite drunk, and finally said, ¡®I¡¯m just going to get your clothes off eventually, so you might as well show me¡¯. It wasn¡¯t well-received.¡±


    Before Callie could say anything about how tacky the comment was, Reynard held up a paw. ¡°I know. It was crude and she immediately stood, apparently ready to leave. All the warmth we had shared had been pushed away, and I was sure I had lost her in my callousness. Of course, I offered my apologies, probably more likely groveling for forgiveness, and her anger seemed to eventually soften. She took my paw and led me to a quiet, private corner.¡±


    As Reynard relayed his story, Callie noticed all the tension and melancholy that had been in the tiny cabin when she and Jesca had arrived had finally evaporated. Of course, this was all a distraction, and did little to address what Reynard was really feeling down about, but it was at least getting him talking, and even smiling. That was good, right? Even if only a distraction, right?


    ¡°Before removing her mask, Talania made a very specific comment. ¡®I know you may be surprised, but you may not say hurtful things. If you do, I will lay you flat.¡¯¡±


    ¡°That sounds a little ¡­ strange ¡­¡± Callie mumbled, her face getting a perplexed look.


    Reynard sighed. ¡°As she took off her mask, her words made sense, and I will admit I was very much surprised, and somehow miraculously managed to hold my tongue.¡±


    ¡°What was wrong?¡± Jesca asked, leaning in.


    ¡°Half of Talania¡¯s face was nothing but hairless skin,¡± Reynard said, running his paw over the right side of his own face. Then, he clarified. ¡°Acid wounds, from Firelice Beetles. The entire right side of her face. She fell into a nest when she was a teen. The healers did magnificent work, but the acid is nearly impossible to heal perfectly, and it was all they could do to form most of the skin back into place and keep her eyesight. The skin would never grow fur again, though.¡±


    Callie looked back to the wedding painting on the wall, this time noting specifically that Talania was showing her left profile, the right side of her face hidden.


    ¡°She made sure the painting had her ¡®good side¡¯,¡± Reynard said, following Callie¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°So what happened?¡± Callie asked. ¡°You didn¡¯t say something stupid, did you?¡±


    Reynard actually laughed loudly. ¡°As I said, I somehow managed to hold my tongue. In fact, I was quite speechless, truly having nothing to say.¡± Then Reynard sighed. ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said I didn¡¯t reconsider for a moment, but then I remembered the Fae story that created the whole tradition, and then everything that had formed between us over the last few hours. I looked past her injuries and saw her beauty, and that was that.¡±


    ¡°Aww, that¡¯s sweet,¡± Jesca said.


    ¡°It was a leap summer, so we already had an extra day to be together. But it didn¡¯t matter. She had me from the start and we married only a few months later. Small wedding. Just a few friends and immediate family. She was a fair Healer, so became part of the team with Jorin and myself, and life was good.¡±


    Something clicked in Callie¡¯s head, and she began to make some connections. Midsummer had to be a reminder every year of his wife being gone, and likely a leap-summer even moreso. Add that to being stuck inside and alone with his injury, it was almost no wonder that Reynard had drawn in on himself a bit. If she¡¯d been in the same situation, she¡¯d certainly be depressed, especially without movies and books and the internet to distract her from her own feelings.


    ¡°It¡¯s a wonderful story,¡± Jesca said, and Callie quickly nodded in agreement. ¡°How long were you together?¡±


    Reynard sighed. ¡°A little over four years. She was my light. Maybe she still is, even now.¡± He looked down at the floor again. ¡°And I miss her every day.¡±


    ¡°Midsummer is especially hard for you, isn¡¯t it?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°It is. Usually I have training to keep my head occupied, but I¡¯m cooped up here now.¡± He generally pointed to the room as he glanced at Callie, the look on his face almost ashamed. ¡°I know it¡¯s been over twenty years. In that time, I¡¯ve tried courting others once or twice, but I¡¯ve just never been able to move on for some reason. They weren¡¯t her, and I eventually learned to be content with that.¡±


    ¡°And this would be the twenty-fifth anniversary of meeting her,¡± Callie said, having done some quick math. ¡°That must make it a little harder, right?¡± Multiples of fives and tens were always especially meaningful. Things were starting to make all the more sense.


    Reynard simply nodded. ¡°This damnable leg just gives me more time to dwell on things.¡±


    ¡°How can we help?¡±


    Reynard actually looked confused by the offer.


    ¡°We can lend an ear, or I can go find something really good to get drunk on,¡± Callie said, her lips quirking slightly at the second suggestion. ¡°Or get more jellycakes, maybe?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I have no idea. Honestly, until you arrived I was content to just ¡­ wallow ¡­ for the day. Or maybe the week. I¡¯m not sure why I even let you in, let alone told you about her.¡±


    ¡°Cuz you miss me!¡± Callie giggled. She gestured to Jesca. ¡°Both of us actually.¡± Then she whispered conspiratorially, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we both know it was the jellycakes; we understand.¡±


    ¡°They are good jellycakes.¡±


    Callie put on a soft expression. ¡°Seriously, if there¡¯s a way we can help, let us know. I don¡¯t have any real advice besides ¡®ignore it and hope it goes away¡¯, and that obviously isn¡¯t very helpful, but whatever we can do, just ask.¡±


    Nodding in thanks, Reynard took a deep breath, almost as if a weight had been removed from his back. He cleared his throat to change the subject. ¡°Now, enough about me. Tell me about the Elemental fight. I heard you and Pixyl defeated a huge one at the end?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just the two of us. It was a group effort,¡± Callie said, blushing a little.


    ¡°Then Pixyl flew down from the sky and kissed her! Ambria said it was super cute!¡± Jesca added with a grin, Callie¡¯s blushing going even deeper.

 Chapter 52 Part 7 - An Assignment, A Distraction

    Part VII - AN ASSIGNMENT, A DISTRACTION


    Sitting on the doorsteps to Reynard''s little cottage, Master Trainer Thorn couldn¡¯t help but smile, and actually sigh a little in relief. Through the open window, he could hear his friend in upbeat conversation with Callie and the Beastmaster, Jesca. This was rather a shock, considering how depressed Reynard had been for the past several days, and it was good to hear his laughter again.


    Rather than interrupt, Thorn simply waited, eavesdropping as the Ranger trainer finished telling the story of how he met his wife all those years ago, before getting Callie to relay the events from the Elemental fight, The Gnome must have already told the story to Jesca, as she constantly interrupted with some missing detail, despite not even being there. Finally, the retelling ended with Pixyl flying down and kissing Callie, and he could actually hear Callie blushing at the telling. Jesca labeled the whole thing ''adorable'', and Thorn had to admit it really was.


    The two girls finished up, each wishing Reynard well and Callie encouraging him to get out of the cabin for the bunkerball game. The Foxkin grumbled a non-commitment, and Callie didn''t press the issue, save to make a bit of a backhanded challenge on who''s team would win. That got more grumbles and a solid ''I said I''d think about it'' in response.


    Thorn stood, backing away from the door a few steps before the two recruits opened it to leave.


    "Master Trainer!" Jesca said as she walked out.


    "Recruit."


    "Hi there!" Callie added cheerfully, following and peeking out from behind the Catkin. "Here to see Trainer Reynard?"


    "I am, yes."


    "Cool. We were just chatting, and I filled him in on the details of the Elemental fight that Olin hadn''t shared, so he''s all caught up there. We also brought fresh jellycakes from Pama. There''s plenty left."


    "Sounds delicious," Thorn said with a smile.


    As the two girls bounded off, Thorn walked up the three steps, clearing his throat through the open doorway. He peeked in, seeing his friend sitting in the rocking chair, slightly scowling, although not much more than usual of late. "Good morning, Reynard."


    "Morning," was the simple response. "I knew you were outside, listening through the window, by the way. You should have knocked."


    "I didn''t want to interrupt and I was content to wait my turn. The three of you were having a splendid conversation."


    Sighing, Reynard waved Thorn forward. "Well, come on in and close the door. Have a jellycake."


    Sitting, Thorn picked up one of the treats and bit into it. "This is so good. I don''t know what we''d do without Pama here to keep us all fed."


    "Probably mutiny," Reynard grumbled, then looked up from the floor. "What do you want, by the way?"


    "Nothing, I just happened to be on my way back to my cabin and thought I''d check in on you."


    "Your cabin is in the opposite direction."


    "I took a scenic route," Thorn said casually. Gesturing towards the Snapdragons, he added, "Lovely flowers."


    "I''ll probably kill them dead in three days. I''ve never been good with plants." Reynard sighed. "Now seriously, what the hell do you actually want?"


    "Maybe I just wanted to come and cheer you up? I know Midsummer is a reminder for you, and the longer ones are extra difficult. How are you doing?"


    "Still stuck here. Still missing my leg."


    "Reynard. How are you doing?" Thorn asked again, making clear the sincerity of the question.


    The Ranger trainer''s tone softened. "I hate this time of year, and this leg is just making it worse. She looks at me all day long, and I feel like I''m disappointing her." He nodded to the painting on the wall.


    "Are you?"


    "Probably. This happened because I lost my focus for a moment. At the Bogwump nest, that is. I turned my back to where I knew there could be danger. And now I¡¯m just sitting here in the dark pouting about it, which just makes me more of a disappointment."


    "I''m sure there are far more interesting ways you''ve disappointed her, my friend. Like showing up hours late for your own wedding?"


    Reynard couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the memory. "I was sure she was going to murder me right then and there. I still don''t know how I wound up in that stable the night before. And I have no idea how she put up with me after we were married. Or why, for that matter."


    "Because you can be occasionally charming. Not on a lot of occasions, but a few."


    "I miss her."


    "I heard you tell the two girls that. I miss her too, from time to time. She meant a lot to me."


    Reynard looked hard at Thorn. "You slept with her."


    "Oh, not this again," Thorn groaned, rolling his eyes.


    "I should probably hate you for that," Reynard said coldly, but his face breaking into a smirk.


    Thorn laughed as well. "It was before she even met you, you silly drimling!" They had this fake argument often; Talania had been a close friend of Thorn¡¯s since childhood.


    "Doesn''t matter. Friends don''t sleep with their friend''s wife," Reynard fake-scowled.


    "You know that makes absolutely no sense in this case. Besides, I''m the one that talked her into asking you for Midsummer. I knew you''d be a good match."


    "Thanks for that, by the way. You''re a good friend,¡± Reynard said with an acknowledging nod. Then he added, ¡°Despite sleeping with my wife."


    Thorn chuckled, holding the half-empty plate of summoned cookies out. Reynard held up a paw, apparently having had enough, while Thorn took another of his own.


    ¡°So, what really brought you here?¡± Reynard asked. ¡°You could have visited me any time in the last few days and didn¡¯t, so I¡¯m assuming you actually have something on your mind. Is it work-related or personal?¡±


    Thorn studied Reynard¡¯s face, sighed and finally nodded. ¡°A bit of both actually. Two separate issues. Where would you like to start?¡±


    ¡°Well, we''re already deep in my own personal problems, so let''s put yours out there, too.¡±


    ¡°Ravina is coming,¡± Thorn said flatly.


    <hr>


    The long, awkward silence was only finally broken by one of the snapdragon flowers snagging something that had ventured too close, the snapping sound jolting both Beastkin from their introspection.


    ¡°Damn,¡± was all Reynard had to say. ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°I suspect she¡¯ll get here on Fifthday, possibly the next, with some of the other spouses and others that are visiting for the Midsummer celebrations.¡±


    ¡°So you have about four days to run, then?¡± Reynard suggested. Then he added, ¡°No, that won¡¯t work. She¡¯ll still find you.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t leave, remember? This party is in honor of me, despite my protestations.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. So much for running. Damn. Why did you ever marry her again?¡±


    ¡°Momentary insanity?¡± Thorn said with a questioning sigh. ¡°And honestly, I did love her once.¡±


    ¡°I never liked her. She¡¯s walking evil.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°She has Ohler¡¯s; it¡¯s not her fault,¡± Thorn said firmly. ¡°And she isn¡¯t that bad, as long as she takes her medications.¡±


    Reynard glared at Thorn in disbelief. ¡°My friend, she set a pile of your clothes on fire because you didn¡¯t take the trash out. She once publicly accused you of colluding with Dwarves to have her kidnapped and sold as a pleasure slave. Colluding with all of the Dwarves in the world, I might add. And then there was that time she was sure that blue-steel dagger was possessed!¡±


    Thorn chuckled at the reminders. ¡°Maybe she is a little crazy. Just a little.¡± He held up a thumb and finger, a tiny space between them.


    ¡°Thorn, she¡¯s not entirely stable. On top of all that, I¡¯m sure she¡¯s sleeping around.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say that? Have you heard something?¡±


    ¡°No. But she strikes me as the type that would be sleeping around, since you aren¡¯t there, especially when the moon is high. Why the stars are you still married to her?¡±


    ¡°For the boy, of course. As long as we¡¯re married, at my rank they get enough of a stipend to pay for everything they need, and even save a little bit. Assuming she¡¯s saved anything, I suppose. He¡¯s my responsibility, Reynard.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, the boy. How old is he now?¡±


    ¡°I saw him for a couple days about six weeks ago when we were on term break. He¡¯s good. He¡¯s nine, so, you know, not very interesting. Well, he turned ten yesterday. I had that bow made for him. The one that Callie used when she first arrived. Endless Arrows enchantment and a rune to help with draw strength. I have no idea if he liked it, but he mentioned on the previous break wanting a bow. Lately he wants to be a Ranger like his Uncle Reynard.¡±


    For a moment, Reynard beamed with pride. ¡°Nevikk seems like a good kid. Hopefully the war ends and you can get re-involved with his upbringing. We can only hope he didn¡¯t inherit Ohler¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Time will tell. But speaking of Nevikk, that¡¯s the strange thing,¡± Thorn said. ¡°She¡¯s bringing him with her, for some reason. The Network message had no more information, and Ravina hasn¡¯t responded to my question of why.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s bringing him here? What game is she playing? This isn¡¯t the place for a ten year old to visit. He could get hurt, or worse. Was she just too lazy to find a caretaker for the holiday?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea. My mind has been spinning to make sense of why she¡¯s coming, and has come up with no rational scenarios. I have a bad feeling, though. The moon doesn¡¯t rise for another month, so I¡¯m sure she¡¯s going to make some kind of a scene, either directed at me, or in general. Nevikk may get caught in the middle.¡±


    Reynard frowned, a little worried. ¡°She must be up to something. I¡¯d recommend you warn Xera and the rest, so that if she tries to make trouble they can step in. Celeste could throw her in the brig if need be. Maybe she should do that immediately, just to eliminate the risk to everyone else.¡±


    ¡°I doubt the brig could even hold her.¡±


    ¡°True, she¡¯d just ooze her way back out through the bars somehow. Promise me that as soon as this war concludes, you¡¯ll end this ridiculous marriage and get that kid far, far away from her.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my plan, Reynard. I should have listened to all of you all, but I didn¡¯t. I¡¯ll never regret Nevikk, though.¡± Thorn sighed. ¡°I¡¯m probably not going to be the best of fathers, am I? I haven¡¯t been a very good one so far.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been a great father, and you know you¡¯d raise him better than she would. With you, Nevikk would be much less likely to grow up to be a midnight stalker, or set buildings on fire for simple joy, or break into homes and steal things, or torture animals, or ¡­¡±


    Thorn held up a paw with a sigh, cutting his friend off before he could really get going on that list. ¡°You¡¯ve made your point. Let¡¯s move on.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll just need to be on our toes while she¡¯s here,¡± Reynard added with a chuckle. ¡°This place may not be standing when she leaves, if we aren¡¯t.¡±


    Having nothing more to say on the topic, Thorn cleared his throat. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this other thing. This one is work-related.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°The Beastmaster, Jesca. She¡¯s going to hit Bronze with that class this next week, on Secondday or Thirdday, most likely. She¡¯s thus far done most of the work essentially on her own. She received a little assistance and guidance from Rowani on the Druid skills, and I worked with her around the Enhanced Senses perk, since I have the same. But whips? Animal companions? That¡¯s far outside my expertise, and everyone else here. She''s even already exceeded the skill level of the Herdmaster with her whip skills.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the question?¡± Reynard asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do for her, especially since we have no idea what skills she¡¯ll receive for Bronze. I¡¯m sure they will be animal or companion related, but beyond that?¡± The Foxkin shrugged.


    ¡°My intention is to keep her for the extended session, just to give her some more time to learn the class, and maybe even reach Silver. But my worry is that not only do we not know anything about this class, but we don¡¯t know the best training techniques. Plus, honestly, we have a unique opportunity to try to synergize the two classes together with the training. How best do we do that?¡±


    Reynard shrugged again. ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about it much, honestly. I¡¯ve been ¡­ otherwise distracted with my own ¡­ things. It¡¯s still so strange that she has two classes now, and we have no references for what to expect for the new one at Bronze and higher, outside of the few oral histories of other Beastkin here, and we all know how reliable they are.¡±


    Thorn nodded. ¡°I had many of the same thoughts. This is where you come in, though.¡±


    ¡°Damn, I feel like you¡¯re about to give me an assignment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like you to use some of your healing time to help develop her formal training regimen for the extended session, at least three weeks¡¯ worth, with a focus on using her Ranger class in synergy. She¡¯ll reach Gold with Ranger by the end of the eight-weeks, so outside of any melded skills she may receive, you know better than anyone what she¡¯ll have available to her. Come up with a plan to weave her Beastmaster into that, somehow. In a couple days you¡¯ll know her new Bronze skills and perks for that class, so you should have everything you need.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re assigning me this to keep me occupied, aren¡¯t you,¡± Reynard said, looking right through his friend.


    ¡°Not specifically, but partially, yes. You need something to do, but I also really do want to make sure we can maximize her potential. Neither I nor Vonn have the appropriate time available to design a training regimen. Whatever you need, I¡¯ll make sure you get it. Come extended term, you¡¯ll largely ¡­ pardon the joke ¡­ be back on your feet to implement your plan.¡±


    Sitting back in the chair slightly, Reynard mulled over the request. It actually was an interesting assignment. Thorn was right, too. He was the best-qualified in the camp to develop Jesca¡¯s training, especially in regard to making sure the new second class blended well with the Ranger one. Of course, it was also a distraction from feeling sorry for himself, and he had honestly been pretty content with doing that for a while longer. ¡°Is this an order?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not an order!¡± Thorn snapped in irritation. ¡°But it is a request, one friend to another, and one trainer to another. We need to do what we can for this girl. I feel this Beastmaster class is important. Not just for the war effort, but for the ¡®Kin people, too. I just lack the time to develop something proper before she needs to go.¡±


    Reynard put on his thinking face, giving some thought quickly on where to even start. Like a flood, ideas came at him from all directions and he quickly began to form them into something organized.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Reynard finally said, his voice projecting a tiny amount of authority. ¡°Then the first thing I want, as quickly as possible, is for a Scholar or someone else in The Nexus to find everything they can in The Library about the Beastmaster from back during the time of The Escape. Especially, I want to know anything about the skills and powers that they may have demonstrated, even if it is only anecdotal reports. They can relay it back via Network Scryer, or if they are willing to part with it, send the materials here, although that will take a couple weeks to travel.¡±


    Nodding contemplatively, Thorn sat back in his seat, unconsciously picking up another jellycake. ¡°I can make that happen. I¡¯ll ask Scryer Yulayla to come by so you two can work on the language of the request, and then you can both work together for ongoing exchanges. Do you know her? She¡¯s a little busy since they¡¯ve been down a Scryer, but a third one is supposed to be arriving with this incoming group, too, so that will put them at full staffing.¡±


    ¡°I don''t know her, no. We¡¯ve exchanged pleasantries, but that¡¯s been about it.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s an interesting person, actually. Former Army, but was kicked out for responding to foolish orders by punching the officers. You¡¯d like her.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a reason why I am a civilian here, Thorn. I¡¯d gladly punch stupidity, too. I¡¯m happy to do my part, but me and a uniform do not go well together.


    ¡°Exactly! I¡¯ll ask her to find you when she has a moment, and let her know that we¡¯ll be working up a request for the Network to relay to The Nexus. What else do you need?¡±


    ¡°Writing materials and paper. I¡¯m going to want to talk to Rowani and Maugra, since they were adventurers, too. They might have some ideas since they¡¯ve seen a lot in their journeys. Plus, it appears the Beastmaster is Nature-based, so Rowani would be a big help there, especially since a couple of the girl¡¯s skills have overlapped with Druids.¡±


    ¡°Excellent! I¡¯ll see to those things as well. If you have a need for anything more, simply send a Sprite. You know, depending on what the research finds and what you develop, you might have the basis for an academic tome to be placed in the Great Library.¡±


    Reynard laughed. ¡°That¡¯s what this is about! You want your name on something in The Nexus! You¡¯ve wanted that for as long as I¡¯ve known you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Thorn replied with a wink. ¡°I¡¯ll let your name be first.¡±


    Inwardly, Thorn smiled. All signs of the previously glum and depressed Reynard seemed to have faded. Between the conversation he¡¯d had with Callie and Jesca about Talania and then the Elemental fight, added to Thorn¡¯s own problems with his wife, the Ranger had been engaged and even happy for something to talk about. Now with the idea of this assignment to keep his head occupied while he continued healing, Reynard was actually a little excited. This was good! It was a diversion, of course, but maybe a helpful one, and would be ultimately useful to the Beastmaster girl.


    Standing, the Master Trainer offered his paw to Reynard. ¡°My friend.¡±


    Reaching back, Reynard clasped Thorn¡¯s wrist. ¡°My friend.¡± Then, after a pause, he added, ¡°and thank you.¡±


    Walking to the door, Thorn called back, ¡°You really should come up to the bunkerball game. If you don¡¯t, I believe it will be quite one-sided. Rumor is that Callie and the Pixie have been working on something special. Send a Sprite when you need someone to help you up the hill.¡±


    Forcing down a string of expletives in response, Reynard simply growled, ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡°See you then,¡± came the voice from the closing door.


    Sighing to himself, Reynard reviewed everything that had happened in the last hour or so. He first found himself wondering how Callie had been able to get him to open up like that. She did it so casually, and he found he¡¯d wanted to share. To talk about Talania to anyone was surprising to himself, especially to a pair of his own recruits, but it actually felt good to do so.


    ¡°Damn I miss you, Tal,¡± he said quietly, looking up at the portrait. The gaze seemed to look back on him in a different way this time, though. Where before it was simply a reminder of the wonderful times together, and his routine ability to be a disappointment, now it seemed to be encouraging him somehow. To do what? Thorn¡¯s task for the Beastmaster? Maybe something else?


    Shaking his head from his own internal monologue, Reynard refocused on his new assignment. He knew he needed to talk with Rowani and Maugra, and whatever the research turned up in The Nexus would be invaluable, too. But there had to be more he could do than just catalog notes and ideas in the hope they would be helpful. Somewhere out there, someone knew something about this class, or maybe even was this class.


    With a jolt, Reynard sat up in his chair as something from years ago finally began to leak into his head. ¡°Simba? Kimba? Think, dammit! Kotimba! That was it. Kotimba!¡± Placing two fingers into his mouth, he excitedly let off a sharp whistle, then yelled, ¡°Sprite!¡±


    The tiny Fae zipped in through the window two seconds later, excited. She floated in midair and mockingly saluted. ¡°Hello!¡±


    ¡°I need you to find the Prince; recruit Vanis that is. I must speak with him personally, and before his Captain returns to Imor. Find them both, in fact! It¡¯s critical.¡±


    With another salute and a quick, ¡®Goodbye!¡¯, the Sprite spun and flew off the way she had entered, leaving a streak of blue mist in the air behind her.

 Chapter 52 Part 8 - Organized Gnome Chaos

    PART VIII - ORGANIZED GNOME CHAOS


    ¡°Thank you again, Captain,¡± Reynard said, actually quite polite in his tone.


    ¡°Happy to help,¡± Captain Huvaen said as he pushed the trainer¡¯s chair towards the Bunkerball sidelines.


    ¡°It appears they are quite in need of your assistance,¡± Vanis said, gesturing up at the scoreboard as the three approached.


    ¡°How could they possibly be behind by thirty points in only the second battle?¡± the Foxkin said, slapping a paw to his face in disbelief.


    ¡°Because she¡¯s been doing something where everyone runs around in random directions before the whistle is blown,¡± an approaching Major Celeste said, having seen Reynard being pushed their way. The camp team was currently on defense, so she¡¯d swapped out for someone a little more burly. ¡®We can¡¯t get a read on what they¡¯re doing until it¡¯s too late. It would be actually quite impressive, if it wasn¡¯t being used against us.¡± Then she amended as she clasped wrists with the Foxkin in welcome, ¡°Well, it¡¯s still quite impressive, to be honest.¡±


    ¡°She who?¡± Huvaen asked.


    ¡°Callie,¡± Vanis clarified.


    ¡°The Gnome? She¡¯s not playing, is she?¡±


    ¡°No, but she is the Field Marshal. Pixyl is also assisting again, I presume?¡±


    The Major nodded. ¡°She is. Callie seems to be concentrating on offense, while Pixyl is focusing on defense, with a little help from Callie from time to time. We¡¯ve only scored eight points, so whatever they are doing there, it¡¯s working. In fact, five of them were only single-point throws.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Reynard said with a sigh. ¡°Roll me up to the sidelines and let¡¯s see what we¡¯re dealing with. We¡¯ll regroup after this battle ends and see what can be done to salvage this thing.¡± He looked up and back at Huvaen and Vanis. ¡°Thank you again. I¡¯ll let you know if anything else comes to mind.¡±


    ¡°Happy to be of what assistance I can,¡± Vanis said. After relinquishing the rolling chair to the Major, Huvaen joined Vanis as they walked around the field, with the intent to find seating in the bleachers with the other recruits.


    ¡°Sire, may I speak bluntly?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Captain.¡±


    Huvaen gestured back towards Reynard. ¡°That Reynard¡¯s request is a fool¡¯s errand. You realize that, right?¡± the Captain said, serious concern in his voice. ¡°And I would argue that now is not the time for us to be spending resources on it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit the odds are low,¡± Vanis concurred with a sigh. ¡°Still, I believe it is a worthwhile pursuit. It may yield nothing, but it could also change everything. From what the Beastkin here have been saying, there hasn¡¯t been a documented Beastmaster in five-hundred years, and now one is right there.¡± He gestured out on the field where Jesca had just caught the ball, quickly passing it off to Lena, who was promptly brought down. ¡°I don¡¯t think Jesca fully realizes it yet, but this is going to be important; she is going to be important.¡± Jesca momentarily got a confused look on her face as she looked in Vanis¡¯s direction, before a shout drew her back to the game.


    ¡°Normally, I¡¯d agree, Sire. But these are far from normal times and I would hate to be distracted from the threat we face.¡±


    ¡°I know. Just a few people chasing down the leads and rumors. Our window is short, so if nothing is found in a few weeks, it will be too late to be of much value. I believe we can spare that. After all this time, he could be dead, anyways. We still have plenty of people to focus on what needs to be done.¡±


    Huvaen frowned, apparently trying to find the right words. ¡°Sire, regarding that other idea you proposed. I am still not convinced your plan is in our best interests. It is quite dangerous, in fact.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but I believe it is the most-likely to succeed. The monarchy must be protected.¡±


    ¡°I understand, but ¡­¡±


    Vanis held up a hand. ¡°I still need to get approval before I can put that to cipher, so let¡¯s have this argument after that. I¡¯ll speak with them first of this evening. My father will likely disapprove anyway, so it probably won¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°I understand. I wish to set out at first light with your reply, so is watching a bunkerball game really a good use of your time right now?¡±


    Gesturing to a secluded area behind the bleachers, Vanis changed his direction. Quietly he spoke to the Captain. ¡°I have orders from Commandant Xera and Legate Galin to make objective observations of several people, and reply to them with my thoughts. Callie and Pixyl are two of those people, and this is a good place to see them at their best. But, let me put this in a more pragmatic light. Around you are over sixty Advanced recruits that will soon be Silver or Gold tier, plus trainers and staff that are as high as Topaz, possibly some higher. Ranking officers too. I consider them all my friends, and many consider me theirs. Should, in the future, we ever need allies ¡­¡± Vanis cocked his head and let that implication hang in the air before he moved on. ¡°A couple hours cheering on our team will not matter. Once the game concludes, we will spend the rest of the evening on this topic and I¡¯ll compose a return cipher.¡±


    Huvaen slowly nodded as he began to understand the Prince¡¯s thinking. ¡°Very good, Sire.¡±


    ¡°Besides, I¡¯m sure the game will be quite entertaining.¡±


    The two Elves emerged from their secluded spot, continuing their walk. Spying Ambria, Lhawni and Koka in the seats, the latter looking almost strange without her brother at her side, Vanis led the way. ¡°Good afternoon,¡± he said, taking a seat, the captain sliding in next to him. ¡°I forgot to ask you this morning, but how is your head and neck?¡± he asked Ambria.


    ¡°Better,¡± the Faun said. ¡°I think I just needed some sleep, just like Cheena said. Tasi gave me a few drops of a muscle relaxing tincture before I went to bed, and that helped, although I didn¡¯t get any points this morning because of it. I guess the sleep was too deep.¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Good to hear, nonetheless. How has the game been going? Fill us in, if you would?¡±


    ¡°Compared to last week, it¡¯s been a slaughter,¡± Lhawni chuckled. ¡°Without their Marshal, they seem to have no organization against Callie. I see Reynard¡¯s back, so maybe that will change.¡±


    ¡°The Major mentioned it. How is Pixyl doing?¡±


    The Goblin shrugged. ¡°They aren¡¯t scoring, and she seems really excited.¡±


    Down on the field, the recruit team had scored again, only three this time, and was now back on defense. Pixyl, hovering in the air and wings fluttering, was relaying a series of hand signals towards Koda, who in turn was passing instructions on to the other players. Cheena prepared, considered and then blew the whistle to start the camp team¡¯s charge. Immediately she was under pressure from both Koda and Shirax as they burst past the front, forcing her to run right. She was looking to get a throw off, possibly to make it to a side bunker, when Harzol slipped under his defender¡¯s arms and leapt at the Shaman, bringing her down hard from behind. As she was hit, the ball popped into the air and Koda managed to snag it before he stumbled and also fell. On the sidelines, Callie high-fived the floating Pixyl, causing her to spin excitedly in a circle a few times, to the cheers of the recruit side of the bleachers.


    Cheena was slow to get up after the hit from the Wolfkin, who offered her a paw in assistance. She winced slightly and held her side as she gingerly made her way off the field. The ball was now turned back over to the recruit team with excellent field position.


    ¡°One minute!¡± the referee called, and Callie signaled for a timeout, chewing up a charge, before walking out onto the field to talk with the players, Pixyl fluttering along after her.


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll score?¡± Huvaen asked generally. ¡°Not a lot of time left.¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Koka said. ¡°We¡¯ve been pretty unstoppable so far today.¡±


    Out on the field, Callie was now jogging off, Pixyl flying ahead. A few other players walked off as well while Callie pointed to replacements on the sidelines, and they all ran in to fill in the slots.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Juniper?¡± Ambria asked absently, realizing that the Dryad hadn¡¯t arrived with Vanis. ¡°I thought she would be with you.¡±


    ¡°After all the teleportation and people spending time in her grove, she wanted some extra time to rest in her tree after the debriefing,¡± Vanis replied. ¡°She¡¯ll be back in the morning.¡±


    There was a short whistle from the referee, letting all the players know to get back into position. The players lined up, and then as one, nearly all of the recruit players seemed to move in a random direction. There was a collective groan from the camp team as various recruit players switched places, while others would back up, move sideways a few steps and then fall back into place, twisting and spinning chaotically around each other, almost impossible to follow. The moment everyone was where they needed to be, Xin whistled, Koda snapped the ball, and the opposing team simply had no idea who was going where. Moka actually ended up receiving the snap from Koda, and he quickly threw it downfield to Jesca, who in turn underhanded it to Xin. With barely an effort and bullet-like speed, the Lizardkin drilled the ball through the hole from distance for seven points.


    For the camp team, most of them were largely dumbfounded, once again falling victim to the chaotic play that Callie had been using. Celeste sighed, simply waved off the ref, and the battle was whistled to an end a few seconds early rather than bother with one offensive play, effectively taking a knee.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that play would be legal in the Imor leagues,¡± Huvaen said with a laugh. ¡°I¡¯m still not sure what I just saw, though.¡±


    ¡°Organized Gnome chaos,¡± Lhawni giggled. ¡°That¡¯s what you saw.¡±


    ¡°Organized? They looked as if they were just randomly running around.¡±


    Vanis shook his head. ¡°You didn¡¯t see it? Each of the players had a specific pattern to move, to make sure they didn¡¯t get entangled in each other, as well as be in the right spot for the start of the charge. It was a very well-choreographed dance, in fact.¡±


    ¡°I must have missed it.¡±


    ¡°Watch for it next time. From this vantage it¡¯s easier to see than if you were on the field at eye level, I suspect.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Good game!¡± Callie said, walking up to Reynard, Celeste and Rowani. Next to her was Pixyl on one side and Jesca on the other, Artemis trailing behind the Catkin. ¡°Glad you could join us,¡± she added towards Reynard.


    ¡°For you maybe,¡± the Major said with a laugh, while Reynard simply glowered. ¡°I think we¡¯re going to feel that beating for the rest of the term.¡±


    Callie looked up at the scoreboard and winced. ¡°Yeah, we might have overdone it a little bit, I suppose. At least Reynard joining helped some.¡±


    ¡°You beat us by over forty points!¡± Reynard said. ¡°How the hell did I help?¡±


    ¡°We were up by thirty when you got here, so at least the bleeding slowed?¡± Callie suggested with a questioning inflection. She wasn¡¯t trying to gloat, actually. More than anything, she was just happy to see Reynard had joined; it was good he got out and about considering their earlier conversation.


    ¡°What was that crazy redirection play?¡± Celeste asked curtly. ¡°Just when I thought I had the pattern down, it completely changed. I don¡¯t even know what is happening there. What do you call it?¡±


    ¡°Mass Confusion One through Five,¡± Callie said, smiling. She, Pixyl and Jesca had come up with the plays earlier in the week. Variations on one another, each put nearly all of the team in motion before the play, in a seemingly random direction, but all carefully choreographed. The moment everyone was in the right spot, Xin would whistle, Koda would snap the ball and the opposing team had no idea who was going where. It also took some of the normal receivers and turned them into defenders, while the normal defenders, as well as Xin, ran downfield to catch. Eventually, the trainers learned the chaotic pattern of the first variation, but Callie and Pixyl had devised four more and just switched to the next one. Plus, they could mirror all five, too, giving them a total of ten possible plays.


    ¡°Appropriate name, Little One,¡± Rowani said with a chuckle.


    By now, most everyone had moved past Rowani and Maugra using the unicorn blood, especially among the trainers and officers. A few of the support staff in the camp were still wary or even rude to the two, but they were largely in the minority. The biggest continuing difficulty for the pair was to find people to simply be around socially. They had no contemporaries, Rowani seeming too young to be hanging out with the trainers, and their lifetime of experiences making them both too old to join the recruits. As a result, Rowani and Maugra were both actually a little lonely. Being allowed to play the game had been the Pantherkin¡¯s first real opportunity to make friends again. The fact Rowani, Celeste and Cheena, as well as Maugra for that matter, had all been together on a mission the day before certainly helped as well.


    Callie held up a ¡®wait a moment¡¯ finger, and removed her backpack. From inside, she pulled out a folded piece of Xin¡¯s parchment paper the Lizardkin used for drawing. Glancing quickly at it, she then offered it to Reynard. ¡°This is number three.¡±


    Rowani and the Major peered over the Foxkin¡¯s shoulder as he unfolded. Before them was the detailed dance of Mass Confusion, players twisting and stepping in a way that looked utterly chaotic at first glance, but then started to make more sense the longer you studied it.


    ¡°How did you come up with this?¡± Reynard said in disbelief.


    ¡°It was actually Pixyl¡¯s idea.¡±


    ¡°I j-j-just said we should do something confusing,¡± Pixyl said almost defensively. ¡°She¡¯s the one that did m-m-most of the work.¡±


    ¡°Aww! My girl¡¯s just being modest,¡± Callie said with a smirk. ¡°You can keep that, we already have new plans for next week¡¯s game.¡±


    ¡°That sounds ominous,¡± Celeste said worriedly.


    ¡°More than a little ominous,¡± Rowani concurred. ¡°Should we be worried?¡±


    Pixyl just grinned back with a sly, almost evil look. ¡°You should be,¡± she whispered loudly as she waggled her eyebrows. ¡°You should be!¡± she slowly warned again in another slow whisper. The little Pixie turned and started to walk off, a quiet cackle coming from her, while Callie and Jesca put on the same evil grins before turning to join.


    ¡°This is not going to end well,¡± Celeste groaned as she watched the troublesome trio walk away.

 Chapter 53 Part 1 - Kitchen Duty

    PART I - KITCHEN DUTY


    It took Callie a few moments to get her bearings when she woke. She was in an enclosed space, so didn¡¯t see any of the moons or stars through the window. In fact, she couldn¡¯t even see the window, and it was dark enough that instinctively her Dark Vision activated. Lying on her bare chest was a mostly naked sleeping Pixyl, although she had kept her socks on for some reason. She finally had a smile on her face, though, and her wings occasionally twitched in time to what Callie hoped was a happy dream.


    Following dinner the night before, Pixyl had gone off for her private one-on-one conversation with the Major. Callie was unsure what could take so long, but eventually Pixyl returned after about four hours. She looked exhausted, as if emotionally drained, and had obviously been crying at some point. Despite inquiries, she had refused to talk about it, instead simply asking for some intense cuddle time. Callie had straightened up the blanket fort, and they moved their pillows there, the hanging blankets giving them a little privacy. Despite the nudity, there hadn¡¯t been any sex, just skin-on-skin contact to let Pixyl know she was there, coupled with quietly humming a few Earth songs while they both drifted to sleep.


    Carefully untangling herself from the Pixie, Callie located her shirt and underwear, slipping them awkwardly on in the limited space under the bed, then found her pants. Freezing for a moment when Pixyl made a few noises, she sighed in relief when her girlfriend¡¯s steady breathing returned. She was so amazingly beautiful and Callie found herself after several moments simply staring at the sleeping form. She¡¯d probably look a little creepy, actually, if Pixyl had awoken and seen her staring at her like that.


    Rolling out of the Ogre-bed blanket fort, Callie stood and walked quietly to the latrine room, her pants over her shoulder and now wide awake. Emerging a few minutes later, now fully dressed, save her socks, Callie took quick stock of the room. Vanis, Tazrok and Xin were all still asleep. Lena had opened her eyes, apparently having heard Callie moving about. Callie put her finger to her lips, and then pointed to herself, before making a walking motion with her fingers and pointing towards the door. Lena returned a nod, and simply closed her eyes.


    Callie picked up her moccasin boots, already pre-stuffed with a pair of socks, a habit she¡¯d learned from Pixyl. Quietly, she padded across the room and through the front door, closing it silently behind her. Outside, the air was actually quite chilly this morning, and the ground was wet, indicating it had rained, at least lightly, during the night. There were a few stars visible in the sky, but also a lot of clouds, making a dreary day a possibility if it didn¡¯t clear. Far to the east, just the barest hint of light was visible on the horizon with her Dark Vision, so it was still some time before dawn actually broke. Like every morning, Callie asked the important question ¡­


    What is my level?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: BRONZE.974


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Callie almost silently gasped. Her point increase the previous morning had been pretty substantial, bringing her to 902, up over two-hundred points as a result of the Elemental fight. Somehow, though, she had picked up another seventy-two this morning, which seemed odd since there was no training or combat the day before. Just the bunkerball game, the fight debrief, and a few social things, plus time with Pixyl. The thought of possibly getting points by spending time with Pixyl led to a passing juvenile thought that she might be sleeping her way to Silver, and she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    This new total put her dangerously close to Jesca now, assuming the Catkin hadn¡¯t received additional points this morning from whatever happened the day before. This meant there was a good chance they would both reach Silver tomorrow. Of course, with Callie¡¯s luck, she¡¯d get to 998 again and have to wait another day in general torture. Or worse, 999.


    Walking to the garden, Callie stopped briefly to make fists with her toes in the wet grass. The lingering dew made the grass cold, which served to wake her even more. Moving to the fountain, she cupped her hands under the running water, quickly casting the Season spell on what she held to give it a minty flavor, and then washed her mouth out before spitting quite unladylike into the grass.


    Callie dried her feet with her shirtsleeve before putting on her socks and boots. She wasn¡¯t sure what to do, and didn¡¯t want to return to the cabin and risk waking anyone. Shrugging mentally, she started to make her way towards the training field to maybe do a little solo Tai Chi before anyone else might join her. However, a glimpse in the distance of bright yellow hair lit by a magical light caught her attention, and she detoured towards the kitchen. She wanted to let Pama know how well the treats went over with Reynard.


    ¡°Hey there,¡± Callie said, waving.


    Pama was in the midst of handing crates from the back of a cart off to her Goblin assistants, so they could bring them inside. Seeing the new arrival, she simply nodded and gave Callie a crate as well, gesturing with her chin to bring it inside.


    The back kitchen was a pre-dawn madhouse, with at least a dozen Goblins racing around. Some were simply moving things about, but most stood at counters cutting, stirring or in the case of two by a stove, frying up some kind of sausage and pan of scrambled eggs for breakfast. Callie had never visited the kitchen before a meal, only helping with cleanup in the evenings the past week prior to their Culinar lessons. For some reason, knowing Pama could just magic up whatever was needed, or replicate small amounts of food into large amounts, she hadn¡¯t expected it to be this crazy.


    ¡°Where should I put this?¡± Callie asked, seeing Grig working at one of the counters.


    ¡°Um, over there,¡± he said, pointing a food-covered hand towards a stack at the end of the counter.


    ¡°Good morning, Callie,¡± Pama said, breathlessly entering carrying another crate.


    Setting her own crate down where directed, Callie quickly took the one from Pama, setting it with the others.


    ¡°Thank you. You¡¯re up early. Couldn¡¯t sleep?¡± Pama asked.


    ¡°I guess,¡± Callie shrugged. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure what else to do, so I was just going to go up to the field. The sun comes up soon.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to help? We¡¯re pretty busy this morning.¡±


    ¡°Is it always like this?¡±


    Pama shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s going to be extra busy this week getting ready for all the Midsummer events, and the additional people that will be arriving, so we¡¯re going to try to cook some of the simple, easily-preservable meals ahead a little bit. On Midsummer night, we¡¯re not going to have another feast, but we will be having a plated dinner that I want to actually make with real food, so there¡¯s a lot I need to prepare for that, too.¡±


    Jesca had been fairly coy about her plans for the holiday celebrations, save that there was going to be an afternoon of making masks and trinkets, evening bonfires, and both a dinner and a party, much like when they first arrived, but no details. Supplies had been apparently arriving for a week, though, and she was working closely with both Pama on the food angle, and Captain Kela¡¯s people on the other logistics. Callie had offered on a couple occasions to lend a hand, even volunteering Pixyl and Lhawni to assist, but Jesca had politely declined, saying she was enjoying the distracting challenge and wanted things to be a surprise.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°How can I help?¡± Callie asked.


    Pama looked around. ¡°Grab that and come this way.¡± She pointed to one of the crates and then led Callie to the counter next to Grig, which had a cutting board on it and a set of sharp knives. ¡°These all need to be cut up into small pieces. Go wash your hands and come back, then I¡¯ll show you what I need.¡±


    There was a plumbed tub not far away with running water, so Callie washed quickly using a bar of soap, drying her hands on a towel and tossing it into a basket to be eventually washed.


    ¡°Just like this,¡± Pama said, demonstrating what she wanted. She wasn¡¯t doing anything fancy, just dicing everything into small pieces. But, this was her kitchen, and Callie had learned from various kitchen disaster reality shows that you do it the way the head chef says to do it. Improvising was never a good idea.


    Callie stepped in, taking the knife and starting to dice something vaguely resembling a reddish eggplant. It had a wonderful aroma, a little like sweetened garlic, and the nearly pure-white interior stood out starkly against the red skin. Curious, she focused on the vegetable.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    WILDERNESS SURVIVAL: FLORA - RED GECKIM (FRUIT)


    The fruit of a Geckim plant, which is considered ripe when the color changes from green to red. Geckim fruit is quite nutritious and can be eaten raw, including the skin, or used in cooked dishes. If allowed to over-ripen, the skin turning brown, the resulting mash can be combined with sugar, fermented and then strained. The intensely-flavored concentrated result is called Geckim Nectar, and is used in many gourmet dishes.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°What are you planning to make with this?¡± Callie asked, showing her initial work to Pama for approval. Knowing it was edible, she also took one of the diced nuggets and popped it into her mouth. Much like it smelled, the vegetable had a mild, sweet, garlicky taste, and was slightly crunchy, like a fresh cucumber.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, honestly. I may just lightly salt most of it with some dried Odomi and then bake it until it¡¯s slightly crispy. After that, it can be eaten as-is, or tossed with herbs and light oils or sauces. There¡¯s even a few complex dishes that use it as an ingredient. It¡¯s very versatile.¡±


    Pama moved on to direct the rest of the kitchen while Callie slowly cut her way through the crate of Geckim. Grig did point out a bruised spot on one of the fruits, which he said to cut around and discard, as it would be quite bitter. It did smell a little funky, too.


    Callie had never been much of a cook. She could follow directions, but when it came to improvising and having the result be good, it was even odds it would be the opposite. Morgan had been a bit of a foodie, though, and had tried to teach her a few things about flavorful cooking. Callie hadn¡¯t retained much, though, and now standing in a kitchen she struggled to remember some of those lessons. Then the struggle came crashing to a halt with the realization that there were ways to cook with magic, so what did it actually matter?


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it just make more sense to use magic for all this work?¡± Callie asked Grig.


    The Goblin shot her a bit of a scowling look, before answering, ¡°Fresh food always tastes better than summoned, or even replicated. And for replicated food, you still have to have the original meal as a base, so we need to put the work into that.¡± He gestured towards the stove where the eggs and sausages were being cooked that would apparently be the seed for the morning breakfast fare. ¡°We have to feed sixty-some recruits and another one-hundred sixty others three times a day. Pama can replicate a lot, but we still need to start with enough for about twenty or thirty people.¡±


    ¡°Whoa. I had no idea,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°There will probably be an additional sixty people here for Midsummer. Maybe even more,¡± Grig continued, obviously not terribly happy about it. ¡°That already adds more work, and now Pama wants to make it extra special and use all-real food; no replication.¡±


    ¡°Hence why you are working ahead on prep,¡± Callie said in understanding.


    ¡°Exactly. The kitchen isn¡¯t big enough to prepare everything for that many people at once, at least not to prepare that many real meals. We¡¯ll cook most meals for this week ahead and preserve everything with spells that will last until they are served, but even then, it¡¯s going to be a lot of work. Probably more than it¡¯s worth. Preservations need to be refreshed often, and only a few people here can do that. If a casting is missed, the food will spoil almost immediately.¡±


    ¡°So our snacks aren¡¯t preserved with magic then? The nuts and jerky and such?¡±


    Grig shook his head. ¡°They are real, and prepared to last a while naturally, so a preservation spell would be of little use, and could even hasten how quickly they spoil if an application was missed.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Callie replied. While they had been talking, Callie finished dicing the last of the Geckim, putting all of it into a large bowl. ¡°I have a little more time. What else can I do to help?¡±


    Grig gestured with his head towards the pile of crates. ¡°Go rinse your cutting board and bring it back. Then get that next crate.¡±


    The next crate was filled with what could best be described as yellow peapods, but each about the size of a medium carrot. Grig provided two large bowls, and instructed Calli on what to do, which consisted of opening the pod, separating the white, marble-sized pea-like insides from the pod, and placing each in a separate bowl.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    WILDERNESS SURVIVAL: FLORA - SWEET DANDUM (FRUIT)


    The fruit of a Sweet Dandum Tree. Considered ripe when the pod has turned yellow. Both the seeds and the pod may be eaten raw or used in cooked dishes. The seeds are quite nutritious, and the pods moderately so.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Knowing it could be also eaten uncooked, Callie chomped down on one. It tasted very similar to a Sugar Snap pea pod and the accompanying peas, but with an additional slightly-salty flavor. ¡°This is good.¡±


    ¡°I like them fried in a little hot oil and wine, with a few herbs and strips of meat,¡± Grig said in agreement.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to try that some day.¡±


    ¡°The round seeds can be dried after being rolled in a dust of odomi and other herbs, too. Good travel food. Almost as nutritious as jerky, and crunchy. A good option for those that can¡¯t or won¡¯t eat meat.¡±


    For a couple minutes, they both worked on their respective tasks, but finally, Callie¡¯s curiosity was raised. ¡°Are you a Culinar, too?¡± she asked. She had been told it was a little rude to ask people directly, so hoped Grig wouldn¡¯t be offended. She really didn¡¯t know much about the Goblin, though.


    Grig shook his head, apparently not minding the question. ¡°By class, I am just a Scout. I have learned a few Culinar skills while here, though. I might pursue food as a vocation when I leave if I can learn the right skills; maybe have a small food stand in Imor. I enjoy the creative work of cooking.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! Do you have a specialty?¡±


    The Goblin shrugged. ¡°I like to grill skewers with meat on them. I¡¯ll flavor the meat for a few hours with herbs and oils and other things before I cook them.¡± He gestured to the other Goblins in general working around the kitchen. ¡°They all seem to like it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, like a kebab? You can put different vegetables between the pieces of meat too, like mushrooms and stuff. Anything that would have their flavor enhanced by grilling. That Geckim, for example, might be good.¡±


    ¡°Ke-bab?¡± Grig asked, slowly sounding out the word, his eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°Uh huh. Shish Kebabs. Super nummy. Oh, your food stand could have flavored sauces for the pieces of food to be dipped in, too, if people like that. Everything from sweet or savory sauces to super spicy, so lots of different flavors for people to try.¡±


    ¡°Shish Ke-bab,¡± Grig mumbled again, as if rolling the words around in his mouth. ¡°Such a strange word. Or is it two words?¡±


    ¡°Two words, but just Kebabs for short.¡± Callie suddenly realized her mouth had spoken well before her morning-addled brain had engaged, and she had said too much. The only thing she could do was to use her old standby. ¡°Why do I remember that?¡±


    ¡°Shish Kebabs,¡± Grig said again, this time with a little more assuredness. ¡°I like that name. It sounds ¡­ exotic. And you are right. Different sauces for dipping would give more flavor variety, and make people come back again to try them all.¡± He looked at Callie. ¡°May I use your strange Gnome word for my meat skewers? It will make them sound quite unique in Imor. There are few Gnomes in the lower Goblin parts of the city where I will likely live, so it will seem new and different.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Callie replied, shrugging.


    ¡°Grig¡¯s Shish Kebabs,¡± the little Goblin mumbled, smiling as he looked up, his expression seeming as if he was imagining a sign over his food stand.


    Callie actually got a warm feeling as she watched Grig smile. He had always seemed a little dour. Not really grumpy, but more as if life had beaten him down a bit. Now with a strange new word to call his signature dish, you could tell he was seeing a future just a little brighter than he had previously envisioned. Callie vowed that some day, if she was ever in Imor, she¡¯d have to find his food stand and enjoy what she was sure would be amazing Grig¡¯s Kebabs.

 Chapter 52 Part 2 - Netherhounds

    PART II - NETHERHOUNDS


    ¡°So, what are you showing us today?¡± Callie asked Pixyl as she sat on the wall of the ring, looking down at the Pixie limbering up and getting ready for this week¡¯s Demon demonstration. Callie had to admit she really enjoyed watching Pixyl stretch, bend and twist.


    ¡°Netherhounds,¡± Pixyl replied, pulling an arm behind her head. ¡°Fast, vicious, a little smart, too. We¡¯ll start using multi-class t-t-tactics to fight these things.¡± She gestured towards the other side of the ring, where Koda was armored up and talking to Trainer Terrin and the Warlocks. ¡°Once you understand how they move, though, they aren¡¯t that tough.¡±


    ¡°For you maybe,¡± Jesca mumbled, a worried look on her face. Next to her, Artemis was on her hind legs looking over the wall, and wearing an equally dubious expression.


    Pixyl waved Jesca¡¯s concerns away. ¡°J-J-Just watch how they move. They tend to run with a hopping motion, so it¡¯s easy to see where they¡¯ll land. Just don¡¯t be where they land. Oh, and listen to your D-D-Dodge. At Silver it will start to work on attacks you can¡¯t see, t-t-too.¡±


    That really did not make Jesca feel any better.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine for those of you who have Dodge,¡± Ambria pointed out. ¡°I can¡¯t really heal it to death, though.¡±


    The smirking Pixyl looked like she was about to respond with some kind of a smart-assed comment, but Master Trainer Thorn walking to the center of the ring and clearing his throat through an amplification sigil interrupted. Pixyl hopped quickly into the air, shot Callie a wink, and zipped off to join him, Koda also walking towards the center. In turn, Callie spun and slid off the wall, landing on a booster so she could turn back and still see over.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± Thorn said, holding up his hand to settle down anyone who was still in conversation. ¡°I have several announcements and important instructions today before we get to the new Demon, so I need all of you to pay attention.¡± The remaining murmurs evaporated as all eyes focused on the Ratkin.


    ¡°As you are well aware, the start of Midsummer is this week. That doesn¡¯t come until Lastday, though, so you all need to focus on your training until we get there. If all of you can do that, we¡¯ll take the afternoon of Sixthday off, and get an early start.¡±


    That sent a minor round of encouragement around the ring.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk for a bit about Midsummer, though,¡± Thorn continued. ¡°There are some rules for you all to follow, and we¡¯re going to be extra vigilant about making sure you all follow them, so pay attention. Several people are going to be joining us for the holiday. The visitors will be easily identifiable by a white cloth they will wear on their arm. All of you, and I absolutely mean this, all of you will be on your best behavior towards these visitors. If they ask for directions, provide them, or even guide them. If they ask for help, provide it. If they ask you to carry their shit, you eagerly pick it up and take it wherever it needs to go. I want each of them to leave here thinking you are all the most-polite and well-behaved recruits ever, not the pack of crazy misfits you actually are.¡±


    A solid round of laughter went up around the ring with that comment, everyone actually taking it as a backhanded compliment.


    ¡°It is possible, probably even likely, that you may be asked to demonstrate your capabilities by one of these visitors. If you are, then do so, but only on the training field. I¡¯ll let you in on a secret, if you¡¯re pressured to demonstrate elsewhere, it¡¯s a test. Don¡¯t fail it! For anyone observing, you make sure they are in a safe place before you demonstrate, and you stop if they step out of that safety. Do not show off! We aren¡¯t here to entertain. The Army only cares about your actual effectiveness and I honestly don¡¯t give a damn what most of our visitors care about.¡± A few eyes drifted towards the resident showoff, Pixyl, but she was nodding aggressively in agreement with Thorn, reinforcing the directive.


    ¡°Next, as part of being polite to our visitors, every day you will shower and put on fresh clothes before dinner. I don¡¯t want to smell sweat on anyone in the evening, and trust me, I¡¯ve got a really good nose.¡± He tapped it while a few collective groans, primarily from the various Catkins, emerged. For the most part, everyone did wash daily, if only to soak in the tub, but the Catkins tended to be able to go an extra day or even two before they needed to, and of course, weren¡¯t big fans of the water.


    ¡°Also,¡± Thorn continued, cutting off the groans, ¡°those of you with Yogosi, report to medical after training concludes today to get new ones. You were all going to get fresh before you left at the end of training, so we¡¯re just going to do it now.¡± A few new groans, these ones female-sounding, rippled around the ring. Both Ambria and Jesca joined in the grousing.


    ¡°What is this ¡®Yogosi¡¯,¡± Juniper asked, her face confused.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Callie started to respond, not really sure how to explain it to the Dryad. For that matter, not even sure if it was actually relevant. Did a Dryad reproduce the same way, or even have to deal with the so-called ¡®red days¡¯? For that matter, were they even red? The Nymph was physically similar to Elves, and seemed to have the same parts, but Callie had no idea how her reproductive plumbing worked, as it were.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it when we''re done here,¡± Ambria quickly interjected, putting on a medical face and saving Callie from the awkward explanation, at least for the moment.


    ¡°On that topic, let¡¯s talk about some rules for the Midsummer traditions,¡± Thorn continued, almost with a heavy sigh in his voice. ¡°First, the visitors are off limits. If they are wearing white, you do not approach them as companions. If they approach you, you politely decline. Second, obviously anyone wearing red is also off limits. Blue is fine for trinkets, but know they are spoken for and respect that. Third, and I really shouldn¡¯t have to say this, but whatever you and your companion may do, you do it in private in your bunkhouses. Other people, be respectful of whatever people are doing in private.¡±


    ¡°Hang a sock on the door!¡± Callie called out without even thinking.


    ¡°W-what?¡± Thorn said, his speech momentarily stumbling at the interruption.


    ¡°If you¡¯re busy inside, tie a sock to the damn door handle!¡± Callie repeated in irritated clarification. Across the ring, she saw an embarrassed glance from Lena. Seriously, everyone should know that rule in any world!


    Thorn shrugged, gestured generally towards Callie and said, ¡°There you are. Tie a sock to the door.¡±


    Callie caught Pixyl¡¯s eye, and shot her a quick wink. The Pixie smiled and looked down, obviously blushing, still embarrassed by what had happened the previous day.


    ¡°Finally, let¡¯s talk about the schedule of events,¡± Thorn continued. ¡°On Homeday, we¡¯ll be doing the traditional crafting of masks and trinkets starting in the early afternoon and including the evening meal, and then a bonfire for everyone once dusk comes. Visitors will be participating, so remember, nothing but absolute politeness. On the first day of Midsummer itself, there will be a casual open-air party starting late morning through mid-afternoon to exchange trinkets. Then, a formal dinner that evening, with Pama making actual real food, not replicated. It won¡¯t be like the feast at the beginning of term, but some extra etiquette will apply, so manners from all of you.¡± A murmur of genuine excitement rippled through the crowd hearing that, likely because of the ¡®real food¡¯ part. ¡°After that, there will be a dance and party, with professional musicians we are bringing in from Highridge Crossing. Apparently, they have a gifted Illusionist, too!¡± A second round of murmurs, this one even more excited, rippled around the ring. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡°Everyone, and again I shouldn¡¯t have to say this, but fresh showers and fresh clothes before the dinner. Clean up and make yourselves respectable. If any of you need or want to get your hair cut, report to the provisioning building after the evening meal over the next three days and someone will help pretty you up. If you have hair and beard adornments from when you arrived, you may wear them for the holiday, but then they come back out.¡±


    Instinctively, Callie took off her hat and grabbed one of her pigtails, pulling it in front of her eyes. It was a little longer than in those first days, and the ends were pretty raggedy from a month of constant training and abuse. Maybe a little bit of a trim would be a good idea? Yeah, just a bit off the ends. As she thought more about it, Callie found herself wanting to feel pretty for this dance, and for Pixyl, for that matter, and found herself a little bummed everyone would just be their everyday uniforms rather than being able to dress up. Maybe when they all made masks, she could come up with some ideas to fashion-up for the evening? If only she had a tight little black dress to wear like her college days.


    ¡°Since we have a second day of Midsummer this year, we¡¯re going to do the weekly bunkerball game that second day afternoon, followed by an outdoor picnic dinner, with the musicians providing more music into the evening. There will likely be the usual bonfire come dusk, but nothing else formally planned. Firstday and Secondday also have nothing planned so everyone can just relax and the visitors can begin their journeys home. You are on your own those two days. Again, best behavior, at least until all the visitors are gone.¡±


    Thorn tapped the sigil, muting it, before turning to Terrin. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Callie was able to hear him ask, with the Warlock nodding in return. Unmuting himself, Thorn continued. ¡°Moving on to why we¡¯re here. For the past two weeks, all of you have been training admirably on how to fight Imps and Fiends. Those two Demon types make up seventy, to maybe even eighty percent of what we see on the battlefield. The rest consist of other types of Demons with their own peculiar methods of fighting, and their own dangers. They begin to become smart, or have magical abilities they can use against you, or other odd characteristics.¡±


    Trainer Terrin stepped up, tapping his own sigil, and Thorn stepped back, yielding the ring to him as he muted. ¡°Starting this week, we¡¯re going to begin training on how to work together with other classes,¡± Terrin began. ¡°Specifically, we¡¯ll be pairing Guardian classes up with the ranged and Strikers. Guardians will Taunt and hold the Demon at bay, while the other person focuses on getting the kill. Each Guardian fights slightly differently, so you¡¯ll rotate to work with them all. On the battlefield, this ability to focus on your job, while others are focusing on theirs, will let you ultimately work in instinctive synergy together.¡±


    Waving his hands as he spoke, Terrin formed a Ritual Circle on the ground. ¡°The Demon we¡¯ll be working with this week is called a Netherhound. This is the next most-common demon you will encounter on the battlefield, and the first with magical abilities.¡± While he had been speaking, a purple glow began to coalesce inside the Circle, finally forming into the new Demon.


    All the recruits had seen one of these before, on that first full day when Tazrok punished the five and gave his inspirational speech about needing to grow up. This time, though, it wasn¡¯t nearly as terrifying. They now had four weeks of training under their belts, and two weeks fighting real Demons. They understood there would be new tactics to learn, but everyone knew that they had already learned a lot, and more importantly, how to keep their worry in check and focus on the enemy and what they needed to know.


    ¡°The Netherhound,¡± Terrin continued, ¡°fights similar to the Imp and Fiend in many ways.  They are fast, relentless, and dangerous. They also have four sets of claws instead of two, and sharp teeth.  All of you have trained for that kind of an attack, though, so while they are a little more capable, you know what to do.  However, the Netherhound, as I mentioned earlier, is the first of the Demons that begins to employ magical abilities, and you¡¯ll need to understand how to anticipate and defend against it.¡±


    Casually gesturing towards the Warlock end of the ring, Terrin sent the Nether hound in that direction with orders to sit patiently, which it did. Koda and Pixyl moved to the other end, Koda facing the Demon, while Pixyl took position behind and to his left.


    ¡°The Netherhound has the ability to go incorporeal for up to a few seconds,¡± Terrin said. ¡°During this time, you cannot hit it, and it will be very difficult to see, but luckily it cannot hit you, either. It uses this ability as part of its attack, disappearing just as it closes in. Your primary defense is situational awareness, so that you know where the monster is before it disappears, and thus can anticipate where it will reappear. The Guardians have been trained to Taunt it, drawing the monster¡¯s wrath upon themselves, and that gives the rest of you the opportunity to end the fight.¡± He glanced across the ring to Koda, who returned a sharp nod.


    With a flick of his finger, Terrin released the Netherhound. It didn¡¯t immediately charge, instead taking a few seconds to let out a horrific roar; almost a tortured scream. Then it was off, tearing up the ground. A blink of a moment later it leapt, and then it was gone, only a vaguely warbly haze in the air!


    Reappearing a split-second later in mid-leap, Pixyl rolled easily out of the way before the monster fell upon her. It turned to face the tiny Bladeweaver, her green energy sword in one hand and magenta shield on the other. Then it stopped, turned, and charged towards Koda.


    The oversized Paladin easily smashed the Demon off its feet with his shield.


    ¡°Do you have it?¡± Terrin called out.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Koda said with a grunt as he kicked the Netherhound in the face, sending it staggering. ¡°I can hold it.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Terrin said. He knew Koda wasn¡¯t like Pixyl. It wasn¡¯t in his training to prolong the fight, but he needed the recruits to see this. ¡°Everyone! Note how it is behaving now. Recruit Koda has Taunted it, and now appears to be the bigger threat. At this point, the Netherhound behaves much as a Fiend does. Fast and vicious, with occasional attempts to intimidate. Guardians have the skills to absorb or avoid those kinds of attacks, and to keep its attention.¡±


    The truth was, Koda could probably use the sword in his right hand to immediately slay the Demon, that was pretty obvious. The point here was for everyone to see the Demon move and fight, though, not simply die. Under normal circumstances, this fight would likely have already been long over, probably by Pixyl, in fact.


    ¡°Now that the Guardian has its attention, that allows the other person to easily come in for the kill with far less risk.¡± As Terrin provided commentary, Pixyl positioned herself and, at the right moment, zipped in. Her sword sliced the Netherhound at the neck. Immediately the two pieces fell to the ground, immediately beginning to turn to purple smoke.


    A round of applause went up around the ring, with someone shouting out, ¡®The Queen!¡¯. Koda threw the smoking rear half of the Netherhound off to the side, while Pixyl grabbed its head, flinging it likewise out of the way. The Pixie stretched, cracked her neck, and then shot Callie another wink.


    Callie had long since stopped being worried about Pixyl in the fighting ring. For the past two weeks she¡¯d seen the Pixie defeat Demon after Demon, usually toying with them in some form to demonstrate an important bit of knowledge. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but be amazed by the Bladeweaver¡¯s confidence, simply shaking her head slowly and muttering to herself, ¡°... and that¡¯s my girlfriend.¡±


    Terrin cleared his throat, reclaiming everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Obviously, we worked to slow that fight down so you all could see what was happening. We¡¯re going to do this several more times so you all know it, and then begin to speed things up. By the end of this week, all of you will be able to execute that kind of coordinated attack with your Guardians in the mere blink of an eye, and without even thinking about it.¡± He¡¯d said much the same thing during the previous demonstrations, and despite some initial doubts by the recruits, it had proven true.


    ¡°Now, shall we begin again?¡± Terrin said, looking across the ring as Koda and Pixyl returned to their ready positions.


    ¡°Bring it, Ancient One,¡± both the Paladin and the Bladeweaver called in unison, grins wide on their faces as Koda smashed his sword against his shield. Pixyl added a giggle and a rather rude gesture to emphasize the insult.

 Chapter 53 Part 3 - LBD

    PART III - LBD


    Callie waved farewell to Jesca and Pixyl. They were off to Medical to get their Yogosi refreshed, Pixyl grumbling about how it would make her queasy for at least a day or two. Now the end of the training day, they had each changed out of their armor, washed, and put on fresh clothes. Even Jesca braved the water, enjoying ten minutes relaxing in the hot bath. Since Callie had received her Yogosi only a month previous, she was given a pass, and now Callie had a mission of her own. She needed to move fast lest she give her surprise for Pixyl away.


    Quickly, she took off at a hurried jog, passing by the mess tent before detouring towards the tannery. She was looking for Quartermaster Fullo, and was hoping she was in her office.


    Opening the inset door, Callie stepped into the workspace, then up to the counter. Like the last time she was here, she could hear the voices of people working beyond, doing whatever it is they do to make, repair and clean clothing and armor and such. Unlike the last time, though, Fullo was in the room, and in conversation with Xin, both looking at a drawing.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Callie called out.


    Fullo glanced up and waved, ¡°Hello, Little One. I¡¯m working with this recruit, but give me a few minutes.¡±


    Curious, and without being invited, Callie walked around the counter to where the two were talking. ¡°What brings you here, Xin?¡±


    The Lizardkin looked down. ¡°I have come to see if I could get a mating shawl made for the upcoming holiday. It is not necessary, but would be very good to have.¡±


    Now even more curious, Callie stood on her tiptoes to try and see the picture, and Fullo turned it so she could get a better look. It was a detailed picture of someone that was obviously a Lizardkin. Draped around her was a long and wide loop of fabric that started behind her neck before crossing at her chest, and then circling around to her lower back. Xin had drawn two angles, and Callie could see the whole thing was then connected at the small of the person¡¯s back. The fabric had a detailed, almost-random design embroidered into it.


    ¡°I wish to give this to Nola as a gift,¡± Xin began by way of explanation. ¡°She will be my companion and I want her first time to be memorable.¡±


    Callie coughed, feeling as if she was suddenly inundated with a solid dose of ¡®too much information¡¯ about Pixyl¡¯s fellow Bladeweaver. ¡°I¡¯m sure it will be lovely,¡± she finally squeaked out.


    ¡°Let me see if we can do this,¡± Fullo said. ¡°I believe we can, but it will not be Lizardkin-crafted. We have none on staff.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Xin said. ¡°While not authentic, it will still serve its purpose.¡±


    ¡°Give me a few minutes,¡± Fullo said, setting the paper briefly on a table and making a few quick notes on the side. Straightening, she turned to Callie. ¡°I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡± The Tigerkin then walked through the rear doorway, leaving Callie and Xin standing alone.


    ¡°Why have you come, Little One Callie? Do you also require a shawl? Lena said that you and Pixyl are now mating.¡±


    Callie coughed again. She was always caught off-guard by Xin¡¯s outright bluntness and lack of tact, and this time was no different, especially with the memory of the previous morning still in the back of her head. ¡°Yes, we are together,¡± she finally choked out.


    ¡°Then may you find much happiness, although I did not know that two females could be a mated couple. Pixyl is indeed a female, right? She is lumpy like most females, but I wish to be sure.¡±


    Oh boy! ¡°Yes, she is. It¡¯s less common, but two females being together happens sometimes.¡± It was the best, and simplest, response she could come up with that hopefully wouldn¡¯t lead to more awkward questions.


    ¡°What does an Earth mating shawl look like?¡± Xin asked, genuine interest in her eyes.


    So much for no more questions! ¡°Umm¡­¡± Callie wavered, trying to figure out how to describe what she was looking for in a context the Lizardkin would understand, especially given her limited knowledge of culture outside her home valley. Seeing blank paper and pencils on the next workbench, she motioned Xin to follow.


    ¡°I don¡¯t draw as well or as artistically as you do,¡± Callie said as she began to work, ¡°but this might help.¡± Holding the image in her mind¡¯s eye, she quickly sketched out a front view, and then a second from the back.


    ¡°You draw very well, but how would you mate in this, Little One? It seems quite confining.¡±


    ¡°You ¡­ you would take it off at that point,¡± Callie said, her voice croaking again and face blushing.


    ¡°So you must wear this to attract the mate then, yes? I thought you were already bonded? Or is this simply to entice her to mate more?¡±


    Callie was about to try embarrassingly to explain further, but then plain gave up. ¡°Something like that, Xin.¡± Depending on how you look at it, she sort of had it right, or at least close enough.


    Xin smiled and stood proudly, happy she had understood the purpose for the strange clothing. In fact, she realized she could help to make sure Callie got what she was looking for. Without saying anything, she took another piece of parchment paper and a pencil from the small workbench Callie was standing at, and moved to one that was a more-proper height. She glanced at the Gnome, sizing her up and picturing the Little One¡¯s mating shawl in her mind.


    Quickly starting to sketch, Xin took the simple, almost technical drawing that Callie had made, and added an artistic flare to it. Instead of an undetailed figure of a vaguely bipedal shape, the face and body on Xin¡¯s picture was unmistakably Callie, detailed enough to show a choker made of flowers at her neck while the clothing showed off all the curves that would be emphasized.


    While Xin had been drawing, Callie had moved close, watching on tiptoes as the picture simply appeared before her, almost capturing exactly what she was hoping to talk Fullo into making. It took only a couple minutes from sketch to details, and Xin finally slid it over for inspection.


    ¡°Like this, Little One?¡± Xin asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, Xin! Amazing, even!¡±


    Again, the Lizardkin beamed at the praise. ¡°You will look very nice in this mating shawl, Little One. May you entice your mate many times.¡±


    ¡°Entice her mate?¡± Fullo asked, having returned to the room.


    Xin flashed the new picture to the Quartermaster. ¡°Yes, Callie wishes for a mating shawl as well.¡±


    Taking the drawing, Fullo furrowed her furry brow. ¡°A mating shawl? This is just a ¡­¡±


    Callie waved a hand dismissively in interruption, before handing over her own drawings. ¡°It''s easier to just let her call it that, trust me.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Fullo said, examining the drawings again, this time with a little more scrutiny. ¡°This is what you came to ask for?¡±


    Callie nodded. ¡°If you¡¯d be willing.¡±


    ¡°This is very out of the ordinary. What would you need this for?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m trying to look pretty?¡± Callie said with a questioning inflection.


    ¡°And black? In the summer?¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s for the dance party that night, so yeah.¡±


    Fullo shook her head, mumbling, ¡°It must be some strange, Gnomish custom then.¡± Looking up at Callie, she flatly stated, ¡°Making those hats for you and the other Rangers was one thing; we could at least say they were training related. We don¡¯t really have the time to be making custom clothing that isn¡¯t part of the uniform for everyone. At least Xin¡¯s request is for something special and culturally important to the Lizardkin people.¡±


    ¡°The Little One¡¯s shawl does not appear to be complex,¡± Xin said, pointing a claw at the picture she had drawn, as well as Callie¡¯s.


    ¡°That isn¡¯t the point,¡± Fullo replied crossly, looking side-eyed at the Shaman. She then glanced down, seeing the big, almost pleading, purple eyes on the little Gnome, and the hard resistance she was trying to put up seemed to melt a little. ¡°Alright,¡± she said with a resigned sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll go ask my people if they are willing to make the time. But if they say no, then that¡¯s the final answer, understood?¡±


    Callie quickly nodded. She had sort of expected it might be a longshot anyways.


    Still shaking her head slowly in disbelief, Fullo focused back to Xin. ¡°We will be able to make your shawl. It will take about four days though, because of all the beadwork. They wish it to be perfect.¡±


    ¡°Very much thank yous,¡± Xin said, bowing her head gratefully.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check on this,¡± Fullo said, disappearing into the back again, carrying the drawings with her.


    ¡°I must go, Little One Callie,¡± Xin said. ¡°I must still report to Medical to get my Yogosi replaced. You have my much hope for your mating enticement shawl to be made.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Xin!¡± Callie quickly called out as the Shaman started to leave.


    ¡°Yes, Little One?¡±


    ¡°This is a surprise. Especially for Pixyl. So don¡¯t say anything to anyone.¡±


    ¡°All the better way to entice her, then,¡± Xin said with an almost sly grin as she left.


    Callie puttered and twiddled her fingers for a few minutes while waiting, idly picking up and setting down various things on the workbenches. She didn¡¯t think she was making that big of a request, but she also had to admit she had no idea how busy things were in the back. The hats had only taken one day, though.


    ¡°Little One,¡± Fullo called out, finally walking back into the room, and looking about.


    ¡°Here,¡± Callie said from the other side of the area, quickly setting down the leather-working tool she was fiddling with.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ¡°For some reason, the Brownies want to look at you before they decide,¡± the Quartermaster said with a sigh. ¡°Have you ever met a Brownie?¡±


    ¡°I saw one that first day we were here, delivering a package to our cabin. But the others warned me never to talk to them, or they¡¯d wipe my memory.¡±


    Fullo nodded. ¡°The Brownies are a strange, private people. They are completely devoted to their work, thinking it almost as a form of artistry, and wanting everything to be perfect. They have a great deal of strange magic to accomplish that artistry. This is wonderful for us, because there is so much to do here. For the Brownies, though, that work ethic runs so deep that they will defend their work and their secrets if anything gets in their way. And yes, they can wipe several hours from your mind to keep those secrets.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, nervously.


    ¡°So,¡± Fullo continued, a strong warning tone in her voice as she held up a finger, ¡°they want to come out to look at you before they decide. If you really want this made, don¡¯t say anything. Just do what they tell you, let them do whatever they need to do, and answer their questions if they ask any. Understood?¡±


    Quickly, Callie nodded her head.


    ¡°Alright, then. Remember, best behavior.¡± Fullo turned and called out, ¡°Zyxengrisc, she¡¯s ready for you.¡±


    From around the corner poked a head, followed quickly by four more. The first Brownie walked out, the others trailing right after him. He was only about a half-meter tall, a little shorter than Pixyl, and looked up at Callie with seemingly skeptical eyes, while Callie simply swallowed nervously. With silvery hair and a few wrinkles on his face, he was obviously on the older-end of the age spectrum. He wore simple tan coveralls and carried a looped piece of string in one hand, what looked like the rolled up drawings in the other and a pencil wedged behind his ear. Behind him followed four younger female Brownies with the same clothing, padding along quietly, all also eyeing Callie carefully. In a lot of ways, their bodies were very similar in build to Pixyl¡¯s and the other flying Fae, save for the lack of wings, and longer, slightly-droopy ears.


    Gesturing to either side of the room, the silver-haired Brownie, who Callie assumed was this Zyxengrisc, spoke a series of words that Callie couldn¡¯t understand. It was an almost musical language, and filled with occasional chirps, tones and pops; not anything she¡¯d ever heard before.


    Immediately, the other four fanned out, each grabbing a small booster by one of the work benches and carrying it back. One they placed in front of Zyxengrisc, that Brownie taking the loop of string from him. Two of the other boosters were set on either side of Callie, with the last being set in front of her.


    The boss Brownie unrolled the drawings, laying them flat on the booster, using it as a makeshift table, before taking a pencil from behind his ear. ¡°Call what?¡± he asked with a heavy, thick accent, gesturing to the drawings.


    It took Callie a moment, but then it clicked. ¡°It¡¯s a dress,¡± she said simply.


    Zyxengrisc rolled his eyes. ¡°Yes, but mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­. It¡¯s just a basic little black dress,¡± she said, shrugging. Then she added, ¡°To look pretty in.¡± Then she added more, ¡°For the Midsummer dance.¡±


    One of the female Brownies said something in their unique language, as if clarifying.


    It took a moment, but then Zyxengrisc seemed to have a flash of clarity. ¡°Make sexyful?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡± Callie hedged. ¡°Sure? It''s supposed to be sexy, too?¡± She wasn¡¯t sure she was answering the question right. He could be referring to the dress itself, or that it would make Callie sexy by wearing it.


    The master Brownie tilted his head, then held up one of the pictures. He lowered the picture again to see Callie, and re-raised it. He did this several more times, comparing Callie to the picture, each time frowning a little deeper. He then started intensely speaking to two of the other Brownies in their native language. That chattering seemed to quickly escalate, both of the females putting their hands on their hips and raising their voices, before the other two ladies also joined in the argument. The four took turns gesturing towards Callie as they yelled at their boss, obviously irritated by something he¡¯d said.


    ¡°Wh-what¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie whispered to Fullo. The Tigerkin just snickered.


    ¡°Much little,¡± Zyxengrisc finally said, looking at Fullo while gesturing towards Callie. ¡°No ¡­¡° the Brownie trailed off, as if trying to find a word. Finally he set the drawing and pencil down. ¡°Much little,¡± he said again, this time with more emphasis while putting both hands on his chest.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie scowled defensively, momentarily forgetting she was supposed to keep silent unless asked. ¡°There¡¯s enough there!¡±


    Zyxengrisc shot Callie a glare of irritation, and then waved her off dismissively. ¡°Much much little. Not able sexyful dress.¡± Turning he started to walk out, Callie, Fullo and the other four Brownies stunned.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie called again, this time even more sharply and with a little anger in her tone, causing him to turn back. ¡°They may be little, but there¡¯s enough. You just need to ¡­ squish them in a bit. See?¡± With her hands, Callie pressed her breasts together through her shirt, part of her not quite able to believe she was having this argument. ¡°You just need to lift a bit, and then squish.¡±


    As one, all four of the female Brownies went off on Zyxengrisc again, obviously angry about his attitude. While they argued, Callie stopped pawing herself and looked to Fullo, not really sure what to do? The Tigerkin was still no help, simply shrugging in return, while smirking just a little bit more. This shouldn¡¯t be complicated. All she wanted was a simple, sexy little black dress that showed off her curves for the dance. This little guy was making it sound like it was an impossible task unless she had huge tits!


    Unsure what else to do, Callie simply stood there, watching the four lady Brownies yell at the fifth. He said little, uttering just a few words of their language while seeming to simply wave off whatever case they were making, almost seeming snooty about it. Then remembering Fullo¡¯s comment about the Brownies viewing their work almost as artistic, Callie had a sneaky idea¡­


    ¡°I mean, if it¡¯s just too hard for you, I understand,¡± Callie said dismissively, shrugging and letting out a sad, over-exaggerated sigh.


    A sudden silence filled the room, and Zyxengrisc slowly pushed the other tailors out the way as he took a few steps towards Callie. The silver-haired Brownie narrowed his eyes, putting his hands on his hips as he glared up at the Gnome. ¡°What say?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Callie said with a nod. ¡°I completely get it. It¡¯s really difficult to make someone looking like me all sexy. Fullo said you were all the best, but if it¡¯s just too hard for you, you only need to say so. I¡¯ll simply go to the party in my boring brown shirt and pants.¡± She was about ninety-percent sure she was about to get her memory zapped, so decided she might as well lay it on a little thick. ¡°It¡¯s too bad, I really just wanted to be pretty.¡± She followed that up with an even more-exaggerated sigh.


    It took a few seconds, but then the four assistant Brownies started a taunting chant in their native language. They soon added a sing-song inflection to it, making it pretty evident they were calling Zyxengrisc the Brownie equivalent of a fashion coward, utterly impugning his professional skills. A quick glance at Fullo showed she had covered her face, and was working hard to hide outright laughter.


    With a wave of his hand, Zyxengrisc cut off the chanting, taking a couple slow steps towards Callie and staring at her intently. ¡°Bovas!¡± he said coolly, hands on his hips. Even without knowing their language, Callie was fairly sure that was the Brownie equivalent of ¡®challenge accepted¡¯. With newfound vigor, he gestured to three of his assistants, rattling off a series of orders and causing them to run from the room.


    Returning to the drawings, Zyxengrisc looked through them, again holding one up to Callie as a comparison. Frowning, he set the drawing down, put his hands on his hips again, and said, ¡°See squish!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Squish! See squish!¡± This time he added a gesture of pushing breasts together as Callie had done.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Callie said, as she quickly repeated the motion, lifting and pressing inwards to show what it would take to make a little bit of cleavage.


    ¡°No, no! See squish.¡± Then he mimed opening a shirt, before gesturing to the remaining Brownie, who was holding the loop of string. ¡°Get sizeness.¡±


    ¡°You want me to take this off? Yeah, I¡¯m not going to do that.¡± There was a moment of tension.


    ¡°No squish? Then no ¡®ittle sexyful dress,¡± the senior Brownie said smugly, basically passing the dare back to Callie.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have that stone for measuring through someone¡¯s clothing?¡±


    ¡°Much little! Need tiny measure!¡± He held out his hand, showing a minuscule space between thumb and forefinger. ¡°Much little!¡±


    Callie looked to Fullo for help, but the Quartermaster just shrugged a ¡®you asked for it¡¯ response. For a long, hard moment Callie and Zyxengrisc stared each other down. Then, it occurred to Callie that well more than half the guys in the camp had seen her topless at some point already, so what was one more. Plus, she was on a mission now! She was going to get this damn dress! ¡°Fine!¡±


    With jerky, angry movements, Callie unbuttoned the top of her tunic, before untucking it from her pants and pulling it off over her head, tossing it roughly to the floor. ¡°Pixyl better be really enticed,¡± she growled to herself as she put her hands on her own hips and stared back at the little Brownie.


    ¡°Squish!¡± the Brownie said with a clear ¡®I¡¯m waiting¡¯ gesture.


    Rolling her eyes, Callie angrily smushed her boobs together. ¡°There! See? With the right cut you can make it work.¡± With a glare from the Brownie, she sighed and did it again, this time being much less rough and a lot more cooperative. ¡°Lift and press together.¡± She then glanced down, gesturing with her chin to the rest of her torso. ¡°Everything else you just make form fitting so it outlines my curves. That¡¯s it, nice and simple.¡±


    Looking down at the pictures again, Zyxengrisc picked up the pencil, made a tsking sound while shaking his head, and then spouted out a few Brownie-language instructions. Instantly, the remaining female Brownie stepped up on the booster in front of Callie.


    Pulling Callies hands away from her chest, the Brownie had her hold her arms out straight, before uncoiling the loop of long string. Callie saw it had multiple colored markings along its length, similar to the string that Vonn had used weeks ago when she measured all the Rangers for their Heartwood bows. Immediately, the Brownie started holding the string up to Callie¡¯s body, rattling off what must have been various measurements.


    The little Brownie was thorough, measuring everything from the length of Callie¡¯s arms, to the distance around her chest, both over and under her breasts. Then it was done again with Callie pressing them together. She then had Callie remove her pants, leaving her in just a pair of socks and her underwear, before returning to standing still with arms stretched wide.


    Neck circumference, waist size, butt size, leg length, finger length, ear length. If it was a part of Callie¡¯s body, it was ultimately measured, from the distance around her head all the way down to the circumference of her knee, with Zyxengrisc recording everything on the drawings. At least she didn¡¯t need to take any more off! Occasionally, the master tailor would call out something, with another measurement quickly taken or retaken.


    Callie, for her part, simply had to stand there, arms out wide, beginning to feel a little chilly and her chest showing it, and hoping nobody came through the office door behind her. ¡°She better be really, really fucking enticed,¡± she grumbled again to herself.


    Eventually, all measurements were completed about the same time that the three Brownies that had been sent off returned. Each of them had several long strips of cloth over their shoulders and were slightly winded. Nodding to them, Zyxengrisc walked towards Callie, still with her arms outstretched, and stepped up on to the booster. He tapped the top of Callie¡¯s arms, finally allowing her to drop them.


    One at a time, Zyxengrisc peeled a strip off the pile that each assistant had brought, holding it up to Callie¡¯s naked torso, as if to compare it or make sure it was the right one. Most he quickly tossed aside with a dismissive snarl, while a few he threw over his shoulder, apparently for later reconsideration. None of the cloth was black, though, most of it being a vague, grayish-white, but Callie assumed it could be dyed black, maybe even with magic.


    After a few minutes, the cloth testing had been completed, with Zyxengrisc rechecking several before narrowing it down to three. ¡°Pick,¡± he said flatly.


    Callie reached out, running a hand over each of them. They were all actually quite nice. None were the strong, linen-like cloth of their normal clothing or what was on their bunks. Instead, they were quite soft and two were mildly textured. They each felt almost perfect, but Callie eventually zeroed in on one that called to her. ¡°That one,¡± she said, pointing. ¡°It¡¯s a little more stretchy, so it will hug tighter.¡±


    Zyxengrisc nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes. Most sexyful.¡± He flopped the strip of cloth over Callie¡¯s shoulder, letting it hang down her back and chest, before stepping back a couple meters and considering, while tossing the other two strips aside. He returned his attention to the drawings, starting to make a few more notes.


    ¡°Can ¡­ can I put my clothes back ¡­¡± Callie eventually began to ask nervously, but a noise that actually sounded a lot like ¡®zip it!¡¯ came out of Zyxengrisc¡¯s mouth while he sharply held up a finger, silencing her while he concentrated on his notes.  All this for a stupid black dress? Callie had really jumped in over her head with what she hoped would be a simple request, but maybe now the worst was over. And maybe, if she was lucky, she wouldn¡¯t even remember any of this, once the Brownies scrambled her memory for talking back and being difficult.


    Callie¡¯s embarrassment suddenly increased tenfold as she heard the door open. She could tell by the voices immediately who it was, and instantly knew it was a thousand fates simply playing a joke on her. She closed her eyes, sighed, drooping her shoulders and waiting for the inevitable.


    The first voice stopped in mid-sentence. ¡°It appears,¡± Vanis said, carefully clearing his throat, ¡°that the tannery is currently indisposed.¡±


    ¡°Callie!¡± Lena snapped. ¡°Is there anywhere we can go where you actually keep your clothes on?¡±

 Chapter 54 - Pathways Forward

    PART I - PATHWAYS FORWARD


    ¡°Hello, Calliope,¡± a strange voice said. It sounded male, but at the same time, not quite, as if there was a slight harmonic echo of femininity in it at the same time.


    Callie opened her eyes, immediately regretting the action as bright whiteness momentarily blinded her. She groaned, having a vague sense of moving her hand to shield the light and it not seeming to help much. ¡°Hello?¡± she called back in response.


    There was a long pause, as if the voice wasn¡¯t sure what to say. ¡°You have made much progress,¡± it finally stated.


    ¡°Made much progress?¡± Progress towards what? Groaning again, Callie fought the brightness and opened her eyes, finally seeing a familiar expanse of endless white. Immediately, she realized where she was.


    ¡°You! Where the hell have you been!¡± In front of Callie, the familiar brown and yellow globe floated in mid-air, seeming to tilt quizzically. ¡°It¡¯s been three damn weeks of silence and I was absolutely sure I was imagining you. Well, I suppose I still could be imagining you. Are you real or am I dreaming?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am real,¡± said the simple response.


    ¡°That sounds exactly like something that something not real would lie to me about,¡± Callie said skeptically. ¡°So, where have you been?¡±


    ¡°Watching you,¡± the ball said, flashing an icon of an eyeball. ¡°Learning to speak to you. Working you towards your Silver tier.¡± There was a shimmer of light, and the floating ball seemed to dissolve into a hazy cloud of sparkling lights, which then coalesced into a vaguely bipedal shape. With a gesture, the people-shaped cloud of lights seemed to summon a pair of brown chairs, which rose from the white nothing of the floor. Both resembled an overstuffed recliner, and Callie had to admit that after a month of fantasy-land furniture, they looked quite comfortable, even if all of this was in her head. ¡°Sit?¡± the ghostly figure asked as an invitation.


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Callie said after a moment of wariness.


    She walked over to one of the chairs, waiting to see if the starry cloud of lights followed, and then took a seat when she saw it was moving to the other. The chair was as comfortable as it looked, and Callie¡¯s thoughts immediately drifted back to the big recliner they¡¯d had in the living room back in Chicago, which was perfect for curling up and reading on. She shifted her focus back to the other in the room. ¡°You¡¯re speaking much better than last time, it seems.¡±


    ¡°Words are ¡­ strange,¡± the Symbiote said. ¡°It took effort to learn how to use them. Words are so ¡­ slow.¡±


    ¡°If talking is slow, how do you normally communicate?¡± Callie asked, curiosity in her tone.


    There was a stillness in the fake room, as if the form was considering whether to answer, not just what to answer with. Callie quickly felt like she might have asked an improper question.


    ¡°Once bonded with a host, I am able to link with others of my kind close to me. No words needed.¡±


    ¡°Link with others? You mean the other Symbiotes, right?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Yes, if we are close enough.¡±


    Callie pondered that interesting bit of information. They must have some form of short-range telepathy, or something similar, that allows them to communicate. Like Artemis was able to do with Jesca, or she could do to control her Turrets. ¡°I suppose simply thinking thoughts would indeed be faster,¡± Callie agreed.


    ¡°Very so. There are many here to share knowledge; so we are able to work together to make all the hosts better.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? By giving us our skills?¡±


    ¡°That is right. But, in addition, I am able to learn of non-Ranger skills and perks, and how to build them, from the others.¡±


    The puzzled expression on Callie¡¯s face showed that explanation was lacking, and she shrugged her shoulders slightly. ¡°Build?¡±


    Casually lifting a hand, the Symbiote waved, causing a small, wispy, blue ball to appear, hanging in midair. Next, a similar wave of its other produced an emoji of a flame, likewise floating. ¡°I will try to explain it simply for you, but it is far more complex,¡± it said dryly. ¡°Pretend the blue cloud is mana, and flame is the result. How do you make it turn from mana into fire?¡±


    Callie deciphered the question for a moment before answering. ¡°You just cast the spell, I guess. Once you know it, that is.¡±


    ¡°But how?¡±


    Pondering the question even more, Callie still really couldn¡¯t see what the Symbiote was fishing for. If you wanted to cast a spell, you simply focused and the mana was turned into the result. Compared to Earth, that was weird as hell, but that¡¯s how it worked here. Or was it asking a deeper question? Maybe it was about the actual mechanics of converting mana into a spell? She¡¯d never really given it much thought, since it all just sort of worked, but then Callie remembered back to when she had nearly melted her brain with mana loss. Tasi had mentioned pathways in her brain could be burned out if she went too far. Was that how magic worked? You focused your mana along these paths to get the result? ¡°Mana pathways?¡± she suggested questioningly.


    The Symbiote gestured again, the cloud and flame moving apart a little bit and a holographic outline of a brain appearing in the air between them. Then, a needle-thin glowing red line began to form out from the mana cloud, entering the brain picture. It turned, going a short way in another direction before turning again. It bounced over a dozen times throughout the inside of the three-dimensional brain image, before finally leaving and reaching the flame.


    ¡°A specific path for mana yields a specific result.¡± A new line formed from the pool of mana, this one blue, and it likewise ricocheted throughout the brain in completely different directions, before exiting and connecting to the image of a water droplet. ¡°This blue path represents a different skill.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I think I see so far,¡± Callie said, still a little perplexed but willing to keep going to see where the explanation would lead.


    ¡°The paths for skills and perks for your class may form naturally in time,¡± the Symbiote said, ¡°or as you study new ones.¡± Then, it gestured towards itself. ¡°I am also able to create new pathways for skills and perks that I also know or discover.¡± Standing and reaching into the brain image, it moved its finger around, leaving a green pathway behind before it also exited out to the image of a green leaf.


    ¡°Wait, so that¡¯s how you were able to give all the recruits our skills and perks that first day? You all were creating these paths for each of us?¡±


    ¡°That is correct, and the more you use those skills and perks, the easier it is for me to reinforce the pathways you already have, increasing their capability.¡±


    ¡°Then, once you are done making all the pathways for a new Tier,¡± Callie continued with the explanation, actually now enjoying deciphering this puzzle, ¡°that¡¯s when we level up to the next one and get all our new powers, right? When we ask you our level, you must be telling us the percentage completed of your pathmaking or something, and getting sick must be you completing all those connections.¡±


    ¡°A very good deduction. The first Iron paths are very easy to carve, but we need to complete them slowly for a new brain. For Bronze, we make the last part of the connections at the same time, to ease side-effects to a single event, as your brain is no longer new and can endure all the impact.¡±


    That must explain why all their reveals at Iron Tier were doled out slowly over the morning, because their inexperienced brains couldn¡¯t handle them all at once. Then, at Bronze and presumably higher, they received them all at the same time to just get it over with. That actually seemed to make sense to Callie, for some reason.


    ¡°Are these pathways only in our brain, like these examples? Or do they go all over our body?¡±


    ¡°The pathways for creation are in your brain,¡± The Symbiote said, and then hesitantly continued as if trying to find a way to explain. ¡°There is something similar to these pathways throughout your body to focus the result, but I cannot affect them in any way, so it¡¯s not really relevant for this conversation.¡±


    Standing, Callie walked over to the floating brain image, reaching up into it, tracing one of the lines. Puzzling some more for several seconds, Callie asked for a confirmation of her next thought. ¡°A synergized skill, then, must follow the same path, or close to it, right?¡±


    With a wave the lines faded, and a new one formed, bouncing throughout the brain. ¡°This is Multishot.¡± Then a second line formed, this time branching off the first. ¡°This is Rain of Arrows.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Callie said, nodding. ¡°I think I¡¯m starting to see how this is working. This explains why changes to my Multishot affect Rain of Arrows. So how does a melded power work?¡±


    ¡°This is where it starts to get much more complicated, and this simple demonstration does not suffice,¡± the Symbiote explained, the lack of emotion a little awkward and lecturing. ¡°It will serve for now, however.¡±


    Callie shifted forward, double-focusing her attention. This was still rather fascinating to learn, even if dumbed down. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to keep up.¡±


    ¡°To give someone a skill or perk, we can create a new path for a skill or perk we already know, as I have mentioned. We are also able to use a shortcut, by hooking into some elements of other related skills, perks, or racial traits, and sometimes a person¡¯s personality. The benefit of this is that it is not only easier and faster, but also will maintain the same tier ranking of the parent capability. This results in a melded power.¡±


    Callie nodded in partial understanding. ¡°Then, my melded stuff, like Effect Layering for example, must touch more than one skill or perk, right?


    ¡°That is correct, or some other fundamental aspect of your being,¡± the Symbiote replied, actually seeming quite pleased Callie was understanding the representation, despite also showing very little, if any, emotion. To demonstrate, two lines formed, which was explained to represent Tinker and Advanced Archery. Then a third formed hooking into both of the others before exiting as Effect Layering.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°This was very interesting to create,¡± the Symbiote said, seeming quite pleased with itself.


    ¡°Create?¡±


    ¡°This is the first time I have had Tinker available to me, so I was able to design something unique.¡±


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Callie gasped, her eyes going wide. ¡°So ¡­ you can make up new things, too? Just carve any skill or perk into our head that someone might imagine? You¡¯d just need to find the right pathway through our brain to make it work, right?¡±


    ¡°That is right, within some practical limits of magic. When I create, I hope to find a guide or hook of some kind to be part of it. This is why Turret is melded with the others, for example. Without those guides, it would take a great, great deal of creative time to experiment and form the skill from scratch, perhaps many years. Time is better spent right now on base Ranger skills to raise your tier.¡±


    That also made perfect sense, as Callie thought about it. Being able to use something¡¯s existing pathway as a partial guide for something new and unique would obviously drastically reduce the amount of work needed. Then she remembered, ¡°You said you could learn from other Symbiotes, via your telepathy or whatever. Does that mean, say, a Bladeweaver Symbiote could teach you how to carve Ethereal Blast, and then you could give that to me?¡±


    Shaking its head, the Symbiote said, ¡°That skill requires the ability to manipulate Ether, which you can not do, in part because you don¡¯t have the compatible pathways I mentioned throughout your body. Some things cannot be learned, as they are unique to a specific class, as well. But if something was compatible with your magic, and I knew or discovered how to create it, I could do just that.¡±


    ¡°This is how Jesca learned Dash, right?¡± Callie said. ¡°Her Symbiote asked a Bladeweaver one how to do it, or already knew it in advance. The same thing happened with Pixyl getting Flashstep yesterday?¡±


    ¡°That is right, although their Symbiotes were both able to meld it with an existing aspect or skill to make it easier, and allow it to improve fully to their tier increases. I also shared some instruction about Homing Shot that was used for Pixyl¡¯s Homing Ethereal Blast.¡±


    ¡°And because there are so many Symbiotes here, you are all basically exchanging notes?¡±


    The ghostly form nodded. ¡°This is the first time I have been in the close presence of more than four or five others for so long, and even then they were almost always Rangers. In all my hosts before you, I have never had the opportunity to learn so much so quickly, and get so creative.¡±


    ¡°Hosts before me?¡± Callie said, and then remembered Vanis mentioning that first night that Symbiotes are reused when a host dies. ¡°How many have there been?¡±


    ¡°You are the seventh.¡±


    That actually caused Callie to stumble backwards a step. ¡°Seven? You¡¯ve been bonded with six others before me? How much of one of their lives do you remember?¡±


    ¡°All of it, just as I will remember all of yours in the centuries to come. Unless I die, that is.¡±


    A huge weight of inadequacy suddenly washed over Callie, and she fell back into the chair as she imagined herself being compared to the six Rangers that came before her. They all had to have been better than her, right?. They at least came from this world and understood how the hell things worked. She was just this hot mess of a girl from another planet, after all, and a Gnome on top of that. ¡°How ¡­ how am I doing? Compared to them I mean.¡± she asked hesitantly.


    ¡°It does not matter.¡±


    ¡°It ¡­ it does to me. At least tell me if I¡¯m doing bad.¡±


    ¡°How do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I guess?¡± Callie replied, not really noticing the question had been thrown back at her, and not really convinced of her answer, either.


    ¡°Then you are doing ¡®okay¡¯. We do not judge or rate. We are only passengers, after all, paying our way by helping you receive your powers. We only wish to observe a life as it happens, and collect those memories.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°How else could we see the world? How else could we meet people and have grand experiences like you do? We are only tiny things after all. Once bonded, we are able to live our lives through the lives of others. But, we also make a choice to not interfere or make ourselves known, so as to not unduly influence our hosts. You were an exception I made, because you were different, and I had to know your intent quickly. Others of my kind are not completely happy that you and I have communicated.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it? You do all this because you just want to see the world?¡±


    ¡°Is life nothing more than a series of experiences? Would you not also do the same to have as many as possible? For us, these memories are precious. This is our way.¡±


    ¡°It''s ¡­¡± Callie started to respond, but then she stopped. She¡¯d needed to look at a lot of things lately from strange perspectives, and as she considered the Symbiote¡¯s words she actually started to see theirs. Given a choice between living a life as a tiny little caterpillar in the wild, or hitchhiking a ride with someone else and seeing the world through their eyes, it didn¡¯t really seem like something to even think about. Slowly she leaned back in the chair weighing the implications. ¡°So, with a future host, would you be able to teach them Summon Turret, even if they weren¡¯t a Gnome with Tinker and Carpentry?¡±


    There was a pause as the Symbiote worked to assemble a meaningful response. ¡°Possibly. I would have to find a substitute to those two pathways to meld to, or create a functional alternative to them. But now that I know how to do it, it is likely.¡±


    ¡°Could you teach, say, Jesca¡¯s Symbiote how to do it? Or teach it the Effect Layering perk?¡±


    ¡°It would be difficult, as it wouldn¡¯t have the references I received from the pathways I melded them with, and we don¡¯t have much time before everyone leaves. Perhaps I could devise a subset of them, however ¡­¡± The Symbiote trailed off as if falling deep into thought. Callie didn¡¯t want to interrupt, and eventually it snapped back to attention. ¡°But, we are not here to talk of me or my purpose,¡± the people-shaped cloud said, sitting down in the other chair.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to level to Silver, aren¡¯t I?¡± Callie said in response, refocusing. She had assumed that was the case given her close point total and her sudden appearance here. ¡°Is that what you wanted to talk about?¡±


    ¡°You are. I think you will be pleased by what you receive, and more importantly, the upgrades to your current powers. But that is not what I wish to discuss.¡±


    Callie had been about to ask what her new powers were going to be, but the statement that it wasn¡¯t the topic stopped her. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. But since we¡¯ve already communicated, it occurred to me that we might as well collaborate on how you wish to grow. In my previous lives, I have had to largely guess as to what might make my host happy. Tell me, as I help you grow to Gold, what kind of Ranger do you wish to become?¡±


    What did that question mean?  ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t actually know,¡± Callie said. ¡°I didn¡¯t think there were different kinds.¡±


    ¡°Do you wish to perhaps remain in the military? Become a Warden? Does being a Symbiote finder still appeal to you? After you reach Gold, it becomes much more difficult to reach higher tiers, so we have the opportunity to take your future plans into account before we get there.¡±


    ¡°Truly, I don¡¯t know,¡± Callie said. She¡¯d been wavering on the idea of being a worm hunter a little bit of late, especially now that Pixyl was part of the picture. Even if it didn¡¯t work out with her, and she really wanted it to, Callie found a piece of herself just wanting to settle down in a quiet little somewhere and live happily ever after. But that said, she really had no idea what other choices might be available to her. This was like having to decide when you¡¯re five years old what you want to do when you grow up, and then being stuck with it. Still, she had made a promise to her passenger to become a hunter.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t know,¡± she said again. ¡°I mean, outside of looking for other Symbiotes and wanting to maybe learn Culinar and Enchanting stuff, I haven¡¯t given the future really any thought. I don¡¯t even know what I could do.¡±


    ¡°You could do anything you wish to,¡± the Symbiote said. Then, as if reading her mind, added, ¡°I will not hold you to your promise to me, if that is your concern. What you did with the Dryad is more than fulfilling it. Many of us will find their memories because of you and her.¡±


    Callie found that an unexpected huge relief. Not because she was opposed to the idea of seeking out Symbiotes professionally, but instead her options post-war were now more open. She really could potentially do anything she wanted, maybe with whomever, too. Then it hit her. ¡®Post-war¡¯.


    ¡°I suppose the first thing I need to do is get through my Curse. Nothing in my future beyond that really matters if I¡¯m not alive to do it.¡±


    ¡°Then let me ask you this, where do you see your current skills and perks lacking? What other powers do you feel would help you survive what is to come? I, of course, have ideas from my previous lives and the others around us, but I would like to know yours.¡±


    Immediately, Callie¡¯s head was flooded with images of all the other powers her friends had. Ambria¡¯s amazing healing. Lhawni¡¯s Totems and throwing lightning bolts. Everything Pixyl could do. Vanis and his demons. Hell, Tazrok and his shapeshifting, for that matter. There was so much to choose from just in those choices, assuming they were options.


    Still, she needed to give it some serious thought, and focus on what would be useful, not just what might be cool. What was she lacking? Sword skills, for one. Sure, she could hold her own in a basic fight, but she didn¡¯t have any special moves like Lena or the Duelists, save the ability to dodge. Healing of some kind, maybe? She couldn¡¯t fight if she was hurt, after all. Hell, she needed more ways not to get hurt in the first place. Flight of some kind would be cool, but also useful, to be able to scout or even shoot from the air, since she was so short. As she considered her power repertoire, Callie started to see more and more holes that could use some plugging.


    ¡°Those are all good observations,¡± the Symbiote said after Callie relayed those thoughts. ¡°I had many of the same ones as well.¡±


    ¡°Those were just things that came immediately to mind. If I think about it more, I¡¯m sure I could come up with other and better ideas, too. Can we talk more about it after I think a bit? In a couple days?¡±


    ¡°If you wish. However, I did have one important question, which was one of the primary reasons I brought you here tonight. Would you prefer to reach Gold before you leave, or would you rather have a wider variety of skills and perks? I could focus on either goal. We will not have time to do both. Keep in mind, the increase at Gold for your base Ranger powers is quite notable, so if you reached that tier, you would have time to train them with the experts.¡±


    Another interesting question. If she focused on reaching Gold, she¡¯d have really powerful capabilities with her current skills and perks, and maybe a few more Ranger skills added. But if Callie pushed that off a bit, she could get more variety and options from the other things. It was a question of sacrificing power for flexibility. Then Callie thought back to all the times she¡¯d needed to get creative about something during the Bogwump and Elemental fights. If she had more capabilities to choose from, that allowed for more ways to ¡®Callie up¡¯ a solution of some kind, so that felt like it would be the better choice.


    ¡°More powers?¡± Callie said out loud, a little questioning hesitation in her voice, but then she added a sharp nod of assurance. ¡°Yup, that¡¯s the best idea. With the other Symbiotes here, you have the opportunity to learn what you need to make that happen. Once we leave camp, we can start pushing Gold.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± came the simple return nod of acknowledgement. ¡°Rather than make you wait until Gold, I will complete each new capability as I go. Do note, some of these may be off-class non-melded powers, so they will not be Silver ranked when I complete them, but that will come as you use them and I am able to reinforce the pathways. You will get ill each time one is revealed, however.¡±


    ¡°Worth it, easily,¡± Callie said without hesitation. ¡°If I¡¯d have to wait for Gold to get them all at once, then what¡¯s the point, right?¡± She smiled, actually excited to have learned these strange cranial mechanics that went into making magic work, and looking forward to discussing it with Thorn. The Symbiote had said it was only a simplistic explanation, so there was obviously a lot more to it, but what she did learn seemed to somehow make sense.


    Then she realized something¡­ ¡°Is ¡­ is it okay if I talk to others about how this works? I might be able to use their advice on what skills might be useful. I know Thorn would absolutely geek out about it, too.¡±


    There was a long, heavy pause, as if the Symbiote was considering the question deeply. Finally, it responded, but the response was hesitant. ¡°You may. I have chosen to reveal myself to you, so it is only natural that what you learn would be shared. Just remember that the explanation I gave you is quite rudimentary.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Thanks. And thank you for trusting in me, too.¡±


    ¡°Of course. As it is, that is the only thing I truly needed to speak of tonight,¡± the Symbiote said, the statement sounding almost like a dismissal. ¡°I will complete your new Silver tier upon your awakening. You will want to be prepared.¡±


    ¡°What? I don¡¯t get a silver medal this time?¡±


    ¡°Do you wish for one?¡±


    ¡°Actually, yeah, I do,¡± Callie said a little smugly. ¡°It makes it feel like an ¡­¡± Callies words were suddenly cut off by the distant sounds of somebody screaming in panic. The noise seemed to echo and bounce around the white void. ¡°What is that?¡±


    The form seemed to make an almost quizzical expression, trying to analyze the sounds. ¡°An emergency in the real world!¡± it said quickly. ¡°You must awaken! I will hold off as long as I am able.¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡± was all Callie was able to squeak, before something pulled her from the sea of white.

 Chapter 55 Part 1 - Rushing to Aid

    PART I - RUSHING TO AID


    The bright white of the fake world was replaced by the darkness of the real one, and instinctively Callie activated her Darkvision. Next to her, Pixyl was scrambling to consciousness as well, disentangling from where she¡¯d entwined herself with Callie. There was another piercing scream and that helped to force a little more of the murkiness out of Callie¡¯s head. She started to leap to her feet, solidly clunking herself on the underside of the bed over the blanket fort.


    ¡°Ow!¡± Callie grunted as she grabbed the top of her head with one hand while groping for her shirt with the other, before rolling out through the blanket walls. On the other side, Pixyl was likewise scrambling out. Around the cabin, Vanis, Tazrok and Xin were all waking up as well.


    Standing in front of the table between Vanis and Tazrok¡¯s beds was Lena, wearing only her binder and underwear and looking into the mirror, screaming in panic. She had let her hair down, and there were subtle wisps of what looked like smoke coming out of it, and many areas looked blackened and scorched. She screamed again!


    ¡°Lena!¡± Callie shouted as she shrugged her top on, not sure what was happening to her friend.


    Lena just continued screaming as Tazrok¡¯s feet loudly hit the floor behind her. His face was still a little confused from just waking, but he called out, ¡°Need light!¡±


    Callie caught Tazrok¡¯s call and was just about to summon her bow to put a Flare arrow into the underside of the roof, but Xin¡¯s Lizardkin reflexes were faster and she launched a Ball of Light out from her clawed hand. It splatted onto the ceiling, lighting up the room fairly brightly, before being followed by a second Ball that quickly moved to hang in midair close to the screaming Elf.


    ¡°My stars!¡± Vanis gasped seeing Lena¡¯s burning head.


    Tazrok¡¯s eyes went wide in recognition. ¡°Firelice!¡± He looked around the room. ¡°Need to wet blanket!¡± There was a wibble of magic as the Ogre held his hands over Lena¡¯s head before a stream of summoned water began.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it!¡± Pixyl said near instantly, apparently understanding what was happening, but not realizing Tazrok was creating the water. She ran by Callie, stopping just long enough to rip the blanket off her own bed, before rushing through the door. This was followed immediately by the whooshing sound of her Dash being activated, as she ran at enhanced speed to the fountain.


    ¡°Was she even wearing clothes?¡± Vanis asked as the door fell shut.


    ¡°Her underwear, I think?¡± Callie said, still a little confused and rubbing her head where she¡¯d clonked it. ¡°But nothing up top.¡±


    Before that question could be properly digested, Lena screamed again, this time looking at her hands. They were covered with a sticky discolored something that was lightly smoking, what looked like a few blisters already visible.


    ¡°Hold arms!¡± Tazrok commanded, pointing to Vanis and then to Xin. ¡°Do not let Lena Elf touch anything! Do not touch oil!¡±


    Xin vaulted over Vanis¡¯s bed, grabbing one of Lena¡¯s arms while Vanis grabbed her other. Lena struggled, still staring at herself in the mirror, screaming in pain and pure horror, watching as large swathes of her butt-length hair smoldered. A long chunk fell to the floor, leaving minute pieces of ash floating in the air behind it.


    ¡°What is firelice?¡± Xin asked, struggling to hold Lena still and keep her from touching anything, not knowing what the Ogre was talking about.


    ¡°Oil burn hair and skin,¡± Tazrok replied.


    Callie was starting to get her wits about her, the final remnants of the mind-conversation with her Symbiote fading away, or maybe being pushed aside for later. Smacking her head hadn¡¯t helped any, either. ¡°What do we do?¡±


    ¡°Need wet blanket,¡± Tazrok said again. He pointed with a wet hand towards Lena¡¯s bed, spraying water in an arc. ¡°Mine too heavy.¡±


    Before Callie could make a move, there was a crackling sound from outside coinciding with something solidly thumping into the door. ¡°Ow!¡± came a groan, which was followed by a second, softer thumping noise.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Callie ran for the door,, throwing it wide to find Pixyl sitting on her rear, hand rubbing her head and looking a little dazed. The blanket was in a heap next to her, now soaked, with water running in tiny rivulets across the porch. Callie grabbed it, racing back into the cabin, dragging the now-heavy blanket across the floor. ¡°Here!¡±


    Tazrok reached, taking the blanket from Callie and letting it fall fully open. With no warning to Vanis and Xin, he threw it over Lena¡¯s head, trapping the other two momentarily. ¡°Wrap head. Wrap hands.¡±


    Struggling to keep Lena subdued, Vanis and Xin worked to wrap the heavy, soaked blanket around her head, yet leave an opening so she could breathe. Somewhere in there, she opened her blistering hands enough to grab some of the wet fabric, seeming to audibly sigh as the water helped soothe the burning.


    Callie ran back to the door. Just outside, the nearly-naked Pixyl was sitting on the porch in only her underwear, still stunned from what Callie presumed was a mis-judged Flashstep right into the door. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Callie asked, kneeling at her side.


    The Pixie groaned, continuing to look unfocused and still holding her head. She was probably seeing stars. ¡°Xin!¡± Callie called. ¡°Pixyl¡¯s hurt! I need you!¡±


    Looking up, Callie saw the faces of several people beginning to emerge from their cabins, awakened by the screaming commotion. Refocusing back to Pixyl, she pulled Pixyl¡¯s hand away and could see something starting to form on her forehead with a split in the skin dribbling a little bit of blood. ¡°Help is coming!¡± she said quickly. She resisted the urge to get Pixyl on her feet and back inside, not daring to move her until Xin had taken a look.


    Xin heard Callie¡¯s call for help, and was momentarily unsure what to do as she held Lena¡¯s screaming, flailing form. Even with the wet blanket over her head, Lena was still obviously in pain, but Callie¡¯s voice had been insistent. ¡°We do not have time for this!¡± she finally hissed. With no warning, the spikes in her tail snicked out, and she drove them right into Lena¡¯s squirming butt, right through the Elf¡¯s underwear. A hard few seconds passed, and then Lena started to slow, before going limp. ¡°Here!¡± Xin said, handing her half of the now-unconscious weight off to Vanis. She cast a fast touch-heal to Lena¡¯s now quite-bloody bottom as a stopgap. ¡°I will heal the rest later.¡± she assured, before running for the door.


    Callie heard the sound of footsteps, and glanced back to see Xin rushing for them. Behind her, Vanis struggled to hold Lena upright. ¡°I think she Flashstepped head-first into the door,¡± she said to Xin, sliding to the side as the Shaman knelt. ¡°She¡¯s all woozy.¡±


    ¡°Woo-zee?¡± Xin said, before shaking out of the confusing Callie-speak and getting her focus back to the injured Pixie. There was definitely a bloody lump forming on her forehead, which could indicate a possible concussion. The Pixie was moving her feet, though, so Xin just scooped her up, being careful of her wings as they¡¯d been taught, and walked back inside. Lying Pixyl down on her bed, again being careful of her wing positions, she called up the Diagnose spell. Despite the big bruise and lump forming, as well as the blood, she was able to determine that there were no broken bones and no immediate sign of a concussion. Xin quickly pushed a touch heal into Pixyl. ¡°She will be fine. It is not serious. Let me work, but she should get her wits soon.¡±


    As Xin tended to Pixyl, Vanis nearly collapsed from the dead weight of Lena¡¯s heavily muscled form being dumped on him. He was saved only by Tazrok, who, with unexpected dexterity moved under Lena, first catching her, and then scooping her up in his arms.


    ¡°Must get to shower to slow burning. Then need milk,¡± the Ogre said, starting for the door.


    ¡°Milk?¡± Xin said, glancing up from Pixyl¡¯s groaning form, unsure if she¡¯d heard correctly.


    ¡°Yes. Lots. Remove fire oil.¡±


    Callie overheard the call for milk, and turned away from where Xin was tending to her girlfriend. ¡°They¡¯ll have that in the kitchens. There should be lots of people there, including Pama to replicate, if needed.¡±


    Tazrok stomped past with Lena, his heavy footsteps sending pulses through the wood flooring as he shouldered the larger Ogre door nearly off its hinges, splinters of wood from the frame flying. Vanis followed close behind, an intense look on his face.


    Callie was torn momentarily between following, or staying with Pixyl. But Xin had the Pixie under care, and Lena was apparently still on fire. She rushed after Vanis, emerging into the predawn light just as Jesca raced up, wearing only her skimpy running outfit, Artemis next to her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± the Beastmaster asked as Tazrok rushed by, carrying the unconscious Bladedancer in his huge arms.


    ¡°Firelice,¡± Tazrok grunted, turning towards the bathhouse.


    ¡°She needs ¡­¡± Callie started.


    ¡°She needs milk!¡± exclaimed Jesca.


    ¡°... milk!¡± Callie finished, before realizing that Jesca already knew what to do. ¡°The kitchen will have it! Go! Use Dash. I¡¯ll be right behind you!¡±


    Jesca nodded, turned, and took off in a streak of light, Artemis racing after her in a sprinting gallop to catch up.


    Jumping down from the porch, Callie started to chase after as well.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Vanis called, urgency in his voice.


    Screeching to a halt, Callie looked back, angry at being stopped. ¡°What!¡±


    ¡°Clothes!¡±


    Callie looked down, suddenly realizing that all she was wearing was her loose shirt, underwear and a pair of wet socks, the buttons on the shirt undone and letting in a goodly amount of air. ¡°Oh for fuck¡¯s sake!¡± she growled to herself. Hugging her top fully closed, she quickly ran back inside. Behind her, she heard a wolf-whistle from someone.


    Apparently, unlike socks on the damn door handle, catcalls were universal.

 Chapter 55 Part 2- Not Great; Not Terrible

    PART II - NOT GREAT; NOT TERRIBLE


    Tazrok rushed Lena into the showers, charging into the empty female side of the building. Vanis followed right behind, rushing around him to pull the chains that would turn the water on. Since it was one of the normal-sized stalls, Tazrok simply sat on the floor, cradling Lena¡¯s unconscious form face-down while both of them were drenched. The water was only a stopgap, though, able to slow or temporarily halt the burning reaction, but not able to remove the oils.


    Having awkwardly run back into Ogre House, Callie retrieved fresh clothes from her footlocker. Finished with tending to Pixyl, Xin rushed after Lena, presumably to repair her punctured rear and maybe cure the poison that knocked her out. Pixyl was still lying on her bed, groaning a bit with a hand to her forehead, still fuzzy from her Flashstep header into the door, but seeming to be getting it together.


    Callie dressed quickly, and then got a set of new clothes from Pixyl¡¯s footlocker for her as well. Sitting up, but still holding her head, the Pixie grudgingly accepted help from Callie getting dressed. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked with a groan.


    ¡°You Flashstepped right into the door, you beautiful goof,¡± Callie said, trying to put on a bit of a smile. ¡°Up to now, how many times have you used that skill?¡± she asked as she hooked Pixyl¡¯s binder into place.


    ¡°Um ¡­ just twice?¡± Pixyl said, a bit of a questioning inflection to her shaky voice.


    ¡°Maybe you should get a little better with it in open areas before you try something like that again?¡± Callie suggested rhetorically. As she buttoned Pixyl¡¯s tunic for her, Callie realized part of her was oddly enjoying helping Pixyl get dressed. It felt intimate, without being necessarily sexual, and she felt closer to her girlfriend because of it. A vision of doing this as a pair of old ladies in some far distant future then unexpectedly danced through her head.


    ¡°Lena!¡± Pixyl suddenly shouted, eyes going wide, finally remembering what all had happened a short time before. ¡°Is she okay? She needs m-m-milk!¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey ¡­ they took her to the showers and Jesca went for the milk,¡± Callie said with a soothing tone, holding a pair of pants open so Pixyl could slide off the bed into them. ¡°We¡¯ll go see how we can help as soon as you are able, okay? I think they¡¯ve got everything in hand. Do you know what happened? Something about firelice. Doesn¡¯t sound friendly, whatever it is.¡±


    Now standing, Pixyl was mostly refocused and gestured towards her boots, where a pair of socks had been pre-stuffed. ¡°They are a little green b-b-beetle,¡± she said as Callie put the boots before her and started helping with the socks. ¡°Usually, they are harmless, but if they feel threatened, they spray an oil that melts skin and hair. It¡¯s super sticky, too, so you can¡¯t just w-w-wipe it away.¡±


    ¡°And milk? I¡¯m guessing it neutralizes it?¡±


    Pixyl responded with a quick nod. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    Soon, socks and boots on, Pixyl stretched her body long to get her clothes comfortable. Confirming she was able to see and walk straight, the two jogged over towards the bathhouse just as Jesca sprinted up, using her charge of Beastmaster Dash for the return trip from the kitchens. In each hand was an oversized waterskin, presumably filled with milk.


    ¡°I got what I could, but Pama is replicating more from the last little bit,¡± Jesca said. ¡°They are all inside?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Artemis?¡±


    ¡°I recalled her. She won¡¯t be happy, but I didn¡¯t want her to get in the way.¡±


    Callie nodded, and together the three entered, finding Tazrok sitting, still holding Lena face down across his lap, her head under the falling water. Xin was kneeling, tending carefully to Lena¡¯s bottom. While the punctures weren¡¯t necessarily large, they were deep and bloody, the three spikes in her tail almost fifteen centimeters long when fully extended. As a result, the Shaman was focusing on using her slow healing spell, rebuilding the damage layer by layer.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some milk,¡± Jesca said.


    ¡°Water off!¡± Tazrok grunted pointing up, and Vanis quickly grabbed the chains to close the overhead valve. ¡°Pour milk,¡± he said, then looked at Jesca. ¡°Will need more.¡±


    ¡°I know, they¡¯re bringing it,¡± Jesca confirmed as she handed off the first oversized waterskin.


    Vanis knelt, pulling the stopper and pouring steadily over Lena¡¯s head and her upturned hands. As he did, it was quickly apparent the amount of damage the Firelice had done. Long locks of hair had broken and washed away from Lena¡¯s scalp, forming an ever-growing pile on the floor. Her head was red with the oil, and even blistered in a couple places, and Callie was silently thankful that her friend was unconscious at the moment.


    ¡°More!¡± Tazrok said, pointing at Jesca for the second waterskin of milk. Just as the first, Vanis slowly poured the white liquid over Lena¡¯s head and hands. More and more hair was being dislodged, though.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Callie heard a voice outside say. She quickly recognized it as the Commandant, probably coming by for their morning shower. ¡°All of you disperse. Now!¡±


    ¡°The Commandant is here,¡± Callie warned in a loud whisper. Everyone was so focused on what they were doing or watching, she wasn¡¯t sure who heard her.


    ¡°Recruits?¡± Xera asked with a puzzled expression as they walked in, before quickly jogging up to see what was going on. They saw the prone figure being covered in milk. ¡°Firelice?¡±


    ¡°It appears so. More milk is coming.¡± Vanis said, standing, the second waterskin now empty. ¡°Hopefully this has slowed the effects.¡±


    ¡°How is she?¡±


    ¡°Not great. Not terrible,¡± Tazrok answered, glancing up at the Commandant and putting everything succinctly.


    ¡°Why is she unconscious, and why is her rear bleeding and being healed, for that matter?¡±


    ¡°She was screaming. And wiggling too much. I fixed that.¡± Xin snapped, the spikes in her tail popping out for the briefest of moments to explain how. ¡°I am repairing the holes.¡± She returned to focusing her spell.


    Xera made an approving sound. ¡°Good thinking, Recruit. Is it just her head?¡±


    ¡°The palms of her hands too,¡± Vanis clarified.


    ¡°No offense to your skills, Recruit Xinchaine, but more-expert healing may be required to address the skin damage. Even then, it may require extensive work, since Firelice oil does damage similar to an acid. I¡¯ll send word for Trainer Cheena. She¡¯s probably the best Healer in camp for this.¡±


    If Xin was offended in any way, she didn¡¯t show it, or maybe hadn¡¯t heard the comment. Xera stepped outside, and Callie heard a sharp whistle, which she assumed was to call a Sprite down. Not sure what else to do, Callie, Pixyl and Jesca just sort of stood around. They didn¡¯t want to leave, but didn¡¯t really have a good reason to stay. They stayed anyway. Lena was their cabinmate and friend.


    Eventually, Vanis had to turn the water back on when the milk residue started to get dry enough that the remaining oil¡¯s reaction was resuming, once again drenching both Lena and Tazrok. For his part, the huge Ogre simply sat still, a worried look on his face as he watched through the falling rain while Xin worked.


    Before long, more milk arrived, transported from the kitchen by nearly a dozen Goblins, each carrying a large waterskin, or two smaller ones. Callie and the other girls helped bring everything inside, the male Goblins not wanting to enter the ladies side of the building for some reason. Tazrok still wasn¡¯t sure it would be enough, but once again the water was turned off and Vanis restarted dousing Lena¡¯s head and hands. While he did that, Xin finished her healing on Lena¡¯s bottom, before standing and backing out of the way.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°I can cure my sleeping poison in her body, but she will awaken,¡± Xin said. ¡°I do not wish for her to wake to pain.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait until it¡¯s all been neutralized,¡± Xera suggested as they quietly observed.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW SKILL: STICKY WEB ARROW


    NEW MELDED SKILL: SUMMON GRAPPLING HOOK


    MELDED SKILL EVOLUTION: SUMMON TURRET to SUMMON MODULAR TURRET


    NEW SYNERGIZED CLASS PERK: BASIC HERBALISM


    NEW CLASS PERK: ENDURANCE (WILDERNESS)


    NEW OFF-CLASS SKILL: SIGIL OF AMPLIFICATION (IRON TIER)


    NEW OFF-CLASS LEARNED SKILL: INSPIRING MELODY (IRON TIER)


    NEW OFF-CLASS LEARNED SKILL: SEASON (IRON TIER)


    NEW OFF-CLASS LEARNED PERK:  MUSICIAN - HAND-HELD CHORDOPHONES


    I APOLOGIZE I COULD NOT HOLD OFF ANY LONGER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± Callie exclaimed, her eyes going wide in surprise and worry.


    ¡°Recruit?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°I just got all my Silver reveals! With all of this, I forgot that was going to happen.¡±


    ¡°Sit! Quickly!¡±


    Running over to the wall of the shower stall, Callie slid down to the wet floor, closing her eyes and waiting for the inevitable. A second later, someone took her hand, giving it a kiss as their tiny body slid down the wall next to her. Arms reached around her and held tight. Then it came. The all-too-familiar vertigo of new things being revealed slammed into her. Like she had done at Bronze, Pixyl¡¯s tight grip kept her from floating away as the world spun.


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure how much time passed, but the world finally seemed to settle into something right-side-up, and the sounds of her loud heartbeat and hard breathing faded from her ears. Slowly she opened her eyes, seeing Pixyl was still holding on tight, while Jesca had taken up a spot sitting on the other side, likewise embracing her. For the briefest of moments, the world was simply perfect.


    ¡°Congratulations on reaching Silver, Recruit,¡± Xera said, with a nod towards Callie when the Gnome finally seemed focused.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Callie groaned weakly. ¡°Jesca got it this morning too, right?¡±


    The Cheetahkin nodded. ¡°I did, just after I woke up, before I went running. I didn¡¯t make it to Bronze with Beastmaster, though. I think that might come tomorrow, or the next day.¡±


    ¡°Equal congratulations to you as well, Recruit Jesca,¡± Xera added. ¡°Recruit Callie, I find it interesting it took so long for your new skills to be revealed. Usually they come quite quickly after waking.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they said they held off as long as they could.¡±


    ¡°They? They who?¡± Xera asked, tilting their head.


    ¡°Sorry. I meant my Symbiote. We were talking before Lena woke me up, and there was a message at the end apologizing for not being able to wait any longer.¡±


    ¡°You talked to it again? How long has it been?¡± Jesca asked, eyes going wide.


    ¡°The last time was when I got Bronze. We actually had a fascinating conversation last night about how magic works, until Lena broke it up with her screaming.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Xera said contemplatively. ¡°Master Trainer Thorn will be quite intrigued that you apparently spoke again. Master Healer Tasi, as well.¡±


    ¡°Of course, this is assuming I¡¯m not ¡­¡± Callie began.


    The conversation was interrupted by Trainer Cheena running in, slightly winded. "I received word I was needed, but the Sprite didn''t say why," she said.


    "Thank you for coming so quickly," Xera said, breaking from the conversation while ushering Cheena towards the shower stall.


    "Good morning, Xin," she said as she walked past the Lizardkin. "Oh my! Is this from firelice? How badly is she hurt?"


    "Not great. Not terrible,¡± Tazrok grunted, repeating himself.


    "How did this happen?" Cheena asked in additional worry as she knelt, pointing to Lena''s bloody underwear and the three evident holes in it.


    "She was moving much and making annoying noises, so I put her to sleep," Xin said. "I have repaired the damage."


    "Her tail," Xera clarified to the confused Cheena. "It was quick thinking on her part, actually. She may wake with a headache, but it surely prevented her from hurting herself further."


    Cheena pulled back Lena¡¯s underwear slightly, exposing the injured cheek. There wasn¡¯t so much as a pink spot to show where the wounds had been. ¡°For as much as you dislike healing, this is very good work, Xin.¡±


    It was almost as if you could see the Lizardkin blush with the praise, despite her scaly face.


    The ongoing application of milk to Lena¡¯s head and hand finally seemed to be having the desired effect. The red oils on her skin had slowly become hard before cracking, and were now flaking off in large pieces, apparently rendered inert. The skin left behind looked pink and quite tender, and several large blisters or boils could be seen.


    ¡°I agree with your assessment, Tazrok,¡± Cheena said, wincing as she pointed to another area that needed a little more milk. ¡°This could have been much, much worse. Still, there¡¯s a lot of damage.¡± She looked up at Xera. ¡°I can repair most of it, but I¡¯m not sure she¡¯ll be able to regrow hair. Probably not, in fact.¡±


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Callie groaned in sympathy. ¡°She¡¯s been growing it out since she was a kid. She¡¯s not going to handle this well.¡±


    ¡°The poor thing,¡± Cheena cooed, almost sounding motherly. ¡°How did she get firelice? There might be some nests out in the forest, but the beetles only come out at night. There¡¯s none here in the camp that I¡¯m aware of.¡±


    ¡°She sneaks out,¡± Pixyl said, ¡°after everyone is asleep. She likes to think we d-d-don¡¯t notice.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s ¡­ uh ¡­ quite close to Dregorio,¡± Vanis said, clearing his throat with the implied innuendo.


    ¡°She must have lain down on a nest in the dark,¡± Cheena said, looking back with sympathy. ¡°They could have climbed into her long hair. When she took it down, they must have felt threatened and then ¡­ this.¡±


    ¡°Should have just tied a sock to the door,¡± Callie groused quietly, shooting Vanis a mild dose of stink-eye while making sure he heard her.


    ¡°Your cabin will need to be cleaned of any potential pests,¡± Xera said. ¡°I¡¯ll inform Kela¡¯s people to get it addressed by this afternoon.¡± They gestured towards the barely clothed Tazrok and Vanis. ¡°Shake out your clothes outside before you put them on, however. If any of the creatures fall out, stomp on them before they can hurt someone else. We can¡¯t have them becoming an infestation again.¡± Tazrok was shirtless, wearing a pair of pants with the legs unbuttoned to make them shorts, while Vanis was the opposite, wearing a half-buttoned shirt, but only underwear for bottoms. Nobody really cared about modesty at the moment.


    In fact, complete modesty had become largely impractical in this environment. Nobody was intentionally running around naked or anything, except maybe Jesca nearly-so on her morning runs. Yet, occasional glimpses happened, and it just wasn¡¯t as big of a deal at this point as it was in those first days. Within Ogre House, the clothes-hating Xin slept nude, Lena had reduced to only her binder and underwear, occasionally forgoing the top part after sneaking back in from a late night with Dregorio, and Vanis would occasionally remove his shirt for sleep if it was warm. Callie and Pixyl had both been a shirt-and-underwear girl up until they got together. In the privacy of the blanket fort they could lose the tops, as well sometimes the bottoms, though they were making sure to fool around only when alone.


    After turning the shower back on, Tazrok effortlessly held Lena¡¯s limp form upright so the falling water could wash away any remaining flakes of the neutralized oil. She¡¯d still need a proper shower from all the milk and such at some point once she was conscious, though. Unfortunately, washing away those remnants truly revealed the extent of the damage. Nearly all of her hair was gone, the majority of it in a sloppy, spaghetti-like pile on the floor. In addition to the blisters, in a few places the skin on her head looked a little deformed, as if it had been partially melted.


    After Tazrok removed Lena from the water, Cheena winced as she examined Lena¡¯s scalp, before directing Tazrok to set the Elf against the wall while Vanis turned the water off. ¡°I can heal these blisters easily enough right now, but the skin deformities will need a better environment to regrow new skin, and more-concentrated healing. I want to do this together with Rowani, and will also need some time to prepare a skin tonic. We can work on it this evening in one of the recovery tents.¡° She looked up at everyone. ¡°It will take a few hours, but her head and hands will be scar-free when we¡¯re finished, and she¡¯ll retain all feeling, I am sure of that.¡±


    ¡°But no hair,¡± Callie said dryly.


    ¡°Just this, I¡¯m afraid,¡± Cheena said, moving a long, single, still-attached lock off where it had been wetly sticking to Lena¡¯s face.


    ¡°We need to be here when she wakes up,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Why?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s our cabinmate, our family, and we¡¯re her people. We¡¯ll be with her when she wakes up.¡± Callie tried to set a firm tone to make it clear it wasn¡¯t an option.


    ¡°She¡¯s right, Commandant,¡± Vanis agreed. ¡°We must be with her.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Xera said simply. ¡°I¡¯ll give each of you until the midday meal, but then you will return to training.¡± Everyone nodded and agreed. Xera gestured her head to Lena. ¡°She can have the day, if she wants it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll need about ten to fifteen minutes on these blisters first,¡± Cheena said, holding Lena¡¯s hands. ¡°Someone fetch her clothes in the meantime. The rest of you should dress as well. We can wake her once I¡¯m finished and you¡¯re all back.¡±

 Chapter 55 Part 3 - Defining Yourself

    PART III - DEFINING YOURSELF


    Waking Lena had not gone well. Cheena had finished her preliminary healing, addressing the open wounds and blisters. They seemed better, but were still mottled and melted, or whatever could be called healed in her current state. Certainly no open sores, at least.


    The others of Ogre House had returned, Vanis and Tazrok were both in fresh, dry clothes, and both Callie and Pixyl also changed since they had gotten wet with water and milk while sitting on the floor during and after the new reveals. Jesca also came back, now dressed as normal, and offered her Fedora for the day, on the chance Lena might want it, since both of Callie¡¯s hats would be too small.


    With a final cast of magic, Cheena purged Xin¡¯s sleep toxin before taking a step back so the rest could get close.


    ¡°Where ¡­ where am I?¡± Lena said as her eyes fluttered open. ¡°And why am I wet?¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Callie said in a calm tone. ¡°You¡¯re okay. You¡¯re in the showers.¡±


    ¡°My head was on fire!¡±


    ¡°You were attacked by firelice,¡± Vanis said. ¡°We got you here as quickly as we could.¡±


    ¡°Firelice? My hair!¡± Lena screamed, both her hands reaching up. Both Vanis and Xin quickly reached out, each grabbing an arm before she touched anything.


    ¡°Lena, it will be a shock,¡± Vanis said with a careful warning.


    Lena¡¯s face slowly filled with ashen dread as her arms were released. As she reached for the top of her head, her eyes fell on a pile of her long hair on the floor not far away. She touched her head, feeling the bumpy, mottled skin under the fingers that she didn¡¯t yet realize had also been tended to. Everyone held their breaths, not sure what to expect.


    Lena gasped as she ran her hands harder over her scalp, then she started to stand, her body still shaking from the remnants of Xin¡¯s tail-poison. Vanis and Xin both stood with her, helping to keep her steady. ¡°I ¡­ I want to see.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Vanis said cautiously as he started to lead her towards the mirrored stall. He glanced at Cheena, who was wearing the same fretful expression as everyone else.


    Shaking off the grips on her arms, Lena staggered forward, touching first the reflection and then reaching for the top of her head, almost unable to recognize the person looking back at her. ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ it¡¯s all gone,¡± she stammered. ¡°All of it.¡± Stumbling backwards in horror, she bumped into Tazrok just as her legs started to give out.


    Tazrok again deftly caught his falling friend, gently scooping Lena into his arms before setting her carefully on the floor against the wall. He took a couple steps back so as to not crowd her.


    Callie saw it coming a split second before Pixyl did, and they both rushed to Lena. They hugged tight just as long, mournful wails of heartache began. Lena cried, and cried hard. Not simple sobbing, either, but that ugly kind of crying, replete with wordless blubbering, shocked gasps for air, and both tears and snot running down her face. This continued for over a minute. Nobody said anything, simply being present for their friend.


    ¡°Lena, if there¡¯s any way ¡­¡± Vanis finally began to say.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Lena snapped between sobs. ¡°Get away from me! Don¡¯t look at me!¡±


    ¡°Lena ¡­¡± Cheena started.


    ¡°I said get out!¡±


    Everybody backed a few steps away. Everyone except Callie and Pixyl, who refused to let go.


    ¡°Go!¡± Lena snapped, angrily looking down at the two barnacles clinging to her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s ¡­ let¡¯s all give her some space,¡± Vanis said slowly, as he reached to peel Callie away.


    ¡°Fuck you, Vanis!¡± Callie snapped back to the Warlock, pulling away from him. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m n-n-not, either!¡± Pixyl added, almost with a hiss.


    ¡°I said to go,¡± Lena blubbered as the waterworks started again.


    ¡°Fuck you, too!¡± Callie said as she held on. ¡°I said I¡¯m not leaving!¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°It ¡­ it doesn¡¯t look that bad,¡± Callie said hesitantly. The doubt in her voice was fairly obvious.


    ¡°Yes it does,¡± Lena replied with a sniffle, her voice weak and resigned, trails of tears still evident in the milk residue on her cheeks.


    ¡°We ¡­ we can find a way to make it work.¡±


    ¡°How? This is all that¡¯s left?¡± The Elf pulled on the remains of her hair, a single patch about four centimeters in diameter, still attached above and behind her right ear. It hung down, sloppy-wet and still sour with milk, clinging to her arm. She sniffled again, wiping her arm under her still dripping nose.


    Callie was struggling to come up with positive words, and failing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been growing that since I was eight. Now it¡¯s all gone. And my head is a mess. I¡¯m a mess. Everything is a mess.¡±


    ¡°Cheena said she can fix your scalp,¡± Callie said, trying to sound hopeful. ¡°She can do it tonight, remember?¡°


    ¡°But I¡¯ll never grow hair again.¡± Snarling a little, Lena pulled again on the tiny, still-attached bundle of long hair. ¡°And this is just mocking me, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    The others had all left, leaving Pixyl and Callie stubbornly behind. Everyone understood why Lena had yelled at them, and none of them bore any ill from it. It was a shock, and she lashed out at the first thing she could. They might have had the same reaction if it had been them. Still, they were all understandably worried for their friend.


    ¡°At least you¡¯ll have a smooth head come morning,¡± Callie said, trying to be slightly-positive again.


    ¡°But I¡¯m going to look ridiculous, Callie. I¡¯m supposed to be this intimidating warrior, and now I¡¯m just some bald ¡­ thing. Have you ever heard of a bald Elf? Ever? Especially a female?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯ll be ten times more intimidating than you were before.¡±


    Lena returned a deadpan, dubious look.


    Looking at Pixyl, Callie saw a similar unconvinced face. ¡°Fine, you want proof? On my world, there¡¯s this country called Wakanda. Their elite guard, known as the Dora Milaje, are made up entirely of females. All of them. And all of them are bald, too. They are the most badass warriors on the planet.¡± Of course, Callie didn¡¯t add that Wakanda was a fictional country, and she quickly gave Pixyl a subtle shake of her head, since they¡¯d talked about the Marvel stories before.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Badass?¡±


    ¡°Super badass, Lena! You never, ever, want to get between the Dora and whatever they are doing. They are both intimidating as hell and will totally kick your ass if they want to.¡±


    ¡°And they¡¯re bald?¡±


    ¡°Completely!¡± Callie said, hoping she was being at least a little encouraging.


    ¡°But ¡­ ¡° Lena said, pulling again on the long, noodlish remnant of remaining hair. ¡°This just looks ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°Cut it off, then. In fact, if she can, have Cheena do whatever she needs to so it doesn¡¯t even grow back. Embrace it. Own it!¡±


    ¡°But what about Dregorio?¡± Lena said distantly, still lightly tugging.


    Callie rolled her eyes at that. ¡°Lena, you were an Imor crime boss! Or at least a mini-boss. You don¡¯t need to define yourself by some guy. If he says something ugly, then stomp his ass and walk away! You deserve someone better than that.¡±


    Lena sniffled. The flood of tears had largely stopped, although her nose still dripped a little. Her mood obviously was down, and it would take a while to adjust. She turned to look at herself in the mirror.


    ¡°No!¡± Calllie said, stepping into the way. ¡°Don¡¯t look, because that person isn¡¯t going to be the person you are tomorrow when the skin has been fixed.¡± She held Lena¡¯s eyes tightly with her own.


    It took a couple more times of ¡®don¡¯t look¡¯ before Lena got the point, but eventually she stopped trying, focusing inward instead. Callie moved to sit across from the Bladedancer, Pixyl yawning and leaning up against her. ¡°What do you need?¡± Callie asked. ¡°How can we help?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± Lena said with a sigh, tugging again on her last lock of hair. ¡°It just seems like ¡­ like a big part of what made me me is gone. And I feel ¡­ I feel like I don¡¯t know who I am anymore.¡±


    ¡°Who do you want to be?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Exactly that,¡± Callie said with a shrug. ¡°You are going to walk on to the training field different than you were yesterday. It¡¯s a shock and it sucks, and I wouldn¡¯t imply otherwise. But you have the opportunity to define who that new person is, unless you let everybody else do it for you. If you wanna be a badass bald bitch, then do it! Those that don¡¯t accept it? To hell with them!¡±


    Lena could tell Callie was trying to be helpful, and even Pixyl¡¯s tired eyes were in agreement with the little Gnome. Still, her long hair had been a part of her since she was a child. It had been something she¡¯d been able to keep close to her despite everything bad that had happened over the years. It was also the only thing her mother, her real mother, had ever really complimented her on, when she could be bothered to make an appearance. Now, in a foolish, stupid moment it was gone, and with it went part of that link to those memories.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to need time,¡± Lena finally said. ¡°but I hear what you are saying.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here f-f-for you,¡± Pixyl said quietly.


    ¡°We are,¡± Callie agreed. ¡°Whatever we can do to help. Any of us. Jesca even lent you her hat for the day. We can get the Brownies to make you another if you want one long term. You might, so you don¡¯t sunburn your skull, actually.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a Ranger hat,¡± Lena said, scoffing a bit with a weak smile, since fedoras had essentially been accepted as part of the Ranger uniform. ¡°Maybe, though.¡±


    The three sat in silence for a little while, Lena being introspective, while Callie and Pixyl were just being present. It was hard for Callie to stay quiet though, although the light snores from Pixyl on her shoulder were a reminder that she needed to be. She tried hard, but finally it got to be too much. ¡°I got Silver this morning. Jesca did, too,¡± she said, ending the silence.


    ¡°You did? That¡¯s great! Did you get anything interesting?¡± Lena seemed a little thankful for the distraction.


    ¡°A few things. Believe it or not, I got that Sigil of Amplification that Kyra and the Sergeant Major use, but only at Iron Tier. I haven¡¯t unlocked or tried anything, though. I learned my lesson when I got Bronze, so I want to be more-careful this time.¡±


    ¡°Strange,¡± Lena said, her brow furrowing. ¡°Why ¡­ why would you get that skill? It seems a little odd for a Ranger.¡±


    All Callie could do was shrug. ¡°You¡¯ve got me.¡± She had no idea why. Maybe her Symbiote could explain why it picked that one next time they talked.


    ¡°Twice you¡¯ve had to lead b-b-battles,¡± Pixyl pointed out, awakened from her light dozing by the sounds of people talking and Callie moving her shoulders, ¡°if you include when Vanis had to put you in command. If you had been louder, it c-c-could have helped. Imagine all the noise of a bigger fight with lots of Demons, all snarling and roaring.¡±


    ¡°Huh, I didn¡¯t think of that,¡± Callie said with an appreciative nod. ¡°Still, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m going to be doing that after we leave here. When we get to the fight, I¡¯ll just be some Ranger grunt. Honestly, I¡¯ll be happy to just be some Ranger grunt.¡±


    ¡°Well, now you can grunt louder,¡± Lena pointed out, a slight, actual smile appearing on her face.


    Callie giggled at that. It was good to see Lena smile, and Callie¡¯s giggle was infectious. Lena¡¯s smile grew.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll get cleaned up a bit,¡± Lena finally said, flopping the tiny lock of hair to the side. ¡°I¡¯m covered in milk and I¡¯m sure I¡¯m a mess.¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t tell anyone,¡± Callie assured with a wink. ¡°Soaking in the bath might feel good, too. We brought you a change of fresh clothes.¡±


    ¡°Good idea. We missed breakfast, didn¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°Vanis said he¡¯d get us something that would keep and put it in Jesca¡¯s cabin. They¡¯re going to be cleaning ours, to make sure none of the bugs escaped. They need to fix the door, too.¡±


    Lena flushed with embarrassment at the reminder of what she¡¯d brought back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about all the trouble,¡± she said with a bit of a melancholy tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sweat it,¡± Callie said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°They¡¯ll get everything cleaned up and it will be fine. Someday, you¡¯ll be able to look back on all of this and laugh.¡±


    Lena was dubious and not afraid to show it on her face.


    ¡°Well, it might take a while,¡± Callie conceded. ¡°But someday, I guarantee it.¡±


    ¡°How do you do it, Callie?¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°How are you able to just get past bad things so easily? You¡¯ve been through so much since you¡¯ve arrived, and yet ¡­ somehow you¡¯re still sane, even thriving. How?¡±


    Callie was about to give some kind of a flippant answer, but then stopped. It was a fair question from Lena, and it deserved a fair answer. Taking another moment, she tried to organize her thoughts.


    ¡°Mostly I try not to get stuck on things I can¡¯t control,¡± Callie finally arrived at. ¡°If I did, I wouldn¡¯t be able to make a decision about what I wanted or needed to do, let alone how to do it. And I have people around me. You, Vanis, Pixyl ¡­ all of the other people here at the camp. I couldn¡¯t get through this without them, or without you.¡±


    ¡°So I should just ignore this?¡± Lena scoffed, gesturing towards her mottled scalp.


    ¡°Can you really do anything about it?¡± Callie asked, encouraging Lena to think about an answer.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Lena said after a long pause.


    ¡°So why waste energy dwelling on it? Maybe someday, through advanced healing or something, that might change, but right now it is what it is. I mean, I know it sucks, but ¡­¡± Callie shrugged again. She wasn¡¯t trying to make light of Lena¡¯s new situation, but dwelling on something she couldn¡¯t control ultimately wasn¡¯t going to help. Callie knew it was a process, though.


    ¡°Badass bald bitch?¡±


    Pixyl giggled for some reason and Callie grinned. ¡°If you want to be. After you come back home, you could get a wig if it really mattered to you. In the meantime, you could easily make Gold, if you wanted, which is pretty damn badass in and of itself. Being bald is just going to make you more so. Heck, the Major only left here mid-Silver when she was a recruit, so you¡¯d be doing better than her.¡±


    ¡°Really? I somehow thought she left here well into Gold.¡±


    Callie leaned forward conspiratorially and whispered, ¡°She almost got kicked out for repeatedly hooking up with some Bladeweaver.¡±


    ¡°What? Really? The Major?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. She warned me and Pixyl to focus on training, so we didn¡¯t end up like her, or one of us would be booted.¡±


    ¡°You two make for a really cute couple,¡± Lena said with a bit of a mischievous smile on her face. She seemed thankful for the distracting change in subject. ¡°Has anybody given you any problems yet?¡±


    ¡°A couple nasty looks from some of the Dwarves, but surprisingly no. It¡¯s only been a couple days, though.¡±


    ¡°S-S-Same here,¡± Pixyl echoed, a half-asleep tone in her voice. ¡°Nola was confused about t-t-two females being together, though.¡±


    ¡°Xin was the same way,¡± Callie added with a slight giggle. ¡°I don¡¯t think the Lizardkin really understand the concept of gender very well. In fact, she wasn¡¯t even sure if Pixyl was a girl.¡±


    Together, the three of them enjoyed the light distraction, making fun of Xin¡¯s complete lack of tact, and then eventually the fact that she knocked Lena out with her tail poison.


    ¡°That explains the bloody holes in my underwear, at least, and why my head and rear both ache.¡±


    ¡°Xera and Cheena both said it was good thinking, but honestly, I think Xin spiked you just to shut you up. You were making a lot of noise.¡±


    ¡°Well, how would you feel if your head was on fire?¡± Lena said defensively, but with a tiny glint of a laugh in her eyes, too.

 Chapter 55 Part 4 - Curious New Skills

    PART IV - CURIOUS NEW SKILLS


    Shortly, Callie and Pixyl left the bathhouse, Lena saying she wanted to be alone to wash up for a little bit, and then was going to go to medical and talk with Tasi, making sure to wear the hat. They ducked into Jesca¡¯s cabin, each picking up one of three bundles with some fruit and nuts in them that would serve as a simple morning snack. Without much to do, Pixyl decided to return to the training field, saying she wanted to do more Flashstep practice so that she wouldn¡¯t crack her head open again next time.


    After Pixyl left, Callie sat down in the garden, nibbling on the ad hoc breakfast and leaning back against a tree to enjoy a few minutes to actually think a bit. Her head was still swirling with everything that had happened since she had gone to sleep the night before, and the conversation with her Symbiote. Curious, she unlocked one of her new powers.


    TELL ME ABOUT SIGIL OF AMPLIFICATION


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: SIGIL OF AMPLIFICATION (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW + CHANNEL


    CASTING TIME: SPECIAL


    RECHARGE TIME: NONE


    CHARGES: NONE


    DESCRIPTION: This skill allows you to etch a glowing sigil in the air. You can then push the sigil onto a person or object and it significantly increases the volume of the target''s voice or any other purposely emitted sound. Tapping the Sigil once activates the amplification, while a second time deactivates it, effectively muting the Sigil¡¯s power. The Sigil remains active as long as it is fueled by mana. Mana to power the Sigil can come from the caster or another source, and it will remain active for approximately 10 minutes once the mana source is removed, or until dismissed. At Iron Tier, you are only able to channel 1 Sigil of Amplification at a time. As you improve your mastery of this skill, the number of actively channeled Sigils permitted will increase and their overall amplification effects will improve.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Like all the times before, the knowledge of the new spell came flooding into Callie¡¯s head. This time it was oddly strange. There was something utterly different about this ¡®Sigil¡¯ magic than she was used to with her Ranger skills and racial traits. Unlike her other spells, with a Sigil, you almost seemed to ¡®weave¡¯ it into existence, whereas with the rest of her spells you simply focused mana to create the result. It was a subtle distinction, but at the same time, quite apparent, requiring a much-more artistic touch than the almost-brutish way Callie had used magic up until now.


    What was missing however, was any mental information about what she was actually supposed to draw or weave into the air. The designs that she¡¯d seen Kyra and the Sergeant Major use had been different from each other, obviously mastered over many castings. How had they known what design to weave when they were learning? Or maybe they mimicked the ones they learned from someone else? Callie would need to talk to one of them about the spell to find out more. Maybe Kyra ¡­ she wasn¡¯t as intimidating.


    Callie was about to unlock the next new power, but the sound of someone clearing their throat caught her attention. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± she asked the approaching Vanis.


    ¡°How is she?¡±


    ¡°Better. She smiled at least. It will be an adjustment, though.¡±


    With a bit of a groan, Vanis sat. ¡°Smiling is good.¡±


    ¡°Where are the others?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°After breakfast, they didn¡¯t really have anything else to do, so they all went to training. I didn¡¯t want to crowd you and Pixyl with Lena, but I needed to see how she was doing before I did the same. We¡¯re her people, just as you said. She¡¯s ¡­ family.¡±


    Callie smiled at that. Family was important, whether biological, adoptive or found. ¡°I¡¯m a little worried about people teasing her,¡± Callie mumbled with a sigh. ¡°She likes to play all tough, but she¡¯s a bit of a softy, too. Underneath, that is.¡±


    ¡°She is, isn¡¯t she,¡± Vanis smirked. ¡°I may advise her to stay away from others today. Her scalp really is a bit of a mess. It may be best if she makes her first appearance with that smoothed out.¡±


    ¡°She has Jesca¡¯s hat for today, at least. She called it a Ranger hat, though, and didn¡¯t like the idea of wearing it. She needs to get a design of her own, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Any more interesting hat fashions from your Earth?¡±


    ¡°Maybe ¡­¡± Callie said, trailing off. She tried to picture a few different hat types from back home. Baseball caps were pretty straight forward, but didn¡¯t really have the right style to them. It needed to be something that would look cool on a badass bald elf. Then, she remembered one of the girls she¡¯d sort-of dated for a couple months back in college. She was in the Army Reserves, had super-short hair, and was even built a bit like Lena, with long legs and lots of lean muscles. Really, really long legs in fact.


    ¡°I see that look,¡± Vanis said, a smile coming to his face. ¡°An idea?¡±


    ¡°I think so. Want to go talk to Fullo together?¡±


    ¡°Why not.¡±


    They both stood, Vanis waiting for a moment while Callie peeked into the bathhouse to check on Lena, seeing the shadow of her friend in one of the steamy shower stalls where she was humming to herself. Together, they set off towards the Tannery building. ¡°She¡¯s singing in the shower, at least,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°That is good to hear,¡± Vanis replied. They walked for a bit, and then Vanis said, ¡°It struck me how well we all came together this morning. The five of us, I mean. Six, if you include Jesca. I think if this had happened at the beginning, there would have been a lot more confusion.¡±


    ¡°We made a good team,¡± Callie agreed. ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t of much help, because I had no idea what was going on. Plus, in the end I just ended up almost flashing my chest to everyone.¡±


    ¡°You took over for Pixyl, getting the blanket inside without thinking about it. You then returned to tend to her, calling for Xin once you had assessed her injury. You even directed Jesca to the kitchen. You played your part, Little One. Everyone did. And you made sure we were there for Lena when she woke. That was important. The fact you didn¡¯t realize your clothing state, or Pixyl for that matter, shows your focus and how much you cared.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think about it like that,¡± Callie mumbled appreciatively. They really had worked well together, as she mulled it over with the observations from Vanis. Then she laughed. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Xin spiked Lena¡¯s ass.¡±


    Vanis tilted his head back and laughed as well. ¡°I know! I was utterly shocked by that. Still, it was good thinking on Xin¡¯s part in the chaos of the moment.¡±


    ¡°But still absolutely funny as hell.¡± Callie made a whiplike motion with her hands, mimicking what Xin had done and adding a sound for effect. ¡°Just like that! No warning or anything!¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The two enjoyed another hearty belly laugh, their conversation drifting a bit as to what may have happened if Xin hadn¡¯t knocked Lena out. Everything could have been a lot worse.


    ¡°Hey, a question for you,¡± Callie said, changing the subject.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to believe this, but I received Inspiring Melody with my rank up to Silver this morning, as well as a perk for playing your lute. I haven¡¯t unlocked either yet, but what can you tell me about it?¡±


    Vanis stopped short. ¡°A perk for the lute?


    ¡°Yeah. Although it¡¯s called ¡®Musician - Hand-Held Chordophones¡¯. If I remember from music classes, that would include guitars and banjos and the like, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Interesting, that''s the same perk I have for my own lute-playing talent.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me why I got it,¡± Callie said with a shrug. ¡°I don¡¯t think I''m that good at playing that lute thing of yours, but I guess I could have learned enough.¡±


    Vanis hummed, rubbing his chin as he considered. ¡°That must be it, once combined with the knowledge you had before coming here. Congratulations, all the same.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°You received Inspiring Melody, too? Tell me, is it also the same Bard skill that I have?¡±


    ¡°Maybe? ¡±


    ¡°Go ahead and unlock it and tell me what the description says.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure.¡±


    TELL ME ABOUT INSPIRING MELODY


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: INSPIRING MELODY (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW (CHANNELED)


    CASTING TIME: NONE (CHANNELED)


    RECHARGE TIME: NONE


    CHARGES: NONE


    DESCRIPTION: This skill grants the capability to manipulate emotions via music or rhythmic spoken word. Effectiveness requires the willing attention of the audience, with environmental and mental distractions mitigating impact. This is a suggestive charm and thus bypasses most passive charm defenses. Will not affect those with charm immunity. It can only affect sentience capable of emotion. Further mastery increases projection strength, overall emotional intensity, range, and distraction resistance. In addition, the skill can be made increasingly effective against unwilling targets.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Callie rattled off the description to Vanis, and she could tell by the brief fluttering of his eyes that he was looking inwards towards his own. ¡°Are they the same?¡±


    ¡°Exactly the same,¡± Vanis said, rubbing his chin. The Warlock brightened his face. ¡°You know, now that I think about it, you receiving that skill may actually make sense.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Remember when you played and sang for everyone the evening after the Bogwump mission? You had quite the emotional impact on many people, including myself. Even the Commandant seemed affected. Looking back, it¡¯s possible you may have used this skill at that time.¡±


    ¡°Really? Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Callie asked, lightly smacking her friend¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Honestly, I had been drinking at the time and was enraptured by the uniqueness of your music, so that evening was a little fuzzy, and I haven''t thought much about it since. But, now knowing you have unlocked it, I feel quite sure you cast this spell without knowing it. At least partially.¡±


    ¡°Strange that it says it was ¡®learned¡¯ though, just like that Culinar Season spell Pama taught us,¡± Callie pointed out, explaining the similar wording of the two skills when they were first revealed. ¡°Where the hell did I learn it? That was the first time I played in front of anyone besides Pixyl. Wouldn¡¯t it have shown up when I was scryed at intake?¡±


    ¡°I would have thought so. Perhaps you didn¡¯t know it well enough to be detected?¡± Vanis suggested, an obvious guess in his tone as the two resumed walking. ¡°Were you a performer back on Earth?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Callie said, shaking her head. ¡°I hadn¡¯t really played much for the last couple years after my dad died. Before that, I just sang with my family or with my ex-girlfriend. The only actual performing I did was karaoke or joining my dad occasionally when his band had a gig after I was old enough, if I was home.¡± She quickly clarified what karaoke was when Vanis made a confused face.


    ¡°So that was essentially the first time you had performed on your own in front of any large group?¡±


    ¡°I guess, unless you count high-school talent shows or bar crowds or something.¡±


    ¡°That night must have been enough for the skill to fully come to you, perhaps coupled with the song¡¯s deep meaning for you,¡± Vanis suggested thoughtfully, seeming to mull it over in his head. Finally he surrendered with a shrug, adding, ¡°Honestly, who can really understand how magic works?¡±


    ¡®How magic works¡¯. Those words echoed in Callie¡¯s head as she went back to the previous night¡¯s conversation with her Symbiote about exactly that topic. As a thought experiment, she tried to put the pieces together in that context.


    When she arrived from Earth, her knowledge of archery and construction was translated into various perks. She also had knowledge of performing in front of crowds from time spent with her father on stage over the years, but apparently not enough to trigger a perk or skill coming from it, thus the Scryers didn¡¯t see it. At that point either her Symbiote completed the pathway for the skill sometime during that second week here, after getting Bronze, or she had been able to cast a partial version of Inspiring Melody that night. Watered down, but still strong enough to have an effect on the crowd. That was then either enough to push the skill into registering in her next batch of reveals today, or the Symbiote finished it off.


    So ¡­ that ¡­ sort of made sense ¡­ right?


    Maybe she¡¯d need to talk to the Symbiote about it to be clear about what really happened. She now definitely understood Cheena¡¯s point about how it¡¯s easier to sometimes really not worry too much about how the whole damn magic thing worked.


    Then something occurred to Callie and she frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I like the idea of manipulating the emotions of people. It feels a bit invasive. A lot invasive, actually.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, you missed an important part, then,¡± Vanis pointed out. ¡°It requires someone giving willing attention to be affected, at least at Iron Tier.¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah. But still, I¡¯m using magic to do it.¡±


    ¡°The person has to let you do it in order for it to work, Callie. They have to want you to.¡±


    Callie mulled that over for a bit as they walked. In a way, if you thought about it, the skill sort of was what the big musicians did on Earth without magic, instead using amplifiers and lights and the like to enhance the experience. Okay, that wasn¡¯t a great analogy, but as she pondered through it more, the new skill was even more voluntary than her Childlike Charm, which would affect those with a nurturing instinct whether they wanted it to or not. With Inspiring Melody, the recipient had to be a willing listener, at least at Iron.


    ¡°Will you teach me how to use it; maybe how to control it?¡± Callie finally asked. ¡°All I have is the description to work with.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, Calllie. I¡¯d be happy to.¡±


    Callie nodded in appreciation, still feeling a little introspective about the new skill and the ethical implications. She knew that this was a world with charms and such, and Lena had explained a person¡¯s underlying intent was as important as anything when determining whether one was ¡®good¡¯ or ¡®bad¡¯. But the concept was still foreign, and Callie hadn¡¯t gotten used to this world¡¯s thinking yet.


    Vanis was polite enough to give Callie the space to mull over her own thoughts, and eventually the pair arrived at the Tannery building. They entered through the office door, Callie stepping up on the booster by the counter, to find Fullo standing at a table. The Tigerkin was talking to one of the Brownies, a female, using their native language of pops and whistles, and both looked up with a start at their new company. Immediately, the little Brownie bolted from the room with a squeal and almost a look of fear on her face, her head popping back around the corner just once, as if to check if people were really there.


    Fullo, for her part, threw out her hands in exasperation towards the retreating Brownie. ¡°We¡¯re not done here!¡± she added in annoyance before turning towards the counter. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s you again. Both of you, for that matter. What do you want this time?¡±


    Callie swallowed, her throat feeling suddenly dry. ¡°I ¡­ um ¡­ we ¡­ yes we ¡­¡±


    ¡°Spit it out, Little One!¡± Fullo demanded, making a ¡®get on with it¡¯ motion with her paw as she walked across the work area. She preemptively picked up a few pieces of loose parchment and a charcoal pencil.


    ¡°We¡¯d ¡­ uh ¡­ like you to make a hat.¡±


    ¡°Another hat,¡± Fullo growled dryly, slapping the paper and pencil down.


    ¡°A special hat,¡± Callie confirmed with a nod, before quickly adding, ¡°This one is for a really good cause, though!¡±


    ¡°Sexyful hat?¡± another voice asked curiously.

 Chapter 55 Part 5 - Multiple Ways to Torture Callie

    PART V - MULTIPLE WAYS TO TORTURE CALLIE


    ¡°Ewww! This is disgusting!¡± Callie squealed. ¡°I think it¡¯s in my nose!¡± She tried to wiggle her arms but it just made things worse. Next to her, Jesca mumbled something angry as Thucax, actually laughing for once, cleared a hole in front of her nose so the Cheetahkin could at least breathe.


    ¡°SSStop sssquirming!¡± Vonn said, also laughing. ¡°You will jussst make it worssse!¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say!¡± Callie groused.


    Even Reynard, who had unexpectedly made a visit to the training field for the first time in several days, couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    For her part, Callie was hanging a half-meter off the ground, firmly glued to the side of a rock, held in place by the goo of Vonn¡¯s Sticky Web Arrow. Try as she might, Callie could do little more than wiggle her exposed fingertips, blink, and mumble barely-coherent words through her semi-restrained lips. ¡°Vonn, I officially hate you today! This is repulsive. It¡¯s leaking into my ear!¡±


    Jesca mumbled an unintelligible agreement.


    ¡°You needed to feel the effects,¡± Reynard said, still laughing, ¡°so you understood how it works. Don¡¯t worry, the webs are summoned and will fade in a bit. Just relax, Callie.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s leaking down my pants!¡± Callie fake-sobbed. ¡°This is so gross!¡± That just caused more laughter from everyone, including Jesca, who was also hanging, glued to the same rock next to her.


    With both Jesca and Callie reaching Silver that morning, Shul¡¯an and Thucax were naturally excited to see some of their new powers, with the Sticky Web skill being a base Ranger spell they would soon receive, too. The effect was much as the name implied. When shot at the target, the arrow transformed at the last moment into a bursting glob of sticky goo. If that target was a person, they¡¯d be coated in the stuff and almost immediately rendered immobile. It was more than just sticky goo, though. The mess clung to your body, flowing around you, resulting in an almost-cocoonlike entombment.


    After demonstrating the effect a few times, almost as if she had been eagerly anticipating being able to do it, Vonn picked up a simple bow she¡¯d hastily assembled from summoned materials. It was barely even a toy, far weaker than the one Callie had used when she first arrived, only having the strength to shoot a dozen meters or so. Along with the bow was a quiver full of arrows with wide, dull tips on them that would cause no damage if they hit where someone was armor-covered. While technically a violation of range safety rules, the risk of injury was understood to be minimal, especially given the result of the spell and Vonn¡¯s accurate aim.


    Callie felt like she was being lined up for a firing squad as Vonn sighted in on her, before being ordered to leap into the air. She swallowed and did so, then was suddenly completely engulfed in the viscus, gooey mess. Shul¡¯an quickly checked that her nose or mouth was clear so she was able to breathe, before stepping away and trying to stifle a giggle. A few seconds later, Jesca was also hanging from the rock like a piece of mounted taxidermy.


    On the sidelines observing were a half-dozen other recruits, all taking a break to get their own giggles in, including Vanis, Fynisse and Duni. Koda, his big bear belly laugh carrying across the field, had also joined the audience. Callie knew it was funny, or would be as soon as she stopped being wall art. At the moment, however, the gloop was slowly droobling down her face, and the humor was escaping her.


    After an interminable four minutes, the Platinum tiered magic on the summoned goo finally waned, and it began to weaken, slowly stretching to set Callie gently on the ground before the whole lot simply disappeared into a puff of mist. Jesca followed a moment later, eventually spitting to get the remnant taste out of her mouth.


    ¡°Stupid Platinum tier. I think that was the longest four minutes of my life,¡± Callie grumbled, trying to wipe residual slime off her face that actually wasn¡¯t there anymore. Jesca simply growled in annoyance, doing the same.


    ¡°How long does it last at Silver?¡± Thucax asked.


    ¡°Just one minute,¡± Jesca snarled.


    Reynard hobbled closer, having stood and now using one of his crutches. ¡°You do understand how the effect works, right Callie? Or do we need to do it again?¡±


    ¡°I got it!¡¯ Callie said coldly with a bit of an irritated snap. The Foxkin seemed far too eager to do it again.


    ¡°Good! There¡¯s a Demon you¡¯ll learn about in a couple weeks, after Midsummer is over, that can shoot this same form of web attack from its ass end. Everyone in camp is going to experience this stuff several times before they leave, either from you lot or from the summoned Demon directly.¡±


    ¡°So we get to goo everyone else?¡± Callie asked, sounding almost hopeful.


    ¡°Maybe not you,¡± Reynard answered. ¡°You seem a little too eager.¡± He looked to Vonn. ¡°Let¡¯s show them the flames next.¡±


    The Lamia nodded in understanding. With a quick motion, Vonn launched another arrow into the rock, covering it with an impressive amount of sticky gloop. She then readied again, holding the tip of the broad training arrow towards Shul¡¯an. ¡°SSSet this alight,¡± she ordered.


    The Salamanderkin called up their Burning Hands spell, using the flame to ignite the end of the arrow. Vonn aimed and then loosed it towards the slimed rock. As soon as it was touched by flame, the entire sloppy mess burned away in an instant, almost like flash paper.


    ¡°It has a very low burning temperature,¡± Reynard explained. ¡°Low enough that someone completely engulfed in it can be freed with nothing more than the smallest of flames, and because it happens so fast, your skin won¡¯t even get burned. It won¡¯t even singe your pretty pink hair, Callie.¡±


    ¡°Awwww, you hear that everyone? He thinks I¡¯m pretty,¡± Callie giggled, twirling one of her pigtails with her finger, and missing only popping bubblegum for the look. The rest of the recruits joined the giggle and even Vonn chuckled a bit.


    Reynard rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of mirth in them from Callie¡¯s banter. He gestured Shul¡¯an towards the rock. ¡°You¡¯re up.¡±


    The Salamaderkin¡¯s residual giggles immediately ended and you could see them swallow nervously. Unsure about the whole affair, they walked over to where directed.


    ¡°Count to ten after you are covered and then use your flame hands again. Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t hurt, especially with your heat resistance.¡±


    Aiming carefully, Vonn again launched one of the Sticky Web arrows. As expected, it completely engulfed poor Shul¡¯an, pinning them against the rock. They tried to move, but that just made the whole thing tighter. A few seconds later there was a puff of flame from their hand. In an instant yellow flash, nearly all of the web-slime vaporized, turning to a light white ash falling gently to the ground. Since Shul¡¯an¡¯s skin was naturally fire resistant, as expected there were no burns, but even on their armor there wasn¡¯t even so much as a scorch mark.


    ¡°That was quite ¡­ odd,¡± Shul¡¯an said, looking at their own hand and then the rock. Save a few bits of the substance that had become separated from the rest, all of it was gone.


    ¡°Your ability to make fire with your handsss will be quite valuable on the field,¡± Vonn said. ¡°You will be able to inssstantly free anyone that is trapped.¡±


    The lesson continued for another twenty minutes or so, each of the recruits, starting with an almost terrified fully-furred Thucax, taking several turns getting entombed before a flame on the end of a stick was brought close to release them. Shul¡¯an had been right, Callie thought, the experience was absolutely odd. One moment she was completely trapped, unable to move or, in one case even breathe because both her nose and mouth were covered. The next, the whole mess was gone before she could even think about passing out. Despite the bright flash, the instant of heat wasn¡¯t enough to burn her or even leave a mark. Koda, still watching the ongoings, even asked to be a target and dutifully took his spot before being slimed and subsequently released, his fur no worse for the fiery adventure.


    ¡°Alright, let''s continue.¡± Reynard eventually said. He gestured toward Jesca. ¡°Unlock your next thing and show us what you got.¡±


    ¡°I just have one more. I got Acrobatics as a melded perk,¡± she said.


    ¡°Ooo!¡± Callie exclaimed. ¡°With your Beastmaster sense of balance, I bet they go really well together.¡±


    Jesca had been fluttering her eyes briefly and now opened them, a bit of a smile forming on her face. Turning towards the rock they¡¯d been using, she launched into a brief run followed by a forward roll into a leap, vaulting overhead, still spinning, into the air. Her paws then hit the top of the rock, continuing the momentum into a high flip. She landed just a little off-balance, her momentum still carrying her forward, but tucked into a follow-on roll before springing back to land on her feet, arms in a wide ¡®tada¡¯ gesture.


    ¡°Whoa! Cool!¡± Callie said, the other Rangers echoing the same as they all applauded. ¡°You¡¯re going to be amazing come the bunkerball game,¡± Callie added with an encouraging smile.


    ¡°Hell!¡± Reynard snarled. ¡°That Bladedancer was bad enough. Now there¡¯s two of them to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to surrender now?¡± Callie asked, teasing the Foxkin with a singsong inflection. She was pretty sure that the returned gesture meant ¡®no¡¯.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need to practice, but it¡¯s melded off my race and my Beastmaster Improved Senses perk,¡± Jesca said, returning to the group, ¡°and I¡¯ve been working on that perk quite a bit.¡±


    Demonstrating the new perk again, Jesca executed a standing backflip, catching the fact she was a bit off-balance by crouching into a perfect superhero landing, arm and tail flung wide.


    ¡°Focus, people,¡± Reynard grumbled as everyone applauded Jesca¡¯s antics again. ¡°What¡¯s the next one you got?¡± he asked, gesturing towards Callie.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°In addition to the three off-class skills I talked about earlier, I also received two melded ones. Actually, one new one called Summon Grappling Hook, and apparently my Summon Turret ¡®evolved¡¯ into summoning a Modular Turret.¡±


    ¡°Evolved? That¡¯s a new one on me,¡± Reynard said, looking towards Vonn for her feedback. All the Lamia could do was shrug, having never heard of a skill evolving either. He turned, groaning a bit as he sat back down in his wheeled chair, standing getting to be a bit much, even with the crutches. ¡°Well, I know what a grappling hook is at least, so let¡¯s start with that one.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Tell me about Summon Grappling Hook


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: SUMMON GRAPPLING HOOK (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: HIGH


    CASTING TIME: 10 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 120 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION: This skill summons a Grappling Hook into the hands of the caster. Twist the head to extend or retract the prongs before use, otherwise they will extend at apex or impact. When loosed from a bow, or thrown, an optional summoned rope will appear, extending from the ring on the grapple. The maximum length of this summoned rope is 20 meters. Both the hook and rope have a summoned duration of approximately 10 minutes. Higher tiers of this skill reduce recharge and cast time, grant more charges, and increase duration and rope length, in addition to other effects.


    This is a melded skill of TINKER + SUMMON COMPONENTS


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°That is quite fascinating,¡± Vonn mused after Callie had rattled off the description. ¡°Another melded power using Tinker as part of its base. Fizzzzzzlebeck will be quite excited.¡±


    ¡°It seems to do almost exactly what you¡¯d expect it to,¡± Reynard said, his face showing he was still digesting the description. ¡°Long cooldown on those charges though, and high mana usage. Be careful when first using it so you don¡¯t get mana drain.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Callie said, nodding vigorously. ¡°I¡¯m not going to repeat what happened at Bronze again.¡±


    Reynard gestured down the range. ¡°Go ahead. Only once, though.¡±


    SUMMON GRAPPLING HOOK WITH ROPE


    It took longer than the described ten seconds, nearly twenty in fact, but slowly an odd arrow appeared in Callie¡¯s hand. It was hard to tell what the material was made of, looking a little like steel or some other kind of metal, but the weight seemed far lighter than you¡¯d expect. The tip of the arrow was fat, as if containing something, and the other end of the shaft was a ringlet, upon which dangled about twenty centimeters of a slightly ghostly piece of rope. The ring had a notch in it to allow it to function as a nock for a bowstring, and interestingly, the entire length was appropriately sized for Callie''s smaller bow.


    The casting finally completed, Callie held the strange arrow up for everyone to see, the short piece of rope wriggling in the air. ¡°What do you make of ¡­¡± Callie¡¯s question was suddenly cut off as she was slammed with the effects of mana usage and felt faint.


    ¡°Callie!¡± Reynard snapped, concern, almost a panic, in his voice.


    The world was spinning a bit and Callie had to sit, dropping the summoned object. ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± she gulped. ¡°It was just a lot at once, but I¡¯m okay. First time using it, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Do you need a potion?¡± Jesca asked, kneeling down to check on her friend.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯ve still got mana left. It was just a big hit at once, and a shock.¡±


    ¡°Give her one anyway,¡± Reynard ordered, ¡°just to be sure.¡±


    ¡°SSStrange,¡± Vonn said, leaning down to pass off a Rejuvenation potion with one hand as she picked up the dropped hook with the other. Twisting the grappling hook¡¯s head, three hooks snapped out, angled like barbs to prevent it being pulled back. Another quick twist and they just as instantly retracted. The Lamia¡¯s eyes went wide, and she repeated the extend/retract process a couple more times, almost smiling like a child playing with a far-too-sharp toy.


    With Callie still resting, Vonn had Jesca take up Callie¡¯s small bow from where it was leaning against the wall of the shelter. The Cheetahkin thumbed the notch to prevent arrow formation as she sighted down the range with the new, strange ammunition. Unleashed towards a hay bale about fifteen meters away, the rope spooled out from the grapple. The arrow sunk into the hay bale, the three prongs popping out to grab hold as the rope settled to the ground.


    Shul¡¯an walked over and picked up the end of the rope. ¡°It¡¯s light,¡± they said to nobody specific, before snapping it tight between their two hands, ¡°and seems strong.¡± They took the rope and gave a hard yank, the line going taunt before pulling the hooked hay bale with it. ¡°It should be able to hold a person or two, depending what it was shot into or hooked on.¡±


    ¡°You might be able to layer it with Piercing Shot,¡± Jesca suggested. ¡°I bet it would even go into or through stone at that point.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Callie said with a slight groan as she stood, the potion¡¯s effects getting her senses back in order. ¡°I¡¯m not trying any time soon, though. Not until I have it down pat.¡±


    ¡°While she¡¯s resting,¡± Reynard said, his instructor inflection evident, ¡°we can talk about the two Ranger perks they received that you all will also get. They are both fairly simple. The first, Basic Herbalism, is the same as what Druids and Shamans received at Bronze. While you could already identify wild plants with Wilderness Survival, this will provide you with knowledge of how to mix them into everything from a simple poultice, to even a few low-grade magical potions. It is absolutely critical you follow the instructions exactly and completely, or the result could make things even worse. Don¡¯t ever skip steps or take shortcuts!¡±


    Callie had already unlocked the perk, but again reviewed one of the first pieces of knowledge that had caught her mind¡¯s eye, as it were. It was a simple healing poultice mashed together from two different types of common berries along with twigs from a bush that were burned to ash, before it was all infused with a little bit of mana. Spreading it over minor skin wounds would heal them in only a few minutes. Larger wounds might take a few hours and need additional applications. It certainly wasn¡¯t Ambria-level healing by any means, but a fair substitute when alone in the wilderness for non-lethal injuries that didn¡¯t incapacitate you.


    ¡°The other one you get is Wilderness Endurance, and it¡¯s quite simple in its effects,¡± Reynard continued. ¡°Effectively, as long as you have mana in your body, you¡¯ll be able to partially stave off hunger and thirst, as well as handle greater extremes of weather and temperature. Oh, also your existing Tracking and Stealth perks now add snow and desert environments to the others you already know, so being able to endure those extremes is quite valuable.¡±


    After a few more minutes, Callie decided to try the Grappling Hook thing a second time, once again calling up the summoned arrow with its dangling ghostly rope. This time the mana hit was significantly more tolerable, or maybe she was ready for it, and she managed to fend off any dizziness. She could tell she had a ways to go, though, before she was practiced enough to get it down to normal levels.


    ¡°Let''s try something,¡± Reynard suggested, gesturing over to a large tree. ¡°See if you can send it over one of those branches, I want to see what that rope does.¡±


    Taking position under the tree, Callie took the new hook and sighted on a branch about fifteen meters up, before unloading her bow. It wasn¡¯t a very long shot, so she needed to temper the power quite a bit. The hook flew true, arcing over a couple meters above the branch while it spooled the rope behind it. The grapple swung under as the three prongs snicked out, wrapping around the branch a second time before hanging down and snagging the dangling rope.


    ¡°Good shot,¡± Reynard said, actually sounding surprised, maybe even impressed. The other Rangers also gave a bit of a cheer as Callie hit the mark on the first try. ¡°Now, Callie, climb up the rope.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing this just to torture me, aren¡¯t you,¡± Callie said deadpan, as she looked incredulously back at the trainer.


    ¡°I want to know how strong it is,¡± Reynard said flatly. He then smiled. ¡°Torturing you is just a bonus.¡±


    Callie sighed and set her bow aside, before returning a gesture of her own. She couldn¡¯t help but smile a little, though. Verbally sparring with Reynard was always a little fun, and they¡¯d largely learned to take it in stride. Truthfully, though, she was just happy to see him back on the field. She hadn¡¯t expected that, thinking he¡¯d be spending the week locked in his cabin given the personal significance it had for him. Something had changed since they talked, or maybe because of it, or perhaps it was just the absolute spanking the camp team had received at the bunkerball game. Today he seemed ¡­ maybe driven was the right word? Certainly like he had motivation of some kind that was distracting him from his memories, and not just Jesca and Callie¡¯s new Silver powers.


    Thinking back to high-school gym classes, Callie tried to remember how to climb a rope. She remembered that she had to twist it with her feet a bit, so she could use them to help. She pulled on the rope, just to see if everything was secure and then hopped. Amazingly, Callie didn¡¯t even have to use the rope-climbing form. Her arm and chest muscles, now over-buff from a month of constant Ranger training, were more than sufficient to pull her quickly up, legs splayed out like little-footed pendulums. It didn¡¯t take long to reach the top, the encouraging cheers from the others pushing her along. She slapped the branch like she was smashing the plunger on a bell, before sliding back down to the ground, her armored arm wrapped around the rope to keep her descent controlled. ¡°Ha!¡± she shouted to Reynard, pointing in triumph.


    ¡°Impressive, Little One,¡± Master Trainer Thorn said, having apparently arrived while Callie was climbing.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Callie said, beaming a smile and a little breathless as she walked back with her bow. ¡°Apparently my arms are jacked now.¡± She held one out and flexed, not actually able to feel the hard bulge through her armor, but knowing it was there. ¡°I hadn¡¯t expected that. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± the Ratkin said, shrugging. ¡°I was walking through and heard the cheering.¡± He then gestured. ¡°What¡¯s this all about?¡±


    ¡°One of her new melded skills,¡± Reynard clarified. He then called out, ¡°Shul¡¯an, you climb it. Let¡¯s test its strength before the summoning fades. You¡¯re the heaviest.¡±


    Groaning, the Salamanderkin walked over to the tree and tugged on the rope a few times. With a deep sigh for self-encouragement, they began to pull themself up the rope. Unlike Callie, Shul¡¯an needed their feet, but had good form. With the cheering from below, they quickly reached the top, slapping the branch as Callie had done, before doing a similar controlled slide back to the ground.


    ¡°Seems strong enough,¡± Thorn observed. ¡°Recruit Callie, would you mind using that skill again to show me?¡±


    After grudgingly drinking a blue potion, Callie summoned the grappling hook again, handing it to the Master Trainer. Thorn turned it over in his hands, curious as to the design and what it was made of, as well as flicking the prongs in and out a few times. ¡°You can shoot this from your bow?¡± he asked, pointing at the obvious nock at the end.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Callie confirmed. ¡°The description also says you can throw it, but we haven¡¯t tried yet. That rope is also optional, too. I suppose that¡¯s so you can tie something else to it if you wanted.¡±


    Volunteering to give it a throw, Vonn took the grapple from Thorn. She walked a few steps away and made sure there was no one close before testing the weight as she swung her arm, holding the ring and noting it felt light compared to what the same thing made of steel would be. Then, with a bit of a wind-up, she released an underhand throw. The hook flew high, nearly straight up in fact, the rope growing behind it. At the top of the arc, the prongs popped out, and it fell back towards the ground, landing with a solid thump about two meters away, the rope falling in a spaghetti mess around it.


    Vonn turned away, an embarrassed look on her face as everyone else laughed at the obviously-poor throw. ¡°I wasss never good at that,¡± she said sheepishly, shaking her head and laughing along.


    ¡°A fascinating new melded skill, Recruit Callie,¡± Thorn said, trying to stifle his own titters towards Vonn. ¡°Congratulations. We¡¯ll have to come up with some team training scenarios where it could be useful.¡±


    ¡°Sure. That could be fun.¡±


    ¡°Fun,¡± Reynard scoffed. ¡°This isn¡¯t supposed to be fun.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just jealous I can climb up things now,¡± Callie retorted with a fake huff.


    Reynard was about to respond with his own surly comeback, but Thorn put a paw on his shoulder. ¡°Save it for the bunkerball field, you two.¡± Then he fixed his attention back to Callie. ¡°Reynard said something about your Turret skill ¡®evolving¡¯? What¡¯s that about?¡±


    ¡°No idea. Let me unlock it and find out.¡±


    Tell me about Summon Modular Turret


    As expected, the description of the new skill flowed into Callie¡¯s head as her Symbiote presumably made the final brain-circuit connection to make the skill take hold, or whatever it was that it did. She started to digest the lengthy new information.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Callie exclaimed, her eyes going wide.

 Chapter 55 Part 6 - Modular Choices

    PART VI - MODULAR CHOICES


    ¡°Callie?¡± Jesca said, a worried tone in her voice. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°This is really ¡­¡° Callie began, her voice trailing off as she reviewed the information again.


    ¡°Really what?¡± Reynard added, a hint of concern likewise in his voice.


    ¡°Let ¡­ let me try something before I explain,¡± Callie said, face still confused as she held up a finger.


    ¡°Watch your mana,¡± Thorn warned.


    ¡°No, it should be fine,¡± Callie said, waving the worry away absently as she continued to look inward. ¡°How much is needed depends on ¡­¡± She took a deep breath, hoping she understood how the skill worked.


    SUMMON MODULAR TURRET - STANDARD BASE/STANDARD BODY/STANDARD HEART/ONE HEAD


    Like with the old version of the skill, the clockwork turret built itself from magical light, a little faster this time than at Bronze. Once completed, it looked virtually identical, and started shooting when mentally directed, the rate of fire now faster than before. Confirming that still worked, Callie halted the action.


    ¡°Okay, so that one is exactly the same as the old one, then,¡± Callie mumbled, mostly to herself. ¡°I¡¯ll try now with just two simple changes ¡­¡±


    SUMMON MODULAR TURRET - WALKING BASE/STANDARD BODY/STANDARD HEART/TWO HEADS


    This time, a second turret built itself, the first not dissolving as it would have at Bronze, and it was immediately apparent this one was a little different. Instead of resting on a base of four stationary supports, everything was placed on a square platform about three-quarters of a meter off the ground, with what appeared to be jointed legs under each corner. The rest of the turret was the same as the first until you got to the top, where instead of one there were now two shooting mechanisms, one stacked on top of the other. The ground was slightly irregular, and the legs twitched a bit, finding better positions and making the platform level.


    ¡°Interesting ¡­¡± Thorn said carefully, not sure what to make of the odd, new construct.


    ¡°Shoot that and that as you go over there,¡± Callie mentally ordered, also saying it aloud for the benefit of everyone, pointing first at two separate targets, and then where she wanted the turret to end up.


    Without hesitation, the legged turret started walking to the left. At the same time, it started to loose its summoned bolts both at the hay bale partially wrecked by the grappling hook a bit ago using one head, while the second shot downrange towards one of the targets. As it moved, Callie was reminded a little of those robot security dogs she¡¯d seen on the internet dancing to music, the construct stepping high over small items on the ground and working to keep the turret level. Once it reached its destination it stopped, the accuracy significantly improved as the shooting continued.


    ¡°It can move now,¡± Thucax gasped, ¡°and shoot two things at once?¡±


    ¡°Callie, please explain,¡± Reynard asked.


    Nodding her head a few times as she finished internalizing how the skill functioned, Callie mentally ordered the walking turret to stop shooting before she turned towards everyone. ¡°Okay, I think I understand how this is going to work. It¡¯s a little complex and requires some math, and there¡¯s a lot of options, so stick with me until I get to the end." Taking a deep breath, she pulled up the skill¡¯s description again and recited it for everyone.


    Tell me about Summon Modular Turret


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: SUMMON MODULAR TURRET (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: VARIES


    CASTING TIME: VARIES


    RECHARGE TIME: 20 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 12


    DESCRIPTION: Summons a mechanized construct that can fire summoned arrows at mentally designated targets once every 2.5 seconds. The caster can designate a new target at any time. Turrets are assembled at time of casting from various component options, with the number of charges, amount of mana and casting time required varying based on those components. The construct must be summoned within a range of 4 meters from the caster. Turrets are summoned constructs and will dissipate after approximately 10 minutes, but can be dismissed at any time. Only 2 turrets can be deployed at a time. Summoning an additional turret will cause the oldest active turret to dissolve. Higher tiers of this skill will increase the maximum active turret count, number of charges, and improve other elements. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    This is a melded skill of TINKER + SUMMON COMPONENTS + BOWYER/FLETCHER.


    A Turret is assembled from up to five components: base, body, heart, head and optional enhancements.


    CONSTRUCT BASE - Choose One


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Immobile Base - 1 Charge</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct must be affixed to a reasonably flat surface measuring at least thirty centimeters in length and width, or be able to clasp to a narrow supporting structure that is at least thirty centimeters in length. The attach point must be stable for maximum accuracy.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Walking Base - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">A construct with this base is able to move at a walking speed as directed by the caster. It will not be able to traverse overly rugged terrain or steep inclines. Accuracy improves if not moving.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Levitating Base - 3 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct floats approximately one meter off the ground, and is able to move at a rate slower than the walking base. Maximum height is 5 meters. Accuracy improves if not moving.


    </li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    CONSTRUCT BODY - Choose One


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Standard - 1 Charge</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct is crafted from standard, light-weight materials that may be easily damaged or destroyed.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Reinforced - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct is crafted from heavy-duty materials able to absorb a bit of mistreatment</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Armored - 3 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct is both Reinforced as well as covered with heavy armored plates, able to handle extreme punishment and damage. Construct is also immune to fire and acid.


    </li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    CONSTRUCT HEART - Choose One


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Standard - 1 Charge</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Standard Turret Heart with No Effects</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Quickened- 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Decrease Attack Interval by 0.5 seconds.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Overcharged - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Increase Summoned Duration by 5 minutes</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    NUMBER OF SHOOTING HEADS - Choose One


    Note: Only the top head is able to fire fully vertical


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">One Head - 1 Charge</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Two Heads - 3 Charges</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Three Heads - 5 Charges</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Four Heads - 7 Charges</li>


    </ul>


    ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCT EFFECTS - Optional.


    NOTE: May apply only one effect to each head.


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Rapid Fire - 2 Charges per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This head can hold up to 2 charges of Rapid Fire, with a recharge time of 20 seconds. It can either be used when ordered by the caster or set to be automatic on each cooldown.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Multishot - 2 Charges per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This head can hold up to 2 charges of Multishot, with a recharge time of 20 seconds. The caster is able to select a different target for each arrow within a 30-degree cone. It can either be used when ordered by the caster or set to be automatic on each cooldown. If set to automatic, all shots will aim for the same target in a 10-degree spread pattern.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Burst Shot - 1 Charge per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This head can hold up to 2 charges of Burst Shot, with a recharge time of 20 seconds. It can either be used when ordered by the caster or set to be automatic on each cooldown.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Piercing - 2 Charges per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">All shots from this head have the Piercing effect.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Self-Destruct - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The Construct will explode if destroyed or when commanded to by the caster, but not when it expires naturally or is replaced by a new turret.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Feeling a little numerically giddy, Callie kept quiet while she watched the others process what she had just relayed. Her mind raced, though, running various potential permutations through her head. She imagined everything from a reinforced walker with four separately shooting heads, to a heavily armored tower putting out occasional Rapid Fire blasts. She even envisioned a floating armored version with a single head spitting out Multishot shotgun attacks. For some reason, in her head it resembled the floating robots on that weird show with the flying blue telephone booth, and she then wondered if it could be made to talk and maybe keep repeating ¡®EXTERMINATE¡¯.


    Ultimately, the only limitation on design would be the maximum twelve charges, as well as mana. Interestingly, the mana usage wasn¡¯t that great, the base standard turret seeming in line with what it had been at Bronze, and a little higher for the walking version. It wasn¡¯t artificially inflated like most new skills, likely because it was derived from the old one she had mastered. That meant it used many of the same pathways in her head, right? That must be why it was considered ¡®evolved¡¯, rather than being new.


    Surprisingly, it was Thucax who was the first to seemingly fully comprehend the skill¡¯s design and potential. ¡°My stars!¡± the Gnoll exclaimed. ¡°You have so many possibilities!¡± You could see him working things through his head like Callie had, his background with numbers and logistics from the family business likely assisting.


    Vonn was next to appreciate the potential, followed quickly by Thorn and the others.


    ¡°I see what you meant about it being complex,¡± Reynard said, obviously still rolling the infodump through his head. ¡°You¡¯ve said you enjoy math and numbers, though.¡±


    ¡°So this one used four charges, right?¡± Thorn asked, pointing to the basic, immobile turret.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Callie replied with a nod. ¡°That would be the same turret that I used to summon at Bronze with the old skill, although it shoots a little faster now and lasts longer.¡±


    ¡°Then this one cost ¡­¡± Thorn continued, making a thinking face. ¡°Blast, I can¡¯t remember all the parts now.¡±


    ¡°That one used seven charges. One extra for the legs and two more for the second head. So between the two, I¡¯ve used eleven charges, and am down to one charge left, plus whatever I¡¯ve recharged every twenty seconds.¡±


    ¡°I think this is hurting my brain,¡± Jesca said, her face still locked in a perplexed look. ¡°So many choices. How could you possibly keep it all straight? This is worse than your Layering perk!¡±


    Jesca was right, there was a lot to keep track of. Callie could probably calculate the number of actual possibilities with a little bit of work, although the maximum number of charges limitation and optional extras added a bit of complexity. She didn¡¯t have to do any calculations to know that the answer was ¡®a lot¡¯, though.


    ¡°How are you for mana?¡± Thorn asked, a growing excitement in his voice. ¡°I¡¯d like to try some variations.¡± Before Callie could even answer, he sent out a shrill whistle, calling down a Sprite and sending him off to find another Sprite to help and fetch mana potions. Callie groaned, remembering how bad they tasted as the creatures'' ¡®goodbye¡¯ faded into the distance.


    For the next half-hour or so, maybe a bit longer, everyone rattled off various combinations which Callie dutifully summoned up. She had been a little worried about mana usage if she used most or all of the charges at once, and there was a noticeable increase when she got above nine or ten. Thankfully, the four minutes needed to recharge from zero back to twelve helped keep the pace from getting out of hand, and the perfect timekeeping of both Thorn and Jesca would alert when it was safe to drink another mana potion. Come the end, when the five or six potions had been exhausted, Callie was ready to be done. Her head, already reeling with all the modular combinations she had mentally considered and summoned, was frankly getting mushy from all the constant casting.


    One interesting thing Callie discovered was that the Talisman on her bow was actually able to store eight charges of the new skill if she stored them all at the same time. She still couldn¡¯t exceed the total of twelve in her body, but if she deployed a complex turret, she could immediately get a good portion back for casting a second one, or completely if she used both Talismans. It was strategically interesting, for sure, and offered Callie yet another option on how to use her powers.


    <hr>


    ¡°Hey, Trainer Reynard?¡± Callie called out, racing to catch up with the Foxkin, who was being pushed back towards the rest of camp by Thorn. Vonn had called an end for the day¡¯s training a little early for everyone, save Thucax who wanted a little one-on-one help on a couple things he felt he was lagging on, eager to get to Silver like Callie and Jesca had.


    ¡°What now, Callie,¡± Reynard groaned as she approached. ¡°Congratulations on reaching Silver, but it¡¯s been a long day.¡±


    ¡°Be nice, my friend,¡± Thorn said quietly, trying to calm any tension before it built up.


    Callie sighed. She didn¡¯t want to fight right now. Reynard was right, it had been a long afternoon for her, too, and quite honestly, her brain was still feeling a little like jelly. ¡°I just wanted to say that it was nice to see you back in training today,¡± Callie said. She was being sincere in that statement. After the time she and Jesca had spent with Reynard on Homeday, she wasn¡¯t afraid to admit she was a little worried about him. They may snap at each other often, but she really did care.


    ¡°Oh. Apologies,¡± Reynard said, looking a little sullen. ¡°I was ¡­ expecting ¡­ more foolishness from you. Thank you.¡±


    Callie caught a smile from Thorn. ¡°Yeah, I get that,¡± she said, trying to put on a smile of her own. ¡°I know things are ¡­ complicated for you this week, so I just wanted to offer what support I could. Sir, if you need anything, just ¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. ¡®Just let you know¡¯. I remember. Thank you for that as well,¡± Reynard snapped, being a little more short with the Gnome than he really wanted to be. He didn¡¯t like that she knew so much about his personal life, despite the fact he had freely shared it with her and Jesca. He shouldn¡¯t have done that, and now bristled whenever she came close to the topic. It wasn¡¯t fair to her, he knew, but he couldn¡¯t help it. That wall between trainer and recruit had somehow unexpectedly broken down between them, and it chiseled away the dynamic that should be in place.


    ¡°I heard about your cabinmate,¡± Thorn said, forcing a change of topic. ¡°Firelice is dreadful! How is she?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her since this morning, but I think she was going to hide away today. Her head needs some more healing work this evening to address the damage, so I don¡¯t think she wants to be seen. All her hair is probably gone permanently, though.¡±


    ¡°Cheena is masterful,¡± Reynard said. ¡°If anyone can address the skin damage it would be her.¡±


    Callie looked generally towards the hill where Ogre House lay beyond. ¡°It¡¯s still going to be an adjustment for her.¡± So far, the rumor mill regarding Lena had been mostly speculative, but also mostly-accurate, at least from what she had overheard. It was known she¡¯d been attacked by firelice, and that she¡¯d been injured, but the full extent of that injury hadn¡¯t yet made the rounds. Instead, there were a lot of wild theories, but nothing completely right. At least Fullo and Zyxengrisc had agreed to make the hat Callie wanted, actually eagerly agreeing once told why. They said they would deliver it by dinner, so it might already be waiting back at the house, wrapped up so Callie could gift it.


    Callie took her leave, wishing both trainers an early good evening. As Thorn wheeled Reynard away, she overheard a snippet of conversation between the two of them regarding Jesca. The words were largely lost in the din of everything going on around her, and Callie thought momentarily about sneaking after them to see if she could overhear anything more. Only for a moment, though. Maybe for two moments.

 CHARACTER SHEET - Callie Archer - Silver Tier (end of Chapter 55)

    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Name: Calliope (Callie) Willow Archer


    </td>


    <td>


    Age: 26


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Class: Ranger


    </td>


    <td>


    Race: Gnome


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Level: Silver Tier


    </td>


    <td>


    Gender: Female


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    EQUIPMENT


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    ITEM: NATURE BLESSED HEARTWOOD BOW (weapon)


    MATERIAL: Everliving Dryadic Heartwood


    INHERENT EFFECTS: Any arrow shot from this bow is Nature Blessed and able to affect targets that may ignore normal, non-magical arrows. Targets containing Nether energy take extra damage from this blessing when struck. Will grow a Heartwood Tree seedling that can be removed and planted, which takes approximately 250 days. If a seedling leaf is ingested, it will restore health, mana and stamina, as well as provide enough nourishment for a normal-sized person for one day. This effect is independent of potion and Druidic Berry cooldowns. The leaf will regrow in about one day.


    RUNE: Increase effective range


    RUNE: Increase effective range (Diminishing Returns)


    RUNE: Reduce casting time of bow skills


    RUNE: Increase mana efficiency (ie, reduce mana cost) of bow skills


    RUNE: Reinforce bow strength and flexibility


    RUNE: Reduce recharge time of bow skills. The inscribed item must be touching the recipient to receive this effect. Not effective in magically null areas.


    ENCHANTMENT:  Summon Arrow - Summon an arrow when the bowstring is pulled. Summoned arrow has a lifespan of approximately ten seconds after release. Holds approximately one-hundred arrow charges and recharges at a rate of fifteen per minute. Touching the bow¡¯s thumb indentation at time of draw will suppress arrow formation, using up a suppression charge. Maximum of five suppression charges with a three minute recharge time.


    ENCHANTMENT: Self Repair - The bow will magically repair any damage it may sustain, or regrow lost pieces, but must be supplied with mana to maintain the repair/regrowth process. Regrown bowstrings will need to be manually secured into place.


    ENCHANTMENT: Recall Weapon - Telekinetically summon the enchanted weapon into the attuned wielder¡¯s hands. Maximum range of approximately thirty meters.


    ENCHANTMENT: Magical Storage - Magically store the attuned bow into an attuned stone touching the wielder¡¯s body. The stored bow may be recalled at any time. Recalled bow is not considered a summoned item. Only the attuned wielder may store/recall the bow. Each action uses one charge, and the stone has three charges, with a recharge rate of approximately one hour.


    TALISMAN (x2): Store one charge of any originally Silver Tier or lower weapon skill for later use for up to six hours. Requires a low amount of mana to initially store the charge. Normal mana is required to use this stored charge after it is reclaimed.


    CARE REQUIREMENT: Must be provided water and sunlight at least once per week. If not cared for properly, the Self-Repair enchantment will go dormant, as will all Inherent Effects, causing the seedling to wither and die. Once provided water and sunlight, these effects return, and the seedling will begin to grow again.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    CLASS and MELDED SKILLS


    NOTE: Bow-Modified values show in parenthesis


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: BURST SHOT (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME: 20 (16) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 3


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to create a burst of bright light, sound, and concussive force upon impact. However, the arrow must be fired within 15 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill advances, its recharge will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the number of charges will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: EAGLE EYE (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW (CHANNELED)


    DESCRIPTION: Allows one to magnify their vision in the direction they are facing up to a maximum of 6x. Line-of-sight must be unimpeded. This is a channeled skill. Ranger skills may be used through this magnified vision. As the Ranger progresses to higher tiers, the maximum magnification level will increase, and the skill will grant the capability to use enhanced vision types. This skill will provide some protection against vision-based charm effects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: ELEMENTAL SHOT (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 3 (2.4) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME:32 (25.6) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    ELEMENTAL EFFECTS: FIRE, WATER, ICE


    DESCRIPTION: This ability enchants a prepped arrow, wrapping it in a layer of Elemental Effect. The casting process requires 3 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 12 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. Upon impact, the arrow will burst with the applied effect in a radius of approximately 3.5 meters. As the skill advances, additional elemental effects and a variably increased radius of effect will be available. Furthermore, charge count and hold time increases, while casting and recharge times will decrease.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    SKILL: FLARE (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW


    CASTING TIME: 2 (1.6) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 35 (28) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 3


    DESCRIPTION: This ability enchants a prepped arrow, causing it to emit bright light. The casting process requires 2 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 15 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. After being fired, the arrow will begin to glow a maximum of 6 seconds (variable at cast time) after release and will glow for 30-45 seconds (variable at cast time). If fired skyward, the arrow will descend gently towards the ground once it reaches its peak. As the skill advances, the casting and recharge time will decrease. Additionally, the duration of the glow will increase, as well as the window of opportunity to fire the arrow and the number of charges available.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    SKILL: HOMING SHOT (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT + 2.5 (2) SECONDS FOR LOCK


    RECHARGE TIME: 35 (28) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to steer itself towards an intended target. Upon cast, the archer must lock on to the target for no less than 2 seconds. The arrow must be fired within 12 seconds from initial cast, or the effect will dissipate. Homing area is a 30-degree wide cone centered on the direction of the shot. As the skill level increases, the recharge time and lock time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire will expand as will maximum charge count. The steering capability of the projectile will also improve.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


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    <td>


    SKILL: INSTINCTIVE DODGE (SILVER TIER)


    STAMINA USAGE: LOW (SPECIAL)


    DESCRIPTION: Individuals possessing this skill can effortlessly evade known incoming attacks by utilizing their stamina, and have a fair chance of evading unknown incoming attacks up once every 5 seconds. As they progress to higher tiers, their likelihood of success increases, their stamina expenditure decreases, and they ultimately gain the capability to fully dodge unseen attacks.


    </td>


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    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    SKILL: MULTISHOT (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME: 35 (28) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 3


    MULTIPLIER: 5


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with the power to split into 5 projectiles upon release. Each projectile can be aimed at the same target or different targets within a 30-degree cone in front of the weapon. The arrow must be fired within 15 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, projectile count, maximum charge count, and area of effect will increase.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    SKILL: PIERCING SHOT (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 1.2 (.96) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 35 (28) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 3


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow with enhanced power, allowing it to penetrate hardened targets with ease. The casting process requires 1.2 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 15 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to shoot the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and piercing capability will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: RAPID FIRE (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    RECHARGE TIME: 24 (19.2) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 3


    MULTIPLIER: 6


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow to release 6 arrows in rapid succession, in the direction aimed at time of each release. The arrow must be fired within 15 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. This skill will cause recoil when active, and care must be taken to maintain one¡¯s target. As the skill level increases, the recharge time and recoil will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and number of arrows fired will increase.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: RAIN OF ARROWS (SILVER TIER)


    SYNERGY: MULTISHOT


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 4 (3.2) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 48 38.4) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    MULTIPLIERS: 5x / 3x


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow to target an area of ground 2.5-6 meters (variable at time of casting) in diameter. When the arrow is loosed upwards, the arrow will split 5x the multiplier of MULTISHOT, and then split into 3x., hitting the target area randomly. The arrow must be fired within 12 seconds of the spell''s completion, or the enchantment will dissipate. Arrows are summoned objects and will disappear approximately ten seconds after striking.  As the skill level increases, the recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the multipliers, maximum charge count, and variable area of effect will increase.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>


    SYNERGIZED SKILL: REPLICATE ARROW (SILVER TIER)


    SYNERGY: BOWYER/FLETCHER


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 150 SECONDS


    SUMMON DURATION: 2.5 HOURS (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION: This ability will create summoned 2x duplicates of up to 10 non-magical arrows, 1x duplicates of up to 25 non-magical arrows, or 2x duplicates of up to 3 magic-imbued arrows. As summoned items, the arrows will dissolve approximately 2.5 hours after creation. Arrows previously summoned with this skill may be replicated. As the skill advances, its recharge time will decrease, the quantity that may be replicated increases, and the summoned duration will extend.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: SNIPER SHOT (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: HIGH


    CASTING TIME: 4 (3.2) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 40 (32) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 3


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow for extreme damage at long range. The casting process requires 4 seconds, and once complete, the arrow must be fired within 15 seconds, or the effect will dissipate. As the skill level increases, the casting and recharge time will decrease, the window of opportunity to fire the arrow will expand, and the damage, maximum charge count, and range will increase.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: STICKY WEB ARROW (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: HIGH


    CASTING TIME: 2 (1.6) SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 40 (32) SECONDS


    CHARGES: 1


    SUMMON DURATION: 1 MINUTE


    DESCRIPTION: This ability imbues a prepped arrow to explode in a gooey, stick mass immediately before striking its target. The substance will spread over said target, binding their limbs and slowing or preventing movement. The more the target struggles, the more the substance will spread. The binding material is considered summoned and will evaporate after approximately 1 minute. The application of flame will cause the sticky substance to instantly burn away, producing very little heat. As the skill level increases, the duration of the summoning and charge count, while casting and recharge times will decrease.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: SUMMON COMPONENTS (SILVER TIER)


    SYNERGY: BOWYER/FLETCHER


    MANA USAGE: MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: 5 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 260 SECONDS


    SUMMON DURATION: 7 HOURS (approximate)


    DESCRIPTION: This ability will create summoned versions of common Bowyer/Fletcher components required for the construction of up to 10 non-magical arrows and non-magical parts to complete simple repairs on up to 3 bows. As summoned items, these components will dissolve approximately 7 hours after creation. Arrows crafted with these summoned components may be replicated by the Replicate Arrow skill, but the results have the summon duration of that skill. As the skill advances, its recharge time will decrease, the summoned quantity of components will increase, and the summoned duration will extend. Furthermore, increasingly-complex magical components may be summoned.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    MELDED CLASS SKILL: SUMMON GRAPPLING HOOK (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: HIGH


    CASTING TIME: 10 SECONDS


    RECHARGE TIME: 120 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 2


    DESCRIPTION: This skill summons a Grappling Hook into the hands of the caster. Twist the head to extend or retract the prongs before use, otherwise they will extend at apex or impact. When loosed from a bow, or thrown, an optional summoned rope will appear, extending from the ring on the grapple. The maximum length of this summoned rope is 20 meters. Both the hook and rope have a summoned duration of approximately 10 minutes. Higher tiers of this skill reduce recharge and cast time, grant more charges, and increase duration and rope length, in addition to other effects.


    This is a melded skill of TINKER + SUMMON COMPONENTS


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    MELDED CLASS SKILL: SUMMON MODULAR TURRET (SILVER TIER)


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!MANA USAGE: VARIES


    CASTING TIME: VARIES


    RECHARGE TIME: 20 SECONDS


    CHARGES: 12


    DESCRIPTION: Summons a mechanized construct that can fire summoned arrows at mentally designated targets once every 2.5 seconds. The caster can designate a new target at any time. Turrets are assembled at time of casting from various component options, with the number of charges, amount of mana and casting time required varying based on those components. The construct must be summoned within a range of 4 meters from the caster. Turrets are summoned constructs and will dissipate after approximately 10 minutes, but can be dismissed at any time. Only 2 turrets can be deployed at a time. Summoning an additional turret will cause the oldest active turret to dissolve. Higher tiers of this skill will increase the maximum active turret count, number of charges, and improve other elements. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    This is a melded skill of TINKER + SUMMON COMPONENTS + BOWYER/FLETCHER.


    A Turret is assembled from up to five components: base, body, heart, head and optional enhancements.


    CONSTRUCT BASE - Choose One


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Immobile Base - 1 Charge</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct must be affixed to a reasonably flat surface measuring at least thirty centimeters in length and width, or be able to clasp to a narrow supporting structure that is at least thirty centimeters in length. The attach point must be stable for maximum accuracy.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Walking Base - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">A construct with this base is able to move at a walking speed as directed by the caster. It will not be able to traverse overly rugged terrain or steep inclines. Accuracy improves if not moving.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Levitating Base - 3 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct floats approximately one meter off the ground, and is able to move at a rate slower than the walking base. Maximum height is 5 meters. Accuracy improves if not moving.


    </li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    CONSTRUCT BODY - Choose One


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Standard - 1 Charge</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct is crafted from standard, light-weight materials that may be easily damaged or destroyed.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Reinforced - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct is crafted from heavy-duty materials able to absorb a bit of mistreatment</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Armored - 3 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The construct is both Reinforced as well as covered with heavy armored plates, able to handle extreme punishment and damage. Construct is also immune to fire and acid.


    </li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    CONSTRUCT HEART - Choose One


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Standard - 1 Charge</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Standard Turret Heart with No Effects</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Quickened- 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Decrease Attack Interval by 0.5 seconds.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Overcharged - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Increase Summoned Duration by 5 minutes</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    NUMBER OF SHOOTING HEADS - Choose OneNote: Only the top head is able to fire fully vertical


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">One Head - 1 Charge</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Two Heads - 3 Charges</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Three Heads - 5 Charges</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Four Heads - 7 Charges</li>


    </ul>


    ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCT EFFECTS - Optional.


    NOTE: May apply only one effect to each head.


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Rapid Fire - 2 Charges per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This head can hold up to 2 charges of Rapid Fire, with a recharge time of 20 seconds. It can either be used when ordered by the caster or set to be automatic on each cooldown.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Multishot - 2 Charges per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This head can hold up to 2 charges of Multishot, with a recharge time of 20 seconds. The caster is able to select a different target for each arrow within a 30-degree cone. It can either be used when ordered by the caster or set to be automatic on each cooldown. If set to automatic, all shots will aim for the same target in a 10-degree spread pattern.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Burst Shot - 1 Charge per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">This head can hold up to 2 charges of Burst Shot, with a recharge time of 20 seconds. It can either be used when ordered by the caster or set to be automatic on each cooldown.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Piercing - 2 Charges per Head</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">All shots from this head have the Piercing effect.</li>


    </ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Self-Destruct - 2 Charges</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The Construct will explode if destroyed or when commanded to by the caster, but not when it expires naturally or is replaced by a new turret.</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    OFF-CLASS SKILLS


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: INSPIRING MELODY (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW (CHANNELED)


    CASTING TIME: NONE (CHANNELED)


    RECHARGE TIME: NONE


    CHARGES: NONE


    DESCRIPTION: This skill grants the capability to manipulate emotions via music or rhythmic spoken word. Effectiveness requires the willing attention of the audience, with environmental and mental distractions mitigating impact. This is a suggestive charm and thus bypasses most passive charm defenses. Will not affect those with charm immunity. It can only affect sentience capable of emotion. Further mastery increases projection strength, overall emotional intensity, range, and distraction resistance. In addition, the skill can be made increasingly effective against unwilling targets.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: SEASON (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW (CHANNELED)


    CASTING TIME: VARIES (CHANNELED)


    RECHARGE TIME: NONE


    CHARGES: NONE


    DESCRIPTION: This skill will allow the caster to imbue a liquid with simple flavors. The intensity of this flavor is increased the longer the skill is channeled. Once imbued, the result cannot be further seasoned. Complex flavors requiring more than one simple flavor are beyond this skill at Iron Tier. The flavoring is considered a summoned material, and will evaporate approximately 4 hours after creation. Further mastery will increase the complexity of flavors that may be created as well as summoned duration, as well as permit additional magical manipulation.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: SIGIL OF AMPLIFICATION (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: LOW + CHANNEL


    CASTING TIME: SPECIAL


    RECHARGE TIME: NONE


    CHARGES: NONE


    DESCRIPTION: This skill allows you to etch a glowing sigil in the air. You can then push the sigil onto a person or object and it significantly increases the volume of the target''s voice or any other purposely emitted sound. Tapping the Sigil once activates the amplification, while a second time deactivates it, effectively muting the Sigil¡¯s power. The Sigil remains active as long as it is fueled by mana. Mana to power the Sigil can come from the caster or another source, and it will remain active for approximately 10 minutes once the mana source is removed, or until dismissed. At Iron Tier, you are only able to channel 1 Sigil of Amplification at a time. As you improve your mastery of this skill, the number of actively channeled Sigils permitted will increase and their overall amplification effects will improve.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    CLASS PERKS


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: ADVANCED ARCHERY (SILVER TIER)


    CLASS PERK: ADVANCED ARCHERY (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL (LOW)


    CASTING TIME: NONE


    RECHARGE TIME: NONE


    DESCRIPTION: Individuals possessing this perk are more likely to successfully hit their intended target. The caster may utilize mana to more-accurately target particular regions of the intended target or to unerringly reflect an arrow off 2 solid surfaces without reduction to its power. At higher tiers, aptitude at utilizing mana to increase the likelihood of striking precise areas on their target increases, as does the ability to accomplish intricate, and sometimes seemingly impossible, trick shots. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: AMBIDEXTERITY


    DESCRIPTION: The ability to use either hand to perform actions without penalty.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SYNERGIZED CLASS PERK: BASIC HERBALISM (SILVER TIER)


    SYNERGY: WILDERNESS SURVIVAL


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL


    DESCRIPTION: Provides rudimentary knowledge of the preparation of plant-based potions, tinctures, poultices, etc. Some combinations may require varying amounts of mana to properly complete as part of the preparation process.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: BOOKKEEPING/LOGISTICS


    DESCRIPTION: Knowledge and skill in money, inventory and logistical practices and record keeping. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: BOWYER/FLETCHER (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL


    CASTING TIME: SITUATIONAL


    RECHARGE TIME: SITUATIONAL


    DESCRIPTION: Provides the knowledge to craft simple arrows and bows from common components. Higher tiers of this perk allow for advanced crafting, replicating arrows, summoning components, and imbuing crafted bows and arrows with temporary magical runes and effects, enhancing their capabilities. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SYNERGIZED CLASS PERK: DANGER SENSE (WILDERNESS)


    SYNERGY: WILDERNESS TRACKING


    DESCRIPTION: Provides a premonition-like danger warning in wilderness areas. Users with this perk will receive up to ten seconds warning and will also know the general direction of the danger. Functions in the same biomes as the synergized perk Wilderness Tracking. Does not function during combat or other periods of high activity or stress.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    MELDED CLASS PERK: EFFECT LAYERING


    DESCRIPTION: This perk allows the caster to apply multiple skill effects to a single arrow. The effects are applied in reverse order of their intended use. If the casting or use condition for any effect fails, all effects are canceled and the caster loses all charges and mana used. Mana required increases significantly with each additional effect. Caster can apply the same effect multiple times, as long as they have enough charges and mana, and all castings are completed before the first¡¯s effect dissipates.


    This is a melded perk of TINKER + ADVANCED ARCHERY.


    </td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: ENDURANCE (WILDERNESS)


    SYNERGY: WILDERNESS SURVIVAL


    DESCRIPTION: Increased resistance to fatigue and hunger while in wilderness environments. Provides inherent resistance to the physical effects of extreme temperatures, weather and other environmental conditions. Requires the presence of mana within the person¡¯s body to function.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: MELEE COMBAT - DUAL WIELD - BLADES


    DESCRIPTION: Proficiency in combat using a one-handed bladed weapon in one or both hands without penalty.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: MELEE COMBAT - BOW / ARROW


    DESCRIPTION: Proficiency in melee combat using a bow and/or arrow as a makeshift melee weapon.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: WILDERNESS TRACKING (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION: Knowledge of the tracking of people and creatures in wilderness settings. Tracking may be enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use. Mana enhanced tracking is only effective in woodland, marsh, swamp, plains, fields, snow and desert environments. Higher tiers of this perk will enable enhanced tracking in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of quarry being able to evade the tracker. This perk synergizes with Danger Sense (Wilderness).


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: WILDERNESS STEALTH (SILVER TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL (LOW)


    DESCRIPTION: Knowledge of stealth techniques in any wilderness environment. Wilderness Stealth may be further enhanced by channeling a small amount of mana during use. Mana enhanced stealth is only effective in woodland, marsh, swamp, plains, fields, snow and desert environments. Higher tiers of this perk will allow enhanced wilderness stealth in additional biomes and reduce likelihood of the user being detected.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    CLASS PERK: WILDERNESS SURVIVAL


    DESCRIPTION: Those who possess this perk have the aptitude to sustain themselves in the wild by utilizing the natural resources available to them. They possess knowledge of essential wilderness survival skills such as hunting, trapping, foraging, fire-making, constructing shelter, and more.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    OFF-CLASS PERKS


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: CARPENTRY (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL


    DESCRIPTION: Apprentice knowledge of carpentry and woodworking science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist increasingly complex project construction, as well as the crafting of magical construction components. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: ELECTRICAL (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL


    DESCRIPTION: Apprentice knowledge of electrical science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist increasingly complex project construction, as well as the crafting of magical electrical components. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    PERK OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN: PLUMBING (IRON TIER)


    MANA USAGE: SITUATIONAL


    DESCRIPTION: Apprentice knowledge of plumbing science, construction and regulations. Higher tiers of this perk allow the use of mana to assist increasingly complex project construction, as well as the crafting of magical plumbing components. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEARNED PERK: MUSICIAN - HAND-HELD CHORDOPHONES


    DESCRIPTION: The knowledge of how to effectively use hand-held chordophones, such as lutes or zithers. This also provides knowledge in the care and minor repair of the same. This does not include the manufacture of such instruments, beyond the most rudimentary of levels. This perk synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of perk-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    TRAITS


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: CHILDLIKE CHARM


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes emit a mild charm that affects individuals with nurturing tendencies, even if subconscious. Those affected may view the Gnome as a vulnerable child in need of help or protection, rather than a potential threat. However, this charm is only suggestive in nature and cannot coerce someone into doing something they are not inclined to do. As this trait operates as a suggestive charm, it will bypass most passive charm defenses. Beings who are Gnome-sized or smaller are immune to this charm.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: DARKVISION


    MANA USAGE: MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION: Provides the ability to see in the dark with a monochromatic, false-light vision. Effect may be activated or deactivated at will. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: MANA-ENHANCED HEARING


    MANA USAGE: MANA MUST BE PRESENT IN USER


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes possess highly sensitive hearing, enabling them to detect even faint or far-off sounds with careful concentration. When underground, a Gnome can accurately discern the direction of sound regardless of any echoes present. Requires the presence of mana within the Gnome''s body to function.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: RESIST FEAR


    MANA USAGE: SPECIAL


    CASTING TIME: NONE


    RECHARGE TIME: 10 MINUTES


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes possess a natural resistance towards situations and influences that evoke fear. If they happen to be affected by an active Fear effect, they may choose to spend mana in an attempt to fend it off. The amount of mana required for this depends on the intensity of the effect. This trait is ineffective against self-generated emotional fear-effects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: TINKER


    DESCRIPTION: Gnomes have an inherent mental ability to design, engineer and create strange new ideas, contraptions, weapons, machines and projects. Will synergize with related perks, skills and traits to expand the knowledge base that may be utilized by this trait.


    SYNERGIZED PERKS: Advanced Archery, Summon Modular Turret, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Bookkeeping/Logistics, Bowyer/Fletcher, Musician - Hand-Held Chordophones


    SYNERGIZED TRAITS: Underground Sense


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    RACIAL TRAIT: UNDERGROUND SENSE


    DESCRIPTION: Like Dwarves, Gnomes have a natural affinity for underground environs. They can sense direction and grade of underground passages, and will seldom get lost. They can easily discern the stability of ceilings or floors, and how to remove rock and earth without causing collapse, etc. They possess knowledge of essential underground survival skills. Provides a premonition-like danger sense in underground areas giving the Gnome up to thirty seconds warning, as well as the general direction of the danger. This danger sense does not function during combat or other periods of high activity or stress. This trait synergizes with the TINKER trait in the exploration of trait-related projects.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 56 Part 1 - The Girl from Cadavila by the River

    PART I - THE GIRL FROM CADAVILA BY THE RIVER


    Two days travel south from Imor, at a place where a small tributary merges with the Great River, sits a small village known as Cadavila by the River, or simply Cadavila. There¡¯s nothing particularly special about Cadavila by the River. People live their lives there, growing up and growing old, generations living lives over the course of decades. It¡¯s a convenient village, right where the caravans coming north from the Great Oasis need to stop to rest. It¡¯s quiet, some might even say idyllic. Families prosper, children frolic, and nothing much of note ever really happens there, as it should be in such a place.


    Pride Llalanuras was one of those Cadavila families going back generations. The husband, while a Scholar by class, was a sometimes blacksmith by trade, and a sometimes odd-job-doer, helping out neighbors and friends. He perpetually had a happy aura about him, enhanced by an always worn smile. His wife was equally as joyful, although now a little slower, a little rounder, and a little worn down from years raising their seven children. There were six girls, the oldest long past ready to marry off to start a family of her own, and the youngest, a boy, still only the never-slowing age of seven.


    But Cadavila by the River did have something a little odd about it. While technically straddling the River, extending almost equally into two kingdoms, the village had pledged itself to Imoria, where so many others of their kind lived. Those inhabitants, nearly eight-hundred of them if you included the surrounding farms, were almost entirely Beastkins. Not just any Beastkins, though, but a rare sight here. Magically created descendants of the great cats that inhabited the scrub plains far to the west, nobody was really sure why the first of the Cheetahkin people came to and founded Cadavila by the River. Some said the history goes back to when the Beastkin were freed in The Escape, nearly five-hundred years, while others weren¡¯t so sure it was that early. It didn¡¯t really matter much. Beastkin didn¡¯t live nearly as long as the other races, so true history tended to quickly get turned into the loosely oral kind, and eventually became vaguely-accurate stories to be told when gathered together.


    Jesca Llalanuras, the eldest daughter of Pride Llalanuras, sat on the roof of their small home, hiding from her mother. Jesca couldn¡¯t handle her mother right now, it was too painful and she needed a break. Her father was holding it together, as were her siblings, but the matriarch was an absolute wreck, alternating between quiet tears and loud sobbing.


    Two days previous, the Village of Cadavila had held a lottery. Far to the south and the east, the Kingdom of Imoria was under assault, and the village needed to provide eight conscripts. Many were surprised it had taken this long for the decree to come to Cadavila, but it had come finally. So, all those able-bodied between the age of sixteen and fifty gathered in the center of the village, where someone important made a speech that wasn¡¯t very good and that nobody listened to. Instead, all eyes were focused on a simple leather sack sitting on a table.


    Inside the sack were three-hundred sixty-five perfectly round and identical stones, of which three-hundred fifty-seven were white and eight of them were black. Speech concluded, one-by-one, those three-hundred sixty-five that were eligible snaked their way forward, reaching into the bag and removing one of the stones. The first black stone was pulled out almost immediately, the thirty-year-old father of three from one of the outlying farms getting the unlucky draw and his wife immediately breaking down into sobs. Her stone hadn¡¯t been black, at least. As the line wormed on, six more were chosen, now leaving only one.


    Somewhere in the early-three-hundreds, four from Pride Llalanuras came to the now-much-lighter sack of stones. Jesca¡¯s father drew first, followed by Jesca¡¯s sister, the second oldest. Then, with trepidation and a pounding heart, Jesca drew out her own stone, and her mother quickly drew one after her. The family had all agreed to reveal their stones to each other at the same moment, to be together if needed. The four looked at each other, holding their fists tight and not wanting to see what the fates had bestowed upon them. It was only after a harsh order from the speechmaker needing to know the results, so to keep things moving, that they all opened their paws. Jesca hadn¡¯t been selected, seeing the white stone, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Her father and younger sister both had white stones as well, and you could see the same relief on their faces. The three turned to Jesca¡¯s mother, seeing the black stone in her paw, which was just beginning to tremble.


    ¡°Well?¡± called the speechmaker.


    In a flash of Cheetahkin speed, before Jesca¡¯s mother had really even registered what was in her own hand, Jesca grabbed the black stone, replacing it with her own. ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± Jesca called loudly, holding it up for everyone to see, the crowd immediately letting out an audible sigh of relief for those that hadn¡¯t yet drawn their own stones.


    <hr>


    Jesca awakened from the dreamlike memory, realizing where she was after a moment, and taking a deep breath to center herself. It was dark, as expected, but she could see just fine now thanks to her Enhanced Senses giving her Darkvision. It was such a strange way to look at the world, though, with so little color. Just greens and grays in a hazy monochrome, seeming to lack any life. Still, she could see it was dark, and see that on the ground, asleep on a thick blanket, lay her Bonded Companion, Artemis, the unicorn foal she had somehow become a surrogate mother to. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    A unicorn. An actual unicorn.


    Even after over two weeks, Jesca still had problems wrapping her head around the fact that there was an actual unicorn less than a meter from her. Two months ago she was at home, helping her mother in the kitchen while shooing her younger siblings out of the way. It was a simple life. Calm. Quiet. Perfect. Okay sure, maybe not perfect. Her mother was always a little on her back about grandkids, even going as far as suggesting a few neighborhood boys that might make nice mates. And yes, her immediately-younger sister, who Jesca was sure was courting with half of those recommended boys, teased her constantly about having no interest in said activities. But it wasn¡¯t a bad life. A little aggravating, but not bad.


    Artemis picked her head up, her eyes still looking mostly asleep. ¡°Morning now?¡± she asked telepathically.


    ¡°Go back to sleep,¡± Jesca whispered. ¡°It¡¯s still dark.¡±


    The unicorn foal seemed to snort indignantly in acknowledgement, before curling back into a ball. She needed sleep and Jesca didn¡¯t. That was the curse of the Cheetahkin, needing only two hours of sleep every night. Being the only one of that sub-species of Beastkin here at the camp led to a lot of lonely times, which led to a lot of introspection, which for Jesca, led to a lot of amplified self-doubt. She was a Beastmaster, though, maybe even the only Beastmaster, and she shouldn¡¯t have self-doubt. Jesca groaned, the self-doubt lurking anyway.


    What is my level?


    She knew what the answer would be without really needing to ask, but she did it anyway out of habit. It would say Silver and then some low number, possibly as high as one-hundred. And then, it would say Bronze followed by another low number, probably around thirty or so, having changed from Iron. A second ranking and number. A second class. Two classes. Something no other person had.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    LEVEL: SILVER.097 / BRONZE.031


    MULTIPLE SKILLS UPDATED


    MULTIPLE PERKS UPDATED


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    And there it was, floating in her brain like a dry leaf on water, just as expected. Her next tier of her Beastmaster class.


    Beastmaster.


    She hated that word. She hated that class. She hated the attention and the whispers and the glances and questions and the ¡­ loneliness. Jesca was the only one, and she hated it. She didn¡¯t want to be different, but she¡¯d overheard the muttering quiet conversations of Thorn and Reynard and Olin and the other Beastkin trainers and even the other Beastkin recruits. They said she was important. Important to the future of the Beastkin. She didn¡¯t want to be important. She only wanted to be Jesca, a young girl from the village of Cadavila by the River. She knew she didn¡¯t get that choice.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    NEW SKILL: BEASTMASTER¡¯S FURY


    NEW SKILL: BEASTMASTER¡¯S INSPIRATION


    NEW SKILL: CHARM ANIMAL


    NEW SKILL: CREATE WATER


    NEW SKILL: COMPANION FORM


    NEW MELDED SKILL: DISTRACT (SILVER TIER)


    NEW MELDED SKILL: ENLARGE/REDUCE COMPANION (SILVER TIER)


    NEW MELDED SKILL: ELEMENTAL WEAPON (SILVER TIER)


    NEW PERK: COMBAT STYLE - MOUNTED (COMPANION)


    NEW OFF-CLASS LEARNED SKILL: SEASON (IRON TIER)


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ¡°Really? Ten of them!¡± Jesca snarled in annoyance towards the ceiling. From what Callie had explained about Symbiotes the night before, about how they were simply passengers living their lives through their hosts, she knew full-well her''s could hear her. Closing her eyes, Jesca leaned back against the wooden wall of the stable, her head making a solid thump against it. She knew what would come next. She¡¯d had to endure it the morning before as a Ranger. Now she had to endure it again as ¡­ that other class.


    Right on cue, the world flipped first sideways and then upside down, before tumbling end-over-end in a thousand random directions at once. Jesca made fists, digging her paws into the simple bed she slept on, focusing her breathing like her friend had taught them in the morning Callie-chi classes. Still the world spun as she imagined the little worm in her head making the final connections needed for her new powers to be revealed.


    At least that was how Callie had explained it, or tried to do. Something about ¡®pathways¡¯ or ¡­ what was that other word she used ¡­ ¡®circuits¡¯? Some kind of weird Callie word. Whatever it was called, inside Jesca¡¯s brain her tiny passenger was putting the finishing touches on whatever they needed to in order to make her new powers come alive. After that, the Symbiote would go back to strengthening those paths and maybe even coming up with new ones.


    Well, that was what Callie said, and with Callie, you sometimes had to be a little skeptical. Her friend was weird. Wonderful! But still weird. Of course, Jesca was weird now, too.

 Chapter 56 Part 2 - A Dishonorable Denial

    PART II - A DISHONORABLE DENIAL


    ¡°So, tell us everything,¡± Master Trainer Thorn said eagerly as he settled in his seat. He had the look of a cub in a sweets shop in anticipation of hearing all about Jesca¡¯s new reveals. Next to him sat Reynard in his rocking chair, looking almost as eager.


    Inwardly, Jesca sighed, partially in annoyance at their enthusiasm, but also partially in surrender. It seemed that this was to be her fate in life. She had a duty to the war, but Thorn and Reynard¡¯s whispers implied she had a duty to the Beastkin people, too. What that might mean, she couldn¡¯t imagine, and she dreaded it.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Jesca said with false brightness, patting Artemis gently on her neck. ¡°Some of them are really easy to understand, like Create Water.¡±


    ¡°The Druid skill?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°If it¡¯s the same, yes,¡± Jesca said. She¡¯d seen Tazrok cast something that created water, and had assumed it was unique to that class . Well, apparently it wasn¡¯t. ¡®Lucky me¡¯ she thought to herself sarcastically.


    Jesca forced a smile again and continued. ¡°I had that Season spell revealed, the Culinar one that Pama has been teaching us, along with a Mounted Combat perk. That one only works with Bonded Companions, though.¡± She gestured towards Artemis with her head. ¡°She¡¯s not big enough to hold me yet, although I did get a melded Enlarge skill that increases a Companion¡¯s size and strength, so she might be if I used that on her. I¡¯m not sure what might happen if she was wearing a saddle, though. Oh, it¡¯s reversible, so it is able to shrink her down even smaller if I had some reason to.¡±


    ¡°Melded? What¡¯s it based on?¡± Reynard asked.


    ¡°Bonded Animal Companion and oddly Summon Component,¡± Jesca replied. It was a strange pairing, but again from Callie¡¯s description, it meant something about the Summon Component spell helped the new spell be created, and as a result, it was Silver rather than Bronze.


    Thorn seemed to ponder the information, his brain immediately looking towards the tactical and training implications of the new reveals. Reynard held much the same expression on his face. Jesca cringed a little. She felt like she was some specimen being studied, her only value being the strength of her powers and how interesting they might be, not by who she was as a person. But she was used to that. All her life her only value seemed to be her ability to eventually make more Beastkin, to do something that someone else wanted her to do, and this only felt like more of the same.


    ¡°What of that Bonded Companion skill? I assume there were improvements?¡±


    Jesca nodded, still wearing her false brightness. ¡°The number of Companions I can have has risen to three now, and I can telepathically speak to them, and through me they can telepathically speak to each other, too. It¡¯s a little strange to speak to each other that way, but Artemis and I have been working to get used to it already.¡±


    ¡°Similar to what we thought would happen,¡± Thorn said as if mentally checking something off a list. ¡°Do any of your new skills affect your Companions? Oh, that¡¯s right, you mentioned Enlarge. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Um ¡­¡± Jesca said, reviewing the recent reveals. ¡°When I use my Recall skill, if they are injured, my Companions are slowly healed until I call them again. I also received something called Beastmaster¡¯s Fury, which I can cast either on my Companions or on myself. Later tiers will allow me to cast it on other Beastkin, too. It appears to increase damage and focus, at the expense of defensive abilities. Instinctive Dodge doesn¡¯t work when it¡¯s active, for example.¡±


    ¡°A form of Berserker Rage?¡± Reynard suggested to Thorn, who quickly concurred.


    ¡°We were expecting something like that one, too,¡± Thorn said.


    The interrogation continued for over a half hour, Jesca talking in more detail through each new power she¡¯d received, reviewing the improvements to her existing ones, and listening to the brainstorming as to any strategic impact on the class. Charm Animal, a low-mana channeled skill which would allow her to turn any calmed animal into something akin to a temporary Companion, or at least be able to give them orders to follow, and would even affect Beastkin at higher tiers. She could only currently do it on up to two animals at once, though. The melded Distract skill would create a noise at a distant location, which could also be empowered with a small charm, almost like being able to throw a Taunt. Companion Form, the shape-changing ability Reynard and everyone else had been so eager to see, that would allow Jesca to shapeshift into the form of any Bonded Companion she¡¯d ever been paired with. Right now, that would be limited to becoming a unicorn.


    On the combat front, Jesca¡¯s new Elemental Weapon skill, which was melded off Elemental Shot and her Whip perk, would allow her to imbue any natural weapon she wielded with fire or lightning elemental effects. Since Jesca¡¯s whips were leather with wood cores in the handles, they could be used with the new spell, however her steel swords could not. She wasn¡¯t seeing this as a huge issue, though. Because her Camouflage skill only affected natural items, Jesca hadn¡¯t been using her actual steel swords much, and had replaced her daggers with a set made out of Ironwood, like the Druids and Shamans used. Reynard had briefly suggested Ironwood swords, but Thorn pointed out the material didn¡¯t hold up as well when used defensively with larger weapons. Jesca thought it likely she¡¯d move her personal style away from sword combat towards using whips, with a dagger or shield offhand, or possibly a second whip if she wanted to get creative. That could make all her fighting styles natural weapons, then.


    While the two trainers descended into their own discussions about how best to make use of Jesca¡¯s new powers, Jesca found herself simply feeling overwhelmed. Artemis tried to provide some comfort by resting her head on Jesca¡¯s arm, but that served to remind the Cheetahkin of everything as much as give aid.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Any other skills or perks that you received?¡± Thorn finally asked.


    For nearly a half-second Jesca considered telling the trainers about the last skill, but then decided not to. She knew it was a purposeful deception, and a part of her hated herself for it, but the implications were just too much for Jesca to handle right now. She needed some time to think first, and maybe talk it through with her friends. Embracing the skill committed her to something she wasn¡¯t ready to be part of, and honestly didn¡¯t want.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s everything,¡± Jesca lied, putting a big smile on her face.


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Reynard said, clapping his paws together and actually looking quite happy, considering how down he¡¯d been only a few days before. ¡°Congratulations on reaching Bronze. Your new powers seem quite the enhancement to your Beastmaster class.¡±


    ¡°Trainer Rowani can help you with the Create Water skill,¡± Thorn said. ¡°She can also work with you on the shapeshifting, as can Trainers Cheena and Maugra. Absolutely do not do shapeshifting until you have. I¡¯ve heard that people can get stuck in their animal form if they aren¡¯t careful.¡± Thorn shrugged, adding, ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s true, but wait and work with them all the same.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Jesca said, continuing with the fake happy smile.


    ¡°Thank you again for meeting with us before breakfast,¡± Reynard added. ¡°I know it was early, but I didn¡¯t want to pull you out of your training with the Demons today, and we knew you would be awake already.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem,¡± Jesca said, trying to be chipper. It was true, she was already awake, but honestly, all this could have waited until after training was over for the day. She needed to talk to her friends.


    Finally able to get away, Jesca debated running some more, but the first morning wake-up bell had rung a bit ago, and the morning meal would be soon. At best she¡¯d get another eight to fourteen minutes before that, depending how accurate the bell-ringer was today. There simply wasn¡¯t much of a point. She also did want to check in on Lena before the day started and see how she was doing, so decided to get dressed back at her stable bedroom, and then go do that.


    ¡°Why not say all?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jesca asked telepathically, looking down at Artemis.


    ¡°You did not say about all new powers.¡±


    ¡°Hey, what did I say about reading my thoughts!¡±


    ¡°You think very very extra loud. Hard to not hear. Think quieter then.¡±


    This two-way telepathy thing was going to take some getting used to.


    ¡°But why not say?¡± Artemis asked again.


    ¡°I¡¯m ¡­ I¡¯m not ready,¡± Jesca said quietly non-telepathically. ¡°Not yet.¡± She knew it was being dishonest, maybe even dishonorable, and she hated it. But if she told them, then everything would change. Taking a deep breath, she asked the question again, almost dreading the answer.


    WHAT IS BEASTMASTER¡¯S INSPIRATION


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    SKILL: BEASTMASTER¡¯S INSPIRATION


    MANA USAGE: AURA EFFECT - LOW (CHANNELED) / PULSE EFFECT - MEDIUM


    CASTING TIME: INSTANT


    COOLDOWN TIME: AURA (NONE) / 30 SECONDS (PULSE)


    CHARGES:1


    DESCRIPTION: This skill creates an aura of primal will around the caster that, at Bronze Tier, is able to affect only animals and Beastkin. The general effectiveness of this aura is strongly related to the caster''s confidence and leadership charisma. The aura itself functions as a suggestive charm, bypassing passive charm resistance, but not active resistance or immunity.


    Animals and Beastkin within the aura gain the following benefits:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Increased Morale: Their fighting spirit is bolstered, improving confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Enhanced Combat: Their attack accuracy, damage output, defense, and agility are improved.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Minor Fear Resistance: They gain partial resistance to fear.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Shared Tactics: The caster can mentally push tactics and commands to Beastkin and animal allies affected by the aura, sending instinct-like instructions as well as synchronizing and improving their coordination.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Pack Strength: Animals and Beastkin influenced by this skill¡¯s aura lend their combined primal wills to the caster, increasing the caster¡¯s power based on the number affected and their tier. This unified Pack Strength, in turn, further amplifies the aura¡¯s other effects, and improves the caster¡¯s mana and stamina regeneration rates.</li>


    </ul>


    The caster is also able to direct an active pulse of will towards an individual, which will utilize a charge. This pulse will only affect animals and Beastkin. The general effectiveness of this pulse effect is strongly related to the caster''s confidence and leadership charisma. These are active charm effects which can be partially or fully negated by charm resistance or immunity. This pulse can have the following effects:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Soothe: Attempts to calm strong emotions, or clear situational confusion, allowing clear thinking and reaction by the target.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Counter Fear: Attempt to dispel an active fear effect on a single target.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Stun: Briefly psychically stun a single target, leaving them mentally and physically disoriented.</li>


    </ul>


    As this skill improves, its range and power will increase, and it will be able to also affect close allies that are not Beastkin. The aura will also add regeneration bonuses to mana and stamina, and pulse effects will be usable on multiple targets in close proximity to each other.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Confidence and leadership charisma? Seriously? Those were two of the exact things that Jesca had none of! How could she be expected to use a skill like this when it requires confidence? Was this the fates simply playing yet another joke on her? She absolutely was not a leader and had no desire to be one! After all, she was nothing but a silly girl from a nowhere village south of Imor.

 Chapter 56 Part 3 - A Babys Bottom

    PART III - A BABY¡¯S BOTTOM


    ¡°At least the rain didn¡¯t last very long,¡± Lhawni said as she pulled a bundle of lunch provisions from her backpack. She looked up at the now-sunny sky peeking through the openings in the overhead awnings, which had been extended over the bleacher seating not long after a brief, heavy downpour had started.


    ¡°This new hat is all soggy,¡± Lena said with a pout, pointing towards the top of her head, where the maroon hat embroidered with a pair of yellow crossed swords she was wearing sat.


    ¡°What do you call that hat again, Callie? Some weird Gnome word,¡± Fynisse asked, before chomping down on a dried stick of meat.


    ¡°It¡¯s called a ¡®beret¡¯,¡± Callie replied. ¡°I remember that it¡¯s a military uniform hat.¡± She then gestured towards Lena. ¡°Just wring it out and set it in the sun. It will dry fast.¡±


    ¡°But then people will ¡­ will see,¡± Lena whispered with a sullen tone.


    ¡°They are going to see eventually,¡± Ambria pointed out calmly, resting her hand on Lena¡¯s shoulder, trying to be comforting.


    ¡°I know,¡± Lena replied quietly, her face showing how embarrassed she was. ¡°It¡¯s just ¡­ I feel so stupid, because of how it happened. All this just because I wanted to get laid.¡±


    ¡°I can think of a lot of worse reasons,¡± Ambria grinned.


    ¡°He did send you flowers, though,¡± Callie pointed out, causing Lena to blush a little. ¡°And there was even a note!¡± Callie added with emphasis to the rest of the group, trying hard to embarrass her friend.


    ¡°What did it say?¡± both Fynisse and Lhawni asked together.


    Lena chuckled. ¡°¡®Know you are beautiful¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s an absolutely awful note,¡± Lhawni laughed with a groan, ¡°although I guess he at least tried. Why would he give you flowers, though? It seems like a strange gift if he¡¯s trying to apologize.¡±


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s wrong with giving someone flowers to apologize?¡± Callie asked, a little defensively. ¡°Flowers are nice! They¡¯re pretty and smell good. Who wouldn¡¯t want flowers?¡±


    Lena narrowed her eyes, needing no effort to see right through her cabinmate. ¡°You put him up to it, didn¡¯t you! Some strange custom of yours!¡± Then, as if to clarify, she added, ¡°Some Gnomish custom, I mean.¡±


    Callie immediately realized she was trapped. ¡°I may have suggested it?¡± she replied with a careful, questioning inflection. ¡°I mean, guys can be kinda dumb when it comes to saying something meaningful, right? He needed a nudge.¡±


    Callie was sure she was about to get yelled at, but instead Lena leaned over and hugged her. ¡°Thank you, all the same.¡± She looked at the others. ¡°Thank you, all of you. This would be a lot worse without you all here to support me.¡±


    Smiling, Callie blushed a little herself, before locking eyes with the Elf. Encouragingly, she said ¡°Lena, take off the hat. Be that badass bald bitch.¡± The others sounded off in agreement.


    Swallowing hard, Lena took a deep breath. Standing, she screwed her face into something flat and showing no fear, before walking down the seats to the ground. There had already been a lot of whispers throughout the morning as people saw her wearing the strange Gnome hat with no hair peeking out, and the rumor mill quickly filled in that her hair was gone and that it was due to firelice. Lena, for her part, had done what she could to stay above it and focus on the morning¡¯s training. She was already really close to Silver, so if she was driven, she¡¯d probably make it in the next day or so, before the Midsummer break, and that goal served as a good distraction.


    With one final deep breath, Lena removed her beret, revealing her blemish-free and hairless head, a little overly-pale from lack of sun. At once the general conversations from the rest of the recruits petered out as everyone looked at the Elven oddity. Lena focused on ignoring them, squeezing and wringing out the hat, before setting it on a section of the seating that was exposed to the bright sunlight. Callie was right, the hot sun would dry it out quickly.


    ¡°Like a baby¡¯s bottom!¡± someone suddenly yelled out, followed by some chuckles. But after a few seconds, the vibe turned sour as Callie and the other girls each stood, their faces focused and dark. They moved into an angry line of friends, with even Artemis taking up a ready stance. Lena, for her part, snapped her head up, looking into the crowd for who had hurled the comment. It took only moments, but people nervously parted, leaving a lone Fairy, one of the Paladin recruits, quickly abandoned by his friends.


    Lena narrowed her eyes, and began to walk with stiff, heavy steps towards the heckler. There was now serious tension in the air and everyone could see that Lena was absolutely livid and not taking it. Off to the side, Major Celeste had been chatting idly with both Trainer Terrin and Vanis, and their conversation petered off as all three likewise grew tense, first at the callout and then even more so when they saw the look Lena was wearing.


    ¡°Recruit,¡± the Major said simply. It wasn¡¯t quite a warning yet, or an attempt to stop her student, but it was putting her on notice she was being watched. Celeste glanced up at Lena¡¯s posse of friends, seeing they were equally tense. This could actually turn into a fight! She quickly scanned around, looking for Tazrok, but not seeing him. He would have been able to end this with nothing more than crossed arms and a grunt.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Lena snarled out as she continued walking stiffly, pounding her fist to her armored chest a single time as a challenge. The Fairy didn¡¯t reply, and he looked around for his friends to come to his aid.


    ¡°You¡¯re on your own, kid,¡± Koda, who had been eating with his fellow Paladin, said quite coldly as he took a step back, raising his paws in a universal ¡®I want nothing to do with this¡¯ gesture.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± the winged recruit said quickly, eeping out an attempt at apologizing. Lena was half-again as tall as he was, and a wall of solid, lean muscle. The heckler felt quite utterly small.


    ¡°What. Did. You. Say,¡± Lena said again, pausing after each word as she came to a stop a couple meters away. ¡°Please, tell me,¡± she added with an obviously fake, saccharin smile.


    ¡°Um ¡­.¡±


    ¡°Lena!¡± Major Celeste called again, growing more tense and taking a couple steps away from Vanis and Terrin to be in the open, on the chance she had to take some kind of action.


    ¡°Say it again!¡± Lena growled.


    ¡°I said it was as smooth as a ¡­¡± His voice seemed to trickle away as Lena glared right through him.


    ¡°As a what?¡± Lena hissed in a loud whisper.


    The Fairy swallowed hard, his eyes slowly growing wide as he was stared down. Lena hadn¡¯t gotten in his face. In fact, she had stopped approaching, still a good one-and-a-half meters away, but she might as well have been on top of him for how ominous and irritated she looked. The height difference just added to her imposing image. ¡°A baby¡¯s bottom,¡± he finally whispered. His words were so quiet, but that didn¡¯t matter. Even the birds had stopped their songs as everyone heard what he said.


    ¡°Really? A baby¡¯s bottom? That¡¯s the best insult you could come up with?¡± Lena looked up at Koda. Then, she leaned towards the Bearkin, pointing at the top of her head. ¡°Koda, is it really that smooth?¡± She gestured again when he put on a confused look, the big Paladin not sure what to do and not wearing his usual big bear grin..


    ¡°Er ¡­¡± Koda stumbled verbally, before slowly reaching up and putting his huge paw over Lena¡¯s bald head. ¡°It is very smooth,¡± he said equally slowly, pulling his paw back.


    ¡°But is it that smooth?¡±


    ¡°Probably?¡± was all the big Paladin could respond with, a questioning tone in his voice. ¡°For a non-Beastkin bottom, that is.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see,¡± Lena said, nodding with exaggeration, as if just learning this fact. She took one, single menacing step forward before slapping the smaller Fairy on his armored upper arm, almost seeming good naturedly, sending him staggering a bit. ¡°Thanks for letting me know.¡± She turned, started to stomp away, and then glanced back once, adding a cold, growling, ¡°Asshole!¡± She added a gesture for emphasis.


    Slowly, the tension started to ebb. Major Celeste breathed a small sigh of relief as her student stormed away. She had been just about to break in and end the exchange before the rest of Lena¡¯s friends stepped up and things turned into an actual fight, although a good part of her would have been happy to let Lena get one or two good hits in first. Paladins can heal themselves, after all. Thankfully, Lena had backed down before things escalated to that.


    In fact, Celeste couldn¡¯t help but smile at how Lena handled it. She had indeed made the Fairy heckler look like a complete ass for his comment, while basically setting the bar for everyone else in camp that there wasn¡¯t really any point in teasing her. It may not have been a purposeful action by her student, but Lena had managed to completely seize control of the narrative about her hair loss, as well as strongly point out she wasn¡¯t going to take any shit about it. Her friends obviously weren¡¯t either.


    In the stands, the line of Lena¡¯s lunchmates began to relax slightly, but still seemed ready to leap to their friend¡¯s defense if needed. But around the rest of the seating area, several dozen others, most of the females as would be expected, but also a surprising number of the males, had risen to attention. Their eyes were all narrowed, focused on the Paladin heckler. They¡¯d been ready to take Lena¡¯s side, too. The Major was finding herself quite pleased to see how many had rallied to the now-bald Elf¡¯s aid.


    ¡°That would have been one hell of a fight,¡± Terrin chuckled quietly as Celeste returned. You could see his appreciation for a good brawl in his eyes.


    ¡°That Fairy didn¡¯t stand a chance,¡± Celeste said, her eyes still carefully watching the crowd, although the tension was quickly fading. ¡°Lena would have laid him flat.¡± Looking at all the people standing in support for Lena, Celeste grinned, ¡°It would have been a hell of a fight, though, you¡¯re right.¡±


    Lena was still angry, and you could see the adrenaline flowing through her as she returned to where she¡¯d been sitting, feet hitting the seating floor with heavy thumps. She glared back and down at the Fairy Paladin several times, who was now being given a firm and obvious scolding by Koda. In fact, Koda was talking to several young male recruits and delivering the same message to each of them using low growls and jabs with a claw into their chests. That message was simple - ¡®Don¡¯t be an asshole¡¯.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Jesca asked Lena as the group slowly began to stand down and sit.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I should have been ready for that, though. I knew someone would say something, but part of me hoped it wouldn¡¯t happen. I hate that I lost control, even for a moment. I¡¯m just glad I didn¡¯t hit him, but I sure wanted to. I don¡¯t know. Maybe I should have anyway.¡± She then looked at her friends. ¡°You all stood up for me?¡±


    Callie grinned, putting up her fists in a boxing pose. ¡°I thought we might have to throw down for a second.¡± She then gestured towards a few others in the area. ¡°A lot of them would have joined us, too. We had your back, girl.¡±


    ¡°Even Artemis was ready to spear someone, if she needed to,¡± Jesca said, still glaring down at the Paladin. You could still hear a subtle, angry, cat-like growl coming from the Cheetahkin¡¯s chest as her own adrenaline slowly waned.


    ¡°Hey, speaking of Artemis, it just occurred to me,¡± Callie began, her face getting ¡®that look¡¯ on it. ¡°Did we ever try Artemis¡¯s horn on your head? To heal it, I mean. I didn¡¯t even think about it yesterday.¡±


    Lena waved the suggestion away. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t work. Cheena tried the one we took from her mother and it didn¡¯t help. It¡¯s acid damage, so nothing can heal that very well. It would have been too fast, too. They had to cut all the skin off my scalp and then grow new using Cheena¡¯s slow-heal magic and some kind of a regeneration tonic she made. At least I was asleep while she did that! She said it would have been agonizing if I¡¯d been awake.¡±


    It was then that Lena noticed Artemis staring at her with a look that could best be described as a combination of horror, bewilderment and anger. ¡°Shit,¡± Lena winced as she realized she¡¯d mentioned the unicorn¡¯s mother and that they had parted her out. They¡¯d all agreed to try to avoid doing that. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Quickly, Jesca grabbed the unicorn¡¯s head and turned it to face her. There was some very intense staring between the two of them for several seconds, it quite evident they were having a telepathic conversation.


    Finally, Jesca threw her arms out in exasperation. ¡°Fine! You can have my tail when I die, then!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lhawni asked, her face quirking into a confused smile.


    ¡°I was trying to explain that things can still be useful even after someone is dead,¡± Jesca said with a sigh as she rolled her eyes. ¡°Now she wants my tail so she can use it to brush flies away.¡±


    There was a momentary pause and then everyone, save Artemis and Jesca, broke down into rolling laughter. In fact, Callie and Lhawni both fell off their seats.


    ¡°What?¡± Jesca gasped, going wide-eyed with horror as she stared at Artemis. She put her paws up to either side of her head. ¡°No! You can¡¯t have my ears! ¡­ No, they wouldn¡¯t help you hear any better, you goof! It doesn¡¯t work that way!¡±

 Chapter 57 Part 1 - For the Hoard

    PART I - FOR THE HOARD


    From the extended awning stretched over the bleacher seating, a pair of tiny eyes watched. They were very curious eyes, and they watched the goings on below with great interest. The owner of the eyes didn¡¯t care at all about the completely furless uprights or the almost massive brawl that never materialized. No, their focus was on one strange animal, and one only. They were watching a lean-muscled creature covered in yellow fur and black spots, still trying to understand what was so curious about her, and why they needed to watch.


    The nearby humming of a bumbling bee caught the attention of the eyes, and the owner of the same licked her scaly lips and tensed. The creature had found that these forest bees were delicious, after all, and this one was heavily laden with sweet pollens. She stuck her tail into the air and fanned it out, before causing it to ripple in a pattern of bright, vibrant colors. The bee, being naturally drawn to such things, lazily changed its path, now happy to bumble towards the luring vision. As it drew close, she squinted her eyes, focusing their own blindingly-bright colors towards the bee. It fell, smoke rising from the tiny hole that had been burned through it, landing with a light thump on the canvas. The burned bee rolled towards her, and with a quick lunge of her neck and a snap, there was no more bee. She had been right, and the sweet tastes of the pollen mingled with that of the slightly-cooked insect.


    Licking her lips again, the owner of the eyes returned to looking through the gap in the awning. It seemed that whatever the tension had been had waned, and all the uprights below were slowly sitting again. It was a shame, in a way. Part of her would have liked to have seen the spotted one fight for real against the others.


    With the promise of action gone, the little creature sighed to itself and lay flat, her head hanging over the edge to keep watching, but now only paying half attention. The sun was warm overhead, a surprisingly bright day, as the morning rains had made it seem it would be dreary instead. She spread out her wings, laying them on the heavy canvas before cycling their colors, looking for just the right one for the sun overhead. Too dark, and she would be too warm. Too bright, she might not be warm enough. She settled on a pastel pink, although would likely need to change it from time to time as the day wore on.


    Another bug that she didn¡¯t recognize flew by. She looked at it with one eye, but decided she wasn¡¯t hungry enough any more to try to cook another, the warm sun and bee in her tummy making her feel a little lazy. But the fact she didn¡¯t recognize the bug reminded her that she was a stranger here, and that she was very far from home. It reminded her that she missed the sand. She missed burying herself in the warm top layers with just her nose sticking out, waiting for something delicious to come close enough that she could spring from the sand and snatch it. Beetles were crunchy, although with the big ones you had to eyeburn them open to get the good parts out, and leave the hard parts behind.


    She still didn¡¯t really understand why she was here, and was worried that she had made a mistake. She missed her home. She missed waking at dawn to hunt for food, and then sleeping the later hours away until the sun began to set when it cooled again. She could stay out all day if she wanted, but there was little reason since the beetles also hid away from the hot day, so being lazy was better. Now feeling warm and content in the bright sun, she drifted off into a dreaming doze.


    <hr>


    It had all started as a normal day, that day that things changed for her. Many days ago; how many was it? Maybe sixteen? Somewhere around there. About sixteen days ago, she had awakened in her cozy shaded den in the rocks. It was a perfect den. Well-protected from both the hot sunshine as well as predators. It was plenty large, probably too large for just her, but giving her the space she needed for what was hers.


    She stretched, flexing the claws on the ends of her feet and fluttering her tail to loosen a bit of a cramp. It was time to hunt, but before she could do that, she needed to do one thing. She needed to make sure it was all there and all safe. She¡¯d been sleeping on it, so it would have been practically impossible for anything to have gone missing, but still she needed to be sure it was all there.


    The hoard was big for one of her size, quite big in fact, almost as big as she was. Quickly she counted out the many shiny stones and the many colored ones you could see through. Yes, they were all there, right where they¡¯d been the night before. That was good. She¡¯d have been furious if anything was missing. But even more important than the colored and see-thru stones was the piece of golden metal.


    It was a big piece of metal, almost half the size of her head, round, heavy, and flat with strange, well-worn carvings on it that she didn¡¯t recognize. Sleeping on the round metal thing felt so good, only in part because it helped regulate her temperature. That was a practical effect, but not the really important one. No, the round metal thing was extra shiny, reflecting the many colors of her wings and tail when she¡¯d ripple them to herself. If she was sad, she could ripple happy colors to be happy. If she was angry, she could ripple calm colors to be calm. It was her favoritest and most-important treasure, and reminded her of how she was once almost a mother.


    Over the seasons, many others had tried to mate with her, but they never asked permission, so she simply said no. If they ignored her and tried to force themselves on her, then she would burn their heads off. She had no patience for those rude ones that didn¡¯t ask nicely. One day, though, a suitor came that was different. This one asked permission properly. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    He was a wholly unremarkable one of her kind. He was not big, or fast, or strong. He couldn¡¯t ripple his colors better than others, although his ripples were still quite lovely. He was simply average, or maybe even a little less than so. But he had brought a special gift to ask to mate, a golden piece of metal that reflected her face. It was a beautiful way to ask to mate, and it was a perfect addition to her hoard. So she let him mate with her because he asked so nicely, and did not burn off his head. They slept that night together, but come the morning he had used up her patience and she was done with him. She kicked him out of the den and curled up to happily sleep on the cool shiny metal alone.


    She didn¡¯t like it when she laid the egg. It hurt and she made strange faces into the shiny metal because of it. But the egg had come eventually, only one, and she cleared a spot for it on her hoard and curled up around it. She was going to be a mother. It would be strange to carry something in her pouch, which until she was with an egg hadn¡¯t opened, but she was looking forward to motherhood.


    By the eighth day, she knew the egg would never hatch. She had done everything right. Kept it cool when it was hot, and warmed it up when it was cool. She had even scared off predators several times, but still it was never going to hatch. She denied it to herself for a day, maybe two, but finally had to acknowledge the truth, mostly because it was beginning to smell a little gross. Feeling sad, she did what she had to do, and pushed it out of her den, where it fell off the edge and splattered on the rocks below.


    So, she had never been a mother, despite mating with the one that brought her the most-perfect of gifts to ask. A shame it was so, but she still had the shiny piece of metal to remind her, and that was consolation enough. It was her favoritest of her treasures, after all.


    The day things changed, hunting had gone well. She found a desert mouse, which was big, but she managed to swallow it in just a few gulps after she used her eyes to cut it into smaller pieces. Then she found a scorpion, and while it tried to sting her, the scales on her body made that impossible, and soon all that was left was the empty, smoking shell. As the morning went on, she found a few other things to eat. Little beetles with thin shells that made a fun crunching sound when chomped on, and a small snake that stretched long as she pulled it out of its den. All the while she kept her eyes out for more shiny stones to add to her hoard, even finding two, which she could now carry back to her den in her never-used mother¡¯s pouch, rather than her mouth.


    It was as the sun grew too high for comfort that something changed for the little creature. She had just arrived back at her den, ready to crawl under her hoard to rest against the shiny metal thing when her tummy started to feel strange. To the north and the east, an all together uninteresting direction, something called to her. Something told her to fly and find it. She didn¡¯t know what it was, but she didn¡¯t like it, because it was telling her to leave her hoard. Her hoard! She shook the feeling, quickly recounted her hoard to make sure it was all still there, and shuffled partially under the stones. She rippled some colors, watching her reflection in the shiny thing, to help calm the queasiness in her tummy as she drifted into a daytime doze.


    She slept until the sun had nearly set. To try and brighten her mood, she had decided she would go out to dance in the darkness, lighting up the skies with her wings. To ripple such blindingly-bright night colors made her happy, and would hopefully counteract the feeling in her belly that was calling her to leave her hoard. She had quickly recounted her hoard, seeing it was all where it should be, and crawled out of the den. Below, something large was sniffing around the rocks, so she rippled a warning to scare it off. When it didn¡¯t immediately leave, she got close enough and burned it with her eyes, causing it to yelp and run away. The threat gone, she took to the sky, making loops and swoops and dancing in the starlight, her wings and tail rippling in brilliant happy colors.


    Then it came again. This time it wasn¡¯t just the queasy feeling, but it was an almost painful calling. It was no longer asking her to fly away to the north and east, which was such a wholly uninteresting direction. Now it was demanding that she do it! She had to find ¡­ someone. Someone that was in that direction and far, far away. Scared, and in strange pain, she dove from the sky and returned to her den. Despite the pain, she recounted her hoard, and seeing it was all still there, laid down on the gold metal thing, groaning slightly from the tummy ache.


    Come the morning, the pain was even worse. It was so bad that she didn¡¯t even go out to hunt. She rippled some colors into the gold metal to try and feel better, but that didn¡¯t help. The pain in her tummy demanding she leave was competing with the pain in her heart at the prospect of leaving her hoard. But what choice did she have? She had to go to the north and the east, even though it was an utterly uninteresting direction, and she couldn¡¯t carry her hoard with her. Finally she could take the pain no more, despite the other pain of leaving her hoard. She walked sadly to the entrance to her den, ready to fly away, but then stopped.


    She couldn¡¯t bring her hoard with her, but she had a pouch. Maybe she could bring some of her hoard? Then, at least, nobody could take it all from her, and she¡¯d have something to count and something to sleep on. Forcing herself to barely ignore the painful calling, she started to look through her hoard, setting her favorite stones to the side in a smaller pile. From there, she picked the most favorite from the pile and put them into an even smaller pile. Finally, she made a fourth pile of just the few most-perfectest stones, because while she had a pouch, it could not hold much.


    As she stuffed the perfect stones into her pouch, she caught a glimpse of herself in the shiny metal thing. In response, she rippled her tail, which actually made her laugh at the happy colors despite the pain, and then she knew what she had to do. Quickly, she pulled all of the worthless stones out, tossing them to the side, and reached for the gold metal. It was heavy, and she had to wrestle with it. Carefully, she pushed it into her pouch, which had to stretch uncomfortably due to the size and weight. If she couldn¡¯t take all of her hoard, then she was determined to at least bring her favoritest part of it. None of the shiny stones could even come close to how pretty the gold metal thing was, and it was a good memory of when she was almost a mother.

 Chapter 57 Part 2 - The Journey in a Wholly Uninteresting Direction

    PART II - THE JOURNEY IN A WHOLLY UNINTERESTING DIRECTION


    She flew, weighted down by the gold metal thing in her pouch, but determined to never let it go.  For two days she flew nearly non-stop, resting only during the high heat of the day, taking refuge from the sun in the rocks and then emerging once the sun began to turn orange to fly all night.  She didn¡¯t eat due to her queasy tummy, because she didn¡¯t want to spend the time and because she was already weighed down by the treasure she carried.


    As the sun rose on the morning of the third day, she realized that the wholly uninteresting direction to the north and east of her abandoned hoard wasn¡¯t actually that uninteresting. The endless, flowing dunes of sand had given way to a land of short, scrubby bushes and grasses, and she saw many small creatures she did not recognize running across the ground. She briefly wondered what they might taste like, and even saw a strange, small bird that looked invitingly delicious, which she instinctively made a half-hearted attempt to catch. It was fast and nimble and flew away in spite of being eyeburned in a last attempt to get it. That was fine. She really should be focused on the calling anyway, not trying to eat strange, foreign food.


    By the late morning, the sun was high enough to be too warm, despite a cool breeze from the north, and she began to look for a place to nap until the sun was lower. It was then she saw something she¡¯d never seen before, something simply unbelievable. Water!


    It wasn¡¯t that she hadn¡¯t seen water before. The stones around her den would capture water from the air, depositing it drop by drop into a tiny pool inside that she could drink from. She¡¯d even seen torrents of water, when it would rarely fall from the sky, the tiny pool in her den filling to overflowing as the extra trickled away. But never had she seen water like this. A huge, long, forever line of water, with plants of green laden with brilliant, bright flowers, growing on either side. She then had to admit that the land to the north and east was becoming an interesting direction.


    She stopped to drink and found something strange in the water. They moved not on legs or by slithers, but by wiggles. They would wiggle and move over here, and then wiggle and move over there, and never ever leave the huge flowing water. She had been traveling now for three days and was getting quite hungry despite her rolling tummy, so she decided to eat one of the wigglers. She tried to eyeburn one to kill it, and in return, the water hissed and blew moist, hot air back at her. Still, she wanted the wiggly thing, so she focused, shoved her head into the water, and snapped her jaws around the wiggly before pulling it out. It was so big and was flopping, so she eyeburned its head off, before cooking and eating the strange creature. It was very good and she wondered what new and delicious exotic things might be ahead of her in the fascinating direction to the north and east.


    On the fifth day, the scrubby bushes and rocky terrain gave way to wide, endless swaths of green grass waving in the winds. Gentle rolling hills as far as her eyes could see spread in all directions, all covered with the endless waves of green. Occasionally there were bright flowers here and there, and when taking a few minutes to rest she saw strange insects flying from flower to flower, as if attracted by the colors. Curious, she rippled her tail in the same colors, and the insects changed their directions towards her, attracted by the ripples. They were very tasty, with a strange sweetness she hadn¡¯t expected, so she lured and ate her fill.


    By the sixth day she finally needed to rest. To really rest, that was. She¡¯d been flying almost non-stop for days, only resting briefly during the height of the sun or an occasional meal, and all that time had caught up, so she decided to rest for just one night. The world around her had grown strange. Huge trees so tall they reached far into the sky were all around her, large enough to make shadows on the ground where barely any sun came through their wide, leaf-filled branches. There was no sand anywhere any more, and part of her missed it.


    That night, she was discovered by other creatures while she slept. She had been sleeping in one of the tall trees, close to the top, when a dozen ugly green and brown colored ones like her began to screech and snarl for daring to be in their territory. She rippled a warning to stay back and most of them did. But one green male, easily four times her size, grew close and she could tell he wanted to mate. But he didn¡¯t even bring a gift for her hoard to ask to mate, which was just as well, as she couldn¡¯t carry anything more than the shiny metal thing. To ward off his advances, she rippled to him that she wasn¡¯t interested, and when he didn¡¯t take no for an answer, she eyeburned his head off. That served as a warning to the others, and they all flew away in fear. She didn¡¯t have time for mating anyway. She needed to keep following the calling.


    The pain in her tummy had lessened now, or changed, or maybe she had become used to it. It was still there, and only satisfied when she flew to the north and the east, an absolutely amazing direction. She didn¡¯t know why she was receiving this calling, and had no idea what she might find when she got there, but from what she had seen so far on this journey, she had no doubt it would be unbelievable.


    It was on the ninth day that she arrived. She knew she had arrived because the queasiness in her tummy finally stopped, and then began again when she flew past. She had come all this way to find a strange sight. All around her were hundreds, no, thousands of the sky-high trees. It had been this way for many days now, but here, in the middle of all these high trees, was an open area with only a few of them, although one was much, much taller than even the sky-high ones. Could one even go higher than the sky?


    What she truly couldn¡¯t understand were the creatures living in this almost-treeless area. While a few had wings, most had none. Some had tails or fur or both, but many many more had no fur except for some on their head. But, in spite of all these differences, the one thing they had in common was that nearly all of the creatures had four legs, but only walked on two of them. Walked quite well, in fact. She was also able to walk on her two hind legs if she had to, but it was slow and clumsy, and she needed to use her stretched-out wings for balance. It was not at all like these strange, upright creatures that could walk on two legs quite easily. And while they didn¡¯t walk on their front legs, they did use their front paws and legs quite a bit in strange ways, often using them to move objects, many of which they used to strike dark, evil-seeming creatures and kill them.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    She didn¡¯t know what to make of these evil creatures, or why she knew that they were evil, for that matter. But, as she watched, they would appear out of nowhere inside of strange green and purple colors, and proceed to fight with the upright walkers. Almost always, the uprights would win, killing the evil ones, but occasionally one upright would need help from others to kill it, or to make their injuries disappear. Injuries usually took a great deal of time to heal, so this was yet another fascinating strangeness about this truly unbelievable direction to the north and east.


    She spent much of her time trying to find the one the calling was telling her to find. It was a great deal of work, forcing her to fly close to and away from as many of the uprights as possible without being seen, gauging with her tummy whether this was the one. She didn¡¯t know what she¡¯d do when she found the creature she was looking for, but she knew it was one of these uprights, just not which. Why would the calling bring her here to find one of these upright creatures? Except for their little winged babies that lived in the trees, which she left alone as there was plenty of other food and she didn¡¯t feel it would be right to eat them, the uprights were so much bigger than she was, so what was she supposed to do?


    After three days of watching, she finally found who she was seeking. It was a female, she could tell by the shape of her body and how she smelled when she sweated. The creature was furry, with yellow fur and black spots, and sometimes she put something dark on her head. She concluded the dark thing must be to attract a mate. One of those often with her upright, who was much smaller than the one she was watching and had a head of pink fur, also sometimes had the dark thing on her head. It appeared that she had attracted a mate with it, too, in the form of a winged upright with blue fur. Even though they would never have babies, because they were both female, the pink-furred and the blue-furred uprights seemed to enjoy mating, which they had done a few times since she had arrived. It seemed silly to mate if you could not make babies, but these were strange animals with strange ways, so she simply accepted it.


    While she now knew the spotted upright was the one calling to her, she still wasn¡¯t sure what to do next. Part of her said she should approach, and maybe ripple a display asking why she was called. Part of her was afraid though, because the uprights were so, so big. While she could eyeburn them if she had to, it might not be enough if one of them tried to catch and eat her. So she was wary. Not knowing what else to do, she decided to watch and learn about this upright. As long as her tummy wasn¡¯t in pain any more, she could spend some time doing that and maybe come to understand the why.


    Eventually, after much watching and consideration, she finally understood what was happening. Her spotted upright was learning to fight! The upright giant snake creature was showing her, and several others, how to kill the evil creatures. The way her spotted upright fought was very confusing, but the evils died quickly and the uprights all made noises in apparent celebration when that happened. This was good. It was important to know how to kill evil things, even if she didn¡¯t understand why she knew what evil was.


    Slowly she worked to understand more about her spotted upright, stalking after her from the shadows and watching what she did and who she touched, and watching her kill the evil creatures. She even learned that the upright that had called to her had a name, reacting many times to a certain sound. She didn¡¯t have a name herself, although there was a specific, unique sound that she would use to identify herself to the others of her kind back at her old rock, so maybe that was like a name. It seemed odd that she knew what a name was, though. She struggled to emulate the upright''s name, but it was hard, and came out as a hiss, sounding a little like ¡®heska¡¯ instead.


    So she watched, learned, and determined what the social structure of her upright¡¯s pack was. She could see uprights that Jesca was submissive to, and see other uprights that seemed to be on the same power level as her. There was even a six-legged white creature that was submissive to Jesca, following her around and always staying close, although it would occasionally play with the pink-haired one by carrying her on its back. It was a curious hierarchy that did not make a lot of sense to her, although it must make sense to her upright.


    She knew it was only a matter of time before she and the upright would meet each other, but she was so wary of that, because the spotted one was so big. But her upright also seemed gentle, often petting the white creature with the horned head while making pleasant noises, or embracing the other uprights and laughing. They ate strange foods together, seeming to have no territorial disputes, and spent long hours in each other¡¯s company. They were almost ¡­ friends perhaps? What was it like to have a ¡­ friend ¡­ and why was the calling telling her she should be friends with the uprights? And, for that matter, how did she even know what a friend was? Her kind didn¡¯t have ¡®friends¡¯. This was yet another oddity of this truly stupendous direction to the north and east.


    <hr>


    The passing dreamlike thoughts about friendship awakened her from her dozing. She shook her body, stretching her wings and tail, rippling their colors back to normal before peering down. Her upright was no longer there, and she realized she¡¯d been sleeping harder than she thought in the warm sun. She knew the routine though, and knew where her upright would be, or would be able to sniff her out if she had to, and took flight to find her.


    Friends. That¡¯s what she was supposed to be. She didn¡¯t really understand what it meant to be a friend, except maybe to share the same territory, but somehow knew that was the reason to be here. She knew Jesca needed her as a friend, and that she needed Jesca as a friend, too. She had no idea why, but knew it was true. So with new resolve she searched, deciding enough time had passed to learn what could be learned about Jesca and the others in her pack, and that it was time to force Jesca to be her friend.

 Chapter 57 Part 3 - Water Follies

    PART III - WATER FOLLIES


    ¡°I¡¯m still not comfortable doing this while you''re holding it,¡± Thucax called nervously. ¡°I could miss and hit you instead.¡±


    ¡°Then you had bessst not missssss,¡± Vonn called back, holding her arm out. Dangling from her hand on a short piece of rope was a metal hoop about one-half meter in diameter. ¡°If you hit me, I¡¯ll be very crossssss!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this, buddy,¡± Callie said cheerfully. ¡°Remember, ¡®be the arrow¡¯.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve already done this a dozen times,¡± Jesca added. ¡°The only difference is that she¡¯s there.¡±


    ¡°I have faith,¡± Shul¡¯an added to the encouragement. ¡°And Reynard should be able to work again soon if you kill her.¡± He grinned back at the glare the Gnoll sent his way. Giving Thucax shit was far too easy.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Vonn called out. ¡°Remember, jussst be the arrow. Let your inssstinctsss guide your aim.¡±


    Hesitantly, Thucax nodded. Jesca was right, he¡¯d done this exact same shot at least a dozen times, probably twice that. He knew the right movements of his arm, exactly how much to pull the bow back, and absolutely knew where the arrow was going to go. Still ¡­


    ¡°Recruit!¡± Vonn called out again, shaking Thucax out of his introspection.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m ready.¡± This was stupid. Actually, no it wasn¡¯t. They needed to be comfortable shooting close to allies, he actually understood that. Using a target dummy didn¡¯t have the same pressure as a real person. He understood that, too, but it didn¡¯t make it any less nerve wracking.


    Vonn nodded and took a deep breath. ¡°Rawr!¡± she said in a lazy mockery of a Demon roar.


    Thucax raised both his arms in a single, fluid motion. In one paw, he called forth his Heartwood Bow from where it was stored in his belly. With the other, he moved his paw perfectly to intercept the bowstring as it came into existence, grasping it and pulling back. Almost instantly he sighted in on his target and released. The arrow flew, ricocheting off a large rock. Its flight continued, now with a new path. The Gnoll¡¯s aim was spot on, and the magical arrow passed almost precisely through the center of the hoop.


    ¡°Woo!¡± Callie and Jesca both yelled from where they were seated under the shelter roof, clapping over their heads. ¡°Way to go, buddy!¡± Callie added.


    Thucax let go of the breath he was holding, relief evident on his face. It was probably bad form to hold your breath for so long, but considering how nervous he¡¯d been, it really couldn¡¯t be helped. He turned, wiping a tiny trickle of sweat from his furry forehead and took a seat with the others in the shade of the shelter, pulling out his waterskin.


    ¡°Excccellent shot, Thucax,¡± Vonn said as she slithered close. ¡°SSSee, I told you that you could do it. Alssso, thank you for not shooting me.¡±


    ¡°No pressure,¡± the Gnoll grumbled, thumping the back of his head against the rear wall of the shelter as he leaned his bow against the same.


    ¡°Your accuracccy is much better than you give yourssself credit for,¡± Vonn added encouragingly. ¡°You jussst need the confidenccce when under pressure.¡±


    The Gnoll nodded in understanding as he emptied the last of his water. ¡°I know. I¡¯m fine if I don¡¯t have to bounce it off the rock, but adding that to the shot ¡­¡± His words trailed off, the adrenaline finally starting to wane as he thumped his head again.


    Jesca patted her fellow Ranger¡¯s leg in both sympathy and encouragement. ¡°Do you want me to fill that?¡± She gestured towards the empty waterskin. ¡°It gives me an excuse to use my new skill.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Uh, sure.¡±


    Jesca stood and walked several paces away with the container in one paw.


    ¡°It¡¯sss channeled, and new, ssso not too much,¡± Vonn warned.


    Jesca swallowed nervously at the warning. She took a few deep breaths to center herself, and then focused on her left paw, while holding the waterskin in the other. She¡¯d cast this spell once earlier in the day under the guidance of Trainer Rowani and it had gone mostly to plan.


    CREATE WATER


    It started as a small trickle, appearing a little faster than she would have hoped, but this time she¡¯d readied herself. Clear, cool water formed in her paw. It actually felt good in the hot sun, and Jesca concentrated on keeping the flow better under control this time. After a few seconds, she made a partial fist and held it over the waterskin. Maybe only half the flow of water went into it, the rest of it dribbling to the ground. Still, the spell was working, creating a slow, steady stream of fresh, cold water. It was summoned, with a duration of only about five or six hours, but would keep Thucax hydrated, and when he got close to a fountain he could fill it with the real stuff.


    ¡°Good job!¡± Callie cheered, seeing the happy look on Jesca¡¯s face. Next to her, Lhawni, who was out on Healer patrol, had stepped into the shelter¡¯s shade. She had been called over on the off-chance Thucax hit Vonn, and she was now cheering her friend on, right along with the Gnome.


    Jesca grinned back at her friends as the waterskin finished filling, before commanding the spell to stop.


    It didn¡¯t stop. In fact, the flow of water began to increase.


    Jesca made a concerned frown and concentrated again, shaking her left paw a single time, water splashing all around her, but the amount being created continued to rise dramatically. Now a little worried, she dropped the waterskin, focusing, but that just made her right paw start spouting water as well.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Jesca yipped, the start of panic in her voice, as the water flow continued to increase. She clasped her paws forcefully together, trying to cap the deluge off. The water, now under pressure, sprayed out in several directions, beginning to soak the Catkin and getting dangerously close to her friends. Callie instinctively pulled her legs up tight to avoid getting splashed, squeaking out a yip of her own.


    The pressured spray of water continued, completely drenching Jesca, who was at least polite enough to turn the shower away from everyone else. You could actually see the panic growing in her eyes as the spell refused to end. While it was absolutely funny at the moment, at least to the onlookers, it could actually become dangerous if Jesca couldn¡¯t get things under control.


    While the rest of the Rangers were laughing at their poor classmate, Vonn braved the water and slithered up to Jesca, her face scowling a bit. With a tremendous ¡®whack¡¯, she smacked Jesca right on her butt, the shock and impact enough to break whatever unconscious concentration her student was somehow locked into. Immediately, the water ceased erupting, what was still in the air splashing to the now-muddy ground, leaving a waterlogged and dripping Cheetakin standing there with a dumbfounded expression on her face. While Vonn was obviously quite unhappy with what happened, Callie, Shul¡¯an, Lhawni, and even the usually sour Thucax, were almost rolling on the ground with laughter at the sight of their dripping fellow Ranger.


    ¡°Uh, sorry,¡± Jesca said to Vonn with obvious embarrassment on her face. ¡°I need to work on that a bit, I suppose.¡± She tried to smile. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Crisis averted, Vonn rolled her eyes and then joined the laughter with a chuckle of her own as she slithered back toward the shelter, shaking off her water-soaked fedora. ¡°Go and drink a purple potion, jussst to be sure. Maybe practiccce that sssome more with Rowani before you try again by yourssself? I won¡¯t be around to ssspank you all the time.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Jesca said in agreement, removing and shaking the water out of her own hat. ¡°That¡¯s probably for the best.¡± She looked at her laughing friends, and then at Vonn, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, too, as she pictured what a sight she must have been. She bent down and picked up the water skin, which surprisingly hadn¡¯t fully emptied and walked it back to Thucax. ¡°There¡¯s some in there, at least.¡± The Gnoll smirked, taking it with a fading chuckle and a ¡®thank you¡¯.


    Shul¡¯an started to rummage through the supply basket to dig out a potion, but Lhawni spoke up. ¡°I can give her a Rejuvenation. Save the potion for another time.¡± She walked over and took Jesca¡¯s soggy paw in her own hands, and then focused. Magics of the Rejuvenation spell flowed through the wet Ranger, restoring some mana and pushing back any potential concerns about having lost control of the water casting.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Jesca said, and you could almost see her blushing despite the fur on her face.


    Callie was about to give her friend a little more grief for the impromptu water follies, but the sound of something in a nearby tree caught her attention. She focused, zoomed a bit, and saw a shape in the shadows that had bright, white eyes. ¡°Is ¡­ is that thing laughing at you, too?¡±

 Chapter 57 Part 4 - A Lesson in Not Taking Other Peoples Stuff

    PART IV - A LESSON IN NOT TAKING OTHER PEOPLE¡¯S STUFF


    ¡°What is it?¡± Lhawni asked as she narrowed her eyes, the strange, hissing laughing still coming from the creature.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Callie said with a shrug. ¡°Jesca?¡±


    ¡°Um. Maybe a drakeling? It¡¯s pretty small for one, though. Maybe it¡¯s a baby? The drakelings never come around here, though. There¡¯s too many people.¡±


    This was true. The Forest Drakeling population in the immediate area had long ago learned that the little Sprites or even the occasional Pixie were not to be considered food. Even as the area for the camp was being cleared in the beginning, the few drakelings were scared off, many of the Sprites using their own magic to strongly encourage them to move along. The drakelings, being quite bright actually, quickly got the hint and cleared out of the area. Most of their trees were cut down anyway, so even the hope of a Spritely-morsel ended up simply being too much work.


    Jesca took a step and made a chirpy, clicky noise, motioning whatever it was to come down. She didn¡¯t use her new Charm Animal skill, she was still in a bit of an ethical quandary about its effects, but she did cast her Commune with Animals. Now at Bronze, she could verbally speak simple messages to the critters she was close to, and they could respond back telepathically with simple responses. ¡°Come on down. Nobody will hurt you.¡±


    The hissing laughter stopped and there was a moment of silence before a series of colors started to flicker. Bright blues and oranges came from the creature, quite bright in fact. It hopped from the tree branch, landing lightly on the ground. The creature had its wings raised and tail held high, the end of it fanned out in a half circle, and it appeared that the nervous colors were coming from the thin skin of both.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be,¡± Shul¡¯an said with a gasp, standing to get a better look. ¡°Is that ¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie asked, a little excitement in her voice.


    ¡°What is one of those doing here?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Lhawni asked, echoing Callie.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Chromatic Drakeling. They live in the deserts far, far southwest of here. Really far, in fact; hundreds of kilometers away. We used to see them in the distance at night from the caravans, dancing in the skies.¡±


    ¡°Chromatic Drakeling,¡± Callie mumbled, rolling the words around in her mouth. ¡°So it¡¯s like Melga? Or the ones by the Bogwump nest?¡±


    ¡°Another type of them, but yes.¡± Then Shul¡¯an seemed to remember something. ¡°Careful, don¡¯t lock eyes with it. They can burn them out with their stare if they feel threatened and are close enough.¡±


    Jesca had dropped down on one knee, continuing to make calming, chirping noises. She held her paw back towards everyone, whispering a quick, ¡°Somebody give me some jerky or something.¡±


    Callie¡¯s backpack was right next to her, and she flipped it open, pulling out a piece of dried meat and putting it into Jesca¡¯s paw.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± Jesca cooed, tearing a bite-size chunk off and holding it out.


    The blue colors faded from the Drakeling¡¯s display, instead seeming to send a nervous warning as it kept the orange tone and mixed in some new yellows, the colors almost seeming to ripple as they settled into place. It took a couple steps forward before standing on its hind legs and using its outstretched wings for balance. Nervously, the little drakeling came a few more waddling steps closer, then, with lightning speed it stretched its neck and snatched the meat from Jesca¡¯s paw with its teeth, before fluttering into the air and landing a few meters away. The flowing yellow and orange colors seemed to cool slightly, now that the distance had opened up a little, by remixing in some blues.


    Callie had seen Melga¡¯s drakeling form flying around the camp several times, but she¡¯d never taken a moment to really look at her. Now, seeing this strange one, Callie couldn¡¯t help but see why the species were called Drakelings. In many, perhaps most ways, it really did resemble the shape of a dragon. It had a long tail, ending with the fanned ever-changing color display, and on the other end was an equally long neck ending with a sharp-toothed mouth. The drakeling¡¯s head was adorned with a pair of twisting horns that extended to the rear, maybe six to eight centimeters in length. From its back it sprouted a pair of leathery wings, which was flowing in the same colors as its tail. Of course, like any good dragon, it was very reptilian, covered in dark blue scales over most of its body, while its chest and belly were a sandy-colored tan.


    The Drakeling was indeed small compared to Melga¡¯s form, or the ones in the rocks by the Bogwump. Her body was about the size of Pixyl, once you added in the long tail and neck, so it was understandable that one might think it a juvenile. Still Callie got the sense it wasn¡¯t a baby despite having a main body smaller than Jesca¡¯s outstretched forearm, which was now offering another piece of jerky.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Jesca cooed again as the drakeling finished gobbling down the first piece of meat. It considered her, once again tilting its head inquisitively. Standing up on its hind legs, it began to edge closer again, this time the wing colors having much less yellow in them. The creature was still obviously wary, but it either was starting to trust Jesca, or the tasty dried meat was proving too delicious. It waddled a couple more steps towards the Beastmaster, and then seemed to focus on the promised morsel. Hopping slightly into the air, just a little hop, it flapped its wings just once to get a little closer.


    ¡°Watch your eyesss,¡± Vonn warned quietly. The Lamia had slithered back a few meters to give Jesca space. While the Rangers had more exercises to do, Jesca needed to work her other skills, too, so Vonn decided she was going to let things play out for a bit and not interfere with the Beastmaster side of her student.


    Still focusing on Jesca, or more specifically, the tasty snack Jesca was holding, the drakeling made another hop into the air, an almost excited feel to the rippling colors of her wings. They had dropped much of the warning orange, taking on some greens mixed in with the blues instead. As it landed, something gold-colored seemed to pop out of its belly. All eyes, including the drakeling¡¯s, watched as whatever it was rolled across the hard ground before bumping into Callie¡¯s foot.


    Callie reached for the object, picking it up and examining it. ¡°Huh. It looks like a coin.¡±


    All hell broke loose! The little drakeling let off a panicked shriek, wing and tail colors changing instantly to a bright, blinding white. It charged Callie, hopping across the distance and flapping its wings crazily. Seeing what looked like a prehistoric dragon-chicken flapping towards her, Callie let out a terrified shriek of her own, instinctively rising to her feet with her back against the shelter wall.


    The drakeling wasn¡¯t focused on Callie though. Its eyes were fixated on only one thing. She had accidentally dropped her hoard and now the pink-furred upright had taken it! She wasn¡¯t thinking rationally, or she would have burned the upright¡¯s paw right off. No, all she could see was her hoard in the clutches of another and she needed to get it back!


    Claws extended and quite sharp, the drakeling started to run up Callie¡¯s leg, still screeching and snarling. The panicking Callie, her brain not really thinking straight, raised the coin high over her head to protect her hand from the monster, making the hoard now even more out-of-reach for the little lizard.


    Its feet easily found purchase on Callie¡¯s armor, and as it got higher, the drakeling¡¯s pointed claws scratched and pierced into Callie¡¯s exposed neck and face, tearing long gashes in her skin and knocking her hat off. The miniature dragon continued scrambling up Callie¡¯s arm, finally reaching her hand and wrapping both its front legs around the coin, trying to wrestle it away.


    ¡°Throw it, Callie!¡± Jesca finally collected enough wits to yell.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Despite all the panicked screeching in her ear and the sudden pain on her face and neck, Callie was able to understand what Jesca said. She made a throwing motion, the coin slipping out of the drakeling¡¯s grasp as it left her hand, landing a couple meters away. The little lizard leapt off of Callie, diving after the coin, which was rolling on its side in an ever-smaller circle. Pouncing on it, the drakeling scooped it up with its two front legs, before spinning defensively to face everyone. It was protectively holding the coin to its chest, standing on its rear legs as its wing and tail colors slowly changed from white panic to red anger. It was glaring right at Callie, backing slowly away and hissing something fierce.


    Callie wasn¡¯t really seeing what the drakeling was doing, though, as the pain of the wounds fully hit her, her hand going to her face and coming away covered in blood. ¡°What the fuck!¡± she snarled in general at nobody, before hissing from the pain. Lhawni was right next to her, though and shifted into healer mode almost in the blink of a moment. Even as she grabbed Callie¡¯s head to take a look, a Totem was already coming into existence. The shrieking from the drakeling was continuing, almost sounding like it was scolding everyone. Nobody was looking at the creature, though, as they closed in on Callie.


    Lhawni made a wincing face as she ran her hand over Callie¡¯s head, casting her Diagnose spell. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that bad. A lot of blood from your scalp, but nothing is spurting out of your neck. It also looks like it didn''t get your eye. Don¡¯t move while I fix this.¡± The Totem pulsed, pushing healing magic out to dull some of the pain. Many of the scratches and holes were fairly shallow, and the Totem¡¯s power served to heal them fully in just a few moments.


    ¡°What the hell was that about?¡± Callie growled, making a bloody, contorted face as Lhawni did her work. With her unbloodied hand, she gently pushed Jesca aside to glare at the chittering creature. ¡°Seriously! What the hell¡¯s your problem?¡±


    The drakeling, for her part, was still glaring angrily back at Callie, and still holding the coin tightly and protectively to its chest with its front legs. It was barking little squeaky noises at the Gnome as the red colors swirled on her tail and wings, obviously quite pissed.


    ¡°Careful, don¡¯t antagonize it more,¡± Shul¡¯an warned again. ¡°It will burn you.¡±


    As if in response to the Salamanderkin, the drakeling¡¯s eyes glowed brilliantly for a moment, causing Callie¡¯s hat, lying upside down on the ground where it had fallen, to burst into flames. ¡°That will teach her! Now she can¡¯t mate!¡± the drakeling thought to itself.


    ¡°Dude! Not cool!¡± Callie growled at the drakeling as she quickly stomped on the hat to put the fire out. Even in just a few seconds, most of the inside fabric had burned. Plus there were two scorched holes, one going in and another back out, right through the leather. Fullo wasn¡¯t going to be happy.


    ¡°Stop moving!¡± Lhawni snapped, grabbing Callie¡¯s head and holding it still. ¡°You don¡¯t want this to scar, okay?¡±


    Seeming satisfied that it had made its point, the drakeling reduced the scolding-like chattering down to something that sounded more like it was grumbling to itself. Confused eyes, except for Lhawni who was still focused on Callie¡¯s bloody head, watched as the little creature started to shove the gold coin back into a ¡­ pouch?


    ¡°It must be a female,¡± Shul¡¯an suggested casually, pointing out the obvious. ¡°Drakelings carry their young for a time after they hatch.¡±


    Jesca took a step forward, dropping down to one knee as she tore another bite-sized piece of jerky off the larger one. ¡°That was not nice!¡± she said simply.


    The drakeling, done storing the coin back into the pouch it had popped out of, looked up at Jesca. She was still standing on her hind legs, wings and tail extended and red colors undulating in them, although they were slowly easing and becoming more orange. With both her front legs, she gestured towards Callie with a ¡®but you saw what she did¡¯ type of gesture, as if to explain everything.


    ¡°That was still no excuse!¡± Jesca scolded, actually wagging a finger. ¡°You could have just asked for it back!¡±


    ¡°What did I do?¡± Callie said, scrunching her face at the dull pain leaking past the Totem, and still trying not to move as Lhawni continued to work. ¡°Or is she just crazy?¡±


    Jesca giggled, tossed the piece of dried meat towards the drakeling, who caught it in midair, and looked back to Callie. ¡°You took her hoard. She was trying to get it back.¡±


    ¡°Her ¡­ hoard?¡±


    Shul¡¯an joined Jesca, adding giggles of their own. Soon, Vonn joined the giggles, followed by Thucax. Everyone was still wary and on edge, but the tension seemed to dial back several degrees.


    ¡°What do you mean I took her ¡®hoard¡¯? Like ¡­ a dragon hoard?¡± Callie asked, spreading her arms in confused exasperation. ¡°It was one freaking coin!¡±


    ¡°Stop moving so much!¡± Lhawni snapped. When Callie didn¡¯t, she threw up her hands. ¡°You can just keep bleeding then and enjoy the scars!¡±


    ¡°Oh. Sorry,¡± Callie mumbled, finally hearing her friend¡¯s words and offering her head to the Healer again, trying to hold still. ¡°But ¡­ hoard?¡±


    ¡°Drakelings tend to collect shiny things,¡± Shul¡¯an attempted to clarify. ¡°Shiny or pretty stones, mostly. She¡¯s not very big, and gold is heavy, so one coin might be a lot to carry in a pouch for someone her size, I suppose. If that¡¯s a gold crown, it¡¯s actually worth quite a bit.¡±


    ¡°These creatures can be an absolute nuisance in the cities,¡± Thucax added. ¡°Always flying off with something important. We had one in the area of our home that loved to steal metal utensils or tools. If it was shiny, the thing would fly off with it.¡±


    ¡°Flights of drakelings are actually domesticated in some mining areas,¡± Shul¡¯an continued, ¡°because they¡¯ll bring back small chunks of valuable metal or gemstones that may have been missed by the miners, to add to their hoards. They can then be collected by their handlers.¡±


    The drakeling, upon hearing this, stared gape-mawed at the dark Salamanderkin. These uprights so casually stole drakeling hoards? At once, she launched into a new round of scolding barks, this time aimed at Shul¡¯an. Part of her began to think she might need to reconsider this whole ¡®friends¡¯ thing, if they were just going to keep taking her stuff!


    ¡°Did ¡­ did she understand you?¡± Thucax asked, looking first at his fellow Ranger and then back to the lecturing drakeling. ¡°I didn¡¯t think they were that smart.¡±


    Shul¡¯an narrowed their eyes slightly, glancing briefly towards Jesca. ¡°Strange. I wonder ¡­¡± Then, directed at the little creature, they asked, ¡°Would you be willing to make your wings blue?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead, you¡¯re safe,¡± Jesca cooed quietly. ¡°You have your hoard back and nobody will hurt you or take it.¡±


    Jesca¡¯s calm words seemed to cut the last of the drakeling¡¯s chattering rebuke towards Shul¡¯an off, and it carefully considered the kneeling Beastmaster. Almost hesitantly, the flowing colors, having continued to move over time to slightly less tense yellows, rippled into a mix ranging from light blue through to a mid-purple. Just on the wings though. The tail still retained the other colors, just to make sure everyone was aware she was still irritated.


    ¡°If she understands us, that means it¡¯s translating through your Companion skill, right?¡± Thucax said with a tentative excitement. ¡°Is she your second Bonded Companion? How does that even work? Something becoming one, I mean.¡±


    ¡°I really have no idea,¡± Jesca said. ¡°Artemis just ¡­ was ¡­ when I woke up that morning. I didn¡¯t do anything special, except trip and fall over her.¡± She looked back at Callie. ¡±Too bad she¡¯s not up here. She could have fixed your face right up.¡± The unicorn was working that afternoon with the herdmaster to size a larger saddle and work on some mount training.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my face?¡± Callie said in a panic, raising her hands to her head.


    Lhawni sighed angrily. ¡°Nothing will be, if you would stop moving! Don¡¯t make me call Ambria over to knock you out!¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Callie mumbled again.


    ¡°Isss she bonded, Jesssca?¡± Vonn asked. ¡°Is there a way to determine that easssily?¡±


    ¡°I could try to recall her as a test,¡± the Cheetahkin said. ¡°Or better yet¡­¡± Her words trailed off as she focused on the little drakeling. Suddenly, all the bright light left the Drakeling¡¯s eyes, and she looked around the area and at everyone. After a moment Jesca shook her head in brief confusion as the drakeling¡¯s eyes turned white again. ¡°I could look through her eyes. It seems she must be.¡±


    ¡°Cool!¡± Callie cried excitedly. Jesca has her own baby dragon!


    ¡°Did she fly all the way here? From the deep deserts?¡± Shul¡¯an asked. ¡°That is a long journey!¡±


    Jesca and the drakeling looked intensely at each other for a few seconds, before their eye contact was broken. ¡°She said she flew almost non-stop for nine days to get here.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Vonn asked.


    ¡°Something apparently called to her. Made her stomach hurt unless she flew in this direction. She¡¯s been here for nearly a week, watching us to learn our ways.¡± Jesca then made a snort of laughter, before falling back on her rear, laughing out loud even harder.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Vonn asked.


    Jesca looked back at Callie, snorting with laughter again.


    ¡°What ¡­¡± Callie said carefully, it being obvious she was part of the joke.


    Glancing at the rest of the people briefly, Jesca cleared her throat, slightly regaining but barely holding her composure. ¡°She had a curious question.¡±


    ¡°About what ¡­¡±


    ¡°Callie, she is wondering if you are stupid,¡± Jesca smirked.


    ¡°What? Why!? What did I do?¡±


    ¡°She was curious if you knew Pixyl is female, and that no matter how often and how hard you mated, you will never be able to have babies.¡±

 Chapter 57 Part 5 - A New Companion

    PART V - A NEW COMPANION


    Lhawni had been concentrating carefully on healing the last of the wounds on Callie¡¯s face, yet somehow she still heard and comprehended what Jesca said. It was all she could do to properly stop the slow-healing spell she was in the middle of, before she collapsed in laughter along with everyone else. Even Vonn was reduced to holding herself upright against the shelter with one arm, while the other was curled around her belly as she cackled.


    As for Callie, she just stood there in stunned disbelief, instinctively turning in the general direction of where Pixyl would be training, before looking back at the little drakeling, which was curiously looking back at her. Callie¡¯s brain was simply unable to find any coherent or appropriately-snarky words to respond with. The laughter continued far longer than it should have, the dumbfounded look on Callie¡¯s face just adding to the humor. Finally, and with an almost questioning inflection, she uttered out a meek, ¡°Yeah, I know?¡±


    Jesca snort-laughed again, before calming slightly to translate her new Companion¡¯s next comment. ¡°She says that it¡¯s good you¡¯re not that stupid.¡±


    Of course, this started everything all over again. Callie slowly sank to the ground, her body sliding down the shelter wall and her face blushing almost as red as her drying blood.


    By now, everybody was fully aware that she and Pixyl were a couple, and largely nobody had given them any serious grief. Callie had heard scattered whispers, mostly from some of the Dwarves, and on one occasion Trainer Terrin pulled a Dwarf that said something particularly juvenile and nasty out of the bleacher seats by his ear, before dragging him off for what was surely an uncomfortable and one-sided conversation. Largely, though, it was not very different from the hushed obnoxious comments she¡¯d had to endure from guys back in Chicago.


    As for the Beastkin, their attitudes were a different form of grief. While most of the Dwarven comments were either juvenile or lurid, or in a couple cases, a little cruel, a few of the Beastkin, especially the younger recruits, seemed to have a more pragmatic issue with Callie and Pixyl being a couple. With their strong focus on reproduction, they inherently had a difficult time understanding why anyone of child-bearing age would choose to be in a same-sex relationship, since children weren¡¯t a possibility. Jesca explained that it wasn¡¯t that Beastkin didn¡¯t have a respect for love and romance. Instead it was simply a practical reaction.


    Callie had pushed for more information, with Jesca and Fynisse clarifying that in Beastkin society, children were fundamentally ingrained as a first and foremost duty, at least four of them for each mother, if not more. Arranged couplings purely for producing offspring were actually still quite common. Once that duty was completed, though, then you found a partner for love if you wanted, almost like starting a new chapter in life. Some couples might get lucky during child rearing and love each other from the start and forever, but otherwise, marriages ending and people getting remarried, once the kids were grown, was quite common. Jesca also explained that in the last fifty years or so, attitudes had started to shift. Many more were choosing not to have children at all, while others might do only their minimal duty, putting the kids up for adoption and wanting nothing to do with the long-term responsibilities of motherhood once their duties to the Beastkin were completed. Fynisse, who was from Imor proper, mentioned that in the bigger cities it was growing common for multiple females, often different animal types, to come together and create group collectives to raise kids together, with few, if any, males in the picture. She also implied that was what she was considering for her childbearing years, unless she met someone she really hit it off with.


    So in the end, it wasn¡¯t that the comments that some of the Beastkin made were necessarily designed to be mean. It was more to express a cultural difficulty accepting why two young people in the prime of their reproductive life wouldn¡¯t want to do their duty first. It was a different attitude than the Dwarves, but at least somewhat understandable, from a cultural standpoint. Even Thucax, when he first learned that Callie and Pixyl were together, reflexively made some confused comments, and Jesca privately talked him through it. He quickly came around, apologizing profusely for his words.


    As for the non-gendered Beastkin like Xin, Shul¡¯an and Vonn, they plain didn¡¯t give a damn. To them, every person of their own kind was compatible sexually and reproductively, and they tended to see even gendered people in that way, assuming everyone hooked up with each other regardless. While they understood the mechanics of gendered reproduction, it was hard for them to fully appreciate that you needed to have one of each to produce children, and even then, only one gave birth.


    Callie actually had found her friends¡¯ description of Beastkin culture quite fascinating, both as it related to their view of gay people, or renadits as they were called in this world, but also in general terms. Their entire society was simply focused around making babies. It had been that way for centuries, designed to overcome both their low initial populations after The Escape, as well as their relatively short lifespans. It had worked, and now five-hundred years later the Beastkin people were prolific, especially south and east of the capitals throughout Imoria. They still tended to settle in enclaves of the same base animal, Jesca mentioning that nearly all of the people in her home village were Cheetahkin, but that, again, was really just for breeding purposes. The different types were more integrated in the cities, and post-children couples of differently-based Beastkin were not uncommon there.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± a curious voice asked. It was Master Trainer Thorn wearing a smile on his face, having heard and then seen everyone else laughing, but that smile faded as he saw the bloody state Callie was in. ¡°My stars, what happened? Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°She will be,¡± Lhawni said, forcing the last of the giggles away. ¡°I was just about done.¡± She returned to focusing on the remaining healing, reminding Callie to stop squirming.


    ¡°Very good, but seriously, what happened?¡± Thorn asked, looking to Vonn and then all the others for some kind of explanation.


    ¡°A new Beassstmassster Companion,¡± Vonn said, gesturing towards Jesca with her head.


    ¡°What? Really?¡±


    Jesca moved aside, revealing the little drakeling sitting cutely on the ground. Her wings had moved largely towards blues now, seeming fairly comfortable with everything happening. The little creature cocked her head and considered the Ratkin, making a few curious chirping noises.


    ¡°What ¡­ what is it? Obviously a drakeling of some kind, but I¡¯m not familiar with this type.¡±


    Shul¡¯an spoke up, quickly explaining what subspecies it was and where they were found natively, as well as about the times they¡¯d seen them in the darkness when riding with the caravans. ¡°She made quite the trip to get here, according to what she told Jesca.¡±


    Thorn dropped to one knee, getting a little closer to the drakeling and making little kissy noises, which seemed quite out of character for him, as did the huge grin. In return, new waves of curious greens and blues flitted across the drakeling¡¯s wings and tail. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful,¡± Thorn said, smiling. Looking up, he asked, ¡°So what happened to Callie? Did the drakeling attack her?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s a menace,¡± Callie grumbled, but she actually had a bit of a smile on her face too. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, she¡¯s adorable, but whatever you do, don¡¯t take her stuff. She¡¯ll probably gut you.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Thorn was still confused.


    ¡°Do you know how they sssay dragonsss have hoardsss of gold and gemsss?¡± Vonn asked, attempting to further clarify.


    ¡°I suppose, yes.¡±


    ¡°In all her excccitement, the little drakeling dropped her hoard, and Callie picked it up out of curiosssity. There wasss a ¡­ a missssssunderssstanding.¡±


    Thorn''s confused face continued as he looked back to the drakeling, before looking again at the blood-covered Callie.


    ¡°One coin!¡± Callie exclaimed, spreading her arms wide in exasperation and then holding up a single finger. ¡°That¡¯s her entire hoard, one single gold coin! It fell out and rolled over to me. All I did was pick it up to look at it. She went nuts trying to get it back!¡±


    ¡°Stop moving!¡± Lhawni snarled. She¡¯d finished the healing work, and was now attacking Callie¡¯s face with a damp piece of cloth, working to remove what she could. ¡°I¡¯m almost done, but you¡¯re going to want a shower. There¡¯s a lot of blood in your hair.¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡± Jesca said, getting Thorn¡¯s attention. He looked up and Jesca waved a piece of the jerky in the air, making first a tossing motion and then one of tearing a piece off. ¡°She likes this.¡± Thorn nodded, and then caught it in one paw as it flew his way.


    Returning his attention to the drakeling and tearing a chunk off, Thorn made some more chirpy noises while holding out a piece of the dried meat. ¡°Here you go,¡± he cooed. He actually was getting a little giddy, as if in cuteness overload. Seeing the perplexed looks on the faces around them, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve always loved drakelings, ever since I was a child. I know they can be a nuisance, but I¡¯ve always liked them. Closest thing I¡¯ll ever get to seeing a dragon.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Jesca said, looking down. ¡°He¡¯s not going to hurt you. None of us will.¡±


    The drakeling looked up at Jesca as she spoke, and then towards Thorn. She saw the inviting snack and then hopped into the air, wings flapping to bring her closer while they changed back to nervous yellow colors. Carefully she edged closer, looking back at Jesca¡¯s encouraging smile once, before reconsidering Thorn. Another hop brought her a little closer, colors going more orange now, and then with a lightning-fast snatch, she grabbed the piece of jerky and flapped quickly back to Jesca.


    ¡°At least she didn¡¯t take my hand off,¡± Thorn said, chuckling as he stood up, looking at his paw and flexing his fingers. ¡°Callie¡¯s right, she¡¯s adorable.¡± Then he added, ¡°My son will be visiting for Midsummer. He¡¯s ten and thinks drakelings are as fascinating as I do. He¡¯s been wanting one as a pet for years. If you¡¯d be willing, and I suppose your Companion, too, I¡¯m sure Nevikk would love to meet her. Artemis as well, for that matter.¡±


    Jesca shrugged. ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll need a name, too, I suppose,¡± Shul¡¯an pointed out. ¡°Any ideas?¡±


    Jesca furrowed her face. ¡°Uh ¡­ not offhand.¡± Then she looked at Callie. ¡°Do you have any more Gnome god names?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a female, right? Let me think.¡±


    Callie had been reflecting back over the previous weeks on what she knew of Earth mythology for exactly this reason, naming more of Jesca¡¯s Companions as they came. She¡¯d tried to remember all the various gods and goddesses that she¡¯d studied at some point, seen in movies, or even just heard something about, and had been keeping an internal list of their names and details. Callie had largely only ever learned details about Greek, Roman and the Norse pantheons, that last being very little beyond Marvel-connected stuff. For other cultures, she¡¯d at best remembered a name, but not what they might be the ¡®god of¡¯ or many details of the stories attached to them.


    Cocking her head in mimicry, Callie and the drakeling considered each other. It stood up on its hind legs again, wings out and still flickering through several different colors, in an almost mesmerizing pattern. For all her grumbling about being attacked, Callie was liking this new Companion for Jesca, and she decided to not hold a grudge against it, even if it was a bit of an over-the-top response for one lousy coin. The damage was repaired and her eye hadn¡¯t been hurt, after all. Then, it came to her!


    ¡°Ooo! I got it! How about the goddess of rainbows?¡± Callie suggested excitedly.


    ¡°That¡¯s perfect!¡± Lhawni said, clapping and looking at the drakeling. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Iris,¡± Callie said, grinning and feeling just a little smug for coming up with something so quickly. She remembered a brief discussion about Iris from the Women in Mythology class, but was struggling to remember anything else about her. ¡°I think she was a winged messenger for all the other gods, too. In the stories, she would deliver love letters and gifts and such.¡±


    ¡°That one is quite appropriate,¡± Shul¡¯an said approvingly. ¡°She both has wings and is able to make her own rainbows, in a sense.¡±


    Jesca looked back towards the drakeling, then kneeled down again. The drakeling looked up at her, and then made a series of sputtering clicking and spitting noises. Jesca was taken aback. ¡°Really? That¡¯s your name? None of us will be able to pronounce that. Well, perhaps the Lizardkin could, but I certainly couldn¡¯t.¡±


    The drakeling collapsed to a slouch, almost seeming disappointed, or even sad. She drooped her wings, the colors seeming to drain away until there was none at all, wings taking on a blue dullness.


    ¡°Iris can be your nickname,¡± Callie quickly said, addressing the drakeling and trying to make a helpful suggestion. ¡°Callie is mine, for example, but my full name is Calliope. The first is just easier and less formal. I was named after one of those goddesses too. Well, actually, it was after a muse. The one that inspires epic poetry.¡± Then, seeing a couple glances, including a frowning one from Thorn, she added her go-to, ¡°Why do I remember that?¡±


    ¡°See, you can have more than one name,¡± Jesca tried to explain.


    There was a moment of intense staring between Jesca and the new Companion, and you could feel they were having a private, telepathic conversation. It only lasted a few seconds before the drakeling rose again on her hind legs, wings spreading and fluttering with an almost perfect rainbow spectrum. She seemed to cough, the noise sounding something like ¡®kye-risss¡¯, with a hard beginning and the ending a long hissing.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Goddess of the rainbow,¡± Jesca said encouragingly. ¡°Just like you are making now. It¡¯s very lovely.¡±


    Callie couldn¡¯t help but smile watching Jesca and her new Companion. For all Jesca¡¯s talk about not wanting to be a Beastkin broodmare, she sure seemed like she¡¯d be good with children. Although, she was the oldest of seven, so she probably had been around young ones all her life. If things ever changed for her, Callie knew her friend would be an amazing mother.


    ¡°Kye-risss,¡± the drakeling chittered again before it nodded, seeming to accept the new name.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite astonishing, Jesca,¡± Thorn said quietly. ¡°Even Rowani isn¡¯t able to converse with animals to that degree. I¡¯m actually quite envious of your ability.¡±


    Jesca glanced at the Master Trainer, seeming to blush slightly. Extending her arm, the little drakeling, now formally named, scampered up to Jesca¡¯s shoulder. She found an apparently comfy spot, hooking her tail around the back of Jesca¡¯s neck and looking around. The tail now ended at a point, the fanned-out tip having stowed closed. She folded her wings, which hid the color-changing skin away and they blended into the blue of her scaled body. As Jesca turned around, offering Iris another piece of torn jerky, all of the others, as well as Thorn, moved closer, both fascinated and eager to meet the latest strangeness in camp.


    ¡°You know what this means,¡± Shul¡¯an said as they gently patted Iris¡¯s head. ¡°You have a shapeshift now, right? Into any of your Companions? That means you have a flight form!¡±


    ¡°And can shoot heat lasers from your eyes, too!¡± Callie added.


    ¡°No!¡± both Thorn and Vonn warned instantly. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare try any shapeshifting or flying without Rowani, Cheena or Maugra present,¡± Thorn added. ¡°The last thing you want is to bungle that casting and either get stuck in a form or something even worse. Or break your neck crashing into something.¡±


    Jesca nodded. ¡°You already warned me this morning, and Trainer Rowani said the same thing. We were going to work on shapeshifting into my unicorn form this evening, and Trainer Maugra was going to help, too.¡±


    ¡°Still! Once you have it down, you¡¯re going to be able to fly!¡± Callie gleefully giggled. ¡°And shoot frickin¡¯ laser beams from your eyes! That¡¯s so cool! I am so jealous right now!¡±


    A murmur of agreements rolled through everyone else, although nobody had any idea what a ¡®laser beam¡¯ was. Still, they were used to crazy Callie words and thus, they simply accepted that if she said laser beams were ¡®cool¡¯, they almost certainly were.

 Chapter 58 Part 1 - Sigilism

    PART I - SIGILISM


    ¡°Recruit! You¡¯re late!¡±


    ¡°S-S-Sorry,¡± Callie said nervously, her throat too dry to swallow.


    ¡°And what are you doing here?¡± Sergeant-Major Natala demanded of Vanis.


    ¡°Moral support. I believe you intimidate her.¡±


    ¡°Me? Why? I¡¯m the nicest person in this whole damn camp!¡± the Dwarf growled.


    There was a long beat of silence, as if Natala was expecting immediate agreement with her statement.


    Vanis cleared his throat politely. ¡°Also, in addition to being fascinated by this form of magic, I also brought this along. Callie indicated it can be placed on an object, and I thought this might be a good test if things go well.¡± He pointed to the lute strung across his back.


    ¡°Hmm. Good thinking. And what about you? What the hell are you doing here?¡±


    Pixyl shrugged. ¡°I was bored.¡±


    Natala had been a half-step ahead of Pixyl, ready to chew her out a bit, but the Pixie¡¯s simple bluntness actually made her verbally stagger. She quickly recovered. ¡°Fine. Just stay out of the way, both of you. She¡¯s the one with the new skill.¡±


    Callie tried to swallow again, looking up at the Dwarf. She seemed even larger and scarier than that day of the Bogwump mission. Thorn had arranged for Callie to work with the Sergeant-Major on her new Sigil of Amplification skill, and Natala had chosen a few evening hours after dinner as apparently the right time to do this. Callie would have much rather worked with Kyra, but Thorn said Natala was the far better choice. For Callie, though, something about Natala was just butt-clenchingly intimidating, for some reason. The Dwarf was simply this wall of personality ¡­ that just ¡­ was there. Was it a skill maybe? Or was she just so much of a badass that her badassitry was pulsing out all around her?


    ¡°Alright, recruit,¡± Natala said in an almost fast bark. ¡°Have you unlocked the skill?¡±


    Callie tried to squeak out a response, but ended up only being able to return a quick nod.


    Natala sighed, seeming to realize the potential intimidation Vanis was talking about. ¡°My apologies for being so short with you. The first wave of visitors is arriving tomorrow for Midsummer, which means nothing but headaches for me, especially since there is at least ¡­¡±. Her voice trailed off, before clearing it. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, just know that visitors like these are a pain in my ass. I¡¯ll likely need to keep them entertained and out of trouble. I¡¯d much rather be doing other things ¡­ and people.¡± The Sergeant-Major briefly grumbled incoherently to herself, and then forced a smile, looking back to Callie. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on you. Have you tried casting the Sigil yet?¡±


    ¡°I know I probably shouldn¡¯t have, but I did try once when Vonn said Sigil magic wasn¡¯t mana intensive,¡± Callie said weakly with a quick nod. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what to draw though, so I didn¡¯t get very far.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. She¡¯s right and not knowing what to draw is common for first-timers. Do you know anything at all about Sigil magic?¡±


    Callie shook her head.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Now I don¡¯t need to unteach you anything.¡± Natala looked around the area of the field they were standing on, and then gestured with her head to a nearby tree. ¡°This way. We¡¯ll work over there. You two can follow along if you¡¯d like, but I¡¯m not slowing down for either of you.¡±


    Together, all four took spots in the evening shade, the Sergeant-Major choosing to stay standing, gesturing at her leg, while having the others sit. Natala¡¯s back was to the tree, and Callie was seated about two meters in front of her, Vanis and Pixyl on either side.


    ¡°Now pay attention. I¡¯ll slow this down, but I only want to go over this once.¡± Natala began, her voice taking on a matter-of-fact lecturing tone. ¡°Sigil magic is both the most-difficult of magic to perfect and potentially the most-powerful type to use, especially for high tier casters. It¡¯s difficult, because a Sigil needs to be woven together perfectly, requiring finesse and careful attention, but once you have learned to master that, the resulting effect can be quite powerful given the low mana costs and semi-permanency of the results. It¡¯s a good thing for you that I know a few tricks to make it a little easier in the beginning. You said you didn¡¯t know what to draw, right?¡±


    Reaching up with both hands, Natala began to draw in the air, using two fingers on each hand. Her motions reminded Callie somewhat of Doctor Strange in the Marvel movies, and how he did his magic thing, but not quite the same. Natala seemed a little more fluid, maybe? Four lines began to appear, two behind each pair of fingers. They hung in the air for a split moment, before each pair then braided together into one as the overall shape began to take form.


    Natala continued lecturing as she drew. ¡°The Sigil for every spell you weave is personal, and should be something you firmly associate with the effect. Depending on the skill, the Sigil will require a certain level of complexity in order to hold enough power to be effective. Sigil of Amplification doesn¡¯t need to be terribly complex, but it does need to have some substance. You couldn¡¯t make it only a single line, for example. There is a balance you need to find between the minimum complexity needed, while at the same time it¡¯s simple enough to remember and get exact each time.¡±


    The design had continued to take form as the Dwarf spoke, and as she finished, the Sigil also completed. Natala pushed her palm against it, causing it to float towards Callie.


    For a brief moment Callie considered moving out of the way, but a paralyzing look from Natala held her in place. As the small icon of light hit, it instantly expanded over her, binding her arms to her side and then forcing her to lay back and become rigid. The binding sensation continued until it encompassed her entire body and she felt practically mummified. She lay there, head staring up through the tree branches and unable to move so much as her toes, able only to keep breathing and looking around with her still-able-to-blink eyes.


    ¡°A somewhat simple Sigil of Binding, which I received at Bronze,¡± Natala said, walking over to Callie. She bent and ran a finger lightly down Callie¡¯s chest, breaking the spell and releasing the Gnome. ¡°A worthless spell in the manner I showed you.¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°It seemed to work pretty damn well to me,¡± Callie mumbled as she sat up.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s effective, but quite complex, as you saw. Even for me, it takes too long to cast under pressure, so it is not terribly useful in close combat.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I suppose that would be true,¡± Callie agreed.


    Natala smirked. She began to wave her hands and again the binding lights hung in the air. ¡°There is a very good use however.¡± With another push, this time with a downwards angle, the light design moved forward. When it reached the ground, it turned horizontal and then flashed momentarily before disappearing. ¡°Stand up and walk over it.¡±


    Callie immediately knew where this was going to go and inwardly groaned. Slowly she stood, taking a hesitant few steps forward. She scrunched up her face as her stretched foot touched the area where the Sigil had disappeared, and sure enough, she was instantly wrapped stiff as a board by some unseen force. As she fell, Vanis had already been ready to catch her and set her gently on the ground.


    ¡°Traps, correct?¡± Vanis said, looking up at the smirking Sergeant-Major. ¡°By that, I mean Glyph traps?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Natala said, reaching down to break the binding wrapping Callie, before offering a hand to help her stand.  ¡°Glyphs and Sigils are essentially the same thing, although sometimes we¡¯ll use either term to refer to one that has been imprinted onto an object.  Glyph is a term always used for one that¡¯s waiting to be triggered as a trap, though. Also know that a higher tier Glyph could rest in place for hours, maybe even days, waiting for something to set it off.  Even better, there is no channeling needed once it¡¯s been imprinted.  If you have the right Enchanting skills, you can also create Glyphs that never fade using Permanency.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite fascinating,¡± Vanis said, rubbing his chin.


    ¡°So this amplification thing has more uses than just making a speaker louder?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°What do you think would happen if you were to trigger an Amplification Glyph trap?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d assume the person would just be able to speak loud, right?¡±


    Natala smirked, drew a new, much simpler, design in the air that looked vaguely familiar, before pushing it down towards the ground. ¡°Go ahead, give it a try. It won¡¯t hurt you, but do plug your ears. Gnome hearing and all that.¡±


    Callie groaned, this time out loud. She wasn¡¯t sure what the effect was going to be, but knew without a doubt it was going to be something she¡¯d hate. Sticking her fingers in her ears, she gingerly walked over and grimaced, before barely triggering the Glyph. Nothing happened, and Callie opened one eye. She looked back at the still-smirking Dwarf and started to turn. As soon as her foot hit the ground, the resulting crackle of dried grass and leaves was hugely amplified.


    ¡°Whoa,¡± Callie exclaimed. As she spoke it, the word¡¯s volume was cranked all the way to eleven. It was loud enough to get past her fingers, in fact, and she doubled over wincing, her groan just as loud. On the ground, both Vanis and Pixyl likewise winced at the sudden loud noise, and beyond them, a few people on the field turned to see what was going on. Callie stumbled from the disorientation, her footsteps so loud she could almost hear the green grass bending. Finally she simply froze. Callie didn¡¯t dare move or say anything, and pleaded with her eyes for Natala to remove the Glyph¡¯s effects from her.


    With a slight chuckle, Natala walked up to Callie and sliced the amplification off. ¡°So you know, you can¡¯t create Glyphs with this Sigil at Iron. At higher tiers, I suppose it could provide a good alarm warning if someone triggers it, maybe. Honestly, I¡¯ve never used it as a trap. If I want to trap an area, I have much better and more-exciting Sigils to use.¡±


    ¡°How many of these Sigil things do you know?¡± Callie asked, wiggling a finger in her ear to stop the ringing.


    Natala shrugged with her shoulders and face. ¡°Over six dozen, maybe? Some I¡¯ve never really used much, except to practice with them.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a Sigilist? Not a focused combat class?¡± Vanis asked, raising his eyebrow in surprise. ¡°I never would have imagined, quite honestly.¡±


    ¡°Most people wouldn¡¯t,¡± Natala said, almost beaming. ¡°When I was younger, I spent five years studying spell design. As a result, I¡¯ve experimented, learned and even designed several unique combat Sigils over the years, which has even led to a few surprise melded Sigil skills. However, my base class is indeed a Sigilist.¡±


    ¡°Is that a Wizard specialist?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Actually it¡¯s a Scholar specialist,¡± Vanis corrected. ¡°Most of their significant skills are defensive or utility in nature, I believe.¡±


    ¡°Really? How did you end up as a Sergeant-Major in the Army?¡±


    ¡°Lots and lots of work, and honing my skills using those combat Sigils I designed over the years. I¡¯ve had to develop my own style of fighting using them, in fact.¡±


    Perhaps looking forward to the opportunity to show off just a little bit, the Sergeant-Major held up a finger and walked with a slight limp several meters away. She began to weave a symbol in the air. ¡°Sigil of Shielding,¡± she said as it moved into her chest, where it glowed brightly for a moment and then disappeared, a warbly haze appearing to surround her body. Continuing the weavings, she layered on more symbols. Some disappeared into her body, while a few others floated in a gentle orbit around her, suspended in midair. ¡°Explosive Blast, Starfire Beam, Combat Premonition, Reactive Spikes, Shocking Aura, Healing Aura, Fleet Footed.¡± Each time she called out a name, she¡¯d draw another unique symbol in the air, weaving her magic with an unexpected speed and expertise.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Both Callie and Pixyl gasped as one. ¡®Holy¡¯ wasn¡¯t a word really used in this world, as religion wasn¡¯t much of a thing, but Pixyl had picked it up from Callie as a good modifier for an expletive.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯m a walking army of my own,¡± Natala called back, throwing her arms wide and actually grinning. She looked to see if the path was clear, and then pointed her arm into the distance. She made a fist and one of the Sigils rotated nearly instantly around her body to the direction she pointed. Next, a brilliant yellow beam of light shot out of it, simply vaporizing a wooden training dummy and leaving nothing but a smoking post in its place.


    With a quick wave of her hand, all the floating images disappeared in a poof of light, and there was a brief flash on Natala¡¯s chest as the internal Sigils were likewise dispelled. She walked back, seeing the dumbfounded looks on the faces of all three recruits. ¡°And they say Scholars can¡¯t make good combatants,¡± she huffed with a chuckle.


    ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± Callie said, her mouth hanging open in pure awe. ¡°What tier do you need to be to do all that?¡±


    ¡°Me? I¡¯m well into Emerald,¡± Natala said with a shrug; you could tell she was trying not to be too smug, but was also proud of her capabilities. ¡°I¡¯ve been in the Army nearly all my life, for over ninety years, so I¡¯ve obviously had some time to really hone my skills. That¡¯s one of the reasons I never became an officer. I¡¯d get soft and not keep learning. I think I may even make Ruby in the next year or so, I¡¯m really close, although it¡¯s so much slower since I¡¯m not on the lines any more. A lot of those ninety years were during peacetime, too, hence why I¡¯m not already there.¡± She may have been bragging just a bit, but there was no doubt that the Dwarf was an absolute expert at her craft, and the bragging was likewise absolutely deserved.


    Natala sighed and then added, as if a quiet admission, ¡°It did help that my family was able to afford a Symbiote for me when I came of age, so I¡¯ve always had everything available to me, and learned much faster. Early on, I also mentored under two different master Sigilists, and I mentioned the time I studied spell design, too.¡± Natala laughs. ¡°I¡¯ve been asked multiple times to take up a training position in the Nexus, but that¡¯s not for me. It would be too dull.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant-Major,¡± Vanis began, clearing his throat just slightly and straightening his posture, ¡°should you ever decide your time in the Army has concluded, please consider it an open invitation should you wish a position in the Imperial Guard.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say? Well, I¡¯m not leaving until at least the war is over, and have been thinking about becoming an adventurer when done, although I need to get my leg fixed, which will take about four to five months for proper Regrowth and the physical therapy to get it back up to strength.¡± She scowled, glaring down at her problem appendage before adding, ¡°I just can¡¯t afford the downtime right now, but I¡¯ll get around to it. That said, a nice, cushy job in the Guard sounds like a good next career possibility, as long as I can keep working my tier. If you¡¯re serious, I may take you up on that some day.¡±


    ¡°Please do!¡±

 Chapter 58 Part 2 - Weaving Magic

    PART II - WEAVING MAGIC


    Natala took a centering breath, walking to take her instructing position by the tree and gesturing for those now standing to sit back down. ¡°Okay, Recruit. Enough of me showing off. Let¡¯s talk about your Sigil skill. As you can see from the description, it¡¯s quite simple. Put it on yourself or another person, and the recipient¡¯s voice is amplified. If you cast it on an object, such as a musical instrument like Recruit Vanis mentioned, it will amplify the volume of that as well. If you do get it ranked up over time, that volume can increase or be projected to greater distances, as well as other effects.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t mention putting down that trap,¡± Callie said, having quickly reviewed the skill¡¯s description.


    ¡°Remember, at Iron you can¡¯t use it as a Glyph trap, but you¡¯ll be able to do that if you ever get it to Bronze. As for normal uses, when ranked up, you¡¯d be able to do a few more things with it, such as cast it on a podium, or even in midair, so any speaker behind it would be amplified. When I was still a kid, I used to use it to disguise my voice, too. As I got better, I was even able to mimic other people using it, which occasionally got me both into and out of a lot of trouble.¡±


    ¡°On the b-b-battlefield, too, right? To give orders?¡± Pixyl asked.


    Natala nodded. ¡°Amplification is probably my most commonly used non-combat Sigil. Once I became a corporal, and had to start leading people, it was one I used quite frequently. Even more so as I was promoted into the sergeant ranks and had to address larger assemblies or, yes, on the open battlefield, too.¡±


    Callie nodded, catching a quick glance from Pixyl. She must have been right. Her Symbiote must have given her this skill for exactly that reason. Apparently it knew something she didn¡¯t, or had some kind of high hopes for her. Callie wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about that, honestly. She didn¡¯t feel like a leader, and honestly didn¡¯t really want to be one, but events kept pushing her in that direction. She needed to talk to the Symbiote again. ¡°You hear that?¡± she thought loudly to herself. ¡°We need to talk! Tonight!¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Natala said, clapping her hands and putting on a stiff, get-down-to-business tone. ¡°The first thing you need to do is determine the design of your Sigil. It should be a symbol or pattern, something that, as you draw it, will focus your thinking to that skill, and only that skill. Luckily, this one doesn¡¯t need to be terribly complex, but again, it can¡¯t be too simple either. Find a balance.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I have no idea what to draw,¡± Callie said, shrugging. ¡°I don¡¯t even know where to begin.¡±


    Natala frowned slightly, it had been a long while since she¡¯d been in Callie¡¯s position. ¡°I remember the first one was the hardest for me. My best advice is to not overthink it. Just a symbol that is recognizable, personally meaningful and related to the skill. Take a moment. Show me when you have it.¡±


    Callie nodded, and focused in on herself, even adding a few cleansing breaths. She needed a symbol or icon of some kind that was both complex, but also simple? That wasn¡¯t a lot of guidance. Maybe a face with an open, yelling mouth? No, that didn¡¯t feel right. An outlined shape of a bullhorn maybe? Cheering crowds? Explosions! Wait, she was getting off track.  Focus, Callie!


    As she pondered, Callie realized this quandary almost felt like when she was trying to decide on the design of her first tattoo. She¡¯d agonized for months, if not years, about it, wanting to make sure it was the most-perfect and meaningful design and location. Her subsequent ones became much easier. They were all still meaningful, but the angst that went with deciding had faded.


    Callie mentally shook her head to clear it. She needed to narrow it down. Maybe something music related? Yeah, that could work. Meaningful and complex, but also not complex. A musical note, since she could push it on to an instrument? No, one note wasn¡¯t right and was probably too simple. Maybe a five-lined musical staff? Oh wait, using just lines was too simple, too. Then it came to her, almost as if she¡¯d been smacked on the side of her metaphysical head by it. She grinned. ¡°I think I¡¯ve got one!¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± Natala said with a nod. ¡°Now, start drawing it in the air. Don¡¯t worry about magic yet, just get your hands and arms used to the movements. Over and over, keep repeating that motion, and then imagine cutting it in half to sever it, before doing it again. Show me.¡±


    Hesitantly, feeling a little silly, Callie started to loop and swoop her design, imagining the symbol floating in the air in front of her. She kept repeating it, over and over, then imagining slicing through it each time she finished.


    ¡°Good! Actually, that¡¯s perfect! Keep going.¡±


    Callie nodded and continued waving her hand in the air. Next to her both Pixyl and Vanis, not really having anything else to do, were likewise doing the same, each with their own personal designs. Vanis was in rapt interest while Pixyl had a semi-bored expression on her face. Despite saying she wasn¡¯t going to help them, Natala did correct Pixyl, suggesting she needed a bit more to the symbol, as what she was drawing likely wouldn¡¯t be complex enough. The Pixie added an additional swoop with a little hook on the end, earning a ¡®good job¡¯ from Natala.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± the Dwarf said to Callie after several runs were completed. ¡°Whenever you have a free moment, keep practicing. You want that honed so well that you not only get faster, but also get it perfect every time by instinct alone.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Muscle memory,¡± Callie said, swooping her hands in the pattern again.


    ¡°Stand up. Let¡¯s add in the magic,¡± Natala said, moving to a safer spot behind Callie. She gestured to the other two, motioning them to move back a bit as well. ¡°Simply call the spell as you start to draw, and then once it¡¯s formed, keep channeling into it. The calmer and more-focused you are, the easier it will be. Don¡¯t get frustrated when it doesn¡¯t work at first. Remember, Sigil magic is hard. It¡¯s delicate and requires near-perfect control, especially while learning.¡±


    Nodding and taking a deep breath, Callie called forth the power, really having no idea what to expect. She focused, holding two fingers out as Natala had done and began to weave.


    SIGIL OF AMPLIFICATION


    She could feel the magic coursing down her arm and out her fingers, and as she motioned, a wobbly line of orange and green appeared. It didn¡¯t last long, though. The brand-new-spell mana cost hit her full on, and even though Sigils were quite mana efficient, it was still a decent amount for this first casting, and a bit of a surprise. The line broke, and as it poofed from existence it made a loud CRACK in addition to shocking Callie¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Gah!¡± Callie yelped, pulling her arm back and shaking it, before putting the end of her fingers in her mouth on reflex. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me that would happen!¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have had the focus,¡± Natala said. She was smirking a little, and Callie was sure she enjoyed that a bit more than she should. ¡°So tell me, what do you think happened?¡±


    ¡°Besides getting zapped? Nothing,¡± Callie said, shaking her hand again. ¡°I seemed to have it, at least a little bit. It was just the mana cost was a bit heavy. First time use, I¡¯m sure. I still have plenty of mana left.¡±


    The Sergeant-Major made a considering face. ¡°I¡¯ve brought some blue potions if you need them, and a purple one as well, but if you¡¯re still good, then go ahead and try again.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Taking a deep breath, Callie glared at the end of her shocked fingers, silently ordering them to behave this time. Once again, she pushed the magic down her arm as she began to draw, the hazy line forming where she pointed. And ¡­ it failed. She got a little further this time, but still the unpracticed mana usage overtook her, and her fingers were zapped again as the Sigil broke and shocked her. ¡°Dammit,¡± she growled, shaking her hand and flexing her fingers.


    ¡°Better,¡± Vanis said encouragingly, with Natala agreeing.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this,¡± Pixyl said, touching Callie¡¯s arm.


    It took nearly two-dozen attempts, eventually resulting in the end of Callie¡¯s fingers completely numb from the constant shocks of failure, before she got the focus and mana usage under control enough to keep the Sigil from falling apart. Slowly, Callie drew with her finger in the air, the colored weave of magic holding form as she concentrated. Unlike all of her other spells, the Sigil required a slow, steady, controlled flow of magic. Too much, and the symbol would overload. Not enough, it would quickly unravel. Either would shock her. Finally though, she let out the breath she was holding, beaming proudly at the somewhat sketchy-looking symbol hanging in mid air. Her first, stable Sigil.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s called a treble clef. It¡¯s used in music notation.¡± She looked up at her Elf friend. ¡°It seemed like a good choice for this one.¡±


    ¡°Excellent, Recruit!¡± the Sergeant-Major said with a smile. You could sense just a tiny dose of pride in her voice. ¡°My first Sigil took me one-hundred and twelve attempts before it was stable, and it¡¯s even considered an easier one than Amplification. But I also didn¡¯t have someone like me talking me through it.¡±


    ¡°Which Sigil was it?¡± Vanis asked curiously.


    Not even bothering to look, the Sergeant-Major extended one hand to her side, weaving a quick pattern in the air with a finger before giving it a flick. Instantly, it started to glow with a warm yellow. ¡°Sigil of Light. Surprisingly difficult to learn when you have the attention span of a fifteen year old.¡± With another wave of her hand, she dispelled the light, still having never looked at it. ¡°Okay, so now you have a stable Sigil. What do you do with it?¡±


    ¡°Um, the description says I can push it onto someone. So I guess I do that?¡±


    ¡°Are you still channeling to it?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°Honestly, I was so excited to get it right, I didn¡¯t even think to do that.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s a dying Sigil. You won¡¯t be able to move it, and you can¡¯t regain control once you break the channeling. Go ahead and kill it. We¡¯ll practice casting a few more times, but make sure to keep the channeling up after completing each casting. Then I¡¯ll show you how to move a Sigil around.¡±


    After drinking a potion to refill her mana, Callie used a small force of will to sever the Sigil floating in midair, it popping out of existence with a brief poof of light. With growing confidence, she created and destroyed a half-dozen more, getting the hang of controlling the exact flow of magical power required for the floating symbol to both be created and then remain stable. Natala was right, unlike her Ranger skills, which almost seemed brutish in comparison, Sigil magic was delicate and mentally intense, due to the focus required. Part of Callie was absolutely in awe of the Dwarf¡¯s ability to so casually create her own Sigils. Sure, she was Emerald Tier, which was two tiers higher than even Thorn¡¯s new Topaz, so an unmatched expert, but it was still amazing.


    ¡°Alright, Recruit,¡± Natala finally said, ¡°kill that and we¡¯ll talk about how to move it. This is going to be hard. Maybe harder than even creating it, so like before, you¡¯re going to fail at first.¡±


    Quickly, Callie did so and then focused her attention back to the Sergeant-Major.


    ¡°As long as your Sigil is still being channeled, or is alive as I call it, you can use the lightest touch of mana to move it. You can push it into another person, yourself or an object. To do that, though, you have to push perfectly even across the entire thing at once. If you don¡¯t, it¡¯s going to fly out of control and you¡¯re better off breaking the channel and restarting. Once the Sigil reaches its target, it can¡¯t be removed intact. If you do need to remove it before it fades, just kill it like you have already learned.¡±


    Nodding again, ready for the next part of the exercise, Callie readied herself. With steady control, she called up another glowing treble clef, leaving it hanging in midair.


    ¡°Now, just the lightest touch of power. Hold your palm up to it. You don¡¯t actually need to do that, but it helps visualize spreading the push evenly. Hell, I still usually do it out of habit.¡±


    Even with her hand up to provide a guide, the first few glowing Sigils went careening out of control. Some were simply left spinning in the air until Callie ended them, while a few others went off in semi-random directions, including a couple that ended up stuck in the tree. Even a few others, especially after she started to get a little frustrated, were just blown apart, falling towards the ground in a brief waterfall of sparkles. But, after nearly twenty attempts, she started to get the hang of it. Both the feather light mental touch required, as well as the perfectly-even application of that touch, slowly became ingrained in her. She even purposely pushed it once into Pixyl, it landing on her forehead. After a quick boop to activate it, her amplified protestations sounded out loudly before Callie quickly killed the magic.


    ¡°Good. Good,¡± Natala finally said. ¡°You¡¯re getting the hang of it. As you learn the control, you can apply more power to the push to make it move faster.¡± To demonstrate, she again conjured up a Sigil of Light, not bothering to look, of course. Once she flicked the light on, the whole shape flew off at arrow-like speed, smacking into the trunk of the tree, where it remained stuck and glowing. ¡°To apply it to yourself, simply push from the other side, don¡¯t try to pull. That might be a little harder to perfect, as it seems counter-intuitive, but it¡¯s the same principle. Just remember, the magic can push it in any direction, not only away from you.¡±


    Callie tried a few times to move it to herself, which was far more difficult than it sounded like it should be. As Natala had warned, her instinct was to pull it, and you couldn¡¯t do that. At the same time, the idea of ¡®pushing¡¯ it into herself was a little strange. A dozen attempts ended up either uncontrolled, or simply shattered the Sigil. Two eventually did manage to attach to her body. One ended up on her neck and the other her thigh. The aim wasn¡¯t there yet, but they did, in fact, hit her. She¡¯d need to practice.


    By now, they¡¯d been on the field for well over two hours, and Callie¡¯s brain was beginning to feel a little mushy. While Pixyl hadn¡¯t complained at all, she was obviously really bored. Callie suspected she really was only here to be the supportive girlfriend, which was sweet and made her feel a little flush with feelings. They¡¯d need a good sock-on-doorhandle make-out session at some point soon.


    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll do one last exercise then I¡¯m calling it an evening,¡± Natala said, mouth wide in a yawn. ¡°I¡¯ve been needing to get up way too damn early, this week.¡± She gestured to Vanis. ¡°Let¡¯s try putting it on that thing.¡±


    Vanis picked up the lute from where he had set it down. ¡°How should we do this?¡±


    ¡°Just hold it,¡± Natala said. Then, turning to Callie she continued, ¡°Recruit, try to push it right here.¡± She tapped the front of the instrument, below the strings as you¡¯d hold it, close to the neck. ¡°You want it somewhere it won¡¯t accidentally be tapped.¡±


    After four or five attempts, Callie managed to finally get an intact Sigil to land in the right spot, apologizing sheepishly along the way for the out-of-control one that hit Vanis¡¯s cheek. Vanis tapped the symbol and played out a few notes on the amplified instrument. It sounded to Callie a little like a slightly electrically-amplified acoustic lute or sort-of-guitar without any distortion effects, and it was easily loud enough to play to a room or small crowd.


    ¡°Alright, Recruit, you now know everything you need to know about Sigil of Amplification, at least at Iron Tier,¡± the Sergeant-Major finally said, dropping a heavy and strong hand on Callie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°From here, it¡¯s all about practice, practice, and control. In particular, practice pushing it onto yourself and others by placing it right here.¡± She tapped the left side of her upper chest. ¡°This is where everyone is trained to land it, and that way it¡¯s in easy reach to mute and unmute. Don¡¯t worry about speed when moving the Sigil yet, accuracy and not breaking it is more important right now. Get that perfected first.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Callie replied.


    ¡°After Midsummer is over, and you¡¯ve practiced a bit, we¡¯ll get together to work on how best to use that Sigil on yourself; projecting your voice, assuring clarity on the battlefield, that kind of thing. This goes hand-in-hand with what we talked about before your Bogwump mission.¡±


    Callie¡¯s throat suddenly seemed to tighten as yet another force once again steered her toward leadership responsibilities. Why did this keep happening? ¡°I ¡­¡± Callie started to say weakly, her voice fading.


    ¡°... can¡¯t wait to learn more, right?¡± Natala finished with a hard, likely knowing, gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll make an excellent Field Sergeant out of you yet!¡± She gave Callie a hard slap on her back, sending the little Gnome stumbling a couple steps. ¡°Let¡¯s just get through the madness of the next eight days or so. It¡¯s going to be nothing but chaos, hassle and people being stupid.¡±


    Callie regained her balance with a little help from Pixyl, who gave the Sergeant-Major a bit of a glare. ¡°Uh ¡­ sure,¡± was all Callie mumbled. ¡°Looking forward to it,¡± she lied.


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl!¡± Natala said again, a new pat on her back sending Callie stumbling the other way.

 Chapter 59 Part 1 - Supply Problems

    PART I - SUPPLY PROBLEMS


    Outside the window, the shadows had grown long, the sun having disappeared behind the hill up to the training grounds. Seated at the conference table, a frustrated Thorn reviewed the papers in front of him for the umpteenth time. The numbers were bad, really bad, and they were starting to paint a bleak future for what they were doing here.


    ¡°It¡¯s not good, is it?¡± Xera asked. They were walking back into the room, having briefly needed to talk to Kyra before sending her off for the evening.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Thorn said flatly. ¡°We only have nineteen so far, based on this report.¡±


    ¡°Including the ones left over from this term? Even with Juniper¡¯s help?¡±


    Thorn nodded his head. ¡°That includes the six we still had. As for Juniper, amazingly, four of them have been for advanced combat classes, but the rest are standard. One of them is a Ranger, so Reynard will be happy about that, at least.¡± Over the last two weeks, Juniper had led a group of soldiers in the evenings, usually with Thorn or Celeste tagging along, off into the woods to track down Symbiotes. They¡¯d had success, each time coming back with at least one, and once managing to get five. They were even getting good at capturing them if the little caterpillars tried to jump away. Despite beating the odds with four out of about thirty, the likelihood of getting an advanced one were stacked against them, and it wasn¡¯t surprising that most weren¡¯t what they needed.


    In order to maintain secrecy, they had adopted a rigid protocol on how to handle retrieving the wild Symbiotes. Specific people were chosen to make up the detail, creating a team of six Fairies for the task due to their Darkvision and ability to fly. Upon briefing them on what they were going to do, there was always gasps as each member realized the implications of a Dryad being able to easily locate Symbiotes. Then they were told the bad news. When they got back, their memories were going to be wiped by one of the Brownies, because there could be no risk of the secret getting out.


    For the most part, that condition was accepted in the name of loyalty to their commanders, and for the safety of Juniper, but nobody was exactly happy about it. Then, they were immediately lead out of the gates, with firm instructions to be back to camp within six hours, talking to no one. Still, that limited time meant they couldn¡¯t range very far from the camp, which in turn impacted the results.


    ¡°Even if we sell all the standard ones? And all the unicorn parts?¡± Xera asked, an unhappy frustration in their voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the money, Xera. We¡¯ll be rolling in it, in fact. There¡¯s just not that many left on the markets. We¡¯ve cleaned out Imor, Marandine, and several of the bigger trade centers in Cillisant, too. We snap up any advanced combat-class Symbiotes that worm hunters may locate as soon as we can, and have made it known to their guild we¡¯ll pay a bonus for anything they bring us first. Even with all that, we¡¯re not even going to reach sixty for the next term, at least not in time to get the numbers out to the recruiters and get all of the worms here.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Xera said, ¡°what do you want to do? We could run the term even with only thirty or forty. We¡¯ve done it before.¡± They pulled out a chair and sat.


    Thorn shook his head. ¡°We have, but you know we need more people here, if only because they learn so much more training some group tactics together, and we need that for the front. I am thinking again that we should push the next term out by a month. That would buy us time.¡±


    Xera frowned hard. ¡°That is quite the request, and it will hurt us in the long run. Politically, that is. The likelihood of being able to get the support for a session beyond the next is going to drop significantly. They just need an excuse to shut us down, assuming they don¡¯t find one based on the report from Midsummer, and delaying another batch a month due to no more worms being available doesn¡¯t look good.¡±


    ¡°I know. But it¡¯s that or start the term possibly only half full.¡±


    ¡°Blast,¡± Xera sighed, thumping their fist on the table.


    ¡°Honestly, I think we could use the time, anyway. I was always wary of not taking a break between sessions. It¡¯s just too much to do without giving our people a chance to relax. Kela hasn¡¯t taken to whining yet, but she¡¯s never been happy about the plan.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no other way?¡±


    ¡°We just won¡¯t have enough, unless there¡¯s a sudden influx from the worm guild or on the markets.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Xera said with resignation. ¡°I¡¯ll take it under advisement. Let¡¯s see how things go with him over the holiday, and we can decide next week. With a little luck, I may be able to build support for the delay. But we absolutely cannot go beyond one month.¡±


    ¡°Understood and agreed,¡± Thorn said. ¡°No matter what, we¡¯ll go with what we have at that point.¡±


    ¡°It''s too bad,¡± Xera sighed. ¡°I could have put off Chrysalis for another month, until we were all on break.¡±


    ¡°Too late to stop it?¡±


    Xera wavered. ¡°I might be able to, I¡¯ve only just started preparing my body. I think, mentally, I¡¯m committed at this point, though.¡± Scowling, Xera added, ¡°I just want to get it over with, honestly.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Thorn replied. Then he softened his tone. ¡°Xera, I¡¯m really quite happy for you. I know this is a big step and why, but I can see you¡¯re ready. Have you thought of your new name yet? Are you sharing what your gender will be?¡±


    Xera smirked. ¡°I¡¯m enough of a traditionalist to keep them both a surprise. It¡¯s driving Tasi crazy not knowing, but that little bit of torture adds to the fun.¡±


    ¡°Bah! This is just going to lead to betting pools. No hints to give me an edge, I take it?¡±


    Xera laughed. ¡°Sorry my friend. I was taught to never give it away.¡± Looking around casually, Xera changed the subject. ¡°No sign of Callie, yet?¡±


    ¡°I heard some amplified sounds coming from up the hill a little while ago, so I suspect she¡¯ll be here soon.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any idea what she wanted to talk about?¡±


    Thorn shook his head. ¡°Not in much detail. She said it was about a conversation she had with her Symbiote, assuming that actually happened. Something about how they can create new skills, and what should she tell her Symbiote to teach her? I didn¡¯t want to inquire further since we were in the open, but I¡¯m sure whatever it is, it will be filled with the high level of Callie strange we¡¯re used to. If you want to sit in, you¡¯re welcome to, of course.¡±


    Xera huffed a small chuckle. ¡°You know, the camp may need that extra month after Callie leaves, simply to recover from her.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Knock, knock,¡± Callie called from the open doorway as she tapped on the doorframe. Kyra was gone so couldn¡¯t announce her. ¡°I know it¡¯s getting late. Do you still have time to chat?¡±


    Thorn looked up and gestured. ¡°Callie, come on in. Close the door behind you. How did your Sigil training go? Well, I take it? I heard sounds.¡±


    ¡°Good! At least I think it did. I was able to draw my symbol and even push it around a little. But cripes it¡¯s complicated magic compared to Ranger stuff. One wrong move and it zaps your hand off.¡± Callie glanced at the end of her fingers that had been shocked too many times to count and flexed them. ¡°I see why you sent me to the Sergeant Major, though, even if she can be intimidating as hell.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the finest Sigilist I know of, possibly one of the finest in the three kingdoms,¡± Xera said, emerging from their office. ¡°You should feel honored to have been introduced to the magic by her. May your new skill serve you well, even if it is quite surprising why you would receive it. Thorn tells me you have some things to share? And a question about your Ranger training you couldn¡¯t ask of Reynard or Vonn?¡±


    Callie knew it was getting late, and it appeared Xera wanted to join them and get straight down to business. She¡¯d been debating how to try and explain what the Symbiote had told her regarding how it creates pathways in a way that wouldn¡¯t likely lead to three-hundred more questions, and so far hadn¡¯t really come up with one. But she needed to do that to put some context around her decision to forgo leveling to Gold in favor of more variety of melded or off-class skills. She¡¯d been second-guessing that decision off and on, and if it was completely the wrong one, she wanted to try and change the plan when she next talked to her Symbiote.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie said to the officers, trying to put on a comfortable smile. She wasn¡¯t sure it was working. ¡°Do you happen to have any paper or something I can write on? And something to write with, too? This might be easier to explain if I can draw some of it.¡±


    Thorn had a few blank pages among the things he¡¯d been working on, so he slid them across the table along with a charcoal pencil while he straightened up the slight mess of paperwork he¡¯d been dealing with. In a way, he was thankful for the distraction away from the depressing headache, although he knew it would still be there whenever Callie finished whatever this was. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Callie stood on her chair and began to draw as Xera took a seat next to Thorn, the Commandant watching her with curious interest. ¡°A question for either of you. Do they know how Symbiotes give people their skills?¡± Callie asked generally.


    ¡°There are a couple theories,¡± Thorn responded, ¡°but it¡¯s one of those things endlessly debated by the Scholars in The Nexus. Some say they etch the knowledge of the powers into our head. Others say the knowledge is already there, and they just open our mind to it. Honestly, like most things magic related, I¡¯ve never given much thought to it. Why?¡±


    Putting the final touches on her quickly sketched schematic, Callie looked up. ¡°It might be a bit of both.¡± She pushed the page back, rotating it so Thorn and Xera could see it. ¡°So, let me start with this. The night before last, just before I woke and got Silver, my Symbiote came to me again, and we had a nice, long conversation about magic and how they actually do it. Now, I¡¯ll fully admit it may have all been a dream, a figment of my own mind, although it felt pretty real to me. I¡¯m also pretty sure I¡¯m not smart enough to make this up. I¡¯m going to explain it to you the same way he did, but you should know he flat out said it was dumbed down for me.¡± Callie stumbled for a moment. ¡°He? It?¡± She shrugged. ¡°Whatever.¡± It sort of felt like a he.


    Gesturing towards the picture of a brain, Callie started. ¡°This is your brain.¡± Then she gestured to the jagged line through it, starting at a circle and ending at a square. She looked up and grinned. ¡°And this is your brain on magic.¡±


    Carefully, Callie went through the same explanation her worm had about how it creates or strengthens mana pathways, allowing for all skills to be revealed to the host when it makes the final connections, leading to leveling up to the next Tier. Both Xera and Thorn seemed rather dubious of the whole thing at first, but at least were willing to humor her. She explained how each skill or perk had its own unique path through a person¡¯s head, and because of that uniqueness, each produced a different result. By the time she got to the end of this first part, both officers had started to take a much keener interest.


    ¡°So a synergized power is connected to one of these existing ones, right? And something similar for melded ones?¡± Thorn asked, running his finger over the drawing as he started to make his own analysis.


    ¡°This is where it told me the explanation starts to become too simplistic, but essentially, yeah. A synergized skill or perk branches off of another, while a melded one touches two or more paths.¡±


    ¡°While this is fascinating, Recruit, what is the question you have?¡± Xera asked. Callie could tell that as much of a Symbiote nerd as Thorn was, this wasn¡¯t the Commandant¡¯s thing. In fact, they also seemed a little under stress. It might be just the VIPs coming soon for Midsummer, but Callie sensed something else was occupying Xera that wasn¡¯t the holiday.


    Nodding, Callie continued on. ¡°So this next part is where it starts to get interesting.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not already?¡± Thorn asked.


    Ignoring the Ratkin geeking out, Callie focused. ¡°Apparently, the Symbiotes are able to talk to each other, if they are close enough. I¡¯d guess through some kind of a short range telepathy, like Jesca can do with Artemis and Iris. Because of this ¡­¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Iris?¡± Xera asked, a confused look on their face.


    ¡°The Beastmaster¡¯s new Bonded Companion,¡± Thorn clarified. ¡°It arrived today. A little color-changing drakeling that apparently flew all the way here from the deep deserts to find her.¡±


    ¡°A Chromatic Drakeling?¡± Xera asked, eyes going wide. ¡°Here? That is certainly one hell of a journey if it came from the southern deserts. It must be at least ¡­ what ¡­ fifteen-hundred kilometers? More even.¡±


    Thorn shrugged. ¡°Apparently the little thing felt a calling that forced her to come. She¡¯s actually been here a week watching us to learn how things work. She¡¯s really cute, too.¡±


    ¡°Iris? One of your names again?¡± Xera asked.


    Callie nodded. ¡°Uh huh. A winged messenger goddess, and goddess of the rainbow.¡±


    ¡°Ah! A perfect name, then. Just watch you don¡¯t annoy the creature. She can burn you with her eyes.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Callie groused. ¡°She already burned up my hat. Fullo wasn¡¯t happy when I asked for a replacement.¡± Quickly she relayed the story of the little drakeling¡¯s hoard, how she accidentally took it from her, and the resulting injury and hat-burning. Xera did at least laugh at the story. It was nice to see them laugh a bit.


    After things settled, the Commandant gestured towards the paper, and Callie continued. ¡°The important thing is that these Symbiotes can talk to each other if they are close enough, and thus, they can teach each other things they know, including skills and perks. This is how Jesca learned Dash, or at least her Ranger Dash. Somebody¡¯s Symbiote taught hers about the skill, or it¡¯s possible it knew it from a previous host, and then in turn it was able to give Jesca the power by melding it on to others. That¡¯s also how Pixyl got Flashstep, or even that new Homing Ethereal Blast skill. Apparently my Symbiote taught Pixyl¡¯s about the homing effect from Homing Shot, or something like that.¡±


    ¡°Interesting ¡­¡± Thorn said, steepling his paws under his chin as he sat back in his chair. ¡°Continue.¡±


    ¡°Okay, so one last piece and then my question. As I understood it, when a melded or synergized power is inscribed by the Symbiote, it takes on the tier of the parent class, hence why my Turret skill is Silver Tier now. If it can¡¯t be melded onto something related, then it becomes a new Iron Tier off-class skill that you have to level up on its own. That¡¯s why my Sigil of Amplification is only Iron, because I assume he didn¡¯t have anything related to graft it on to, and probably because Sigil magic is so weird.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m following, but what¡¯s the question, Recruit?¡± Xera said, their patience seeming to grow a little thinner.


    ¡°The Symbiote offered me a choice, and I hope I made the right one. He said that he could either focus on ranking me to Gold before I leave here, or instead take advantage of all the other skills available and get me more various powers. Some presumably would be melded and end up Silver tier, while others might just be Iron off-class ones, but in the end I¡¯d have a lot more of a variety of powers, rather than reaching Gold Tier.¡±


    ¡°You took the second one, didn¡¯t you,¡± Thorn said flatly.


    ¡°It ¡­ he wanted an answer right then, so yeah, I did.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Xera and Thorn both asked simultaneously.


    Callie had been ready for this question. ¡°With so many of the worms here, I thought it made more sense to take advantage of the opportunity. Plus, he said he¡¯ll also complete them as they come, so I don¡¯t have to wait until I reach Gold to get them each revealed, although I¡¯ll get sick each time, which sucks. I assume, once I leave here, I¡¯ll finish leveling towards Gold at the front, probably not taking too long.¡±


    The information from Callie about magic, and the reasoning for her choice, drew a loud silence in the room. In Thorn¡¯s experience, how the Symbiotes actually functioned was one of those endless arguments, often resulting in a lot of shoving or even an occasional lost tooth when people got passionate about it. Yet, in all those arguments, Thorn had never heard it put forward that the worms were actually both intelligent and capable of communicating with each other, let alone able to teach each other skills. If this was the case, then the high concentration of Symbiotes of different types here at the camp made that even more likely to happen.


    ¡°Are you asking if you made the correct decision? Is that the question you wanted to ask us?¡± Xera said. Their expression was hard for Callie to read, but it looked a little sour.


    ¡°I guess?¡± Callie replied with a questioning inflection and a shrug. ¡°I told my Symbiote to give me a couple days to think about what other skills to teach me, but I¡¯ve been second-guessing myself ever since. If you think I made the wrong choice, I want to try and change that plan.¡±


    ¡°You know,¡± Thorn said introspectively, ¡°we had a Paladin, that Elf, Jitta, receive a melded Flashstep when she reached Silver this morning. Can you imagine a Paladin receiving that skill? A Barbarian also learned a melded skill that creates an explosive disorient, somewhat similar to Flashbang. That one is an off-class skill, so only at Iron Tier. Vonn also mentioned Jesca got Acrobatics, right?¡± That last question was directed towards Callie.


    ¡°When she reached Silver with Ranger, so it¡¯s already at Silver tier. Because of her Beastmaster Enhanced Senses, she was immediately pretty good at it, too,¡± she replied. Then she added with a grin, ¡°I¡¯ve already got plans for her in the Bunkerball game.¡±


    ¡°Reynard is going to love that,¡± Thorn chuckled.


    ¡°Still, a Gold Tier Ranger is far more powerful than a Silver one,¡± Xera pointed out, ignoring the sportsball distraction, ¡°even if she received several additional skills. It is a war, Thorn, and we need our weapons at maximum capability.¡±


    Thorn had leaned back in his chair again, though, hardly hearing what Xera was saying. You could see his brain turning over on itself behind his beady Ratkin eyes while his whiskers twitched. The camp had collected rather meticulous records of the recruits that had come through from each trainer, and that included what melded or off-class powers they may have acquired. He¡¯d never bothered to go back and review them, but Thorn suspected, if they picked apart that information, they would see a higher-than-normal number of them.


    He, himself, only had two melded powers, despite being Topaz. His first melded skill, which he received years ago at Gold, was called Cloud Dancing, and would form patches of rock-hard light under his feet, allowing him to essentially walk in midair. It was the perfect skill for a Martialist, which already relied on being fast and agile when fighting without weapons and with minimal armor. The other was a melded class perk called Five Animal Form, which was a fighting style somewhat similar to Callie¡¯s morning Tai Chi classes, that he just received when he ranked up to Topaz. To add to that new form, he¡¯d also received three new Iron-tier off-class skills with Topaz, too, which had been quite the surprise. If that came from his Symbiote talking to others all these months he¡¯d been here ¡­ Slowly, as if fading into view from nothing, an idea started to form in Thorn¡¯s head.


    ¡°Thorn?¡± Xera said, actually poking him in the side.


    ¡°What? Oh, sorry,¡± he said, shaking himself out of his reflection


    ¡°You have a guilty look on your face that I usually only see on Callie¡¯s,¡± Xera said warily.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Callie said sharply, but actually laughing, ¡°what do you mean ¡®guilty look¡¯.¡± Both officers turned to stare deadpan at her. ¡°Okay, fine, you¡¯ve got me there.¡± Callie conceded, rolling her eyes.


    With slight hesitation, Thorn held up a finger indicating to wait as he reached for the pile of paperwork he had shoved aside when Callie arrived. He leafed through it, looking for a specific page, before finding and pulling it out and sliding it over to Xera. ¡°I want to check some of our records first¡­¡± he began with equal hesitation. Then he tapped on the paper, ¡°But, if Callie¡¯s right and those records confirm, we might have a solution to what we were discussing a bit ago.¡±


    Xera furrowed their brow, looking at the paper Thorn was pointing to. He thumped his finger again, more insistently this time, and Xera looked closer at the specific line he was pointing to. ¡°We¡¯ve actually found six of them?¡±


    ¡°And we can easily get more of those, too,¡± Thorn said quietly, raising one eyebrow. ¡°We should at least discuss the possibility. We will still get as many advanced ones as we can, but If these can learn more than their base skills and perks ¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he raised his other furry eyebrow. ¡°It might fix our problem.¡±


    ¡°Thorn, that¡¯s not what we do here, and I¡¯m not interested in lowering our standards. If we do, it will politically hurt us even more.¡±


    ¡°Wh-What¡¯s the problem?¡± Callie asked.


    Thorn gestured across the table, adding a small shrug, as if asking Xera for permission.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Xera replied. They looked at the confused Gnome. ¡°Help us Callie up another solution.¡±

 Chapter 59 Part 2 - A Very Late Night

    PART II - A VERY LATE NIGHT


    ¡°About five kilometers or so!¡± the rider called out as he charged quickly through the gate on his curvax. ¡°They were at six when I ran ahead. Six carriages in total.¡± He then looked at the nervous Herdmaster as he dismounted. ¡°Each with a team of two korrox, so a total of twelve.¡±


    ¡°Does that include the supply cart?¡±


    ¡°Apologies for my omission, it does not. So sixteen korrox total including our team of four.¡±


    Nodding, the Herdmaster took the curvax from the rider, turned and walked off, presumably to make appropriate preparations in the stables.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Legate Galin called out, adding a sharp whistle and circling a finger several times in the air. ¡°I want everyone here within thirty minutes. Ring the bell, clear the way, and make it happen. Someone go get the recruits down here and into ranks, or whatever they may actually call it after that dreadful practice this morning. Let¡¯s at least try to pretend we have some semblance of organization around here.¡± He gestured up towards the lookout above the gate. ¡°Sound the horn at one kilometer.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± came the return call from above.


    ¡°You enjoy doing that, don¡¯t you,¡± Celeste smirked as everyone lept into action.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t get to do it often here, so I have to find what simple joys I can,¡± the Legate replied with a growl. ¡°And you really could call me ¡®Sir¡¯ for the duration, you know. At least to put on a show while they¡¯re all here.¡±


    ¡°I could,¡± Celeste laughed, ¡°but we¡¯re both Platinum as of this morning, so we know that isn¡¯t likely to happen.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but catch the subtle return smirk on her superior¡¯s face. Then she added a calming, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll behave.¡±


    ¡°Congratulations again on that, Major, truly.¡± The legate sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve spent far, far too many years in command. If I have any hope of beating you to Topaz, I need to get back into the field, and maybe take on a few Elementals of my own. Have you told Thorn yet?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll want an accounting of that strange melded skill you received. What was it called again?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called Decoy Target. I haven''t tried it yet, but supposedly it summons some kind of an object that then emits a Taunt, and can absorb some of the resulting attacks. It¡¯s rather odd, and I¡¯ve decided to blame Callie and her little tribe of odd for that. And just to add to the odd, I also received several perks and skills at Iron tier, four of them in fact, including a pain blocking skill usable only on myself. Didn¡¯t Thorn get a few off-class skills when he got Topaz?¡±


    ¡°Two or three of them, as well as a melded perk. Interesting. If you¡¯d be willing, I¡¯d like to spar sometime, and see that Decoy skill in action directly.¡±


    ¡°Two high-tier Guardian classes sparring? We could be at it all week.¡± She grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll look forward to it.¡± Turning from the Legate, the Major began to point and shout at the various soldiers, getting everyone where they needed to be and adding any final instructions.


    <hr>


    Callie leaned back, resting against the next row of bleacher seats as she yawned loudly. She was exhausted, and it no doubt showed on her face even without the gaping maw.


    ¡°How late were you up?¡± Lena asked, unpacking her lunch bundle as she sat. ¡°I got to bed late and you still weren¡¯t back yet, or at least I didn¡¯t see your boots.¡±


    ¡°I have no idea. I¡¯d guess it was close to one or two, maybe even three.¡± Callie said, shrugging as she looked at the not-very-appetizing sandwich she was holding. She offered it to Jesca, who nodded heartily in thanks. ¡°I just had a simple question for Thorn and it became almost four hours of discussion on a problem they were trying to solve, with Xera sitting in. Plus, to top it off, in the end we circled back to the original idea I had after five minutes anyway.¡±


    ¡°Anything the matter?¡±


    Callie shook her head. ¡°They both asked me not to talk about it, but I think we came up with a workable solution.¡± She looked up at Lena. ¡°Did you make Silver? You haven¡¯t mentioned it, so I¡¯m assuming not, but I honestly could have slept through you telling me.¡±


    Lena shook her head. ¡°Close. I was 992 when I woke up. I should get it tomorrow. The Major finally got Platinum this morning, though!¡±


    ¡°Whoa! Cool! Good for her,¡± Callie cheered. ¡°We¡¯ll need to add her to the celebration list.¡±


    Jesca nodded, making a mental note to update the festivities, before exclaiming, ¡°Ow!¡± She glowered at Iris, who was sitting on her shoulder, a low growl coming from her chest. The Drakeling made another lunge towards the food in her hand. ¡°Stop that! If you want something, then ask nicely.¡± There was a pause, followed by, ¡°That¡¯s better.¡± The Beastmaster tore off a bite-sized piece of the sandwich and offered it to the drakeling. Iris then rippled her wings in a rainbow pattern to show her happiness as she chomped the morsel down.


    ¡°She¡¯s really cute,¡± Lena said. ¡°Sharp teeth, though.¡±


    ¡°And claws!¡± Jesca added, gesturing to where Iris was dug into her armor.


    Yawning again, Callie continued. ¡°Well you may have gotten points, but my Symbiote wanted to talk to me again last night. So, apparently between being up so late and then chatting away inside my own head, I didn¡¯t get any of my own points this morning when I woke up. So I¡¯m still only at SILVER.022.¡±


    ¡°Your Symbiote? Again?¡± Lena asked. ¡°I thought it would only talk to you when you got a new tier.¡±


    ¡°Before last night that was true, but when I hit Silver I asked him to talk again in a couple days, so we could plan out my skills after I had some time to think. Apparently, last night was the night.¡± Callie then remembered the internal demand to chat she made the evening before, and she wondered if that had something to do with it happening. That might be an experiment worth repeating.


    While she¡¯d already explained the process to Jesca, Lena¡¯s confused expression forced Callie to detail out for her how the worms made magic. This eventually led to the choice she was forced to make between going for Gold or additional skills and perks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lena said slowly. ¡°I think I might have chosen to focus on reaching Gold, given the choice. As a Guardian class, I need to be as good at my role as possible, otherwise people get hurt or killed. At least the two of you stand back out of harm¡¯s way.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°I would, too,¡± Jesca added. ¡°I already have all these extra powers from Beastmaster, so I¡¯d rather be stronger. Of course, you have your crazy layering thing to increase your damage, as well as those walking shooting things, so you¡¯ll still be effective even at Silver.¡±


    ¡°That was why I wanted to talk to Thorn last night. I¡¯ve been second-guessing if I made the right choice, so I wanted his opinion. Then we got distracted by the other thing, and now that I think about it, he never actually gave me a response. Nor did the Commandant, for that matter. Well, it¡¯s too late now, I guess.¡±


    By the time Callie had stumbled out of the Commandant¡¯s office, it was certainly well into the dark morning hours. She¡¯d spent several hours alternating between playing a game of Twenty Questions regarding her Symbiote and how it made magic, most of which she had no answer for, and working on the logistical problems the camp was having. It was exhausting, especially since both officers kept asking the same questions in several different ways. Having spent almost three hours before that working on her introduction to Sigil magic just compounded that exhaustion.


    As for the camp¡¯s issue, Thorn had revealed that the camp didn¡¯t have nearly enough advanced-class Symbiotes to support a full count of recruits for the next session. The Army had agents out and about in the world trying to buy up any that might come on the markets, but the ready supply had been generally exhausted and the rate of new ones becoming available simply wasn¡¯t that high. On top of that, they¡¯d need up to a month to get whatever was ultimately procured to the camp, as well as let the interview teams, or what they called ¡®recruiters¡¯, know how many of what classes to find from the Conscript ranks.


    Callie actually found it an interesting logistical problem to solve, even though the problem was simply the lack of supply. There were really only three ways to deal with that. Either you increase supply, reduce demand, or as a variation on that, change the requirements. Reducing demand was the easiest to do, of course, but that sort of defeated the whole purpose. As for how to increase supply, there weren¡¯t a lot of options there either. Essentially, since the results of finding a worm were random, you needed to either increase the number of active worm hunters, or increase their chances of success. No matter the solution, in the end there was a very small window of time to do it, in a world with significant travel delays.


    As Thorn detailed out the problem, specifically that he wanted to have the full number of recruits here, Callie¡¯s first thought was to simply start training non-advanced classes with a Symbiote. This was Thorn¡¯s thought as well, which he¡¯d immediately concluded before even asking for Callie¡¯s input. Xera didn¡¯t like it, though, since the whole reason for the camp was to focus only on the advanced classes. Thus began an exhausting marathon of throwing out every possible scenario they could think of that might address the problem.


    The solutions considered over the long discussion varied widely. Some were fairly simple and easy to implement, such as increasing what would be paid in an attempt to get more hunters in the field, and even possibly enticing retired ones to return to action. As the evening went on, though, the ideas became more and more wild, including Conscripting Dryads and assigning a team to each to clean out all the little worms in their domains. This was potentially dangerous, as Dryads didn¡¯t generally appreciate others being around; most were not as friendly as Juniper was. It also would assuredly let the secret get out, too. Callie could hear a tinge of frustration growing in Xera¡¯s voice as each option considered grew more and more outlandish or desperate, before finally being discounted.


    In the end, they circled back to where Thorn and Callie had started, with simply filling in the ranks with high-quality standard-class recruits. Once that was grudgingly agreed to by Xera, the decision was made to focus specifically on Warrior recruits, as their training could integrate fairly easily into the ranks of Berzerkers, Barbarians, Paladins and Bladedancers, given a lot of overlap in their powers or styles of fighting. Thorn was also hopeful that those Warriors would be able to learn some of those advanced powers, possibly creating pseudo advanced classes as a result. Xera didn¡¯t like the experimental nature of Thorn¡¯s thinking, but conceded there wasn¡¯t much other choice if they wanted enough recruit bodies.


    By the time she had finally made it back home, Callie simply needed to sleep. Almost in a zombie-like daze of exhaustion, she shuffled down to her underwear and into the blanket fort turned double-sized bed. Pixyl had already been asleep, and stirred slightly as Callie removed her top and got comfortable, seeming to instinctively curl up against Callie¡¯s back as the big spoon. Pixyl made a few tentative explorations with her fingers, but Callie was just too tired for any hanky or panky, and with a quick apology for that, they both passed out.


    ¡°So what did you and your worm decide to do about new perks and skills?¡± Jesca asked, tossing another torn off piece of her sandwich into the air for Iris. ¡°Some kind of a way to blow up castles or something?¡±


    ¡°She could probably do a fair bit of that already,¡± Lena laughed.


    Callie shook her head, stifling another yawn, too tired to even laugh at Jesca¡¯s suggestion or Lena¡¯s retort. ¡°No, nothing like that. I think we both agreed that I have a good variety of ranged offensive skills. Where I¡¯m lacking is defensive things. I mean, you get Dodge, Parry and Block, for example, while Rangers only get Instinctive Dodge. We also don¡¯t have any sword skills, outside of the base perk with it, so no special attacks or anything.¡±


    Lena made a considering face and then nodded in agreement. ¡°Your small size might make something like an Instinctive Block or even Parry poorly effective, but I do see what you¡¯re saying. Pixyl has a block skill with her shield, though, so maybe that could still work for you.¡±


    Callie returned the nod. ¡°Speaking of my small size, that was another thing we discussed. I don¡¯t have a Dash or Flashstep like you two, or really any kind of a movement skill. It would be nice to have something to help me get around easier, especially to reposition during a fight, since my legs are so short. Flashstep would actually be pretty cool and useful.¡±


    ¡°If you do end up with something like that, make sure you¡¯re really careful due to your size,¡± Lena warned, a tiny bit of a motherly tone in her voice. ¡°Pixyl could have been hurt a lot worse when she hit that door. I¡¯m surprised she wasn¡¯t, truthfully, as small as she is. Flashstepping blindly into something solid can actually kill you if you aren¡¯t careful. If that something is a person, it could kill you both, in fact. Pixyl¡¯s really lucky.¡±


    When Callie had first been introduced to the Flashstep skill, seeing Lena and the other Bladedancers using it during training to zip around the field, she had assumed it was a type of teleportation. It turned out, though, the caster actually traversed the distance, but it simply happened so fast as to seem instantaneous. Part of learning to use it went to making sure nothing was along the path you would travel, as much as controlling the exit point and the disorientation that came with it while learning. Lena had largely mastered the skill before arriving through years of trial and error, but the other Bladedancer students still had to work to reach a decent level of expertise.


    ¡°He said he wanted to come up with something interesting,¡± Callie said, shrugging. ¡°I think he likes being a little creative, if he¡¯s able.¡±


    ¡°He? Aren¡¯t they asexual?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°Well, yeah. At least that¡¯s how they reproduce, according to Vanis. But despite that, he just feels masculine to me for some reason, and I don¡¯t like using ¡®it¡¯. So I¡¯m going with ¡®he¡¯ while I try to come up with a good name,¡±


    ¡°Another Gnome god?¡± Jesca asked, scritching Iris under her chin as the drakeling rippled more contented rainbow colors.


    ¡°Maybe, if I can think of the right one. I don¡¯t know the male ones as well, though, and my head is sort of jelly right now.¡± Callie tilted her head as if thinking. ¡°I dunno, I¡¯ll come up with something interesting.¡± She vaguely recalled a Greek god of dreams or something like that, but she couldn¡¯t remember his name and wanted to see if it came to her. That mythology class in college understandably didn¡¯t spend a lot of time on the male members of the pantheon, except mentions in passing.


    Iris made a sudden low chirping noise and seemed to tense. Raising her tail in the air, the end fanned out and began to glow with bright, red and yellow colors, while her eyes were fixated on something.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Lena asked, sliding away from Iris slightly on her seat, while looking in the same direction as the drakeling, also tensing a bit as her Guardian instincts kicked in.


    The eyes of the rippling Companion glowed brightly for a moment and suddenly a smoking something fell from the air. It was a bee. A big, fat one in fact, almost as big as the drakeling¡¯s head. The bee landed with a bouncing thump on one of the seats and Iris leapt from Jesca¡¯s shoulder, pouncing on the morsel. She stared at it, using her eyes to cut it in half and seeming to cook it a bit, before gobbling down each chunk in two bites. Looking back at the curious and slightly horrified expressions of the others, Iris seemed to grin, rippling her tail in a warm, blue and green contented pattern.


    ¡°Dessert, apparently,¡± Jesca finally said, clearing her throat nervously.


    ¡°Frickin¡¯ laser beam eyes,¡± Callie chuckled.

 Chapter 59 Part 3 - Get it Together, People!

    PART III - GET IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!


    The bell near the seating area rang out, and those recruits eating their lunches or relaxing stowed their things and stood, stretching in the warm sun. Other recruits that were still dispersed on the field in training quickly wrapped up and moved briskly to follow the rest. Callie was in the midst of discussing other categories of skills she and her Symbiote had reviewed as options, including such things as healing or even non-combat spells that might be useful, like Jesca¡¯s ability to now summon water. The conversation with Jesca and Lena quickly died off with an implied promise to resume it when time allowed.


    That morning, the Legate and Thorn had the recruits practice getting themselves organized and then making themselves presentable for important visitors arriving mid-day for the holiday. It hadn¡¯t gone very well, with a lot of confused people unsure how and where to stand, a few others taking things far less seriously than they should have, while others started to get frustrated at all the horsing around.


    It was eventually Sergeant-Major Natala, with a little additional gruff growling from Tazrok telling everyone to pay attention, that finally got people settled. The Dwarf, obviously experienced in getting soldiers into formation, pointed each class to an area, organizing them with shorter people in front and the taller ones behind, each trainer standing next to their respective recruits. The exception was Major Celeste, who would be standing with the command staff owing to her double duties.


    Now, a few hours later, Callie and the rest walked down the hill, Artemis joining Jesca from where she had been napping under a tree. The little unicorn foal somewhat glared up at Iris, who was still riding on Jesca¡¯s shoulder, much like a multi-colored dragon-parrot. Their introduction the evening before hadn¡¯t gone particularly well, Artemis immediately worried she was being replaced as Jesca¡¯s Companion. When Jesca had finally talked her down off that ledge, the unicorn then started to get a little jealous, as all the recruits and others cooed over the adorable new addition to Jesca¡¯s menagerie. Iris, for her part, chirped and purred at the attention, because many of the hands reaching out to pat her head also came with a piece of jerky or other delicious snackable.


    Before assembling in the camp¡¯s courtyard, everyone needed to stop by their houses to drop off any weapons, their backpacks, and to leave their helmets. The Rangers were permitted to keep their Fedoras, and Lena her beret. In fact, Lena¡¯s hat had gone over so well with her classmates, that the Major immediately ordered identical ones for the rest of her recruits, as well as herself. Like the Rangers¡¯ fedoras, the maroon piece of Earth fashion had become unofficially part of the uniform for the Bladedancer class. With two classes having them, talk of class-unique hats was now rumbling through the rest of the students as well, with consensus generally leaning towards other-colored berets, although so far none had appeared.


    ¡°Do we have any idea who¡¯s coming?¡± Lena asked as she joined Callie and Pixyl in the garden. There was a quickly-moving line of people who were refilling their waterskins with something cold and fresh.


    ¡°If I had to guess, probably some military people,¡± Callie replied, yawning. ¡°I mean, they are putting us all at attention for an inspection when they arrive. The only other person I know of that will be coming is Thorn¡¯s son, but I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s with this group, or the one coming tomorrow.¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°His son? Is he married?¡±


    Callie shrugged. ¡°I assume so. He¡¯s never mentioned it, and I¡¯ve never asked.¡± She wasn¡¯t sure why, and she didn¡¯t say anything, but part of Callie was looking forward to seeing what a Ratkin child would look like. Presumably he¡¯d look like a mini-Thorn, but there was still a curiosity.


    After filling their water, the recruits all made their way towards the courtyard in small groups, Jesca joining Callie, Pixyl and Lena en route. Upon arriving, everyone separated before gathering loosely in a group for each class, simply milling about and waiting. For the Rangers, Reynard had been wheeled over by someone and had been chatting with Vonn and Shul¡¯an when Callie and Jesca arrived.


    Vonn waved Callie over and handed her a small bottle containing vaguely-greenish liquid. ¡°A Wake-Up potion,¡± she said. ¡°We don¡¯t need you falling asssleep.¡±


    ¡°Uh, thanks,¡± Callie grumbled as she stared at the potion. ¡°I think.¡± Sighing, she swallowed it back, re-stoppering and storing the empty vial in a pocket on her belt. It was just as awful as it had been the day after the black lotus bloom, but immediately she perked up as the magics washed through her.


    ¡°It might be best to put Artemis away,¡± Reynard suggested to Jesca. ¡°The people arriving have likely never seen a unicorn before, and we don¡¯t need them stumbling out of their carriages and falling on their faces when they see her.¡± The unicorn swung her head towards Reynard and narrowed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I know it¡¯s not to your liking,¡± he added, addressing the Companion. Before Artemis could object further, there was a wibble of magic and she was gone.


    ¡°Do you want me to put her away, too?¡± Jesca asked, pointing towards Iris.


    Reynard hesitated. ¡°If she can behave, she can stay out. But if she starts to act up or get frightened by the commotion, do the same. Otherwise, it will be good for her to be around this many people.¡±


    Jesca and Iris exchanged a long sideward glance at each other, before the Beastmaster nodded. ¡°She says she understands.¡± Much like Artemis, Iris wasn¡¯t a big fan of being recalled either, for exactly the same reason as the foal. ¡°I¡¯ll pull her in if things get to be to much.¡±


    ¡°So who¡¯s coming?¡± Callie asked casually.


    ¡°Most are the spouses of the staff,¡± Reynard said. ¡°But there¡¯s at least one important person, too, so I expect all of you to be on your best behavior. Especially you!¡±


    Callie ignored the barb. It was probably justified. ¡°Master Trainer Thorn mentioned his son. Is he with this group, or is he coming tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be here today, along with Thorn¡¯s wife, Ravina.¡±


    ¡°Oh cool! I look forward to meeting her.¡±


    Reynard growled something low. ¡°We¡¯ll see. Ravina is ¡­ sometimes she can be difficult, and the moon¡¯s not up for a few weeks yet.¡±


    Before Callie could ask for clarity on that confusing statement, there was a trio of blasts from the horn. ¡°One kilometer,¡± a voice called down from the lookout above the gate as a second trio of blasts sounded.


    ¡°Alright! Get it together, people!¡± Sergeant-Major Natala called out. Callie could immediately tell she was fully amplified, even before spotting the faint, telltale sigil on her chest. The commanding Dwarf pointed and called out recruits by name if they seemed confused or were being too silly, the target of her attention quickly falling into line each time. ¡°Move it!¡±


    For the Rangers, Callie took her spot, with Thucax on her left and Reynard, seated in his chair on her right. Behind him was Vonn, with Jesca standing behind Callie and then Shul¡¯an to the Cheetahkin¡¯s left. The chatter and murmurs slowly died down as everyone got organized, and soon you could hear the distant clopping of incoming korrox hooves and the squeaking of wagon wheels.

 Chapter 60 Part 1 - Happy Tails

    PART I - HAPPY TAILS


    Deep in the heart of Imor¡¯s southern worker district stands a raucous tavern called Happy Tails, which, despite the name, caters to all races, not just those with said tails. That was a rule, in fact. Anyone that made denigrating racial remarks would be stripped naked and thrown into the street. That rule was right there, posted above the bar, quite loudly. Not just in words, either, but also in very graphic pictures so that nobody could complain they couldn¡¯t read it. And yet, at least once per week, some drunken fool was heaved into the street bare as the day they were born, their crumpled clothing thrown out after them. If they learned their lesson though, they were welcomed back another time, with a drink on the house as a way to say all was forgiven.


    It wasn¡¯t that there weren¡¯t other taverns in Imor that blended the races, but Happy Tails wore that fact as a badge of pride. Large groups of a single race were broken up, never more than four to a table, and the host escorted their patrons to big round ones. This assured that every table would have at least two races at it, and if smaller or mixed groups, or any of the smaller races, maybe even more. Well, okay, if there were Ogres or a rare, wandering Troll at the table, it might get a little more tricky because of their size, but an effort was made, nonetheless. Somehow, it worked, and the place cultivated a large group of local regulars.


    Happy Tails was owned by the unlikeliest of couples. He was a rare sight in Imor, a Mountain Orc, one of perhaps only a dozen in the city. Orcs hardly ever came to the capitals, and if they did, it was always the western capital of Valdain, which was closest to their homes in the far western plains and mountains. Orcs didn¡¯t like non-Orc crowds, as a rule, or even people in general, and their tribes preferred to stay far away from them if at all possible. To simply see one in any town or city was rare, and to see one fully integrated into a capital¡¯s population was almost unbelievable. Yet, every night he stood behind the bar, socializing and roaring with laughter, while mixing and pouring drinks with an uncanny dexterity for someone so big and muscle-bound. Regulars were always loudly greeted by name, and first-time customers just as loudly welcomed as a ¡®new friend¡¯. His name was Gurosk, but he insisted that everyone simply call him ¡®Happy¡¯.


    As for Happy¡¯s wife, nobody knew her name, her real name that was, and she simply went by the moniker of ¡®Tails¡¯. She was the complete opposite of her husband. Not in attitude, though. In fact, her laugh was as identifiable and infectious as his, roaring out in response to bawdy jokes, fun stories and even an occasional racial ribbing, as long as it wasn¡¯t said with true malice. That might only require the insulter to buy a round for their victim¡¯s table, as an alternative to being shown to the street in the buff. No, what made Happy¡¯s wife the opposite of him was the fact that she was an Elf. It was a pairing that boggled everyone when they learned of it. Inter-racial couples were actually fairly common in Imor, so that wasn¡¯t really the strangeness. But between the absolute rarity of Orcs, plus the obvious size differences between the two, it led to a vision that ultimately was just hard to wrap your head around, and neither had ever shared the tale of how they met.


    ¡°Jorin!¡± Happy¡¯s gruff voice called out as the door opened and a trio walked in, the Orc throwing his arms wide in welcome greeting. ¡°How¡¯s my favorite Adventurer?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Reynard called back, feigning hurt. ¡°What about me?¡± There was a big grin on his face, as if this kind of abuse was common here.


    Happy scoffed and dismissed the Foxkin with a flick of his hand. ¡°He drinks more. You pass out too quickly.¡±


    ¡°And who is your friend?¡± Tails asked, walking up and hooking her arm around Reynard¡¯s to escort him and the rest to a table.


    ¡°Him? This is Thorn. Just visiting for a couple days.¡±


    ¡°Well, in that case, welcome, friend Thorn,¡± Tails beamed.


    The Elf, wearing a bright-colored ensemble, led the three newcomers towards a high table, Jorin casually taking a booster from a stack as they walked by, obviously familiar with the place. Tails moved elegantly, almost gliding over the floor, touching the shoulders of her patrons with her free hand as she passed. She¡¯d ask if they needed anything, and if so, signal one of the servers to attend to the need. Nobody was allowed to receive bad service at Happy Tails.


    ¡°Here you are,¡± the Elf said. ¡°I¡¯ll send someone over shortly to take your orders.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, love,¡± Jorin replied, patting her hand on his shoulder.


    There were three others around the table currently, a nervous Tigerkin couple, both of the yellow variety, and a male Fairy that already seemed a little tipsy. Introductions were made and smiles shone. Two more were quickly added to fill out the circle, these being a pair of male Elves that seemed a little wary of the others at first, likely new to the establishment. Soon, though, drinks in hand, everyone loosened up, properly re-introducing themselves and swapping stories. Mostly they were interested in what Jorin and Reynard had to share from their adventuring exploits, but the Ratkin, Major Thorn, had a few interesting experiences to contribute as well.


    It didn¡¯t take very long before the discussion of homelife started. The two Elves, best friends for years, were both married. Their wives were away visiting family together and ¡®probably getting into trouble¡¯, so both husbands had a few nights to entertain themselves. The Fairy was single, although courting someone quite seriously that worked at another tavern. She didn¡¯t want him coming by when she was working, though, hence why he was at Happy Tails. He was employed by the Courier¡¯s Guild, taking assignments to deliver messages or small items where needed in the capitals or The Nexus. The young Tigerkin couple were on a date, only their second, both blushing at the awkward newness of still getting to know each other.


    ¡°Two wives!¡± Jorin slurred loudly, holding up three fingers and lecturing the couple, a huge smile on his face. ¡°That¡¯s how many I¡¯ve had, and now I¡¯ve completely sworn off marriage.¡± He looked at his hand, using his other to force one of the fingers down, before holding up two to show everyone. The Dwarf wasn¡¯t completely drunk yet, but was certainly going to be before very long if he continued at this pace. His mugs of ale had been spiked with a shot of stronger stuff to help him keep up with the others. ¡°That¡¯s right! I hereby swear I¡¯m going to stay single for the rest of my days! Well, I will right up until I meet my next wife.¡± He looked around the room. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s here?¡± he added with a slight slurring.


    ¡°And you, Major?¡± one of the Elves asked. ¡°Married? Or ever married?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Thorn said, pointing to himself. He waved the question away. ¡°Nah. I¡¯m career Army. Well I was. With everything so quiet, I was offered reserve status, which I guess I was ready for, because I took it. I even purchased a nice plot of wooded land a couple days to the east where I can enjoy some solitude and nature. I just came into the city to see friends and return with a few things.¡±


    ¡°Well, that sounds dreadfully boring!¡± The Elf replied, making a face. ¡°Not the quiet country living so much, I¡¯m envious of that, but the thought of doing it alone. People need people after all.¡±


    Thorn shrugged the comment away with a ¡®bah!¡¯ sound. He was perfectly happy to live the bachelor lifestyle. It wasn''t that he hadn¡¯t been with his share of ladies over the years, but none of them had ever been serious. It just wasn¡¯t, nor had it ever been, a priority for him, nor was fatherhood, for that matter, despite being a Beastkin. The Army had always come first, and now he had a chance to set that aside and enjoy not needing to be responsible for anything or anyone but himself for a while.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°I doubt he would even know how to court someone,¡± Reynard prodded his friend with a grin and twinkle in his eyes. ¡°You can¡¯t just order someone to be with you, after all.¡±


    Thorn made a perfectly reasonable rude gesture in response. ¡°I would do just fine, if I were interested.¡±


    ¡°My friend, I¡¯d suspect you wouldn¡¯t even be able to work up the nerve to ask.¡± There was a challenge in that response, albeit a friendly one.


    ¡°Oh, that sounds like something to wager on. I¡¯ll put out five silver crowns that says he wouldn¡¯t have the guts,¡± Jorin said, holding out five fingers on each hand, his inebriated eyes lighting up at issuing the challenge. ¡°In fact, I¡¯ll throw another five in if she actually agrees to see him.¡± All eyes turned towards the Ratkin.


    ¡°And what do I need to wager?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Jorin grinned. ¡°Just the complete loss of pride as you bathe in the knowledge that you are an ineffectual coward with the ladies.¡±


    ¡°Ooo! I¡¯ll get in on this, too,¡± Reynard grinned, stepping right up to add to the challenge. ¡°But I get to pick the one you have to ask.¡± He looked up at the rest of the table. ¡°Anyone else want to be part of this?


    ¡°I never should have come to the city,¡± Thorn scowled as he drained his mug and made a signal in the air. But it was too late, and around the table, as well as the next table over that had apparently overheard, bets were being placed saying Thorn wouldn¡¯t have the guts to ask someone out, let alone have enough game to get an actual date. In fact, one of the ladies at the next table over was an active-duty High-Sergeant named Natala, visiting her parents while in the city on leave, and she was quite excited at the opportunity to see a moderately high-ranking officer fall flat on his proverbial face.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Thorn finally said, throwing his hands up and scowling towards Jorin. ¡°You¡¯ve all put enough money up against my pride that I appear to have no choice. Who?¡± Heads started to swivel to look around the tavern.


    While the rest scouted about, a hand appeared on Thorn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What can I get for you, handsome?¡±


    ¡°Apparently I¡¯m going to need a lot of whatever will give me the most courage,¡± Thorn chuckled.


    ¡°Oh, I know just the perfect thing,¡± the waitress said, her eyes twinkling. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°Her,¡± Reynard said flatly as the waitress departed. ¡°That¡¯s who I pick. Be nice about it, though. We have to be able to come back after you leave.¡±


    ¡°What? Her? She¡¯s working. Now¡¯s not the time! And she¡¯s probably half my age, too.¡± Thorn said, his eyes going wide.


    ¡°Still, I pick her. Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯s nice, and I know she¡¯s not courting anyone, at least not seriously.¡±


    From the looks around the table, Thorn realized he wasn¡¯t going to get out of the mess he¡¯d fallen into. Drat! He¡¯d pondered, trying to determine how long it had been since he¡¯d gotten flirty with someone. A few years, at least. And actually been successful at it? Five years maybe? Six? Sure, there¡¯d been a few Midsummer liaisons, but they didn¡¯t really count. Oh, and that one white Tigerkin, but neither of them remembered much of anything that happened that week, so that didn¡¯t really count, either.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll at least be able to claim the first half of your wagers. I¡¯ll make a noble attempt, but I¡¯m far too old for her. She won¡¯t say yes.¡±


    ¡°This should be fun,¡± Reynard said, rubbing his paws together. He then held up a paw, as if to settle any objection before it was made. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my friend, I¡¯ll behave, at least until you fail spectacularly.¡±


    The excited tension was high as everyone around the table tried not to giggle in glee at the thought of what was to come. Even the table next door had stopped chatting so they could watch and listen in, Natala raising her mug in a teasing gesture.


    ¡°Here you are,¡± came the sweet voice as she set two shot glasses down in front of Thorn. They were filled with an amber liquid, with a black spot of some thick syrup floating in the middle. ¡°Something special from Happy. He calls them Black-eyed Starshines. Guaranteed to give anyone the courage for anything. No magic needed, even. Anything else you might desire?¡±


    Thorn held up a finger, ignoring the snickers while asking the waitress to wait a moment, before he picked up one of the drinks and slammed it back in one gulp. It was delicious and without the normal bite of hard alcohol, but he could tell it was full of it.


    ¡°Was there something else?¡±


    Thorn coughed politely, thankful for his fur not showing his face turning red. He was a Major, for star¡¯s sake! ¡°I did have a question for you, Miss ¡­¡± He trailed off with a hopeful look.


    ¡°Ravina,¡± she said with a returned smile.


    ¡°Ravina, thank you. You must forgive me for being so bold, but I was hoping you might be amenable to spending some time together, outside of your duties here?¡±


    There was a heavy, absolute silence from both tables.


    ¡°That ¡­¡± Reynard started, staring blankly at Thorn, ¡°was the absolute worst approach I have ever witnessed. You bring great shame to our gender and to the Army and honestly to anyone that had to hear that.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right, sir!¡± Sergeant Natala called over her shoulder from the next table. ¡°That was horrid!¡±


    ¡°Ravina, I encourage you to slap him for that pathetic display,¡± Jorin added, a laugh in his voice.


    Ravina for her part simply tilted her head, sizing up the Beastkin in front of her. ¡°You¡¯re in the Army, are you?¡±


    ¡°I am. Peacetime reserves right now, but yes,¡± Thorn answered, honestly surprised he hadn¡¯t been slapped. It had been a pretty bad approach and he was realizing how out of practice he was at flirting.


    ¡°And she called you ¡®sir¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a major.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not often I get asked for my attentions by a major,¡± Ravina said, before adding with a tease, ¡°Usually they are at least colonels.¡±


    ¡°Consider me humbled, then.¡±


    ¡°But, you were at least polite about it, and you haven¡¯t smacked my ass without permission tonight, like a lot of people do,¡± Ravina said, making a considering face. ¡°Are you a good person?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to believe I¡¯m honorable,¡± Thorn replied.


    ¡°Not that!¡± Ravina scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. ¡°What I mean is, are you any good in bed?¡±


    Several members of the well-lubricated makeshift audience had been taking a drink while watching the shenanigans, and now completely choked at hearing that blunt question, some spitting liquid through their noses.


    Despite the directness of Ravina¡¯s question, and obviously with a great deal of help from the shot of black-eyed amber courage, Thorn grinned slyly as his flirting game finally engaged, and he managed to formulate a witty response. ¡°Like any good officer, I am well versed in a great many tactics and formations, my dear Ravina.¡± The innuendo-laced statement made Reynard and Jorin groan as they covered their eyes in embarrassment. High-Sergeant Natala, on the other paw, broke down in giggles, mumbling ¡®that was actually pretty good¡¯ to her tablemates.


    ¡°Well, ¡­ oh my,¡± Ravina said, her eyes lighting up and lips curving into an even more-flirtatious smile. She set the serving tray on the table and shimmied up close, draping her arms around Thorn¡¯s neck. Gazing into his eyes for a few seconds, it seemed she was trying to get a read on him. ¡°You are indeed quite honorable,¡± she said after a moment, ¡°and I¡¯m always willing to take a chance on someone if he¡¯s charming. I think you¡¯ll do nicely, Major.¡± Then reaching up to her own neck, she untied a scarf with mixed, bright colors. ¡°You can bring this back to me,¡± she added. ¡°Meet me tomorrow afternoon in Herlin Park, at one. It¡¯s only a few blocks from here. I¡¯ll have a yellow parasol.¡± She then tied the cloth loosely around Thorn¡¯s neck, her hands lingering as she finished.


    ¡°You¡¯re actually serious?¡± Thorn said, bewildered.


    ¡°Quite so. Meet me tomorrow.¡±


    Instantly, the giggles and groans around the tables ceased, all eyes going wide with actual surprise. It was one thing to be a little flirty or bawdy in a tavern, especially with the staff, as long as you tipped the latter extra well. It was generally all in good fun and no one actually expected anything to come of it. Thus, to signal genuine interest, the suitor would be presented a token such as this, to return to the owner later when the two could speak more privately. Thorn blinked once ¡­ twice ¡­ and then said the only thing his slightly vapor-locked brain could come up with. ¡°Then I look forward to it, Miss Ravina.¡±


    ¡°As do I.¡± Ravina took up the tray, and was about to bounce away and back to work when she stopped. Looking at Thorn, who was smiling dumbly, she leaned in and gave him a good solid kiss on the cheek, before she turned and stuck out her bottom. ¡°Give it a smack, if you would.¡±


    Hesitantly, glancing at the rest of his table and then catching the wide-eyed, encouraging expression on the sergeant, Thorn gently gave Ravina¡¯s butt a light pat.


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± she said, seeming slightly disappointed. ¡°We¡¯ll have to work on that, I suppose.¡±

 Chapter 60 Part 2 - Seeking an Audience

    PART II - SEEKING AN AUDIENCE


    ¡°Thorn,¡± Reynard said, ¡°this is probably not one of your brighter ideas.¡±


    ¡°A complete mistake, if you ask me,¡± Jorin added.


    ¡°Marrying Ravina or coming to see the Kerr?¡± Thorn asked, looking at his friends.


    ¡°Both!¡± Jorin and Reynard clarified quickly in unison.


    ¡°Bah! You¡¯re just sour on marriage, Jorin¡± Thorn said flatly. ¡°We¡¯re good for each other, though, and she makes me feel young.¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah, I get that,¡± Jorin agreed. ¡°But you don¡¯t have to be married to her to get that feeling. And given who Nevvik¡¯s grandmother is ¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re here,¡± Thorn replied with a sigh. ¡°And because of who his grandmother is, and because it¡¯s Cillisant, I¡¯m going to do this properly.¡±


    Reynard put a hand on his friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Despite all the grief we give you, we¡¯re here for whatever you need.¡± Then, looking up and forward from where they were standing, he added, ¡°However, if the two of us could wait for you at that little pub we saw back a ways, we¡¯d both be perfectly fine being here for you from there, too. We¡¯ll even save you a seat, on the assumption you¡¯re able to sit when you return.¡±


    Jorin nodded in eager agreement.


    ¡°Assuming you return, that is,¡± Reynard added with a teasing smirk.


    Thorn swallowed, and looked down the wide, smooth-stone walkway towards the large estate in the distance. It wasn¡¯t just large, it was huge, an obvious sign of who lived there. A stone-walled and well-manicured green lawn populated by several dozen trimmed and shaped trees flanked the walkway, and a pair of guards likewise flanked the iron gate that blocked entry. Thorn was just a mid-ranked officer in the Imor army, and he knew this was absolutely the last place he should be.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± Jorin finally asked, eyeing the two guards. He rubbed his hands together in eagerness as he grinned. ¡°Should we go knock ¡®em out or something? We¡¯re all Platinum. I mean, Reynard just got it, but I bet we could do it.¡±


    Slowly, Thorn turned towards the grinning Dwarf, disbelief in his eyes. ¡°No! We will absolutely not knock them out! I¡¯ll just politely go ask to see her. I¡¯ve even got a nice letter to make the request.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the cousin of the Queen, you idiot!¡± Reynard snapped.


    ¡°I thought she was an aunt?¡± Jorin said.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter! She¡¯s related to the new Queen!¡± Reynard growled, before looking his Ratkin friend in hiis eyes. ¡°Thorn, do you really think she¡¯ll simply invite you in politely for tea and cookies? You know she despises Ravina, and Nevikk, for that matter. Plus, you¡¯re a major in the army of another kingdom! She¡¯s not going to have you killed, at least I don¡¯t think she would, but she still might have you roughed up a bit for intruding on her dainty lifestyle. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re not going to see her.¡±


    ¡°One thing I can tell you, from what I¡¯ve heard about her, the Kerr is far from dainty.¡± Thorn looked between both his companions, and you could see he was looking for their moral support. Swallowing, he then said, ¡°Besides, I believe she¡¯s the Queen¡¯s first-cousin, once removed.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that like an aunt?¡± Jorin asked. He tried counting on his fingers to figure out the relationship.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who she is, it¡¯s still unwise!¡± Reynard warned.


    ¡°I have to do this, my friends. Can I count on you both?¡±


    Jorin was still counting on his fingers, but then seemed to comprehend what Thorn had asked. ¡°Alright,¡± he sighed, giving up on the genealogy puzzle and throwing his arms out in resignation. ¡°We¡¯re with you, at least right up until she decides to kill you. At that point, I¡¯m leaving. Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll have a very nice funeral and be quite sad. We¡¯ll cry and everything, even. It will be very touching.¡±


    Shaking his head and laughing lightly, Major Thorn tried to ignore Jorin¡¯s implied warning under the joke as he started walking towards the wrought-iron gate, his friends quickly flanking him on either side. Inwardly, he focused, slowing his nervous heart and activating a couple skills to heighten his senses. He knew, politically, that the Kerr was powerful, and not someone you wanted to anger, and he was walking a fine line with his future. Truthfully, he wasn¡¯t actually expecting violence. It was, in fact, even odds that he¡¯d simply be turned away. But if this went wrong ¡­


    ¡°Halt!¡± the Elven guard said, holding up his arm while tightening his grip on the spear he held in the other. Next to him, a junior guard, also an Elf, likewise came fully to attention. Inwardly, Thorn sighed and then scoffed. He could immediately tell by the way they moved that both guards couldn¡¯t be higher than Bronze Tier, likely both Warrior classes. Hell, the younger one might only be Iron, still. They were simply a show of force, not an actual one. Next to him, Jorin, a Warrior class himself, squeaked with a held-back flippant comment, likely seeing the same inexperience. ¡°State your name and business!¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon,¡± Thorn said, bowing his head just slightly. ¡°My name is Major Tandis Thorn, and I¡¯ve come on a matter of some urgency. I wish to speak with Kerr Sylbane.¡±


    ¡°And why would she deem to meet with you? I said to state your business. Better yet, you can just piss off!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it is a personal matter that I shant detail to you.¡±


    ¡°Look, Kerr Sylbane is not taking unscheduled meetings, especially with a Ratkin nobody like you, even if you are a major. Now, and I¡¯ll suggest it politely again, piss off!¡±


    Reynard and Jorin both tensed slightly, but Thorn kept his demeanor calm and focused. He¡¯d expected this cold response, quite honestly. They had a job to do, and part of that job was to get him to ¡®piss off¡¯. ¡°My friend,¡± Thorn said, putting on a false smile, ¡°I¡¯m going to hand you a letter. You are going to see that it gets to the Kerr, and then she will want to see me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do no such thing! Now ¡­ for the last time ¡­ piss ¡­ off!¡±


    Subtly, Thorn called on his Command Aura to make himself seem slightly more imposing. Part of him hated to use it against civilians, but this was a special circumstance and they were at least pseudo-military. ¡°What do you think will happen when Kerr Sylbane finds out that the important topic we needed to discuss was turned away? What do you think will happen to you when she finds out that it was you that did the turning, choosing instead to be a simple, drimling fool? I assure you, you will no longer be working here. I hear the northern ice mines are always looking for warm bodies to dig for lead, however.¡± This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    There! Thorn saw the shadow of doubt pass across both faces. Slowly, and making sure they could see his hands, he reached into his vest, pulling out one of two leather letter sleeves. ¡°Your name?¡±


    The three stared at each other for several seconds. Thorn could tell the senior guard was getting nervous. He wasn¡¯t used to someone standing up to his authority and surely thought he was doing the right thing. Still, the doubt was there and seeing the unflinching Ratkin, who said he was an army officer, calm before him, seemed to increase that doubt. His mouth strangely dry, the guard grumbled out, ¡°Gosen. This here is Rilden.¡±


    ¡°Very good. Please see this is delivered, master Gosen. We¡¯ll happily await a response.¡±


    Hesitantly, guard Rilden took the sleeve. ¡°This isn¡¯t poisoned or something, is it?¡±


    Almost rolling his eyes, Thorn shook his head. ¡°That would be an act of war. It is private, however. I do not recommend you read it. It''s sealed, and she¡¯ll know if you have.¡±


    ¡°Fine! We¡¯ll see it is delivered to her steward. He can decide whether to pass it on. Wait over there,¡± Gosen growled, pointing to a tree about thirty meters away. At least they would be waiting in the shade.


    While the trio retreated to bide their time, Gosen put a whistle to his lips, blowing twice, aimed through the gate into the courtyard. Before long, a red-haired Pixie flew out, and after a few instructions, which Thorn and Reynard were easily able to hear, flew back into the manor carrying the sleeve.


    ¡°Now we wait,¡± Jorin scowled. ¡°Odds?¡±


    ¡°Good odds, now. Getting past those two without incident was going to be the hardest part. I think she¡¯ll see me.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Why are the doors so big?¡± Jorin whispered to Reynard and Thorn. ¡°I mean, they¡¯re half again the size of an Ogre. This makes no sense.¡±


    ¡°Just a pointless show of power and wealth, I assume,¡± Reynard replied.


    ¡°Seems like a waste to me. In fact, most of this seems like a waste.¡± He gestured in general at the posh surroundings.


    ¡°Farncoll Manor pre-dates The Escape,¡± a lanky male Elf said, walking stiffly into the foyer. ¡°The Kerr didn¡¯t have a lot of choice on the architecture.¡± He was impeccably dressed, with dark gray eyes, dark skin, snow-white hair, and tiny hints of age lines on his face. Without even needing an introduction, Thorn and the rest were immediately able to tell this was a person of some skill, certainly at least Platinum tiered, likely the steward that the guard had mentioned. ¡°Thank you, Gosen. You may return to your duties,¡± the newcomer added, nodding in dismissal at said guard.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure, sir?¡±


    ¡°They have no weapons?¡±


    ¡°No, sir,¡± Gosen confirmed. ¡°We confiscated their daggers.¡± Then he looked at the troublesome trio. ¡°You can have them back when you leave.¡±


    Thorn couldn¡¯t help but to inwardly scoff. Both Jorin and Reynard were Platinum tiered, as was he. Hell, he was a Martialist. None of them needed something so mundane as ¡®weapons¡¯ to fight, if they truly had to.


    ¡°If you¡¯ll follow me,¡± the steward said flatly, turning to walk down the hallway. He led Thorn and the others, moving at a fast pace as his boots made loud, echoing, clomping sounds on the stone floors. Thorn focused on keeping his expression neutral and professional. Jorin and Reynard, however, weren''t afraid to gawk at the indulgent decor around them. Detailed tapestries and paintings on the walls. Carved figures of rare stone, gold and strange metals, many inlaid with gems or glowing manastones. Even furniture so fine and detailed as to be masterworks.


    The walk wasn¡¯t far, and the trio was shown to a room, presumably to wait. It had a heavy, wooden door, with another pair of armed and armored guards flanking it on the outside. Thorn could see that both were breathing slightly deeper than one would expect, and suspected they had just come running to take up their positions. He started to suspect that a lot of the display of force was for show, and would prove ineffective if it came to that. Still, they¡¯d made it this far, so that boded well that they would at least be able to leave without trouble.


    ¡°You may all wait here. The Kerr will see you shortly.¡± The steward said the second part pointedly to Thorn, making it obvious that the other two would not be part of that meeting. ¡°In the meantime, refreshments will be brought. Try not to ¡­ touch anything.¡± That last sentence was said to everyone with a sneer, but seemed to be directed pointedly at Jorin and Reynard, and Thorn quickly put his paw over his the Dwarf¡¯s mouth to silence him before he could make a snide reply. There was still a bit of a muffled snide reply.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯re committed, now,¡± Reynard said after the steward had left the room. He then picked up a well-carved stone statuette, intentionally touching it all over. ¡°Thorn, explain to me again why you think this is a good idea? You certainly can still be a father-figure to Nevikk without it. You don¡¯t need to do this, and it¡¯s taking on a lot of responsibility.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t just be a father-figure, Reynard,¡± Thorn sighed, not wanting to rehash this again. ¡°I have to actually be his father. You know that the fact that he¡¯s the Kerr¡¯s grandson makes it all the more important to do this properly. The three of us are going to be a family. I know you don¡¯t approve of Ravina, but if in the end it''s a mistake, it¡¯s one I am willing to make.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t like Ravina,¡± Reynard said, setting the carving down, and then steadying it when it started to wobble. He moved on to touch the next thing. ¡°She¡¯s lovely, and usually sweet. But ¡­¡±


    Thorn raised an eyebrow. ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve only been together for, what, about seven months?¡± Reynard said.


    ¡°Oh shut up! How quickly did you marry Talania? That¡¯s a poor excuse and you know it.¡±


    Reynard reluctantly nodded, conceding the point with a sigh.


    ¡°But she¡¯s also not well,¡± Jorin added flatly. ¡°I mean, we know it¡¯s not her fault, but this marriage commits you to a lot more trouble than just fatherhood, in this case.¡±


    ¡°We can manage, and I¡¯m not going to have this discussion again. Besides, who are you to lecture me on marriage? You once swore to everyone you¡¯d never marry again!¡±


    Jorin waved his hand dismissively, but with a sly smile on his face. ¡°Bah! Nothing but trouble, if you ask me. So much trouble that I did it twice.¡±


    ¡°Three times,¡± Reynard corrected absently. He was now holding a tall vase and looking deeply into the neck, one eye closed in concentration, and then he upended it to see if anything would fall out. Nothing did.


    ¡°The one with Natala doesn¡¯t count!¡± Jorin corrected back with a grin. ¡°She never said ¡®yes¡¯.¡±


    ¡°She did say ¡®I¡¯ve got nothing better to do¡¯, though,¡± Reynard reminded his friend. ¡°That¡¯s pretty close to a yes.¡±


    ¡°Nope! That doesn¡¯t count!¡± Jorin growled defensively.


    ¡°She¡¯d kill you if you said that to her face. She does actually love you, you know,¡± Thorn pointed out.


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Jorin said with a sly, blushing smile. ¡°I love her, too,¡± he reluctantly conceded with a sheepish nod. ¡°She still never said yes, though!¡±


    Thorn was just about to pile a little more good-natured ribbing on to his friend, welcoming the change of target away from Ravina, but the door opened to an Elf servant pushing a small cart. On it was a plate of finger-cakes and cookies, a bowl of bite-sized fruits, and a teapot, presumably with tea, along with cups. Wordlessly, the Elf quickly left the room, the door closing solidly behind her.


    For about twenty minutes, the three were kept waiting. Jorin happily devoured most of the snacks, while Reynard largely puttered about the room, sipping tea and investigating anything he might be able to pick up or look behind, adding as much touching as possible. Thorn, for his part, had some tea before sitting in a chair to focus on calming himself, while reviewing what he needed to say. In fact, he knew quite well what he needed to say. He¡¯d even practiced in a mirror on a few occasions, and with Ravina a couple times as well. He had his request all worked out, and knew it would be fine right up until Kerr Sylbane spoke. Ravina had warned him that the Kerr was one to take command of a conversation, often twisting words or meaning, making any formal preparation difficult and likely putting the person on the defensive. He¡¯d have to stay focused and not get flustered.


    ¡°Major, the Kerr will see you now,¡± the steward said, eventually walking stiffly into the room. Jorin quickly swallowed the food in his mouth, while Reynard let the painting he was looking behind flop back against the wall, both trying to look innocent. You could see on the steward¡¯s face that they failed completely.


    Thorn rose from where he''d been sitting cross-legged in the chair, shaking himself mentally out of a slight, meditation-like introspection. Putting on a somewhat-false smile, he gestured forwards. ¡°Please, lead the way.¡±

 Chapter 60 Part 3 - The Kerr

    PART III - THE KERR


    Thorn was led quickly down an echoing hallway, past at least six rooms and then just as quickly up a flight of wide stairs. The steward was focused and you could feel ¡­ something ¡­ roiling off of him. Anger wasn¡¯t the right word. Annoyance, maybe? Definitely something in that family of auras. Thorn wasn¡¯t sure if this fast walk was simply going to a place quickly, an intimidation tactic, or something else, but they were moving with purpose. Around them, the ostentatious surroundings blurred by, radiating a strong sense of both history as well as wealth and power.


    Thorn didn¡¯t fully understand Cillisine politics, beyond what Ravina had taught him, but knew Kerr Aishan Sylbane was a powerful figure in the inner circle of the country¡¯s royalty. More than just a powerful figure, but an actual force. Despite being nowhere in line for the throne, she was the Queen¡¯s first-cousin once-removed after all, she had fully inserted herself as a direct advisor. On top of that, Sylbane had a reputation for being both quick to anger and happy to carry a grudge. Add to that personality the simple fact that she despised Ravina, and by proxy, Nevikk, Thorn felt an ominous presence ahead of them as they walked towards a closed pair of doors at the end of a hallway.


    ¡°What is the protocol,¡± Thorn asked the steward just as they reached the door. ¡°I am only knowledgeable of Imorian customs. Do I bow or kneel? How should I address her? I do not wish to offend.¡± The truth was, he knew that answer. Again, Ravina had instructed him on proper protocols for addressing the nobility of Cillisant. It was her suggestion to ask, however, if only to appear naive of the customs, and then appear that much more polite when he got them right.


    The steward stopped, sizing the Ratkin up. ¡°This is an informal meeting that is not on the schedule. Address her simply as Kerr or Kerr Sylbane. Be precise in your request, her time is quite valuable. No need to bow in this case, but an Imorian acknowledgment is wise.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Will her son be in attendance?¡±


    The steward scoffed. ¡°No! There is absolutely no need for him to be here, and he¡¯s probably out and about sleeping something off anyway. The Kerr can make whatever decisions are needed.¡±


    That was good. More than good, in fact. The Kerr¡¯s son, Aymon, was a well-known hothead, prone to fits of rage at times. It was certainly in-part a side effect of having Ohler¡¯s, but still could get quite bad at times. Not having to deal with him in the room would make it much more likely that the conversation might go well. It would be all the better if Thorn didn¡¯t even have to meet him. After how he¡¯d treated Ravina, it might be hard to resist a good, solid punch to his pretty little face.


    The double doors opened into a large study, and Thorn was gestured in. Shelves of books lined either side of the room, while dozens more books were stacked in various piles sitting on the floor or tables. Thorn resisted an immediate urge to roll his eyes. Nobody needed this many books, and the Kerr certainly didn¡¯t read them all, so this was obviously for show. At the far end of the room was a solid-looking desk, with ornately-carved decoration on the corners, designed to be imposing and formal. There were no chairs in the room, save the quality one behind the desk. Visitors to this room did not get to sit.


    She walked in, moving with a flowing pace as quick as the steward had set. Kerr Sylbane was tall, with the expected Cillisine dark skin and cloud-white hair. It was difficult to guess her age, but Ravina had suggested she was well over eighty, possibly even ninety, even though she didn¡¯t look a day over forty. Thorn knew she was a Wizard by class, certainly with a worm, and she wore that haughty wizardness like a cloak around herself, seeming aloof and disinterested. She was wearing a simple, relaxed outfit, somewhat belying her nobility, and a gold necklace with a single green emerald in it. Thorn immediately assumed it was magic, likely enchanted with some form of a shielding effect, just in case.


    ¡°If I may, Kerr Sylbane,¡± the steward began as she took a seat at the desk, ¡°I wish to introduce Major Tandis Thorn, of the Imorian Army.¡± He held himself with a perfect, crisp bearing.


    The Kerr ignored the introduction for a good fifteen seconds, shuffling a stack of papers around and projecting general annoyance. Finally, she looked up. ¡°Major Tandis,¡± she said simply in acknowledgement.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Inwardly, Thorn growled. Tandis had been his grandmother¡¯s name. Young kids can be cruel, and hence why he chose to go by his surname. Now probably wasn¡¯t the right time to make that correction, though. He took two steps forward, noting that the steward had moved to the side and was very carefully watching his every move, obviously ready to take action if needed. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet with you, Kerr Sylbane,¡± Thorn said properly, touching his right fist to his chest while he bowed his head slightly. ¡°You honor me with time away from your other duties.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Sylbane said, considering Thorn¡¯s greeting. Finally she sighed and went back to shuffling her papers as she spoke. ¡°Well met, Major. How may I help you? Your letter implied an issue with my son, and seemed to contain a very subtle threat.¡± Then, quite coldly, she shifted her glare to Thorn and added, ¡°I do not take kindly to threats. Speak quickly.¡±


    There had been no threat, implied or otherwise, but as expected, the Kerr immediately seized and twisted the conversation, trying to put Thorn on the defensive. He chose not to take the bait. ¡°I have come to speak of Ravina, and her son, Nevikk.¡±


    Kerr Sylbane immediately stopped in mid-shuffle. She looked up at the steward, who had stiffened, and then back to Thorn. ¡°I do not know of whom you speak,¡± she said flatly, returning to her task.


    He¡¯d expected this. Ravina had said Sylbane essentially refused to publicly acknowledge their existence. Still it was disappointing. ¡°I speak of your grandson, Kerr Sylbane, and his mother.¡±


    Another pause and another hard stare. Finally, she said, ¡°What of them? Have you come to blackmail me?¡± Sylbane apparently was one to go straight to the point. ¡°There is little to be gained by that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve come to make a request regarding Nevikk,¡± Thorn said, trying to keep his tone steady after that implied accusation.


    ¡°Explain.¡±


    ¡°It is my intention to marry Ravina. We will be leaving Imor, residing on a small estate I have to the east.¡± It wasn¡¯t so much an estate, as it was farm and forest land without a lot of people nearby, with a nice home on it. Still, it was somewhat ¡­ estateish.


    Sylbane looked aback. ¡°Really? Ravina? She¡¯s cursed with Ohler¡¯s. You are aware of this, correct?¡±


    ¡°I am. It is well-managed.¡± Thorn said carefully, trying not to snap at the Kerr¡¯s obvious prejudice.


    ¡°I know full well it can never be ¡®well-managed¡¯,¡± the Elf scoffed, ¡°especially in someone so young. It can be poorly-managed, yes, by partially deadening a person¡¯s mind, but certainly not ¡®well¡¯. Most are unable to stay with the regimen, anyway.¡±


    ¡°Nonetheless, she has found ¡­ an equilibrium ¡­ and is quite committed to the treatments.¡± He then looked quizzically at Kerr Sylbane, putting a couple pieces together from the way she worded her last statements. ¡°You have Ohler¡¯s as well, like your son?¡±


    The Fugue largely affected Elves and Humans, although rarely Beastkin and some Fae, mostly the Fairy.  The hereditary illness was passed down from parents to children, and if both parents had the malady, the likelihood of their offspring also having it was about seventy-five percent.  Ohler¡¯s manifested about the same time that one¡¯s class is revealed, with mild symptoms at first, growing increasingly worse over the first few cycles.  For most everyone, the effects would start to fade when the person reached about one-hundred years old, although Beastkin and Humans never lived to see such relief.


    There¡¯s no cure for the sickness, only a regimen of specific medications taken at specific points during the moon¡¯s eight-month cycle.  Even then, the treatment only served to reduce the extremes of the effects, not eliminate them.  Those on the medication regimen despised it, because they¡¯d find themselves feeling emotionally numb inside.  The promised happiness was always just out of reach, while the terrifying darkness was barely held at bay.  Yet, one could not stop the medications once started.  If one did for too long, it would take months to fully take hold again.  Most with Ohler¡¯s managed to stay vigilant to the treatments and live fairly normal lives.  Far too many stopped the regimen, though, finding themselves so lost in the fog that the harsh symptoms ultimately seemed the better choice.  Those with untreated or mistreated Ohler¡¯s often found the intense mood swings made them ultimately unable to sustain relationships or even friendships, or in extreme cases even function in society, and rates of suicide by those afflicted were quite high.


    There had been a solid silence in the room following Thorn¡¯s pointed question, punctuated only by an intense glare from Sylbane accompanying the tapping of her knuckle on the desk. Even the steward, who had so far shown little emotion of any kind on his face, looked horrified at the Major''s impertinence.


    ¡°What do you want,¡± Kerr Sylbane finally said slowly, her voice dripping with a growling bitterness as she ultimately ignored the question. ¡°Speak quickly!¡± Thorn had made a mistake, a big one, by merely implying that the Kerr had the malady, even though from the livid look in her eyes he was now certain that she did. The likelihood of his successful petition just dropped significantly, if only to spite him, and he had been a fool for unthinkingly asking the question.

 Chapter 60 Part 4 - Negotiations

    PART IV - NEGOTIATIONS


    Thorn cleared his throat, choosing not to apologize; not to be put on the defensive, and to simply move forward. To apologize now would spite her even more by bringing it up again. ¡°Of course. I have come to petition for full parental guardianship of Nevikk.¡±


    If she was surprised, the Kerr¡¯s face showed nothing, remaining stiff and unchanged. Then, narrowing her eyes, she seemed to peer into the Ratkin before her. Thorn wasn¡¯t sure if she was using a skill, perhaps Truthseeking or the like, or simply trying to make her own non-magical evaluation. Thorn didn¡¯t resist, allowing whatever was happening to conclude. He wasn¡¯t lying, and in his opinion, his motives were pure.


    ¡°Tell me why.¡±


    He¡¯d been ready for this question. In fact, it was an answer he had practiced multiple times. ¡°We will not be living in any of the capital cities. From a practical standpoint, I need the authority as his second parent to make decisions on his behalf until he is of age. Trying to petition your son, should it be needed in those circumstances, would simply be impractical. However, even beyond that, I have grown to love the boy as if he was my own, just as I love his mother. I wish the three of us to be a family.¡±


    There was another heavy silence in the room as the Kerr continued to peer judgmentally into Thorn. At least she hadn¡¯t said no outright, or simply had Thorn thrown out the manor¡¯s front door ¡­ or the second-story window behind her for that matter. At least not yet.


    ¡°If I may be so bold,¡± Thorn said, continuing to press his case, ¡°but neither your son, nor you, have shown any interest in Nevikk or Ravina. It¡¯s not something that Nevikk hasn¡¯t noticed. Unlike the other children, he knows he has no father in his life. He¡¯s not old enough to really understand why, but he is aware of the absence and asks about it.¡±


    ¡°What if he develops Ohler¡¯s? If he does, you don¡¯t get to dump him back here. He will be your problem.¡±


    ¡°Kerr Sylbane, I am a trained Martialist, and am blessed with several meditative and mindfulness perks. I have shared some of this with Ravina, and she has found them of great value as an addition to the medications. Should Nevikk ultimately bear the curse of the Father Moon, then my hope is that I may teach him the same ways to moderate and cope with the effects, in addition to assuring he understands the criticality of the medicinal discipline.¡±


    ¡°A Martialist? That¡¯s quite rare. What tier?¡±


    It was generally considered rude to ask someone their class and tier, at least outright, when you didn¡¯t know them, but Thorn wasn¡¯t surprised by the direct question. Candor was obviously the best response. ¡°Platinum, Kerr Sylbane.¡±


    The Kerr raised an eyebrow, glancing again at her steward. They passed another knowing look of some kind, likely having previously discussed his impressions of Thorn before she agreed to the meeting. Thorn was curious what his assessment might have been. Sylbane stood, turning to walk a few steps towards the window, her body fading to silhouette against the bright sunshine outside.


    ¡°I do have it,¡± she finally said, still gazing out the window, quiet and almost sounding reluctant. ¡°It¡¯s a terrible, terrible affliction I wouldn¡¯t wish upon my worst enemy. Aymon¡¯s father didn¡¯t have it, and I had hoped our child would have been spared my torment.¡± She turned, looking back at the Major, who was quietly standing at attention. ¡°Thankfully, I¡¯m beginning to age out of it, and my worm helps temper the extremes as well. Perhaps in a couple of decades I¡¯ll even be able to end the medication regimen. Aymon has many years ahead of him, as does Ravina.¡±


    Thorn wasn¡¯t sure what he should say, and almost descended into platitudes of sympathy. He stopped himself and simply said, ¡°It is regretful.¡± There wasn¡¯t much else that could really be said. Sylbane returned the weakest of forlorn smiles in acknowledgement. An overbearing stillness flooded the room, nobody sure what to do or say next.


    ¡°Why did you come to me, Major?¡± the Kerr eventually asked, ¡°as opposed to going to my son? He¡¯s Nevikk¡¯s father.¡±


    ¡°It seemed more-proper to approach you first, as the head of your noble house. As for your son, I¡¯m afraid I do not hold him in high regard. While my perspective is certainly biased, I am not sure such a meeting would have gone well, at least not without you as part of it.¡±


    ¡°My son is a boor and a brat,¡± Sylbane said flatly. ¡°He¡¯s cruel, a gambler, a philanderer, and my single greatest shame. I don¡¯t know how much of it is his Ohler¡¯s, and how much is my failures as a mother. I can only hope he grows out of being the ¡­ ass ¡­ that he is right now.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t spank him often enough as a child, Madam,¡± the steward said, his first words spoken since introductions. ¡°He will need to reach bottom before he can begin to climb out again.¡±


    ¡°I might recommend time in the Cillisine Army,¡± Thorn suggested, instinctively trying to be helpful. ¡°It can do wonders for those with ¡­ uh ¡­ discipline issues.¡±


    ¡°We tried. They wouldn¡¯t take him,¡± the steward said flatly.


    ¡°No, they wouldn¡¯t,¡± the Kerr added, her face actually twisting in a smirk. She looked at Thorn, seeming to make one last round of judging him, before finally saying, ¡°I¡¯m going to grant your request, Major Tandis. You shall have full parental guardianship over Nevikk, and my son will relinquish his. However, I do have some stipulations.¡±


    Thorn¡¯s heart had leapt with relief upon hearing the first part, then stilled with worry at the second. He wasn¡¯t terribly surprised that his victory wouldn¡¯t come without concessions, and hoped they weren¡¯t onerous. ¡°Of course,¡± was all he could say in response.


    ¡°First, the support stipend I have been providing Ravina for housing and living essentials will end. Nevikk will no longer be my son''s responsibility, and thus, with that goes the support the boy and his mother would be due.¡±


    He had expected this to happen, and he and Ravina had agreed not to object. It wasn¡¯t an insignificant amount of assistance, enough to cover all her basic needs. But they¡¯d be away from the city, on their own land. They could make it work.


    ¡°Second, while I cannot legally take his title away from him, Nevikk, through your agreement to these terms, relinquishes his inheritance rights. This includes rights to station. He wouldn¡¯t inherit anything for ¡­ at least a hundred years anyways.¡±


    That stipulation was a surprise. Thorn knew the law in Cillisant treated hereditary titles as an inviolate right, even for children born out of wedlock, or in Nevikk¡¯s case, also publicly unacknowledged. He hadn¡¯t even considered inheritance rights or station, and didn¡¯t like having to make that decision for his son-to-be. It may end up having to be the price to pay, though.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Third, and Ravina must agree to this as well, you are the primary custodial parent. Should something happen, Ohler¡¯s madness taking her or the end of your marriage for example, Nevikk remains with you.¡±


    ¡°But she¡¯s his mother!¡± Thorn said, defensively.


    ¡°Yes, and you will be his father! At least in all ways but blood,¡± Kerr Sylbane said slowly, as if carefully reminding Thorn what he was signing up for. ¡°You are the more-responsible of the two of you, and you know it.¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ I would have to discuss that with Ravina,¡± Thorn sputtered, still trying to take in the Kerr¡¯s demand. The logical back of his mind quickly pointed out that Sylbane was right. He was taking on all parental responsibilities, and would legally be Nevikk¡¯s father. Any magistrate would give him custody based on Ravina¡¯s Ohler¡¯s alone, if it needed to be done. As a parent, he really couldn¡¯t object. He knew Ravina would.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Sylbane said quickly, as if verbally agreeing to simply wash her hands of her grandson. ¡°Those are my stipulations. If you can agree to them, both of you, then I will have Aymon agree to relinquish his rights? What say you?¡±


    ¡°Your ¡­¡± Thorn began, still stumbling in his head. ¡°Your third requirement is troubling. I could only agree to it in principle, without discussion with Ravina.¡±


    ¡°Understandable. You will inform me what the two of you decide.¡± Sylbane walked out from behind the desk, extending a hand to Thorn, the Imorian custom. They clasped their wrists, sealing the preliminary deal as if he was simply buying a new korrox. Suddenly, just like that, it was done, at least pending Ravina¡¯s agreement. ¡°I presume you brought a Testament?¡±


    ¡°I ¡­ yes I did, Kerr Sylbane,¡± Thorn said.


    ¡°Good, it saves me from drafting one. Give it to me!¡±


    Taking out the second leather letter sleeve, Thorn handed it over to the Kerr. As she walked back to take a position behind her desk, she broke the seal, unfolding the two identical pages and beginning to look them over.


    Sylbane held in her hand a Testimonial of Negotiation, or two identical ones, actually. It was a semi-legal document that was more of a record than anything. It effectively noted that a conversation took place, the date, the topic, and whether or not a preliminary agreement was made. Nobody was bound by the contents, but both parties would end up with proof that a good-faith negotiation had occurred and what the topic was, so nobody could claim later they had no idea what anyone was talking about. They were used quite frequently in Cillisant, particularly for property, magical artifacts, or other high-value negotiations, although in Imoria a verbal agreement and a clasping of wrists was usually sufficient. Imoria tended not to be big on formality.


    Sylbane took up an actual fountain pen from a desk drawer, before proceeding to mark both pages. Thorn had already filled in the date and topic, although using a traditional quill to write with, so the Kerr simply needed to mark a box indicating a preliminary agreement had been reached, and then add her signature. She removed a block-stamp from the same drawer, adding her house crest to each, next to her signature. She offered the pen to Thorn. ¡°Come sign,¡± she ordered. She pointed, ¡°Right there.¡± He signed. The steward, who had also come to the desk, signed next as a witness.


    ¡°Get the two downstairs to sign these before he leaves,¡± Sylbane ordered. Then turning to Thorn, she said, ¡°I will have formal documents created and couriered over by a contract witness. They will be pre-signed by my son and myself. If you have concerns on the language, or feel something is not as we discussed, notate that and send it back. We¡¯ll find words we all can agree on.¡± There was a very strongly implied ¡®you better not do that unless it¡¯s something serious¡¯ tone to that statement, however.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Thorn said with a nod as the steward took up the pen and two pages.


    ¡°Good! I believe we have concluded, Major Tandis. Congratulations on your newfound fatherhood. I wish you and Nevikk well. I don¡¯t believe we will meet again. Good day.¡±


    He knew a firm dismissal when he heard one, and Thorn took two steps back from the desk, coming to attention and placing his hand to his chest as he had done in greeting. ¡°Thank you for your valuable time, Kerr Sylbane. I, too, wish you well.¡± He turned and began walking towards the door, the steward behind and to his right.


    ¡°Do you know why I hate Ravina?¡± the Kerr called out.


    Thorn stopped in mid-step and slowly turned.


    ¡°She purposely got pregnant, purposely removed her yogosi, to attempt to trap my son into marriage. She tried to entrap my house and to entrap me at the same time. I cannot abide that kind of ¡­ attack!¡±


    For the very briefest of moments Thorn considered letting the statement go unanswered. He knew he should let it go, in his head he knew it. But this ¡­ this bitch had just insulted his almost-wife and son-to-be, and done it with lies on top of that. He almost let her have it. He almost stormed back to get into her face. Sure, she''d probably strike him down with a spell of some kind, and this steward guy probably was something special, too, but Thorn was sure he¡¯d probably get at least one good punch in. Then, Nevikk¡¯s face flashed into his mind. That of an innocent boy in green playing in a sandbox the first day they¡¯d met at the park, when he¡¯d returned Ravina¡¯s favor. Thorn took a deep breath to calm himself.


    Still, he had to say something, to at least set the record straight.


    ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, Kerr Sylbane, to hear Ravina¡¯s side, it was your son¡¯s idea. He was convinced you¡¯d never accept him marrying a simple tavern girl, and suggested the pregnancy as a way to force your hand. When you found out, he concocted a lie, resting the blame on Ravina entirely in order to stay in your good graces.¡±


    There was suddenly an ominous silence in the room as grandmother and father-to-be locked eyes. Thorn was doing all he could not to show the seething anger that was boiling inside of him; doing all he could not to leap across the room and let the Elf have it. He focused inwardly for a moment, forcing the fury aside and trying to find some thread of tranquility to hang on to. He had to soothe this moment over, or it could risk everything. Now absolutely sure that Sylbane was using a Truthseeking on him, and had done it before, he couldn¡¯t let his anger cloud what she may find.


    ¡°You believe this to be true,¡± she said, somewhat distantly, as if she was considering she¡¯d been lied to all these years.


    ¡°Perhaps the real truth is somewhere in the middle,¡± Thorn said with a slightly-patronizing sigh, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°Perhaps it was just the Fugue-foolish choices of two young people in love. I don¡¯t know, and honestly I don¡¯t care, nor does it really matter, in fact. All I do care about is the three of us happily living out our lives together, and doing the best I can to raise a good boy.¡± He let that statement hang, smiled slightly, turned, and began to walk again.


    ¡°Major Tandis,¡± Kerr Sylbane called out just as he reached the door.


    Thorn turned without speaking, again forcing down the instinct to correct his name. He didn¡¯t want to say anything more. There was still a bitterness inside lingering to scream, and he just wanted to get the hell out of this place.


    ¡°When he comes of age, I will gift your son ¡­ I will gift my grandson ¡­ a Symbiote to match his class. If he has Ohler¡¯s, it will help control the extremes of madness. If he is lucky enough not to be so afflicted, then all the better. This will be my one and only gift to him, and I¡¯ll have it written into the documents. I leave you to raise him well. Good day.¡± The Elf spun and left the room through a side door just as quickly and gracefully as she had first entered, and for the merest spec of a moment, Thorn saw her reach to wipe at her eye before she was out of sight.


    Thorn¡¯s head reeled as the steward led him back downstairs. Not just at everything that had happened over the past several minutes, but that last statement. A Symbiote? Truly? If Sylbane did as she promised, that could be life changing for Nevikk, doubly-so if he had Ohler¡¯s and it would help regulate it. A Symbiote was worth ¡­ well it was worth more money than he¡¯d ever see as a middling Army officer! And if by some quirk of fate, Nevikk ended up with an Advanced class like his, and the Kerr still held to her promise, that worm was worth a small fortune!


    They returned to Reynard and Jorin, and the two had surprisingly managed to not break anything in the fifteen or twenty minutes Thorn had been gone. They both sighed with relief as their friend offered a simple nod to show it was done and had gone well. They signed the Testaments where pointed, before the three were led back to the main door, Thorn keeping one copy. Jorin grabbed the last of the cookies on the way out, shoving them into his pockets.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re going to be a father, Thorn,¡± Reynard said in almost-disbelief, hugging his friend with one arm as the three stared blinking at the late-afternoon sun. ¡°Congratulations, my friend.¡±


    ¡°Now, just don¡¯t fuck it up,¡± Jorin added, grinning with helpful encouragement.

 Chapter 61 Part 1 - Arkan Pelidri

    PART I - ARKAN PELIDRI


    ¡°Good afternoon, Reynard,¡± a silky female voice said. Callie turned to see Scryer Yulayla approaching the seated trainer next to her. He looked back and over his own shoulder, before nodding to the Elf.


    ¡°Scryer Yulayla. Good afternoon.¡±


    The Scryer arrived and took a spot next to Reynard. Then, catching Callie¡¯s look, offered a nod. ¡°Good afternoon, Little One.¡±


    ¡°Hiya,¡± Callie said with a smile, waggling her fingers in a hello.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Reynard asked, craning his neck to try and see the gate entrance.


    ¡°My new Scryer is arriving today, a day early in fact. I wanted to be here to meet her. It will be nice to get a little normalcy back to our work schedule.¡±


    ¡°What do you know of her?¡±


    ¡°Not a lot. She¡¯s young. Actually an officer; a fresh sub-captain out of the academy. Not married, nor any children. Apparently she enjoys distance running as a hobby, despite being able to fly.¡±


    Reynard huffed, glancing down at his missing leg. Then he looked back at Jesca. ¡°Maybe someone you can run with in the mornings?¡±


    ¡°Uh, maybe,¡± the Beastkin replied, shrugging. ¡°I get up really early, though, since I mostly don¡¯t need to sleep.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you in the next day or two,¡± Yulayla said thoughtfully. Then she looked at the little drakeling. ¡°I believe I heard her name is Iris? She¡¯s quite cute.¡±


    Jesca nodded, reaching into a pouch on her belt and pulling out a bite-sized piece of jerky. ¡°Here. She likes this.¡±


    Yulayla offered the morsel to Iris, who happily rippled her wings in a rainbow pattern before snapping it up. The Scryer actually gave a bit of a giggle, as she offered a couple followup scritches under the Drakeling¡¯s scaly chin. Iris leaned into the affection, her tail rising and fanning out to pulses of greens and blues, obviously enjoying the attention.


    ¡°You may want to fall back and get out of here,¡± Reynard suggested. ¡°They want all of us on display for this ¡­ thing. Run while you can.¡±


    Shaking her head from the distraction, Yulayla refocused. ¡°I actually had another reason for coming over.¡±


    ¡°Oh? What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I received another long relay a short time ago, from two of the researchers in The Nexus looking into that project we¡¯ve been working on.¡± She smiled, pushing her hair back behind her pointed ear. ¡°I know you¡¯ll be busy this afternoon with all this, but if you¡¯d like, we could review it over dinner. I could bring something to your cabin for the both of us? Sania will be showing the new Scryer how everything works this evening, so I have the time.¡±


    Reynard frowned and then was dismissive. ¡°We could look into it tomorrow, all the same.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Yulayla said with a very noticeable disappointed tone, glancing briefly at Callie, before also looking at Jesca and Vonn. She coughed nervously. ¡°It was just a thought. Well, a good afternoon to you, Reynard.¡± She turned and started to walk away, a little angry stiffness in her gait.


    Callie looked gape-mawed at her trainer, and then caught his eye. ¡°What the hell, dude!¡± she hissed in a loud whisper, throwing her arms in gesture towards the retreating Scryer. ¡°If a girl says she wants to come over and study, you say yes!¡± For good measure, she gave his chair a solid kick.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s totally into you!¡±


    ¡°She isss,¡± Vonn added, nodding.


    ¡°What? No she¡¯s not! We¡¯re just working on something for Thorn.¡±


    ¡°Even I can tell she is,¡± Jesca added.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be dumb! Tell her yes!¡± Callie encouraged, gesturing with her arms again.


    Reynard just had a stupid, oblivious look on his face.


    Vonn cleared her throat. ¡°At leassst don¡¯t be rude! She¡¯sss made time to work with you.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± the Foxkin grumbled. He looked back. ¡°Scryer Yulayla?¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I misjudged my schedule. Dinner would be a good time to review those reports.¡±


    ¡°Oh? I ¡­¡± Yulayla called back, a slightly confused look on her face as her voice trailed off. It took a hard moment, but she finally put two thoughts together and quickly added, her face brightening noticeably, ¡°I shall see you then.¡± She turned and walked off, her steps noticeably lighter.


    ¡°There! Are you all happy now?¡± Reynard grumbled to the other Rangers as he refocused to the front.


    Slapping her hand to her face, Callie could only shake her head slowly. How could he have been so blind? Yulayla did everything short of drawing him a picture to explain she wanted to spend time with him. Was it a guy thing? Then again, she¡¯d apparently missed all of Pixyl¡¯s signs for four weeks, so who was she to actually be judgemental? Then, she remembered that Reynard hadn¡¯t really done any serious dating since his wife had died. This may not be the best of ideas if Yulayla was seeking something even remotely serious. Before her head could go any more down that rabbit hole, though, Callie¡¯s thoughts were interrupted.


    ¡°One minute! Get it together, everyone!¡±


    Sergeant-Major Natala made one last walk down the line of gathered recruits and trainers, periodically snapping her fingers and gesturing to someone that needed to stand straighter or get more focused, including needing to do it twice at Callie. There was a growing nervousness amongst everyone that was standing in formation, as a recognition that this might be a little more important than they¡¯d been led on began to ripple through the masses. Marching and formation drills was not something the recruits had ever spent any time on, and that was by Xera¡¯s design. Yet even so, everyone was quickly getting synchronized. Whether this was by the effect of someone¡¯s Command Aura, or in general everyone wanting to do their part, was hard to gauge. Natala grunted at one last someone, jabbing a pair of fingers at her glaring eyes and then turning them to the miscreant, before taking up a spot on Thorn¡¯s left, one step back, who was in turn standing on Xera¡¯s left. To Xera¡¯s right stood the Legate, with Celeste to his right, also back one step.


    Callie leaned forward, looking down the formation, trying to get a look as Reynard had been doing. She saw the first team of four korrox come into view as they passed through the gate, soon after seeing Baelneis at the reins of the camp¡¯s supply wagon, which was packed to overflowing with crates, barrels and sacks, two soldiers riding along with her as likely guards. Another soldier was standing in the way playing traffic cop, and directed the Quartermaster towards the provisioning building. Next came a carriage with enclosed seating for people, drawn by a single pair of the donkey-sized korrox, followed by a second, which were both directed off to an out-of-sight receiving area.


    The fourth entry through the gate, another people-mover, was quickly pointed towards the front of the assembled recruits and trainers, and Callie could see Xera and the others stiffen.


    ¡°All eyes front and at attention!¡± Sergeant-Major Natala called out, having no difficulty being heard despite facing away from everyone. As one, they all did exactly that, as even-stronger ripples of nervousness washed across the ranks.


    The carriage rolled forward, eventually coming to a stop about ten meters in front of Xera and the other officers. Callie didn¡¯t have the best of views, being down the line a bit, but it was unobstructed. She kept her head straight, but strained her eyes sideways to watch while zooming in a bit with Eagle Eye, listening close. The driver had set a brake before jumping down and grabbing a step from where it was stored. He set it in front of the door, opening it wide and standing back out of the way.


    The figure that emerged through the door was a surprise to Callie and a sight she hadn¡¯t seen since arriving. He was a slim, tall Elf with white hair and dark, age-worn skin. A thin line of hair continued down his face, framing it in white on either side before ending at a short, goatee-like beard. Compared to most of the Elves she¡¯d seen so far, it was obvious this person was quite a bit older, likely at least as old as Trainer Terrin, and the first she¡¯d seen with dark skin. This wasn¡¯t to say he seemed weak or frail, though. He carried himself with a strength that certainly didn¡¯t match his initial appearance, immediately seizing command of the entire area. He wore simple leather traveling armor which was adorned with a piece of red on each shoulder. Blinking up at the sun briefly, the sight of the camp''s Heartwood tree caught his attention, a surprised look coming to his face. Smiling, the Elf fully stepped down, before turning and offering a hand to a young Fairy still in the carriage. She took it, face red and obviously embarrassed to be in front of everyone, stepping out after the elder Elf.


    ¡°Sub-Captain Millavana, I thank you for the pleasure of your company on this last leg of our journey,¡± the white-haired Elf said, bowing his head slightly. ¡°May this first duty be the start of your long and successful career in the Imorian Army.¡±


    ¡°Uh, th-thank you, sir,¡± the Fairy managed to squeak out. ¡°Wait! I¡¯m sorry! Thank you, Arkan! Oh, damn. I forgot.¡± She looked nervously out over the assembly, and you could tell all she wanted to do was fade from view.


    The Elf waved the apparent mistake away as he turned to take in Xera and the other officers, and Millavana made a hasty sprint to get away from there. He threw his arms wide. ¡°General Xera! So good to see you again!¡±


    ¡°Arkan Pelidri,¡± Xera said, taking a step forward and touching their fist to their chest. ¡°I welcome you once again to our camp. It has been far, far too long. Your journey went well?¡±


    ¡°Welcomely uneventful, and I had a lovely chat with your new Scryer to make the time pass more-quickly.¡± He gestured upwards. ¡°A new addition, I see?¡±


    Xera looked confused for a moment, and then realized what he was pointing towards. ¡°Ah, yes. A Heartwood tree. There is a bit of a story as to how it came to be here.¡±


    ¡°I see. Well, I¡¯m sure that can wait.¡±


    ¡°Would you care to review the ranks while your quarters are prepared?¡± Xera asked formally. At the carriage, three travel trunks had been taken down. Two were well-worn with what must have been a lifetime of travel, while the third appeared almost brand new. Several staff members had closed in, ready to take them off to wherever they needed to go.


    ¡°I would love to meet your recruits. Please, lead the way,¡± Arkan Pelidri said. As the two began to walk towards the far end of the recruit lineup to begin the inspection, Master Trainer Thorn dropped from the officer formation to join them.


    ¡°Is Arkan a rank,¡± Callie whispered out the side of her mouth to Reynard, ¡°or is it his name?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a rank in the Cillicine Army. It would be the same as Xera¡¯s rank of General. Now, eyes front and hush, Callie!¡±


    ¡°Sorry!¡± she quickly whispered back, refocusing forward.

 Chapter 61 Part 2 - Inspection

    PART II - INSPECTION


    The Arkan began his inspection, first being introduced to the Berserker students. He seemed to pick one of the recruits at random, asking their name, what tier they were and where they were from. He added a couple more innocuous questions to the recruit, Xera or Thorn, before adding a gruff, ¡°Very good, Recruit.¡± The inspection continued onwards to the Barbarians and then the Paladins, where Jitta was similarly interrogated. He made a point of loudly congratulating her on reaching Silver Tier before turning to continue.


    ¡°And what class do we have here?¡± Pelidri asked, as he arrived at the next group.


    ¡°We are the Druids, Arkan,¡± returned a stiff, female voice.


    ¡°Ahh, a welcome addition to any battle. Tell me, Recruit, what tier have you reached?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve reached Platinum, Arkan.¡± A rumble of light, stifled giggles went through the formation as it became clear the newcomer was talking to Rowani, apparently not realizing she was the trainer.


    ¡°Platinum! Seriously?¡± He looked confusedly at Xera.


    ¡°She is,¡± Xera replied, a bit of a smile creeping into the corners of their mouth as they nodded. ¡°She¡¯s, in fact, the finest Druid we have here at the camp.¡± That was actually not a lie.


    ¡°How could she be Platinum? She can¡¯t be older than ¡­ what ¡­ fifteen!¡±


    ¡°I like to think of myself as seventeen, Arkan,¡± Rowani said stiffly, being purposely vague, but still technically accurate. She had, after all, been sixty-seven before the unicorn blood took fifty years away. She caught a look from Thorn, who smirked and added a wink in return, playing along with the unintended joke.


    ¡°Seventeen? Well, if that¡¯s the case, I expect the greatest of things from you in the future.¡±


    Pelidri partially turned, taking a step to continue the inspection, when he caught sight of Tazrok standing in the back. ¡°You are a Druid, too?¡± He glanced over the other Druid recruits and then back to Xera. ¡°Is that possible?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Arkan,¡± Tazrok said flatly. ¡°Am Druid.¡±


    ¡°Corporal Tazrok is indeed a very fine Druid recruit,¡± Xera added.


    ¡°Corporal?¡±


    ¡°I am Corporal of Punishment,¡± Tazrok attempted to clarify, seeming to straighten his pose even further.


    ¡°Perhaps this is another story for later,¡± Xera suggested as they cleared their throat. There really wasn¡¯t time to explain everything. Xera knew Pelidri would want to talk to someone of each class, and if every odd thing was detailed, they¡¯d be here all afternoon, if not into the evening.


    Thorn quickly added, ¡°I suspect there are going to be several stories for later, Arkan Pelidri. It has been a ¡­ interesting term so far.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± the Arkan said with obvious confusion on his face as he stroked his beard. He looked up at Tazrok¡¯s huge, hulking form, and simply said, ¡°Carry on, then, Corporal. I look forward to seeing you in training.¡±


    Tazrok sharply nodded an affirmative in response, adding a grunt for emphasis.


    Xera led the review forward, the trio next coming to the two Combat Healers. Pelidri chose Ambria to interrogate, switching to a language of pops and whistles very similar to, or possibly the same as, what the Brownies at the tannery were speaking. Ambria seemed to brighten in recognition of the words before responding with the same. The Arkan gestured towards his own head, obviously asking about the Faun¡¯s missing antler pieces, taking in Ambria''s response with a look of genuine respect. To conclude the brief discussion, Pelidri ended with a simple, ¡°Keep up the good work, Recruit.¡±


    While the Arkan was making his rounds, out of the corner of her eye, Callie saw a strange carriage come through the gate, several minutes behind the rest. It was obviously designed to move people, but it was a little longer than the others, although still only needing two korrox to pull it. What was truly strange, though, was how it was painted. Bright colors adorned it, some in a random, haphazard pattern, but others easily recognizable as faces or landscapes. Whoever was inside was definitely looking to make a statement, and Callie became incredibly curious who it might be.


    ¡°Olin, correct?¡± Arkan Pelidri asked the Lionkin as he arrived at his group. He then snapped his finger and pointed in remembrance. ¡°Bladeweaver trainer?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Arkan. It¡¯s good to see you again.¡±


    ¡°You as well. Tell me, Trainer Olin, who¡¯s your best this term?¡±


    The trainer demurred, really not wanting to diminish any of his students. ¡°They are all quite excellent, Arkan.¡± That was at least true.


    ¡°Yes, but which is the best?¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­¡± This really wasn¡¯t fair to any of them.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Nola whispered out of the corner of her mouth, still standing rigidly at attention. ¡°We know it¡¯s Pixyl.¡±


    If he was in any way annoyed, or even noticed the Lizardkin¡¯s interruption, the imposing officer didn¡¯t show it. Olin, on the other hand, visibly relaxed. ¡°Then that would be Corporal-Major Pixyl,¡± he sighed, gesturing downwards.


    The Arkan looked down, before taking a step back as if he¡¯d noticed Pixyl for the first time and realized he had been crowding her. ¡°A Pixie? As a Bladeweaver? And she¡¯s a corporal-major?¡± He turned to address Pixyl directly. ¡°Where did you serve before coming here?¡±


    ¡°N-N-Nowhere,¡± Pixyl replied quietly. Then, she tacked on a quick, ¡°Arkan.¡±


    ¡°How ¡­¡± Pelidri trailed off, obviously confused.


    ¡°There was an incident on the first day of the term,¡± Xera said by way of brief clarification. ¡°Through courage and masterful skill, she saved several lives. In addition to the double promotion, she was awarded a Bronze Sword as well as a Red Heartstone.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Pelidri laughed in disbelief. ¡°On her first day? And she was injured badly enough for a Heartstone? Truly? This must be another story to add to the list, then.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Xera replied. ¡°Quite the story, actually. In fact, she¡¯s quite the soldier, and probably our best Demon fighter.¡±


    Pelidri looked down at Pixyl, who was blushing with Xera¡¯s praise, before dropping to one knee to get closer to eye level. As he had done with Ambria, he spoke in the other language, addressing Pixyl directly.


    ¡°I¡¯m s-s-sorry, Arkan,¡± Pixyl said quietly, still blushing in embarrassment. ¡°I d-d-don¡¯t speak Fae.¡±


    ¡°Ah. Then I simply wish to profoundly thank you for your service and sacrifice. The honor of meeting you is all mine, and I look forward to hearing of your actions.¡± Pelidri tapped his right fist to his chest, using the Imorian gesture, to emphasize his words. Standing again, the Arkan nodded onwards as Pixyl heaved a huge sigh of relief it was over.


    The inspection continued, Pelidri making sure to speak with a member of each class, which included Fynisse and Chown when it was time for them to represent. Xera made a point of not only introducing Juniper directly, but also speaking for her, filling the Arkan in on why the Dryad was in training, at least the official story. This kept the amount of talking Juniper did to a minimum, Xera likely wanting to make sure she didn¡¯t say something awkward or inappropriate. It was a little rude on Xera¡¯s part, but was probably for the best.


    ¡°And you remember Trainer Reynard?¡± Thorn said when the inspection arrived at the Rangers.


    ¡°I do remember you being much taller?¡± Pelidri said with a laugh as he looked at the seated Foxkin. He extended his hand and Reynard clasped his wrist in return. ¡°I presume there is a good explanation?¡±


    ¡°Combat mission the second week of the term,¡± Reynard said succinctly. ¡°Got caught by a big river eel. Chomped off my leg, but the Regrowth is going well.¡±


    ¡°Ahh. Good to hear you¡¯re on the mend. So these are your Rangers?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Four of them. Each receiving top marks in their training.¡± You could hear the pride in Reynard¡¯s voice. ¡°Behind me is Trainer Vonn, Platinum tiered and a first-term graduate of the camp, who served with distinction on the line. Civilian now, but she has stepped in to provide assistance while I¡¯m healing.¡±


    ¡®Well met, Trainer,¡± Pelidri said in acknowledgement. Clapping once and rubbing his hands together, he looked over the Ranger recruits. ¡°So, who shall I choose?¡± His eyes fell lower. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t help but see the pink hair leaking out from around the strange hats you are all wearing. She¡¯s actually a Ranger?¡±


    ¡°She is,¡± Thorn confirmed.


    ¡°A very good one, in fact,¡± Xera added.


    ¡°While I have known many Gnomes in my days, I¡¯ve never met a Gnome Ranger. Tell me, Little One, are you as skilled as Xera implies?¡±


    Callie almost groaned out loud. Somehow she¡¯d known since the inspection had started that she was going to be chosen to be interrogated. Her luck couldn¡¯t be that good, after all. ¡°Er ¡­.¡± she stumbled, looking to Xera for some kind of assistance. Their face was expressionless, as was Thorn¡¯s. ¡°I did kill an attacking Basilisk with exploding arrows. Does that count?¡±


    Pelidri looked at Reynard, raising his white eyebrows. The Foxkin nodded in confirmation. ¡°Exploding arrows? Well, that sounds like a sight to see. Perhaps later today or tomorrow?¡± He then looked up to Jesca. ¡°I see you have been allowed a pet? Does it have a name?¡±


    ¡°Iris, Arkan,¡± Jesca replied curtly. Hearing her name, the little drakeling rose on Jesca¡¯s shoulder, rippling a rainbow in greeting to the visitor.


    Xera chuckled. ¡°Recruit Jesca is not only a Ranger, but also has a second class. That class is Beastmaster, and the drakeling is one of her Bonded Companions. Another one of the strange stories we have this term.¡±


    Glancing up at the overhead Heartwood tree, The Arkan simply shook his head. ¡°Two classes? Things certainly do appear to have become rather odd since the last time I visited.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know the half of it,¡± Thorn said under his breath, which resulted in a stern look from Xera, and another curious raised eyebrow from the Arkan. Callie couldn¡¯t help but smirk, herself.


    Inspection of the Rangers concluded, Xera moved the group on, continuing down the line and stopping as before to speak briefly with a representative of each remaining class. The Bladedancers were the last to be interrogated, and Lena was chosen, in turn forced to explain why everyone was wearing the strange, maroon berets, including removing hers to show her bald head. The Arkan in return loudly praised the Bladedancers for their solidarity to their comrade and declared that the hats did look ¡®quite stylish.¡¯


    ¡°Stand at ease!¡± Natala called out to everyone as the Arkan finished with the last group. They had all practiced this change of stance that morning a few times, and as one, each recruit relaxed, putting their feet shoulder-width apart and clasping their hands at the small of their backs. Pelidri, with Xera and Thorn still in tow, walked to the front of the formation, turning to face the assembly.


    ¡°Commandant, I see before me a very fine group of recruits,¡± the Arkan called out, his deep voice carrying and a general vibe of praise washing over everyone. ¡°My first visit here was Midsummer last year, and the recruits of that term had excelled in their training. They¡¯ve gone on to become the heroes we need to guard the line against our enemies. I see that same excellence in all of you as well, and know you will become the heroes that surpass those that came before you. Trainers, be proud of what you have wrought in bestowing your knowledge. To all of you, recruit, trainer and soldier alike, I simply offer you the heartfelt thanks of not one, but two kingdoms. May the stars shine upon King Feldwin. May the stars shine upon Queen Nemina. May the stars shine upon us all.¡± He looked to Xera, taking a step back and yielding to them.


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words, Arkan,¡± Xera said, their speech quite formal. ¡°Sergeant-Major?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commandant?¡±


    ¡°This inspection has concluded. You may dismiss the ranks.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Commandant,¡± Natala confirmed, before spinning to face the assembly. ¡°Recruits, come to attention!¡± Footsteps stomped as one as each changed their stance. ¡°You have thirty minutes to reclaim your gear and return to the training field. You are all dismissed!¡±


    At once, a giant, collective sigh of relief seemed to wash over everyone. This Arkan Pelidri had been intimidating, even more than that, almost frightening, in a way. Sure, his words and demeanor were kind, almost fatherly to be honest, but you could sense his importance just rolling off him. He may have an equivalent rank to Xera, but whatever his responsibilities, they were far, far larger than what the Commandant¡¯s were.


    ¡°All of you, take an hour before we meet on the field,¡± Reynard said to Vonn and the other Rangers before they departed, a worried look showing on his face as he watched Thorn and Xera in the distance, both still chatting with the Arkan. ¡°I have to do something with Thorn first and I need these two.¡± He gestured towards Callie and Jesca.


    ¡°Isss sssomething wrong?¡± Vonn asked.


    ¡°Hopefully not, but with her, you never can tell what might happen.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Vonn said slowly before waving Shul¡¯an and Thucax on their way. ¡°You heard him. One hour.¡±


    Reynard¡¯s face seemed to light up, and he looked up and back at Vonn. ¡°Vonn, I just had another idea.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯sss that?¡±


    ¡°Pass the word to the other trainers, and have them pass it to the recruits. Let¡¯s get all the recruits on the field before breakfast to participate in the morning Callie-Chi exercises.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie gasped. ¡°All of them?¡± Her morning classes only had a core group of about fifteen, with another ten or so that would occasionally participate. Most of the recruits wanted nothing to do with something happening that early, and frankly didn¡¯t have the demeanor for it. ¡°And I wish you¡¯d all stop calling it that!¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Reynard said quietly, ignoring Callie as he rubbed his chin, as if confirming to himself the idea was a good one. ¡°Pelidri is an Emerald-tier Martialist, and the camp needs to impress him. I think that will get his attention.¡±


    ¡°All of them, though?¡± Callie said skeptically, trying to imagine Shirax, the Rhinokin, or even Tazrok, trying to do nimble meditation exercises. The image in her head wasn¡¯t exactly pretty.


    ¡°Yes! All of them!¡± Reynard confirmed. He looked at Vonn again. ¡°Get the word out, but do it quietly. I¡¯ll let Thorn and Xera know and we¡¯ll make it a surprise.¡±


    ¡°Oh boy,¡± Callie mumbled to herself as she blew out her cheeks.

 Chapter 61 Part 3 - Family

    PART III - FAMILY


    ¡°I need both of you,¡± Reynard said to Callie and Jesca as the others departed. ¡°Stay close and just stay quiet. Hopefully this won¡¯t become a ¡­ what do you call it, Callie? A ¡®cluster-fuck¡¯? A strange, but in this case, quite appropriate phrase.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay,¡± Jesca said nervously.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Just stay with us until I tell you otherwise.¡±


    After another couple minutes, Thorn walked away from chatting with Xera and Pelidri, coming towards Reynard. Natala joined him en route. Despite being all smiles when talking to the Arkan, Thorn now wore a worried expression on his face, while Natala¡¯s was equally concerned.


    ¡°Nobody¡¯s seen her yet, right?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°Not from here. Are you ready to do this?¡± Reynard responded.


    ¡°No, but it needs to be done.¡±


    ¡°She and I aren¡¯t the best of friends,¡± Natala interjected, ¡°but she might think twice about something foolish or making a scene if I¡¯m there. I can¡¯t stay long, though. A couple of the Arkan¡¯s people were in those carriages and I have to get them situated.¡±


    ¡°What are these two for?¡± Thorn said, gesturing to Callie and Jesca.


    ¡°Distractions. On the chance something happens, they can pull Nevikk away.¡±


    Thorn sighed, nodding in understanding. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go meet them. I¡¯d rather be going into battle, honestly.¡± He looked at Jesca. ¡°Put the drakeling away, if you would.¡±


    Jesca quickly recalled Iris before taking control of Reynard¡¯s chair, pushing and steering it as they followed Thorn. The group of five walked towards the receiving area where the other carriages had stopped. There was an oppressive nervousness in the group, nobody knowing what to expect and worried it wasn¡¯t going to be something good.


    Callie looked out over the small groups of people that had newly arrived. Most seemed to be chatting or walking off with various staff members, presumably the spouses or partners visiting for the Midsummer holiday. Two people, dark-skinned and wearing uniformed leather were busy speaking with the soldier that had been directing traffic when everyone arrived. Off to the side, parked a little away from the others, was the rainbow-painted carriage with several people milling around, including three heads of brightly colored hair. Gnomes maybe? It had to be! They were too big to be Pixies and didn¡¯t have wings. All three were chatting in a small group with a muscular, bearded Dwarf.


    Callie was a bit disappointed. She was looking around for a Ratkin boy, almost expecting a kid to come bounding out from somewhere to meet his dad. No such luck, though, so far.


    ¡°What in the stars did he do to his hair?¡± Reynard said with a chuckle, also spotting the trio of bright heads and the Dwarf. Thorn made a confused face and changed his direction to walk towards them.


    ¡°Father!¡± came an excited voice, and one of the four ran forward. ¡°Auntie Natala! Uncle Reynard!¡±


    It was another dark-skinned Elf like the Arkan, and Callie could immediately tell it was a child by his height and the somewhat gangly way he moved. He couldn¡¯t be older than nine or ten, and was wearing simple clothing for traveling. This obviously had to be Nevikk, and Callie¡¯s head was sent momentarily swimming at the realization that Thorn¡¯s son wasn¡¯t a Ratkin after all, but an Elf.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Thorn asked with a chuckle, touching the hair on Nevikk¡¯s head as the two hugged. Unlike the white hair the Arkan had, the boy¡¯s head was a bright green.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it great!¡± came the reply, before the boy broke and rushed to Natala. Despite the bounding leap to give her a hug, the Sergeant-Major didn¡¯t so much as wobble.


    Natala returned the hug with a lightly teasing, ¡°Hey there, bokey.¡± She held him out at arms length, looking him up and down. ¡°You are starting to get a little tall there. Who said you were allowed to do that?¡±


    ¡°I just turned ten! I¡¯m allowed to get taller than you and Uncle Jorin now.¡±


    ¡°I certainly didn¡¯t give you permission! We¡¯re going to have to have a serious discussion about this, you know. I¡¯m not sure I approve.¡± Grinning, she gestured with her head towards Reynard. ¡°Go say hello to your Uncle.¡±


    Nevikk simply grinned, before turning to rush the seated Foxkin. ¡°Uncle!¡±


    ¡°Careful!¡± Reynard said, holding up a hand in warning, which slowed the boy some, before Nevikk wrapped his arms around him. ¡°Gentle, please. I¡¯ve been injured.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°A big monster ate the end of my leg!¡±


    The kid¡¯s eyes went wide with wonder. ¡°Really? Did you kill it? Tell me all about it!¡±


    ¡°Yes, we got it,¡± Reynard laughed, returning the hug. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you the story later. It¡¯s good to see you, too. Now, go back to your father.¡±


    Callie grinned, and looked up to see Jesca doing the same thing. It was so strange to see this other side of Thorn, Reynard and Natala. Up until this moment, they had just been ¡­ camp people, without really much of a personal life. Sure, she knew a little bit about Reynard¡¯s past, but he was still her trainer, despite all that he¡¯d shared, and there was a professional separation. Now, she was seeing a ¡­ family, and it was obvious that Natala was part of it, too. Callie also found she had a bit of a sadness in her grin, though. Seeing this kind of a happy reunion made her immediately miss her mother, and then her father and then home in general.


    ¡°My good friends,¡± the approaching Dwarf called out, throwing his arms wide in greeting.


    ¡°Jorin!¡± Thorn called back, as Nevikk returned to hug him again.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?¡± Natala said, her voice having a slightly gruff edge to it as she narrowed her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ve taken a job out of Highridge Crossing that assembles right after Midsummer, so I thought I¡¯d come see you before that. You look absolutely amazing, Natala. You¡¯ve got to love a Dwarf in uniform!¡±


    ¡°You know,¡± the Sergeant-Major began, her hands on her hips in irritation, ¡°I was really looking forward to finding someone other than you for the holiday.¡± She scrunched up her face and narrowed her eyes even further. ¡°Maybe even two someones. Or three.¡±


    ¡°Aww, don¡¯t be like that,¡± Jorin replied, the biggest, warmest smile on his bearded face as he opened his arms wide again.


    ¡°Fine, I guess I¡¯m willing to settle if I have to,¡± Natala finally said with a sigh. ¡°I should never have married you.¡± She walked quickly forward, falling into Jorin¡¯s huge embrace. The two of them kissed, before Natala added, ¡°It¡¯s good to see you.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Love you. Missed you,¡± Jorin said quietly, kissing her again, this time on her forehead.


    ¡°Love you, too, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here,¡± Natala answered.


    ¡°You must be Thorn, right?¡± a voice called out. It was a middle-aged male Gnome sporting green hair, walking towards them. ¡°I¡¯m afraid his hair is my fault. I¡¯ve got a little gray coming in, so I keep it dyed for our shows. Once he saw that, he wanted color too.¡±


    ¡°It comes out, right?¡± Thorn asked, smiling and not at all angry. He clasped wrists with the Gnome, somehow fending off a hug attack.


    ¡°Three or four washings should do it. Maybe five since it¡¯s normally so white. It¡¯s not permanent.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s good.¡± Thorn looked down at his son. ¡°I¡¯d hate to have to cut all of his hair off to start over.¡± Nevikk just grinned up at his dad.


    ¡°I got to ride with the Bards!¡± Nevikk said excitedly. ¡°Me and Uncle Jorin sang all sorts of songs on the way here. They have an Illusionist, too! It was a lot of fun.¡±


    A concerning look came over Thorn¡¯s face, and he looked up to scan the receiving area, realizing something was missing. ¡°Where¡¯s your mother?¡±


    ¡°She ¡­ she didn¡¯t come,¡± Nevikk said, his happy tone doing a sudden and complete one-eighty.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Jorin spoke up, his tone low. ¡°She didn¡¯t come, Thorn.¡±


    ¡°She just sent him here alone?¡±


    ¡°It was chance I was with the caravan, so I immediately took charge of him,¡± Jorin added.


    ¡°When we heard what happened,¡± the Gnome said, gesturing back to the other people at the carriage, ¡°we kept him close to keep him entertained and such.¡±


    ¡°Th-th-thank you for that, I suppose,¡± Thorn said, glancing up, trying to understand what happened. Then he looked back to Nevikk. ¡°Where is your mother, son?¡±


    ¡°She gave me a note,¡± Nevikk said sadly. ¡°She told me to tell you that it would explain everything, but I¡¯m supposed to stay with you now.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Jorin said, letting go of Natala¡¯s hand and coming forward. He reached into a pouch at his belt, pulling out a folded piece of parchment paper.


    ¡°This is private, so I¡¯ll leave you all to it,¡± the Gnome said, adding a quick wave to Nevikk as he turned to return to the colorful carriage. ¡°We can talk later if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Thank you again,¡± Thorn called after, before focusing back on Jorin.


    The Dwarf sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what the hell was going on, so I opened it. Apologies for doing that.¡± He seemed reluctant to hand the note over.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, my friend,¡± Thorn replied, hesitantly taking it. He unfolded the paper, read it quickly, and then flipped it over, as if looking for more writing. ¡°This is it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all she gave me,¡± Nevikk said sadly.


    ¡°What¡¯s it say?¡± Reynard asked.


    Thorn cleared his throat, looking at both Reynard and Natala, before holding up the letter and reading it aloud. ¡°Tandis, I¡¯ve found someone who is much more fun to be with. Take care of our son. Ravina.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it? That¡¯s all she said?¡± Natala scowled. ¡°That doesn¡¯t explain a damn thing!¡±


    ¡°Uncle Jorin asked me if Mother had any really close friends that visited often,¡± Nevikk said. ¡°There was someone that came by all the time. His name is Grecan, and he¡¯s a Cillisine Elf, like Mother and me. He stayed the night sometimes, too.¡±


    There was a long, almost oppressive silence as everyone tried to drink in what had happened. Reynard was the first to speak, his voice artificially bright. ¡°Nevikk, come over here. I want to introduce you to two of my students.¡± He waved the boy to him.


    Hesitantly, the little Elf boy let go of his father¡¯s hand, and walked over. ¡°This is Callie, and this tall one is named Jesca. They are both Rangers, like I am.¡±


    ¡°You are?¡± Nevikk¡¯s eyes brightened as he looked first up at Jesca and then slightly down to Callie¡¯s face. He was actually a little taller than her. ¡°I want to be a Ranger when I grow up, just like Uncle Reynard is. I even got a magic bow from my father for my birthday!¡±


    Callie realized he meant the red bow she had used when she¡¯d first arrived.


    ¡°It makes magic arrows!¡± Nevikk continued. ¡°I made sure to bring it. I can show you!¡±


    ¡°Nevikk, You still like drakelings, right?¡± Reynard asked, getting the boy¡¯s attention back.


    ¡°Uh huh. I still want one as a pet someday.¡±


    ¡°Well, Jesca is also a very special class called a Beastmaster. Go with her and have her introduce you to her friend, Iris.¡±


    ¡°Uh, alright,¡± the boy said slowly, glancing for a moment back to his father, who was just standing there, obviously still in shock.


    ¡°Come on, Nevikk¡± the Cheetahkin said, putting on a big, warm smile and offering her paw. ¡°You can come meet my friend.¡±


    Nevikk seemed to put a couple things together. ¡°Is your friend a drakeling?¡±


    ¡°She is!¡± Jesca said with an exaggerated nod. ¡°A special drakeling, at that.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I want to see!¡±


    ¡°Just get him the hell out of here,¡± Reynard snapped quietly to Callie, grabbing her arm momentarily as Jesca led Nevikk away. The growl in his voice was getting angry at what was developing. ¡°Show him Iris or Artemis or whatever. Just don¡¯t let him get hurt. Someone will find you.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Callie said with a nod. ¡°Jesca¡¯s got five younger sisters and a younger brother, so she¡¯s great with kids.¡± She turned and ran to join the other two.


    All eyes turned to Thorn, who was still standing still as a statue, the short note fluttering in his clenched hand. Nobody was sure what to say or do, and it was finally Natala that made the first move, stepping up to the Ratkin and putting her hand on her friend¡¯s arm. ¡°Thorn?¡±


    It started as a single chuff, followed after a moment by two more. You could see in real time as Thorn started to make connections in his head as he processed Ravina¡¯s note. He chuffed again, reread the paper, and then actually started to laugh. Looking down to Natala, he laughed even more, before looking at Jorin and then over his shoulder at Reynard. ¡°I¡¯m free,¡± he said, absolute disbelief in his voice. ¡°We both are!¡±


    ¡°F-F-Free?¡± Natala questioned.


    Thorn spun his body to face Reynard. ¡°She¡¯s gone. She left us. I¡¯m free! We¡¯re both free!¡±


    ¡°My friend?¡± Reynard asked slowly. He wasn¡¯t sure what reaction he had been expecting from Thorn, probably anger or hurt, but certainly not this. Then he remembered the conversation they had had the previous Homeday. Thorn had said he¡¯d been planning to leave Ravina as soon as his duties allowed, if only to get Nevikk away from her. Had that effectively just happened for him?


    Jorin added his own single laugh to Thorn¡¯s, his eyes going wide. ¡°He¡¯s right. If she¡¯s gone ¡­¡±. He left the statement dangling in the air, incomplete.


    Neither Reynard, Jorin nor Natala had ever really cared much for Ravina, and had strongly encouraged Thorn not to marry her all those years ago. When he finally did, formally taking guardianship of Nevikk at the same time, they agreed to stow their animosity and do their best to be friends. It hadn¡¯t ever felt right though. Between Jorin and Reynard¡¯s days as an Adventurer, and Natala¡¯s long tenure with the army, they just never had that much in common with the Elf, except their friendship with Thorn. Still, she was their good friend¡¯s wife, so they welcomed her and Nevikk into their little found family, becoming surrogate uncles and an aunt.


    Ravina was difficult though, and it wasn¡¯t just the times her Ohler¡¯s was at its worst. She just never seemed to be invested in the marriage or the family. She¡¯d flit from one hobby or interest to another, often go into the village to get drunk at the taverns while constantly expressing how much she wished to be back in the city, and generally was unhappy with increasing frequency. Thorn did what he could, trying to be a dutiful husband, but there was only so much he could do short of forcing her. He¡¯d even looked into selling the land and moving them all back to Imor, just to keep her happy, still knowing that it likely wouldn¡¯t have been enough. It didn¡¯t help that she had difficulty keeping up with her medications, too, and grew tired of Thorn¡¯s meditation exercises, which led to many serious Fugue-related incidents. Some had been quite violent, although thankfully never directed at Nevikk, and Thorn¡¯s Martialist skills made sure he didn¡¯t get hurt either. If it hadn¡¯t been for the war calling Thorn back to duty, the marriage would have already ended.


    Thorn took a stumbling step forwards, still in some kind of a very-understandable daze, chuffs of laughter periodically still coming out of his mouth as he tried to process his disbelief. This had been what he wanted, right? He¡¯d been planning to do this as soon as he was able, after all. He was going to end the marriage, send Ravina back to Imor with enough money to get an apartment and cover her needs for at least a year. He¡¯d saved that much up for just that reason, at least. He¡¯d raise Nevikk as a single father, exactly as he¡¯d promised the Kerr he would do years ago; raise him to be a good person, even if he had Ohler¡¯s. Now? She was gone, by her own choice. Run off with another. Thorn surprised himself as he realized he wasn¡¯t even angry about it. Did that make him a terrible husband? Probably.


    Jorin was there, moving with unexpected speed, to catch Thorn as his friend¡¯s legs finally gave out. He carefully helped him to the ground and then looked him in the face. ¡°Thorn, what do you need?¡±


    The Ratkin looked up at his friend, and then to Natala, and then to Reynard. ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t need anything.¡± He almost smiled. He almost smiled in a way he hadn¡¯t for a long time, as if an unbearable weight had just been lifted from his shoulders. He looked for more words and couldn¡¯t find any. Then, a single tear came to one of his eyes, and it wasn¡¯t a tear of sadness.

 Chapter 61 Part 4 - Grown-Up Stuff

    PART IV - GROWN-UP STUFF


    ¡°She packed a couple trunks with his clothes and toys and things,¡± Jorin finally said after giving Thorn a few moments. ¡°I don¡¯t know the state of your house, I didn¡¯t have the heart to ask Nevikk about it. Your neighbors are farming the land, though, so I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll keep an eye on it.¡± Then he mumbled quietly, ¡°She¡¯s probably sold off everything of value.¡±


    ¡°We can get word to someone to make sure it¡¯s kept safe and unlooted,¡± Natala quickly interjected. ¡°The laws regarding raiding an absent soldier¡¯s home are quite strict, and the army will provide a stipend for a routine caretaker, especially at your rank.¡±


    Thorn, honestly, didn¡¯t hear any of this. His mind was stuck inside itself, reliving all the years he¡¯d spent with Ravina, snippets of time playing out before him. Everything from when they¡¯d first met at Happy Tails, when he asked her out on a dare, to their lakeside wedding less than a year later. Striking a deal to get guardianship of Nevikk from his father, and both their screams of joy at seeing Thorn¡¯s country home and large swaths of farmland and woods for the first time. Eventually, Ravina''s joy gave way to missing the city and wanting to go back, though. In a way, none of those memories seemed to matter any more, while being the most important things in the world all the same.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Nevikk?¡± Thorn finally asked, looking up and not seeing his son anywhere.


    ¡°I sent him off with Callie and Jesca,¡± Reynard said. ¡°They can keep him amused for the time being.¡±


    ¡°He hasn¡¯t been here an hour and Callie is already influencing him?¡± Natala said with a laugh. ¡°This won¡¯t end well.¡±


    ¡°Jesca will keep him grounded,¡± Reynard said, cutting off the attempt at levity. Now wasn¡¯t the time for Callie-related jokes. He kept his eyes focused on Thorn, worried for his friend and wondering what he should be doing. He should do ¡­ something, right?


    Natala looked out across the open area to where the two uniformed soldiers were still waiting by their carriage. ¡°Hey, I need to go work with the Arkan¡¯s people. Whatever you need, you¡¯ll have it from me. If we need to go hunt this Grecan guy down, I¡¯ll be there, Thorn. Just give the word.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Thorn said distantly.


    Natala tried to add a smile for comfort, before jogging off, returning to her duties.


    Jorin touched Thorn¡¯s upper arm to break him out of the daze he was in. ¡°Hey,¡± he said, ¡°you may want to deal with this in private.¡± Around them, a few staff had taken in the sight of the three, and the fact Thorn had fallen to the ground.


    ¡°You said he had travel trunks?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°Yes. Two of them. People were collecting everything and I told them to deliver each to your cabin.¡± Jorin put on a warm tone. ¡°Thorn, Nevikk is doing remarkably well. He and I had a lot of time to talk on the way here, and the Bards all helped keep him entertained. I made a point not to say anything negative about his mother, and just answered his questions. He understands what has happened, even if he hasn¡¯t fully processed why. But, right now, he needs your strength.¡± He looked to Reynard. ¡°We can all get hammered and talk this through after he¡¯s asleep, tonight or tomorrow night, okay?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to need it,¡± Reynard agreed.


    ¡°Look, I know you both have responsibilities,¡± Jorin continued, scratching his head and trying to keep everyone focused. ¡°I¡¯ll keep Nevikk with me and out of trouble while you¡¯re on duty. I made sure he understands you are going to be busy until the holiday starts.¡±


    Swallowing hard, Thorn nodded his head. Jorin was right, he needed to focus on Nevikk, and what he could control right now. In fact, he should be meeting Xera and the Arkan up on the training field at the moment. Pelidri was going to spend some time this afternoon beginning to review the recruits in action, and most of the tomorrow, too. The visiting Elf was a supporter of what Xera was doing, a big one, surprisingly, but only one of several powerful people that controlled the camp¡¯s future. Pelidri needed to be impressed enough that the report he¡¯d give would win those powerful people over. Still, he at least needed to get Nevikk settled. Xera would understand if he was late, and hopefully it wouldn¡¯t affect the Arkan¡¯s opinions.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°My friends,¡± Thorn finally said, taking in the other two as he took a deep breath, getting some strength back and refocusing on the moment. ¡°This is a shock, and I¡¯m going to need some time, but I cannot thank you enough for being here for me. For Nevikk, too, for that matter. He and I will ¡­ find a way forward into our next chapter.¡± He looked into the eyes of both his friends. ¡°This is the kind of thing we don¡¯t say to each other enough, but you are my family ¡­ our family. I love you both. And Natala. Our lives are richer for all of you in it.¡±


    ¡°Aww, now you¡¯ve gone and got all mushy on me,¡± Jorin fake-grumbled. ¡°On the stars, if you make me cry, you¡¯re a right rat-faced bastard!¡±


    ¡°Well ¡­ he is rat-faced,¡± Reynard pointed out.


    <hr>


    ¡°Gently! Slowly!¡± Jesca warned. She was seated cross-legged under a shade-tree, holding Iris in her lap. Gingerly, Nevikk held out a piece of jerky, carefully inching his way towards the drakeling in that terrified-but-curious way that kids do. He finally got close enough, and Iris lunged her head forward, snapping the meat out of Nevikk¡¯s hand. He danced back a step, giggling in glee. In response, Iris spread her wings, rippling them in a familiar pattern of happy rainbow colors.


    ¡°She¡¯s so pretty!¡± Nevikk said in wonder. ¡°Is she a baby? She¡¯s little.¡±


    Jesca shook her head, a little exaggeration in her movements and tone of voice. ¡°No, she¡¯s fully grown. But she comes from very, very far away. Way, way away in the desert. This is why you¡¯ve never seen one like her before.¡±


    The young Elf held out another piece of jerky, moving closer and with less apprehension this time. As before, at just the right distance, Iris grabbed the offering and gulped it down, before flashing rainbows again. As he¡¯d done previously, Nevikk squealed in happiness.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted a pet drakeling,¡± Nevikk eventually said as he carefully scritched Iris under her chin as he¡¯d been shown, a touch of sadness in his voice. ¡°My mother wouldn¡¯t ever let me get one, but last time I saw him, my father said he¡¯d try to convince her when he came home from the army.¡± His look soured and then got a little morose. ¡°Maybe I can get one now, if she¡¯s really gone for good.¡± Any sense of happiness evaporated as Nevikk dropped his arm to his side.


    Jesca and Callie looked at each other, not sure what to say. They knew that the topic of Nevikk¡¯s mother running off with someone wasn¡¯t a topic they should talk to him about, though. It was a private, family situation between Thorn and his son, even if they did know what happened, and neither of them wanted to intrude on that privacy.


    Before either Ranger could say anything, Nevikk looked imploringly at them. ¡°You heard what she wrote. She left us because we aren¡¯t fun enough for her.¡±


    Callie was about to try and change the subject, but Jesca was the first to speak up. ¡°Nevikk, you didn¡¯t do anything wrong. No matter how much you might think so, this isn¡¯t your fault.¡± Jesca had a warm, motherly tone and caring in her eyes. ¡°This is all just grown-up stuff.¡±


    Maybe it was the merest hint of a quivering lip, or a touch of welling in Nevikk¡¯s eyes, but Jesca saw it coming well before Callie did. Quickly, she almost tossed Iris aside and rose up on her knees to get at his level just as the first of the crying started. Nevikk fell into Jesca¡¯s arms, the sobs now beginning to come out. But Jesca just held the boy tightly, making quiet little shushing noises and patting his back as the emotion overtook him.


    Callie didn¡¯t know what to say or do. She didn¡¯t know anything about kids, and certainly had no good remedies for what he was going through. When things got bad, her general approach in her life had been to ignore it and go party, hoping whatever it was simply went away. That was never the right call, and certainly not the right one here.


    So instead, Callie just sat there as Iris crawled into her cross-legged lap seeking another cozy spot to lay in. She sat across from a big-hearted Cheetah girl holding a crying Elf child with colorful green hair. It would have been something surreal only weeks before, and in a way, should still be surreal now. It wasn¡¯t though, and Callie realized she had become almost comfortable with the constant strangeness of this new world. In some ways, if she looked at things just right, it wasn¡¯t much different from Earth, though. The Cheetah girl not far from her was just a person, after all, just as the boy was. They were just two people dealing with the toils and drama of life, one helping the other through it. It was just how people were back on Earth, and showed that some things were universal. It was beautiful, in a way, in spite of the reasons for the image.


    That was how Thorn, Jorin and Reynard found them. Jesca was holding Thorn¡¯s sobbing son while Callie sat a meter away, watching on, holding a tiny drakeling in her lap. Thorn stopped pushing Reynard¡¯s chair as they came into sight, and immediately started to rush forward, but Jesca locked eyes and held up a hand, shaking her head and waving him off for the immediate moment. Nevikk needed to get it out, and his father might interrupt that.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t cry the whole way here,¡± Jorin said in a low voice as Thorn returned to the two of them. ¡°I could tell he was trying to be strong for me; for his Uncle Jorin, the Adventurer. I made sure to tell him a few times he could cry if he needed to, but he simply wouldn¡¯t do it. I also made sure to say it wasn¡¯t his fault, but I don¡¯t think he believed me.¡± He looked up at his worried friend. ¡°Maybe your marriage wasn¡¯t great, Thorn. Maybe you were a poor husband or Ravina a poor wife. But there is one thing I do know. You¡¯re an amazing father, understand? No matter what, don¡¯t you ever fucking forget that!¡±

 Chapter 62 Part 1 - Expert Martialists

    PART I - EXPERT MARTIALISTS


    ¡°You¡¯re not a Martialist, so where did you learn of this?¡± Arkan Pelidri asked Callie, his tone simply curious, rather than demanding.


    Callie returned a shrug. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just remembered how to do it. I find it settles my brain before the day gets going.¡±


    ¡°As I mentioned, she has memory loss of most things before arriving here,¡± Thorn reminded the Arkan. ¡°She occasionally remembers something, but it¡¯s only fragments.¡±


    ¡°Her morning classes have grown in popularity,¡± Xera said, ¡°and not just among the recruits, as you can see.¡± They swept their arm over the field where most of the recruits were retreating down the hill to wait for breakfast, as were a few of the camp¡¯s soldier personnel.¡±


    ¡°Xera, it¡¯s quite apparent that this is staged, judging by that poor Ogre falling, what, at least three times,¡± Pelidri chided, giving the Commandant a knowing look. It had been fairly obvious that at least half the attendees had never participated in Callie''s morning sessions. A few had the grace and temperament, but just as many of the new faces quickly got frustrated, either at the slow pace or how awkward the motions were.


    ¡°Are we that transparent?¡± Thorn asked, rubbing the back of his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so. Still, I appreciate the sentiment, all the same. It was ¡­ unique.¡±


    ¡°I do usually have about twenty people most days,¡± Callie interjected, also coming clean, but trying to defend her morning gatherings, too. ¡°It¡¯s really not something for everyone, as you could see. Sorry.¡±


    Pelidri held up a hand, ¡°Please, no need to apologize. I found it quite enlightening and your instruction was very good, Little One. I will certainly explore your ¡®moving meditation¡¯ more on my own.¡±


    Callie¡¯s eyes went wide as she beamed with the compliment, looking over at Pixyl, who was waiting off to the side for her to finish. The Pixie also sported a huge grin in support.


    ¡°What is even more impressive, Arkan,¡± Thorn began, ¡°when I ranked up to Topaz, I received a melded perk that seems based, in part, on what Recruit Callie has been teaching.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s fascinating! How effective is it?¡±


    Thorn frowned. ¡°I haven¡¯t been able to explore it, as there are no Martialists to spar with properly here, and I haven¡¯t really had the time, anyway. I was quite surprised when I even started receiving points, but I have Recruit Callie and her strange meditations to thank for that, I believe.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Pelidri said, glancing around the field, ¡°why don¡¯t we try it out now. We have time, I believe, for a quick sparring session.¡±


    ¡°What? Right now?¡±


    ¡°Why not? We¡¯re up here, after all, and dressed lightly.¡±


    Thorn was unsure what to say, but then immediately realized what he had to say, and it definitely wasn¡¯t ¡®no¡¯. This match was pointless, though. Pelidri was Emerald Tier! Even factoring in his age, there was no way Thorn would be a challenge, let alone able to beat him. The Master Trainer inwardly groaned as he wondered why he had opened his big mouth. This was all Reynard¡¯s fault and he¡¯d have to find a way to make him pay. He looked at Xera, who simply wore a stupid grin on their face, essentially laughing at Thorn¡¯s sudden predicament. Nope! There was no way he was getting out of this.


    ¡°This should be fun,¡± Sergeant-Major Natala chuckled. She¡¯d been largely quiet all morning and looked exhausted, having been up far later than she would have liked with the Arkan¡¯s retinue. Still, she had managed to make it up the hill all the same, despite the early hour. Seeing her friend get his ass kicked would make it all worth it.


    ¡°Come!¡± Pelidri said loudly, putting an arm around Thorn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I believe I saw a spot over here where others can observe.¡±


    <hr>


    By the time the two Martialists arrived in front of the bleachers, word had somehow spread that there was going to be a high-level fight. This once again proved that gossip was the fastest form of communication in existence, as even those that had already walked down the hill were making a u-turn to come see the fight.


    As it was before breakfast, neither Thorn nor Pelidri had put on their casual working armor, and were simply dressed in lightweight clothing. The Arkan did manage to look perfectly prim and proper despite the lack of anything resembling a uniform, all the same. Both took a minute or two to stretch a bit more and get centered as the flow of recruits, as well as what looked like a gaggle of kitchen Goblins, all took their seats, eager to see the promised contest.


    ¡°How long has it been since you sparred with another Martialist?¡± Pelidri asked.


    ¡°Two terms ago,¡± Thorn replied. ¡°We had a pair of martialist recruits.¡± He then added, almost defensively, ¡°They both left here at Gold Tier.¡±


    ¡°A testament to your tutelage, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    Thorn almost grumbled something he shouldn¡¯t. Pelidri was turning this into a spectacle for the entire camp, and the Ratkin wasn¡¯t sure if it was simply curiosity about his new Five Animal Form perk, or if the Arkan¡¯s intent was to simply humiliate him. He quickly looked inward, reviewing the new perk, trying to develop some kind of a plan.


    ¡°Shall we begin, Colonel? You come at me first,¡± Pelidri ordered, dropping into a fighting stance. ¡°Show me your new Topaz Tier.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Thorn, we¡¯ve got all kinds of healers here for when you finally need them,¡± Natala called out completely inappropriately.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early in the morning for heckling, Sergeant-Major,¡± Thorn growled as he also fell into his stance.


    ¡°Aww! You¡¯re no fun.¡± There was a ripple of laughter through the stands at the banter.


    Two things were immediately obvious as the fight began. First, Thorn was good, really, really good. He came at the Arkan with almost blurring speed, executing a series of fast jabs followed by an attempt to hook the Arkan¡¯s feet. Callie hadn¡¯t really ever watched a lot of traditional martial arts movies, but she¡¯d seen a few American ones that at least had well choreographed scenes of action, and had also seen clips of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan at some point. Thorn made them all look like beginners. He not only had speed though, but there was power in his attacks; you could almost feel it radiating off of him.


    The second thing that was immediately obvious was that Pelidri was better. Much, much better, in fact. Thorn¡¯s strikes were a blur, and the Arkan¡¯s blocks were faster. If he couldn¡¯t block with a hand, he¡¯d use his foot, or almost casually step over the attack if it was low. In all that, he never moved from his spot, essentially becoming an impenetrable wall countering Thorn.


    ¡°Impressive,¡± Pelidri called out, his eyebrows actually raising, possibly in surprise, or maybe even in admiration. ¡°Your new tier shows!¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Thorn called out at the same time he brought a knee up, which was effortlessly slapped aside. He danced a step back to reset.


    Pelidri immediately came for Thorn, throwing a series of fast strikes similar to what the Ratkin had opened with, but even faster. He moved with a dizzying speed, Thorn doing all he could to block or weave his body out of the way. The Arkan next made an attempt at a quick kick, but it was a feint. Thorn moved to block, and Pelidri redirected, hooking Thorn¡¯s arm with his leg. The move pulled Thorn off balance for the briefest of moments, but that was enough, and he was jabbed hard on the side of his body by Pelidri¡¯s stiffened fingertips..


    ¡°Gargh!¡± Thorn grunted as he danced back, instinctively rubbing where he¡¯d been struck. Pelidri waggled his eyebrows mockingly, before moving back a few meters and returning to a ready stance. They both knew that hit had been pulled, quite a bit in fact. If he¡¯d wanted, Pelidri could have easily snapped multiple ribs with that strike. With enough force and a non-martialist opponent, his fist could have even come out the other side.


    A chorus of ¡®ooooo¡¯ sounds went up from the audience in sympathy, and several people reached for their own sides, as if they¡¯d been hit as well.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°Come for me again. Try to get creative.¡±


    Still nursing his side, Thorn took a deep breath to get recentered. Obviously the direct attack wasn¡¯t going to work, so, in true Callie style he decided to try getting a little tricky. He couldn¡¯t come at Pelidri from the front, but maybe he could get at him from behind. He feigned he was walking the hit off to get a bit of running distance.


    ¡°Let him have it, sir,¡± someone called out, and Pelidri turned incredulously towards the audience, instantly zeroing in on whoever had yelled while raising an eyebrow. Several people quickly moved away from the cheering recruit, revealing one of the Berserker Dwarves now caught in the Arkan¡¯s gaze. The poor Dwarf almost peed himself as he realized he¡¯d been so easily found out and was now under the Arkan¡¯s glare.


    Still, this was an opening and Thorn took it, He charged. As he did, he called forth his Cloud Dancing skill, running up into the air as it hardened under his feet, each footfall causing ripples of light to flow out from it. He raced over the Arkan¡¯s head and then executed a twisting flip. His intent was to drop down and sweep the Arkan¡¯s legs from behind.


    It was a good plan, and between the distraction in the stands and the unexpected nature of the charge, it could have even worked. Except ¡­ no. Pelidri simply danced over the sweeping leg as Thorn spun. The Master Trainer was now out of position from missing the sweep, and before he could get a block up or move away, the Elf had turned and drilled him with another jab to his other side. The Arkan was so unbelievably fast and Thorn fell back on his butt, his face wincing.


    ¡°Excellent attempt, Colonel!¡± Arkan Peligri called out as he lent Thorn a hand, pulling the grimacing Ratkin to his feet. ¡°I forgot you had that skill. It¡¯s quite impressive. What is it called again?¡±


    Thorn groaned a bit as he rubbed his side, before forcing his body to ignore the pain. He¡¯d have a gigantic bruise on both sides within a couple hours. ¡°It¡¯s called Cloud Dancing, Arkan. I received it as a melded skill at Gold.¡±


    ¡°I can see quite the potential. Now, get yourself set and I¡¯ll come at you again.¡±


    Thorn grudgingly nodded, moving to the opposite side of the ring. Not far away stood Natala, still grinning enthusiastically as she watched her friend and superior officer get his tail handed to him. Next to her, Xera also seemed to be quite enjoying the same. He¡¯d hear no end of this for the rest of Midsummer, he was sure.


    From the stands there came the sound of stamping feet and clapping, which quickly became rhythmic and repeating. Stomp, stomp, clap. Stomp, stomp, clap. Thorn looked, and everyone was rising, stomping and clapping in perfect unison just as they did during the Demon demonstrations when cheering Pixyl on. Apparently, it was time to ¡®rock¡¯ him, whatever that Callie-word meant.


    Stomp, stomp, clap.


    Thorn turned, allowing the excited energy from the stands to focus him, before he dropped into his ready stance. It was time to see what Callie-Chi could do, and if there was anything to this ¡®Five Animal Form¡¯.


    Stomp, stomp, clap.


    ¡°It appears you have a cheering section,¡± Arkan Pelidri said, his face smirking just slightly as he teased Thorn, bright white teeth contrasting against his dark skin as he gestured towards the crowd. ¡°Let¡¯s see how well it helps!¡±


    Almost before he¡¯d finished speaking, he rushed Thorn, moving almost as if flash-stepping. The Master Trainer was ready, though. His new tier and his new perk showed him the moves, and the people in the stands encouraged him. He weaved slightly, avoiding a trio of strikes, and grabbed at Pelidri¡¯s arm, intent on putting the meditative exercises into practice and using the Arkan¡¯s momentum against him. It worked ¡­ sort of. Pelidri needed less than an instant to see the move being executed, and instead of being brought down, he simply rolled through, twisting and springing back to his feet while completely dodging the attempted follow-up return strike.


    But Thorn wasn¡¯t done, and he executed another skill, Blast of Force. For any normal person, it would have blown them right off their feet, if not a few meters back. Pelidri wasn¡¯t normal though, and he crossed his arms, causing the magic to simply flow around him as if he was a boulder in a stream.


    ¡°Excell¡­¡± the Elf started to praise, but Thorn continued pressing forward, forcing Pelidri to intercept and then return with his own defensive strikes. Hands, paws, feet, knees, elbows, and maybe even a forehead, all flew faster than any eye could follow. Any eye except the four belonging to the Martialist masters in the ring. Strikes were blocked, kicks were turned aside, and any attempt to grapple or throw was nimbly squirmed out of or outright eluded.


    In all the chaos, the Arkan¡¯s motives became clear. The Arkan wasn¡¯t trying to win. He was trying to make Thorn lose! It was a subtle, but important difference. At Emerald Tier, two above his Topaz, Pelidri was probably one of the top five Martialists in the three kingdoms, if not the top. If he wanted, he surely could casually outmatch Thorn and take him down. Instead, he was holding way, way back, waiting for Thorn to make a mistake that would justify a strike. It was a test, and he was probably failing it. Thorn realized they were now essentially in a stalemate, and the only way forward was to break it, and that could only happen by him making a mistake or by getting an upper hand, even if for an instant. As consolation, the Ratkin decided he only wanted to get one good strike in, and honestly, he would consider that victory enough.


    ¡®What would Callie do?¡¯ Thorn suddenly thought to himself for some reason, as the two masters continued to instinctively trade blows and blocks. ¡®She¡¯d do something unexpected,¡¯ some part of his brain replied, ¡®and then exploit it.¡¯ Right! Maybe even multiple somethings. He could do that! Thorn¡¯s mind raced through his skills, looking for something he could do that Pelidri couldn¡¯t expect from him. Then he saw it, such a simple little skill, and only Iron Tier at that, but it was something Martialists didn¡¯t normally get, and would certainly be unexpected. It had to be timed right, though.


    Thorn rolled away from the fight, just trying to get a little distance to concentrate. He focused, calling forth another Blast of Force. As before, the irresistible force was soundly defeated by the immovable Arkan as the Elf crossed his arms to block the spell. But that was only the first step, and now it was time for the surprise.


    FLASHBANG


    This was one of the three new skills he¡¯d received as an off-class Iron Tier when he¡¯d ranked to Topaz. If Callie was right, his Symbiote apparently learned it from one of the Bladeweavers and thought it would be a good addition to his skill set for some reason.


    Pelidri immediately staggered, hand instinctively going to his eyes, more in surprise than anything. That was his opening and Thorn charged in, intent on landing a blow, really any solid blow, on the superior Martialist. Yet, even momentarily blinded and with the disorientation from the concussive sound, the Arkan¡¯s free hand intercepted all his strikes, and even Thorn¡¯s attempts with his feet were easily deflected aside, the Arkan not even needing to see. Still Thorn pressed, rolling through a series of different fighting styles randomly, in the hope something might get through. Pelidri took a step back under the pressure, and then another, and then he was forced to spin backwards and to his left to avoid a fast roundhouse kick.


    Jab. Jab. Lunge. Kick. Knee. Elbow. Jab. Thorn was relentless, pushing with some sort of growing primal focus that he¡¯d never felt before. Then he got a hit in! Actually, it was really barely a brush, and not enough to be declared a strike. Still, he¡¯d made it through Pelidri¡¯s defense, proving that the ranking Elf wasn¡¯t unbeatable. Thorn understood that truth now. A silent roar continued rising in him as the world seemed to slow, and he was seeing clearer than he had ever seen before. In the echoey distance, the stomping and clapping was now being augmented by almost primal howls and roars of the other Beastkin, the sounds of his people, somehow feeding him their energy.


    Another step back; another forced retreat by Pelidri. The effect of the Flashbang spell was surely starting to wear off, and it was likely to be over for Thorn as soon as that happened, so he needed to do something. Thorn pressed the attack, seeking another opening that would let him land a real blow. Then, a truth hit him that, for some reason, he hadn¡¯t properly considered. He was a Beastkin, and he needed to start to fully think that way!


    The true power of his new Five Animal Form suddenly exploded through him. It wasn¡¯t at all about Callie''s silly little morning class! No, the power was instead built upon centuries of survival by those that came before him, perhaps simply given structure by what Callie had inspired. And then he saw it. Such a silly and simple solution; so simple he couldn¡¯t understand how it hadn¡¯t occurred to him until now. He had ¡­ a tail.


    Pelidri was shaking off the last vestiges of the Flashbang attack, and Thorn pressed in for one last effort. Paws flew against the impenetrable before Thorn lined up another roundhouse kick. He knew it would be blocked, but that was the distraction. Pelidri¡¯s hand came up to stop the kick, just as expected, but Thorn was already moving on to the next move. Sounding almost like one of Jesca¡¯s whips, Thorn used the blocked kick to help spin, causing his tail to lash out, wrapping itself around the Arkan¡¯s knees. Thorn pulled with his hips, and the Elf¡¯s eyes went wide in surprise. As Pelidri stumbled to keep his balance, Thorn pulled with his tail again and the Arkan¡¯s feet were pulled from under him, landing hard, flat on his back. In an instant, Thorn pounced, snarling and making a single sharp jab to the Arkan¡¯s chest, the punch pulled enough to cause no serious injury, but possibly leaving a good bruise.


    The stomping and clapping stopped. The howls and roars of encouragement stopped. Everyone gave one last cheer for their Master Trainer before beginning to sit. For the Beastkin, though, sitting was accompanied by half-dazed confusion and a sense of wonder overtaking them as they did. Dozens of stunned Beastkin observers stared in silence, first at Thorn, and then at each other. Something had happened. Something had happened to all of them. They¡¯d become a pack, a tribe, a ¡­ something. It had only lasted thirty seconds at most, but it was powerful, powerful magic that had affected them.


    ¡°Point to you,¡± Arkan Pelidri said, a smile surprisingly coming to his face. He was still lying on the ground, rubbing gently at the spot where Thorn had struck him. He looked to the quickly-silencing stands, at the recruits and others that had been cheering the Ratkin on. ¡°A most excellent round, indeed, Colonel.¡±


    Thorn rose from crouching over the Elf, focusing inwards to try and slow his heart and clear his head. He offered the Arkan his paw, pulling him up. ¡°I ¡­ I don¡¯t know what happened, Arkan,¡± Thorn said, ¡°but something strange just did.¡±


    ¡°A most-excellent round, indeed,¡± Pelidri repeated, the toothy grin on his face growing even larger, missing the growing confusion on Thorn¡¯s face. ¡°That was quite unexpec¡­¡±


    A scream sounded from the seating.


    ¡°Jesca!¡± Callie yelled out. This was followed a moment later by, ¡°Somebody help!¡±

 Chapter 62 Part 2 - Unexplained Injuries

    PART II - UNEXPLAINED INJURIES


    Lhawni was the first Healer to get to Callie, and then saw that Jesca had fallen to the seating floor. Off to the side stood Artemis, with Iris sitting on the unicorn¡¯s back, both looking concerned. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked Callie.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. One second she was fine, watching the fight, and then she just fell down.¡±


    Other Healers had started to rush over, while those without those abilities followed their training and backed off to make room. Lhawni pointed to Jesca¡¯s legs, motioning to Swopik to straighten them while she turned the Cheetahkin to her back. Twin rivers of blood were trickling out of Jesca¡¯s nose, and there was a bloody wound of some kind on her head where she¡¯d hit one of the seats. Lhawni quickly called up a Diagnose spell and started running her hand over Jesca¡¯s body.


    ¡°Back up,¡± Natala called, her voice commanding while herding people even more out of the way. She parted the crowd, clearing a way for Xera to get into view, Thorn and Pelidri right behind them.


    Lhawni was now focusing the spell on Jesca¡¯s head, her green face scowling.


    ¡°Initial report,¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s breathing. Big gash on her head, but nothing broken. No concussion. Bleeding from her nose. What the hell? She has mana exhaustion?¡± Lhawni scrunched up her face. ¡°Really badly too.¡± She looked at Callie. ¡°What did she cast?¡±


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Callie replied. ¡°She just ¡­ collapsed. Is she going to be alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to need a Rejuvenation potion!¡± Lhawni called out generally to the crowd, ignoring Callie¡¯s question. ¡°Probably a couple of them, actually!¡± Then she glanced up at the group of Healers. ¡°Shamans, line up,¡± she ordered, gesturing to a spot a few paces away and firmly in charge of the scene. Focusing back to Jesca, Lhawni concentrated, pushing her Rejuvenation spell into her friend. Jesca¡¯s body jerked as if hit by a defibrillator, and Lhawni moved to kneel above Jesca¡¯s head.


    ¡°Swopik! Rejuvenation,¡± Lhawni ordered, snapping her fingers and pointing. The Goblin rushed in, the spell already forming in his hand as he did. Jesca¡¯s body jumped again, before Swopik moved to make way for Chown, who did the same.


    ¡°Her head?¡± Xera asked, seeing all the wet blood now on Lhawni¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°It¡¯s bloody, messy, but just superficial. It will be fine.¡± Lhawni said absently as she gestured to Xin. The Lizardkin called up a fourth Rejuvenation, and she likewise hit Jesca with it. The spells were now on cooldown for each of the Shamans.


    Lhawni looked around, and then gestured to Artemis. ¡°Get in here. She needs you.¡±


    Carefully, the unicorn stepped forward, before lowering her head and touching her horn to Jesca. You could feel a sense of intense magic in the air as the magical creature¡¯s power came alive. After only a couple seconds, Artemis backed away as Iris worriedly took up a spot on the unicorn¡¯s head.


    Casting her Diagnose again, Lhawn snarled. ¡°Damn! The horn doesn¡¯t seem to work with mana drain!¡± Then she yelled out, ¡°Where¡¯s that rejuvenation potion!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ¡­ that¡¯s a unicorn, right?¡± Pelidri whispered, his mouth agape. ¡°In all my years I¡¯ve ¡­ I¡¯ve never seen one. It¡¯s magnificent! Smaller than I thought they¡¯d be, though.¡±


    ¡°Her name is Artemis, and she¡¯s just a foal,¡± Xera answered. ¡°It¡¯s Recruit Jesca¡¯s other Beastmaster Companion.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a purple potion!¡± someone yelled out before Pelidri could ask more.


    It was quickly passed through the crowd before finally being handed off to Koda, and he moved forward to kneel close. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± the big Bearkin asked, his voice low so as to not interrupt.


    ¡°Um¡­¡± Lhawni replied, looking up at the crowd. ¡°We¡¯ll need to get her to Medical once I have her stable.¡± Then she called out louder, ¡°Someone let them know we¡¯re coming, and get both Trainer Maugra and Trainer Cheena there with all haste. Tasi too!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go alert them!¡± Pixyl, who had been hovering overhead, called out. The Pixie flew over the crowd before landing on the ground. As soon as she did, there was a crackle of sound and she Flashstepped across the open field to the top of the hill. Once there, she leapt back into the air and continued on, this time using her Airborne Dash, the magenta streak in the air slowly fading behind her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fetch something to carry her,¡± Koda said with a nod. He handed the Shaman the potion and stood, the way parting for him as he walked through it.


    Sitting Jesca up, Lhawni pulled the stopper off the potion with her teeth, spitting it out to the side. She pinched Jesca¡¯s mouth open, pouring it in and then held it shut, using her other hand to cover her nose. She just hoped Jesca didn¡¯t inhale it. The potion wouldn¡¯t hurt her if she did, but the last thing Lhawni needed was her patient gagging.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Xera called out, getting everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°If you are not needed here, then disperse. The bell for breakfast should ring any time now, so go and prepare for your day. Also, a reminder that the Arkan will be continuing his inspection of you all in training, and he expects to see you demonstrating your capabilities, not showing off. Remember that.¡±


    Lhawni eventually looked up at Thorn. ¡°Sir, if you could track the time? If we get another potion here, tell me when it¡¯s five minutes. I want to put one more in her before she¡¯s moved.¡± Jesca had said he had the same senses perk she had, which included excellent timekeeping.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°One minute and eight seconds,¡± both Thorn and Pelidri said in unison.


    Most of the recruits quickly departed, although nearly all the Healers stayed, on the off chance they were needed for something, and in general support of Lhawni.


    ¡°Heal head?¡± Tazrok asked, pointing to the top of his own.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just leftover blood. Artemis took care of it with her horn,¡± Lhawni said. She shook her head at herself in irritation. ¡°I had wanted to heal it slowly and carefully, so as to not leave a scar. I didn''t think about her healing being total-body. Her fur might not grow back there.¡±


    ¡°Battle scars are sexy,¡± came a chorus of at least a half-dozen people.


    Another Sprite soon arrived with a Rejuvenation potion. He had apparently been watching the goings-on and raced off as soon as the call went out. Koda also arrived with the litter, taking up station to wait until it was called for. Callie was finally pulled away by Xin, just to clear the space, and they both moved to be close to Lena, who had refused to go with the rest.


    ¡°That¡¯s five minutes,¡± Thorn and Pelidri finally said in unison.


    Lhawni administered another potion, Jesca again thankfully not gagging. She wanted to give another round of Rejuvenation spells, but they were still on cooldown for a bit, so best to get moving so that Maugra and Cheena could do their thing sooner. ¡°Alright, bring the litter,¡± she called out. It was a little tricky to work in the confined space, but Jesca was soon set in place. Lhawni pointed to Koda and Xin to carry, and the three of them set off, Artemis and Iris trailing, leaving nothing behind but a drying puddle of blood.


    <hr>


    Callie sat on the edge of Jesca¡¯s bed, holding her hand, while Pixyl sat close. Both wore worried expressions on their faces as they looked down on their sleeping friend. Tasi and the others had said she¡¯d be fine, but the two were still worried.


    There was eventually a groan, and Jesca raised a paw to her forehead. Pixyl¡¯s eyes went wide and she hopped down, running out of the alcove to notify the Master Healer. ¡°Where am I?¡± Jesca groaned again, reaching for the cloth over her face.


    ¡°Shhh, shhh, shhh,¡± Callie hushed in a whisper. ¡°Close your eyes before you take that off.¡±


    ¡°Callie?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± she replied, still whispering, taking hold of Jesca¡¯s paw. ¡°You¡¯re in the medical tent. You suffered from mana drain. Really bad, in fact.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t ¡­¡± Jesca started to say, squinting in even the low light as she removed the cloth. ¡°I have a terrible headache.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I remember that. Don¡¯t worry, Tasi will be here in a moment with something for it.¡±


    ¡°Did ¡­ did Thorn win?¡±


    ¡°Um, not really. He got a hit in, but then you collapsed and the fight sort of ended. Lhawni did get to you right away, though, and the other Shamans, too, and that saved you. You had it at least as bad as I did when I got Bronze.¡±


    ¡°Mana drain? How? I didn¡¯t cast anything.¡± Jesca groaned again just as Pixyl returned with Tasi.


    ¡°Headache?¡± the Master Healer asked in a whisper.


    ¡°Yes, a bad one,¡± Jesca said. Then she got a bit of a panicked look, sitting partway up as her eyes went wide. ¡°Where¡¯s Artemis and Iris?¡± Then she squinted and moaned again, putting a paw back to her forehead as the pain spiked.


    ¡°Shhh,¡± Callie hushed again, putting her hand on Jesca¡¯s arm and trying to calm her friend, pushing her back down. ¡°The Druids are taking care of them since they can talk to animals. They¡¯re fine; they¡¯re safe.¡±


    Jesca nodded weakly hearing that, obvious relief showing on her face.


    Tasi shooed Callie out of the way and sat on the edge of the bed. ¡°Here, I have a potion for the pain. Drink this.¡± She pulled the stopper and then poured it into Jesca¡¯s open mouth. ¡°There you are. You¡¯ll need a Rejuvenation potion once you are able, but you¡¯re going to be fine. Thankfully, four Shamans were on you almost instantly. That, plus two potions, kept you from doing any permanent damage to yourself before we could properly tend to you.¡± Tasi took on a firm, lecturing tone. ¡°You know better than to cast anything beyond your mana, Jesca, so let this be your one and only lesson. Don¡¯t ever do that again, understand?¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t cast anything!¡±


    Tasi looked skeptical. ¡°You can¡¯t exhaust your mana without casting something. Whatever you did, never do it again!¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Jesca replied, her face still confused. ¡°I just don¡¯t know what I did.¡± At least the headache was gone, and she pushed herself upright slightly.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Tasi said with a nod. She looked to Callie and Pixyl. ¡°Both of you get going. Thorn and Reynard are outside, so let them know she¡¯s awake. Remind them to keep their voices low.¡±


    ¡°How long will she be here?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Less than an hour, but she absolutely needs to take it easy the rest of the day. No mana usage until at least late afternoon, or as little as possible if it can¡¯t be avoided.¡± She turned her steely eyes to Jesca. ¡°If you go up to training, maybe just be an observer for the rest of the day. If you can, just relax and do nothing. At least Midsummer starts tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to practice shapeshifting with Trainers Maugra and Rowani at the end of the day. Would it be alright if I did that?¡±


    Tasi frowned in thought. ¡°Sure, a little bit. You¡¯re Silver, so by then you should be mostly recovered, and shapeshifting doesn¡¯t use much mana from what Rowani¡¯s told me. I¡¯ll send you with a purple potion, though, just in case. Don¡¯t overdo it, understand? If you do have to use it, you report back here immediately!¡±


    Jesca nodded, but her mind was still preoccupied trying to figure out how she possibly could have exhausted her mana, when she hadn¡¯t cast anything. She just remembered cheering Thorn on, stomping and clapping in time with everyone else, and then ¡­ waking up here. What had happened?


    Tasi handed Jesca a wet cloth as Callie and Pixyl reluctantly left. ¡°Here. Lie back and put this over your eyes and rest for a bit. Ten minutes, and I¡¯ll be back with another potion. Then you can leave after I do an examination.¡±


    Jesca leaned back in the bed, squirming a bit to get comfortable, before putting the cloth over her eyes. What had happened to her? Once, not long after she got her class and first skill, she¡¯d run her mana dangerously low, but she¡¯d been warned several times by many people in the village about the dangers, so saw it happening and didn¡¯t completely run out. It still was awful and a bad memory, so she¡¯d made sure to be extra careful ever since. Knowing that she¡¯d crossed that line without even realizing it, somehow putting herself well into dangerous territory, was actually frightening.


    In the distance, Jesca heard voices, and strained to make them out. One was immediately identifiable as Reynard, and a second as Callie. Soon a third joined that she was fairly sure was Thorn. Unfortunately, between the wind rustling through the trees, and the thick tent canvas, everything was muffled and she couldn¡¯t decipher the words. Nobody was yelling. If Jesca was in trouble, Callie would definitely be yelling at someone. That was good, at least.

 Chapter 62 Part 3 - Reluctant Admissions

    PART III - RELUCTANT ADMISSIONS


    Eventually, slow footsteps could be heard, one pair of them sounding rather crutchlike. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Reynard asked after clearing his throat.


    Jesca removed the cloth, squinting for a moment at the light, and looked to see both Reynard and Thorn standing in the alcove entrance. She shuffled herself into a sitting position, thankful that the headache had subsided. ¡°I¡¯m feeling better, sir,¡± she said quietly. She still felt like she was in trouble for something. ¡°At least my brain hasn''t melted.¡±


    ¡°May I sit?¡± Reynard asked, gesturing to a chair. He may have been on his crutches more of late, but it was still awkward for him and wasn¡¯t comfortable. He took a seat after Jesca nodded.


    ¡°How was your dinner with Scryer Yulayla?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°You sound like Callie. She interrogated him about the same thing,¡± Thorn said with a light laugh. Then he added, ¡°Once I learned of it from her, I helped.¡±


    ¡°Never you mind about that. Either of you!¡± Reynard scolded. He got settled, leaning the crutches against the bed, and then focused on Jesca. ¡°So, apparently you exhausted your mana. That seems a little surprising, from you. What happened?¡± the Foxkin asked, tilting his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know. We were all up on the field watching the fight and then ¡­¡± Jesca¡¯s words were interrupted by another set of footsteps slowly approaching, these seeming very ominous. A second later, the dark-skinned form of Arkan Pelidri came into view, taking up a position behind Thorn. His pure-white hair stood out against the backdrop of the subdued lighting, almost seeming to glow. Jesca¡¯s mouth went tight and she was barely able to squeak out a sound. The Elf was absolutely intimidating. Maybe it was his rank or his age or his tier, or something else, but he was just ¡­ there.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him,¡± Thorn said, ¡°he¡¯s just observing.¡±


    ¡°Am I in trouble?¡±


    Thorn shook his head and laughed lightly. ¡°No, you¡¯re not in trouble. Again, what do you remember?¡±


    ¡°Just being up there, all of us cheering for you, and then I woke up here with a headache.¡±


    ¡°Mana exhaustion headaches are the worst,¡± Pelidri said, his deep voice somehow echoey in the space. ¡°I''ve had more than my share of them in my life.¡±


    ¡°Arkan, please,¡± Thorn said in a whisper, quickly glancing back to look at the Elf.


    ¡°Apologies, Colonel.¡±


    ¡°I had an interesting conversation with Koda,¡± Thorn said, refocusing back to Jesca. ¡°He told me that there seemed to be something that happened. Everyone was cheering, but many people were ¡­¡± he paused to look for a word, ¡°many people felt connected to each other. There was some kind of magic in the air for a brief time.¡±


    ¡°Do you know anything about that?¡± Reynard asked.


    She¡¯d been told she wasn¡¯t in trouble, but Jesca certainly felt like she was in trouble for something, and had no idea what. People were connected? What did that mean? And why were they asking her?


    ¡°Jesca,¡± Thorn continued, ¡°Koda noticed something else interesting. He said that it was the Beastkin in the crowd that felt this way, and only the Beastkin.


    ¡°I¡¯ve since talked to Thucax and Shul¡¯an. They said the same thing,¡± Reynard added.


    ¡°I could feel ¡­ something,¡± Thorn said. ¡°It was as if my senses were becoming finer, almost feral in a way, emboldened by a power I¡¯ve not felt before.¡± He gestured back to the Arkan. ¡°He, on the other paw, didn¡¯t feel anything.¡±


    Slowly, Jesca¡¯s brain started putting pieces together. No! It couldn¡¯t be! She ¡­ she didn¡¯t cast that, did she? She¡¯d been completely avoiding that skill; avoiding even thinking about it, ever since she got it. She¡¯d been avoiding it so hard that she hadn¡¯t even made time to talk to Callie about what to do. ¡°Oh no! No no no no no!¡± Jesca gasped quietly, her eyes going as wide as saucers and a sense of panic starting.


    ¡°Jesca,¡± Thorn said, his voice quiet and firm as he spoke, yet somehow still strangely comforting, ¡°officers learn a skill called Command Aura; Reynard knows it, too. It helps us inspire our troops, get them all coordinated or empower them. We can even use it to momentarily stun a target, should the need arise. We don¡¯t use it much here, but Xera used it the day you all arrived when they welcomed you, to inspire everyone¡¯s morale and help ease your fears. Do you remember that? What I felt on the field was somewhat similar to those effects, although much stronger and more primal. Effects, I might add, that seemed to have only affected the Beastkin.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything you¡¯d like to tell us?¡± Reynard asked, his voice as quiet as Thorn¡¯s, but a little more firm.


    Jesca swallowed, and looked down at her paw, claws flexing partially out. ¡°Beastmaster¡¯s Inspiration,¡± she barely whispered. Everyone here had enhanced hearing of some kind. She didn¡¯t need to say it any louder.


    ¡°You cast a spell, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Jesca just stared at the blanket over her feet and shrugged, saying nothing for several long seconds. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know. Not intentionally, but possibly.¡± But she did know, or at least was nearly certain. She¡¯d apparently used that skill she wanted nothing to do with, the one that truly committed her to the path of being alone; of being the only one of her kind. Why her? Why not ¡­ hell, why not Callie? She¡¯d be able to handle anything.


    ¡°Jesca, tell us about this skill,¡± Reynard asked. His voice was quiet, maybe now even slightly paternal. There was no anger, just ¡­ concern, and maybe curiosity? ¡°You¡¯re not in trouble,¡± he said again, ¡°I promise.¡±


    Nodding, Jesca queried the creature in her head, asking it to tell her everything that Beastmaster¡¯s Inspiration could do. She took a shaky breath. She was scared, really scared, but she cleared her throat and tried to sit straighter, before telling the three about the skill. It was a long description, and by the end her voice was cracking. She felt like a deceitful, utter disappointment for not telling them before, and she couldn¡¯t look them in the eyes, simply staring at her feet in guilt.


    ¡°You know,¡± Arkan Pelidri began quietly, his deep voice filling the alcove all the same, ¡°that indeed sounds quite similar to a Command Aura skill, save the Beastkin focus and that increasing power element the more people it affects. With that many Beastkin in the stands, it was no wonder you took me down.¡± He wore a very impressed look on his face aimed not just at Thorn, but at Jesca as well.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡± Thorn asked, ignoring the Elf. ¡°That¡¯s a good skill to have. A very good skill, in fact.¡±


    It took a few seconds, but Jesca finally blurted, ¡°Because I don¡¯t want it! I don¡¯t want ¡­ I don¡¯t want the responsibility.¡±


    Thorn was about to ask her the logical next question, but she continued before he could.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you, sir. Overheard you both, I mean. You¡¯ve said I¡¯m important to the Beastkin, as a people that is. Others are saying it, too, when they think I¡¯m not listening.¡± Jesca¡¯s lip was quivering now, and she wiped the back of a paw across each of her eyes. ¡°A few have even called me the reincarnation of the Mimarnae.¡±


    Both Thorn and Reynard sucked in their breath, their eyes going wide in a mixture of shock and worry.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Pelidri asked quietly.


    ¡°An old word among the Beastkin,¡± Thorn said, looking back at the Elf briefly. ¡°Very old. It roughly means ¡®Oracle of Light¡¯¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard the translation as ¡®Oracle General¡¯¡± Reynard added.


    ¡°It¡¯s said that the Mimarnae was a great spiritual and military leader in our ancient history,¡± Thorn continued, ¡°at the time of The Escape. It¡¯s the name used for the Beastmaster that supposedly led our people to freedom, or at least it''s a well-spun story of such a person.¡±


    ¡°Even Vanis has said I¡¯m important!¡± Jesca said weakly, her voice getting slightly panicked now. She looked imploring from Reynard to Thorn. ¡°The first-born son of King Feldwin the Second, the Prince who should have been the next king, has said I am important! Me! I¡¯m nobody, but I heard him telling that Imperial Guard captain I¡¯m important.¡± Her voice got quiet and she sniffled. ¡°I hear everything now; what they are all saying. I hear it all, I just pretend I don¡¯t.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°King Feldwin¡¯s son? The Prince?¡± The Arkan asked. ¡°Is he here?¡±


    ¡°One of the Warlock recruits,¡¯ Thorn replied, growing irritated by Pelidri¡¯s interruptions, before softening and adding,¡±Likely another officer.¡±


    Pelidri nodded, taking that in as a discussion for later, before getting a perplexed look on his face. ¡°What is wrong with being this ¡®Oracle General¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand? I just don¡¯t want it! I don¡¯t want to be important!¡± Jesca blurted out, a little pleading anger in her voice, completely ignoring the difference in rank. ¡°I¡¯m not that person! You heard what that skill said. ¡®Leadership and charisma¡¯? Those are two things I don¡¯t have! I¡¯m a nobody girl from a nowhere village who¡¯s not even supposed to be here, and everyone is thinking I¡¯m some great ¡­ chosen one or ¡­ something.¡± Her voice trailed off as she realized she¡¯d raised her voice to almost a panic. She looked up at Reynard, and then the two officers and deflated. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for yelling,¡± she mumbled, focusing towards Pelidri in apology, ¡°but it shouldn¡¯t be me. It should be anyone else but me.¡±


    Reynard leaned back, glancing up at Thorn. A lot of what Jesca had just said they¡¯d already deduced. After Thorn interviewed the recruits, determining that whatever happened only happened to the Beastkin, coupled with the fact that Jesca was the one that collapsed with mana exhaustion, it was logical she had done something. Pelidri and Xera were the ones that initially suggested it was something akin to Command Aura. From there it was an easy leap to the conclusion their resident Beastmaster had another skill; something she hadn¡¯t shared with them, and everything then fell into place.


    At first, Thorn was a little angry that Jesca hadn¡¯t said anything, but after informing Reynard about what had happened and further discussion, it was Xera that suggested, in their excitement for the new class, Thorn and Reynard may have lost sight of the impact their enthusiasm could be having on Jesca. They certainly did need to confront her, but knowing Jesca, and Cheetahkin in general, they decided to do it quietly and without pressure. As fellow Beastkin, not as her superiors, if at all possible.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seemed so happy about your new class,¡± Thorn finally said. ¡°And you¡¯ve been doing so well in your training. You¡¯ve reached Silver with your Ranger class and Bronze with the other.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Jesca said, talking around another sniffle. ¡°I don¡¯t mind being a Beastmaster sometimes. I mean, I¡¯m afraid of it, but Artemis and Iris mean so much to me, and I¡¯m sure more Companions will come in time. The skills and perks are amazing, too. But then I overhear what other people say and it reminds me that ¡­ that I¡¯m the only one and you are all expecting greatness from me. I¡¯m not great. I¡¯m just ¡­ nobody. I could never be what they want me to be, or what you want me to be.¡° Her voice trailed off, before she finally said, "So I smile and fake it and try not to disappoint everyone, because I just don¡¯t know what else to do.¡±


    Neither of the officers nor Reynard were sure what to say. On one paw, they could immediately empathize with the girl. She was certainly unique. As far as they knew, she was the only one to have two classes, and the only Beastmaster in anyone¡¯s memory. That was a lot of pressure if you thought about it, especially with Thorn and Reynard constantly going on about the possibilities for the new class, and even worse if people were setting other kinds of prophetic expectations on her. On the other hand, this was a war training camp. They really didn¡¯t have the luxury of holding the paws of people in order to help them get through an existential crisis. There was an enemy to defeat, and Beastmaster or not, a small fortune had been invested in Jesca to make sure that happened.


    As if sensing what they were thinking, Jesca looked up. ¡°I know I have a responsibility,¡± she said quietly. ¡°You gave me a Symbiote, something I could never have imagined happening in a million years, and I know I need to be the best Ranger I can be; the best Beastmaster I can be.¡± She pointed to her head. ¡°I know that.¡± Then, she thumped her clenched paw loudly to her chest a couple times, creating a hollow sound and looking almost pleadingly at Thorn. ¡°But in here, even if I don¡¯t show it, I¡¯m scared, sir. No, I¡¯m terrified! Not to fight, or even to die if that should happen. I¡¯m scared I can¡¯t live up to what everyone is now expecting of me, and because of that, they could die. I¡¯m not any kind of a leader, sir, and I really don¡¯t want to be.¡±


    ¡°You know,¡± Pelidri said, his deep voice resonating in the space again, ¡°the best of leaders come from those that never wished to be one.¡±


    Thorn turned to glare at the Arkan. ¡°That¡¯s not helping,¡± he said angrily, rank be damned. Against his better instincts, he had allowed Pelidri to accompany them, on the promise he would observe only. So far, he¡¯d done anything but. It wasn¡¯t that he was wrong, though. Many of the best leaders in history were indeed those that were thrust into the role by circumstance. No, the real problem was that the Arkan didn¡¯t understand the subtle nuances and psychology of Beastkin culture, at least not in the way that mattered to this issue. This needed to be handled carefully or it could make things worse.


    Beastkin, as a whole, were a very social people. Part of this was their animal cores instinctively seeking safety in numbers, while another was their shared history over the last five hundred years. As a result, especially for the younger ones still in their breeding prime, there was an intense pressure to fit in and focus on their social duties of raising families. It was far less pronounced in the cities, where Beastkin mingled freely with other races. But Jesca was from a remote Cheetahkin village populated nearly entirely by Cheetahkin. Thorn and Reynard both knew that all her life had been a constant pressure to be part of her pride, and not be odd or unique. The fact that she didn¡¯t want to breed or even take a mate was enough for her to be out of place, but at least not unheard of these days. But being thrust into this strange class of legend, with some already holding her up as the return of the Mimarnae, would be tough for any young Beastkin, especially a Cheetahkin female her age.


    ¡°So what do you want to do?¡± Reynard asked, the question quietly directed to Jesca.


    The Beastmaster shrugged. ¡°I would have told you about the skill eventually. I just wasn¡¯t ready, and I wanted to talk to Callie about it first. I just haven¡¯t had a chance to do that privately, since I¡¯ve been avoiding it and she¡¯s also been spending her free time with Pixyl.¡± Jesca rolled her eyes, her face smirking just slightly. Mockingly, she added, ¡°Actually, she would have just called it ¡®cool¡¯ and told me to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± both Thorn and Reynard echoed together.


    ¡°I want to get to Gold with my Ranger class, because at least I understand that,¡± Jesca said, trying to be confident, but obviously struggling. ¡°I¡¯ve set that challenge for myself, because I want to go back home, and being good at what I know is the best way to make sure that happens. I haven¡¯t really given any more thought beyond that. Becoming a Beastmaster has just made it all confusing.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll reach it, I¡¯m sure,¡± Reynard said. ¡°You¡¯re the most-driven of all of you, and your work shows it. If not for that Elemental mission, Callie wouldn¡¯t have made it until next week.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the one with ¡®leadership and charisma¡¯,¡± Jesca said, forcing a laugh. ¡°She would have been a better Beastmaster than me.¡±


    ¡°Now there¡¯s an absolutely terrifying thought,¡± Reynard said, his eyes going wide as he rolled them. ¡°I can¡¯t even begin to imagine what would happen to us if she¡¯d become a Beastmaster. Can you imagine her as the Mimarnae?¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Jesca laughed again. Then she looked at Thorn. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should have told you. I should have told you both. I was just ¡­ afraid. I still am.¡±


    Thorn cleared his throat and stood straighter. ¡°I understand, I really do, but I¡¯m going to ask you to not do that again. It¡¯s not an order, simply a request. We were trying to be helpful, even if we came on a bit strong. For that, I do apologize.¡±


    Jesca nodded in understanding.


    Thorn continued, ¡°But, that said, it is my intention to keep you here for the four-week extended session, to focus that time on your new class in the hope of getting it to Silver before you leave.¡± He gestured to Reynard. ¡°He¡¯s been tasked with developing the training to do that while he¡¯s convalescing, and getting your Beastmaster class to Silver is another way to help get you back home.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay,¡± was all Jesca could respond with. She was actually surprised that they wanted to keep her longer. The extended session, from what Xera had said at the dinner in the beginning, was for people to learn leadership things, which, again, she wanted no part of.


    ¡°In the meantime,¡± Thorn resumed, rubbing the top of his head, ¡°you have a few weeks of term remaining after Midsummer is over. Actually, a little bit more than expected, as we¡¯ll be keeping everyone a couple extra days due to losing time to the holiday. Go ahead and use that remaining time to focus on your Ranger class. It will be hard work, but we¡¯ll make sure you get to Gold. Don¡¯t worry about your Beastmaster side for now, unless you want to spend some of your own time on it. I suppose there are some things you might be able to mix in with the Ranger studies, too. Would that work for you?¡±


    Jesca nodded. She was just a recruit. It wasn¡¯t like she could really say no, after all.


    ¡°I may want to get together,¡± Reynard said, ¡°to discuss ideas for your extended-term training against the things my research is finding, so do give some thought as to what you might find valuable to study.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Thorn gestured with his head. ¡°Tasi has been over here scowling at me for several minutes to get us to leave, so we will do that. One last request, however. Do not share that you are staying on with anyone, including Callie. All those chosen will be informed at the right time.¡±


    Jesca nodded a third time, and then saw Tasi peeking around the corner, a somewhat irritated look directed toward Thorn and the other two. Reynard rose and started to crutch-walk out of the alcove, Pelidri standing aside to let both him and Thorn pass.


    ¡°Recruit,¡± the Arkan asked, ¡°what did you mean when you said you shouldn¡¯t even be here?¡± He didn¡¯t miss much.


    Jesca could feel herself flush with a bit of guilt, but she couldn¡¯t lie to them, not any more. ¡°My mother picked the black stone, not me. I switched it for mine and then claimed I had drawn it.¡± Then, feeling a need to explain, she added, ¡°I have six younger siblings, the youngest is seven, and they couldn¡¯t be allowed to lose their mother. None of them actually need me, though.¡±


    Pelidri nodded, an odd smile appearing on his face. ¡°I¡¯ve been in and out of the Cillisine army several times in my life, taking breaks to raise family or other reasons before coming back. The first time, my father was conscripted into our brief little skirmish with the Goblins in northeast Cillisant, about fifty years before the Slaver Wars. Two days before he was to leave, I snuck away from home. Pelidri is my father¡¯s name, and that¡¯s the name that was on the army¡¯s list, so they asked no questions when I told them it was mine. I eventually came to find out he spent nearly a month trying to convince the army that they took the wrong person. My real name is Kalilgrin, but I¡¯ve gone by Pelidri ever since. You did a good thing.¡± He put his hand to his chest and bowed deeply, Cillisine style. ¡°Few know that secret, young Beastmaster, and I am honored to share it with you.¡±


    Jesca and the Arkan locked eyes for a long moment, and she saw that he truly understood why she had done that. She finally managed to respond with a simple, ¡°Thank you.¡±

 Chapter 63 Part 1 - Zen and the Art of Flying ... Poorly

    PART I - ZEN AND THE ART OF FLYING ¡­ POORLY


    ¡°I think this is one of my dumber ideas,¡± Lena called out, a grin trying to cover the look of apprehension on her face. She was standing on top of the shelter next to where the Bladedancers usually trained.


    ¡°You can,¡± Koka began to call out.


    ¡°...do it!¡± Moka completed with encouragement.


    ¡°We¡¯re ready if you need us,¡± Ambria confirmed, twiddling her fingers in the air. Lhawni was standing next to her and did the same.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t break your neck,¡± Major Celeste warned. ¡°We can repair everything else. If you fall, try to roll through it with your Acrobatics.¡±


    Lena frowned, looking past the other Bladedancers and the two Healers, to see a small crowd that had formed, which included both the Commandant and that Arkan guy. The latter had been down at Medical with Jesca, and just arrived on the field a few minutes ago before being drawn here by the commotion. She didn¡¯t need the additional pressure.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone laughing if I fall on my face!¡± Lena called out in warning, holding a pointed finger up to everyone. ¡°It¡¯s my first time!¡± There were still a few pre-chuckles from the onlookers.


    That morning, Lena reached Silver, and among all the upgrades and enhancements to her current perks and skills, and a couple expected new ones, she received two new melded skills, along with an off-class one. She¡¯d tried out one of the melded ones a few times without using its second effect, just to get a feel for it, but this was her first attempt to really use it properly. She looked down. It couldn¡¯t be more than three meters to the ground, right? She wouldn¡¯t have to fall very far ¡­ right?


    Lena moved to the back of the roof in order to get a bit of a running start, and maybe work up her nerve a little more. Turning, she stared ahead, ignoring the crowd and her fellow classmates, focusing on the distant horizon as Xera had suggested she do while still learning. She pulled her helmet on tight, it fitting loosely with no hair underneath any more. "You can do this," she whispered to herself, trying to boost her confidence, ¡°and if you fail, at least you''ll probably only kill yourself. Nothing too serious, right?¡± She added a couple quick meditative breathing exercises that Callie was so fond of to help calm herself, but they didn¡¯t really help in the slightest.


    Turning her back to the crowd, she tried one last round of self-encouraging words. ¡°Lenora, you¡¯re an idiot," the words said. Nope, not encouraging in the slightest. Sighing deeply, Lena screwed up her courage, spun around and rushed forward, calling forth her new skill.


    WINGS OF GLORY


    As she reached the edge of the roof, a pair of bright, golden wings sprouted from Lena¡¯s back, spreading out to catch the air. They were made up of a vaguely hazy, semi-transparent ghostly glow, and with a wingspan much wider than you¡¯d expect, at least compared to wings on the winged Fae. Leaping off the roof, she invoked the second part of the new skill, pushing off the shelter roof telekinetically to get a brief boost of speed and power, which in turn resulted in height.


    ¡°Extraordinary!¡± Arkan Pelidri exclaimed, while a series of ¡®oooooo¡¯ noises went up from the crowd as Lena shot upwards, the wings leaving little trails of bright particles fading in the air.


    Lena¡¯s next goal was to start on a forward glide. The wings couldn¡¯t really flap with much strength, as they weren¡¯t designed to get additional altitude, but Lena could change their position and shape to help control said glide. The skill also gave her two more boosts that she could use to propel herself forward or higher. Right now, though, her only focus was maintaining some semblance of control and maybe not looking like a complete fool in front of the senior officers, as the panic started to overtake her.


    Lena got plenty of height, more than she probably should have, shooting upwards about five meters, but forwards only about two. At apogee, she instinctively cupped her wings to catch the air, but the angle was bad. This had the effect of almost instantly slowing any forward momentum, resulting in an immediate stall. She knew she was supposed to be watching the horizon, so she could focus on moving forward in the glide, but after a couple moments, ground below her loomed awfully large. She pitched forward and fell into an uncontrolled dive, wings flippy-flapping madly to try to at first maintain some kind of control, and then at least to slow herself down. Maybe calling it a dive was a bit generous.


    At the last moment, the wings somehow managed to catch the air, turning a little of Lena¡¯s falling into a bit of forward speed so that she didn¡¯t plow into the ground head first. But the ground was still there, and while she had growing forward momentum, she still smashed into it. Lena instinctively tried to tumble through, using Acrobatics as the Major had suggested, but only got one somersault in before finishing a long slide on her chest, her hands and face scraping against the ground for almost three meters.


    A hush fell over the crowd, several people instinctively making wincing faces and noises in sympathy.


    ¡°I¡¯m alive,¡± Lena called, still facing down into the dirt, as she raised her arm high to prove it. ¡°Owwww!¡± she groaned slowly. The palm of her raised hand was covered in dirt, grass, scrapes and cuts from the slide, just beginning to turn a little red with small amounts of blood. The wings on her back seemed to flicker, before disappearing into a small cloud of golden mist.


    Now knowing she wasn¡¯t dead, a few scattered applause for being alive, and more likely for crashing so spectacularly, came from the crowd as Ambria and Lhawni rushed forward. Xera held up their hand to the two Healers. ¡°Hold a moment,¡± they said.


    Still groaning, Lena rolled to her back, showing similar injuries on both her other hand and on one side of her face. They weren¡¯t serious, but were at least a minor case of road-rash, and it had to be painful. With a colorful expletive, she forced herself to sit up, looked at her bleeding hands, and made a wincing face as she spat some grass and dirt out of her mouth. ¡°Owwww!¡± Lena groaned again, now with a little fake sobbing mixed in.


    ¡°If you have the mana, try that other new melded skill,¡± Xera suggested.


    ¡°Make sure you have the mana,¡± Major Celeste warned quickly, as she took up a spot next to the two healers. ¡°The last thing we need is you joining Jesca down at Medical.¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°I should be okay,¡± Lena said, still a tinge of whining in her voice. ¡°It was good I tried the wings out a couple times to get used to that spell, so the mana cost wasn¡¯t that bad any more. Give me a moment on the other one.¡± Working to ignore the pain, she focused, and then had to focus harder and past the distractions, before managing to call forth her second new melded skill.


    BATTLE HEAL


    A warm feeling began to pass through Lena as the magic came to life. The description of the effect stated it was somewhat similar to a Shaman¡¯s Healing Pulse from their Totems, in that it functioned primarily to dull some pain and heal simple wounds. Unlike many healing spells, though, Lena¡¯s new skill did not require concentration once it was used. Instead, after casting, it would run its course over thirty seconds by itself, working to heal any existing wounds, as well as new ones that might be sustained, while likewise addressing some of the pain. All this without needing any channeling or other focus. Battle Heal wasn¡¯t something that would address anything serious, likely only to help stem some bleeding for a major injury, but for all the common nicks, bruises, scratches and light cuts that might be received as a lightly-armored Guardian, it was perfect.


    The light tingling sensation continued, and the scrapes on Lena¡¯s hands and face began to knit themselves together, the stinging pain immediately evaporating as a few pebbles of dirt, grass and sand were pushed out of the wounds. It only took a few seconds, perhaps ten or so, before Lena¡¯s hands were healed. After a few more, so was her face.


    ¡°Very good!¡± Xera said as Lena got to her knees so Lhawni could clean her up and verify everything was healed properly. Around them, a few more applause came from the crowd at seeing the second spell doing its thing.


    Lhawni quickly pushed a Rejuvenation into Lena, on the chance her mana had become low. Then, using a damp cloth, she wiped Lena¡¯s face before inspecting it closely, both visually and using her Diagnose spell. The wounds were gone, with not even a mark remaining to show they had ever existed, just a very light bruise that would likely fade by the end of the day. ¡°It did a good job,¡± the Goblin said, glancing up to Xera and nodding. ¡°Really good, in fact.¡± Ambria quickly stepped in, confirming the same after her own inspection.


    ¡°You can¡¯t cast that on others, correct?¡± the Arkan asked.


    Lena shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s self-only, Arkan, and it doesn¡¯t look like the future tiers changes that, based on the description. At later tiers, it¡¯s also supposed to be able to remove poisons, which I could certainly see as useful if fighting someone that poisons their blades or a venomous monster,¡± Then, remembering back to when Pixyl and Bratig had their drinking contest, Lena added, ¡°Or, I suppose, if I need to sober up quickly.¡±


    ¡°How often are you able to use it?¡± Xera asked.


    ¡°Right now, I only have a single charge, and there¡¯s a three-minute cooldown.¡±


    Xera frowned. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty lengthy recharge time in the midsts of battle, but I¡¯m sure that will decrease as you rank it up. You¡¯ll need to balance its usefulness against that limitation.¡±


    ¡°Still, this is a wonderful new skill,¡± Pelidri beamed as he clapped his hands together a few times, before quickly adding, ¡°Your wings are quite stupendous, as well. Congratulations on reaching Silver.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lena replied, groaning a little as she rose to her feet. ¡°I think those wings will be really useful to get to new spots if I don¡¯t have a clear Flashstep, or if there¡¯s a height difference to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Exactly that,¡± Xera said. ¡°I used my ability to fly extensively in combat for just those reasons. As a fellow Bladedancer, I know full well you will find the skill invaluable.¡±


    ¡°I just need to learn how to use it,¡± Lena groused, looking at her now-healed hands. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you winged Fae do it so casually.¡±


    ¡°We start flying practically as toddlers,¡± Xera laughed, ¡°almost before we can walk. It¡¯s essentially an instinct for us. You¡¯ll get it. Just remember, focus on the destination, or failing that, the horizon. If anything, that will help to stem any panic. You¡¯ll fall as you learn, but you have your skills to tumble or heal through that. Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t take long to become proficient.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lena said, blushing again as she surveyed the trench her body had torn in the ground.


    ¡°Did you receive any other melded skills,¡± Xera asked as follow up.


    ¡°No, just those two. However, I also received an off-class skill, Sigil of Shielding.¡±


    ¡°A Sigil spell?¡± Xera asked, raising an eyebrow and instinctively turning to see if Natala was around.


    Lena could only shrug. ¡°It¡¯s only Iron, though, so I don¡¯t think it will be very powerful at first. Like Callie did for her Sigil of Amplification, should I ask the Sergeant¨CMajor for assistance?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Xera said with a nod. ¡°I know she possesses the same skill, too. That is definitely an excellent one for a Guardian, and she¡¯s one of the finest Sigilists in the kingdom. I¡¯ll let her know, but she may not have time until after Midsummer. She has duties, and her husband is here for the holiday as well.¡±


    ¡°I can help a little bit, too,¡± came a small voice, and everyone looked down to see Callie had apparently been part of the crowd. ¡°I mean, I know I just learned mine, but the basic stuff is pretty easy.¡±


    There were dubious looks on the faces of Xera and Lena. ¡°Maybe you let the Sergeant-Major do it her way, recruit,¡± Xera said slowly, her look and tone making it pretty obvious this wasn¡¯t really a suggestion.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Callie replied, either not picking up on the incredulousness of the Commandant, or just taking it in stride. ¡°However I can help ¡­ or not help, for that matter.¡± She looked at Lena before gushing, ¡°Your new wings are amazing, by the way!¡±


    ¡°Uh, thanks,¡± Lena said, a little embarrassed at all the praise while at the same time still recovering from Callie¡¯s terrorizing offer of assistance. She would have turned her down, honestly, but Xera took care of needing to be rude to her friend. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be with your class?¡±


    ¡°With Jesca down for the day and me already at Silver, Vonn is working directly with the other two on a couple things for a bit, rather than the normal lesson plan, so I had time to watch you faceplant. That healing spell is really cool, too!¡±


    ¡°Cool?¡± Pelidri asked, having not heard the word used in that context before.


    ¡°It means ¡®very interesting¡¯ in crazy-Gnome-speak,¡± Xera replied, giving Callie a wink. ¡°It¡¯s become used quite frequently around here this term.¡± Xera then looked up. ¡°Arkan, should we continue on? I believe the Shamans would be next. One of them reached Silver this morning as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah!¡± Callie bounced. ¡°Xin got it, too! She¡¯s got a flight form now that looks like a miniature pterodactyl, and a new melded skill.¡±


    ¡°A ptero-what?¡± Pelidri asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a lizard-bird with long leathery wings they walk on, about this big,¡± Callie held her arms a good ways apart. ¡°She hasn¡¯t tried flying yet, I don¡¯t think. Trainer Maugra wanted to wait and focus on it when they had some one-on-one time.¡±


    ¡°Recruit Callie?¡± Xera asked, raising an eyebrow and projecting fake politeness.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Go be elsewhere!¡±


    Callie looked up at the Commandant, and then at Arkan Pelidri, and then finally got the hint. ¡°Right,¡± she said slowly, backing away. ¡°I¡¯ll, uh, just ¡­ go ¡­ not here ¡­ away.¡± As she scampered off, she looked back once, adding a wincing, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°She seems quite the handful,¡± Pelidri said with a chuckle. ¡°Young Gnomes tend to be that way. Older ones, too, for that matter.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you have no idea,¡± Xera replied, rolling their eyes, but actually smiling.

 Chapter 63 Part 2 - Spearmaster Xinchaine

    PART II - SPEARMASTER XINCHAINE


    ¡°Have you noticed a rather high number of melded skills amongst your recruits?¡± Pelidri asked as he and Xera left the Bladedancer area. ¡°I myself have only two, plus off-class ones I¡¯ve studied over the years, and you know what tier and how old I am. I¡¯ve even had a worm since I was Silver. Strange she received that Sigil skill at Iron as well. A Bladedancer doing Sigil work? I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing.¡±


    ¡°We have indeed recently become aware of the frequency, and we¡¯re looking into it. Thorn has a theory he is looking into, but it may strike many as quite outlandish. Given what we¡¯ve been seeing, especially this term, outlandish may actually have some merit, though.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Should I wait and talk to him directly or would you be able to summarize?¡±


    Xera led them over to where the Paladins were practicing, those that were resting jumping into action at seeing the Commandant and Arkan observing. Casually, they watched the recruits, not really paying much attention, as Xera relayed the condensed version of the theory regarding Symbiotes talking to each other and exchanging skills and ideas. They mentioned it was Callie that kicked the whole idea off, but skipped that she could apparently talk to her worm, focusing simply on what they were seeing here and what Thorn had found when he eventually started to look through the records. Xera knew the Arkan would probably learn of Callie¡¯s Symbiote conversations, but didn¡¯t want to put her so center to the discussion at the start.


    ¡°Again, this is all theory, with no real controlled study, so make of it what you will. Thorn is likely the camp expert when it comes to Symbiotes, however. Well, he and Master Healer Tasi. You¡¯d need to have a long talk with Thorn to dig into it more, and I warn you he¡¯ll academic out on you quite a bit.¡±


    Pelidri chuckled lightly as he stroked his beard in consideration, half-watching Koda and Jitta sparring with each other, the latter projecting a dome of semi-transparent light from her shield to block the Bearkin¡¯s blows. ¡°You know ¡­¡± he finally began, gesturing to the two Paladins, ¡°if there is any truth to this theory, you might be able to turn, say, a Warrior with a worm into a partial Paladin, with enough extended exposure to each other.¡±


    Xera blinked in surprise. They had been a little dubious of Thorn and Callie¡¯s idea of doing exactly that to fill out the ranks next term, but now the Arkan had immediately leapt to it on his own. ¡°Thorn suggested that, as well,¡± Xera finally said. ¡°He¡¯d like to add a few straight Warriors with Symbiotes next term, just to see what might happen. We¡¯ll need to find a good Warrior trainer for their base skills, but his hope would be that they might pick up a few things from at least the Berserkers or Barbarians, or perhaps even the Paladins and Bladedancers.¡±


    ¡°It would indeed be an intriguing experiment. You¡¯d need enough Warriors to have a proper test group, without too many that they overshadow the Advanced classes. Maybe ¡­ a half-dozen?¡±


    Thorn had been estimating they¡¯d need to fill out the ranks with about twice that for the next term, plus or minus a few, depending on what worm hunters and ultimately who the recruiters found. Xera was starting to wonder if Thorn¡¯s idea might actually have some merit. Plus, if the Arkan had come to a similar conclusion on his own, that would help the program quite a bit, politically that was. No matter what, they needed the bodies, but if it actually worked¡­


    ¡°Well, you must let me know how the experiment goes, Commandant. I¡¯ll be most-interested to learn of your results, and I¡¯m curious to look through your records as well. Could you see that they are delivered to my cabin?¡± Without waiting for a reply, he turned and looked onward. ¡°Shall we go meet your Shamans?¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°I¡¯d like to introduce our lead Shaman trainer, Cheena, who is nearly Platinum. She was not here last time you visited. You already know Captain Maugra, who is Platinum herself and our other Shaman trainer.¡±


    ¡°Arkan,¡± Maugra acknowledged, placing her hand to her chest and nodding in acknowledgement.


    Pelidri seemed at first slightly confused by the lower-tiered trainer being the lead, but then made a connection as he remembered the Goblin from the previous summer. ¡°Maugra?¡± His eyes almost bugged out, and he finally spluttered, ¡°You must forgive me, I do not wish to be rude, but you seem much more spry than the last time we met.¡±


    The Goblin glanced at Xera, unsure how to respond.


    ¡°Without going into detail,¡± Xera interjected, ¡°we came into possession of some unicorn blood, and it was used on two of our oldest trainers. In turn, they agreed to a term of service and a reactivation of their commissions. It was that, or lose their lifetimes of expertise to retirement.¡±


    ¡°Unicorn blood? Xera! You know that ¡­¡±


    The Commandant held up their hand to forestall Pelidri. ¡°There is more complexity to the decision, but I have come to believe this will serve the war effort. In the interests of time and privacy, may we discuss it in more detail later? I can fully brief you on the totality of the circumstances.¡±


    ¡°I see. Was this taken from the foal? The Beastmaster¡¯s Companion, that is?¡±


    ¡°It was from the foal¡¯s mother, regrettably. She was killed during a combat mission, and we were able to harvest it from her body. The remainder, as well as other parts, will be distributed back through the supply chains.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Pelidri said again. ¡°I am regretting that we didn''t have time yesterday evening to speak. I had obligations and was simply exhausted from the trip, and now I must insist that we do so tonight,¡± He still had a bewildered tone in his voice, but understanding Xera¡¯s need for a more detailed discussion.


    Xera refocused their attention back to their trainers, moving on. ¡°Trainers, would you care to introduce your students?¡±


    Quickly, Cheena and Maugra lined up the four Shaman recruits, Cheena introducing each of the Goblins by name, Lhawni having come over from the Bladedancer area. Pelidri actually took a moment to praise Lhawni directly, almost gushingly so, for the way she took command of the scene earlier when she was tending to Jesca. For someone with only a few weeks of formal training, he found her confident, focused, efficient and most importantly, commanding. Chown and Swopik in particular beamed at the praise for their fellow Goblin, excited to see one of their race make an impression. Goblins tended to be somewhat overlooked when it came to such accolades.


    ¡°Finally,¡± Cheena said, ¡°This is Xinchaine, Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe. She is a volunteer and has come to us as a trained Spearmaster, now excelling in her new role as Shaman. So much so, in fact, that she was the first of the four to reach Silver, achieving that this morning.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Congratulations, Shaman Xinchaine,¡± Pelidri said simply.


    ¡°Thank you, Arkan,¡± Xin said stiffly, her tail twitching slightly with the praise.


    ¡°A little pink-haired gossip informed me you received a new flight form, as well as a melded skill?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, the pink Little One is my cabinmate, and she does tend to be ¡­ always around,¡± Xin said, no animosity in the answer and surprisingly diplomatic in the tone of her response. ¡°I have actually received two new melded skills,¡± the Lizardkin added, stiffening even more and beaming proudly.


    ¡°Would you care to demonstrate your new capabilities?¡± Xera said, gesturing to the training ring.


    Quickly the three Goblin recruits retreated to the side as Xin moved to the center, Maugra next to her, while Cheena continued on to apparently prepare something.


    ¡°I am told my new form is called a Phelnix,¡± Xin said. ¡°I am not familiar with this type of creature, but my cabinmate Tazrok knew of them. They apparently come from mountains beyond the great plains, far to the south and west.¡±


    ¡°We have not yet tried to fly,¡± Maugra added. ¡°We will start to work on it slowly this afternoon, lest she injure herself too severely while learning.¡±


    ¡°Quite understandable,¡± Pelidri said.


    With a gesture towards Xin, Maugra took a step away.


    Forgoing any preamble, Xin focused momentarily and her shape wibbled into her new form. While none would know the comparison Callie had made, the creature did indeed look similar to a miniature pterodactyl, with long, leathery wings approximately one-and-a-half meters from tip to tip immediately obvious. With the wings folded, they functioned as a pair of front legs, although you could get an immediate sense that this awkward walking method wasn¡¯t something this creature preferred, instead being much more capable in the air. Xin¡¯s new sharply-angular head had a long mouth filled with dozens of small, sharp teeth, as well as four large ones that protruded at the front like canines. Along the top and back of her head was a long fin that functioned to assist with control while flying, or, more importantly, when diving at fast speeds.


    ¡°Most impressive!¡± Pelidri cheered at the new form. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of one of these creatures, but see this is indeed a most-excellent flyer.¡± He turned to Xera. ¡°I always love it when Druids and Shamans get their new forms for the first time. So exciting.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Arkan,¡± Xin said as she resumed her people form. ¡°I am quite eager to learn to fly.¡±


    ¡°This is all set up,¡± Cheena called. While Xin had been showing off the new animal form, the trainer, with a little help from Chown, had moved several hay bales into position and hung a large piece of cloth on it that was painted in the same manner as what the Rangers would use for target practice.


    Maugra gave Xin a gesture towards the Arkan, indicating she should take lead on the explanation. She added a bit of a ¡®go ahead¡¯ nod for encouragement, before stepping far out of the way.


    ¡°One of the new melded skills I received is called Spectral Spear,¡± Xin began. As she spoke, she held out her clawed hand and a ghostly-white form of a spear appeared in it. The weapon seemed to be intricately detailed, despite the wispy substance, with decorative curves and shapes seemingly etched into the glowing smoke-like mist. If it had been real, it would be exquisite in craftsmanship. In the blink of an eye, Xin spun as she pulled her arm back, before throwing it into the target, where it hit nearly center, piercing through.


    Xin again brought her arm back, readying it to throw as a second spear formed. As before, the spear hit center mass, maybe a centimeter away from the first. Xin spun, calling up a third spear, this time using a slightly-awkward underhand throw to put the weapon into the target with as much force as the first two. The Lizardkin continued, summoning another half-dozen in succession. She twisted and spun, putting on almost a Martialist-like dance as each new spear was formed, thrown, and lethally impaled into and through the target, some even seeming to split previous ones. As she continued her demonstration, a small crowd of recruits and others slowed and finally stopped to watch, dumbfounded at both the new magical skill, but also the unerring beauty and perfection of Xin¡¯s movements.


    Finally, the spear in her hand began to crackle with electricity, as Xin added an effect from her Elemental Weapon skill to it. With one final perfect throw at the target, flashes of lightning danced over and around it, causing multiple wisps of smoke to rise from the ends of the target¡¯s innards as there was a small clap of thunder, some straw going flying from a small explosion at the point of impact.


    Xin made a single, final leaping spin, her tail making a whip-like snap, as she landed facing Xera and Pelidri. She came to a stiff attention, another Spectral Spear forming and held upright at her side, where it glowed with a bright, white haze. She wasn¡¯t even breathing hard, in spite of the amazing athleticism she¡¯d just demonstrated.


    ¡°I would have used fire, but I was warned not to burn anything down,¡± Xin said matter-of-factly. ¡°It would have been more impressive.¡±


    A few scattered applause from onlookers, as well as whoops of encouragement from the three Goblin Shaman recruits, rippled across the area. Xera stood there slightly amazed, having never really seen Xin go all-out in spear mode, and quite impressed. Pelidri seemed a little more reserved, but still wore a huge grin on his face.


    After a long moment, the Arkan began to slowly clap. He did so maybe a dozen times. ¡°In the Cillisine army,¡± Pelidri finally began, ¡°we have a regiment of elite Spearmasters, quite renowned for their skill and lethality on the battlefield. You, my friend, have shown both a skill and a perfection that would rival many of them. You do those that trained you proud, and there is no doubt the enemy will suffer under your wrath.¡±


    Xin beamed at the praise and comparison, as did Cheena and Maugra, who had both stepped up to join her. Xin was already arguably the most-skilled of the four Shaman recruits, at least offensively. Thus, it was easy to forget the non-Shaman combat prowess she had brought with her from home. In fact, really the only demonstration of any capabilities from that previous life came from the bunkerball field, where her uncanny accuracy had been a big part of the team¡¯s success. Now, it would be impossible for anyone to forget.


    The spear demonstration over, Xin dismissed the ghostly weapon she was holding, which disappeared into a puff of white mist. At the target, which was now nearly destroyed, one by one the other spears exceeded their summon time and began to also fade away.


    ¡°Tell us of your other new melded skill,¡± Xera ordered.


    ¡°It is quite simple, and unfortunately healing related,¡± Xin began. ¡°It is called Suppress Pain, and as suggested, allows me to temporarily block any pain a person may have. I can either do this generally, or focus it on an extremity, if needed.¡±


    ¡°Like the Combat Healer skill?¡± Xera asked, eyes going wide with surprise.


    ¡°It seems that way,¡± Maugra said, ¡°at least in effect. We were planning to seek out Trainer Winnu, or perhaps the Faun, to compare the descriptions of the two before working with it much. I know the Combat Healer skill is called Block Pain, so we suspect Recruit Xin¡¯s may not be quite as powerful, based simply on that name difference¡±


    ¡°Still, an invaluable new skill,¡± Xera said, ¡°and a capability Shamans do not normally receive.  Use it well, Recruit.¡±


    ¡°Why did you say ¡®unfortunately¡¯?¡± Pelidri asked, ever observant and having picked up on Xin¡¯s choice of words. ¡°As the Commandant said, this is an incredibly useful new skill.¡±


    Xin rubbed the spines on the back of her neck, seeming almost ashamed. ¡°I much prefer using my combat skills, rather than waiting around for someone to get hurt while doing nothing, to be honest, Arkan. It is quite surprising I would receive this new skill, for that reason.¡±


    ¡°Despite that,¡± Cheena quickly and defensively interjected, ¡°Xin is quite the capable Healer, even if not her first choice of role. All of our recruits are, in fact.¡± She gestured to the three Goblins to include them.


    ¡°Healers are quite critical on the battlefield,¡± Pelidri said. While he was specifically addressing Xin, almost in a lecture, his comments were aimed at all four recruits with a tone that told them to listen closely to what he was saying. ¡°In combat, there is nearly always some other way for someone to attack and do damage to the enemy, but without healers, that line can quickly crumble and fall. I¡¯m sure your trainers have said as much. Even if it is not your preference, it should be your primary focus. You understand, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Arkan!¡± the three Goblin Shamans replied quickly and in unison. Xin¡¯s identical response came as well, but it was a little slower, and tinged with a bit of frustration, or at least unhappy resignation.

 Chapter 63 Part 3 - Two-and-a-Half Skills

    PART III - TWO-AND-A-HALF SKILLS


    ¡°We have almost no Lizardkin in Cillisant,¡± Pelidri said as he and Xera left the Shamans and continued their inspection. ¡°In fact, we have very few Beastkin of any type, outside of the capital. I¡¯ve seen those like your Lizardkin recruit in battle, when watching Imorian ranks, but always at a distance. Up close, she is something else.¡±


    ¡°She is indeed,¡± Xera agreed.


    ¡°How do you keep them, your Beastkin I mean, organized and from fighting with each other?¡± Pelidri asked. It was a genuine curiosity, given the numerous cultural differences that needed to be juggled with all the different Beastkin here. Most of the various races had all been integrated for centuries before the Beastkin Escape, so generally there weren''t a lot of culture clashes. The Ogres, and to a lesser extent, the Goblins, were newer to the mix, but both seemed happy to integrate into society, dropping or adapting a lot of their ancient tribal customs. Somehow, though, Beastkin tended to have difficulty fitting in.


    Xera considered their response, not wanting to sound impolite. ¡°Imoria is probably about one-fifth Beastkin, maybe more if you ignore the secluded deep Fae lands to the east. Each sub-race brings a uniqueness to our ranks that has both benefits and challenges, and you learn to work with both. The Lizardkin tribes can be very militant, for example, always guarding their territory without mercy, so that explains her instinctive combat focus, and this instinct can be well-honed in the army ranks.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve simply never been able to integrate our few Beastkin into our army very well. There ends up being too many issues between them and others. Once our own Conscription began for this war, any Beastkin chosen were sent to service with the Imorian army instead, where you have found a solution, apparently.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not hard to address cultural differences,¡° Xera continued as they walked. ¡°People will follow orders, after all, even if it goes against their upbringing. No, what is difficult to overcome, and likely the challenge your army is facing, are the unique animal instincts deep within each Beastkin. You can¡¯t just order that to go away, because that wild part of them will always be there. This can inevitably lead to fights amongst the ranks, or worse.¡±


    ¡°So, how then?¡±


    ¡°In our experience, at least with the lower ranked enlisted and Conscripts, we have found only one way to truly address that, especially in a place like this with so many different Beastkin sub-races. You have to make them want to overcome that instinct, but you have to do it without telling them that¡¯s what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    Pelidri wore a confused look. ¡°So you reinforce patriotism and duty so they can focus on that?¡±


    Xera laughed lightly. ¡°That won¡¯t work for long. Patriotism doesn¡¯t mean much when the people around you are dying in battle. Once that fear and anger takes hold, then the instincts come right back to the surface and you get the same problems you¡¯ve seen in the Cillisine army.¡±


    ¡°Then how?¡±


    ¡°Last time you were here, you were quite shocked at the lax discipline. There¡¯s no marching and movement drills or barracks inspections. Yes, there is still rank and a proper chain, and we will enforce at minimum being polite to one another, but we can''t hold on so tight. No, we instead take on a ¡­ more of a teaching or mentoring approach instead, and encourage friendships and mutual support to develop. They end up learning as much from each other as we actually teach them.¡±


    ¡°What does this have to do with the Beastkin?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been found that by cultivating friendships and a desire to work together, many Beastkin seem to be better able to unconsciously push aside most of those conflicting animal instincts, or at least temper them, especially when the strain of front-line conditions begin to take their toll. Discipline issues are far less common with that encouragement, because those friendships win out over the instinct to rebel or be territorial. It was Thorn that actually suggested also trying this approach with the non-Beastkin recruits when I was putting the plans for this camp together years ago, and why I chose him to be Master Trainer.¡± Xera laughed again. ¡°I was skeptical at first, and even Legate Galin took a while to come around, but after one or two terms, we saw how well it worked. Even for the non-Beastkin races, they tended to excel because of the unity we were able to cultivate.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Pelidri said, rubbing his beard in contemplation. ¡°Make them want to¡­¡± His voice trailed off.


    Xera held up a hand. ¡°I will freely admit, for the non-Beastkin, this isn¡¯t for everyone, which is why we carefully choose who comes here. Even then, a few slip through that might need a more traditionally-disciplined approach. When we find them, we¡¯ll do that if we are able. If they are simply not suited, we will send them back to a basic training camp where the discipline is more structured.¡±


    Pelidri took a minute to contemplate what Xera had said. He had to admit he had very little experience working with Beastkin soldiers, and none with the lower-ranked on the line, but knew full well the reputation of disciplinary issues with mixed units in the Cillisine army. It was almost an expected occurrence with them, in fact. When the Beastkin were higher ranked sergeants or officers that he¡¯d worked with, a lot of that core instinctive behavior seemed diminished, but they were people with years of voluntary service or academy training, a maturity that came with it, and generally a strong sense of patriotism, as well.


    He then remembered back to the conversation he observed at the medical tent a short time ago. Cillisine commanders would have simply ordered the Beastmaster Cheetahkin to never do that again and get back to work, but Thorn and Reynard hadn¡¯t done that. The two trainers had warned him in advance of the meeting that Cheetahkin tended to be nervous and skittish, which often translated into feelings of self-doubt, especially for young females. To overcome that, they¡¯d taken the time to dig a little deeper to get to the ¡®why¡¯, not just the ¡®what¡¯. Pelidri didn¡¯t really understand it at the time, but by the end, the girl had seemed eager to not only continue to excel as a Ranger, but also to explore her strange new class, despite it making her feel so ostracized. All of that done without actually issuing her a specific order to do anything, but instead simply asking her. It was certainly something to think about, although, as Xera said, it wasn¡¯t likely an approach that worked with everyone.


    ¡°Ah, here we are,¡± Xera eventually interrupted, gesturing to another training area.


    In the ring, a giant spider was fending off an owlbear, another huge black bear, and an armored reptile. Off to the side stood a young Pantherkin, periodically calling out a correction or other observation. ¡°This must be the Druids?¡± Pelidri asked, his lips smirking. ¡°At least I hope it is. Otherwise you have a serious problem with your local wildlife.¡±


    The spider suddenly began to spin rapidly in a circle, using two legs to balance itself in a pirouette while the other six all lashed out, hitting each of its opponents multiple times, sending the two bears reeling. As for the last, a large Cyophroda, its heavy armor seemed to protect it from the blows, although all the hits were certainly disorienting it a bit. The spider soon stopped its dervish-like spinning, and melted into a new form, some kind of a giant, hairless black creature that Pelidri quickly recognized as a very-oversized hellhound. Still getting its senses back, the armored animal didn¡¯t see the change, and the hound leapt into the air. It landed on the other¡¯s back, then took up a seated position, its weight pinning it against body and ground. A tense few seconds passed, before the Cyophroda relaxed, yielding the contest. The hellhound got off, and both creatures wibbled into their normal forms, one becoming a Dwarf while the other was the Ogre.


    As the fight wound down, a cheer came from another spot around the training circle. It was Callie and a couple others enjoying the show. Jesca was also standing next to the group, looking a little tired but smiling and applauding the spectacle all the same. Iris was sitting on her shoulder, wings spread out to hold her balance while Jesca moved with her cheering. Artemis also seemed excited, having put her front legs over the top of the low fence, standing on the rear two.


    ¡°That Whirlwind skill is awful,¡± Melga groaned as she rubbed her shoulder with a slightly-glowing hand. Next to her, Wallir was doing the same. ¡°A hit or two from those legs is fine, but that many that fast ¡­ Thank you, at least, for not extending your claws, Tazrok. That would have torn us apart.¡±


    ¡°At least he wasn¡¯t sitting on you,¡± the other Dwarf said as he cracked his back.


    ¡°People!¡± Rowani called out, making a circle in the air with her paw to get everyone''s attention as she saw Xera and Pelidri had arrived and were both watching. Quickly, the four Druid students lined up in a group, the Ogre standing tall behind the other three.


    ¡°Commandant, Arkan,¡± Rowani said by way of greeting, giving a nod to both.


    Pelidri narrowed his eyes. This Pantherkin recruit was the one he¡¯d talked to during the inspection the day before, the Platinum tiered one. Now that he was paying more attention, he almost recognized her. Why did she seem so familiar?


    ¡°Arkan,¡± Xera said, gesturing towards the five, ¡°may I introduce Trainer Rowani and her Druid recruits.¡±


    Rowani? Where had he heard that name? Then it came to him. ¡°You weren¡¯t the trainer last year, were you?¡±


    ¡°I was, yes.¡±


    Pelidri snapped his fingers, pointed and looked at Xera. ¡°The other with the unicorn blood?¡± He then looked back to Rowani and chuckled. ¡°Seventeen years old and Platinum tiered,¡± he scoffed, shaking his head in amused disbelief. ¡°You made a fool out of me.¡± Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t seem proper to correct you in front of everyone,¡± Rowani replied curtly.


    ¡°Well, that explains the few giggles I heard from the ranks,¡± the Arkan said, rolling his eyes as he stepped forward to clasp wrists with Rowani. ¡°A good joke, nonetheless.¡±


    ¡°Rowani has also reactivated her commission, and like Trainer Maugra, carries the rank of Captain,¡± Xera explained. ¡°Also like Trainer Maugra, prior to her time with the Imorian Army, she was a long-time Adventurer.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see. Thank you for your service then.¡±


    ¡°Would you care to introduce your students?¡± Xera asked.


    The four recruits stiffened, and Rowani introduced each of them in turn, giving their tier and naming at least one animal form that each possessed, to provide a little more than just a name. Pelidri eyed them carefully, studiously observant and then graciously stating he was pleased to meet them, repeating their names with the pleasantries.


    ¡°Congratulations on reaching Silver this morning, Druid Tazrok,¡± Pelidri continued. Then, with a curious tone he added, ¡°Tell me, did you receive any new melded skills?¡±


    Tazrok looked perplexed for a moment, and then counted off on his hand. ¡°Um ¡­ two-and-a-half,¡± he finally responded. He glanced down at Rowani, as if asking her to explain.


    The Pantherkin laughed, and then spoke up to clarify. ¡°He has received three melded skills, but one is repeated, being available for both his natural form as well as his Guardian spider form.¡±


    ¡°Two-and-a-half,¡± Tazrok confirmed again with a nod, his answer now making at least a little more sense in context.


    ¡°Tell us about them, if you would?¡± Pelidri asked.


    ¡°First is ¡­ jug-er-not,¡± Tazrok said, sounding the word out slowly, it apparently being a little confusing for him. ¡°Can use as spider or as people. One plus a half of one. Can run fast and break things.¡±


    ¡°We have set up to demonstrate for you,¡± Rowani quickly interjected. ¡°Any explanation probably wouldn¡¯t do it justice, so it might just be easier to simply see it in action.¡± She then gestured towards a pile of perhaps a dozen hay bales.


    ¡°By all means,¡± The Arkan said. ¡°From the name, I have a suspicion I know what it might do. With his size, I certainly wish to see what comes of this.¡±


    Everyone cleared out of the ring, taking up positions along the fence surrounding the area. It wasn¡¯t really a fence so much as a lazy border of wood between training areas to mark them off, certainly not intended to keep anything in or out.


    Tazrok shifted into his spider form and moved to a spot about a dozen meters away from the pile, before turning to face it. You could feel a sense of nervousness coming off the Ogre-turned-spider, probably because the Arkan was watching so intently.


    Imagine if you started with the skill Dash, which allows a person to run at many times their normal speed for a few seconds. That would be the first part of Tazrok¡¯s new skill. At incomprehensible speed, Tazrok charged towards the pile that was the target, a light, green mist appearing behind him. That was just the start though. Next, looking almost like thick light-green glass made of near-solid smoke, a curved magical projection appeared in front of the spider, protecting Tazrok as he raced forward at speed.


    Like a bulldozer blade attached to an out-of-control dump truck with the gas pedal floored, the Ogre smashed into the hay bales. He didn¡¯t simply push them aside, though. That would have been too simple. Instead the pile simply seemed to explode out of the way, straw and string going flying from the impact and landing on several spectators.


    But ¡­ it was Tazrok, which meant there was no kill like overkill. He couldn¡¯t stop, and next blew through the dividing fence, simply shearing a section away, turning it into a shower of splinters. He wasn¡¯t done though, and the spiderdozer just kept going. He plowed into the woods, sending at least a dozen trees, some of them fairly thick, cast aside and crashing to the ground. The few birds in said trees flew off, angry squawking called back. After a couple dozen meters, the spider finally skidded to a stop, leaving behind him a three-meter-wide path of mostly cleared land.


    All watching were speechless as the Ogre, now back in his two-legged form, stumbled out of the woods, nearly tripping over a jagged remnant of a tree. He grimaced as he looked first at the broken fence and then the bales that had exploded everywhere, before looking over to Rowani and then to Pelidri. ¡°Oops.¡± A huge tree in the background made a loud creaking noise as it fell over, causing Tazrok to jump and make another wincing face.


    ¡°Oops?¡± Rowani gasped, staring up at the Ogre. ¡°Oops!?¡± She smacked his arm with the back of her paw. ¡°We talked about this!¡±


    ¡°Got excited,¡± Tazrok said meekly. ¡°Wanted to show skill good.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Xera began, looking first at the arboreal devastation and then up to the Ogre, ¡°should we need any land cleared, it appears we won¡¯t need to rely on the Sylvans.¡± There was a crash in the woods as yet another tree fell, seeming to punctuate the moment.


    ¡°Most excellent, my Ogre friend!¡± Pelidri said, his face beaming, before he started to nod. ¡°Based on the name of the skill, it was much as I thought it might be. Tazrok is it? If ever someone was downed, I believe you could clear a path to get to their rescue, or through the battle lines so others could follow. With your bulk, you will be nearly unstoppable.¡±


    Off to the side, Tazrok¡¯s cheering section had grown, Callie being joined by both Lena and Xin, who had both been released from their training for the day, as well as Pixyl, who was taking a breather from duties at the Demon-fighting area. The onlookers were whooping it up, Callie calling out ¡®you big tree killer¡¯ with a false sternness, which only made Tazrok blush even more. Maybe he had overdone it just a little bit.


    Rowani took in all the chaos and damage, as well as her student¡¯s cheering fans, and simply shook her head. ¡°We¡¯ll have to work on control a bit, it seems.¡± Trying to refocus on the demonstration, and with another glare up at Tazrok, Rowani continued. ¡°At Silver, Druids receive a new animal form, that being their aquatic one. We¡¯re not going to test that, though, because with Tazrok¡¯s luck, he¡¯ll have gills and be unable to breathe. Once the other three get their water forms, we¡¯ll fly out to a deep lake about twenty kilometers away to work on them.¡±


    ¡°But get other form,¡± Tazrok said. ¡°Digger form.¡±


    ¡°Digger?¡± Xera asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Rowani nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right, he received a second form, this one melded. I¡¯ve never heard of this form, just like his Brontorn Draft one. We decided to wait until you came by to see what it is, so you can share in the first time.¡±


    Pelidri grinned in subdued excitement as Tazrok moved center-circle, Rowani rushing out of the ring, making sure to leave him a wide berth.


    ¡°Wooo!!¡± Callie and the others called out encouragingly. They were as excited as everyone else.


    Tazrok focused and changed.


    Imagine a meter-high lump of pure muscle, covered in black fur, save for a wide white stripe running about two meters from nose-tip to tail. That was what everyone was seeing, a muscled lump with six stocky legs that each ended in a set of five ridiculously sharp, semi-retractable claws. The head was surprisingly small, but the mouth was filled with dagger-sharp teeth and sported a pair of beady black eyes capable of seeing in the dark. It may not have been very big compared to some of Tazrok¡¯s other forms, but with those claws backed up by nothing but muscle, it was capable of being quite devastating, that was for sure.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a giant honey badger!¡± Callie squealed.


    At the same time, Pelidri called out, ¡°A mining badger!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t recognize this animal,¡± Rowani said, her face making a confused, considering look before turning to look at the Arkan. ¡°Or I should say, I know it is a badger, but I don¡¯t recognize this variation.¡±


    Pelidri continued. ¡°These come from the mountains in northern Cillisant. In times long past, the Dwarves would domesticate them, and use them to assist with mining. Legends say they eat mithril, so their claws grew to become impossibly-hard, sharp enough to quickly tear right through most rock. There are Gnomish machines to do much of the work these days, so packs of these creatures aren¡¯t used any more, and over time they¡¯ve gone wild and now generally live in small colonies.¡±


    Tazrok picked up a foot and looked at the claws at its end. They were beyond sharp and beyond strong, and he made a test dig in the sandy dirt. There wasn¡¯t even minimal resistance, the claws passing through like a knife through butter.


    ¡°Actually, according to the stories, the Dwarves also used them as battle mounts, as they are able to handle their dense weight without problem, and were easily able to navigate the mountain terrain. Not very fast mounts, but incredibly sturdy with great endurance.¡±


    ¡°Mountable war badgers?¡± Xera asked with a chuckle. ¡°That would be a sight to see.¡±


    ¡°It certainly would,¡± Pelidri agreed. ¡°This was all centuries ago, though. You¡¯d need to talk to a Cillisine historian to learn more about the lore.¡¯


    ¡°You hear that,¡± Callie cooed to Tazrok. ¡°You have badger-lore!¡± She grinned up at Jesca. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I¡¯ve always loved these guys. They don¡¯t take no shit.¡± Then, she remembered to add a quick, ¡°Why do I remember that?¡±


    While Callie had been gushing, Tazrok walked under the fencing and over to a medium-sized boulder. He looked at the claws on one foot again, and seemed to give a badger-like shrug. He swiped at the rock and a small chunk immediately cut off, plopping to the ground with a thump. He made another swipe. Another chunk was sliced off. Very quickly Tazrok started to see what this form was all about, and why it was called ¡®Digger¡¯. A myriad of battle ideas for it flooded into his head, like digging a pit trap, or a hole he could ambush someone from. There was potential here.


    ¡°You know, Commandant,¡± Pelidri said as Tazrok returned to normal form and rejoined the rest, ¡°one thing about this place I love is how there are surprises at every turn. You are doing wonderful work here.¡±


    ¡°Why ¡­ thank you, Arkan,¡± Xera replied, actually shocked by the praise. The first time he¡¯d been here the year previous, the Arkan had actually complained several times. First it was the distance he¡¯d had to come, and then that Xera was too lax on military discipline compared to his army from home, and then, inevitably, about the costs. In fact, he had generally been miserable the entire time. Xera had been quite surprised that he returned to Imor with positive support, and more so when the message arrived saying he wished to come back for another Midsummer. This time he seemed ¡­ not just praising, but genuinely happy to be here. It was a little eerie in a way, but Xera wasn¡¯t going to complain if it translated into positive support.


    Pelidri looked up, judging the sky. ¡°It seems we are coming close to noon. I¡¯d like to take a break for a meal, and to send a Network message or two, if that would be agreeable?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Xera said. The plan had been to close training down for the afternoon once Pelidri¡¯s inspection was completed, to get an early start on changes needed to the field for the holiday. This was going to push the schedule off, at least for the few classes he hadn¡¯t seen yet, but Xera couldn¡¯t exactly say no.


    ¡°Excellent, I will certainly ¡­¡±


    Pelidri¡¯s words suddenly trailed off, and he turned to look back towards the camp, the look on his face becoming almost horrified. ¡°By the stars!¡± he gasped.


    Everyone else turned to look in the same direction. Jesca also gasped, putting her paw to her mouth, a squeak of surprise and a look of almost equal horror coming from the Cheetahkin. After a couple moments, Callie¡¯s sensitive ears heard what the other two had, and her heart became heavy. She¡¯d known it was just a matter of time, and that time had arrived.


    It was Sergeant-Major Natala, standing on a shelter roof, just completing the Amplified reading of a formal proclamation, much like a town crier might. People began to rush towards her, including Xera, Pelidri and all those that were around them. ¡°The King Regents are dead! May the stars shine upon Imoria,¡± Natala called to the world.

 Chapter 64 Part 1 - Mastercraft

    PART I - MASTERCRAFT


    The entire kingdom of Imoria became subdued and quiet as the proclamation traveled at the ludicrous speed of the Network and rumor, tumbling like a torrent of news in all directions. The excitement for the upcoming holiday wasn¡¯t quite completely killed, but it had been muted for the moment, set aside to deal with something more important. The King Regents were dead! That¡¯s what the royal proclamation had said. Both Regents. Beloved former kings now gone. Across the land, hearts began to ache at the loss, feeling as if a small part of their own family was gone, too.


    Quickly after the proclamation passed from Scryer to Scryer as relay, a rumor came. It was carefully leaked and allowed to spread as a follow-on whisper, answering the one curious question everyone had, namely ¡®What happened?¡¯ ¡®The Regents stumbled upon a patch of overripe haver mushrooms as they walked together in the woods and the spores overtook them,¡¯ was what the rumor said. That was it, a simple, understandable event that no one wished to dwell upon. It was an awful way to die after all, lungs filling with quickly growing fungi as slowly you took in less and less air, gasping for breath until it was finally over. ¡°What a terrible way to go,¡± everyone said as they heard what had happened. ¡°Simply awful,¡± they would add as a sad afterthought, trying to push the image from their head. Maybe they would hug a loved one, or even a stranger. Some might shake their head in disbelief that this had happened, but nobody actually questioned the truth of the story. It was an accident. Bad luck. Simply ¡­ chance.


    At dinner tables, parents would use the opportunity, taking the hands of their children and explaining in careful words, wiping tears away as needed. They¡¯d then turn it into a lesson, repeating the mantra everyone learned almost before they could walk, to drill it into the young ones¡¯ heads again. ¡®Green is clean, red is dead¡¯ the saying went. Haver mushrooms were highly sought for many reasons, and if the tops were green they were safe. But if the mushrooms turned red, then ¡­ this could happen. ¡®Green is clean, red is dead¡¯ the children would chant back in a careful, wide-eyed monotone, confirming they had learned the lesson.


    Still, the feelings quickly faded as everyone realized something. They had no reason to feel this way or to even really care. It wasn¡¯t like the Legacy Kings had any power over anything. They weren¡¯t really important. Nothing those rich people on high did actually mattered to a farmer toiling in a field or a merchant selling his wares. The King Regents were dead, but life would continue on unchanged for nearly everyone in Imoria. They could be sad for the King and the now-dowager Regent Queen, and for the little Princess Alena, but the fields still needed tilling and the wares still needed to be sold. It simply didn¡¯t matter, and life soon went on as normal, perhaps with a little more concern about the color of mushrooms.


    <hr>


    At the training camp, the news played out in much the same way. Everyone gathered close to the Sergeant-Major as her sigil-amplified voice rang out from the shelter roof. Her words cracked as she repeated the proclamation, reciting it out slowly a total of three times as tradition called for, before it would be posted for all to see. As the final words echoed slightly over the now-stunned crowd, Natala climbed down and walked stiffly away, her face forced into an expression of no-emotion, even though she hurt like all the others.


    But, unlike the rest of the kingdom, things were different here. After the shock wore off, there was no shrugging of shoulders and getting back to whatever needed to be done. To the officers, soldiers, staff and recruits, this mattered. It mattered because of one Elf, who some called a friend, and most at least called an acquaintance. He was pleasant, proper, always remembered a person¡¯s name, and made you feel happy in the moment he might say hello. So, the deaths of the Regents mattered to those in the camp, because they knew it would matter to him. Slowly, all eyes turned to seek out Vanis, the Prince, the grandson and great-grandson of the now-gone former Kings. He was nowhere to be seen.


    Callie¡¯s face was emotionless. This wasn¡¯t a surprise to her like it was to everyone else. Pixyl actually burst into weeping, and soon dragged Jesca and Ambria into tears along with her. The Pixie had grown up in a family that were rabid fans of the royalty, and that was too ingrained in her to not provoke an emotion of some kind. Add to that the fact Vanis was her cabinmate and friend, and Callie soon found herself holding her sniffling girlfriend, trying to tell her it would be alright.


    Vanis had sworn Callie to secrecy, making her promise to say nothing until the official announcement came, and certainly nothing about the truth of the Regents'' deaths, and Callie had upheld that request. Vanis had also told Lena, and even revealed the likely plot against the throne, possibly in a moment of weakness. Maybe it was simply because he just needed to talk to a peer that knew this world, and he knew Lena could keep a secret, too. Of the officers, only Xera and Galin had been informed of what had really happened.


    Scryer Yulayla was made aware, but not of the suspicious details, so she knew the announcement would be coming, and she certainly told the other Scryers. They professionally kept secrets, so they had been safe until the word came. Vanis made a choice to not tell Juniper, because this was the kind of news that she could easily accidentally let slip. Finally, a small group of other people were told of the deaths, and Vanis was now on his way to see them. Quietly he walked into the Tannery office and cleared his throat.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Fullo called out, looking up from the table she was leaning over, apparently having missed the door being opened. Her eyes went wide as she saw Vanis and then the look on his face. She swallowed the lump suddenly growing in her throat. ¡°Is it time?¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Vanis said quietly. ¡°The proclamation just arrived.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Come back here and I¡¯ll go get it. They did an amazing job, I think. They wanted it to be perfect.¡±


    Vanis walked around the counter as Fullo tried to give him a weak smile, although it was faltering. She bowed her head, and turned to walk through the doorway into the back. Vanis sighed, then took a deep breath. He was forcing himself to keep his emotions in check. He¡¯d known this was coming for, what, six days or so? He shouldn¡¯t need to feel anything. But the official proclamation somehow made it all the more real, and it was weighing on him much heavier than he¡¯d expected, crashing into him, in fact. For now, he would put on a stoic public face, but he¡¯d also need to be alone soon. Not for long. Maybe an hour. Time enough to grieve physically and clean himself up. Before and after that, he would have a part to play, and that required showing nothing but the strength of The Crown.


    He didn¡¯t really know he did, but in a daze Vanis found a chair and sat. He leaned forward, head over his knees and feeling light as he stared at the wooden floor. Maybe he stared past it; he really didn¡¯t know what he looked at, he just stared. His grandfathers were gone. His father was in danger. His sister, the heir, was in danger. He was powerless to do anything, except wait and train and perform his role for now. He longed to be back home, even if for a short time, just to be with them. He probably could even make that request and receive permission, although he¡¯d have to arrange to keep a proper officer close for the aura. He wouldn¡¯t though. He¡¯d have to abandon his friends here, and maybe Callie, or bring her along as her guardian. But, his father had ordered him to hide away in this remote nowhere, in a place where he could do nothing but would presumably be safe. It was the right choice, but still it hurt.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    A single tear fell from the Prince¡¯s eye, rolling ever so slowly down his nose before dripping to the floor. It landed, making the tiniest of splashes, and leaving a wet circle of grief amongst the dust and grime.


    The sound of Fullo clearing her throat snapped Vanis¡¯s head up, and he quickly stood, clearing his own. He started to speak, but the Tigerkin held up her paw. Quietly, she laid something on the table and walked to the young Prince, before pulling him into a tight embrace. She didn¡¯t say anything, and neither did Vanis, for several long seconds. As the hug broke, she brushed the back of her paw across his face to clear away the water, before giving him a light kiss on his cheek. It wasn¡¯t a romantic gesture, just one of true caring, an attempt to pull away a bit of the pain for just a little while.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Vanis said quietly, putting on a smile as he touched his cheek. It was forced, but it was also sincere.


    ¡°Much sad,¡± a tiny, male voice called, and Vanis looked to see five Brownies standing in a tight group, the master tailor at the front. The expressions on their faces matched Zyxengrisc¡¯s words.


    ¡°Yes. Much sad,¡± Vanis said, working to continue holding the smile, but choking a bit on the words.


    ¡°Make good,¡± the Brownie said, gesturing up to Fullo. ¡°Make ¡­ perfectness. Make ¡­¡± his voice trailed off, and he turned to speak in Fae with one of the female Brownies behind him, before turning back. ¡°Make fit for Prince.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it is,¡± Vanis said, and he knew it was.


    ¡°This will suffice?¡± Fullo asked, gesturing to the item on the table.


    Vanis walked over, seeing a black strip of cloth laid out. ¡°It is perfect,¡± Vanis said, a hand instinctively wiping under an eye again.


    ¡°Make ¡­ not cloth,¡± Zyxengrisc said, frowning as he continued to be frustrated by his language skills. He clapped his hand to his chest a couple times, high, by his left shoulder. ¡°Special?¡± he said with a questioning inflection, hoping it was close to the right word.


    Vanis leaned close, seeing the two side-by-side symbols in red, shaped like eight-pointed stars. He had indeed requested the icons be made of simple cloth, but these weren¡¯t. Instead, they were made up of hundreds, no, many many hundreds, of tiny red beads, each sewn in place so tightly as to look as one perfect symbol. The mourning sash did not need to be a work of art. It wasn¡¯t complex; just a black sash with two red stars, one for each of his grandparents. But this ¡­ this was masterful, and not just in the beadwork. Every cut, every stitch, every line ¡­ perfect. Beyond perfect.


    ¡°I have never seen its equal,¡± Vanis said, running his hand over the symbols, the beading so tight as to nearly feel smooth. He looked up at the group of tailors. ¡°I have no proper words, my friends.¡±


    Zyxengrisc seemed to hesitantly beam at the praise, and behind him the other Brownies let out the collective breaths they were holding. You could sense how much it meant to them to get it right, and they had far surpassed that.


    One of his assistants gave Zyxengrisc a push forward, and all of them gestured earnestly, encouraging him in Fae to do or say something. He tried to wave them off, but the tiny ladies growled and pointed forward, before one stomped a foot hard on the floor and pointed again.


    ¡°Make more,¡± the master Brownie finally said, looking up at Vanis. ¡°For ¡­ unformal times. More strongness?¡± He shook his head, annoyed again with his speech skills. Looking up at Fullo, he rattled off a few native words. Then he held out a piece of leather.


    ¡°He said they made this for informal situations, and it is more rugged,¡± Fullo clarified.


    Curious, Vanis walked over to the tiny Fae and knelt down. He took the item, finding a short piece of looped leather, with scufrow attached to the front and back of two longer strips.


    Zyxengrisc patted his upper arm, and then pointed to the same spot on Vanis¡¯s as well.


    ¡°Ah, for my arm?¡±


    ¡°Muchly!¡±


    Vanis examined the armband. Its leather had been dyed midnight-black, as the sash was, with two red stars, as the sash had, although these stars were made of red-colored leather. It was designed to be worn on the upper arm and over the shoulder, but the extended strips at the top were confusing. ¡°I don¡¯t understand how ¡­¡±


    ¡°May I?¡± Fullo asked.


    Vanis nodded and stood, and Fullo removed his left shoulder armor, the Velcro-like ripping sound seeming out of place for some reason. The scufrow on the leather strips attached to its matching points on his armor, front and back, allowing the arm-and-shoulder mourning band to be secured in place. The armor then settled back over it, attaching to the outside scufrow of the armband¡¯s straps. This would be to wear when in training or some other active setting, where the more-formal sash would get in the way or be inappropriate.


    Turning, Vanis kneeled again, taking in all the Brownies. ¡°Thank you, all of you. I¡¯m afraid I have no more words than that, so I¡¯ll simply say them again. Thank you.¡±


    The little Brownies all bowed their heads as they each took a couple steps back. The younger ones were all blushing at the praise, and Zyxengrisc was trying hard not to look like he was taking the same pride in their work, given the reason for it. Then, in a chaotic-flitter of Brownie speed, all of them turned and ran off as one, disappearing around the corner. For a moment, one head poked back into view, getting one last look, before it disappeared again.


    The Prince stood. ¡°I¡¯ll wear the sash for now,¡± he said. ¡°For right now, that is, but this other piece is perfect for active times.¡±


    Fullo lent a hand, detaching the armband to save Vanis needing to fumble a bit. Vanis, in turn, put the leather piece into his backpack, which he had removed and set aside. He was about to toss the sash over his shoulder, but Fullo actually smacked his hand away, picking it up herself. ¡°Let me, please.¡±


    Vanis did smile now. ¡°You would so strike the Prince?¡± he asked, his voice obviously joking. He then bowed his head.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Fullo said flatly, her whiskers quirking just slightly. She settled the sash over Vanis¡¯s shoulder, before fussing and straightening it to fit it exactly. It wouldn¡¯t stay perfect, but she needed him to at least leave the building perfect.


    ¡°Thank you again,¡± Vanis said after Fullo was satisfied with everything.


    ¡°Given the reason, I won¡¯t say I was happy to help,¡± the Tigerkin said, straightening her posture to seem a little more formal. ¡°I will instead say that it was an honor, Your Majesty. For me, and for the rest of my people. Should you have any need, we are at your service.¡±


    Vanis stiffened himself, taking Fullo¡¯s paw in one hand and cupping it with his other. ¡°May the Stars shine upon you and yours.¡±


    ¡°And you as well.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Vanis turned. He paused for a moment, but just for a moment, working up the strength to move forward. He quickly found it, let out the held breath, and left the building. He may be Recruit Vanis while here, but for the moment, he was Prince Vanis del Montano, and he had no choice but to be strong.

 Chapter 64 Part 2 - Kings are Only People

    PART II - KINGS ARE ONLY PEOPLE


    Vanis walked across the camp, taking his time but intent on making his way back to the training field, if only to make a proper appearance and allow a few people to say what they needed to. He minded himself as he went, making sure his back was straight, his gait steady, and the look on his face neutral. The sash across his chest, black though it was, seemed to shine like a beacon of some kind, announcing what had happened to the King Regents all over again.


    He began to hear a few whispers from staff he passed, unsure what they should do or say, if anything. He¡¯d already thought about what to reply to every conceivable thing someone might tell him. ¡®Thank you for your condolences¡¯, or ¡®They will be greatly missed¡¯, and a few other simple acknowledgements that said nothing, while helping the other person feel just a little bit better.


    A sudden crackle of Flashstep appeared next to the Prince, and he jumped slightly, startled out of his internal thoughts.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Lena said, falling into stride next to him.


    ¡°Lena,¡± Vanis said simply.


    ¡°That turned out really good,¡± she said, gesturing to the sash.


    ¡°It did,¡± Vanis replied, reaching up to rub one of the beadwork stars. He really didn¡¯t feel like idly chatting right now, just wanting to force his way through the upcoming assault of platitudes.


    ¡°So, just a warning,¡± Lena said after the silence became too much, ¡°Pixyl¡¯s turned into a blubbering toddler.¡±


    ¡°Damn. I probably should have told her. Or had Callie do it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. She would still have been a blubbering toddler, though. Callie¡¯s trying to calm her down a bit. Most of the people were pretty shocked, and the majority of them were immediately worried about you. I also overheard that Arkan guy trying to get Xera to introduce you to him, I¡¯m sure so he can gush out some condolences and feel important. Expect him to pounce as soon as he¡¯s able. Probably everyone else, too.¡±


    Vanis didn¡¯t respond, save a heavy sigh, and they continued to walk in silence, slowly approaching the training field where most-everyone would be. At least the recruits, that was. Lena¡¯s presence, laced with a bit of a scowl, served to ward off anyone that might want to say something as they walked, which was both good and bad. It just meant they would say something later.


    ¡°We¡¯ve heard the official story,¡± Lena said quietly, forcing herself to break the silence again. ¡°Haver mushrooms? Seriously? That was the best your people could do?¡±


    Vanis shrugged. ¡°Simple. Plausible.¡±


    ¡°Well yeah, but it¡¯s so ¡­ mundane. It doesn¡¯t feel ¡­ noble for some reason.¡±


    ¡°Kings are only people, Lena. They can fall to the simplest of things.¡±


    ¡°I know. It just seems like an ending that doesn¡¯t suit them. They were so loved by Imoria and their memory deserves better.¡±


    ¡°That they were and yes it does. Regrettably, these are the times we live in. Maybe someday the history will be corrected.¡±


    ¡°I met one of them once,¡± Lena continued idly. ¡°It was your father¡¯s father; your grandfather. I actually ran into him, literally, when I was running from someone. I was maybe ¡­ eighteen? Sprinted around a corner from an alley onto the street and there he was. He didn¡¯t fall, but I did, and his guards were quite ¡­ unhappy with me. I thought they might skewer me, actually.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°What happened next?¡±


    ¡°He laughed and helped me to my feet, asked if I was hurt, and wished me a pleasant day. He was nice, actually. I was too shocked to even apologize, or say anything.¡± Lena paused, before adding, ¡°My opinion of you uptight nobles changed a little that day. You all didn¡¯t seem so stuck-up any more, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°He was kind like that, to everyone.¡± Vanis let off a huff of laughter. ¡°I remember that he used to sneak me sugar candies when my father¡¯s back was turned. I was a little chubby as a boy, so my grandmother didn¡¯t approve. He spoiled me, as did my great-grandfather.¡±


    ¡°I have no idea who my grandparents are, or even if they are alive,¡± Lena said wistfully, apparently missing the opportunity to give Vanis grief for being a chubby boy. ¡°They probably are, so I suppose I could track them down if I wanted, at least on my mother¡¯s side. I don¡¯t know if I want to, though. I¡¯m a big disappointment in a lot of ways.¡± With a frown, she glanced down at her covered shoulder, under which were her three criminal tattoos. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s better they don¡¯t know me.¡±


    ¡°You do have a chance to be someone new,¡± Vanis said.


    ¡°I know. And I¡¯m going to be, too. I¡¯m not sure what I might do when this is all over, but I don¡¯t want to go back to who I was. I¡¯ll be a better person ¡­ at least mostly. I need to kill Hoxx first, though.¡±


    ¡°Lena!¡± Vanis gasped, the casual manner of the statement surprisingly shocking him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Lena said, trying to calm her friend as she padded the air with her hands. ¡°I won¡¯t let him suffer ¡­ much.¡±


    Vanis shook his head slowly, but actually cracked a smile. ¡°I¡¯m going to pretend I didn¡¯t hear anything you just said. That way, when the Imor magistrate inquires about someone named Hoxx who has been filled with dozens of tiny holes, I¡¯ll have nothing helpful to say.¡±


    ¡°Dozens? More like hundreds.¡±


    Vanis couldn¡¯t help but grin even wider and snort at that, even if he shouldn¡¯t do that when wearing a mourning sash, and Lena grinned along with him. He needed the levity, if only for a moment. The distraction gave him a little strength. ¡°Thank you for that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame the proclamation came now, and not until after Midsummer,¡± Lena said, changing the subject away from her future pincushioning plans and quest to be a modestly-better person.


    ¡°I received a cipher via Scryer yesterday from my mother, and she warned me it was coming today. They couldn¡¯t hold off until after the holiday without raising questions. By doing it today, there¡¯s time for the shock to fade and people to refocus. It will be the same here, as people make masks and trinkets in two days and get back into the spirit. The formal days of mourning aren¡¯t for over three weeks.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I suppose. It¡¯s funny, we¡¯ll all be traveling then, on our way to the front, during those days. Well, except those staying for those additional weeks. I¡¯ll be gone, though.¡°


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Vanis asked.


    ¡°Military leadership? Special tactics? Vanis, I¡¯m just a disposable Guardian. I don¡¯t need any of that kind of stuff. You¡¯ll stay, because they want to make a general out of you some day, if not High Commander. Me? I¡¯m just a walking sack of meat to get in the way of incoming enemies.¡±


    ¡°You might be surprised,¡± Vanis said, almost seeming coy. ¡°There could very well be a place here for you past the end of term.¡±


    Lena gave Vanis a hard look, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. ¡°You ¡­ you know something, don¡¯t you? I can see it on your face.¡± Then she added as a side-thought, ¡°By the way, never play cards, you can easily be read.¡± She grinned and gently bumped her shoulder into his, forcing him to sidestep a bit, slightly off-balance. ¡°Come on, what do you know?¡±


    Vanis shook his head and laughed a bit. ¡°Nothing I am permitted to speak of, Lena,¡± he said vaguely. ¡°But, might I suggest you focus as hard as you can on your training.¡± He said that last bit as if giving a strong hint, without actually saying anything of substance. Then he added a teasing, ¡°You probably need to get that new skill with the wings down, after all. You¡¯re not much good to anyone if you¡¯re constantly crashing into the ground.¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha!¡± Lena replied dryly and with a bit of a grumble. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I''ll figure it out. I really think it will be a good skill, though, once I master it.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Vanis agreed. ¡°More than ¡®good¡¯, in fact.¡±


    Shortly they arrived at the bottom of the hill leading up to the training field. Where normally the air would be cluttered with the sounds of recruits in training, it was now eerily quiet. Vanis took a deep breath, straightened his posture and then his armor and the sash, with Lena adding a final fiddling to make sure all was proper. ¡°I need you to stay close, on the chance too many need to say something at once. Try to keep them organized,¡± he said quietly.


    ¡°Certainly. Whatever you need. Just watch out for that Arkan guy.¡±

 Chapter 64 Part 3 - Mass Condolences

    PART III - MASS CONDOLENCES


    Any final traces of momentum for demonstrating skills to the Arkan had completely faded with the news called out by the Sergeant-Major, and now most everyone was just sort of milling around in small groups. The majority were sitting in the bleachers, the awning having been extended to help ward off the sun, while others were standing. Someone had seen Vanis coming up the hill, and that information spread like wildfire through everyone before he even made it to the top. They all looked, seeing the stoic Warlock they were all used to, but now wearing the black sash and surrounded in something else. It wasn¡¯t magical, but the Prince seemed to give off an aura of regalness that he¡¯d never demonstrated in the time he¡¯d been here, except maybe just a touch of it that second evening at the feast, when he¡¯d been awarded a medal and new rank.


    Callie, still holding a lightly sniffling Pixyl in her arms, resisted the urge to run to Vanis to help fend off the people that were beginning to descend on him. But she then saw Lena appear behind her cabinmate, and relaxed. She¡¯d be a good bodyguard, if it was needed.


    ¡°How long did you know?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°That Imperial Guard guy brought a note for Vanis, so since last Homeday,¡± Callie replied. ¡°I was sworn to secrecy, though, until it was formally announced.¡±


    ¡°You could have told me,¡± Pixyl said, her breathing still a little ragged. ¡°I would have kept it secret, too.¡±


    ¡°I know, but this was his call.¡±


    The Pixie seemed to accept that, but her look was vacant. ¡°I should say something.¡±


    Callie looked and saw increasing throngs of people now generally moving towards the Prince, all likely with the same idea. ¡°Maybe later,¡± she said simply, before looking down at her girlfriend. ¡°There¡¯s time.¡±


    True to Lena¡¯s warning, the Commandant and Arkan were among the first to approach Vanis, their presence seeming to push aside or push back the crowd to make sure they got to the front. Xera seemed to wince in apology as they forced the introduction. ¡°Your Majesty, if I may present Arkan Pelidri of the Cillisine Army. Arkan, Prince Vanis del Montano, corporal, Warlock and recruit.¡±


    Pelidri bowed. In fact, he bowed formally and deeply, per Cillisine custom. ¡°Sire,¡± he said sharply.


    Vanis wasn¡¯t phased though, and simply returned the more-informal Imorian head-bow. ¡°Arkan,¡± he acknowledged. Inwardly he groaned, worried the other recruits and staff, seeing the deep bow, would think they were supposed to do the same. Cillisant seemed to love their protocols and theatrics, but this was Imoria, and the only expectation was being polite and a nod of the head.


    ¡°I wish our first meeting were under happier circumstances,¡± Pelidri began, standing himself rigidly and at attention, as he tried too hard to be proper. ¡°On behalf of the Army of Cillisant, and from myself and my House, I wish to extend our sincerest sympathies for your loss, and for the loss to Imoria.¡±


    ¡°I and my family thank you for your condolences, Arkan,¡± Vanis said, his brain flipping through his pre-arranged selection of responses. ¡°Their loss will be felt by many.¡± It was a nothing reply, barely even sincere, in a way. He added an appropriately-forced smile of gratitude.


    ¡°I understand you are quite the young Warlock,¡± Pelidri continued, apparently wanting to chit-chat rather than simply move on. ¡°I had been hoping to see your skills in action.¡±


    Vanis silently snarled, while keeping his face warm. He hated when people did this. Receiving lines, which this effectively was becoming given the queue of people now rapidly forming, were not the appropriate place for a conversation. And while, from a rank standpoint at least, he was completely out of line, Vanis was not afraid to put his royal foot down. ¡°Not today, Arkan,¡± he said, just the perfect amount of icey superiority in his voice. ¡°Perhaps on Firstday, after the main festivities have concluded.¡± He worded and toned it as a statement, not a suggestion.


    Pelidri verbally stumbled, just for a moment. He wasn¡¯t used to having his authority slapped down so hard and so publicly. ¡°Of ¡­ of course, Your Highness.¡± He wasn¡¯t done though, somehow thinking continuing was a good idea. ¡°I met your great-grandfather a few times,¡± Pelidri continued. ¡°A good king, and good regent.¡±


    ¡°That he was,¡± Vanis said sharply, trying harder to stop any ongoing conversation. He considered adding a firm ¡®duwana¡¯ to cut the Arkan off, but that would be considered as an absolute last resort. He instead shot a slightly-pleading look towards Xera.


    In turn, Xera looked up at Pelidri, caught his attention with a cough, and made a polite yet firm ¡®move along¡¯ gesture with their eyes. It took a moment, but after seeing the line behind him, Pelidri finally got the hint, bowed Imorian-style this time, and stepped aside, adding a quick ¡®Again, my condolences¡¯. Xera had already passed their sympathies earlier in the week, and simply gave Vanis the slightest of nods in acknowledgement. They could talk another time if needed, and Xera firmly led the Arkan away.


    Vanis held up his hand in a ¡®wait just a moment¡¯ gesture, stopping the next person from approaching. He waved Lena over, and whispered into her ear. ¡°I need you to help keep the line moving. No back and forth conversation.¡± Back home, there would be a half-dozen guards that would quickly intercept and politely, but firmly, lead people onwards if needed. He looked and saw Trainer Olin was third in the line. ¡°When Olin gets here, have him help. They say something, I reply, they may say one thing more, and then on to the next person. We¡¯ll be here the rest of the day, otherwise, and I can¡¯t deal with that.¡± He had hoped to avoid protocol, but lines of staff were now flooding up the hill to join the queue, all of them apparently feeling the need to say something as the word spread through the camp of what had happened, and that others were doing exactly that.


    And so it went, Vanis standing in the hot sun wearing a false smile of gratitude as one after the next, people stepped up to express their own personal words. A few gave him hugs along with their sympathies, which would normally be completely inappropriate, but he decided to let it pass given the closeness of everyone in the camp. Touch was important to many, especially the Beastkin, and he wasn¡¯t worried about a knife in the back. Lena and Olin played their parts, adding Celeste to the makeshift guard detail when she made the mistake of wandering too close. One of them would take the arm of each person, guiding them forward to say their words, but then leading them away after a brief few exchanges to keep them from getting chatty. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Slowly, the line of people moved forward, each person getting perhaps fifteen to twenty seconds before being ushered on. But with nearly three-hundred people in camp, inclusive of the staff and visitors, everything dragged. The queue did eventually move to another spot, so that both Vanis and the line were in the shade, but Vanis was soon mentally exhausted by the need to be sociable. Still, he continued on, showing just the right amount of wistful smile to each well-wisher, thanking them for said condolences, and forcing a humbled sense of appreciation that was bigger than himself.


    The Prince made exactly one exception to the hurried pace of the line, and that was when a dark-skinned Elf boy with green hair stepped forward, holding his father¡¯s paw and shaking with fright. ¡®Always talk to the children¡¯ his father had once told him. ¡®Talk to them for as long as they need you to. You¡¯ll make a friend of the child and everyone that sees.¡¯


    Nevikk let go of Thorn and took a couple more steps forward. He looked back at his father, and then at a Dwarf Vanis didn¡¯t recognize with a white cloth tied on his arm, which meant he was a visitor. The boy scrunched up his face, and started to bow, like a Cillisine, but stopped. He stood straight again, this time nodding in greeting like an Imorian and then got even more confused. ¡°I don¡¯t know which to do,¡± he said, looking back at his dad with growing panic.


    Vanis got down on one knee to get to eye level. ¡°Whatever do you mean, young Sir?¡± he asked, trying to be warm and inviting.


    Nevikk looked wide-eyed back at Vanis, at the Prince who had just asked him a question, and he didn¡¯t have an answer! He was just supposed to say the words and walk away, and now he had been asked a question. His eyes were huge as he finally managed to say, ¡°I ¡­ I have Cillisine skin, but I don¡¯t live there. I live here in Imoria. Which do I do?¡±


    Smiling, Vanis tilted his head, as if deep in thought. ¡°That can be a complicated question,¡± Vanis finally said. He glanced up at Thorn, who was covering his face in embarrassment. ¡°Tell me young one, what is your name?¡±


    ¡°Nevikk. Nevikk Thorn.¡± Then, he caught himself, adding a quick, ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    Vanis put on a hard thinking face, pretending to carefully mull over the problem. Callie had passed along the night before what had happened with Thorn¡¯s wife, and why there was a ten-year-old in camp now, so seeing Nevikk wasn¡¯t a shock. ¡°Thorn¡­ Thorn¡­¡± Vanis mumbled, as if trying hard to recall where he¡¯d heard that name before. ¡°You don¡¯t happen to know the camp¡¯s great Topaz Martialist with that name, do you?¡±


    ¡°I do! He¡¯s my father!¡± Nevikk nodded, pointing up to a now even more-embarrassed Thorn.


    ¡°He is? But, you don¡¯t look anything like him. Are you sure he¡¯s your father? Do I need to ask him?¡±


    ¡°He is! He adopted me. My mother is like me, though. She''s a Cillisine Elf, so I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°That does indeed sound very, very confusing,¡± Vanis said, nodding his head in exaggerated agreement with Nevikk¡¯s predicament. He glanced up at the horrified Master Trainer, and gave him a wink, which seemed to help a little. ¡°Well, tell me this, Nevikk Thorn, have you ever lived in Cillisant?¡±


    The boy simply shook his head rapidly.


    ¡°I see. Have you ever sworn yourself to the Crown of Cillisant?¡±


    Nevikk shook his head again.


    Vanis made a considering humming noise and then attempted to sum up the situation, carefully counting the points on his hand. ¡°So as I understand, you have never lived in Cillisant, owe them no allegiance, your father is Imorian, and you live here in Imoria. Why would you wonder what to do?¡±


    ¡°Because ¡­¡± Nevikk gestured to Vanis, and then up to Lena and Celeste, who were both standing next to him, and then he pointed to his own arm.


    Except for the color of their skin, and the white hair, there was no biological difference between the dark-skinned Cillisine Elves and those with fairer-colors prevalent in Imoria and Valdain, although children of mixed couples were always dark-skinned with white hair. It was simply based on the origins of each centuries ago. For Imoria, the Elves originally ranged from the forests east towards and into the Fae lands, and in Valdain, from the deserts and plains to the south and west. In Cillisant, nearly all the Elves traced their lineage back to great cities under the mountains far to the north of the capitals, where they worked side-by-side with Dwarves and Gnomes to mine mithril and manastones. It was said the lack of natural light, coupled with the intensity of the metal and magic in the ores, is what ultimately darkened their skin and made their hair white.


    Honestly, nobody cared. Sure, Cillisine Elves weren¡¯t common in Imoria and Valdain, and might get a second look if seen in some rural areas, but the world was slowly becoming mixed as people migrated around. In the capitals, it was even more integrated. But there were so many different races, especially when you included all the sub-types of Beastkin, that something as mundane as skin or hair color simply wasn¡¯t an issue to consider.


    Except for the nobility of Cillisant, that was. Despite the cultural and racial blending, they worked to keep some of the kingdom¡¯s long-past customs alive. Nearly all the nobility was Elven, and Cillisant was a much more formal land quite focused on status, unlike the other two kingdoms. Titles were of utmost importance, occasionally having land rights attached to them, and could in some cases even be sold, although it wasn¡¯t common. There was a bureaucracy that pervaded society, and the Cillisines loved keeping records of everything, especially when it came to high-valued trade or legal matters. Protocol and formality were paramount if taking an audience with someone of importance, and children were taught said protocols at a young age. As a result, Imoria and Valdain considered the Cillisines a little ¡®stuffy¡¯, while Cillisant considered the others ¡®uncouth¡¯.


    ¡°Young master Nevikk,¡± Vanis said, trying hard not to sound scolding, but at the same time trying to make a point, ¡°it does not matter the color of your skin.¡± He shook his head to further emphasize the lesson. ¡°No, Nevikk, home is where you believe it to be in here.¡± Vanis patted his chest. ¡°It¡¯s where your family is and where you dream about returning when on a long journey, and where you climb into bed when that journey ends.¡± Vanis stood, looking down and speaking with a little commanding formality. ¡°So tell me, young son of Thorn the Martialist, where do you hail from.¡±


    Nevikk grinned, straightening his posture. ¡°I¡¯m from Imoria.¡±


    ¡°Then, greet me as an Imorian,¡± Vanis commanded, giving the boy a sharp nod.


    Nevikk nodded in return, swallowed and tried again. He bowed his head as he had seen others do, quite properly in fact, and looked up into the warm eyes of Prince Vanis. ¡°I come to express to you my great sadness and sympathies,¡± he began, a little monotone as he tried to recall what he¡¯d been told and practiced saying. ¡°The world is a dimmer light for Imoria¡¯s loss.¡±


    ¡°That it is, young master Nevikk,¡± Vanis said, returning the gesture. ¡°I and my family and the kingdom itself all thank you for your condolences.¡±


    ¡°The House of Thorn is¡­¡± Nevikk continued, still trying to recite the words but apparently losing his place. After a moment he found it again. ¡°The House of Thorn stands at your service. You need only ask. May the stars shine upon the King.¡±


    ¡°May the stars shine upon us all, Son of Imoria. May they shine upon us all.¡±

 Chapter 64 Part 4 - A Surprising Request

    PART IV - A SURPRISING REQUEST


    ¡°I think that¡¯s everyone, at least for now,¡± Lena said as the last two people in the queue departed. ¡°I¡¯m sure there will be a few more, such as people that were on-duty, and others might come back again.¡±


    Vanis leaned back against the tree he had moved next too, eyes closed, lightly thumping his head against the bark a few times as he slowly slid to the ground. His face seemed a little ashen and drained of energy. ¡°You have no idea how taxing that was.¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Callie said. She was sitting at the base of another tree, Pixyl also seated and leaning against her shoulder. ¡°People can be exhausting, sometimes.¡± She remembered when her father had died and the expectation to stay neutral and social to all the people that came to the visitation and funeral. All she had really wanted to do was to crawl somewhere dark and quiet where she could be alone for a while. Her mother had been the same way, and the next day they each retreated to their own spaces until the evening, just to be away from the world, and each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t appreciate the sentiments,¡± Vanis continued, as if needing to explain. ¡°They mean well, but it¡¯s simply that all of that was so that they feel better. It doesn¡¯t really help me feel better. And now it¡¯s almost as if I¡¯m carrying more than my own grief.¡± Then, as if realizing he was sounding ungrateful, he reiterated his words. ¡°Truly, I do appreciate the sentiments though.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I can do to be useful,¡± Lena said, her voice low. ¡°I want to help if I can, but this is ¡­¡± You could see the sincerity in her eyes, but also the confusion of helplessness. ¡°I need you to tell me what you need, and I¡¯ll make it happen.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Vanis said. He looked at his three housemates. ¡°Just being here, as my friends, means more than any words I might hear from someone else right now. Truly, thank you.¡± He sighed, stood straight and cracked his back, his face making a gratifying wince as the tension released just a bit. ¡°I think for now, I need some time to myself.¡±


    ¡°A walk in the woods, maybe?¡± Callie suggested.


    Vanis considered that for a moment, but then had the worry that people might find him and want to talk all over again. He needed to be away from everyone. ¡°I think I may just go back to our bunkhouse for a bit. I can lie down and get some solitude. Perhaps until an hour before the bell, and then we can rejoin each other and clean up for dinner?¡±


    There were nods in agreement all around. ¡°Whatever you need,¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s going to be a bonfire tonight,¡± Callie added, looking over to an area being set up to handle the greater number of people. Usually, very few of the staff, soldiers or trainers joined the recruits for the evening socials. For the days of Midsummer, though, it was being encouraged that everyone mingle, so additional space was being made. ¡°I think given today, though, it will be kept low-key. Maybe that might be nice?¡±


    Vanis made a considering face, tilting his head from side to side. ¡°If it''s not raucous and I¡¯m not inundated with well-wishers again, I believe that would be. I feel like I wish to be around people, but I just don¡¯t want to interact with them. It¡¯s an odd feeling.¡± He made a considering face. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ll play something appropriate, to help set a mood. At least it might be a good distraction.¡±


    ¡°Those Gnome singers are here, too.¡±


    ¡°All the better,¡± Vanis said with a smile. ¡°Bards have an amazing talent for setting the perfect atmosphere. If they are as skilled as promised, the entertainment over the holiday will be quite memorable. Perhaps I¡¯ll ask that they help keep the mood appropriate this evening if I¡¯m unable to.¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± Lena said, gesturing with her head. ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you and scare off anyone that might want to talk, then we¡¯ll give you some space for a while.¡±


    <hr>


    As they reached Ogre House, Lena frowned, started to say something and then stopped. Swallowing, she tried again. ¡°So, I have a question for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    The Bladedancer struggled to find her words, and Vanis stopped before walking up the steps to give her a moment to get them in order. ¡°I know this isn''t the best time to ask. I was going to talk to you this evening, but I didn¡¯t know this was coming today. I suspect there might not really be a good moment.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± Vanis replied slowly, a look of wariness on his face.


    Lena scratched the back of her head, accidentally knocking her beret off. She tried to catch the hat as it fell, juggling and fumbling it in the air several times before she got it under control. Sheepishly, she put it back on and pulled it down tight, covering her bald head. ¡°I don¡¯t really know what¡¯s up between you and Juniper. You¡¯ve never talked about it, so I don¡¯t want to presume. But ¡­ would you ¡­ er ¡­ be interested in being my companion for the holiday?¡± She could feel her face glowing red, her expression trying to act innocent. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Vanis boggled for about three seconds, simply dumbstruck. He tried to stammer an immediate reply, any kind of a reply really, his brain locked in place. Lena had never shown any interest in him, at least as far as he could tell. They were ¡­ friends he supposed. It had never really crossed his mind either, between things with Juniper, and Lena being with Dregorio. His immediate thought was that it had the potential to get awkward since they were in the same cabin, especially with Callie and Pixyl already hanging socks. Best to use a polite rejection.


    Vanis cleared his throat. ¡°Lena, you honor me with your ¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh do shut up! I don¡¯t need any kind of a hoity-toity rejection speech like you use on all the pretty noble girls. If you¡¯re not interested, that¡¯s fine. Just tell me and I¡¯ll go try to find someone else.¡±


    ¡°What about Dregorio? I had just assumed you¡¯d be with him for the holiday.¡±


    Lena frowned, and then grumbled a bit. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been going well. I think he¡¯s afraid of me now.¡±


    ¡°Your head?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly. I mean, it¡¯s not me specifically, might be a better way to put it.¡± Lena¡¯s shoulders slumped even further and she sighed. ¡°He wakes up in the middle of the night with nightmares about having firelice. One of his housemates mentioned it to me. There¡¯s no firelice where he comes from, and he had no idea they even existed. He¡¯s covered in fur, so I can understand why the idea is terrifying for him, after seeing what happened to all my hair. This means that ¡®us¡¯ has become strained for him, which means it has for me, too. A few of the other ladies have been eyeing him up, anyway, so maybe it would be for the best. Besides, deep down he likes romancing people, grand gestures, and even spouting bad poetry. That¡¯s just not me. I give you odds he¡¯ll even give flowers to whichever one he ends up with.¡± She looked up and caught the Warlock¡¯s eyes. ¡°Callie mentioned you and Juniper can¡¯t ¡­ because of your magic or something. I just thought ¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahh. Callie. Of course.¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t put me up to this, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re wondering.¡± Lena quickly said defensively.


    ¡°Really? This seems exactly like a Callie thing.¡±


    ¡°No, this one is all me, Vanis,¡± Lena chuckled, but her face got distant and a little serious. ¡°I mean, we¡¯re going to war, and I¡¯m a Guardian. This could be my last Midsummer and it seems wrong to spend it alone.¡± Lena sighed, turning to look toward the garden where several recruits were gathered and being boisterous. ¡°I¡¯m sure I could find someone, but, look at them, almost all of them are just kids. You¡¯re one of the few here mature enough to not get all doe-eyed at me with feelings.¡± She made a shuddering shiver.


    ¡°Lena, I ¡­¡±


    The Bladedancer waved her hand, stopping Vanis¡¯s reply. Her face was getting even more red now, and she caught his eyes for the briefest of moments. This conversation had gone on far too long and Lena felt she just needed to get away. She pointed to the door of the cabin. ¡°You know what? Never mind. I¡¯ll be fine; I¡¯ll find a solution. You just go rest.¡± She turned, trying to find an exit from the awkward, but then stopped. ¡°I mean what I said earlier. Let me know if you need anything, now that the proclamation is out, okay?¡± It was a solid attempt to change the subject away from the other one.


    Vanis watched Lena quickly walk off, putting her hands to her face and mumbling to herself, as if unable to believe what she¡¯d just done. Frankly, Vanis was still having an equally difficult time believing she¡¯d even asked in the first place. Not because of his ¡­ whatever it was with Juniper, but simply because he didn¡¯t think she liked him much. Friendly, sure, but enough to be a non-anonymous Midsummer companion? They came from completely different lives, and Lena largely resented the nobility and those with means. That said, Vanis realized that in the end, he hadn¡¯t actually managed to say no, and he now was trying to understand if that might mean something.


    Pushing the awkward thought of Lena¡¯s Midsummer request aside for the moment, Vanis entered the cabin, closing the inset door behind him. He took a deep, cleansing breath of relief at being out of sight, the influx of air making the tips of his fingers and toes tingle slightly. At least he had some kind of feeling, even if a big part of himself was simply feeling numb.


    Mechanically, Vanis removed the sash, laying it on the bed, and then his shoulder armor, which was hung on its stand. He once again marveled at the quality of the sash. It was a simple thing, just some black cloth, but replete with the Brownies¡¯ perfection, even before considering the beadwork. Taking the symbols into account just made it moreso. He shook his head to refocus, hung the rest of his armor, and slid his boots under his bed, before briefly ducking into the Little Prince¡¯s room. It had been a long afternoon without a break.


    For a while now there¡¯d been a sense of buzzing in Vanis¡¯s head, as emotions were constantly pushed away. The week had largely been filled with a constant impending dread, though, knowing that the official word would be coming soon. It was agony, in a way, to have to pretend he didn¡¯t know what was coming, and infuriating to know that there was a secret truth behind what would be the concocted lie. Thus, Vanis had simply focused on putting on a face that said nothing was wrong, and that had been simply exhausting.


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, Vanis took another deep breath, appreciating the tingle again as his mind drifted back to when things started today, reviewing the memories of what occurred. He¡¯d been in mid-casting hours earlier when the Sergeant-Major had called all to heed-to for the royal proclamation, and the spell caused a bit of a backlash and headache as it was cut off so abruptly. As Fynisse and Duni ran to join the others, Vanis instead walked towards the top of the hill, only half listening as Natala called out her first recitation of the news. He¡¯d paused for just a moment to hear the last of the words, before quickly disappearing out of sight before anyone could find him. He thought back to the chittering little Brownies worried that they had done everything just right, and Fullo fussing with the sash to make sure it was worn perfectly. Finally, he put his hand absently to his cheek, where Fullo had kissed it, realizing it really did take away some of his pain, at least for a moment. Or maybe, it added a little strength to muddle forward instead.


    Now, alone and relieved of the need to pretend for the first time since Captain Huvaen had delivered the cipher, all the pent up emotions seemed to drop on him at once, and Vanis allowed himself to truly feel.

 Chapter 64 Part 5 - Allies

    PART V - ALLIES


    Callie grinned up at Xin as they walked together back to Ogre House, with Tazrok, Lena, Pixyl, and Jesca walking in the group as well. ¡°But at least you managed to get into the air! That¡¯s a really good first try!¡±


    Xin rubbed her upper arm, and glared down at the little Gnome. The Lizardkin was generally so unemotional, so even that look was a little out of character. ¡°I failed immensely and broke my wing. That was not a good first try.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I dug a hole in the ground with my face on my own first attempt,¡± Lena pointed out. ¡°Flying is hard!¡±


    ¡°And I panicked and got stuck in my Drakeling form for almost half an hour,¡± Jesca sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t even get off the ground.¡± She had recalled both Artemis and Iris, putting them into timeout because they wouldn¡¯t stop laughing at her.


    ¡°Flying not hard,¡± Tazrok said confidently. ¡°Just miss ground. Then never crash.¡±


    The three new fliers stopped, bringing the rest of the group to a halt as each of them glared up at the big Ogre. ¡°Miss the ground? That¡¯s not helpful at all, you big goof!¡± Lena scowled.


    ¡°What?¡± Tazrok said with a shrug. ¡°Just throw self at ground and miss, then you flying.¡± Then, as if to demonstrate, he hopped into the air, changing into his winged kitty form. It had actually grown a bit bigger with his new Silver tier, and Tazrok casually flew in a loop before wibbling back into Ogre form. ¡°See?¡±


    Pixyl giggled, trying to keep from cracking up. ¡°You should see your f-f-faces.¡±


    ¡°You shut up, too,¡± Lena growled, but with a bit of a laugh in it as well. ¡°Flying is hard, no matter what the two of you say. But, I¡¯m going to figure it out, and I¡¯m sure these two will as well.¡± There was a long pause, and Lena added, ¡°Eventually.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you all in the showers?¡± Jesca asked, changing the subject as she looked across the area towards her own bunkhouse. ¡°We are supposed to be extra clean for the visitors, and we do stink a little. Maybe ten minutes?¡±


    ¡°Sure. We¡¯ll see you then,¡± Lena nodded. ¡°That steaming-hot bath might actually feel good for a little while, especially for you, Xin, given your arm.¡±


    Jesca gave everyone a wave, and set off across the garden, while the rest of Ogre House headed for their own door. Between all the flying adventures and the start of the holiday, the mood was light, almost jovial even, the news about the King Regents pushed aside for the moment in favor of an eagerness to get out of their armor and clean up before dinner.


    Tazrok opened the large door, but Callie was the first inside, Pixyl scampering in right behind her.


    ¡°Holy ¡­¡± Callie started to say as she stumbled to a stop, her voice simply trailing off as Pixyl bumped into her. Everything was a complete mess, as if a tornado had gone through the cabin. Vanis¡¯s footlocker had been overturned, contents thrown around. His wooden armor stand had been knocked to the floor and cracked into pieces, armor sent skittering. Against the rear wall were a half dozen light patches of blood that looked dried or close to it, and another was centered on the deeply-dented polished mirror. Finally, Vanis¡¯s bunk had been flipped, and was now lying on its side, the heavy mattress thrown across the room and lying awkwardly balanced between Callie¡¯s bunk and the blanket fort.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Callie said, asking the general question everyone was asking as she started to try to find a path through the mess.


    ¡°Vanis?¡± Lena called out, pushing everyone aside as she charged ahead while trying to dodge her way through the debris. Then she saw him on the floor behind the overturned bunk. ¡°Vanis!¡± she called again, added panic in her tone, rushing to him.


    The Warlock was just ¡­ sitting there, his head drooping forward. He was wearing only his underwear and a pair of socks, one of which was quite bloody. His slightly blood-covered shirt had been torn off and tossed aside in tatters. His hands were a mess, knuckles ripped and purple, also covered in mostly-dried blood. Lena dropped down on one knee, and started lightly slapping Vanis¡¯s face. It only took a couple smacks and his head jerked up, as if just woken. ¡°Huh? What?¡± he asked confusedly. Then he made a sucking sound as pain hit him.


    ¡°Xin! Get in here! He¡¯s hurt.¡± Lena snapped, making a hand motion and then quickly moving to the other side so the Shaman could get to Vanis. There wasn¡¯t enough space for Tazrok to get close, so he took a spot towering above, deferring to the other Healer. Xin charged through, knocking Pixyl into Callie again due to the tight space. ¡°Where does it hurt?¡± Lena asked.


    ¡°My hands mostly,¡± Vanis hissed, ¡°and my foot, my head, and probably several other things.¡±


    The Lizardkin¡¯s hand began to glow as she dropped into place, casting her Diagnose spell, working to quickly but carefully take an inventory of the injuries. ¡°Small bump on the head, but no sign of concussion,¡± she began, calling out the examination as taught. ¡°Not bad, but you may have a headache. Bruises, some scrapes. You have broken both hands, but not too seriously for my skills; no bones misaligned on this one, just two slightly cracked. The other is quite injured, with several clean fractures.¡± She continued, moving down each of Vanis¡¯s legs, frowning at one of his feet. ¡°You have broken two toes on your right foot.¡± Xin considered carefully, and then pressed her clawed hand to the Elf¡¯s neck, pushing her new Suppress Pain spell, which numbed feeling below that point.


    Instantly, Vanis relaxed as nearly all the pain he was feeling vanished, only the painful lump on the back of his head still hurting. ¡°Oh, thank you, Xin! That helps tremendously.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that will last long. I am still learning the spell,¡± Xin warned. She set to work, first calling up a Totem out of the way on the other side of the room and pushing out a general Healing Pulse. It would help with the remaining head pain a little, and address the several cuts and scrapes.


    The obvious first question to ask was to find out what happened, but there really wasn¡¯t a need to. This was obviously all the result of rage. Pure, unfiltered, and very un-Vanis-like rage. The blood marks on the wall and mirror would no doubt align perfectly with the bloody and broken knuckles that Xin was now examining more closely. Vanis must have lost it, and then ¡­ what ¡­ passed out from the pain or the clonk on his head? Or maybe he just fell asleep from exhaustion once the adrenaline wore off. He¡¯d been handling the news regarding his grandparents so well all week, and he must have finally snapped. In a way, it was completely understandable.


    Since Tazrok couldn¡¯t be of any help due to the cramped space, he climbed onto his bed, sitting cross-legged on it and waiting, on the chance he was needed. The tight space also left Lena trapped against Vanis and the small table under the mirror, so she simply sat, pulled her legs up, and scooted close enough to touch the Warlock in an effort to try and be comforting. She put a hand on his arm in support while wearing a worried look, glancing around at all the mess.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Callie and Pixyl started to collect up the strewn contents of the footlocker, but stopped after Tazrok gestured for them to hold off for the moment. Xin needed to focus and Vanis needed to regain his own wits first. Instead, they took a seat on Callie¡¯s own footlocker and observed, while the Shaman concentrated on the Warlock¡¯s hand. There was a magic tingleness in the air as Xin¡¯s slow, careful repair spell worked to undo the hand damage that the back wall must have done. Vanis winced a couple times as occasionally the healing¡¯s effects sneaked past the pain block, but in his defense he didn¡¯t make a single sound beyond the sharp intakes of air. Nobody said anything; no questions were asked. They could come later.


    Xin focused, the rest silently observing. It was slow going, because joints were delicate work in general, and hands and feet were even more delicate than knees. The combination of an audience and doing it herself, without trainer oversight, made Xin nervous, but you¡¯d never know it from looking at her, the Lizardkin back to her usual unemotionally-focused. After a bit, Xin moved to the other hand while Vanis flexed his fingers on the first. They seemed a little stiff, but there was still some minor swelling and purple bruising, so that was understandable.


    About fifteen minutes after arriving, there was a light knock on the front door. It had been left slightly ajar in the chaos of arrival, and Jesca, wearing only her robe, poked her head in. Evidently she became tired of waiting at the showers for everyone else and had come to see what the delay was. She gasped at the chaos, and was about to understandably say something before she caught Tazrok¡¯s face, where he was holding his huge finger to his lips. He made a second motion, indicating to enter and close the door fully.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she whispered to Callie and Pixyl as she edged close, now having a better view of the near-naked and bloody Vanis.


    ¡°Not sure,¡± Pixyl replied, shrugging. While it was, in fact, obvious what had happened, the real question was ¡®why¡¯.


    Xin had finished with the other hand. ¡°Work both of those,¡± she ordered, ¡°it will help with the stiffness. I will address your foot next.¡± Carefully, she removed Vanis¡¯s socks, On closer observation the right toe was still slightly bleeding, and the Lizardkin made a hissing intake of air seeing the red and purple mess. ¡°This is quite injured. It appears a claw has mostly broken away. It will grow back fully in time. The breaks are otherwise simple. You may be uncomfortable for a day or two, so it is good it is Midsummer now. Try not to move.¡±


    ¡°Claw?¡± Callie asked, and then understood. ¡°Ouch! That¡¯ll suck for a while.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to call up Artemis?¡± Jesca asked. ¡°She can heal with her horn.¡±


    Xin shook her head, not looking up. ¡°I need practice,¡± she said. ¡°Maybe when I¡¯m done to address any bruises.¡± Pushing another focused Suppress Pain, this time into the foot, Xin peeled most of the barely-attached nail off the second toe, which started a little more blood flowing. Lena gestured towards Tazrok, pantomimed something and pointed towards the Ogre latrine room. He got the message, and quickly returned with a handful of fresh hand-towels. Xin¡¯s magic quickly stopped the bleeding before it got too messy, then she concentrated on the repairs to the bones and tissues.


    ¡°They¡¯re coming for my sister,¡± Vanis said quietly, his first significant words since waking, simply staring at some far off nothing. ¡°They are coming for my father and for my sister, and there¡¯s nothing I can do about it.¡± He looked up and around, catching the eyes of his friends. ¡°I feel so ¡­ impotent. It should be me they¡¯re targeting, not her. She¡¯s only eight!  Nine, that is.  Her birthday was last week.¡±


    Callie and Lena understood immediately what he was talking about, but for the others, they had just learned of the deaths of the King Regents today, and didn¡¯t know anything about the larger issues and the suspicious causes. There was understandable confusion on many faces.


    ¡°What mean?¡± Tazrok said, his voice low and quiet.


    Vanis seemed to suddenly realize what he¡¯d said, and that it had been out loud. He looked at Lena and then Callie, both of whom returned a small nod.


    ¡°You can tell them,¡± Callie said quietly. She looked around, catching everyone¡¯s eyes. ¡°This stays here, okay? It absolutely cannot leave this room. This is important.¡± She continued her focus until she¡¯d gotten a confirming nod from each of them.


    With a deep sigh, Vanis told them; he told them everything. Each of them, except Jesca, knew about how he¡¯d received the Curse, and it was well known across the land about how he¡¯d been disqualified from being the heir apparent. But upon hearing that the King Regents were likely murdered, the tone inside Ogre House turned dark and angry. In Pixyl¡¯s case, she was absolutely livid, her years of her family¡¯s Royal-watching seizing hold and making it personal. Immediately she called for an all out attack on Cillisant, suggesting they all start with Arkan Pelidri, before Vanis calmed her by explaining the closeness of the relationship between his family and Queen Nemina.


    ¡°I had just wanted a moment to grieve in private,¡± Vanis finally said with a deep sigh, still staring into nothing while Xin finished up. ¡°I couldn¡¯t. Instead my mind became unbelievably angry. I worry for my father and mother, and for my sister, the new heir. If someone will kill the King Regents, then they certainly could get to her if they wished. Apparently I took all that anger out on myself.¡± He looked down at one of his hands, seeing the dried blood, then back to the group of people around him. ¡°If I ever find out who is behind this, they are unlikely to live to see a new morning.¡±


    ¡°What are we going t-t-to do now?¡± Pixyl asked, her mood still sour.


    Vanis looked up at the Pixie from his spot on the floor. ¡°Nothing. That is what I¡¯ve been ordered to do. Continue training. Fulfill my duties.¡± His voice got angry again. ¡°I should be back in Imor leading the investigation. I should be ¡­ doing something ¡­ anything. I should not be off playing soldier somewhere.¡± He looked over at Callie, giving just the tiniest hint of a smile. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve already shown I¡¯m not very competent at that duty.¡±


    Xin finished her tending, now using the towels dipped in a bowl of Tazrok-summoned water to clean up. Questions and ideas were lobbed at Vanis, things that Callie had gone through immediately after hearing the whole truth as well, everyone wanting to be helpful. Vanis was right, though. In the end, there wasn¡¯t much that they could do to help from here, and he had his orders to continue with the status quo. It was aggravating, especially for Pixyl. Instinctively, she was a ¡®see a problem, attack the problem, end the problem¡¯ type of person, and this was a problem that needed to be attacked and ended before King Feldwin or Princess Alena were hurt.


    Out of his daze and with his injuries mended, Jesca had Artemis lend a horn to take care of the bruises and swelling. As they all talked, Vanis pushed harder for everyone to stay the course. The spymaster was looking into everything, and he was getting occasional ciphered updates via the Scryer Network. He didn¡¯t like the idea of his problems distracting his friends at a time when they needed to be focused for what was to come. It wasn¡¯t their concern.


    Truthfully, nobody cared about what Vanis wanted. Completely ignoring his requests, Jesca said flatly, ¡°We need a plan.¡±


    ¡°Jesca, please,¡± Vanis pleaded. ¡°The appropriate people are doing what needs to be done.¡±


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for this damn war, we could all g-g-go back to Imor and knock some heads until we find answers,¡± Pixyl growled, also ignoring Vanis.


    ¡°Then the solution is easy,¡± Tazrok said, his deep voice sounding almost soothing as a sense of strange presence suddenly filled the room. ¡°We must simply end the war as quickly as possible, in order to return and secure the throne.¡± He looked down at the still-seated prince. ¡°You and your family have long proven yourselves to be honorable, Your Majesty. Should you ever have the need, the Ogres of Imoria will be by your side. This, we have decided.¡±


    The utter and confused silence that followed was broken only by the distant sound of the thirty-minute dinner bell warning. The room stared at their gigantic friend, trying to fully take in Tazrok¡¯s unstilted statement that somehow seemed ¡­ not only bigger than him, but also absolutely and undeniably true. Who was ¡®we¡¯ and why was he once again speaking normally, even elegantly? After a few moments, his overwhelming magical presence seemed to drain away, leaving behind a simple sense of certainty. For his part, Tazrok made a wincing face, put a hand on his forehead and mumbled something to himself.


    The others didn¡¯t make out the Ogre¡¯s words, but Callie and Jesca did, and they shot each other a look of confusion, concern, and curiosity. ¡®Stop doing that!¡¯ was what their friend had said.

 Chapter 64 Part 6 - Evenings Light

    PART VI - EVENING¡¯S LIGHT


    ¡°How¡¯s the foot?¡± Callie asked Vanis. He was trying hard not to walk funny, but despite wrapping it for protection, the missing toenail made walking a little awkward.


    ¡°Somewhere between annoying and quite annoying,¡± the Elf groused. ¡°At least Trainer Rowani can do a Regrowth on the toenail, but that will take a couple days. No pain, it¡¯s just strange.¡± Master Healer Tasi had caught him walking gingerly as the entirety of Ogre House plus Jesca were on their way to dinner. She chose not to press the issue about what happened when Vanis asked her not to, probably still having an idea without any details. She nevertheless did insist on inspecting the work Xin had done ¡®just to be sure¡¯. Tasi ended up quite happy with the slow-repair work Xin had done and was quite amazed at the results of Artemis addressing the bruises and swelling. Still, before they had parted with her, Tasi did add a little bit of additional healing so Vanis would be at least able to move easier, using the moment to teach Xin something, and adding she¡¯d let Rowani know that her services were needed.


    Vanis sighed, turning his head to look at his five housemates and the Cheetahkin. ¡°Thank you again for your assistance with putting things back into order. That bed is surprisingly heavy when not raging at the world.¡±


    ¡°Not heavy,¡± Tazrok corrected. Then he looked down at the Warlock. ¡°Okay. Heavy for tiny Elfling.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a good friend,¡± Vanis said, smiling and touching the Ogre¡¯s arm. ¡°You all are. Thank you.¡±


    Tazrok beamed at the praise, his grin wide and toothy.


    Following dinner, the group had all spent time cleaning up the cabin, accompanied by another conversation, this one less rushed, discussing all that Vanis knew about the deaths of the King Regents. Unfortunately, that wasn¡¯t much at all.


    Vanis had received three ciphers via the Network during the week, which was actually quite surprising, as encrypted messages were difficult for the Scryers to send. They were effectively gibberish to them, so were tedious to pass along. The first simply informed him that Captain Huvaen had returned. The second was from the Spymaster, thanking him for his and Callie¡¯s thoughts on where to investigate, but also firmly saying that ¡®all possibilities are being looked into¡¯, with an implied suggestion that the Prince focus on his current obligations and leave the spy stuff to the professionals. The last was from his step-mother, with a response to his worries for his sister, Alena¡¯s, safety and a heads-up about the incoming proclamation. As had the spymaster, the Queen had also included a strongly implied ¡®don¡¯t worry about it¡¯. So, of course, he worried about it.


    After over an hour of the conversation circling upon itself while they cleaned up, it came to an end with a promise from Vanis to reconvene what Callie and Pixyl were now calling ¡®the misfit resistance¡¯ as more information was learned. It was a silly moniker for the group of seven, but strangely felt appropriate for some reason. However, it did take several minutes of tedious explanations in order for Xin to finally understand that ¡®misfit¡¯ wasn¡¯t being used as an insult and how it was supposed to be funny or even a sly compliment. Eventually, the Lizardkin figured it out, or at least said she did. Most everyone wasn¡¯t so sure the Shaman truly understood.


    Now, the group was on their way up to the training field to join those getting a headstart on the holiday¡¯s relaxing. There was still a lot of daylight left, the sun not fully setting fully for a couple of hours still, but you could get the sense that a pleasant evening was promised. No smoke was yet visible as it was still too early for any bonfire to kick off.


    Up on the field, some changes had taken place. In the center, far enough away to leave room for the bunkerball field, a huge canvas-tented area had been set up. It was large enough to seat not only all the recruits, but also the camp personnel and visitors. This would be where the big formal dinner and dance would occur. It was also where the ladies would gather to make all of their Midsummer masks and costumes, while the males would be gathering in the recruit mess tent. For those that straddled the gender lines, like Xin or Shul¡¯an, they could go with whichever group they wished.


    Callie had been amazed at how quickly the pavilion had been raised. It only took an hour for Captain Kela¡¯s team of people to swoop in, get poles sunk and the canvas tied tightly in place. They had a little help from the Geomancers, who could use magic to make holes and then pack them back in, but even had the Wizard specialists not been around, it wouldn¡¯t have taken much longer. A wooden floor, tables, chairs and other necessities would be brought up during the following day. It was once again a testament to the master quartermaster''s logistical expertise.


    Several people, not just the recruits, had broken off into some kind of a game called ¡®bumpball¡¯ that was quite similar to volleyball, with a few minor changes. Teams of eight lined up on either side of a long net, which rose to about chest height for a normal-sized person. A head-sized leather ball was put in play, and the players needed to keep it in the air, bouncing it between themselves at least three times, while making sure the ball never touched the net or ground, and stayed in bounds. To add a challenge, a player could only ever ¡®bump¡¯ the ball a single time while it was on their side, so the more times you volleyed it to a teammate, the fewer eligible players there were remaining. Once the minimum count was reached, it could be sent over the net to the other side. Of course, it had to remain in bounds, otherwise the opponents would get a point and control of the ball.


    Once cleanly over the net, you could score a single point if the ball hit the opponent¡¯s ground before the first bump by one of their players, often the result of spiking it. If the opponents got the ball into the air though, and it subsequently hit the ground or net, went out of play, or they ran out of eligible bumpers, then that was worth three points.


    The action was fast and fierce, and creative trash-talking was heartily encouraged. Even the excited crowd would get in on the insult-action, often getting players to crack up and miss an important action. Players, staff and visitors all rotated out often, so everyone that wanted had a chance to play, with even Swopik and Chown both stepping in and doing quite well, despite their small size. Eventually the two Goblins even managed to get Callie to rotate through. Not being much of a team-sports person, she enjoyed the banter and silliness more than the actual play, but also did her best to represent, focusing simply on bumping the ball high so someone taller could get the spike.


    The boisterous game was exactly what everyone needed after the news of earlier. It was a fun, pointless distraction and pressure release given the sadness they had been feeling, and a good way to start off the six-day holiday. Vanis even welcomed it, despite his earlier wish for a quiet evening. It took a bit of work, but Callie, Jesca and Lena even managed to convince him that he needed to take the royal stick out of his ass and join the play, despite the awkwardness in his foot. He removed his sash and rotated in, but it was immediately apparent he wasn¡¯t a very good player. In fact, he was bad, really bad. So bad that he became the go-to target for the other team, based on the strong likelihood the Warlock would send the bumped ball wildly out of control. Nobody on his team cared, though. In the end, it was all in fun, to the point that the score was eventually lost track of.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Two hours came and went in almost a blink, and by now the sun was beginning to move low as the skies slowly turned red. After the game broke up, a good number of the players returned down the hill to change into fresh clothes, or even grab another quick shower first, the sweat of playing needing addressing before settling down to socialize. Those that weren¡¯t so ripe gravitated to the enlarged fire circle, where the first wisps of flame were beginning to rise. Wine, mead and harder drinks soon began to make the rounds, as well as a few snacks, including a potato-like tuber vegetable that could be roasted over the fire while impaled on a stick. The flames would turn the starches to browned sugars and soften it, leaving behind a chewy, sweet snack that, to Callie, seemed quite reminiscent of a roasted marshmallow, although the color was more orange.


    Vanis eventually returned from Ogre House, cleaned up again and now carrying his lute, but unfortunately with his recent smiles now slightly muted as the events of the day came back into his head and the world settled down. He took a seat on a log that had been repositioned to make room for more, and plucked on a few notes and chords. He didn¡¯t even need to use his Inspiring Melody skill in order to lower the vibe from slightly-raucous to relaxed. Vanis didn¡¯t sing, and what he played was more of a pleasant random melody than a song.


    Others filtered in, including camp people and visitors, the latter easily identifiable by the white on their arms. As the sun finally dipped below the trees, the only sounds being Vanis, light murmurs, and a slow crackle of the fire, a lot of people paired up, likely pre-arranged Midsummer couples. Callie found a few rather surprising. She¡¯d suspected Wallir and Melga, and interestingly Lhawni had finally decided to pair up with Chown. Ambria was surrounded on either side by the twins, which made Callie instinctively wonder how that was going to work. Nola and Xin were together, the latter above and sitting on a log, while the former sat in the ground between her legs. Fynisse and Duni were even apparently together, the Fairy having surprisingly matured over the last few weeks, a complete change from that first day. Others, too. It was nice to see everyone seeming happy, as Pixyl snuggled up on her arm.


    Eventually the lute began to be passed around, and Callie knew it would soon come to her. She¡¯d been wracking her brain, trying to come up with something that was both mellow, but also uplifting, too. Eventually, Callie¡¯s thoughts drifted back to when she was a young girl. She couldn¡¯t have been older than eight, and had managed to wipe out on her bicycle. Mostly it was her ego that had been bruised, but there were still some scrapes and ouchies to deal with. Her mother had tried to tend to the injuries with a cloth and warm water, but Callie was being difficult and hovering between crying and anger about the pain. It was finally her father that calmed the scene, stepping into the kitchen with his old acoustic guitar and playing a simple song that his own father had taught him when he was little older than Callie. It was a perfect distraction in the moment.


    When the lute finally came to her, with the circle being larger, she called up a quick Sigil of Amplification and pushed it to her chest as she¡¯d practiced. Surprisingly she got it in place on the first try. Callie added a second treble clef Sigil, this one to the lute, and began to play the introduction. The amplified and unfamiliar notes sent out to the circle caused muted conversations to fade away in curiosity. In a way, it was the wrong song, being the end of the day, but if you listened deeper into the lyrics, it also was just the right one, too. She looked at Vanis, giving him a smile that she hoped conveyed how much his friendship meant to her, and began to play Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles[1]. The light applause from around the circle at the end was sincere, yet also filled with a confused curiosity at the new music from those who¡¯d not heard Callie sing and play before. Still, the song had set the right tone, allowing everyone to simply relax and enjoy the moments of just being present.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Vanis said when the song ended, patting his hand on Callie¡¯s shoulder as he sighed. ¡°That was exactly what I needed.¡±


    ¡°More!¡± someone called out, with a few others adding an agreement.


    ¡°Something simple, perhaps?¡± Vanis suggested in concurrence. ¡°What was that improvised instrumental you were playing the other day? Something to do with color?¡±


    It took a moment, but then Callie realized what Vanis meant. One of the difficulties Callie had been finding with Earth music was that so many of the lyrics she knew had references to something unique to home. Cars were a surprisingly common mention, but even cities or technology or some historical events seemed to crop up frequently. She¡¯d made a few mental attempts to substitute lyrics that were appropriate for here, but with mixed success. When practicing with Pixyl, if she got too far into the zone, she¡¯d forget the changes needed to the words and end up having to stop and explain what she was talking about. Now, at Vanis¡¯s suggestion, Callie focused on what she¡¯d known since she was a little girl; what her father and grandfather had grown up with and raised her on. She simply played the blues. Nothing fancy. No lyrics. Instead just some easy, backporch rhythms and notes emulating what her elders had taught her, using her thumb to sound out a slow drumming beat against the body of the instrument. [2] That got people lightly swinging their toes in rhythm and swaying to the unknown notes, and she didn¡¯t have to explain any strange lyrics to anyone.


    After a few more minutes, the lute¡¯s Sigil faded, and Callie concluded what she was playing with an appropriate outro. She acknowledged the scattered, quiet applause, including louder-than-the-rest from both of the visiting Gnomes she¡¯d seen the day before. They were sitting in a small group, along with Thorn, Natala, Jorin and Nevikk, the young boy¡¯s white teeth offset in the firelight against his dark skin and green hair.


    Callie handed the lute off to Vanis, who in turn passed it down the line to someone else that was calling for it. Soon, a group of well over a dozen Dwarves, largely made up of camp personnel and visitors, but joined by a few of the Dwarven recruits, began a low, largely-acapella singing, punctuated by only an occasional light chord on the lute. One of the oldest, a visitor, seemed to take the lead, droning out slow rhythmic words in a language Callie didn¡¯t recognize and definitely wasn¡¯t Fae, with the rest of the group responding in an equally-low refrain. [3]


    ¡°Not many speak ancient Dwarven any more,¡± Vanis whispered to Callie, leaning forward to look around Juniper, who had joined the circle and sat down between them, ¡°but these are well-known stories set to music. It pays respect back to the time centuries ago when the Dwarves all lived under the great mountains to the north, in what is now Cillisant. Vast, interconnected cities where they mined mithril and other metals or gemstones. Manastones, too.¡±


    ¡°Oh, cool,¡± Callie whispered back, immediately reminded of similar-sounding music in The Hobbit movies. She settled a bit to get more-comfortable, moving to slide to the ground. Pixyl scooted to the ground, too, and leaned against her, getting just as comfortable up against Callie, with Jesca soon joining the two on Callie¡¯s other side. The three laid back, drinking in the Dwarven history that none of them understood, but all could still feel. Off in the darkness, but not far away, Artemis lay in the grass, Loki sitting next to and leaning against the unicorn. Neither of them were big fans of fire, and seemed to have developed a bit of a kinship over that fact.


    They all lazily watched sparks rise from the fire, the skies now well-past dark, the little orange firefly-like embers mingling with real fireflies displaying other colors. Occasionally, there was a flash of chromatic light overhead as Iris swooped through the air, playing in the rising heat and enjoying the tasty, blinking insects. Her wings would ripple through a spectrum of colors, nearly everyone truly seeing a chromatic drakeling dance in the dark for the first time, leaving streaks of light in their eyes. The atmosphere and the sight was beautiful and, for the moment, the world simply felt right.

 Chapter 64 Part 7 - Anthem

    PART VII - ANTHEM


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± an unfamiliar voice said, and Callie turned to see a female Gnome with red hair standing behind her. It was one of the Gnomes that had arrived on the brightly-colored carriage the day before; presumably one of the Bards that had kept Nevikk entertained on the journey here.


    ¡°Hello!¡± Callie gasped in surprise, trying to untangle from Pixyl and Jesca in order to scramble to her feet. Thankfully, it was still a little early and she hadn¡¯t had too much to drink yet. She finally was able to extract her limbs and climb over the log to get close. Immediately she was pulled into a big Gnome hug.


    ¡°I¡¯m one of the musicians hired for the holiday,¡± the Bard began after letting Callie breathe again.


    The new Gnome was a little shorter than Callie and definitely older than she was, although she was nowhere near Pama¡¯s age, probably around Fizzlebek¡¯s or a bit younger. Her hair, more orange than bright-red in the firelight, was shaved close on either side, with the rest then pulled back into a thick ponytail that hung below her shoulders. Each of her long ears had several pieces of jewelry pierced through them, some hanging, others not, and all-told there had to be at least a dozen in each. Callie grinned, immediately liking the Gnome¡¯s vibe. You got the sense there was an eclectic rebellious streak in the musician, which reminded Callie immediately of her days clubbing back home, and so many slightly-strange musicians she¡¯d met or admired through the years.


    ¡°You play quite well,¡± the Gnome continued, ¡°and I ¡­ I was wondering if you could show me what you were playing. I¡¯ve never heard anything like either that first song you sang or the one you played after. We¡¯re always looking for something interesting or new, and particularly liked that instrumental. What do you call it?¡±


    For some reason, being asked to talk about music by a professional musician made Callie verbally stumble. Up until now she wasn¡¯t being critiqued by anyone here with musical background beyond casual playing, so wasn¡¯t worried about mistakes and fumbles, but suddenly there was a bit of a sudden spotlight and she honestly felt intimidated.


    ¡°That second instrumental part is called ¡®the blues,¡± Callie said. ¡°There¡¯s lots and lots of different styles, but that was just something simple to set a mood. What I was playing is not very hard to do, once you get the chords and rhythms down. I could show you, if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°That would be wonderful!¡± the Gnome replied with a happy grin, and then put an embarrassed hand to her face. ¡°Oh my, I realized I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Deduxia, Deduxia Sparkbrite.¡± She reached into the dark and pulled another Gnome into the light. ¡°And this is my husband, Nikeni. He¡¯s rather embarrassed right now.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Callie laughed. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°He thinks I¡¯m being too forward.¡±


    ¡°She is,¡± Nikeni said, rolling his eyes in disbelief and apology. ¡°She should have waited until tomorrow. She¡¯s always like this if something seizes her attention, and I apologize for whatever torture she¡¯s about to subject you to.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just excited to learn something new!¡± Deduxia said with a laugh as she lightly slapped her husband¡¯s arm.


    ¡°No, no! It¡¯s fine!¡± Callie said, feeling the need to apologize for some reason. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to show you.¡±


    By this point, Pixyl had fluttered over the big log and was now standing next to Callie, looking up at the two Gnomes. She bumped Callie lightly to get her attention.


    ¡°Oh! This ¡­ this is Pixyl. She¡¯s ¡­ my girlfriend,¡± Callie said carefully and with a slight questioning inflection, a little worried what a stranger might think about the two of them being together. She was still trying to get a read on how people, outside of the Dwarves and Beastkin, viewed same-sex couples. Awkwardly, she pulled Pixyl close.


    Without missing a beat, Deduxia squealed and bent down, pulling Pixyl off the ground and into a gigantic hug. ¡°Hello!¡± the Bard giggled. Pixyl¡¯s eyes went wide in surprise and then almost seemed to bulge out, as if being squeezed out slightly from the inside. Nikeni took the moment to step close and pull Callie into a much-less-aggressive Gnome-hug of his own.


    ¡°Do you see the lute anywhere?¡± Callie turned to ask Vanis as she scanned.


    ¡°It¡¯s somewhere around the circle.¡±


    ¡°We both have instruments,¡± Deduxia interrupted, gesturing generally behind her into the darkness. ¡°We thought we might be asked to play tonight, so we brought two up with us.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that works then,¡± Callie replied.


    Together, the three Gnomes, with Pixyl tagging along, retreated a distance away so as to not disturb the rest of the people. While it was dark without the fire throwing light for them, all four had Darkvision, and one of the moons was rising and waxing overhead, so they were easily able to navigate over to a secluded spot surrounded by a few trees.


    Nikeni had trailed behind a bit, having detoured to pick up the instruments, and he handed a lute to Callie as he walked by, before sitting down next to his wife. Callie was shocked to find that what she¡¯d been handed was smaller than the one she¡¯d been using. In fact, it was perfectly Gnome-sized and felt far more comfortable in her hands. It was a little odd to no longer have to awkwardly stretch so hard to use, and Callie quickly played out a few notes to get the fingering re-coordinated. It felt so much more natural.


    ¡°So, show us your music,¡± Deduxia said excitedly, leaning in close to watch Callie¡¯s fingers.


    Callie looked up into the Bard¡¯s excited eyes and grinned, but then frowned. There was so much more to the style of blues she¡¯d played than just getting the notes right. In a way, you had to feel it, too. How could she explain that? Then she remembered back to her childhood. She couldn¡¯t have been more than seven or eight, and her grandfather had sat her down to properly explain this exact thing as he introduced her to her first child-size guitar. It was probably the same way he¡¯d introduced her father to music, and how he¡¯d been introduced himself.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Plucking a couple notes, a quiet, soulful melody began to ring out as Callie tapped a rhythm against the body with her thumb. ¡°Blues isn¡¯t music,¡± she began, paraphrasing what her grandfather had said. ¡°Blues is an expression. The music lays bare the singer''s or player¡¯s feelings, whether it''s heartbreak, hardship, or even joy.¡± With each emotion mentioned, the melody changed slightly to reflect it. ¡°When you play, you want to channel yourself through your fingers, to let the music tell the story. You want your audience to ¡­¡±


    Callie¡¯s words were abruptly cut off as Nikeni picked out a few notes on his own instrument, trying to mimic what Callie had just played. The sound was different from the lute, and familiar, and her eyes went wide in absolute disbelief.


    ¡°Wha ¡­. Oh my god!¡±


    The Bard looked confused, and then to his wife and then back to Callie. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Oh my god!¡± Callie gasped again, her voice fading to almost a whisper. She tried to make more words, but none would come out, and finally all she could do was point at what Nikeni was holding. She started to feel faint, and barely had the wherewithal to pass the lute to Deduxia before falling back against the tree, trying not to hyperventilate. Her vision whirled as memories she thought she¡¯d firmly put to rest earlier in the week came flooding back into her, and her head spun.


    ¡°Callie, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Pixyl asked.


    ¡°Where did you get that?¡± Callie finally gasped, her voice barely a croak.


    ¡°This?¡± Nikeni said. ¡°I think it was in Imor, maybe ten years ago. Why?¡±


    ¡°Imor? Really?¡±


    ¡°Um, if I remember, some master crafter made it custom for me, because it needed to be smaller. I don¡¯t remember his name. A Catkin of some kind, I think. His shop was in the High Terrace district. Why?¡±


    ¡°Can I see it, please?¡± Callie pleaded, extending both hands in an urgent ¡®gimmie¡¯ gesture.


    ¡°I suppose,¡± Nikeni said cautiously. ¡°Gentle with it, I use it for our performances.¡± He placed the wonder into Callie¡¯s hands.


    With a single, almost sob-like gasp, Callie looked in awe at the instrument, before placing it into her lap. Her fingers instantly found the right place and an intense rush of homesickness flooded in, making her feel even more woozy. She squeezed her eyes shut, unable to believe what she held, and played out a single chord, the sounds rich and whole and familiar. She was holding an acoustic guitar. A real guitar, not a lute, almost exactly like one of the ones she had back home. It was sized down for a Gnome, but it had the same shape, the same feel, the same tone. The strings were slightly thicker, so even the pitch was almost the same. It had frets on the neck and tuning pegs at the end and a simple, perfect warmth. She played out another familiar chord. ¡°What ¡­ what is this called?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a guitar,¡± Nikeni said, his face growing more confused. ¡°They aren¡¯t a common instrument, but not uncommon either.¡±


    ¡°It is beautiful,¡± Callie whispered, almost in reverence at the familiar word, and somewhat surprised it went by the same name here, for some reason.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Similar to a lute, but I honestly think it has a richer sound.¡±


    ¡°I have another one back in our carriage, too,¡± Deduxia added. ¡°We play duets in our shows sometimes.¡±


    Unexpectedly, silent tears came in an increasing torrent. Tears that Callie tried to will away because she didn¡¯t want to explain, but that she simply could not stop. She was holding a guitar that in almost every way was like what she had back on Earth. In fact, it felt nearly identical in shape and feel to her grandfather¡¯s perfect Gibson Hummingbird that she had inherited when he died, different only by the size being proportional to her now-Gnome body.


    ¡°Callie,¡± Deduxia said, her voice low and comforting as she reached out and touched Callie¡¯s knee. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°My ¡­ my father taught me to play this,¡± Callie said, gushing out a single sob, but her face somehow smiling at the memory. She strummed two more familiar chords, and then plucked a few of the strings in a light, bluesy rhythm. ¡°He was an amazing player,¡± Callie continued. Another tear of confused, homesick emotions dripped off the end of her nose. She wiped her eyes with one hand, still holding the guitar¡¯s neck with her other. ¡°My grandfather, too. Both of them, when I was a little girl.¡±


    ¡°She has no memory of b-b-before coming here,¡± Pixyl interrupted, trying to quickly at least put some context to Callie¡¯s behavior. ¡°It sometimes comes to her in p-p-pieces like this.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Callie said, almost laughing as she repeated the lie she had learned to so casually say. ¡°Why do I remember that?¡±


    Callie¡¯s hands found their familiar place again, and before either of the Bards could say anything, Callie began to play. She didn¡¯t know why she¡¯d picked this song. It wasn¡¯t one she¡¯d played very often; maybe a few times with her father, playing to her mother, or maybe she had played it for Morgan. It wasn¡¯t one of her go-to karaoke selections, either. It wasn¡¯t even a song she particularly liked. Somehow, though, it poured out of her, the simple opening, familiar repetitive notes, and uncommon 7/4 time-signature that left you wanting, mixing with the quiet darkness and now-distant memories.


    She hadn¡¯t intended it to happen. She¡¯d played a little with the spell earlier in the week, with some success. It hadn¡¯t worked well though, Vanis explaining that her emotions accompanying the music were a big part of the magic. But in this moment of shocked familiarity, as she played the opening notes to Peter Gabriel¡¯s Solsbury Hill [1], Callie¡¯s Inspiring Melody came to life. It washed over Pixyl and the shocked Bards, and at once they were filled with Callie¡¯s emotions, too. Callie¡¯s homesickness, grief, and pure determination wrapped them like a blanket, feeling heavy and wonderful; raw and beautiful.


    Callie¡¯s magic almost seemed to flow from her, out and over the field like fading ripples, causing a few around the campfire to temporarily stop their conversations. The distant notes were strange and mesmerizing, but there was more to it than that. Callie¡¯s magical power, translated by notes and words, pierced through them as each ¡®boom, boom, boom¡¯ was called out.


    Vanis immediately knew what was happening, recognizing the magic, and knew from whom it was coming from. Feeling a little proud, he stood, one hand holding Juniper¡¯s, while he took the one Lena offered in his other. The three walked towards their small friend, followed by Jesca and her Companions. They were joined enroute by both Xin and then a flying, winged kitty that dropped almost silently to the ground at the back, before taking on its huge, hulking form. The way was slightly lit by a deeply-red glowing ball that Xin had summoned, floating in mid-air, just bright enough so she and Tazrok could see. They came close, seeing Callie with her eyes closed as she swayed and sang to the strange music.


    Deduxia and Nekini were enraptured at what they were hearing and feeling. They were Bards, and had their own, more-advanced versions of Inspiring Melody that they used for almost every show. Thus, they were particularly sensitive to what Callie was feeling, and the feelings welled within them, too. They stayed silent, Deduxia lying back into Nekini¡¯s arms as they simply absorbed. It was a moment of perfect beauty, despite some of the heavy emotions they were feeling.


    As for Callie, she didn¡¯t just play a song. She didn¡¯t just play notes. Callie played an anthem! An anthem announcing personal liberation and new beginnings. A testament to following one¡¯s own path, of leaving behind what''s safe and familiar, of growth and the courage to embrace the unknown. Callie sat there and played and sang and beautifully announced to the universe that this was her world now. She called as if a herald that she had fully accepted, even embraced it. Callie finally truly knew she was home, and that she was ready to take on anything. She didn¡¯t know what the future might be, but her music was challenge. Let ¡­ it .. come!

 AUTHORS NOTE - State of the Story (end of Chapter 64)

    Greetings Readers!


    The last update occurred about eight months ago, and with it being the end of the year, it seems like a good time for another one. I¡¯m going to try to avoid major spoilers, but won''t promise they may not occur. I think anything that might be revealed is likely to be pretty obvious at this point.


    MINOR COMMENTARY


    I think the biggest event that occurred over the last few months was Callie and Pixyl (finally!) getting together. I know it was a long build up, and I truly hope the payoff, when it happened, was what you all hoped it would be. I know it was for me, and it was one of the happier days writing this story, when I finally put that chapter to words.


    Now comes the hard part of keeping their relationship real, especially in the face of their immediate future. Many stories rely so much on the ¡®will they/won¡¯t they¡¯ trope that getting the characters together can often be the death knell to the whole thing.


    The growth of Jesca has been another big part of the story, and while I hadn''t specifically intended to spend as much time with her as we have, it yielded an exciting sideplot that I think a lot of readers can resonate with. I''ve been very happy with how it''s shaped up, especially as it relates to her murky future.


    THE STATE OF THE STORY


    As of the date of writing this posting, 11/24/24 (so about a month ago when I wrote this note), I have just completed chapter 68 and have begun getting my notes together for chapter 69. Total story length of Callie¡¯s Heroes at this point is 688,655 words. Between the end of chapter 64 and 68 is 56,231 words, so I still have a bit of a backlog, but as you can see I¡¯ve lost considerable distance from the 120k I had in April.


    This has been an issue, as I¡¯ve had pretty significant writer¡¯s block for much of the summer and fall, as well as some personal real-life issues, some of which I talked about last time (more info on that below). I¡¯m not sure what to do if I run out of that backlog, so I¡¯m trying not to think about it. What is written, though, should at least get the story through the end of March if I didn¡¯t write anything more. The only way to stretch that out would be to slow posting down to 1x/week, which I would hate to do.


    Motivation has been my big issue. In part because of those personal things (work and health primarily) but also I¡¯m just a little burnt out. Why? Well, a few things:


    <ol>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">When I originally planned to have the Midsummer holiday, it was plotted as two chapters, maybe three. But then it not only grew in length and complexity, but more and more of the stories of other characters started to weave into the mix, which just slowed things down. Now, I do think they are great sub-stories, and there are some dramatic things that happen to many of the characters, but had I not even brought up the holiday in the first place, the story probably wouldn¡¯t have been harmed for it never happening. As a result, writing it has been a lot of ¡®why am I doing this, it doesn¡¯t even matter¡¯ whining to myself. A classic case of ¡®less can be more¡¯ that writers need to learn, I guess. I¡¯ve vowed to tighten things up once we¡¯re through the holiday and going forward. We''ll see if I can make that happen.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">I struggled with Ravina, ultimately tossing quite a bit of written story. I originally had this whole elaborate subplot where Ravina was going to show up and cause a ruckus. As some had commented, Callie would have started out liking her (Pixyl immediately knowing this wasn¡¯t going to end well), and that would have faded before long as Thorn¡¯s wife became more and more trouble. In the end, Ravina would have left the camp, leaving Nevikk behind to be Thorn¡¯s problem. There was already probably 30,000 words of material written at least, weaved throughout the holiday, and with more to come. I realized I needed a way out, so I started over and you all ended up with what ultimately put the characters in exactly the same place they would have ended up in anyway. I think in some ways it makes it more dramatic to have the anticipated Callie/Ravina shenanigans never happen. I hope you all didn¡¯t see it as a cop out, and see it as more of a bullet dodged.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Nasty notes. I¡¯ve received more than a couple rather venomous notes from people, primarily complaining about LGBTQ+ content. The ones Royal Road were all blocked and reported, but when coupled with the change in political winds of late, those kinds of things really hurt, which leads to almost dreading doing any writing sometimes.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Feedback has become sparse. One of my two beta readers moved on from the story (she had a baby and life was getting in the way, so I understand) and there¡¯s not a lot of feedback from readers here, which in turn has been leading to a lot of ¡°is this even worth it?¡± feelings of doubt. I¡¯m trying to rise above it, but sometimes it feels as if I''m writing into the void. I do realize this is a ¡®me¡¯ problem, so I¡¯ll just give the obligatory, ¡®please favorite, review and comment¡¯ here and leave it at that.</li>


    </ol>


    PUBLISHING UPDATEUnauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    No real update here. In part because of the motivation issues above, but also not really being sure what to do next and not feeling like I have anything worth reading (imposter syndrome). Thus, I have just sort of ignored the issue; maybe it will go away. (Would that be Callie Syndrome?)


    That said, I did give some thought to the overall story so far, and have decided Book 1 of the series would conclude with the end of Chapter 45, where Callie plays her music for the first time, followed by her and Pixyl walking home together in the dark. It seemed like a natural breakpoint and denouement from the Bogwump fight, making the first book about 412,000 words, or if an audiobook, about 38-40 hours.


    Book 2 will take us from the start of Chapter 46 (opening with Jesca becoming a Beastmaster) up through the end of the regular training session. Callie and some others will be staying on, which you all saw the seeds of at the end of Chapter 52 Part 1. There is also one more large fight scene planned to take place after Midsummer and before the end of Book 2 as well. So far, I have written 268,000 words for this volume, and if I had to guess it will probably finish up around 450k or so.


    Book 3 will encompass the entirety of the extended session, and I currently plan on this one to be much shorter than 1 and 2, in part because I need to focus the plot better, but also because I think everyone is eager to get on to the next adventure. If I had to guess, maybe only 200,000 words. Of course, who knows.


    As it relates to Royal Road, I am likely going to look into getting new covers made, and then split the story into the volumes. I need to find an artist that has a style I like, as I am not going to go the AI route, beyond inspiration. I¡¯ve also contemplated doing some ads to see if I can get any more readers, but don¡¯t really have the right skills for any kind of graphic arts work. Probably I should just save the money for professional editing and such anyway.


    PERSONAL UPDATES


    My health scare from the spring has shown all indications of being resolved. I do sport a long, sexy scar on my neck for my efforts, but six-month scans look clean. I¡¯ll get another evaluation done in April, and if everything looks good at that point, that should be the end of it. I¡¯ll repeat my statement from last time: Make sure to see your doctor regularly!


    I¡¯ve also been struggling with some anxiety issues of late in the real world, in part related to my day job (under-appreciated and poor pay), but also surrounding the (US) election results and what that could mean in the future for a good many people I know. I can¡¯t do much about the latter, but the first issue may have me looking for new work, which could, unfortunately, impact writing. This would especially be the case if I need to relocate for the new job. We¡¯ll see.


    Otherwise, my life is rather dull. Just me and my pupper, Henry.


    FEEDBACK NEEDED ON ONE ISSUE


    This is one I¡¯ve been struggling with, and I¡¯d like some feedback from you all on this.


    I have found myself purposely avoiding using the words ¡®man/men¡¯ and ¡®woman/women¡¯ (and related words) in the writing, even skipping words like ¡®gentlemen¡¯ in ¡®ladies and gentlemen¡¯. I did use them in the first few chapters, but then it faded and I eventually realized it had been unconsciously intentional. My thinking was that those words only would apply to humans, and thus could be considered a bit of an insult if used towards the non-humans in the world. This is especially the case given the relationship with humans at this time. Well, as you can imagine, this has sometimes required a little literary Twister to make work, to the point that the writing has gotten awkward occasionally.


    So I¡¯d like to hear your thoughts on this. Do you feel that the terms could be seen as generic enough in this world to be used, or should I continue to avoid them? I don¡¯t want to make up new words, as A) I doubt I could come up with good ones and B) that would probably make it even more awkward in terms of the prose.


    I know I¡¯m the author and I can literally hand-wave anything I¡¯d like, and maybe it''s a bit silly, but you are all invested too and I¡¯ve been meaning to ask this for a while.


    Q&A


    I¡¯d like to open the comments below for any questions you may have about anything story-related. Think of it as an AMA. What would you all like to know?


    CONCLUSIONS


    I need to start by taking a moment to simply thank all of you for being readers. It truly means the world to me. As much as my writing may have slowed down a bit, what I¡¯ve done couldn¡¯t have been done without knowing someone out there was enjoying it. You keep me going some days. I hope I can continue to deliver what you are hoping from this story.


    I¡¯ll be posting an updated Character/Location list next, since there hasn''t been one for a long, long while. Then the story is going to take a short break for a couple weeks until after the new year as I will be traveling.


    In final: I¡¯d like to wish all of you a happy, safe, and loving new year. Take care of yourselves and the people important in your life. Cut the toxic out of your life where you are able. We only get one chance through this thing called being alive, and you¡¯ve got to force it to be good, sometimes. I probably should also say something about drinking more water, proper exercise, and getting more sun. I know I need to.


    Thank you again,


    RAH

 CHARACTER/LOCATION LIST - End of Chapter 64

    <table style="table-layout: fixed; font-family: Arial; border-collapse: collapse; border: none" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><colgroup><col width="182"><col width="123"><col width="100"><col width="119"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"><col width="100"></colgroup>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word; border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)">Name</td>


    <td style="border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Gender/Race</td>


    <td style="border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Class</td>


    <td style="border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">(Last Known) Tier</td>


    <td style="border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">Rank</td>


    <td style="border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word">First Mention</td>


    <td style="border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Notes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Alena del Montano</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Legacy Princess and sister of Vanis, Age 8, presumptive heir to the del Montano Legacy Kingdom of Imoria</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ambria</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Faun</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Combat Medic recruit and friend of Callie, comes from the Fae woods where her family has a mushroom farm, was apprenticed to the local healer, and unfortuantely visiting the city with her grandfather when she was chosen for the lottery, slept with Kaisess before he returned to Kaises and is fairly sexually liberated. Paired up with both Moka and Koka for Midsummer.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Artemis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Unicorn</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bonded Companion</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 45</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Very young unicorn. Child of the unicorn Callie was forced to kill during the assault on the Bogwump nest. Bonded Companion of Ranger/Beastmaster Jesca.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Aymon</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Cillisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 60</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Son of Aishan Sylbane and biological father of Thorn''s son, Nevikk. Suffers from Ohler''s Fugue. Is a bit if a philandering hothead and spoiled brat.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Balneis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 7</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Part of the Quartermaster and Logistics staff, works the provisioning services</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bratig</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Pushed Pixyl causing her to break her wing, was disciplined by Tazrok which included removing his beard. Druid forms include: Forest Grist (stealth), Blood-faced owl (flight), Rockjaw (striker) and Armored Cyophroda (guardian). Accompanied the team on the Elemental mission.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal">Cadavila by the River</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 56</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Small Cheetahkin village south of Imor that Jesca hails from.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Callie (Calliope) Willow Archer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human transported from Earth into pink-haired Gnome body, Conscription Cursed and currently in advanced class training, Is a race/class combination not seen before, has background archery and accounting.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cavin''s Bows and Fletching</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Archery shop in Imor highly recommended by Reynard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Celeste</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Major</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Senior officer in Camp, doing double-duty as Bladedancer Trainer and head of training camp internal security, former recruit at the camp from the first training class</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cheena</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Trainer under the mentorship of Trainer Maugra, acts as her interpreter and assistant, but is ready to assume role of lead trainer, should Maugra ever finally retire. Known Animal Forms: White Spotted Leopard, Unspecified Flight Form</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Chown</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, learned Arcane Blast from grandmother, who is a Wizard</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cillisant</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 52</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">The northern of the three kingdoms, largely populated by Cillisine Elves, who generally have dark skin and white hair. Ruled by Queen Nemina. Very low population of Beastkin live in this kingdom</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cylanae</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Duelist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 28</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Duelist trainer. Duelists are a dual-wielding Scout specialist that excel at ambush tactics.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Deduxia Sparkbrite</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 64</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">One of the Bards brough to the camp for the Midsummer Celebration. Wife of Nekini Sparkbrite.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Delin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Master Healer Tasi''s son. He works on the staff of the Imorian High Commander.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dermic</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Squirrelkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dregorio</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Catkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, Catkin with Domestic Housecat background, comes from far to the south along the sea, but came north to be with his love - alas it did not work out and he was Conscripted before he could return home. Was briefly hooking up with Lena, until her indident with firelice soured the relationship.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Dunni (Dunilalwal)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for six months, used to be in service to Duke Rallaxe and recognizes Vanis from that time, accidently summoned a Demon (Fiend) to the training field, which was defeated by Pixyl</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Earick</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Scryer on staff at training camp who has left to join his wife, as they are expecting their first child soon</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Eirlys</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 26</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Floramancer/Sylvan trainer, expert in plant-related magics</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Farncol Mannor</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 60</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Large estate belonging to Kerr Sylbane</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fidas</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch.14</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer on staff. Served as monitor for Ogre House while they recovered from their Symbiote joining</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fizzlebek</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Enchanter</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of the workshop section of the crafting area, Enchanter (class) and Artificer (vocation), Married to Pama, the head Culinar, is working on a mechanical golem in his spare time</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Flick</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Crime Boss</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still working in organized crime, treated Lena well and made sure she was trained</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fullo</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 8</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Quartermaster in charge of laundry, tailoring and the leather tannery, leads a team of Brownie tailors and armorsmiths (cloth and leather armor), yellow Tigerkin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Fynisse</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lionkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock recruit, age 16, has only been a Warlock for one month. Don''t call her Kitty Girl!</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Galin Molanar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Legate (Colonel)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Second in command of training camp, reports to Commandant Xera, is in a relationship with Commandant Xera''s assistant, Kyra. In charge of military and operations issues for the camp. ''Legate'' is a title referring to his position as military commander of a facility.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gosen</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Cillisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Guard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 60</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Guard for the estate of Kerr Sylbane</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal">Grecan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Cillisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 61</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">The Cilisine Elf that Ravina, Thorn''s wife, ran off with, abandoning her son to Thorn''s care.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Grig</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kitchen staff member and bartender during start-of-term party. Wishes to start a restaurant some day back in Imor, serving skewers of meat on sticks. Callie gave him the name ''shish kabobs'' to call them.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Halc</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Dwarf that harassed Callie when she woke in the recruit wagon, apologized to her for his behavior and received a harsh lesson on the importance of consent.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Happy (aka Gurosk)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Orc</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bartender</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 60</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">One-half of the couple that owns the Happy Tails tavern in Imor, where Reynard met his wife-to-be, Ravina</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Harzol</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Wolfkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Berserker</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Berserker recruit Callie first met as a player in the Battleball/Bunkerball game</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Hoxx</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Crime Mini-boss</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former compatriot of Lena when she was still in organized crime, treated her poorly and attemted to have her killed, before Tazrok was able to stop the attack. Lena plans to poke him many, many times with a sword when she''s eventually able.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Huvaen Amalrinde</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warrior</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Captain</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 49</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Captain in the Imperial Guard, which reports only to the royal family. Rode hard to the camp to bring Vanis the news of the death of his grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as report the presence of Stone Elementals on the road to Meadowglade</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Iftan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 46</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock hired to assist at the training camp by summoning demons for the recruits to practice with.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Iris</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Chromatic Drakeling</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bonded Companion</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 57</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">One of Jesca''s Beastmaster Bonded Companions. Hails from the great desert far to the south and west of the camp. Only about the size of a forarm, Iris is able to ripple the colors of her wings and tail to any color, many of them quite bright. Is able to focus that same light in her eyes as a make-shift laser, strong enough to cut the heads off other drakelins, or set an occasional hat on fire.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jaelarn (aka "Beatcop")</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 15</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Was walking patrol when Callie woke the morning after her Symbiote joining, as well as when she leveled to Bronze Tier, can be occasionally seen on patrol at night, is not fond of the fact that Jesca runs every morning wearing only her underwear</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jesca Llalanuras</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Cheetahkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger / Beastmaster</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver/Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Fellow Ranger recruit and friend of Callie, has a tendency to babble a bit. Received the second class of Beastmaster, and has a unicorn foal named Artemis as a Bonded Companion, as well as a Chromatic Drakeling name Iris. Is suffering a bit from confidence issues. See: Mimarnae</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jitta</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 28</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Paladin recruit training alongside Koda</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Jorin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warrior</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former adventuring partner of Reynard, in his days before the war and his duties as trainer.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Juniper</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dryad</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious and mischievous Dryad that lives close to the training camp, has some arrangement with Xera but is considered a nuisance by most officers and staff, is recruited into camp training in exchange for agreeing to lead camp personnel to Symbiotes in the area, is close to Vanis in a way that is possibly romantic</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kaisess</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, yellow Tigerkin, learned the Parkour skill before arrival. Suffered a Bunkerball injury which led to having a stroke, and was forced to return to Imor for treatment.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Karen</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Interviewed Callie Archer for a poor accounting position</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Karira</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Daughter of Governor Solva, who was being courted by Vanis, before the Humans exiled themselves away behind their walls</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kela</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Captain</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">In charge of Quartermaster and Logistics at the training camp, reports to Legate Galin, arguably the most-important person at the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Koda (aka Bear Guy)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Bearkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Large Bearkin that accosts Callie, Jesca and Thucax, before turning polite, nicknamed ''Bear Guy'' by Callie, is an officer in the militia and is undercover to learn training techniques first hand, has asked Callie to provide information on how the training is going for the three anomalies</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Koka</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin sister (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Moka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kotimba</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Cheetahkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">???</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 52</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Someone that Reynard remembered from years ago that showed Beastmaster-like capabilities.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kyra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 29</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Commandant Xera. Able to place sound amplification sigils on a person, allowing them to address large crowds, as well as replicate objects. Is in a relationship with Legate Galin, although it is still eary</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Lena (Lenora) Mosswood</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 1</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, has a mysterious and criminal past, powerset includes multiple Thief skills as well as Truthseeking. At silver, received a skill called Wings of Glory that summons a pair of ethereal wings that allows her to glide. Was briefly in a relationship with Dregorio until she lost her hair due to a Firelice attack.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Lhawni</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit and friend of Callie. Known animal forms: Yalokin</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Loki</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Plant Monster</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylvan Familiar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 30</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Semi-intelligent familiar of Juniper''s resulting from her Summon Carnivorous Plant spell, very pet-like and generally friendly, did not initially get on well with Pixyl, is a bit of a kleptomaniac and quite mischevious, beloved informal "mascot" of the recruits in camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Maugra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer (Captain)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Goblin Shaman Trainer who was made young by drinking unicorn blood, which repaired her leg and voice. Former Adventurer. Officer commission reinstated as a result of the blood incident. In a relationship with Trainer Rowani. Known Animal Forms: Wolf, Owl</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Melga Fireheart</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit. Druid forms: Rolli (stealth), Drakeling (flight), Horned Ice Uraxe (striker) and Owlbear (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Meyra</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Healer and assistant to Master Healer Tasi</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Millavana</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sub-Captain</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 61</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on Staff at the training camp. She is fresh from the officer''s academy.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal">Mimarnae</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 62</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Legendary name for the one that led the Beastkin to freedom during The Escape. It translates roughly to "Oracle of Light" or "Oracle General"</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Moka</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladedancer Recruit, white Tigerkin, twin brother (littermate) of Bladedancer Recruit Koka</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: bottom"> </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Natala</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sigilist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Emerald</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sergeant-Major</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Assistant to Master Trainer Thorn, battle veteran with lingering injuries. Master Sigilist by class, she has developed many combat spells of her own, dispite being a Scholar specialist. Trained Callie in the use of her Sigil of Amplification skill.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Nekini Sparkbrite</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 61 / 64</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">One of the Bards brough to the camp for the Midsummer Celebration. Met briefly in Ch. 61, but not named. Husband of Deduxia Sparkbrite.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Nemina</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Cillisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Queen</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 52</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Legacy Queen of the northern kingdom of Cillisant. Longtime ally of King Feldwin and the del Montano family. She and Vanis courted when they were both teens, but the relationship eventually faded.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Nevikk</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Cilisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 52</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Son of Master Trainer Thorn and Ravina, age 10. Wishes to be a Ranger when he grows up. Abandoned at the camp by his mother.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Nola</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lizardkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time. (NOTE: Lizardkin are hermaphroditic and use female pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Olin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Lionkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Trainer for the training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Pama</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnome</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Culinar</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 11/19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Head Culinar for the camp. Mentioned (Ch. 11) by Vanis using incorrect name as someone that once cooked for a feast in the royal court, Married to Head Enchanter/Artificer Fizzlebek</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paven Dalash</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 43</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">A now-defunct distillery well know for its fine alcohol.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Pelidri (Kalilgrin)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Cillisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Martialist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Emerald</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Arkan</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 61</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">High-ranking officer in the Cilisine army that arrived at the training camp for Midsummer. Arkan is a rank, and is roughly the equivalent of General. His real name is Kalilgrin, but he took his father''s name of Pelidri, taking his place when he was conscripted into the Cilisine army 250 years ago.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Pixyl (Pixylataweneecina)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Pixie</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Blue-haired Pixie, housemate of Callie Archer, fiercely independent but has made new friends through Callie. Is a race/class combination not seen before. Used to fight in the Marandine underground fighter pits and is quite used to fighting demons. Pixyl received two medals for her courage and injuries when fighting a demon on the first day. She is in a relationship with Callie Archer.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rakona</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Tigerkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladeweaver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 24</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Bladeweaver Recruit, has only been a Bladeweaver for a short time, green tigerkin variant with orange stripes</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rallaxe</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male (Unknown)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Duke (Nobility)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Kingdom nobility known to Vanis, used to employ Warlock Recruit Dunni on his staff, before forcing Dunni to quit and devote time to studying his new class.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ravina</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Cilisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 52</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Wife of Master Trainer Thorn and mother to Nevikk. Abandoned her husband and son to run off with someone. Suffers from Ohler''s Fugue, a bi-polar-like mental condition that cycles in tandom with the rising of the moon Ohler.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Reynard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Foxkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 7</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Trainer, longtime good friends with Master Trainer Thorn, Natala and Jorin, initially not happy with having a Gnome recruit or with Callie''s stubbornness, but eventually learned to accept it and become Callie''s supported. His wife passed many years ago, and he still hasn''t fully recovered from her death.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rilden</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Cillisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Guard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 60</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Guard for the estate of Kerr Sylbane</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Rowani</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Pantherkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Platinum</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer (Captain)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 5</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid trainer, battle veteran and former Adventurer. Became young by drinking unicorn blood, but forced to reactivate her military commission. In a relationship with Maugra. Known Animal Forms include: Black Panther, Golden Hawk, Snake, Tortalis</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Sania</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Dwarf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 11</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shirax</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Rhinokin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Barbarian</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Barbarian recruit Callie first met as a player in the Bunkerball game. Was disciplined at the start of term by Tazrok for brawling with other recruits</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shul''an</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A Salamanderkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, Fire Salamander background, pitch-black skin with red highlights, hails from the Great Oasis in the Southern Desert and when Conscripted was too far to return home, able to shoot flammable spit, served as trade caravan guard and has learned several Ranger skills, plus Earthen Wall (Geomancer) and Burning Hands (Wizard) which can be used to ignite flammable spit (NOTE: Salamanderkin are hermaphroditic and use neutral pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Solva</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Human</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Governor</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Human nobility and friend of Vanis before the Humans isolated, Vanis was courting his daughter at one point.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Swopik</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Goblin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, was part of the town militia before being Conscripted, so knows some warrior skills</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Sylbane, Aishan (Kerr)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Cillisine Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Wizard</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Kerr (Nobility)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 60</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Biological mother of Thorn''s son, Nevikk. Powerful nobility in Cillisant and close to the queen as an advisor. She is considered politically powerful and not someone to be trifled with. Agreed to force her son to allow Thorn to adopt Nevikk, in exchange for consessions. She did promise the boy a Symbiote when he came of age as a gift. Kerr is a titlle, similiar to Lord or Lady.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tails</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Hostess</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 60</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">One-half of the couple that owns the Happy Tails tavern in Imor, where Reynard met his wife-to-be, Ravina</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Talania</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Foxkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Adventuring partner and wife of Trainer Reynard, who passed away twenty-one years previous</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tasi</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Master Healer (Colonel)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 9</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Supervisor of Healers and healing services at training camp and carried the rank of Colonel, best of friends with Commandant Xera going back decades, her son Delin works for the High Commander</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tazrok (Deathstorm) Thunderfist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Ogre</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Corporal</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 1</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Berserker and Barbarian skills, Is a race/class combination not seen before. "Promoted" to Corporal and takes his disciplinary duties quite seriously, Has a strange skill called Chieftian''s Inspiration that he refuses to talk about. Druid forms include: Sky Weasel (stealth), Kheprexi (flight), Hellhound (Striker), Giant Blue-Footed Cave Spider (Guardian), Curvax (Travel), Mining Badger (Digger), Unknown (Aquatic)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Terrin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Trainer, old friend of Commandant Xera forced out of retirement to serve as trainer, has very little patience for young people, 236 years old. Expert in demons and pit-fighting fan</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Thorn, Tandis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Ratkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Martialist</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Topaz</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Master Trainer (Colonel)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 6</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Officer in charge of all recruit training. Reports directly to Commandant Xera. Lifelong good friends of Reynard, Natala and Jorin. Has a son name Nevikk who is a Cilisine Elf. His wife, Ravina, abandoned them to run off with someone.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Thucax</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Gnoll</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Ranger Recruit, generally sour disposition (common for Gnolls), his family owns several warehouses and distribution centers in large cities</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Tovinen</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 46</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock hired to assist at the training camp by summoning demons for the recruits to practice with.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Usis</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male / (Catkin)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Network Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 39</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Network Scryer for the village of Meadowglade, approximately 30km from the camp. Is close to and occasionally intimate with Scryer Yulayla.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Utora</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Gnoll</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Paladin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Soldier</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 27</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Graduate of training camp, killed in action saving a family from Demons, first combat death of a camp graduate</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Vanis del Montano</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Warlock</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 2</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Warlock Recruit, good friend and housemate of Callie Archer, Son of Legacy King Feldwin del Montano. Powerset includes Dancing Lights (Illusionist) and Inspiring Melody (Bard) plus instrument perks.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Vonn</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Lamia</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ranger</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Gold</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 19</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Former Ranger (retired) turned craftperson (weaponcrafting), used to be an Adventurer until Conscripted, fought on the line with Celeste, is able to craft swords and bows, and crafted the Heartwood Bows that the Ranger recruits use. Stepped in to assist Reynard as trainer when he lost his leg.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Wallir</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Druid</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bronze</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 10</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Druid Recruit, Druid Forms include: Dire Rat (stealth), Dire Bat (flight), Dire Wolf (striker) and Dire Bear (guardian)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Winnu</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Combat Healer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Trainer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 37</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Trainer for the Combat Healer class</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Woman in the Red Hat</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female (Unkown)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Prologue</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Mysterious woman in a bright yellow dress and large red hat. Pushed Callie Archer in front of a train in Chicago, IL (Earth)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Xera Delnara</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Between Fairy</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Bladedancer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Commandant (General)</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 3</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Army general and Commandant of training camp, missing one arm and a portion of their wing due to a combat injury. Lifelong best friends with Master Healer Tasi. Commandant is a title given to the one in command of a training facility (NOTE: Fairy are able to change gender as desired, Xera is between genders and uses neutral pronouns). Xera is planning to enter chrysalis during the extended session in order to complete their gender transformation.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-left: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Xin (Xinchaine), Daughter of the Sunset Valley Tribe</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">N/A Lizardkin</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 1); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Shaman</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Silver</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Recruit</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 2</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Shaman Recruit, volunteered for duty, housemate of Callie Archer, powerset includes multiple Spearmaster Skills, Known Animal Forms: Giant Grist, Phelnix (NOTE: Lizardkin are hermaphroditic and use female pronouns)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Yulayla</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Female Elf</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Scryer</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle">Ch. 4</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Scryer on staff at training camp. Was part of the military pre-war, but wasn''t a model soldier. Returned to aid the military when the war started, but as a civilian. Is close to and occasionally intimate with Meadowglade Scryer Usis. Has become close to trainer Reynard.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal">Zyxengrisc</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Male Brownie</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">--</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Staff</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word">Ch. 53</td>


    <td style="border-right: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(38, 0, 0, 0); overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 3px; vertical-align: middle; word-wrap: break-word" colspan="5" rowspan="1">Head tailor for the training camp, leading a group of additional Brownies. Responsible for the crafting and repair of clothing and leather armor for the recruits.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chapter 65 Part 1 - God of Dreams

    PART I - GOD OF DREAMS


    ¡°Morpheus!¡± Callie exclaimed suddenly, stopping Jesca and Pixyl in their tracks, the saddle-wearing Artemis also looking back with a confused expression.


    ¡°What?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s his name!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s name?¡±


    Callie shook her head, as if to clear it slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve been wracking my brain for a few days now, trying to remember who the god of dreams was. The name finally came to me, and it fits him perfectly, I think.¡±


    ¡°Name for who?¡± Jesca said, still not sure what Callie was getting at.


    ¡°For my Symbiote.¡± Callie pointed to her head. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to give him a name because I don¡¯t like calling him, ¡®it¡¯. I just couldn¡¯t remember who the god was. Morpheus, the god of dreams. He¡¯s a really obscure one, so it¡¯s no wonder it took me a bit.¡±


    Pixyl shrugged her shoulders. ¡°Seems like a g-g-good choice.¡±


    Callie grinned, and then saw Artemis visibly roll her eyes before continuing her walk, and even Iris rippled vaguely exasperated colors. ¡°Hey you two, be nice!¡±


    Interruption over, the three, with the drakeling riding at her normal spot on Jesca¡¯s shoulders, followed the unicorn towards the hill up to the training field. It was the first day of Midsummer, although there wasn¡¯t much planned for the day. Across the kingdoms, this first day of the holiday was generally used for travel and time with family, or for preparing for the parties and crafting gatherings. Here at the camp there was even less planned. Nobody needed to go anywhere, and Captain Kela¡¯s crew had things well-organized, which left the recruits and visitors with very little to actually do. If the weather held, and it currently was looking somewhat iffy given the far-off dark clouds, there would be another bonfire come evening, but until then everyone had to find ways to amuse themselves. It was only mid-morning, though, so there was at least some time for things to clear up.


    Earlier, Major Celeste and Trainer Olin had approached Pixyl, generally bemoaning that they also didn¡¯t have much to do, and Celeste offered to provide some focused training on Flashstep control. Olin wanted to observe as well, both to provide additional assistance, but also to formulate possible tactics that might work well for Pixyl, given her limited ranged capabilities and Striker role, in conjunction with the new skill. He apparently had been thinking about it all week. Honestly, they both seemed to be trying to fill up what might be an otherwise boring day. Pixyl didn¡¯t have an opinion, so went along with the idea with a blase shrug.


    However, Pixyl had made it quite clear that she didn¡¯t want Callie or anyone else from their friend group watching. It made her nervous to be the center of attention while working on something she wasn¡¯t very good at yet, and Flashstep wasn¡¯t exactly something you wanted to be playing with when you were nervous or distracted. Callie reluctantly agreed not to be her cheering section, but was sure that the Pixie would attract some kind of a crowd anyways, if only as a novelty for the visitors. Callie didn¡¯t mention that, though.


    Jesca herself had a few hours to kill, but was going to be spending the afternoon with Kela¡¯s people working on the Midsummer organizing, and flat out told Callie and the others to keep away. She wanted things to be a surprise for her friends. Still, that left a few hours with nothing to do, and Koda suggested Jesca practice some of her Beastmaster skills. Specifically, he recommended her Mounted Combat perk, as he had the same perk as a Paladin, as well as cavalry training. Jesca had been generally reluctant, but with a little urging from Callie and Pixyl, agreed to allow the big Bearkin to lend a paw.


    ¡°You¡¯ve tested the new connections, right?¡± Callie asked again with a hint of worry. ¡°You¡¯re sure it¡¯ll get bigger, right?¡±


    Jesca rolled her eyes. ¡°Yes, we have.¡± It was the third time Callie had asked. ¡°Now, stop worrying about it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I just don¡¯t want to see her get squished again.¡±


    Using her new Enlarge Companion skill, Jesca was now able to increase the size of Artemis until she was big enough to hold a normal sized person. So while it would be about six to eight months before the unicorn was naturally strong enough to support her, and probably at least a year until she was full height, with the spell that could be done now. If Artemis was wearing a saddle and other pieces, they would also grow, or shrink, along with the unicorn, too. But the first time they tested, the buckles on the attachments snapped under the pressure, causing Artemis some painful bruises, which were thankfully fully addressed by Jesca¡¯s quick application of Heal Companion. It turned out, much like shapeshifting and Jesca¡¯s Camouflage skill, the effect would only work on natural materials, or on things fully inside of natural materials. In turn, the Herdmaster and Fullo¡¯s leatherworkers had worked overnight to rig up a full sized saddle setup using scufrow as attachments, which would shrink appropriately when Artemis was back to her normal size. That way, as she grew, the saddle could serve her indefinitely without needing replacement.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Artemis trotted on ahead, seeming to proudly show off the brand new and shiny saddle on her back. For the recruits and camp personnel, the unicorn was no longer a surprising sight to see. However, there were visitors here, and the sight of the mythical beast caused at least a dozen of them to stumble in disbelief, and a couple to fall flat on their faces. Once told that Jesca was a Beastmaster, it seemed to make some kind of sense to most. But for the visiting Beastkin, it also turned into a ripple of hushed whispers, with both Jesca and Callie clearly making out the word ¡®Mimarnae¡¯.


    Eventually, Pixyl needed to peel away to head over to where Celeste and Olin were waiting, both sending her a wave from afar. Callie gave her a quick kiss and then watched her go, admiring the view of her leaving for a moment, before the far off call of Koda caught her attention.


    ¡°Welcome all of you!¡± Koda said brightly, rubbing his furry paw down Artemis¡¯s neck. He then looked at Callie and smiled even harder. ¡°I quite enjoyed your music last night, Little One.¡±


    ¡°Uh ¡­ thanks,¡± Callie replied, a bit of a blush on her face and in her voice. ¡°It was just a few simple things.¡± After finishing that first song on the beautiful guitar, Callie opened her eyes to find the remainder of her cabinmates, along with Jesca and Juniper standing or sitting close in support. It was an odd sense of family she wasn¡¯t expecting, but given the theme of the song, it felt fitting, and she loved them all for it. Vanis had encouraged her to keep singing, as had the Bards. So she did, launching into two other selections that fit the mood, and then refocusing back to the original request to show some simple blues chords to Deduxia and Nekini. The other two Gnomes picked up the basics quickly, and soon both Callie and Deduxia were doing a little jamming together, managing to find a groove. In the end, while Xin, Vanis and Juniper had excused themselves to return to the fire, the rest of Ogre House remained, and a few others filled in the vacated spots, including Koda. Thorn and his son had also sat down nearby, but a bit away to give the recruits space, listening in for a bit before Nevikk seemed to fall asleep.


    Koda shook his head several times. ¡°No, Callie, it was more than that. It was wonderful. I didn¡¯t know you knew music magic, but I recognized it and am happy you shared. Thank you.¡±


    Callie wasn¡¯t sure how to respond, beyond feeling more embarrassed. But Jesca gave her a comforting squeeze on her shoulder in support, and she eventually mumbled out a quiet, ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± It didn¡¯t feel like enough, but she couldn¡¯t come up with anything more.


    ¡°So,¡± Koda said, clapping his huge paws together and addressing Jesca to change the subject. ¡°You¡¯re to be a mounted knight, apparently. What do you know about it?¡±


    Jesca shrugged. ¡°Just what my perk has taught me and a little bit of riding instruction from the Herdmaster.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Koda said. ¡°So mostly nothing, you¡¯re saying.¡± He grinned his big bear grin, somehow brightening the conversation.


    ¡°That¡¯s about right,¡± Jesca said, grinning right back. Koda¡¯s big smile was always warmly infectious.


    ¡°Good! It¡¯s always best to begin from the beginning. So, let¡¯s start with your mount, if you would? You said she can increase in size to hold you properly?¡±


    Jesca gestured Artemis a few paces away, and the Beastmaster focused momentarily. There was a wibbly-wobbly shimmer and soon the unicorn was full-sized, or roughly the size the Herdmaster expected her to get when fully grown. based on how big her mother was. This adult-sized Artemis was larger in comparison to an adult Curvax, with her back being roughly at eye-level to Jesca, and a few centimeters above Koda¡¯s own eyes. Artemis¡¯s head rose above that, the spiral horn glinting in the mid-morning sun, and she was absolutely magnificent.


    ¡°Wow, she¡¯s bigger than I expected,¡± Koda said, his eyes wide. ¡°This is full grown?¡±


    ¡°Close to this, we think.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s almost the size of a Corsin, although much lighter than the bigger ones are.¡±


    ¡°Corsin?¡± Callie asked.


    ¡°Think of it as the big brother to the Curvax,¡± Koda explained. ¡°Half-again as tall as they are, and the males built like a stone wall, although Corsin don¡¯t have anywhere near the speed and endurance. We use them for cavalry, because they are bulky enough for both a rider and heavy armor, at least the males are. The females are less so, built somewhat more-lean like this, and much faster, so tend to be used as mounted scouts or highly-mobile archer cavalry. The big males with heavy barding are what I was trained on when I was young, though.¡± Koda looked Jesca up and down, tilted his head as if thinking and then nodded, as if reaffirming something to himself.


    ¡°What?¡± the nervous Catkin replied.


    ¡°Nothing, I was just picturing you leading people in battle,¡± Koda grinned. ¡°You are going to be an absolute inspiration, Jesca.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Jesca growled. ¡°Lucky me.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll start with something simple,¡± Koda said, either missing Jesca¡¯s sarcasm, or ignoring it. ¡°Mount on up.¡±

 Chapter 65 Part 2 - Knight in Training

    PART II - KNIGHT IN TRAINING


    Jesca did as told, putting a boot into a stirrup and pulling herself onto the saddle as she handed Iris off to Koda. She shifted slightly to get a little more comfortable, and then gave Artemis a pat on her neck. The unicorn, for her part, held mostly still, but pawed the ground with her two front-right hooves. You could get the sense she wanted to run.


    ¡°Good. Go ahead and ride down to the end of the range, then turn and come back. No need to go fast, I just want to see the two of you move together.¡±


    Jesca nodded to Koda, clicked her tongue as she¡¯d been taught, and the pair started forward in a slow trot. With the telepathic link, the noise wasn¡¯t actually required, but the Herdmaster had decided it was still a good idea so people around the pair could hear the commands and get the sense of what was going to happen. If Jesca was to ever ride a non-bonded mount, she¡¯d also need to know the right actions, so in the end it made sense to get into the habit of making the commanding sounds per custom. They quickly gained speed, eventually arriving at a slow, lazy gallop. It wasn¡¯t fast enough for Artemis to pull-close her center legs, but was still a pretty good clip. Behind Callie, a few people had gathered to watch, and they were visibly amazed at both seeing a running unicorn, but also someone actually riding it.


    ¡°She has really good form,¡± Koda said absently, ignoring Iris as she wrapped herself around the big Bearkin¡¯s neck, apparently appreciating the broad shoulders and bed of longer fur. ¡°Definitely fast like light cavalry, so she¡¯ll need to practice with her bow on the run, and not sure what to do about a weapon.¡± Looking down to Callie, he added, ¡°She¡¯s just so nervous all the time. She needs some confidence.¡±


    ¡°She knows,¡± Callie said. ¡°Give her time. She¡¯s dealing with a lot and working through it.¡± Jesca had filled their friend group in about the gossip racing around the camp, and how the Beastkin were apparently starting to assign almost mythical expectations to her, as if she was the return of some legend. ¡°Putting too much pressure on her isn¡¯t going to help. Let her focus on improving her skills and she won¡¯t get as overwhelmed by the other stuff. So don¡¯t push, okay? And tell the other Beastkin to back off a bit. Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯ll get there.¡±


    Jesca was on the return now, Artemis effortlessly keeping up her slow gallop while her rider bounced in perfect synchronicity. Callie distantly heard a click of a tongue again, and Artemis sped up a little. Jesca leaned forward, getting more aerodynamic and, to Callie, looking even more badass. Quickly, the unicorn and rider pulled up short, Jesca actually looking quite comfortable in her riding, and even smiling, despite seeing the audience.


    Callie gave her friend two thumbs up. Jesca had proven instinctively quite good at riding, the Herdmaster beside himself with her natural ease. The suspicion was that Jesca¡¯s newly enhanced senses, particularly her sense of balance, the animal handling and taming perks, coupled with the one for mounted combat and the telepathic connection to Artemis, were all working together, allowing her to far exceed most beginning riders.


    ¡°What do you think, Koda? Maybe I should try with a bow?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°Callie and Pixyl were right,¡± Koda said. ¡°Between your perk and the instruction you received, you seem to have that largely in paw. When you get to the front, you may want to get one of the ranking light-cavalry to give you some pointers, though, as it relates to Demon combat specifically. Let¡¯s go ahead and try with your bow; see how that goes.¡±


    Nodding, Jesca flicked out her arm, calling forth her Heartwood bow. ¡°To start, I¡¯ll just try to put an arrow into each target as I ride past. Callie, would you keep track of where they hit?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Turning around, Jesca took a couple nervous breaths while Artemis danced impatiently, apparently eager to get moving again. ¡°Call the start.¡±


    ¡°Annnnd¡­¡± Callie began. ¡°Go!¡±


    The ground was torn up slightly as the pair leapt forward. Artemis drove herself this time so Jesca could focus on shooting, the unicorn running down the center between the alternating targets on either side. Jesca slightly stood in the stirrups for stability, and loosed at the first target, hitting the second ring. She then switched to the other side, or tried to, the bow getting a bit tangled due to its length. The third target was back on the original side, and Jesca again landed an arrow fairly close to center. But the bow was just as unwieldy a second time, trying to change sides for the fourth, and Artemis came to a halt, the run aborted. The pair turned, trotting back to Callie and Koda.


    ¡°This thing is too long,¡± Jesca groused as she stored her weapon back into her belly. ¡°It¡¯s fine for one side, but I can¡¯t switch very well and I don¡¯t want to risk shooting over her head if we¡¯re moving. I could hit her horn, or worse. Callie, let me try with your smaller one.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sure,¡± Callie replied, summoning up her own Gnome-sized bow and handing it off.


    The Cheetahkin made one experimental shot to get a feel for the smaller size and draw, before clicking her tongue, the two taking off at a good speed. Jesca was this time easily able to switch sides, loosing the magical arrow at the alternating targets as the pair galloped by. Once at the far end, the two spun. Artemis seemed to beam with pride as they returned, gleefully pulling herself into a prim marching motion, somewhat resembling equestrian dressage.


    ¡°How did I do?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°You hit fifteen of sixteen,¡± Callie replied. ¡°Eleven in the center two rings, four in the next two, but one completely missed. Pretty good, considering you were on the run. Better than I would have done, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Bah,¡± Jesca growled, angry at herself and glaring down the range. ¡°I don¡¯t know how I missed that one. It¡¯s not as if I was shooting from very far away.¡± Then there was a pause, and Jesca actually laughed. Seeing the confused looks on the faces of Koda and Callie, she added, ¡°Apparently Artemis was distracted by a butterfly for a moment, which threw her gait off.¡±


    Jesca and Artemis continued making archery runs, getting a little faster and more controlled each time as they became more confident. The Beastmaster focused, trying to ignore the slowly growing crowd, especially when Thorn and his son arrived, the young boy grinning at the sight. Her accuracy improved some, generally being able to go sixteen-for-sixteen within a few rings of center. But, as she had mentioned, her range was less than ten or fifteen meters to the target as she rode by, and Jesca chastised herself every time something was too far off bullseye or flew wide.


    Various Ranger skills were also woven into the mix. The instant-cast ones such as Multishot were easy enough, but anything with a casting time proved to be difficult to complete due to the movement and general jostling. The motion of her mount made the proper concentration almost impossible, and eventually Jesca gave up duration castings as the frustration and headache-inducing feedback of interrupted spells got under her fur. Her hope was in time she¡¯d be able to maintain the focus needed to use them on the run as she got more comfortable.


    ¡°How long have they been there,¡± Jesca asked Callie in a whisper as she drank back a blue potion and gestured slightly towards Xera and Pelidri, who had both quietly stepped up next to Thorn. Then she realized the Arkan could probably hear her, but if he did, he gave no indication.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°I dunno, maybe five or ten minutes? Thorn a bit longer. Nevikk¡¯s been really excited watching you.¡±


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have done this today.¡±


    ¡°Why? Jesca, you know it doesn¡¯t matter when or where you do this, you¡¯re going to turn heads. We talked about this yesterday.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± the Catkin sighed, adding a little bit of a whine. ¡°It¡¯s just ¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± Callie said, stepping close and putting a comforting hand on her mounted-friend¡¯s foot. ¡°Focus on what you need to do. None of them matter right now. Besides, you¡¯re doing great! Right, Koda?¡±


    The Bearkin quickly agreed.


    Jesca took a deep breath and then nodded, working to refocus away from the crowd. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try to ignore them.¡± She handed Callie the smaller bow before looking to Koda. ¡°What next?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t use your swords much any more, right?¡± Koda asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been finding that using my whip is working better for me. Either with a small shield in my other hand, or a short sword. Actually, I can work with two whips, but unless they are short, it¡¯s too impractical.¡±


    Koda frowned, his look puzzled. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how well a whip would work while mounted, even a single one. Or how effective it might be, for that matter.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can try with a longer sword next time?¡± Callie suggested. Jesca hadn¡¯t brought any of her blades along.


    ¡°What you need is a big heavy mace,¡± Koda grinned. ¡°You can smash things from above.¡± He made a smashing noise and motion, before nodding encouragingly at the suggestion.


    ¡°I may have Ranger arms,¡± Jesca chuckled as she flexed, "but I don¡¯t think that¡¯s going to work well for me, Koda. You said it yourself, Artemis will be quick and nimble; light cavalry. I shouldn¡¯t be fighting close to anything. A whip at least gives me a good three-meter range, and with that ironwood tip I put on, it tears right through demon hide.¡±


    ¡°Or yourself,¡± Callie pointed out in warning. When she¡¯d been first learning, Jesca had needed quite a bit of healing when she¡¯d hit herself. But she¡¯d recently improved enough to add the razor-sharp tip and not slice herself open.


    ¡°True, so I just need to make sure I don¡¯t do that.¡± With her chin, Jesca gestured Callie towards her backpack that had been set inside the shelter.


    ¡°This should be an interesting experiment,¡± Koda said under his breath. It was obvious he was quite dubious about the whole thing.


    ¡°Do you want the long one?¡± Callie called, digging in the backpack and pulling out Jesca¡¯s three-meter long weapon. ¡°Or one of the shorter ones?¡±


    ¡°The long one. I might as well go all the way. This is probably foolish, but I want to see if I can do this without hitting Artemis or strangling myself,¡± Jesca replied, now sounding a little doubtful as she shook the whip out then recoiled it into one hand a bit looser. She took a moment to untie the ironwood tip at the end. Even without it, the whip could still hurt if she hit herself or Artemis, but at least she wouldn¡¯t slice very deep. She handed it down to Callie, who slid it into her pocket.


    Again, Artemis and her rider focused downrange, as if planning an attack. Callie called the start, and with a clicking they were off, the whistling sound of the whip whooshing through the air followed by the crack as it lashed out at the target. The weapon tore through, leaving a gash in the cloth behind it. There was another crack as the whip continued its motion, snaking first overhead and then around in a snapped uppercut to savage the next target, before completing the pattern back to the first side in a figure-eight pattern. It was oddly hypnotic and almost beautiful, in a way.


    *crack* *crack* *crack*


    Sixteen times in total Jesca lashed out as she ran down the four-hundred meter range, each time the whip tearing a slash into the target. It was an utterly odd sight to see the fedora-wearing Catkin with the whip circling overhead, down, around, and then upwards in an underhanded strike, the movements in a dancelike back-and-forth motion. Come the end of the run, Artemis prancing proudly back to the start, the dubious look Jesca had been previously wearing had almost completely faded, becoming an actual smile.


    ¡°I pity anyone on the receiving end of that,¡± Callie said, wide-eyed, as Jesca came to a stop. ¡°You¡¯d slice them open from crotch to forehead with the tip on!¡± Behind them, there were a few scattered applause, and extra loud ones from Nevikk. Pelidri was rubbing his chin in curiosity as he watched on, but his eyes caught Jesca¡¯s, and he gave her a polite nod of acknowledgement, his face seeming to brighten.


    ¡°That worked better than I thought it would,¡± Koda said.


    ¡°Me, too,¡± Jesca agreed.


    Callie suddenly got ¡®that look¡¯, and she raised a finger in consideration. ¡°You know, if you added your lightning Elemental Weapon effect, you could do a good job stunning targets with your whip. It just needs to touch them and they¡¯d get zapped, right? If you were riding ahead, people behind you would be able to take them down.¡±


    Koda made a careful, considering nod. ¡°Certainly novel, but an interesting way to lead a charge, for sure.¡± He looked at Callie. ¡°Then again, everything about you is novel.¡± Callie just grinned widely, accepting the statement as praise.


    Jesca again looked back at the officers, feeling the weight of their presence. Her smile scrunched up and then faded, and she turned away, screwing her face into a focused look and trying to pretend she wasn¡¯t under scrutiny. She could do this. She needed to show them that she couldn¡¯t be intimidated. Wouldn¡¯t be intimidated. She patted her mount¡¯s neck again. ¡°You¡¯re right Artemis,¡± she said as her focus intensified. ¡°We need to show them how good we are. You¡¯ve been wanting to run, so let¡¯s speed this up.¡±


    ¡°Jesca, you really have no need to show off for them,¡± Koda warned. It had been jovial for a few minutes, but Jesca¡¯s mood had suddenly become determined, maybe even a little dark, in a way.


    ¡°He¡¯s right,¡± Callie added. ¡°Don¡¯t get yourself hurt.¡±


    ¡°No, no. This is for me. I want to push myself past this ¡­ doubt ¡­ or whatever it is. I need to push myself past this, actually. In fact, I¡¯m going to push myself past these ¡­ fears.¡±


    ¡°Okay then. You¡¯ve got this!¡± Callie cheered, her momentary concern immediately evaporating as she saw Jesca¡¯s determination. ¡°Just don¡¯t zap yourself or Artemis.¡±


    The now-eager unicorn stared downrange as well, and the bonded pair tensed. ¡°Okay girl,¡± Jesca whispered as she leaned close, "you can go as fast as you want this time. Ready?¡±


    Artemis bounced her head and stomped her two right front hooves again. Her body seemed to tense. ¡°Tell me when to go,¡± Jesca said carefully, letting out a calming breath at the same time her body readied.


    ¡°Three ¡­ two ¡­ one ¡­ go!¡± Callie counted down, and with a speed she¡¯d seldom seen before, Artemis was off, dirt and grass flying behind her as she was released from her shackles. Jesca¡¯s whip snaked out again, this time crackling with lightning. As the tip of the whip touched the first target, there was a loud clap and a small burst in addition to the whip¡¯s report, some straw and fabric going flying and leaving a small chunk missing from the stack of hay bales. As if encouraged, Artemis ran faster, fast enough that her center legs retracted; faster than Callie had ever actually seen the unicorn move with a rider, having only ever seen the unicorn pull in her legs when racing against the Druids in Travel form. ¡°Whoa¡­.¡± Callie gasped in awe at her friend.


    They ran as one, rider and mount, Artemis focused on tearing up the ground, concentrating forward towards the end of the four-hundred meter run, while Jesca¡¯s electrified whip flashed out over, down-and-around and then up to repeat on the other side. One after the other, there was a tiny clap of thunder as the target was touched, leaving a small explosion of debris still in the air by the time Jesca struck the next one. Artemis stretched each stride, determined and covering more ground, faster and faster, with the Beastmaster she bore focusing on the attack.


    Subtle at first, but growing quickly, Artemis¡¯s horn began to glow with a pale, silver light. Yet, unicorn and rider seemed oblivious to the growing intensity. The whip snaked as commanded, making a whooshing noise before the telltale report sounded.


    ¡°What the ¡­¡± Callie heard both Pelidri and Thorn say behind her. ¡°What¡¯s with her horn?¡± Thorn added.


    In little time, the horn started to get quite bright, each stride seeming to add power to the light, Yet, Jesca continued to be oblivious to it happening, focusing her attention to the now-blurring targets racing by. A crack of the whip, the flash of lightning, the rumble of hooves, another target touched by the elemental effect, leaving a small chunk blown out of it.


    Artemis finally reached the top of the gradual hill, coming to the final target. There was a sudden flash of blinding light, and a *BAMF* sound. The brightness faded, revealing simply a cloud of colored lights collapsing in upon itself. The unicorn was gone, and Jesca had disappeared with her!

 Chapter 65 Part 3 - Little Demonstrations

    PART III - LITTLE DEMONSTRATIONS


    The brilliant lights continued to collapse together, finally coalescing into a single bright pinpoint, before exploding forward like an arrow as it faded away. It reminded Callie of the effect of the Back to the Future car doing its time-travel thing at eighty-eight miles per hour, a bright streak left glowing in the air.


    There were gasps from the crowd, plus an added ¡®holy shit!¡¯ from Callie, but the pointing light instinctively drew everyone¡¯s attention into the distance. Far away, maybe four kilometers and at the top of another hill, there was another explosion of light, this one completely fading away as it expanded. Jesca and Artemis emerged from it as if they hadn¡¯t lost a single stride, still running at an all-out gallop.


    ¡°There!¡± Callie screamed, pointing and zooming in with her Silver-improved Eagle Eyes to get a better look. Far off, Jesca had screeched her mount to a halt barely a moment before running into a tree, and looked around in confusion, trying to take in everything that had suddenly changed around her. Even Artemis seemed befuddled at what had happened. Iris, seeing Jesca was gone and where she had reappeared, leapt from Koda¡¯s shoulders and flew off at an unexpected speed, her wings glowing a panicked red bright enough to leave streaks in your eyes.


    ¡°Did ¡­ did you know unicorns could do that?¡± Pelidri asked absently, really not addressing anyone specifically. ¡°Or, was that her Beastmaster side?¡± Nobody seemed to have a response, and the three officers, along with Nevikk sticking close to his father, left where they were standing behind the simple fence, walking up to join Callie and Koda.


    Xera raised their hand to shield their eyes, peering off into the distance where Jesca had reappeared. Looking down to Callie, they asked, ¡°You are able to make her out in detail from here. She¡¯s not injured, is she? Nor the unicorn?¡±


    Callie shook her head, still watching the far-off Jesca closely. ¡°She looks confused, which I guess makes perfect sense, but I think that¡¯s it.¡± She waved her hands high over her head and jumped several times, catching her friend¡¯s distant attention and receiving a hesitant wave back in response, although Jesca¡¯s confusion wasn¡¯t really letting up. ¡°Yep, she¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Well, quite the way to start the morning,¡± Xera said, their worry actually relaxing as they laughed, somehow managing to take the moment in stride. They looked at Pelidri. ¡°As we discussed over dinner last night, this is a perfect example of just another strange day around here.¡±


    The Arkan looked from Xera, off into the distance, where Jesca and Artemis were beginning a careful walk back to the camp, and then to the back of Callie¡¯s head. Based on the long discussion the officers had the evening before, it sure seemed to him that the little Gnome was the constant nexus of a lot of strange happenings this term. Of course, he knew full well this wasn¡¯t out of the ordinary for Gnomes. Back in Cillisant, where Gnomes were quite a bit more common, there always did seem to be an aura of mild chaos surrounding them. It actually kept things interesting.


    ¡°May I see your bow?¡± Nevikk asked, his eyes wide as he stared at the Heartwood bow Callie had been holding since he¡¯d walked close.


    ¡°Nevikk, be polite,¡± Thorn warned firmly. ¡°Now is not the time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see it as well,¡± Pelidri added, extending his hand.


    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Callie said, looking between the two Elves, before handing it to the Arkan. ¡°Sorry, he outranks you,¡± she mumbled to the younger one. Nevikk looked a little bummed, but his father¡¯s hand playfully ruffling the green hair on his head seemed to forestall any objections.


    ¡°Masterwork crafting,¡± Pelidri cooed as he ran his hand over the weapon, lightly tapping one of the Talismans and lightly brushing the green leaves.


    ¡°It¡¯s Heartwood,¡± Callie said before realizing she was probably telling him something he already knew. But her mouth kept going, adding, ¡°donated by Juniper. Then Vonn crafted it and Fizzlebek was able to enchant it.¡±


    Saying nothing in response and stepping forward towards the range, Pelidri raised the bow and aimed, pulling back so an arrow appeared. He had surprisingly good form, and he loosed towards the nearest twenty-five meter target. While his form might have been mostly good, his aim wasn¡¯t great, and he struck low and fifth-ring to the left. Callie found she felt a little miffed he hadn¡¯t asked her permission before actually using it; it felt like a bit of an invasion. Then she immediately realized she really wouldn¡¯t have been in a position to say no even if he had asked, given he was effectively a general and she was a nobody.


    Pelidri pulled back again, this time aiming longer towards the fifty meter target. His aim was way off, and the shot went wide and high, completely missing the target and flying off to land a little further downrange.


    ¡°Well, it appears my aim is as dreadful as it¡¯s always been,¡± Pelidri said, walking back to Callie as he shook his head in disbelief. He returned the bow to her, saying nothing more.


    Nevikk stepped up as if he was the next in line to get to play with the bow, but Thorn quickly grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back out of the way. ¡°I said not now,¡± he warned firmly. There was a definite note of irritation in his voice, as well as a sense of apology.


    ¡°Since our mounted Beastmaster appears to be absent for a while,¡± Xera began, addressing Callie and changing the focus of the conversation before Nevikk could raise a further stink, ¡°perhaps you could share with the Arkan one of your unique skills? Perhaps one of your constructs would be a good demonstration?¡±


    Callie inwardly groaned. She¡¯d known and largely accepted it would be only a matter of time before she was going to be put on display for the visiting Arkan, and had expected it to happen the day before. She¡¯d even gone over in her head how best to present her melded powers in an easy-to-digest and interesting manner. But the news of the King Regents had put a halt on the rest of the training day, which then left her still full of unresolved stomach-churning dread. While the evening music distractions had helped, as had tending to Vanis and the result of his justifiable breakdown, the nervousness had still been lurking, never really letting up.


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯d be happy to!¡± Callie said with a lying brightness. She walked forward a couple steps to assure everyone was behind her, and then focused.


    SUMMON MODULAR TURRET - WALKING BASE/REINFORCED BODY/STANDARD HEART/FOUR HEADS


    This was arguably one of Callie¡¯s most-imposing of her new modular turrets. While it didn¡¯t have any special attacks, or float like one with a levitating base, it was able to walk and simultaneously shoot at up to four targets at once, as well as absorb a good bit of abuse. Of course, it did use all twelve of her charges, and without any stored in either of her Talismans, it would be a bit before she had enough to summon a second one.


    In a pulsating cascade of light, the turret came into existence. It immediately reoriented itself, crouching the dog-like legs and turning slightly to make itself level, but also seeming excited to get moving. At the top, stacked like four crossbow-pancakes, were the shooting heads, each rotating back-and-forth slightly as if to stretch, equally eager and ready for action. Before Pelidri or Nevikk could say anything, Callie waved the construct forward, trying to project a casual, confident attitude. The turret began to walk, the four legs lifting high to step over imperfections in the ground. Callie focused briefly at four different targets, and each head swung to take aim before loosing its magical bolt.


    The ability to mentally control the turret was limited to a range of around one-hundred meters or so, and Callie ordered it out to a bit less than that, plunking crossbow bolts every couple of seconds into targets as it walked by. Pelidri raised an eyebrow in consideration, while Thorn and Xera both stood like proud parents showing off their kid at a school recital or soccer game. Callie grinned up at the Arkan, beaming herself.


    ¡°This is another of this camp¡¯s melded skills, right?¡± Pelidri finally asked, before adding, ¡°Of course, it must be.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s based in part on the Gnome Tinker trait,¡± Callie said. She mentally ordered the turret to cease shooting and walk back towards the group. ¡°We come up with crazy things.¡±


    Before long, the construct came to a halt before them, and Pelidri walked up to it, inspecting carefully. He gingerly tapped it with a finger, and then pushed a little harder with the same. The base, sensing the pressure, pressed back as it adjusted itself to keep everything level. Pelidri pushed again, this time even harder and with his whole hand. Again the turret pushed back as best it could, but needed to take a step to maintain balance.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°There¡¯s an armored version, too,¡± Callie narrated, ¡°and one that is weaker than that.¡±


    ¡°How many versions of this can you make?¡± the Arkan asked.


    ¡°Lots! It¡¯s made up of different parts, and I can mix and match those parts.¡± Callie continued, explaining the overview of the Modular Turret skill, and eventually pulling up the description to just read off and get everything exact. Pelidri listened in rapt attention, interrupted only when the existing turret unsummoned itself as its roughly ten-minute duration expired.


    Following the explanation of the skill, Pelidri had Callie summon another walking turret with Burst Shot capabilities, and then a second that floated in the air armed with Rapid Fire. His memory of the skill¡¯s details was uncanny, and he dictated exactly which modules he wanted assembled the moment there were enough charges available. Only those two variants were summoned, as ultimately the Arkan proved not nearly as giddy-excitable as Thorn and Reynard had been. Sure, he sort of seemed intrigued, and appeared to find the skill tactically quite interesting, but he didn¡¯t geek out about it like the other two had, focusing instead on the practical. He also seemed a little distracted.


    ¡°I presume you have other melded skills, like the other recruits?¡± Pelidri asked, having apparently seen what he needed from the turrets and ready to move on. There was still the one construct floating in front of them, and Callie mentally commanded it to move off to the side out of the way. It would eventually collapse in on itself if it wasn¡¯t needed for something else.


    ¡°I do,¡± Callie said. ¡°One skill and then an interesting perk.¡±


    ¡°Really interesting, in fact,¡± Thorn added.


    Before diving into the complexities of the Effect Layering perk, Callie chose to demonstrate her easier-to-digest Summon Grapple skill. She called up the hook with its attached bit of fluttering rope, twisting the barbs in and out a couple of times to show the Arkan its operation, before presenting it to him.


    Pelidri raised one of his white eyebrows again, the other one this time, as he inspected the grapple, repeating the open and close process as Callie had shown. This was also the first time Xera had seen the skill used, although they¡¯d heard about it from one of Thorn¡¯s reports, and they were quite intrigued by the action as well.


    ¡°This is for your bow?¡± he asked, gesturing towards the nock. ¡°Why is this rope here?¡±


    ¡°I can shoot it with my bow, or it can also be thrown. The rope is optional at summon time and it will spool out up to twenty meters,¡± Callie explained.


    Pelidri made a considering gesture with his face and tossed the hook a couple of times in his hands to get a feel for the weight. Then he moved forward a couple steps before winding up for an underhand horseshoe-like throw as he looked towards the side of the range. Unlike Vonn¡¯s absolutely dreadful throwing attempt earlier in the week, Pelidri was deadly accurate. The rope seemed to unwind as it flew through the air, the hook coming to rest just on the other side of a small pile of surplus hay bales, the rope draped over the top. The Arkan bent and picked up the magical rope, pulling it taut between his hands as Shul¡¯an had that first day to test its strength, and then gave the whole thing a yank. The hook followed the rope, snagging on the bale and pulling it over.


    ¡°Quite useful,¡± Pelidri said, dropping the rope and turning back to Callie. ¡°Should we ever have a need to infiltrate a castle, we now know who to bring along.¡± There was a chuckle around the group, as well as from those gathered behind the fence. ¡°You had something else to share?¡± he continued, noticeably not laughing along at his joke, apparently all business. Or maybe, it wasn¡¯t even a joke? The excited tone he¡¯d shown towards Jesca¡¯s demonstration, and the others the day before, seemed to have nearly completely faded.


    ¡°You¡¯ll love this one,¡± Thorn said quietly to the Arkan as he pulled Nevikk in close.


    ¡°I assumed they¡¯d want me to demonstrate this for you,¡± Callie said, gesturing towards Thorn and Xera. ¡°Rather than try to explain how it works, I think it will be easier if I just show you.¡± She looked about. ¡°Has anyone seen Jesca yet? Or know where she is? I don¡¯t want her coming over the hill while I¡¯m doing this.¡±


    ¡°She went around,¡± a voice called from the fence, and Callie turned to see Shul¡¯an and Thucax had both arrived as well. Likely they were as bored as everyone else and saw the commotion in the Ranger area. ¡°I think she¡¯ll be coming in the south entrance. She¡¯s not able to fly back yet.¡± The two hadn¡¯t been here earlier when Jesca was riding, so someone must have shared with them how their fellow Ranger had teleported away.


    ¡°Good,¡± Callie replied. She made a motion for everyone to stand back, and was pleased to see that nobody resisted or questioned her, considering the rank differences. Just to be sure, though, she looked at Nevikk and added, ¡°I need you to stay close to your father, understood?¡± She didn¡¯t want him getting excited and doing something foolish when the arrows started to fly. He¡¯d already been a little over-eager about the turrets and playing with her bow.


    Mentally calling up the prepared script in her head, Callie began. ¡°So,¡± Callie said, readying herself on the line and facing Pelidri, ¡°you know that Rangers get different types of magical attacks. For example, this is Multishot.¡± She loosed a quintet of arrows towards the twenty-five meter target, one hitting dead center while the other four formed a near-perfect diamond around it..


    The Arkan nodded, raising an eyebrow at the pristine grouping of the five arrows. ¡°Excellent accuracy, Little One. Far better than I could do.¡± He¡¯d been rather cold towards Callie so far, so it was nice to receive that small bit of praise.


    Surprised and not sure how to respond, Callie gave a simple ¡®thanks¡¯ before refocusing on her pre-scripted demonstration. ¡°We also have this one called Rapid Fire.¡± As before, she used the skill, this time unleashing six arrows in a stream towards the fifty-meter target. They each hit in a six-centimeter sized grouping in the center.


    ¡°Naturally,¡± Pelidri replied, acknowledging Callie. He¡¯d obviously seen both skills used before and seemed eager to know where this was going.


    ¡°So, Arkan, what would happen if you could combine the effects together?¡± Callie asked, directing the question specifically towards him. It seemed as if there was a collective holding of breaths from everyone while the Elf contemplated the question. Thorn actually had an eager look on his face, as if trying to will Pelidri to understand.


    Callie waited just long enough for the Arkan to make a move, either with an answer or to respond he wasn¡¯t sure. She layered up an instant-cast Multishot and a Rapid Fire together, letting loose a swarm of six arrows that each broke into five, for a total of thirty. She had aimed towards the center of the range, which put both the twenty-five and the fifty meter targets in the now-wider-at-Silver aiming cone. Callie directed arrows towards each, as well as sending a half-dozen onwards towards the seventy-five for good measure. Unfortunately, she wasn¡¯t quite as accurate as she wanted to be, as it was complicated to picture that many targets at once and the Arkan was making her nervous, but they all hit within the center four rings.


    Pelidri rubbed his beard several times in consideration, eyes flicking to the three targets, before the arrows eventually unsummoned. You could see his brain mulling over what he¡¯d seen, but at the same time, he didn¡¯t seem to quite understand the exponential power that came with the Layering perk.


    ¡°I can also combine other effects too. For example, Piercing Shot along with Multi-shot.¡± She quickly powered up and loosed five arrows, which all blew through the nearest target. ¡°There are some limitations on what combinations work, but generally I can combine up to three different skills without issues. Four is really hard on my mana, though, and it almost scrambled my brain both times I¡¯ve done it.¡± Then she paused, cocking her head. ¡°Although I haven¡¯t tried at Silver, yet.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not do that,¡± Thorn warned, holding up his paw before Callie got any bright ideas.


    ¡°You said when I arrived that you killed a basilisk with explosive arrows,¡± Pelidri said, still stroking his beard and showing again how sharp his memory was. He apparently didn¡¯t miss much. ¡°Was that, perhaps, with this skill?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a perk, actually,¡± Callie corrected, and then immediately felt like an idiot for that. ¡°But yes, I can create an explosive arrow by combining Piercing and Burst shots.¡±


    ¡°Show me.¡±


    Callie looked briefly to Thorn, thinking that she shouldn¡¯t really be blowing anything up, but he just gave her a permissive nod. Nobody was really going to say no to the Arkan, and shrugging, she focused on the fifty-meter target and let fly a single Explosive Shot. The results were as expected, and in a flash of light and sound, the contained flashbang effect blew most of the pile of hay bales apart. The silence of the small crowd was ominous as they all looked to the Arkan, as if waiting to see what his verdict was going to be. Pelidri showed no emotion, just continuing to stare down the range and rub his bearded chin.


    ¡°Um ¡­¡± Callie hedged, looking to Xera and then to Thorn. The lack of response was actually getting irritating, or maybe worrisome.


    Xera was the first to speak up. ¡°You see the potential, Arkan?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps. Still, she¡¯s only one Ranger,¡± Pelidri said almost dismissively. ¡°I don¡¯t see how it is going to swing a battle significantly. Her small size makes her quite fragile, as well, perhaps even a liability.¡±


    An irritated murmur went up among the recruits in the crowd. They didn¡¯t like someone diminishing one of their own. In fact, both Shul¡¯an and Thucax actually seemed angry about the Arkan¡¯s response, which was especially quite uncharacteristic for Shul¡¯an. The Salamanderkin was always reliably professional.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just show him the big one,¡± Koda said quietly, his voice having a bit of a protective growl to it. His paws had been turned into tightly clenched fists. Then he looked at Thorn. ¡°Let her do it.¡±


    Thorn and Xera exchanged looks, the Commandant giving a subtle nod of agreement. ¡°Perhaps Recruit Koda is correct,¡± Thorn said, smiling. ¡°Recruit Callie, please demonstrate your attack for use against large masses. Kela won¡¯t be happy, but her people will understand, and it will give the Geomancers something to do.¡±


    ¡°Uh, if you say so,¡± Callie said carefully. She did a spot-check on her mana, feeling she was more than fine for a three-layer spectacle.


    BURST SHOT + PIERCING SHOT + RAIN OF ARROWS 6 METERS


    It took a few moments for all the layers to assemble, but soon it was ready. Callie swallowed, knowing she hadn¡¯t missed something in the sequence, but worried all the same. The glowing arrow standing by in the bow hummed with increased power, eager to fly. She did one more check just to make sure nobody was in the target area, and then let loose.


    As the arrow flew off, Callie quickly set her bow down. ¡°Arkan, you may want to cover your ears,¡± she warned as she plugged her own. Overhead, one arrow had become five, followed by each splitting into five again, before splitting into another three, for a number-happy seventy-five missiles arcing overhead. Pelidri''s apparent contemplative daydreaming had been broken at hearing his rank called out, and he looked around, seeing that nearly everyone else had covered their ears, too. He barely managed to do the same, and then the bombs fell.

 Chapter 65 Part 4 - Dark Clouds

    PART IV - DARK CLOUDS


    And then the bombs fell!  Callie had sighted the volley in on the one-hundred meter target, spreading the area-of-effect to its maximum size of six meters.  However, she watched Pelidri¡¯s expression closely, rather than the explosions, trying to gauge his reaction in real time.   He was completely emotionless, simply watching with twitching eyes.  It was really hard to tell whether he was impressed, or even cared, for that matter, as if he was distracted.


    The cacophony of explosions roared out, the first few instantly obliterating the target and the rest then continuing into an ever-deepening pit.  Grass, sand and dirt was thrown in all directions.  A glance at Nevikk showed the boy staring wide-eyed and wide-mouthed at what was happening, his arms splayed out like wings as he covered his pointed ears with his upside-down palms.  Callie couldn¡¯t help but beam at her destruction, part of her imagining using it against a horde of oncoming Demons on the battlefield.  Still, Pelidri¡¯s coldness tugged her attention back, and she struggled to try to understand what was bothering him.


    It took only a couple seconds for the carpet bombing to conclude.  Pelidri uncovered his ears as the echos circled the area, returning one hand to rubbing his beard, and then side-stepping just slightly as a clod of muddy grass and dirt landed with a floppy splut where he¡¯d just been standing.  He didn¡¯t even acknowledge it, making him seem even more imposing.


    ¡°That was amazing!¡± Nevikk screamed in excitement, bouncing up and down while his father tried to hold him still.  Nobody really noticed him as all eyes were on the Arkan, hoping for a positive verdict this time.


    ¡°You understand its usefulness now?¡± Koda said, his voice even more laced with an angry growl.  ¡°She may be small, but she¡¯s damn mighty!¡±


    ¡°Recruit!¡± Xera said sternly, putting their hand on the Paladin¡¯s arm.  His tone was out of line, no matter his background before coming here.


    ¡°Perhaps ¡­¡± the Arkan said, his focus still down the field as he continued to rub his face.


    ¡°As you can see, there is a great deal of flexibility with this perk,¡± Thorn said, trying hard to be more diplomatic.  ¡°I believe it will prove quite effective once she reaches the front.¡±


    ¡°Very likely,¡± Pelidri replied with a sigh, before shifting his attention to Callie.  ¡°I trust you to use it well.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Callie replied, but the forced grin was getting a little difficult.  It might not have been enthusiastic praise, but apparently she had to be willing to take what little she could get from the Arkan.  It was irritating though.  She¡¯d seen him gush with excited emotion towards other recruits when they had shown him their unique capabilities, and she couldn¡¯t understand why she wasn¡¯t getting at least some kind of an approval in response.  Maybe she could talk to Thorn or Xera at some point to get their feedback as to what she did wrong.  She must have done something wrong or annoyed him in some way.  Maybe he didn¡¯t like the turret bots?  Maybe he didn¡¯t like her?  Did he maybe not like Gnomes?


    The Arkan made one last glance down the range at the devastation.  ¡°I¡¯ve seen all I need to,¡± he said curtly, and then turned to abruptly shoulder his way between Xera and Thorn.  He walked stiffly towards the gathered crowd of people, which parted before him to make way.  Then, he stopped, looking over everyone.  Mostly, the onlookers were other recruits, mixed with a few visitors.


    ¡°How many recruits here have reached Silver?¡± Pelidri asked the crowd.


    There were about five or six paws or hands that went up, including Shul¡¯an.  The Salamanderkin hadn¡¯t made it the day before, so they must have received the rank up that morning.


    ¡°How many of those that have reached that tier have received new off-class or melded powers?  And how many?¡±


    A few numbers were called out as hands remained raised, the lowest being just one, and the highest being Shul¡¯an with four.  Callie caught her friend¡¯s eyes and gave them a giddy thumbs up in congratulations.  Still, Pelidri was the center of attention, and you could sense his irritation was growing exponentially, for some unknown reason.


    ¡°Did any of you receive zero?¡±  Looks were exchanged between the recruits, but nobody spoke up.


    Pelidri just stared at everyone, and then turned to look back at Callie and the rest.  No, he didn¡¯t just look, he actually glared.  Callie had no idea what it was, but the Arkan was definitely genuinely pissed about something.  There was a long silence, nobody quite sure what to say or do, and the air grew heavy.  Saying nothing, Pelidri finally simply turned and stormed off, shaking his head.  He slowed just long enough to glance at the returning Jesca riding by, before he disappeared down the hill, a dark storm-cloud seeming to follow him.


    ¡°What was that about?¡± Thorn asked.  He looked at Koda, who had been a little sour towards the Arkan, but that couldn¡¯t be it, or at least not all of it.


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Xera replied.  So far on this visit, Pelidri had been nothing but smiles and happy, so this abrupt change wasn¡¯t just unexpected, it felt completely out of character.


    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± Callie asked.  ¡°I was just trying to make it fun showing him everything.  I didn¡¯t mean to make him mad.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t see how it was you,¡± Thorn said.  ¡°It must be something else.¡±


    Callie found little relief in Thorn¡¯s assurances, though.  Watching the other recruits demonstrate their skills, the Arkan had been happy and complementary.  Almost gushing, in fact.  Then as soon as she started showing off her Ranger powers, his mood completely changed.  Something she did or said must have angered him.


    The clopping sounds of Artemis drew everyone¡¯s attention.  Jesca, accompanied by Shul¡¯an and Thucax, had dismounted and was approaching on foot, Artemis returned to normal size and dutifully walking along behind.  Iris had also found them, and was now firmly perched back on Jesca¡¯s shoulder.  ¡°What did you do, Callie?¡±


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Callie replied.  ¡°And why did you assume it¡¯s me?¡±  She saw the look on her friend¡¯s face.  ¡°Okay, I get that,¡± she added, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°I could talk with him?¡± Thorn suggested.


    ¡°No, let me.  I think it would be better if I do, since we¡¯re of equal rank,¡± Xera said flatly.  ¡°It is perplexing, though.¡±


    ¡°If I said or did something, let me know, okay?¡± Callie said.  ¡°I want to apologize if it was.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll give him some time to ¡­ to cool off.¡±  Xera turned and looked to Jesca, forcing a change of subject.  ¡°Were you aware she could teleport?  Or was that something Beastmaster related?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me,¡± Jesca eeped defensively, holding up her paws.  Then she gestured towards Artemis.  ¡°She didn¡¯t know she could do that either, and was just as surprised.  Thankfully we didn¡¯t crash into anything at the other end, or worse, appear inside of something.  Ambria said that can happen if you aren¡¯t careful.¡±Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Xera frowned in thought.  ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s a question Reynard, Rowani or Maugra might be able to answer, given all they have seen and learned from their adventuring days, but I¡¯ve never heard of unicorns being able to teleport, either.¡°


    ¡°Jorin¡¯s here, too, for that matter,¡± Thorn added.  ¡°He¡¯s seen at least as much as Maugra.¡±


    Xera considered for another moment, before saying, ¡°Recruit, I want you to work with Trainer Winnu.  As you said, Combat Healers receive a teleport, and there are some dangers to be aware of.  Winnu would also be able to evaluate the unicorn to determine how often she is able to use the ability, and what other limitations it may have.  You¡¯ll certainly want to understand it fully, especially since you can assume her form as well, and presumably inherit the same capability.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Commandant,¡± Jesca replied sharply.


    Xera looked to Shul¡¯an.  ¡°Congratulations on reaching Silver, Recruit.  It¡¯s been a long road for you, as you were already Bronze when you arrived, correct?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Commandant,¡± the Ranger replied.  ¡°I¡¯m just happy I finally made it.  I had hoped to beat everyone else, but those combat missions put Jesca and Callie ahead of me.¡±  Then they added, ¡°Actually, Jesca¡¯s been nothing but focused all along.¡±


    ¡°How close are you, Thucax?¡± Callie asked the Gnoll.


    ¡°983,¡± he replied with a grouch.  ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d reach it today, but part of me was still hoping.  Next week for sure, though.¡±


    The big demonstrations apparently over and the Arkan gone, the crowd had largely dispersed, wandering off to find something else to do.  Callie wasn¡¯t sure the exact time, but the lunch bell was probably at least an hour off, so there was time people still needed to kill.


    ¡°Since the theme of the morning appears to be melded skills and perks, tell me, Recruit, what did you receive?¡± Xera asked Shul¡¯an.


    ¡°In addition to my base Ranger powers, I also received a total of four melded skills.¡±  The Salamanderkin looked down to Callie.  ¡°You¡¯ve spoken in training about the idea that our Symbiotes learn from each other.  I was skeptical, but now I am slightly less so.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Thorn said, raising a furry eyebrow.


    Shul¡¯an nodded in confirmation, adding, ¡°I received a skill called Explosive Shot, which is melded from both Piercing and Burst shots.  From the description, it seems almost identical to Callie¡¯s layered attack made up of the same two skills.  Medium mana usage and two charges, with a thirty second recharge.  I won¡¯t know until I use it, of course.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you specifically asked your worm ¡­ I forget the new name you just gave him ¡­ if he could teach others about your layering perk?¡± Jesca asked.


    ¡°Morpheus,¡± Callie clarified.  Then she added for the rest of those present, ¡°the god of dreams.  It seemed fitting.¡±  She looked back to Jesca, and her face became perplexed as she tried to recall what she¡¯d been told.  ¡°He said he couldn¡¯t do that, because none of you have Tinker.  But he did mention something about maybe being able to pass on a subset of that skill.  Maybe that¡¯s what happened here?¡±


    Without preamble, Xera gestured towards what was left of the Ranger range.  ¡°Since Callie has destroyed most of it, what¡¯s a little more.  Pick a target and see what happens.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Commandant,¡± Shul¡¯an said.  They walked a few steps forward, calling up their bow and aiming downrange.  As they pulled back, the arrow that appeared was a deep, angry red, rather than the normal yellowish white.  They loosed, and the arrow flew long towards the seventy-five meter target.  It had been beaten up a bit by the concussive force and debris of Callie¡¯s artillery barrage, but was still largely standing.  The arrow struck, a single explosion erupting and blasting what remained of the target apart.


    ¡°That looks familiar,¡± Thucax said.  ¡°It looks exactly like Callie¡¯s, actually.¡±


    ¡°It sure does,¡± Callie confirmed, ¡°except for the arrow color.  Congrats, Shul¡¯an!¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± the Salamanderkin replied.  ¡°I know from watching Callie during the Bogwump fight how useful this will be.¡±  They made a sudden wincing expression and looked weakened.  ¡°First time using it, though, so quite draining,¡± they added before anyone could ask what was wrong.


    ¡°Do you need a potion?¡± Thorn asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe so, I have mana left, but I¡¯ll refrain from any more attempts for now.¡±


    Callie¡¯s head was reeling a bit with Shul¡¯an¡¯s new power.  She was absolutely sure it was just as her fellow Ranger had suggested, and Morpheus had been able to teach Shul¡¯an¡¯s Symbiote how to make this sub-spell.  It was a good choice, too.  Her layered-up Explosive Shot was one of Callie¡¯s most-destructive two-layer combinations, and had been incredibly useful in both the Bogwump and Elemental fights.  Obviously more so when combined with an additional layer, or two in the case of the boss Elemental, but even a single shot was quite something.  It immediately made her wonder about Shul¡¯an¡¯s other new ones.  ¡°What else did you get?  At least the descriptions of them?¡±


    Shul¡¯an seemed to flush, almost with embarrassment.  ¡°Three others.  Terror Shot, Shadow Veil, and Shadowstep.  It seems I have a rather dark theme happening with most of my melded powers.  It¡¯s actually a bit unsettling, in a way.¡±


    Per the description, the effect of Terror Shot caused those around the point of impact to flee in ¡­ well, to flee in terror.  Thorn pointed out it seemed very similar to a Warlock¡¯s Curse of Fear spell, but attached to an arrow for delivery.  Callie, in turn, reasoned out loud that someone¡¯s Warlock Symbiote must have shared notes, possibly Fynisse¡¯s since she was in the same bunkhouse as Shul¡¯an.  As follow-up orders, Thorn pointed Shul¡¯an to Trainer Terrin to review the skill and for the first few tests, just to assure there wasn¡¯t anything unexpected.


    Shul¡¯an¡¯s other two skills seemed somewhat related to each other, in that they both used shadows as part of their function.  According to the description, Shadow Veil closely resembled the Camouflage skill that the Duelists and Jesca received, in that it allowed the user to nearly-perfectly blend into the background, providing the area they were in had no light directed on it.  What that meant for indirect light, or how much it might take to break the pseudo-invisibility, was a little fuzzy.  Like Camouflage, the effect would also only work on natural materials, or items that were inside of natural materials.  This would require a re-evaluation of what weapons Shul¡¯an would use, possibly needing to replace their steel swords with Ironwood, despite the loss of durability, if they wanted to maximize the effect, or at least replacing the hilts on their swords with the wood or other suitable material.


    As for Shadowstep, the skill allowed the caster to teleport from one shadowed location to another.  Like the Veil skill, what actually qualified as ¡®shadow¡¯ and ¡®direct light¡¯ was pretty vague, but at least by description the usefulness was immediately apparent.  Thucax suggested that the effect of Shul¡¯an¡¯s Arrow of Darkness, which Shul¡¯an had arrived with, would likely count as a shadowed destination, and that reminded the Salamanderkin that they had received additional improvements to that skill.  It now had two charges in addition to the caster having the ability to see outwards while standing inside the effect.  If Thucax¡¯s teleportation suggestion held, that meant Shul¡¯an would be able to pick his destination with one arrow, and plant a second right at his feet as a starting point, despite any light that might otherwise spoil the travel.


    ¡°All of these ¡®shadow¡¯ and darkness skills make me feel a little like a Warlock,¡± Shul¡¯an said with a bit of a wry grin.  ¡°I am not sure why it¡¯s bothering me.¡±


    ¡°Bah, don¡¯t sweat it,¡± Callie grinned.  ¡°Warlocks just have a bad reputation.  But if it holds, maybe you''ll get lucky and receive some kind of summoned creature skill when you reach Gold to complete the look.  Some kind of cuddly shadow-based pet, maybe?¡±


    Jesca snickered, glancing at Artemis, empathizing with the threat of receiving a pet.


    ¡°We could call you the ¡®Shadow Ranger¡¯,¡± Thucax added.  ¡°Build you up a scary reputation, maybe?¡±


    ¡°We are fighting Demons,¡± Shul¡¯an laughed.  ¡°They are not going to be frightened by some spooky nickname.¡±


    ¡°Sure.  But once you¡¯re done there, you could become a bounty hunter or Adventurer.  People would fear you across the land when the evil, spooky ¡®Shadow Ranger¡¯ comes for them.¡±  Thucax grinned, twiddling his finger in the air and adding a bit of an evil laugh to the mix.  The teasing was a little uncharacteristic for him, and it was fun to see.  It had taken the Gnoll quite a while to relax and start contributing to the joking that kept things light, but it turned out his sense of humor was a lot of fun when it finally came out.


    ¡°All the same, Recruit,¡± Xera said, interrupting the banter, ¡°I do believe all your new skills have quite the potential, even though they may require rethinking some of your fighting tactics.  Reach out to the Duelist trainer for testing your new Veil skill, at least to learn where the light limitations may lie.  For Shadowstep, join with Recruit Jesca in working with the Combat Healers on teleport training.  Congratulations again.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Commandant.¡±


    Xera frowned, looking again back towards the top of the hill.  ¡°You must all excuse me.  I believe I will go speak with the Arkan.  I''m quite perplexed by his response, and while I¡¯m sure there is an explanation, I¡¯d like to make any amends, if needed.  A good day to you all.¡±


    ¡°Make sure to let me know if I did something,¡± Callie reminded Xera.  ¡°I know he¡¯s important and I don''t want him to leave with a bad impression.¡±


    ¡°While you certainly do make an impression, Little One,¡± Xera said as they walked away, looking back with a smile, ¡°it is seldom bad.  At least eventually, that is.  I will inform you if a response is required, however.¡±

 Chapter 65 Part 5 - Misdirected Emotion

    PART V - MISDIRECTED EMOTION


    Callie took a deep breath and reached out to knock on the door. The three knocks were hesitant, though, the first of them not even meeting the solid wood, while the next two were barely loud enough for anyone to hear. The occupant heard them easily enough, though.


    ¡°Come!¡± the deep voice inside called.


    Swallowing, Callie opened the door, and poked her head in. She tried to say something, but her throat seized up, emitting barely a squeak.


    ¡°Ahh. It¡¯s you,¡± Arkan Pelidri said, a slight sense of disappointment seeming to be in his voice. He was seated at a table, two stacks of books in front of him, while another was sitting open on his lap. Some of the books were fairly thin, while others reached dictionary-sized thickness. ¡°I told Xera there was no need for you to come by, but come in, all the same.¡± He made a single gesture of invitation.


    Nervously, Callie sidled through the door, glancing back just once at Pixyl, who had walked with her in support. ¡°G-Good evening,¡± Callie said ¡­ barely. Damn the Arkan was intimidating as hell. There was no specific reason for it, but between his rank, his age, his absolute mastery of his class, and even the deep voice, it all came together in just a single wall of utter presence in this enclosed space. Jesca had warned her about that, but Callie had underestimated how oppressive it felt.


    Seeming to sense the effect he was having, Pelidri sighed and closed the book he was holding, tossing it lightly onto the table with a thump, and the slap of sound made Callie jump slightly. ¡°Please, sit.¡± He smiled and gestured towards a chair, white teeth seeming to gleam against his dark skin. That didn¡¯t really help lessen the intimidation a single iota. ¡°No rank in here, Little One,¡± he added, increasing the intimidating smile. ¡°We¡¯ll just chat. May I get you a drink?¡±


    Before Callie could answer no, the Arkan stood, retreating into a prep area with running water, before returning with a metal pitcher and a pair of metal cups. He set the latter down before filling both, then slid one towards Callie with one hand while setting the pitcher in the middle of the table. Rather than sitting, he stepped away again, this time returning with a plate of delicious-smelling jellycakes, almost assuredly made fresh by Pama or her people. Ignoring the dumbfounded face his guest was wearing, the Arkan gestured towards the cookies, taking one himself before sitting again.


    Hesitantly, feeling as if she didn¡¯t have a choice despite the tumbles her stomach was making, Callie took a cookie herself. After seeing the Arkan take a bite of his, she nervously nibbled on her own. Despite how delicious it was, and how moist and chewy it was, Callie had a hard time swallowing. She looked over her shoulder towards the closed door, wondering if it was too late to turn and run for it.


    ¡°Now, how may I help you, Little One?¡±


    ¡°Um ¡­¡± Callie tried to begin. She¡¯d practiced what she wanted to say with Pixyl on the way here, and now all of that practice was completely evaporating. Xera had told her to let it go, but for some reason she couldn¡¯t, and now Callie was starting to think coming here was a mistake.


    ¡°You wish me to explain my behavior this morning?¡± the Arkan said, raising an eyebrow and posing a leading question.


    Callie nodded, somehow finding a weak voice. ¡°I wanted to apologize if I did or said something.¡±


    ¡°Your Commandant said as much, hence why I asked her to inform you none was needed. Yet, you still came.¡± Pelidri gave Callie a hard stare, drumming the fingers of one hand on the table as he took another bite of his cookie. Immediately, Callie felt like she needed to apologize a second time for even daring to come to apologize for the first time. She had been stupid for still coming after what Xera said.


    ¡°For doing so, you have my respect, Ranger Callie. Most would not, preferring to avoid how obviously uncomfortable you are right now. It shows strength and character on your part, Little One. I thank you for the sentiment, all the same.¡±


    ¡°O-Okay,¡± Callie whispered, completely surprised by that statement.


    ¡°Tell me, Little One, how old do you think I am?¡±


    It was an odd, out of the blue question, and Callie struggled to come up with an answer, really having no sense of Elven age, except to know that Trainer Terrin was considered fairly old, and Legate Galin probably middle-aged. She had no numerical reference, really. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she said with a shrug.


    ¡°A wise answer when asked to guess someone¡¯s age,¡± Pelidri said, laughing once, really just a single, strong chuff, his white smile appearing again. ¡°Well, I¡¯m really old, we should simply leave it at that. Suffice to say that I¡¯ve been around a long, long time. Well into my sixth cycle, in fact.¡±


    ¡°Cycle?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know of life-cycles? Oh, that¡¯s right, Xera said you have limited memory of before coming here, except for music, apparently. Elves live a long time, and for some, as well as other long-lived races, we tend to break our extended lives into a series of chapters, or ¡®cycles¡¯, generally around fifty years in length. Not everyone does this, but for those that follow this way, it means we reach a point where we often choose to take our lives in a new direction; to start over in a way. Many might take on a new vocation, seek to travel widely, or even start a new family. Something completely different, as it were. I am in my sixth cycle. Perhaps this will be my last, or maybe I have enough in me to have a seventh. Time will tell.¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Callie frowned, still not quite following along, and not sure where he was going. It obviously showed on her face.


    ¡°When I was seventeen,¡± Pelidri continued, seeking to add more clarity, ¡°I was Conscripted into the Cillisine army to fight in the northern Goblin Wars, which was fifty years before the Slaver Wars. There, I served several years as a soldier and eventually a sergeant, choosing to stay long past my required time, before eventually leaving the army to start a family. Once our children grew and were on their own, it was time for us both to have our next life-cycle.¡±


    He sighed again. ¡°I loved my first wife, and still did until she passed away naturally a few years ago, but we were both about fifty and decided to go our own ways to start our lives over again. She wanted to leave the city and try her hand at becoming a farmer, which was very much not the life for me. I returned to the army, which apparently was. Soon, my pattern repeated and I found a new love. I left the army, we had children, and then separated for our next cycles. I still love that one, too. Cycles are supposed to be about starting anew, but I seemed to have developed a pattern as my third cycle found me back in the army, soon with another love, and then leaving to have a family all over again. Five times I¡¯ve done that, seven children in total through the decades, although I didn''t have any for my last cycle, and I¡¯m far too old to think about it for this one.¡±


    Callie still wasn¡¯t sure what all this had to do with anything. It was also a bit uncomfortable to be learning about the personal life of the Arkan, given who he was and how ominous his presence felt. It was almost as if she was learning secrets that she shouldn¡¯t know.


    Still, what the Arkan had shared was quite fascinating from a cultural perspective. The idea of being encouraged to remake one¡¯s life again seemed somehow refreshing, as if a way to start over and correct your mistakes. Then she remembered what Jesca and Fynisse had said about Beastkin sometimes restarting their married lives after their childbearing days were done, and from how Tasi had explained it, the Fairy did something similar when they changed genders. It was as if there was an acknowledgement that, and encouragement for, people to grow and change and to start again. What had Morpheus said? ¡®Is life nothing more than a series of experiences?¡¯


    ¡°During my second cycle, we had two children,¡± Pelidri continued, holding up two fingers while his tone seemed to become a little nostalgic. They were both girls, twins actually. Danaes and Rorei. Naturally, having two girls is trouble enough, but you can imagine the mischief of identical twins.¡± He grinned, but there seemed to be a tiny hint of wistfulness in the smile. ¡°Danaes eventually grew to be a Scholar, and to this day lives in The Nexus doing spell research. Quite accomplished, actually. When Rorei came of age, she was a Ranger.¡±


    Callie''s face brightened up at the mention of the Arkan¡¯s daughter also being a Ranger. Then she caught a hint of sadness in Pelidri¡¯s eyes, and her smile evaporated. Something had happened, even if the Elf¡¯s smile was trying to hide it.


    ¡°The Slaver Wars came,¡± Pelidri continued, rolling the metal cup of water between his hands. ¡°Rorei wished to follow in my footsteps and joined the army as a volunteer. To give her the best chance of survival, our family sacrificed nearly everything to get her a Symbiote. We borrowed, begged, and certainly considered stealing. I literally moved mountains to eventually pay off our debts, taking a high-risk high-paying job in the mines. We got her a worm somehow, and she left for the war knowing all her skills.¡± His face became sad. ¡°She didn¡¯t come home.¡±


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Callie gasped.


    ¡°Her training wasn¡¯t like here,¡± the Arkan continued as he gestured generally in the air to indicate the entirety of the camp. ¡°There was no focused training for Advanced classes. Soldiers learned to march, learned minimal group tactics, and were quickly sent into battle. Even with Rorei¡¯s advantage, it wasn¡¯t enough, and she fell on the line. I then rejoined the army to do my part. Maybe it was to avenge her, but I didn¡¯t know what else to do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Callie whispered, not knowing what else to say.


    ¡±Your Master Trainer Thorn shared a theory, which I understand was initially proposed by you. This many low-tiered recruits with Symbiotes leads to the worms sharing their knowledge with each other, allowing recruits to receive many more melded and off-class skills and perks than is common. When General Xera told me, the very idea seemed preposterous. Our worms actually being intelligent? Who would believe something like that, after all? I¡¯m beginning to think there might be something to this theory, though.¡±


    Callie was about to add that Morpheus talked to her and that was where the theory originated, but then realized Pelidri hadn¡¯t mentioned it, and may not know on purpose, so decided to keep her mouth shut about it. Unless he brought it up, she¡¯d wait until she could talk to Thorn or Xera and get permission. He¡¯d probably hear through the gossip mill anyways, even if not told directly. ¡°It is an interesting idea,¡± she said instead. She still didn¡¯t understand where he was going with all this, or why the Arkan got angry, though.


    ¡°Yesterday, I met a Bladedancer that could grow wings, and a Berserker that could summon a fiery tornado, and an amazing young Shaman Spearmaster that could conjure herself weapons made of light. And it¡¯s not just those three. It seems everyone is learning things that are strange for their class or unique. Even Thorn and your Major received new melded and off-class powers with their recent new tiers.¡± He gestured to Callie with his chin. ¡°Just as you have.¡±


    Pelidri looked down again at the cup he was still rolling back and forth in his hands, and then set it on the table with a metallic clinking sound. ¡°Seeing your melded skills, and that powerful perk you have, made me realize something. What if it had been my daughter here? What if she had been sent to such training with so many others possessing a Symbiote and received the kind of instruction you all have? She would have left stronger, that¡¯s for sure. She was only Bronze when ¡­¡± His voice trailed off, and he looked at Callie. The warm smile had faded, replaced by a weathered frown. ¡°What if she had learned something unique from another that would have made a difference? What if ¡­¡± Pelidri¡¯s voice trailed off a second time, fading to a croaking whisper.


    Callie said nothing. She looked across the table, seeing an Elf that was reminding her of her grandfather. The lifetime, multiple lifetimes really, of experiences, the weariness of time and old grief, and the memories of days long gone were weighing on his shoulders. She felt for Pelidri, and wished she knew what to say. Instead, she said nothing.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t you, Little One,¡± the Arkan finally sighed. ¡°My anger was directed at fate, and the cruelty it often wields like the sharpest of swords. If only things had been different for Rorei, maybe ¡­¡± He reached forward and down, taking Callie¡¯s hand in his own. ¡°If anyone should apologize, it should be this withered, old, Elf fool, Little One. I took a passing moment of grief and directed it towards you and others. You are indeed a fine, fine Ranger, and you will do Imoria proud. You will do Rorei proud.¡±


    Maybe it was Callie¡¯s own personality, or the memory of her grandfather, or maybe it was her growingly-instinctive Gnome side, or something else entirely, probably a combination of everything. Whatever it was, before she knew it, Callie rushed forward, throwing her arms around the Arkan¡¯s neck. ¡°I will. I promise.¡±

 Chapter 65 Part 6 - Exploring Records

    PART VI - EXPLORING RECORDS


    The Arkan returned the hug, and warm memories of her grandfather poured into Callie. With the size difference, she almost felt as if she was still only ten, and she had to resist the impulse to break into homesick tears. Her eyes welled a little bit, though, all the same. On breaking the hug, she saw Pelidri¡¯s had as well.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Callie mumbled, as she backed away to return to her chair.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite alright. My wife during my last cycle, my fifth one, was a Gnome. I¡¯ve long learned that hugging is the nature of your people.¡±


    Callie blushed at that, and then tried to hide it by taking a sip from her water cup with both hands.


    ¡°Xera tells me you have a Bookkeeping perk, and enjoy numbers and organizing. Would you care to see something regarding your theory, Little One?¡± Pelidri asked, seeming to casually change the topic as he ran a thumb under one of his eyes, as if there hadn¡¯t just been an emotional moment.


    ¡°Uh, sure?¡± Callie said, a bit of a questioning in her tone. She couldn¡¯t really say no.


    Pelidri gestured towards the stack of books on the table, and then leaned forward to pull the thinnest from the bottom of one pile. ¡°Take a look at this.¡±


    The book Callie was handed was hardcover, said covers seeming to be crafted from a thin piece of very hard wood, sewn tightly with leather strings to another piece that served as a spine. Inside were dozens of pages that were originally blank, but were now filled with notes, drawings and other information, in many different styles of handwriting. The pages very much had the feel of paper, although a little thicker than she would have found back home. Quickly, she started to scan over the writing.


    ¡°Records from one of the training terms, right?¡± Callie said after a moment of digesting the contents.


    Leaning forward, Pelidri tapped the open book a couple times. ¡°I had the Colonel fetch them all for me. That one is from the very first group of recruits that came through here. There were only five of them. Your Major was one, in fact.¡±


    Callie paged more, finding records from the quartermasters outlining supplies that had been used, others detailing deficiencies and additions needed to the staffing or equipment. There was even a large-lettered entry, bolded and circled several times, with multiple arrows pointing to it, that said ¡®get a damn Culinar!¡¯. Then, sure enough, she came to a few pages devoted to Major Celeste, then Bladedancer Recruit Celeste. It went on to detail her advancement, skills and perks received, as well as multiple disciplinary issues. It seemed she got in trouble for a lot more than just sleeping around. Still, at the end of her section, there was an entry note from Thorn that simply said, ¡®recommended for officer consideration¡¯.


    ¡°Huh,¡± Callie said, ¡°I didn¡¯t know the Major got in that much trouble.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it seems she was quite the miscreant,¡± Pelidri replied with a chuckle.


    Callie turned the page, finding the start of a section regarding Vonn, and unlike Major Celeste, Vonn¡¯s report was largely exemplary. Excellent marks across the board for her Ranger training, and no records of getting into any trouble except for a single entry that said, ¡®questions authority¡¯. There was nothing more to detail what might have led to that note, but it was still an interesting tidbit to know about her substitute trainer.


    ¡°Whoa!¡± Callie exclaimed as she turned to the next page. Then she grinned, a tiny bit of sly evilness in her wide eyes.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°What? No, no. Nothing is wrong,¡± Callie said, still grinning. ¡°It¡¯s just that this section is about Trainer Olin. Well, he was a recruit back then.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, yes, I saw that. It seems he was a very good recruit and showed great promise. That promise apparently has proven correct, although it¡¯s a pity he left the army. It was good they convinced him to at least return as a civilian to train others.¡±


    That¡¯s what the summary note at the end said about Olin, in fact. ¡®Excellent soldier with mentoring disposition. Recommend trainer focus¡¯. That wasn¡¯t what was important, though. What was important was the fact that Olin was the only Bladeweaver present for the first session. Callie needed to figure out how to exploit this new information in a way that would maximize the grief she could give Major Celeste.


    ¡°So, tell me, Little One, what do you see?¡±


    ¡°Um ¡­¡± Callie said, stalling for time. Quickly she glanced through the last two recruits, but didn¡¯t see anything that jumped out at her. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯m missing something, right?¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± Pelidri said, taking the book from Callie and handing her a second one, this one a little thicker. ¡°This is the second group that came through here. Skip to the section about the recruits and tell me what you see.¡±


    Flipping ahead, Callie started to page through the fifteen to twenty recruits, seeing an entry for the Duelist trainer, Cylanae, who was apparently even more-questioning of authority than Vonn had been. Then, she got to one of the Combat Healers and there was a large entry in red. ¡®MELDED SKILL¡¯ it said, going on to detail how the recruit could project an impenetrable dome around herself that would even reflect incoming offensive magic back to the original caster. It was a perfect skill for someone that needed to safely focus on a downed ally in the middle of a fight. Continuing, Callie soon found another entry for a melded skill, this one a Martialist receiving the ability to heal themselves proportionally to the damage they dealt.


    ¡°I see a couple melded skills,¡± Callie said, flipping back towards the start of the recruit section. ¡°More recruits were here for this session, too, but that¡¯s about it. I¡¯m guessing I¡¯m still not seeing it, am I?¡±


    Pelidri had already pulled a third book from the bottom of its pile and quickly swapped it for the one Callie was holding. This one was even thicker, and the first thing she noticed was an entry on the first page that read ¡®Finally got a Culinar!!!¡¯ with arrows and a half-dozen hearts around it. Callie had no idea who would have drawn pretty little hearts, and decided to pretend it was the Legate, just because that was the funniest possible answer.


    Then she reached the recruit section of the logs. All told, there were forty-three recruits for this third term, although two Dwarves were sent to basic training the first day, before Symbiote bonding, for getting into fights. She flipped through, seeing the usual range of observations and commentary, as well as perhaps twenty notations of melded or off-class skills. She also recognized Cheena¡¯s name as one of the Shaman recruits, although there was nothing indicating she received any powers out of the ordinary, and apparently respected authority.


    ¡°What do you see now?¡±


    ¡°A lot more melded and off-class skills,¡± Callie said, gesturing to a Ranger that had received the ability to pulse out a stunning aura around themself to a range of about five meters. That actually would be quite useful if they were ever overwhelmed at melee range.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Mmm hmm,¡± Pelidri agreed. Then, he pulled the third logbook away, replacing it with another. ¡°Now, take a look at what happened here. Fourth term.¡±


    Immediately, Callie flipped through the preliminary stuff, going straight for the recruit records. Her eyes shot wide as she reached it and started to leaf through the pages. ¡°Whoa!¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± the Arkan said, nodding in understanding agreement.


    Nearly every single recruit had been notated as receiving at least one melded or off-class skill. A few got one as early as Bronze, or in one case, two, but at Silver it was red on most pages. A Paladin with Dash. A Martialist throwing fireballs. A Ranger that was able to conjure a cloud of arrows that encircled them at high speed, injuring anyone that might get too close. ¡°Most of them have something,¡± Callie said, looking up to the Arkan for confirmation. ¡°What changed this session compared to the previous? More people?¡±


    ¡°There were a few more recruits this time, somewhere in the low fifties, but turn back to the beginning; the third or fourth page.¡±


    Callie flipped to the front, and then started turning pages.


    ¡°There!¡± Pelidri said. He leaned forward and pointed. ¡°Right there. I think that¡¯s what did it.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Callie replied, digesting what she was reading. ¡°That¡¯s ¡­ interesting.¡± It wasn¡¯t really a noteworthy entry. There were no circles or arrows or the Legate¡¯s pretty little hearts to make it stand out, but now seeing the words, they almost glowed like a beacon. ¡®Rather than house the same classes together, to encourage cross-class collaboration we will assign a variety of classes to each bunkhouse this term¡¯.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t work out perfectly,¡± Pelidri continued, making a ¡®so-so¡¯ motion with his hand. . ¡°From what the notes the next session say, there were too many personality conflicts when the recruits were arbitrarily assigned, which led to a headache of having to move people around later in the term. Instead, for the fifth one, they let the recruits form their own groups if they wanted to when they arrived, but the housing quartermaster had instructions to try to mix up the classes if possible, where there was space.¡±


    ¡°When we arrived,¡± Callie began, thinking back to that first day that seemed almost a lifetime ago, ¡°we were allowed to be together if we found other friends. For me, there were five of us, and Pixyl was added as the sixth because we had an empty bunk. Each of us is a different class.¡±


    ¡°There you are,¡± Pelidri said.


    ¡°Do you have the one for this term?¡± Callie asked, closing the book she was holding and setting it on the table.


    ¡°It¡¯s all still loose pages around the camp,¡± Pelidri replied, ¡°so it hasn¡¯t been collected and bound yet, and won¡¯t be until the end of the term.¡± He reached and pulled out one of the thickest books. ¡°This is the most-recent term, though.¡±


    Callie opened the most-recent book and quickly paged to where the individual recruits were recorded. ¡°Wow!¡± Every single recruit had red entries, most at least two. Page after page of melded skills and perks, or off-class versions of something. There was even a Paladin that could summon some kind of ghostly battle armor over five meters tall. It amplified their strength and absorbed damage, much like one of those mech suits in the Japanese cartoons her nerdy friends at college liked. It even came with a summoned appropriately mech-sized shield and sword, and could lob explosive bombs.


    While Callie already knew from Morpheus that the Symbiotes were teaching things to each other, to see the progression via raw data was absolutely fascinating. If she had to speculate wildly based on what she was seeing, there needed to be both a critical mass of Symbiotes present, and a large enough variety of classes in close proximity for long durations, such as sleeping in the same bunkhouse, to maximize the potential for learning something special. They might also need to low-tier, so that they¡¯d rank up quickly - higher tiers would be too slow . Early terms either lacked enough students or housed them by class, reducing the intermingling needed. But once the number of recruits got high enough, and the residents of each cabin were largely made up of different classes, the little slugs really got to chatting and inspiring each other. Still, Callie wondered out loud, ¡°How did Thorn and the rest not see this pattern? For that matter, how has this never been discovered elsewhere?¡±


    The Arkan shrugged. ¡°It took well over a year to get to results like this, so I think it just crept up on them. I also noticed the pages for each class have different writing, so they are likely completed by the individual trainers. Some of those early trainers have been replaced over time, and nobody ever had a reason to go back and compare the current recruits as a whole to those earlier records, so no one ever saw that pattern of what was happening. If I was in Thorn¡¯s place, I may not have noticed it either.¡±


    ¡°I could actually see that happening,¡± Callie said in understanding. That was an important lesson from a statistics class back in college. Sometimes you had to look at data in the aggregate to see the patterns that weren¡¯t evident if you just picked smaller samples or moments in time. ¡°What about someone discovering this elsewhere?¡±


    ¡°Think about it, Little One. Worms are already rare enough, but Advanced classes? Incredibly, incredibly rare, and all types quite expensive. What kinds of opportunities could there have been for a large enough variety of Advanced worms to be together, for a long enough period of time, with them all being carried by low-tier hosts undergoing rigorous training? Even in places where large groups of the wealthy might assemble, or at high-ranked military gatherings, most of those hosts will be at least Gold tier, and not in a training environment like here.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Callie huffed, thinking it through. ¡°When you put it that way ¡­¡±


    ¡°So, I think you and your Master Trainer are on to something here,¡± Pelidri said, standing up and cracking his back as he made a wincing face. ¡°He wants to experiment with the next term by bringing some Warriors for training, giving them Symbiotes, to see if they learn Advanced class skills. That¡¯s quite a bit less expensive an investment, and if that¡¯s successful, it could redefine how we train troops.¡± Pelidri casually walked over to the door and opened it, concluding his thought with, ¡°It could redefine a lot of things, actually.¡±


    Sitting outside the doorway on the porch steps was an absolutely soaked, shivering Pixyl. Apparently Callie had been so engrossed in the logbooks and the conversation, she hadn¡¯t even noticed it had started to rain. Not just rain, but an absolute downpour. There was no thunder or lightning, but the rain was, for the moment, so thick as to make it hard to even see the guest cabin across the way.


    ¡°Pixyl!¡± Callie said, scrambling from her chair. ¡°I thought you were going back home?¡±


    ¡°I d-d-didn¡¯t think you would b-b-be very long,¡± she replied. Callie wasn¡¯t sure if she was stuttering or if her teeth were chattering. She was definitely shivering pretty violently, though.


    ¡°Well. shake yourself off and come on in,¡± the Arkan said, gesturing the Pixie through the door. ¡°I¡¯ll get you a towel and make you some hot tea.¡±


    Pixyl looked from the Arkan to Callie and then back again, seeming reluctant to intrude, or more likely simply intimidated. Rainwater dribbled down her face and off the end of her wings, and her wet hair hung matted, making her look like some poor, pathetic blue-furred cat that had fallen into a lake.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Pelidri re-emphasized, gesturing again. ¡°Inside!¡±


    Swallowing hard, Pixyl fluttered her wings like a hummingbird to shake off the rain, and then stepped inside.


    ¡°Wait there,¡± Pelidri ordered, pointing to the spot where Pixyl was standing. He danced around her and walked towards what Callie assumed was a bathroom of some kind. A moment later he returned with a small stack of towels, grabbing a blanket off his bed as he passed. He gave one of the towels to Pixyl and set the others on a chair, while hanging the blanket over the chair¡¯s back. ¡°Dry yourself off a bit and then go get out of those wet things and wrap yourself in the blanket. Give me a few minutes on the tea.¡±


    The Arkan walked into the prep area, taking down a mug and small teapot. He had a metal tea infuser that he filled with leaves from a small tin, and then added some water. From another stoneware bowl, he picked up a ping pong ball sized object, adding it to the teapot and then blowing on the end of his fingers. ¡°Heating stones,¡± he clarified to the girls, pointing to the bowl. ¡°I always travel with some so I can easily make tea. It will only take a few minutes.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you sat out there in the rain,¡± Callie scolded as she took the towel from Pixyl and started to dry her off. ¡°You¡¯re getting water everywhere, you goof.¡±


    ¡°I d-d-didn¡¯t want to interrupt. And I wanted to w-w-walk back with you if it d-d-didn¡¯t go well.¡±


    Callie rolled her eyes and ruffled Pixyl¡¯s hair with the towel, being just a little extra aggressive for emphasis as she mussed it up. ¡°You are simply soaked!¡±


    Pelidri for his part smirked at the two, instinctively keeping perfect track of when the tea would be ready. ¡°Well, since we have some time, why don¡¯t you both tell me of your mission to destroy the bogwump nest? From what the Commandant said, it sounds like quite the exciting adventure, especially being led by a Bronze Tier Gnome in only her second week of training. I¡¯d love to hear the full story. They also mentioned something about Elementals? Oh, Corporal-Major, you must tell me all about how you distinguished yourself on the first day. A Bronze Sword; quite the achievement.¡±


    Pixyl blushed at the reminder and looked away.


    ¡°Also, Little One, apparently you stole some unicorn blood?¡±

 Chapter 65 Part 7 - The Many Misadventures ...

    PART VII - THE MANY MISADVENTURES¡­


    Following Pixyl joining them, once she was mostly dry, wrapped in the blanket and warming up with some tea, the evening with Pelidri became quite enjoyable. It led off with Callie starting to share the story of the Bogwump mission, beginning with triangulating the location on the map and assembling her team. Despite obviously being provided an overview of the mission by Xera and the other officers, Pelidri still seemed quite taken aback by how quickly that overall plan had come together, and asked some very pointed questions to understand Callie¡¯s thinking in some of her planning decisions. Still, his mood was light, becoming much more so when told of how Callie and company forced Thorn into having a party for him, and then Tazrok¡¯s Ogre war chant.


    ¡°It¡¯s interesting that your Tazrok was able to lead a magical war chant,¡± Pelidri said, rubbing his chin. ¡°I¡¯ve been part of several on the battlefield during my early days, but they must always be led by a chieftain of some form. There are largely not any of those around any more.¡±


    Callie and Pixyl looked at each other, both furrowing their eyebrows. ¡°The Major said he has a skill called Chieftain''s Inspiration,¡± Callie said carefully. ¡°Every time he¡¯s asked about it, he says he has no idea what we¡¯re talking about, even to the Major. That¡¯s strange.¡±


    ¡°That is, indeed,¡± Pelidri agreed, his face becoming even more inciteful. ¡°Historically, he¡¯d likely be too young to be a chieftain of any tribe, and if he¡¯s from Imor proper, they¡¯ve long abandoned tribes and warbands, anyway. Except for a few outlying clans far to the west, or the ones far in the mountains of northern Cillisant, the old ways of the Ogres have largely disappeared. As for this mysterious skill, your description makes it seem similar in nature to Command Aura, or the Beastmaster one your fellow Ranger has.¡±


    ¡°I wonder why he d-d-doesn¡¯t want to talk about it?¡± Pixyl said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Callie said, shaking her head. ¡°He¡¯s been very adamant about that, though. Either he legitimately has no idea what people are asking him about, or he really doesn¡¯t want to discuss it, like he¡¯s ashamed or something. And then he gets a big headache every time he uses it. It¡¯s weird.¡±


    Conversation regarding Tazrok continued, detouring to talk a little bit about his many animal forms, before returning to the Bogwump fight, where said forms were shown to be incredibly effective. Pelidri was fascinated by the big Ogre¡¯s Guardian spider form, and its ability to see and fight in multiple directions at once. He¡¯d seen Tazrok sparring against the other Druids, but that was just that, sparring, and not really the Ogre going all-out against his opponents. If he¡¯d been trying, Tazrok could have really injured the other three.


    Eventually the recounting of the Bogwump fight concluded. The Arkan continued his questioning, this time digging into what Callie had been thinking and feeling as a result of Reynard being injured. It was almost as if he didn¡¯t really care about the fight details very much, but instead was only focusing on what was going on in Callie¡¯s head. This was even more-apparent when he circled back to review a few more key decisions she had made during the chaos of the fight, again digging deeper into how Callie arrived at the various conclusions she had.


    At some point, one of the Arkan¡¯s people came by with a tray of cheese and jams. Apparently he was going to check in earlier, and saw Pelidri was entertaining through the window. Despite the rain, he took it upon himself to get refreshments for the three of them, which also included a couple bottles of wine. The Arkan didn¡¯t invite his assistant in to join them, and in turn the younger soldier wished the Arkan and the girls a pleasant evening before disappearing back into the downpour.


    The three took a few minutes to get situated with snacks, Pelidri getting new cups for everyone and then pouring. As they all nibbled the nibbles and sipped the delicious wine, Pelidri probed into how Artemis came to be part of the picture after Callie was forced to down the foal¡¯s mother. That led to pondering generally whether the unicorn might have created Jesca¡¯s Beastkin class, or if it had been there all along and somehow Artemis was able to be the catalyst to revealing it. Callie didn¡¯t have an answer, or even a guess as to that, nor did Pixyl, and ultimately the conversation moved on, chalking it up as one of life¡¯s magic mysteries to be solved another time, if ever.


    The topic of Artemis naturally led to what happened with the unicorn blood, forcing Callie to detail what she did and why she did it. Callie tried to explain she was honestly just trying to do something nice for Rowani and Maugra, and the Arkan proved far less emotional and angry than Xera had been about what she¡¯d done. This, in turn, led to a discussion about the unintended benefits for the army, and Pelidri concluded the topic with a somewhat reserved approval, even if that result was unintentional.


    Continuing, while Callie hadn¡¯t been leading the Elemental fight, outside of coordinating travel and logistics, the Arkan seemed even more interested in this mission, compared to the first. He did probe Callie a few times as to her mindset regarding this or that, but when the horde of Elementals came alive, and especially during the boss fight when she had to take over for Vanis, Pelidri became riveted by every moment. He slowed down the conversation, making both Callie and Pixyl go step-by-step through what happened, asking questions constantly. He was particularly keen to know what they saw, when they saw it, and how that affected their thinking, as well as how Callie assembled the final sequence in her head for the coordinated attack that ended the fight. He didn¡¯t just ask this of Callie though, also posing the same questions to Pixyl as he worked to get into her head a bit, too.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Callie, with a little help from the wine, blushed in embarrassment at the Arkan¡¯s huge grin as she and Pixyl took turns telling their side of the fight. They skipped the kiss, though. Callie wasn¡¯t sure what the Arkan¡¯s reaction might be, and Pixyl was already half-hiding in her blanket from the attention, so she decided it was for the best. She was pretty sure Pelidri knew about that ending anyways, but he didn¡¯t press for details.


    Attention then turned entirely to Pixyl, with Pelidri wanting a complete accounting of that first day when the Demon had been summoned, and her heroic actions. He asked a lot of questions, like he had with the other encounters, wanting to get into Pixyl¡¯s head. It was agony for the little Pixie, and her stuttering worsened as she became more and more nervous and embarrassed, having to admit to the Arkan that she simply forgot she was wearing her suppression brands. Despite her discomfort, Pelidri politely but firmly pushed, and while there was ¡®no rank¡¯ in the room, there was very definitely rank in the air, and Pixyl was forced to endure.


    Coincidentally, during the discussion it came to light that the Arkan and Pixyl had almost crossed paths a little over a year previous, at least one-sidedly. He¡¯d been in Marindine, and happened to meet up with Trainer Terrin and other mutual friends. In fact, Terrin and Pelidri''s passing friendship apparently went back decades. Well, Terrin had suggested the fights as something to do, even mentioning about a Pixie Demon fighter, but alas it turned out to be a night where Pixyl wasn¡¯t fighting, so the Arkan never actually saw her in action.


    Pelidri probed Pixyl, leading to a strained conversation between the two about Pixyl¡¯s life before being Conscripted. She was mortified at having to share personal details, glancing at Callie several times in shame or embarrassment, her stutter in full force and just making it worse. Pelidri paid Pixyl¡¯s state no mind, either not seeing it or not caring, and as a result Callie learned a lot of background detail about her girlfriend. Pixyl had always been very coy about that time, and Callie had promised not to press her on it despite dying of curiosity. Still, she did learn that Pixyl was even more of a dervish than she¡¯d imagined, often headlining nights of action.


    Callie also found out for the first time that Pixyl had money, earned from her fight-night proceeds. She revealed that she¡¯d built up a decent nest egg, in part because she had no friends or close family, and no life, so really had nothing to spend it on. It wasn¡¯t an obscene amount of savings, but she was frugal and had enough that she could retire from the pits, afford a small plot of land and a home if she wished to, or get an apartment in a city, and learn a different vocation. Unfortunately, compared to most of the other headline fighters, she¡¯d been taken advantage of monetarily many times, either tricked or simply underpaid, or she would have been even better off. When Pixyl had finally realized how poorly she had been financially treated and demanded her fair share of the profits to keep fighting, she was coincidentally drawn for the Conscription lottery. While she couldn¡¯t prove the connection, she knew the pit bosses had the kind of clout to make something like that happen. The bitterness in her voice was evident, and Pelidri echoed the sentiment.


    Despite the rank, age and life-experience difference, Pelidri seemed genuinely interested in their stories, or if he was indulging them, he wore it well. For Callie, it did almost feel in a way like she was talking to her grandfather about her adventures, and while it made her feel a little homesick, telling the stories alongside her girlfriend also made her feel even more like she was home where she belonged now.


    Eventually, it grew late, the snacks were gone, and a solid dent had been made in the second bottle of wine. Pixyl forced her way back into her still damp clothes, thanking Pelidri for the blanket. The Arkan, ever polite, in turn thanked the girls for the wonderful conversation, adding he looked forward to another one someday in the future when they had more ¡®adventures¡¯ to share.


    Callie and Pixyl walked back to Ogre House in the ongoing downpour. It was well past eleven, and Callie giggled most of the way back, dodging from tree to tree in order to ¡®sneak between the raindrops¡¯, although it didn¡¯t help in the slightest and she was quickly drenched. As for Pixyl, Callie had suggested she simply fly back, or use Dash or even Flashstep, but she¡¯d stubbornly refused, not wanting to leave Callie¡¯s side. It didn¡¯t take long before Pixyl returned to looking like the same water-logged cat she had earlier, her wings drooping as the chilly rain streamed off the end of them.


    ¡°Pixyl?¡± Callie asked as they arrived at Ogre House, stepping up on the porch and under the overhang to get out of the rain.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Callie frowned, not sure how to word what she wanted to say, but then sighed and just said it. ¡°I know you told me you didn¡¯t want to talk about your life before you got here, and I¡¯ll respect that. But I just want you to know that you can. I won¡¯t judge you if you made mistakes; we all do.¡°


    Pixyl frowned, started to say something and then clamped her mouth shut again.


    ¡°I love you,¡± Callie continued, ¡°and I want you to know you can share anything with me.¡± It wasn¡¯t just out of curiosity, though, but also because the person that Pixyl was now was woven from her past, and knowing it all would help her know all of Pixyl. Okay, there was a lot of curiosity, too.


    The tiny Bladeweaver looked down on the wet wood. ¡°Everyone I¡¯ve ever loved eventually rejected m-m-me,¡± she finally said quietly. ¡°Family, friends, others. It¡¯s hard for me to let p-p-people in.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Callie said. ¡°When you¡¯re ready, I¡¯ll be waiting. You can take your time.¡± She tilted Pixyl¡¯s head up so they could lock eyes, and then kissed her gently. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. Well, we will be separated when we get sent to the front, but I¡¯m going to find you again as soon as we are done.¡±


    As Pixyl blushed, Callie opened the door and they walked inside their temporary home, being as quiet as they could so as to not wake their wonderful temporary family, although Xin seemed to be out and about still. They each shimmied out of their rain-soaked clothing and into a minimal something dry, before crawling into their make-shift Ogre-bed blanket fort. Snuggling tight, enjoying the mutual body warmth fighting off the chill of the rain, Callie and Pixyl needed no more words before eventually drifting off to sleep.

 Chapter 66 Part 1 - Arts, Crafts, and Hitting on Pixyl

    PART I - ARTS, CRAFTS, AND HITTING ON PIXYL


    Today was the day of the formal dinner, which Callie was excited for, primarily because of the promise of how much better ¡®real food¡¯ would be. She was trying to imagine what could top the meal they¡¯d been served by Pama at the opening feast. She was also excited for the dance afterwards, and to see what the Bard and Illusionist show was going to be like.


    The day before, all the ladies of camp gathered for an afternoon and evening of crafting masks and costumes. Mounds of scrap leather and cloth, pieces of metal, feathers, rope, and even old bones and sticks were laid out on tables to use as materials. Glue, needles and thread, and other things to help with assembly were in plenty supply, too. It was an arts-and-crafts party for everyone, with bawdy games, food, and wine ¡­ a lot of wine ... keeping things interesting. Deduxia played a little music, but thankfully didn¡¯t ask Callie to do the same. The whole event was raucous and crazy until well after dark, and simply an amazing time where everyone let their guard down and were equal.


    During the crafting, it quickly came to light that Pixyl had never participated in the holiday, at least the making-masks part, because, in her words, ¡®there wasn¡¯t any reason to¡¯. Since the whole thing boiled down to the girls flipping the script and asking the guys out, she¡¯d never felt it right to go through the effort. Callie could see her point, since the tradition wouldn¡¯t work right if both were wearing a costume of some kind.


    ¡°Well, I want to make a mask because I actually have a cool idea for one,¡± Callie said, ¡°but I suppose you could go join the guys. Then I can ask you all proper-like when the time comes tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°That sounds w-w-weird,¡± Pixyl said skeptically. ¡°They won¡¯t want me there.¡±


    ¡°Aww. They won¡¯t be that mean. It¡¯ll be fun!¡± Callie said. ¡°I¡¯ll even make two masks like Pama does, so you can reject me the first time and have a reason to make something. My second mask might be pretty basic, depending on time, though.¡±


    Pixyl did not look convinced.


    ¡°If they aren¡¯t receptive, then you can just come back,¡± Rowani pointed out.


    For this crafting event, it had been encouraged that each table mix it up in terms of what tasks people did at the camp. A few all-recruit, all-trainer or all-staff tables were broken apart to encourage mingling. As a result, both Rowani and Maugra had joined their table, along with the Elven wife of a staff member that worked at the tannery. Rowani had been busily making her mask, using some curved bones and feathers as part of the decor, but Maugra also seemed to be having a hard time getting started, and up until now had a rather mopey demeanor about her.


    ¡°You know,¡± the now-young Shaman trainer said, ¡°I need to agree with Pixyl. It¡¯s never felt right to do this, and I¡¯ve been part of a lot of Midsummers over my years.¡± Then she gestured towards Callie. ¡°I think she may be on to something.¡±


    ¡°If you want to go make trinkets, I¡¯ll make two masks, too,¡± Rowani said. She placed her paw on Maugra¡¯s shoulder and gestured with her chin. ¡°I agree with Recruit Callie, I think it would be fun.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± the grouchy Goblin said.


    Callie''s brain promptly had a moment like a needle skipping across a record. ¡°Wait, are you two a thing?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Lhawni shot back.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a few weeks,¡± Rowani added. ¡°Ever since we became young. The mutual experience brought us together.¡±


    Before Callie could respond, let alone process the news, Maugra threw down the handful of leather scraps she was sorting through and gestured towards Pixyl. ¡°Let¡¯s do it. Come on, we¡¯ll go join the others. With me there, they won¡¯t be asses about us making things with them.¡± When Pixyl hesitated, she added with a grin, ¡°Don¡¯t make me give you an order. I¡¯m a captain again, remember?¡±


    Pixyl let out an almost-automatic groan, but actually seemed to perk up a little bit, obviously thankful she wouldn¡¯t have to go alone. Maugra grabbed her wrist and led her away, the pair stopping briefly to talk to the two Geomancer Elves. Both Elves shrugged to each other, and then one of them physically pushed the other to join, adding a shooing motion.


    ¡°Huh, I didn¡¯t know they were a thing either.¡± Callie said.


    ¡°Do we need to get your vision healed?¡± Lhawni asked. She held up a slightly-glowing hand. ¡°I haven¡¯t learned much about the subtleties of eyes yet, but I¡¯m sure even I could make them better. It¡¯s obvious!¡±


    Callie¡¯s gaydar was definitely on the fritz in this world, and she couldn¡¯t help but to speculate who else might be renadit couples around the camp. She then saw Ambria and Koka flirting with each other, the Tigerkin almost seeming to blush through her white fur, and added them to the ¡®most definitely¡¯ list.


    The afternoon sewing circle soon turned into a raucous stitch-and-bitch, as wine and food lubricated everyone. Stories and jokes flowed, and gossip about the guys around camp seemed to have no need for whispering here. Callie managed to find an opening to give Major Celeste some grief about her time getting in trouble as a recruit, which she was all too happy to own up to. Then Callie sneakily segued into the fact it was with Olin, which made things interesting as Celeste got a lot of grief from the other trainers and many recruits. Callie felt the look on the Major¡¯s face made it all worth it, even if she was sure she¡¯d need to pay the price eventually.


    It was well after dinner before Callie managed to get her first mask the way she wanted it to be, which led to her second one not being very complex. Still, she found herself eager to be able to participate in the next day¡¯s shenanigans and actually able to ask Pixyl, having not felt right about asking out the guys, even as just a formality.


    The evening finally concluded close to eleven, and Callie staggered home with a little help from a wobbly Lena on one side and a slightly less-wobbly Jesca on the other. They were each holding one of Callie¡¯s hands like she was staggering off for her first day at school.


    It was almost two hours later that Pixyl finally came home, accompanied by Vanis and riding on Tazrok¡¯s Mining Badger form, whooping and laughing with glee. She was actually ¡­ laughing ¡­ and smiling, and wasn¡¯t even drunk! Vanis was equally joyful, surely welcoming the distraction from royal issues, and Tazrok added big belly laughs of his own once back in people form. It was almost a foreign experience for Callie to see Pixyl, and Vanis for that matter, this animatedly happy, and despite probing for details about what had happened, all three refused to share anything juicy, saying they were prevented by ¡®rules¡¯ and thus sworn to some guy-code secrecy.


    Come this morning, Callie found the continuing festivities just as fun. Most everyone slept in late, either exhausted from a late night, or nursing a bit of a hangover, most dealing with both. But lunch was served informally for everyone in the form of build-your-own sandwiches, this world¡¯s approximation of potato chips, and a lot of ale, which essentially kicked things off.


    Almost like a swarm of locusts, a bell sent the ladies descending on the guys, eagerly making the rounds and trying to collect up as many homemade baubles and widgets as possible before a bell would ring again later in the afternoon. The activity held none of the seriousness and little of the meaning of the original story, being more about comparing what goodies everyone ended up with. For the guys, once approached, they were expected to very politely decline the request if they had already made arrangements or matched up with someone, or otherwise weren¡¯t interested, most presenting a simple bracelet or necklace made of string or cloth as a gift. Not surprisingly it was Vanis that seemed to have the most-elegant and personalized responses for everyone that worked up the courage to ask him, whereas most of the others had a pretty generic rejection speech they¡¯d use repeatedly.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Wearing the second mask she¡¯d made, which essentially was a simple piece of face-sized leather with eyeholes that was adorned with colorful cat ears and stiffened string as whiskers, Callie sidled up to Pixyl to hit on her a bit. The poor Pixie stumbled over her formal-rejection words several times, not just stuttering but in genuine embarrassment, as she tried to say what she had obviously practiced. Once she managed to get the words and the proper rejection out, a dozen guys around her, including Vanis and Koda, whooped and cheered for her, with Maugra adding a ¡®way to go¡¯ to the mix. As a rejection gift, Pixyl presented Callie with a metal bracelet that had obviously taken a great deal of time to assemble. It was a C-shaped cuff made of several stiff, tightly-braided strands of a wire-like metal, totalling about one centimeter in width, with a pretty blue stone held in place by said wires and a little bit of glue.


    ¡°I love it!¡± Callie squealed a bit as she slipped it over her left wrist, where it clung tightly, before taking off her mask to give Pixyl a long, proper kiss, dipping her back like that World War II photo. This elicited a few ¡®ooooooo¡¯ noises from everyone around them. There actually seemed to be a really strong vibe of support for Pixyl among a good number of the guys, as if they¡¯d been helping her through whatever anxiety she¡¯d been feeling to get her to this point and were pleased to see it being successful. That made the little bauble all the more special to Callie, as a result.


    Of course, with the way now shown, and with a suggestive encouraging gesture from Maugra, several more people lined up behind Callie to take their shot at trying to woo Pixyl, including Lena, Ambria and Lhawni, all in their masks. While the blue cloth she was wearing let everyone know she wasn¡¯t really available, Pixyl still needed to work through additional rejections, and handed out little braided bracelets of string with some beads tied into them. She hadn¡¯t made very many and eventually ran low, so Vanis took up a quick collection from others to make sure she didn¡¯t run out of the thank-you gifts. Come the time Callie eventually returned after the bell rang, Pixyl¡¯s initial embarrassment had given way to comfort, smiles and laughter, which again seemed so strange to see.


    ¡°Hey, wanna hang out and do stuff that would make a sailor blush?¡± Callie said, now wearing the first mask she¡¯d made as she abruptly sat down.


    Pixyl turned to look at her and actually jumped back in surprise with a bit of a shriek.


    ¡°Come on, I saw you eyeing me up from way over there. I know you want me!¡±


    ¡°W-W-What is that mask? Are those snakes?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s a Medusa.¡± Callie grinned from behind the mask. ¡°Hair made of snakes and she¡¯s so ugly her glare can turn people to stone. So, be careful about saying no, or I¡¯ll give you a harsh glaring!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ¡­ horrible! I l-l-love it!¡± Pixyl said, her eyes twinkling.


    ¡°I must say, it is quite hideous,¡± Vanis added. He looked at Pixyl, adding a helpful suggestion as he gestured towards Callie with his chin. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t risk the glare. I think you should give this one a chance.¡± He then threw in a wink for good measure.


    Blushing, Pixyl had difficulty making eye contact, but did manage to say, ¡°That does sound like fun.¡± She didn¡¯t have a lot of other words, so instead she scooted over slightly, gesturing towards a spot for Callie to sit.


    And just like that, Callie and Pixyl were now an official Midsummer couple. Around them, others were pairing up as well. The two-masks approach was actually quite common, with the ladies of most arranged couples coming back with a second one to seal the deal, as it were. Still, as a formality, masks were left in place until the very end when everyone had gotten settled.


    As a whole, the gender ratio of the camp was fairly even. There were slightly more males among the recruits than females. Across the camp, though, the staff and soldiers skewed the overall totals towards the ladies, and once you accounted for those not participating, it actually tilted pretty significantly towards them. As a result, there were a couple minor incidents of females squabbling over who was left, with a few of the guys ultimately ending up with two companions, and Dregorio actually with three, much to Lena¡¯s grumbling annoyance. Callie also saw two Elf ladies eventually gesture towards her and Pixyl, before shrugging and then linking arms with each other.


    The bell rang again, informing everyone to remove their masks. The population of the camp was small enough that there were largely no real surprises, but still there were a few, especially among the staff and visitors, who were allowed to pair up with each other. Everyone was all smiles, though, surprise or not.


    ¡°Pixyl!¡± Jesca called. ¡°I need your help.¡± The face-reveal business completed, the Cheetahkin was eager to get a few last things finished for the celebration. Jesca pointed up towards where some of the decorations were coming loose, requiring someone with wings to do the repairs that were too big for a Sprite to handle. That left Callie alone and able to people-watch, and Pixyl-watch, for a bit. She couldn¡¯t help but smile in admiration as her girlfriend flitted around, addressing whatever Jesca needed fixed.


    While Jesca had made masks along with everyone else, loving the crafting part of the tradition, she was wearing red indicating she wasn¡¯t participating in the pairing. She claimed it was because she was too busy with event stuff, but Callie was sure her asexuality was also a good part of the reason, and was worried she might feel lonely with everyone else paired up. Callie suggested that maybe she should hang out with Tazrok, who was also wearing red due to the lack of any other Ogres at camp, saying that he might like being around a ¡®fellow shapeshifter¡¯ if she was looking for platonic company. That brightened the Cheetahkin¡¯s mood a bit, saying she wanted to talk to him about something anyway.


    Callie turned away from watching Pixyl when someone¡¯s hand landed on her shoulder. ¡°You had a good idea,¡± Trainer Maugra said in a low voice. ¡°I was worried we might get resistance to joining the males, and it was awkward at first, but it all seems to have worked out.¡±


    ¡°I would say so!¡± Callie said. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen Pixyl this happy before. What did you do to her yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Ah, ah, ah!¡± Vanis said, wagging a finger. ¡°Remember? The first rule of Midsummer is we don¡¯t talk about what happened with those that weren¡¯t there. It¡¯s also the second and third rule, for that matter.¡±


    Maugra huffed and waved the Warlock off, but then reconsidered with a drawn out sigh. ¡°Fine, since I¡¯m apparently one of you now.¡±


    ¡°Please! I need to know something!¡± Callie pleaded. ¡°It¡¯s that, or I¡¯ll have to torture it out of Pixyl. I dunno, she might like that. Still it wouldn¡¯t be fair to her. She¡¯s ticklish.¡±


    ¡°Just the basics, then¡± Vanis said, nodding to Maugra.


    The Goblin smirked at the ridiculousness of Vanis giving her permission, but then decided to play along. She kept it a little vague. ¡°Let¡¯s just say that Olin, Terrin and then the Arkan managed to force her to tell some stories about her time fighting in Marindine. That wowed a lot of the people, especially the visitors and staff that weren¡¯t familiar with her. When she showed off some moves to the newcomers, that made it even more exciting. But, despite all her combat expertise, it was obvious that she¡¯s really shy, so several of us took it upon ourselves to help how we could. I won¡¯t say more because I don¡¯t want to break those three stupid rules, but by the end of the night, she¡¯d finally let her guard down.¡± Maugra looked at Callie, her face momentarily becoming that of a trainer. ¡°This is a good thing that you did, Callie!¡±


    ¡°Totally a good thing!¡± Callie agreed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll respect your bro-code secrets and not pry any more. Honestly I¡¯m just happy to see her having fun.¡± She could still torture details out of Pixyl if the curiosity got to be too much.


    Before Pixyl could return from hanging more decorations for Jesca, the two were approached by the Commandant. Callie couldn¡¯t hear what was being discussed, but Pixyl was apparently ordered off somewhere, Jesca returning to directing a few people on other preparations. Xera then approached Tazrok, followed by Lhawni, sending both of them the same direction.


    ¡°I wonder what that¡¯s about,¡± Callie said absently to Vanis. ¡°We all need to go get cleaned up for dinner soon.¡±


    She didn¡¯t have long before Xera approached. Callie had, for some reason, assumed she¡¯d be ordered off, but instead the Commandant addressed Vanis. ¡°Corporal,¡± they said, ¡°I need you to report to my office immediately. Please keep your more-formal sash.¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course,¡± Vanis replied, instinctively glancing at the sash he was wearing as he let go of Juniper¡¯s hand and stood. ¡°Will this take long? I wish to freshen up before dinner.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be relocating from there, and you will be able to do that then. You will join everyone else at dinner.¡± Xera said nothing more, turned and continued on their way.


    A little confusion on his face, Vanis picked up Juniper¡¯s hand and cupped it with his other, bowing ever-so-slightly. ¡°Lady Juniper, you must excuse me. I¡¯m sure this is of most-importance. I shall see you soon, and I look forward to our dance.¡±


    Juniper, for her part, simply giggled a bit, her green skin getting slightly darker as she blushed. ¡°I look forward to it, too.¡±

 Chapter 66 Part 2 - I Need You to Stab Me

    PART II  - I NEED YOU TO STAB ME


    ¡°Oh this feels so good,¡± Callie moaned as she cooked in the hot bath.


    Next to her, Lena nodded vigorously in agreement.  ¡°Are you enjoying the holiday so far, Callie?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Oh, yeah.  It¡¯s been fun.  Making masks yesterday was a blast, although today was a little weird.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°Hard to explain.  I know it¡¯s normal to you, but the idea of just going up and asking someone to be with you for just a day, or two like this year?  It¡¯s super-awkward to me, even if everyone is doing it.  Plus asking the guys felt a little off, given I¡¯m not really into them.  I¡¯ll get used to it in time.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s part of the reason, or at least as I learned as a child.  Get people out of their comfort zones.  Plus, it teaches the boys the importance of graciousness, which is good for anyone to learn.¡±


    ¡°I suppose.  The masks and stuff just seemed like pointless theatrics, though.  Everyone knows each other even if you can¡¯t see their face.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the term you use, Callie?  ¡®Just roll with it¡¯?  So, just roll with it.¡±  Lena splashed a little water towards the Gnome.  ¡°Your holiday about a fat human in red breaking into your home via the chimney to steal all your cookies seems quite odd to me, so I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡±  She looked around quickly, before whispering, ¡°Damn, forgot we¡¯re in public.  Do you think anyone heard?¡±


    ¡°Not over the sounds of the showers, but maybe we change the topic, all the same?  Did you end up finding someone?¡±


    Lena shook her head and frowned.  ¡°The one person I asked seriously had already told me he wasn¡¯t really interested, and the other available recruits are all so ¡­ young.  I just didn¡¯t feel it, and the idea of any of the staff seemed odd.  I¡¯m okay being alone this year, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Aww.  Well, you can hang with Pixyl and me, when we¡¯re not busy, at least.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.  Jesca offered the same.  Tazrok, too, and I know both of them aren¡¯t participating.  I¡¯ve got my friends, that¡¯s what matters.¡±  Lena smiled, her face seeming eager to change the subject, though.  ¡°Speaking of Pixyl, she sure seemed to have a good time.¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Callie grinned.  ¡°It was like she was a completely different person.  Maugra filled me in a little bit about what happened.  Apparently they got Pixyl to start talking about her time in the pits, and that got everyone supporting her.  Maugra said it was a good thing.¡±


    ¡°Where is Pixyl, by the way?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Callie said.  ¡°It¡¯s strange.  She got called away by the Commandant, along with Tazrok.  Vanis and Lhawni, too.  It sounded important, but I don¡¯t know what the issue is and Xera wouldn¡¯t say anything to me.  They just said Pixyl and the others would join us at dinner and be able to clean up and change wherever they are currently.¡±


    ¡°That is strange,¡± Lena said.


    ¡°Okay, I think I¡¯m fully boiled,¡± Callie groaned, clapping the water lightly with her hands.  She rose out of the steaming hot water, her skin noticeably pinker from the heat, and walked up the steps to grab a towel.


    Lena stood and did the same, but stopped.  ¡°You¡¯re still wearing that?  That¡¯s cute.¡±


    ¡°What?  This?  Well, she made it for me, so yeah, I¡¯m going to wear it.¡±  Still on Callie¡¯s wrist was the bracelet Pixyl had crafted for her, with the pretty blue stone glinting in the light.


    ¡°It will rust, you know.  Probably best to keep it dry.¡±


    ¡°Oh.  I didn¡¯t think of that.  I suppose you¡¯re right.¡±  Callie removed the bracelet, then used the towel to vigorously wipe it down, before waving it in the air a bit.  She was used to stainless steel and the like, which wouldn¡¯t rust or tarnish if wet.  ¡°Still, I love it!¡±


    ¡°Fizzlebek or one of his people might be able to enchant it with something to make it repel water.  That assumes they have the time, materials and are willing.  Otherwise, keep it dry.  Eventually you can hire an Enchanter to do it.  Maybe someone could take the stone out and dip it in silver as an alternative, and then reseat it.  You¡¯d have to polish it from time to time, though.¡±


    Quickly, both toweled off and put their robes on.  As they left the showers, Callie caught sight of a pair of Brownies leaving Ogre House.  They both stopped, staring back wide-eyed, as if caught being guilty of something.  Then they looked at each other, squealed and ran off at high speed.  ¡°I wonder what that was about,¡± Callie said, grinning at the antics.


    The first thing Callie noticed upon entering was a short, long and wide basket sitting on her bed.  Next to it was a small pile of fresh, perfectly folded clothing, and the same clothes were also on Lena¡¯s and Xin¡¯s bunks.  The other three beds didn¡¯t have a pile..


    Before she could look at the basket, Callie caught the scent of something and picked up the shirt from the pile. The lines of the folds were crisp and perfect, it having obviously been pressed, in addition to just being cleaned.  Callie breathed in and caught a light smell of something vaguely perfumey as Lena picked up her own and inhaled deeply.  Her face burst into a goofy, wide grin, as if some happy memory had just come to her.  The smell wasn¡¯t strong, but just a little bit of fragrance to provide a fresh feeling,


    ¡°Rity flowers,¡± Lena said, as if giving the only explanation needed.  She breathed deeply again.  The smell would no doubt help disguise any body odor that might emerge from sweating during the dinner or, more-likely, at the dance.


    Then Callie climbed up on the bed and turned to the basket. ¡°What do you think this is,¡± she said generically.  The basket was long, almost two-thirds as long as Callie was tall, about half as wide, and about ten to fifteen centimeters high.  There was a pair of little clasps holding the basket closed, and she unbuttoned them.  ¡°Oh wow!¡± Callie gasped as she opened it.


    Concerned, Lena set down her shirt and came over.  ¡°What is it?¡±  Then she saw what Callie was staring gape-mouthed at.  ¡°Wow!  That is ¡­   Is that what you wanted?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect!¡±


    ¡°But black?  For a party?¡±


    ¡°It ¡­ is ¡­ perfect!¡± Callie said, a little more forcefully and with a bit of a glare.


    Inside the basket was the little black dress that she¡¯d asked for earlier in the week.  It laid flat against a white cloth lining the inside, making the blackness stand out even more.  Sitting in the center of the dress was a short loop of thin black cloth with intricately detailed white flowers, also made of cloth, stitched to it, and Callie noticed there were clasps at either end, making it into a choker necklace.  In the center of the loop of the necklace was a little ball of black netting.  Finally, sitting at the foot of the basket was a pair of black, soft-leather shoes.


    When she had been fitted by the Brownies earlier in the week, Callie had casually suggested a pair of comfortable, black, mary jane style shoes to go with the dress.  She¡¯d even sketched out a design.  Callie hadn¡¯t really asked for anything fancy.  No high heels for example, as that probably wasn¡¯t a good idea with nothing being paved in the camp.  Instead, just something simple like the dress and comfortable that would also be complementary.  Zyxengrisc had firmly said, ¡®No shoes!¡¯ and grumpily quashed that idea, though.  Seeing these now was a surprise given the master tailor¡¯s firm refusal.


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect!¡± Callie repeated, bouncing a little in giddiness.  She quickly pulled the dress out and held it up to her body, turning to Lena.  ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ¡­ very black,¡± Lena replied.  Then she reconsidered.  ¡°That said, with your pink hair and the white flowers, it does make for a striking statement.¡¯


    ¡°I know!¡±  Callie turned to set the dress back in the basket and noticed a pair of lacy underwear, although they were in black, not red like the Major¡¯s had been.  She picked up the panties and twirled them on her finger to show Lena.  ¡°Well ¡­ this looks fun.¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    In turn, Lena snort-giggled as she shook out her shirt.


    Turning to check out one of the shoes, Callie caught sight of something else.  It was a tiny bag, a little bit bigger than her hand, and she picked it up.  Whatever was inside made it lumpy, and she quickly untied the string holding it closed.  Emptying the contents into her hand she found a pair of earrings made of a silvery metal, each dangling a small blue stone of the same type that was on the bracelet that Pixyl had made for her.


    ¡°OMG!¡± Callie squealed again, saying the letters individually.  She set the bag down, her attention fixated on the earrings, then spun and held them  up on either side of her head, showing them off to Lena.  ¡°They match the bracelet, too!¡±


    Lena couldn¡¯t help but grin at Callie¡¯s bouncing excitement, and she felt almost big-sisterly.  It was certainly going to be a strange ensemble, especially in black.  Then again, people were used to Callie being a bit eclectic and strange, so it somehow seemed fitting.  No matter what, she was going to be turning heads, and not just Pixyl¡¯s.  As Callie¡¯s giddy excitement became infectious, Lena couldn¡¯t help but feel a little jealous she hadn¡¯t thought to also ask for something nice to wear.  She wasn¡¯t much of the type to wear dresses, but certainly something more stylish than neatly-pressed daily clothes would have been nice.


    ¡°Oh,¡± Callie said, her voice suddenly going a bit downcast.  ¡°Damn.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Callie held up one of the earrings, showing Lena the back of it.  ¡°It has posts, and my ears aren¡¯t pierced.¡±  Her shoulders drooped.  ¡°I have no way to wear them.¡±  Then she looked down and held one up to each breast.  ¡°I could pin them to my dress right here, I guess.¡±  She gyrated her body a bit, causing the twin dangling earrings to spin in unison.  She and Lena both laughed a couple times at the silly sight, but the disappointment was still evident.


    ¡°They must have thought your ears were already pierced,¡± Lena said, her voice sympathetic.  ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Callie groaned and lightly tossed the earrings back into the basket in frustration, and then more-carefully picked them up one at a time to plop them back into the little leather bag.  ¡°Damn.  They are really nice, too.  Oh well.  Everything else is still great, and if you want to, you¡¯re welcome to wear them instead.¡±


    After taking her boots off, Callie was just about to try the shoes on when the sound of someone outside on the porch caught her attention.  Worried it was Vanis with Pixyl, she quickly tossed the one shoe she was holding back into the basket and slammed it closed, turned to the door and tried to put on her best innocent look.  Thankfully, it was Xin that opened the door, and she stomped in with a very frustrated sigh, heaving her boots harshly against the wall above her bed.


    ¡°Xin?  Are you alright?  What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lena asked.


    The Lizardkin looked up, surprise on her face for a moment, as if she just realized she wasn¡¯t alone.  Quickly she composed herself and stood straighter.  ¡°It is nothing.¡±


    ¡°Xinnnnnn?¡± Callie said, dragging the Shaman¡¯s name out with a tone her mother would have used.  ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    With a sigh, the Shaman plopped down on the edge of her bed.  ¡°It is a ¡­ Lizardkin problem.¡±


    Lena climbed on to her own bed, sitting down cross-legged to face Xin, and Callie sat down the same way.  ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Lena asked.  She was worried, actually.  Xin wasn¡¯t one to show much emotion, so this was a bit out of character.


    Xin looked at her two cabinmates.  Finally she sighed.  ¡°It¡¯s Nola.  She is ¡­ aggravating.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lena said with a light laugh.  ¡°Aggravating?¡±


    ¡°We are the only two Lizardkin here,¡± Xin began to explain, ¡°so it made sense to be paired for Midsummer.  I am beginning to regret that.¡±


    ¡°But you were all excited,¡± Callie said.  ¡°You even had that mating shawl made for her.  You said it was important to get right for ¡­ for her first time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is important,¡± Xin said.  Then she sighed.  ¡°But she wants ¡­ she wants to hold hands.  And take a long walk in the moonlight tonight.¡±  Xin seemed to growl.  ¡°She wants to ¡­ snuggle.¡±  She looked imploringly from Callie to Lena.  ¡°I do not ¡­ snuggle.¡±


    Lena¡¯s barely-constrained giggle ended with a sudden snort, and she held up a hand.  ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°So she is very aggravating,¡± Xin snapped, ignoring Lena¡¯s snickers, ¡°that is all.  I wish I had worn red instead.  At least I could enjoy the holiday, then.¡±


    ¡°Flowers are nice.¡± Callie said.  ¡°Moonlit walks are nice.  And what¡¯s wrong with a good snuggle.  Honestly, it sounds like she¡¯s just excited.  I mean, if you¡¯re her first, is that really a bad ¡­.¡±


    Xin¡¯s harsh glare interrupted the question even before Callie¡¯s words finished coming out.  ¡°She is from the city, where many Lizardkin take on romantic lifemates like most other Beastkin.  I do not wish to have a romantic lifemate, or any kind of anything romantic.  That comes with obligations and ¡­¡±  She scowled, spitting out the next word.  ¡°Aggravation!¡±


    Callie was trying really hard not to giggle like Lena, while, across the room, Lena was utterly failing at keeping her face neutral, barely holding in continuing giggles of her own.  It was rude, they both knew it, because Xin was actually legitimately frustrated.  But Xin¡¯s general bluntness she¡¯d always had, now combined with the uncharacteristic emotion, just served to make the whole problem a little comical.


    Finally, Lena coughed to recompose herself and managed to speak up.  ¡°Perhaps you just ¡­ indulge her?  She¡¯s young, and it¡¯s not like it¡¯s long term, Xin.  It¡¯s just Midsummer.  Plus, we are going off to war, so you¡¯ll probably never see her again.¡±


    ¡°But must I ¡­ snuggle?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Callie said flatly, eliciting another glare.  ¡°Xin, I don¡¯t know about you, but first times are important to a lot of people.  It¡¯s a memory you build up and then keep forever, and probably something she¡¯s thought about since she was old enough to understand it.  My first time was ¡­ disappointing, and it¡¯s stayed with me.¡±


    ¡°What happened?  Something bad?¡± Lena asked big-sisterly.


    Callie shook her head.  ¡°Nothing bad.  It was just disappointing.¡±  Then to explain when Lena pressed, she continued, ¡°It was with the neighbor boy.  We were the same age, and in the same grade at school and we always hung out growing up and getting into trouble together.  When we were eventually old enough it just seemed like the thing we were supposed to do, y¡¯know?  No real reason for it, or anything.  I kind of wish it had been a better experience, more romantic and the like, rather than something I just checked off a to-do list.  But it helped me realize two things:  First, that I actually liked girls instead, and second, that who I really wanted to sleep with was his older sister.  I eventually did, too, and that was a much happier memory.¡±  She looked at Xin.  ¡°So you have a chance to make it nice for her.¡±


    ¡°My own first was actually a rather happy memory,¡± Lena said, a little laugh in her words as she reminisced.   ¡°Like you, it was one of the boys I grew up with.  We used to explore caves together and he¡¯d set up a wonderful romantic setting in one of our favorites in advance, with blankets and wine and flowers.  He put a lot into it, and it meant a lot to me at the time, and still does.  It¡¯s quite cold in caves, you know, but I always remember how the body warmth was a nice way to ward it off.¡±


    ¡°We are cold blooded, so no body warmth.  So must I snug¡­¡± Xin began to protest again.


    ¡°Yes!¡± both Callie and Lena echoed simultaneously.


    ¡°Xin, she¡¯s not stupid,¡± Callie continued.  ¡°She knows it¡¯s for Midsummer, and that in a few weeks we¡¯re all going our separate ways.  Suck it up and make it nice for her, or call it all off, but it¡¯s only two nights.  Make a choice.¡±


    Xin seemed to frown, although it was sometimes hard to tell with her scaled face.  After a moment, she sighed.  ¡°You make a good point Little One, and you as well, Lena Elf.  My own first was uneventful, so not an important memory.  Still, you both say it is important, so I will work to make it memorable.  Even if I must ¡­ snuggle.  I believe I can gruesomely suffer for two nights.¡±


    The Lizardkin stood, noticing the pressed clothing for the first time, and snarled all over again.  ¡°Of course, they gave us more awful clothing to wear,¡± she said deadpan.  There was a noticeable sarcastic tone in her voice.  Purposeful sarcasm wasn¡¯t something you really ever heard from Xin, and both Callie and Lena raised eyebrows in curiosity at each other.   Callie wondered if they were actually rubbing off on their reptilian friend a bit.  ¡°Nola only needs to wear her mating shawl, so she is quite lucky.¡± Xin added.


    Callie¡¯s eyes perked up.  ¡°Oh!  Speaking of mating shawl, Xin, check this out!¡±  She stood and turned to the basket, flipping the lid open.  Picking up the dress, she turned to face the Lizardkin.  ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°It is very ¡­ black,¡± Xin said.  ¡°This is your mating shawl to entice Pixyl?¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Callie replied, quickly glancing at Lena to cut off anything she might say in an attempt to clarify Xin¡¯s question.  She held the dress against her body and turned slightly in each direction to show it off.  ¡°Oh, the Brownies made more, too.¡±  Next she showed Xin the lacy panties, and then the choker necklace and poof of netting.  She wrapped the choker around her neck to demonstrate how it would be worn, and then had to explain it was not a pet collar and was just supposed to be pretty.  Then Xin growled in general shoe-hating as Callie held up the pair of new ones.


    ¡°Finally, check these out!¡± Callie giggled, lightly tossing the shoes into the basket as she picked up the bag with the earrings.  She reached into the bag and was about to pull them out when something sharp jabbed her hand.  ¡°Ouch!¡± she yelped.  Quickly removing it, Callie found a dot of welling blood and hissed.  ¡°What the hell?¡±


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lena asked, leaping to worry.  She still sometimes had that instinct to semi-mother whenever Callie got into trouble or hurt herself.  That would probably never really go away.


    Seeing the blood, Xin also reacted, instantly summoning up a totem to have it ready if needed.


    ¡°Something sharp poked me,¡± Callie growled, and she poured the bag out onto the bed with her unbleeding hand.  ¡°Huh, what¡¯s this for?¡± she said, seeing something new.  Then she noticed the posts on the back of the earrings again and understood.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Lena asked.


    Callie grinned, eyes going wide at the new object.  ¡°How long until dinner?¡±


    ¡°Maybe an hour?¡± Lena replied.  ¡°A little less?¡±


    ¡°Good, we have time.  Xin ¡­ you can block pain now, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I mostly can, Little One.  I am still learning, but working to become proficient.¡±


    ¡°Excellent.¡±  Grinning even wider, she looked at the Shaman and said.  ¡°I need you to stab me.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± both Xin and Lena gasped together.  ¡°With a dagger?¡± Xin added.


    ¡°Twice.  I need you to stab me twice,¡± Callie said, holding up the needle.

 Chapter 66 Part 3 - Day Tripper

    PART III - DAY TRIPPER


    In the end, it was Lena that did the actual stabbing. Xin was more than perfectly willing to jab holes into Callie, but her claws made it a little difficult to hold the tiny needle, and it kept slipping out of her grasp. Still, with Xin¡¯s new Suppress Pain skill, a timely pulse from her Totem, and a little application of slow healing, Lena was able to quickly poke two clean holes into Callie¡¯s ears. Shaman magic managed to get things fixed right back up. There wasn¡¯t even a worry about something so silly as infection. Sure, it wasn¡¯t as quick and easy as going to a professional piercer, or even to the mall, like getting pierced back on Earth, but it was this world¡¯s next best thing.


    After cleaning up the few specks of blood and assuring that the new earrings would work, the three of them got dressed in the fresh clothes. Once on, there were some noticeable differences from the style they were used to. They were still very similar to the everyday clothing they all wore, but changes in cut were apparent, as were decorative stitch-lines, and both gave everything much more of a uniform feeling. Callie and Lena complimented each other on how sharp they both looked, as well as Xin, although the Lizardkin did spend the requisite several minutes in general whining about having to wear clothes and boots.


    Before leaving Ogre House, the basket containing the dress and the rest of the outfit was put under Lena¡¯s bed, on the off chance Pixyl came by. Callie¡¯s plan was that somewhere between the end of dinner and the start of the dance, she would try to slip away so she could change and then come back to surprise Pixyl. If needed, Lena said she¡¯d get Vanis or someone to cause enough of a distraction to allow the opportunity.


    As the three began the trek towards the training field, they were joined en route by Ambria and Koka, who were still busy making flirty googly eyes at each other. Callie couldn¡¯t help but chuckle a bit at the antics. The Faun was definitely in a happy mood, though, smiling, laughing and even doing a cartwheel for no particular reason. It was even pretty good, although not anywhere near Lena¡¯s Acrobatics level. Koka, for her part, laughed at the silliness while also gushing again about how jealous she was of Lena¡¯s new Wings of Glory skill. The Tigerkin hadn¡¯t yet reached Silver, but hoped to after the next training day, if not the one after, currently having a score of BRONZE.961, which was identical to the score her brother had.


    ¡°It¡¯s harder for me to get my new tier,¡± Ambria groused, putting her lower lip out in an exaggerated pouting fashion. ¡°All I do all the time is heal, heal, heal. So while I do get really good with my skills, it¡¯s a lot of the same things over and over and over and over again, and not much creativity. As a result, we tend to rank up slower, and I probably won¡¯t get Silver until late in the week.¡± Then the pouting look instantly went away, the big, happy grin back on her face.


    ¡°Ahh, I suppose that could slow things down,¡± Callie agreed. ¡°Still, even with the two combat missions, you¡¯re that far behind us?¡±


    Ambria idly spun a couple times for no reason in general glee, arms wide as if flying, before hooking arms with Koka as they talked and walked. ¡°They helped, I¡¯m way ahead of the other Combat Healer. They won¡¯t make it until the next week for sure.¡± She shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s just the way it is. The Warlocks have the same problem, because they spend so much time simply summoning Demons over and over and over and over and over again for other people to train against.¡± She giggled, oddly repeating the word ¡®over¡¯ with wide eyes.


    Before long, the heavy-booted patter of Nola quickly approached, the Lizardkin also seeming a little excited and bouncy as she sidled up to Xin. Like Ambria had with Koka, she hooked her arms with the Shaman, although with far less enthusiasm, before mentioning how much she was looking forward to dancing together later in the evening. Like everyone else, Nola was wearing the pseudo-uniform clothing, but over the top of that she wore the intricately detailed figure-eight styled mating shawl.


    ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t be wearing clothes under this,¡± Nola said to Xin with a bit of an apology, ¡°but I thought it would be polite to wear something for the dinner. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get all my clothes off later.¡±


    At that, Ambria broke down into howls of laughter, eventually needing to stumble to a tree to catch her breath and keep from falling. Her laughter was so awkwardly uproarious that Callie wondered if she wasn¡¯t possibly high on something fun. Her behavior seemed a little familiar in that respect. and it would certainly explain Ambria¡¯s demeanor, and the spinning and cartwheels, too. For her part, poor Xin seemed absolutely mortified by Nola¡¯s comment and her subsequent teasing grin, and pleaded with a ¡®save me¡¯ look towards both Callie and Lena.


    Nola wasn¡¯t really part of Callie¡¯s immediate friend group at the camp. Instead, the young Bladeweaver generally hung out with a few of the other under-twenty crowd that tended to consider people closer to Callie¡¯s age and up as old and boring. As a result, Callie wasn¡¯t completely sure if this less-grumpy attitude was typical behavior just for Nola, or if also for other Lizardkin, only having Xin¡¯s deadpan demeanor as a comparison. It was certainly quite the contrast though, and made it critical to find a way to give her cabinmate a little bit of grief.


    ¡°Nola, Xin mentioned something about a moonlit walk later?¡± Callie said mischievously.


    ¡°Oh yes! It will be wonderful. A walk in the woods under the moon would just be perfect.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we will be attacked by something,¡± Xin growled under her breath at the reminder. ¡°Perhaps we¡¯ll be lucky enough to be eaten.¡±


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m not worried,¡± Nola beamed. ¡°I¡¯m sure that between the two of us we¡¯d be able to fend off anything.¡± She held up her fist, a glowing, green blade of energy appearing. ¡°I¡¯d just need to take my band off. I¡¯ll have almost everything else off by then.¡±


    Xin groaned, putting her hand to her scaled face and shaking her head, trying to ignore everyone and stay above the innuendo.


    ¡°And when you get back from your walk, you can snuggle and count the stars,¡± Lena eagerly added, trying to hold in a snort. ¡°There¡¯s nothing like a good snuggle, right Xin?¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Oh yes, snuggles are great!¡± Nola agreed brightly.


    Xin stopped, the spines on the back of her head rising just a little in growing annoyance as she glared at Lena for bringing that topic up. She sharply held up a single clawed finger. ¡°She is allowed to have exactly one snuggle, and one snuggle only!¡±


    <hr>


    Upon arriving at the huge, temporary dining tent, the group found a bit of a line. Camp personnel, recruits, and visitors were all queued up waiting to be seated by one of several escorts. Rather than join the line right away, Callie and the others stood off to the side so they could people watch, while waiting for it to thin a bit.


    Callie and the other recruits felt quite underdressed compared to many others, despite the somewhat-fancier clothes they¡¯d received. Visitors, in particular, were all dressed in various finery, as were many of the staff. Most ladies were in simple, loose and light-weight dresses of at least knee length, pretty necklaces and earrings, and many also had poofs of scrunched-up brightly-colored netting in their hair, secured with jeweled pins, at least for those that had enough hair on their head. Most of the Beastkin had to go without. That explained the poof of netting that had come with Callie¡¯s outfit. For the civilian guys, Callie wouldn¡¯t call them suits, but their outfits were sharply cut and well fitting, and apparently very-short capes were in fashion for the moment, with several visitors sporting them. Most were a dark fabric with brighter designs or symbols on them, hanging to just about the middle of their back, and several wearers were complaining about how they got in the way and were utterly impractical despite looking quite stylish.


    For the soldiers not otherwise on duty and able to attend, they were in actual uniform, and being a formal affair, many also were adorned in any medals they had been awarded, either at their neck or pinned to their chest. Uniform colors were either greens or blues depending on their roles, with the greens for those with a combat background, while blues were for support and logistics personnel. When several uniformed soldiers reached the front of the line, they were pulled out and pointed off somewhere. Among them, Callie spotted Maugra and Rowani, both decked out in uniforms of green. Both also wore what looked like a Bronze Sword, like Pixyl¡¯s, around their necks. Each shoulder of the pair sported red fabric with two black stripes, indicating they were officers and their rank of captain.


    ¡°I wonder if we¡¯ll get uniforms when we leave?¡± Callie thought out loud.


    ¡°I asked the Major about that when she was complaining about having to wear her¡¯s,¡± Lena said. ¡°Conscripts don¡¯t get a uniform unless they are at least the rank of corporal or have earned a medal that would otherwise be displayed with one. I suspect that someone important doesn¡¯t think it¡¯s worth the effort for front-line soldiers that might not live long.¡± She gestured down to her clothes. ¡°It appears this will be the best we get.¡±


    ¡°Aww, bummer,¡± Callie said. ¡°Well, I was a corporal, even though it was only for, like, twelve minutes. I wonder if that would count.¡±


    ¡°Doubt it,¡± Ambria said in a singsong voice. ¡°You were de-mote-ed!¡± She sounded out each syllable slowly and with additional singing. Her eyes were closed as she twirled, arms out and face drinking in the sun. ¡°De-mote-ed,¡± she sang out again.


    ¡°Girl, what are you on?¡± Callie asked, laughing, now absolutely sure Ambria was high on something, acting much like Callie had seen back during college at some of the more intense clubs. Ecstasy, maybe? Or whatever this world¡¯s equivalent was? She was definitely in an overly-good mood, though. Randomly, Callie had a sudden vision of Ambria attending Burning Man, and realized her free spirit bohemian attitude would probably be perfectly at home there.


    ¡°Me? Oh, Lhawni snuck us some Shaman dreamers. I probably should have waited until later.¡± She hooked her arm with Koka again and looked around with wide eyes, ¡°But right now, the colors are so wonderfully loud and smell so good, and I wouldn¡¯t hear them all in the dark!¡±


    ¡°Is she going to be okay?¡± Callie whispered to Lena.


    ¡°Eh,¡± Lena said, waving the worry away. ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. They don¡¯t last very long, maybe a few hours, depending on how strong they were. Still, she should have at least waited until after dinner.¡±


    Ambria shook her head violently in response, pointing at the sky with both arms, as if to defend her actions, the wide, colorful expanse explaining everything.


    ¡°Koka, you know how to take care of her, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Koka said quietly, awkwardly patting the grinning Faun on her head as if she were a happy puppy. From the grin, that wasn¡¯t far off, actually. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure she doesn¡¯t get hurt.¡±


    ¡°Dreamers, huh?¡± Callie said. ¡°So were you going to share with the rest of us?¡±


    ¡°May-beeeee,¡± Ambria sang back, before promptly doing another cartwheel, landing upright and throwing her arms out to the sky, face smiling in a happy moan. ¡°Blue!¡±


    Koka cleared her throat and held up a sickly-looking grayish-green potion. ¡°Remember your promise?¡±


    ¡°But they taste yucky,¡± Ambria whined as she pouted, ¡°and make my nose drip.¡±


    ¡°Nonetheless, once the dinner starts,¡± Koka said, scolding a bit. ¡°That¡¯s what you promised.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± replied the resigned scowl.


    ¡°Up until now, I believed the Little One to be the strangest in the camp,¡± Xin said flatly. ¡°I am now forced to reconsider this.¡± After shooting Calllie a glare, she added, ¡°It is, however, still a difficult decision.¡±


    While Koka made a half-hearted effort to keep Ambria grounded, the group was soon joined by Moka. He was quite confused as the Faun took his hands, skipping in a circle around him while chanting out what sounded like a random nursery rhyme about a polka-dotted dragon.


    ¡°The dreamers?¡± Moka asked his sister.


    ¡°Yes. She promised to drink a detox ¡­¡±


    ¡°... when dinner starts.¡± he sighed, finishing the sentence for his sister. ¡°I thought you were going to wait?¡±


    For her part, the healer immediately stopped her skipping and glared at Moka. ¡°Shhh! I¡¯m listening to all the colors! They taste like candy!¡± She then gestured widely to indicate the entire world, as if to make her point. ¡°Stop being such a drimling!¡±


    Callie, deciding to have a little fun, stepped away from the group and plucked a little yellow flower. Essentially it was this world¡¯s version of a dandelion, and a quite common weed. She walked back and offered it to her friend. ¡°What¡¯s this one saying?¡±


    Ambria gasped, squealed while doing a little happy-dance, and took the flower. She inhaled deep, taking in the scent, and then held it up to Lena to force the Elf to take a good sniff, too. ¡°It says ¡®I am a very pretty flower and I should be in your hair¡¯. Who am I to argue with flowers?¡± With that, Ambria tucked the weed behind her ear, where it contrasted sharply with the deep-red hair and face full of freckles. ¡°There, now it can sing to me all night long.¡± Before she could react, Ambria leaned down and pulled Callie into the biggest of hugs, before planting a hard kiss on her forehead. ¡°Your pink smells so good!¡° she added excitedly as she finally let go.

 Chapter 66 Part 4 - Table 1

    PART IV - TABLE 1


    Eventually Callie and company rejoined the queue, Koka and Moka very firmly each hooking arms with the tripping Ambria to keep her from floating off. As they got close to the front, and could see the underside of the huge tent, they saw hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny little pinpricks of light on the ceiling flickering and flashing in random patterns that seemed to mimic a starlit sky. Most were white, but some were in various colors, and they were intense enough to be seen even though it was still daylight outside. Of course, the sensory overload of sparkling lights and colors sent Ambria into a gasping tizzy, and her two partners redoubled their grip on her, lest she slip away and try to climb up a support pole to sniff the lights or something. You could tell the two Tigerkins were a little annoyed by the Faun¡¯s antics, and honestly, Ambria probably should have at least waited until later. At the same time, though, her elevated happy feelings washed off her, spilling out to her friends and others, and being quite contagious.


    Once to the front of the line, the seven were held up by a Fairy hostess, and then each passed to escorts after being checked against a list. Ambria and the twins were led off to Table 16, while Lena was sent to Table 8, and Xin and Nola to number 21. Whoever was coordinating everything was certainly keeping tight control on who exactly was going to be sitting where.


    ¡°Table 1,¡± the hostess directed, and Callie dutifully followed her Elf escort. The tent had been set up with individual tables, most of them rectangular with rounded corners, each having seating for eight to ten, one person at each end and either three or four along the length. The other tables were round, with seating for what also looked like eight to ten. The dining space was just about filled, with most everyone seated at this point. Only maybe fifteen or twenty people remained in line. A few of the round tables, which were aggregated towards the front, had some empty chairs, and a very-long table on a dais set up to sit important people had only empty chairs. In the center of the dais was a podium, and Callie could see the subtle glow of an Amplification Sigil on it, with Kyra¡¯s design recognizable. There was also a cleared aisle down the center, wide enough for maybe three people abreast, and thinking back to that first feast, Callie surmised this is where said important people would eventually enter.


    For those already seated, a basket of breads was on each table, along with what looked like herb-infused oils for dipping. There were also multiple bottles of wine, along with a metal pitcher, presumably with water. Several Goblins were running around serving, bringing out fresh baskets or the like as needed, and Callie briefly saw Grig race by, carrying four of said baskets. Everybody was in a happy, festive mood, with lots of laughter ringing out all around.


    At the opposite end of the tent, on another raised dais, or maybe it was more of a stage, Deduxia and Nekini were both lightly playing their guitars. It was quiet music, really more of a simple melodic duet, reminding Callie of the Earth equivalent of a string quartet at an over-the-top dinner party like in the movies, one where the daring heroes would be in fancy dress and getting into all kinds of heist mischief. Both musicians were in their own zone, though, eyes closed and tapping their feet to keep perfect rhythm with each other, obviously working.


    ¡°Here you are,¡± the staff member that Callie vaguely recognized from somewhere said as he gestured towards a round table right in front of the main dais. ¡°Your table has assigned seating, so sit where you find your name. If you need anything, just flag one of the servers.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Callie called after the Elf. She peeked over the top of the table, seeing one of the bread plates had a small piece of flat wood. Burned into it in beautiful calligraphy was the name ¡®Juniper¡¯, and the next plate to the right had one for Vanis. Callie was then seated next to him, with Pixyl to her right. Curious, she circled, checking the plates and finding reserved seats for Jesca, Chown and then Lhawni. There was one other space, with a seating pillow on the ground and extra room, and Callie knew before she even looked that this was set up for Tazrok. Sure enough, the nameplate said as much, although the piece of wood was about three times the size of the others, as was the plate.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± another voice said, and Callie turned to see that Chown had also been delivered by an escort.


    ¡°Hey there,¡± Callie said, giving the Goblin a little wave. ¡°Welcome to Table 1!¡± She actually didn¡¯t know the Shaman very well, as he¡¯d never been one to hang out with Callie¡¯s little tribe of ladies, although Lhawni had said nice things about him even before they coupled up for Midsummer, as well as about Swopik, for that matter. In fact, Lhawni had been having a little difficulty trying to decide which of the two Goblins to spend the holiday with, until Swopik tapped out, apparently hitting it off with one of the few female Goblins that worked in the kitchens. ¡°Your seat is over there next to Lhawni,¡± Callie pointed out to Chown as she circled back to her own spot. The chair in front of her name tag appeared to be like one of the ones that Xera had in their office, with built-in steps and a swing-down booster, which was good, as there hadn¡¯t been any sign of the normal boosters anywhere.


    As she stood around waiting for whatever to happen, Callie saw Pama emerge briefly from the back, directing a pair of her Goblins to some destination with fresh baskets. She was harried, sweaty, and definitely busy, barely keeping some kind of a lid on the chaos that could erupt if not controlled properly. Still, she caught Callie¡¯s eye, shot a wink, before promptly disappearing into the back while yelling at someone to stop burning something. Given that this was a temporary structure, Callie wondered how much of the kitchen had been moved up here, or if maybe they instead kept a third setup in storage until needed. Captain Kela¡¯s ability to keep the machine of the camp operating was second-to-none.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Little Ones,¡± a silky voice said in greeting, and both Chown and Callie turned to see Juniper approaching. Unlike the other recruits, she had eschewed wearing the standard clothing, instead wearing a knee-length dress much in the style of the civilian ladies. Like she had donned that first day Callie arrived, the dress was forest green, made up of a fabric of woven, twisting vines and leaves. There was even a green poof of woven vines in her hair, with yellow flowers standing out against the other colors. She looked absolutely stunning, despite how simple her ¡®clothing¡¯ was.


    "Wow!¡± Chown said as his eyes bulged a bit out of his head, his mouth hanging agape. The Goblin wasn¡¯t the only one, either. Around the room, more than a few stares were being directed at the Dryad, some subtle, but some far from. It was hard not to notice her, and doubly hard not to let your thoughts get momentarily carried away. Yet, in spite of the long looks, Callie was sure the Dryad¡¯s sex magic hadn¡¯t been activated, or the room would probably be falling over itself to get to her. Even without it, she was just that hot.


    By this time, Callie had become fairly used to Juniper¡¯s various states of dress, or lack of it at times, so wasn¡¯t staring like the others. Well, not much, and she forced herself out of her distracted thoughts. She cleared her throat to get her tablemate¡¯s attention. ¡°We, uh ¡­ we both need to keep focused,¡± she said to Chown, lightly chuckling a bit.


    The Goblin shook his head to brush away the distraction, cleared his own throat, and nodded. ¡°Yup! Need to stay focused.¡±


    Juniper frowned and looked down at her dress. ¡°Is this too alluring? I wished to be pretty, but Vanis said I should not be a distraction. If you wish, I could make it less so.¡±


    Callie and Chown looked at each other, unsure how best to answer. It was pretty alluring, after all, but it wasn¡¯t all the dress. Juniper could turn heads even in flannel pajamas, quite honestly. Finally, Callie decided it was something that Juniper and Vanis could worry about, if there even was something to be worried about. As far as she was concerned, Juniper wasn¡¯t responsible for the reactions of others, unless she flipped her mojo magic on. ¡°You¡¯re just fine the way you are,¡± Callie said. Then her mouth just kept going. ¡°Fantastic even! You look perfect. Don¡¯t change anything.¡±


    Chown nodded violently in agreement and then forced himself to redirect his attention to Callie and change the subject. ¡°Do you know where the others are?¡±


    ¡°No. They went off with the Commandant a while ago,¡± Callie said. ¡°They are supposed to meet us here. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a good reason, so I guess we just sit and wait for them?¡± Callie started to pull out her chair, but then noticed Juniper was wearing a frown. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I was told I was to find a specific chair to sit in, but I do not know which.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the one with your name on the plate,¡± Callie said.


    Juniper frowned even deeper. ¡°I ¡­ I do not know which that is.¡±


    It took a second, but then it dawned on Callie. Juniper probably couldn¡¯t read. She¡¯d never had any reason to and had only been integrated into the camp for a few weeks. With a smile, Callie walked two seats down and pulled out the chair. ¡°This is the one. Vanis will be sitting between us.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡± The Dryad said, before she sat, Callie politely sliding the chair under her. Picking up the piece of wood with her name on it, Juniper ran her green finger over the burned calligraphy. ¡°This is who I am?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how your name is written, yes.¡±


    ¡°This is a good thing to know, then? After all, who is someone without a name?¡±


    Callie gave Juniper¡¯s arm a gentle squeeze, and then went back to her own chair. Pulling it out a bit, she shimmied into the seat as Chown did the same. She debated a moment, not sure whether to start with wine or stick with water for the time being, and then decided on the latter, at least until the others arrived. She poured from the pitcher, surprised there were chunks of ice floating in it to keep the water cold.


    Juniper, for her part, went right for the wine, putting on a big grin and mentioning she liked having a ¡®fuzzy head¡¯. Chown agreed, although, like Callie, he had decided to start with water. In addition to the bread and dipping oils, there was also another small basket of lightly-salted white crackers that seemed very similar to Saltines, along with a few jellies to spread on them. Callie grabbed a couple, wanting something to nibble on but not wanting to fill up on bread, and then smeared a little bit of the various fruity spreads on each. Chown grabbed a dinner roll, before proceeding to rip it open, a little steam rising from it. That demanded butter, and he quickly added an oversized dollop.


    ¡°Do you believe you will play your music tonight? I quite enjoyed what you played last night,¡± Juniper asked after a couple minutes of semi-awkward silence around the table, nobody quite sure what to chat about.


    ¡°Um, I dunno,¡± Callie replied. Nobody had mentioned wanting her to play anything, and she¡¯d just assumed that the Bards would be doing all the entertaining since they had a show and Illusionist magic to go with it. ¡°I don¡¯t think so, though.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad,¡± Chown said. ¡°I like your Gnome music. I¡¯ve never heard it before and I still remember that rainbow song from a few weeks ago.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll just have to see, I guess, but I hadn¡¯t been planning on it,¡± It was the best Callie was willing to commit to, but honestly she felt it would be quite rude to intrude on the professionals. They were here to work, and she had great respect for that from a lifetime of being around musicians in some form.


    As if the topic of music signaled something, there was the sound of a single horn playing a series of notes, sounding much like a trumpet announcing something. Around the dining area, the many conversations trailed off and quieted, and attention swung to the rear by the stage. A few people that were still standing, perhaps visiting with another table, having just arrived, or maybe just milling around, hustled into their seats.

 Chapter 66 Part 5 - Command Review

    PART V - COMMAND REVIEW


    ¡°Honored guests and camp members,¡± Kyra¡¯s amplified voice called from the podium, ¡°please stand to welcome our hosts, Commandant Xera Delnara and Arkan Pelidri Sylbane of Cillisant and House Sylbane.¡±


    At once, all remaining murmurs of conversation ceased, followed a moment later by the room rising and the beginning of applause. Callie hopped down from her chair to stand, and walked over to the aisle so she could see, Chown taking up a spot next to her to do the same. At the back, Callie could see the Arkan¡¯s tall form, his white hair seeming to glow brightly against his skin due to the magical twinkling lights and what early-evening daylight was leaking in from the outside. The Arkan began to walk down the aisle, not swiftly, but not slowly, either. Waving and smiling to acknowledge the room, he would occasionally stop to clasp wrists with a random someone and say a couple words. It reminded Callie of a politician waving and interacting with a crowd, and right next to him, Xera was doing the same on their side of the aisle.


    It took about a minute for the two to reach the front of the room, the polite applause continuing the entire time. Just before they reached their destination, Pelidri clasped wrists with Chown, adding a simple ¡®A grand Midsummer to you¡¯, while Xera did the same with Jorin and Nevikk across the way. The Arkan followed up with a smiling wink towards Callie before he walked up the dais with the Commandant, Xera then stepping onto a small booster to take a spot behind the podium high enough to see the room. Kyra had disappeared out of view to make way.


    The Commandant was wearing a green uniform, the red of their shoulders standing out with multiple black marks showing their high rank. At their neck, they wore what appeared to be a silver-colored version of Pixyl¡¯s Bronze Sword of Valor, and multiple smaller medals were pinned to their chest, including two red Heartstones and another with a blue crystal, a second Silver Sword, and two Bronze. Others Callie didn¡¯t recognize, too. Pelidri was also adorned in medals, at least twice as many as Xera, including something ivory-white with a red gem set in it around his neck.


    Xera held up a hand. ¡°You may all be seated,¡± Xera''s amplified voice called, and the room quieted as people did so, Callie quickly returning to her own chair. ¡°I wish to start by thanking all of you for attending, especially those who have traveled to be here, and wish you all the most-joyous of Midsummer celebrations.¡± Xera gestured to Pelidri and back to themself. ¡°To us, Midsummer is a reminder of the importance of friends and of family. Each of our worlds would be less-bright if not for them, and I am proud to consider all of you that beacon of brightness in my own life.¡± Xera paused momentarily to acknowledge the polite response.


    Clearing their throat, the Commandant continued. ¡°You¡¯ll be pleased to know there will be few speeches tonight. Still ¡­¡± Xera glowered in resigned annoyance when someone interrupted with a small cheer. This wasn¡¯t the right time for informal banter, unlike at the first feast. ¡°Still ¡­ we do have a few that will be spread throughout the meal, as well as a surprise celebration or two in store for you all. But all that business aside, I know we are all here for the food and for the company, and to celebrate the holiday, so we¡¯ll do our best to assure we don¡¯t lose sight of that.¡±


    Xera looked to the side, as if offering the floor to Pelidri, but he shook his head slightly and Callie was able to hear a quiet ¡®later¡¯. Nodding, the Commandant refocused on the audience, and drew in a breath. This seemed to instantly change the feel in the room, somehow, as if what was next demanded attention.


    ¡°Sergeant-Major Natala!¡± Xera called out loudly, projecting their voice to the rear of the tent.


    ¡°Commandant Xera!¡± came the acknowledging reply, the Dwarf at the far end of the aisle in front of the stage.


    ¡°We are in need of a Command Review,¡± came Xera¡¯s simple order, before they stepped down from the podium, taking up a position on the opposite side from Pelidri as they both came to stiff attention.


    There was the sound of a single pair of footsteps walking quickly down the aisle, and Natala soon came into sight. She was decked out in her green uniform, light blue cloth on each shoulder, each decorated with multiple black stripes flanking two stars showing her high enlisted rank. After touching her fist to her chest, she turned to face the crowd, herself coming to straight attention. Around her neck she wore a medal, a gold version of Pixyl¡¯s Bronze Sword, while several additional medals and ribbons were pinned to her chest, including at least two Silver Swords, two or three Bronze, and a Red Heartstone.


    ¡°By the ranks,¡± the Sergeant-Major called out, ¡°all officers and honored soldiers are to present themselves for review! All rise in recognition.¡±


    At once, the room stood again, people moving to get closer to the aisle, forming a corridor of bodies between the stage at the rear and the two officers at the front. Natala, herself, took a couple steps to the side, and turned to face inwards as well. ¡°Command Review!¡± Natala¡¯s voice boomed in order.


    Callie heard the light sound of a pair of boots, and leaned in slightly to look who it was. To her surprise, against the backdrop of others awaiting their turn, it was Lhawni leading the procession. The obviously-nervous Goblin focused her gaze straight ahead, face concentrating as if trying to remember precisely what she was supposed to do. That, in and of itself, was strange enough, but what made it even stranger was that Lhawni was wearing a perfectly-fitting uniform, and looking rather good in it. The cloth was green, like other combat classes, and she had the blue on each shoulder like the other enlisted, but there were no stars or stripes on it, so they weren¡¯t showing any rank.


    As she got about half-way down the aisle, behind Lhawni followed the form of Vanis, walking next to one of the camp¡¯s soldier contingent that Callie sort-of-recognized, but didn¡¯t know. Both had green uniforms, both with blue shoulders, and both with two black stripes set off against the blue. However, in Vanis¡¯s case, one was covered by the black mourning sash he was wearing across his chest. Immediately behind Vanis and the other soldier were two additional soldiers from the camp, those two followed by Tazrok, wearing his own gigantic uniform, all three also showing two stripes on each shoulder. In the case of Vanis, he also wore his Medal of Distinction around his neck, and the soldier next to him wore what appeared to be a Red Heartstone around his. The other two, and Tazrok, had no medals.


    Returning to Lhawni, Callie watched her walk ahead, her short legs making for a rapid pitter-patter against the temporary wooden floor. She was nervous, maybe even a bit frightened, and being the first down the walk wasn¡¯t helping any as all eyes followed her. None of the eyes had any malice, of course, but that wasn¡¯t helping the poor Goblin any. Finally she came to Xera and Pelidri, quite close to where Callie was, standing in both confusion and a little bit of awe as she looked up at her superiors.


    ¡°Recruit Lhawni!¡± the Sergeant-Major called out rather simply, her voice slightly amplified and announcing the Shaman so the entire room could hear. Lhawni snapped to attention, followed by bowing her head to each officer as she touched her right fist to her chest.


    ¡°Recruit Lhawni,¡± Xera said in simple acknowledgement as both officers returned the gesture, Pelidri using the simpler Imorian style. Lhawni next turned ninety degrees to her right and stiffly walked off to the side to make way for the next group, obvious relief on her face.


    Natala continued, announcing the next rank of corporal and then the names for Vanis and Tazrok, as well as the other three as they stepped up for presentation. Tazrok stood behind the others, his huge form imposing over everyone, and the loud thump as his fist hit his chest in salute reverberated around the room. Once again, Xera replied, using each of their names in turn and returning the gesture. The simple acknowledgement completed, the five moved again, filing away to the side after Lhawni to make way for the next.


    The next happened to be Pixyl, her own Bronze Sword high on her neck, Heartstone pinned to her chest. She must have been the only corporal-major in camp, as she was alone, the rank on her shoulder represented by two lines with a star between them.


    ¡°Corporal-Major Pixylatw ¡­ Pixyla ¡­ Pixy ¡­ Bah!¡± Natala scowled, tripping over the Pixie¡¯s name three times and getting flustered. There were chuckles around the room from those familiar with the whole name, likely knowing full well they¡¯d stumble, too. ¡°Aww, dammit ¡­ Corporal-Major Pixyl!¡± Natala finally said in a chuckling huff. ¡°Sorry,¡± she mumbled under her breath towards the little Pixie, who was trying not to blush.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Corporal-Major Pixylataweneecina,¡± Xera acknowledged simply, nailing the pronunciation and adding a bit of a teasing lilt towards Natala. Like the others, Pixyl turned after the greeting and quickly walked away.


    Callie finally put the details together, thinking back to what Lena had said about uniforms a short time ago. These must be all the soldiers ranked Corporal or higher being presented. If they had been awarded them, they would wear their medals for bravery, injuries, or for outstanding deeds. As part of the protocol, the medal at their neck was always the highest one they had received, with any additional worn on their uniform. So for Xera, their highest was the Silver Sword, while for Vanis it was the lower Medal of Distinction. Pelidri was probably following a similar tradition, but wearing the accolades of the Cillisine army. This didn¡¯t really explain why Lhawni was in uniform though.


    The procession worked its way through the ranks, following Pixyl with a pair of sergeants, and then a single high-sergeant from the camp, accompanied by one of the Arkan¡¯s people with presumably the equivalent rank. Apparently with Natala guiding everything, she wasn¡¯t going to be part of the procession, despite being the highest-ranking enlisted at the camp, as once all the other ranked enlisted personnel were presented, the officers came next. That led off with the new Scryer, Sub-Captain Millavana. She wore the dark blue of logistics and support, her shoulders red with a single black stripe. Of course, being fresh from the academy, she was wearing no medals. Next came Captains Kela, Rowani and Maugra, Kela also in blue. Those three walked with the second of Pelidri¡¯s people adding a fourth.


    Major Celeste was next, as there were no sub-majors at the camp, and her presence absolutely couldn¡¯t be missed. She practically jingled with the medals she wore. On her chest were not just two Silver Swords, but a Gold one as well, along with two Red Heartstones and others Callie didn¡¯t immediately recognize. But around her neck was something special. Callie remembered back to the opening feast, recalling it was called a Radiant Star. It certainly fit, as it was an eight-pointed star of milky-white crystal with an eternal, softly-glowing yellow stone set in the center. It simply screamed with the Major¡¯s past deeds. Up until now, Callie had known that the Major was a total badass, but what was at her neck surely made that word an understatement.


    Just as there were no sub-majors, there were also no sub-colonel officers at camp, so the final three presented to Xera and Pelidri were Legate Galin, Master-Healer Tasi, and Master-Trainer Thorn, all three in green, each displaying the rank of colonel. Tasi was wearing a single medal Callie didn¡¯t recognize high on her neck and two for distinction on her chest. Galin had a Silver Sword, as did Thorn, at their own necks, with multiple lesser ones below, Galin also wearing a Red Heartstone. Callie wasn¡¯t sure what the difference between a Red Heartstone and the Blue one that Xera wore was, but with Xera wearing the only one she saw, thought it possibly might have something to do with the Fairy having permanent battle injuries in the form of their missing wing and arm. She¡¯d check with Vanis.


    With the final officers now presented, that ended the simple ceremony with a final few words from Natala. As ceremonies went, Callie found it actually quite meaningful. Each person was given an equally-brief moment of recognition, but none held out above another, no matter the importance of their past awards or their rank. Civilian personnel made up most of the camp staff, so with only a few officers at camp, and not a lot of other soldiers above the rank of high-private, the whole thing was over in only a few minutes. This kept the standing time short for everyone and the evening moving along at a brisk pace.


    Plus, Callie got to see Pixyl in a uniform! What girl doesn¡¯t look smoking hot in a uniform?


    The simple formality of the Command Review completed, the audience was released and everyone returned to their seats. Chatter started to build again as the guests went back to their bread, crackers and drinks, a few remaining standing to join or rejoin conversations that had been put on hold. The soldiers and officers that had just been presented filed back into the tent from wherever they had gathered, and a half-dozen escorts led them off in small groups, taking them to their appropriate seating. In the case of the four destined for Callie¡¯s round table, the escort simply pointed the way. Callie, Juniper and Chown did sort of stand out.


    Vanis lingered behind the other three, stopping when someone asked for his attention, and then smiling in recognition. He began talking to a visitor in a friendly way, hand on the person¡¯s shoulder, as if just informed the two had a mutual acquaintance or perhaps that they had met another time. The Elf prince seemed happy to be somewhat distracted from the heavy things in his life, wearing a warm smile and even trying to laugh a little. It was nice to see, given everything that had happened.


    ¡°So, what d-d-do you think?¡± Pixyl asked as the remaining three arrived at the table.


    As Callie turned, her girlfriend did a little pirouette to show off the uniform. In response, Callie made a frowning, considering face, as if she was a critic inspecting a piece of art. ¡°I don¡¯t know ¡­¡± she said slowly. Pixyl¡¯s eyes shot wide, suddenly worried what Callie was thinking and that she disapproved.


    ¡°I¡¯m just kidding,¡± Callie grinned, smacking Pixyl lightly on the arm with the back of her hand. ¡°You look fantastic!¡±


    The relief in Pixyl¡¯s eyes, apparently having not initially seen the joke on Callie¡¯s face, was evident, and she let out the breath she¡¯d been suddenly holding. Then she blushed more as Callie held her at arm''s length, looking her up and down as she hungrily drank in the image with a tongue-rolling purr.


    ¡°You look great, too,¡± Chown added, speaking to Lhawni.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Lhawni replied, the blushing less evident on her green face, but still there.


    ¡°He¡¯s right, Lhawni!¡± Callie concurred. ¡°I do have a question though. Why are you ...¡±


    There was the sound of a loud, clear bell from the front dais, cutting off Callie¡¯s question. All eyes turned to see the smiling Kyra, wearing a bright-yellow, calf-length and low-cut dress accented with a crumple of yellow netting in her hair. She was holding a bell out with one hand, and in her other was a small, metal hammer which she used to strike the bell a second time. The room settled, everyone quickly scampering to their seats. Vanis wrapped up his brief conversation, indicating they¡¯d talk more later. He came close to the table, but instead of sitting, stood off to the side, as if waiting.


    ¡°Good evening, everyone,¡± Kyra said, her voice clear and amplified. ¡°We welcome you all again to what we hope will be a truly memorable occasion. Our resident Culinar is currently busy with final preparations, and she asked me to pass along a couple items of note regarding the meal. First, magic will be used to set and clear the table between courses in the interests of time and limited space. Thus, when announced, please pick up your drinks or they will be whisked away with everything else, and be sure to keep the space clear as new eating settings are summoned.¡±


    ¡°I have got to learn how to do that!¡± Callie mumbled to herself, pushing Culinar magic back up a little higher on her eventually-to-learn list.


    ¡°Our appetizer and main course this evening have been made from scratch with non-summoned food and minimal magic, save preservations. I¡¯ve had a sample of both and I must say they are simply stupendous! However, without magic, each table will need to be served individually. As one might expect, most of our dining staff are Goblins and they will be using carts, so please be sure to keep the center and side paths clear and be observant, lest any of the Little Ones get underfoot.¡±


    The room chuckled as one, and Callie caught Kyra¡¯s statement that it was common for Goblins to be kitchen staff, and made a mental note to talk to Lhawni about it at some point. Were Goblins some kind of an underclass? If so, it was a social dynamic she hadn¡¯t really been aware of.


    ¡°Finally,¡± Kyra continued, ¡°simply signal if your table needs more wine or water, or should you need anything else, for that matter. If we are able, we will attend to your every need.¡± Clearing her throat, she glanced at Vanis, who nodded in return. Smiling, Kyra continued. ¡°The Prelude to the Feast is normally given by our Commandant. Events have occurred, however, and there will be a change this year. As such, it is my humble honor to present his Royal Highness, Prince Vanis del Montano, son of King Feldwin the Second, and brother of the heir to the throne, Princess Alena.¡±


    There were a few loud applause, but they were quickly shushed. Given everything that had happened, and who was going to speak, it didn¡¯t feel right to cheer wildly. Still, everyone perked up and focused their attention to the front of the room. There was a feeling that these were going to be important words, demanding solemn respect. At Table 1, Callie and the rest focused as well, and as Vanis took his spot, she and the prince locked eyes. Callie gave Vanis a quick nod and smile, trying to support her friend and one of the most-important people in her life, whom she knew was hurting right now. He may have been all smiles and friendly to everyone, but there was still pain and anger inside.


    Vanis stiffened his posture regally and looked out over the room, before lightly clearing his throat. ¡°I was quite young when my great-grandmother unexpectedly passed, and I did not fully understand the importance of the funeral at that age. Many people had spoken, including my father, all telling a story or remembering a moment they¡¯d had with her. She had been a grand person, and the way she had touched so many had been equally grand. Yet, still I was confused as to why people had spoken so highly of her, and only highly of her. She was dead after all, and was sometimes quite strict with me and others, and would never hear the praise anyway. It was eventually my great-grandfather, now widowed, that explained to me that the speeches were not for her, but instead for all those that knew her and loved her, so they would remember the good things about her and be at peace. Well, he tried to explain it. I was only nine, so I really only understood it was important to tell a nice story about someone when they died.¡± Vanis looked out over the audience, a rich sincerity on his face. ¡°So, as I won¡¯t be able to attend the funeral back in Imor, I will instead share a story with all of you.¡±

 Chapter 67 Part 1 - Pilgrimage

    PART I - PILGRIMAGE


    ¡°I must again recommend against this,¡± the captain said. ¡°It is not a safe endeavor, your Highnesses.¡± She stopped, her face making a confused expression. ¡°Highnesses? Is that right ¡­ the word seems wrong.¡± Refocusing, she rephrased. ¡°Dammit, this is not safe for any of you!¡±


    King Regent Feldwin (the First) laughed as he put his hand on the captain¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We go through this same argument every time, and every time I tell you the exact same thing. Nobody is going to recognize us, and we are in no more danger than any passing traveler. Stop worrying so much.¡±


    ¡°It is my responsibility to worry, especially with you involving him this time.¡± She gestured towards a young Elf boy, only ten, who was playing in a small creek, turning over rocks to see what he could find underneath.


    ¡°We also know that you¡¯ll probably have Sprites watching over us,¡± King Regent Ruvan, pointed out, half his attention focused on watching his grandson squeal as something slithered out from where it had been disturbed. ¡°We¡¯ll signal if we need your aid.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s too young for you to be dragging him along for this!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the perfect age,¡± Feldwin said. ¡°He¡¯s at the age where the lesson will mean the most.¡±


    The captain sighed. She knew it was a losing battle, but still she¡¯d had to try. Ruvan was right, though, she had two Sprites that could watch from the skies or cloaked in invisibility. She also had a Duelist that could keep a quiet eye on things and could stay in the shadows if needed. They all knew better than to interfere, but the Sprites could alert someone in a moment, and the Duelist was able to react almost as fast, if it was needed.


    ¡°Vanis!¡± Ruvan called, startling the boy. ¡°Come over here. We¡¯re leaving shortly.¡±


    Vanis stood and unceremoniously wiped his muddy hands on his pants. ¡°Yes, grandfather,¡± he mumbled reluctantly, still wanting to play in the mud a bit instead. He grabbed an exposed tree root and used it to pull himself up from the creekbed. Shuffling over, he took up a spot between his grandfather and great-grandfather, looking up at them expectantly.


    ¡°How do we look?¡± Feldwin asked the captain.


    ¡°Like three vagabonds who likely bring nothing but bad smells and trouble with them.¡± She glanced down at the fresh stains on the prince¡¯s clothes. ¡°The mud is a nice touch, though.¡±


    ¡°Then we look perfect.¡±


    The captain groaned, this time louder. King Regent Feldwin was right, they had this same argument about every six months, whenever he and his son, King Regent Ruvan, felt it was time to secretly go and mingle with the common folk. They called it a ¡®pilgrimage¡¯; a way for them to learn the troubles of their subjects that might never filter up to them directly. As for the captain? She just called it a royal pain in the ¡­


    ¡°What is the name of the village, again?¡± Ruvan asked.


    ¡°Um ¡­¡± the captain began, realizing she was unsure herself. She looked up at the high-private driving the carriage. He¡¯d been through the area before, scouted it out a bit, and had recommended it to the Regents.


    ¡°Wixwind, sire,¡± came the call back. ¡°An Elf village, with a few families of Tigerkins. About one-hundred twenty people total, maybe a few less. Three taverns, including one with an inn, at least the last time I went through. This isn¡¯t a heavily-used caravan route, so not a lot of people coming and going. No real exports, save extra herbs or mushrooms they may grow or collect from the forest, or surplus fish from the river, but they are also self-sufficient. Good people. Simple people.¡± By simple, he basically meant ¡®poor¡¯, at least from a wealth standpoint. These were the kind of people that were overlooked or forgotten about by those with means, and exactly the people that the Regents wanted to talk to socially and in disguise.


    ¡°See, you worry too much,¡± Feldwin said, placing his hand on the captain¡¯s shoulder again. ¡°We¡¯ll see you on the other side tomorrow, ten kilometers out.¡±


    Inwardly, the captain growled again on simple principle. She was supposed to keep them safe, and she couldn¡¯t do that if she wasn¡¯t with them. They¡¯d actually tried that once, but her Imperial Guard demeanor apparently gave the secret away in less than an hour. Feldwin had said it was something about her being too ¡®stiff¡¯ as a bodyguard, whatever that meant. Looking down, she bent slightly and addressed the young Vanis. ¡°Listen, little majesty, remember what we talked about. You can¡¯t tell anyone who you are or you could be in danger. You mind your grandfather and great-grandfather. Be polite in all things and call for help if something bad happens. Do you understand?¡±


    Vanis looked up at the two Regents, and then back to the captain. ¡°I understand,¡± he confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°Good.¡± She looked up as Ruvan extended his hand. She didn¡¯t take it, instead bowing her head and touching her fist lightly to her chest. Clasping wrists was too informal, dammit, even if they were in disguise. ¡°Be safe, all of you.¡± She honestly shouldn¡¯t be worried. Feldwin was a Wizard, and a pretty good one, while Ruvan was a Scholar, but with some combat training. They could handle anything that might happen, at least for long enough that help could arrive. She still didn¡¯t have to like it, though.


    The three set out, the grandson flanked by the elders on either side. They had a bit of a hike ahead of them, about ten kilometers or so to the valley that held Wixwind, but the day was lovely. It was warm, but not hot, and the sky overhead was blue with the streaks of green that accompanied Ohler being high, full of fluffy clouds, but with no imminent sign of rain. It was a good day and Ruvan began to whistle a light tune.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t been walking for more than five minutes and you¡¯re already starting with that?¡± Feldwin growled. Ruvan put his hand to his chest, feigning offense.


    ¡°Well, I like it,¡± Vanis said, grinning up at the elder Regent.


    Feldwin just groaned. ¡°Stop encouraging him.¡±


    Still, Ruvan stowed the music, instead addressing the little prince with his teaching voice. ¡°So, tell me again why we do this. Why is this important?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re supposed to learn things,¡± Vanis replied automatically.


    ¡°True, but we could just as easily have other people learn things and then tell us, correct? Or just ask people. Why are we here and in disguise?¡±


    Vanis frowned. They¡¯d told him, and he remembered the reason, but something wasn¡¯t making sense. ¡°You told me it¡¯s because people won¡¯t tell us things if they know who we are. Why wouldn¡¯t they? We are trying to help, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°That is true,¡± Feldwin said, ¡°but sometimes people don¡¯t want to share their problems with others, or don¡¯t wish to burden someone with them. When it comes to us, this happens even more often, especially if they are unhappy with something your father, or the Parliament have done, or didn¡¯t do. They don¡¯t want to get in trouble for complaining to us, so instead they only tell each other.¡±


    The young Elf didn¡¯t really get it, and after a moment, he said so.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± Ruvan said, ¡°if you did something you weren¡¯t supposed to, for example, going off into the woods alone, without someone to escort you, would you be willing to tell your friends about your adventure?¡±


    After a moment, Vanis spoke hesitantly. ¡°Maybe? If I could trust them not to tell someone.¡±


    ¡°Would you tell your mother?¡±


    ¡°No way! She¡¯d be mad!¡± Vanis knew this for a fact, because he¡¯d done exactly that, and been caught, about six months previous. His mother, the Queen, had been quite angry, and made sure he promised he would never do something so foolish again, and then made sure his father knew about it as well.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Ruvan said. ¡°It¡¯s just like that. If people knew we were the King Regents, they wouldn¡¯t be willing to tell us, because they worry we might get mad.¡± Okay, it wasn¡¯t the best analogy, and King Regent Ruvan was dumbing it down quite a bit. Vanis was bright for being ten, but social power dynamics was probably a bit much to take in at his age.


    Feldwin ruffled the boy''s hair. ¡°Mostly, just remember you can¡¯t tell people who we are, and that we are here to listen. That¡¯s the most-critical! We ¡­ are here ¡­ to listen!¡± He pointed to his ears to emphasize the point. ¡°Then, when we return to Imor, we will review what we have learned and, if needed, do something about it. So, again, listen more and talk less.¡±


    They continued on, setting a steady pace. Not brisk, on the account of Vanis. Besides his shorter legs, the young Prince had been a bit chubby until recent, so he wasn¡¯t very used to distance walking. Luckily, now with puberty not far off, and with a coinciding rapid growth spurt, he had started to build muscle and lose weight. For added help, one of the Imperial Guard sergeants had been working to ease him into some physical conditioning and the habits that went with that. Still, the slower pace meant it would likely be a little over three hours before they would arrive. They really weren¡¯t in a hurry though, as even that pace would get them there in the late afternoon. That would be plenty of time to get a room at the inn and then spend the evening socializing with whoever was around.


    Eventually, Ruvan began whistling again, at first without even realizing it. But after a few swearing growls from his father, kept it up for a while just to irritate him. Even the young prince joined in, his whistling being quite good.


    ¡°I should call fire down on both of you,¡± Feldwin eventually snapped, threateningly holding up a dimly glowing hand.


    The only event of note that occurred as they walked to Wixwind was a korrox-pulled wagon that passed by, heading in the opposite direction. While Ruvan and Vanis waited, Feldwin engaged the driver in some idle conversation for a few minutes, not really talking about anything in particular. The impromptu chat soon broke up and everyone continued on their way, the wagon disappearing around the bend behind them.


    ¡°What did you learn?¡± Ruvan asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s from the village, charged with bringing what they can sell to Imor, and coming back with the few things that those earnings are able to afford. Not a merchant, just acting as transport and broker on the behalf of others for a small fee.¡±


    ¡°Herbs and river fish? Doesn¡¯t sound like very lucrative exports.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what struck me as interesting, Ruvan. He used to travel largely with various fresh and dried herbs, some dressed game meat from the surrounding forests, and fish. Apparently the river is teeming with fish, or at least it used to be. The catches of late have become noticeably diminished, both in the number and the size of the fish, and they no longer have a surplus to send off. No one can account for anything amiss.¡±


    The younger Regent frowned. ¡°It could be nothing, or it could be something.¡±


    ¡°They could have just run out of fish,¡± Vanis suggested, trying to be helpful.


    Feldwin glanced down. ¡°You¡¯re right, they might just be out of fish. We¡¯ll investigate, though. This is why we listen, Vanis. If he¡¯d known who I am, he very likely wouldn¡¯t have told me.¡±


    ¡°Why? Because he might get in trouble?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly, but he still likely wouldn¡¯t have said anything.¡± Feldwin could see on Vanis¡¯s face he still wasn¡¯t fully understanding. That was okay, he¡¯d learn eventually.


    Soon they arrived at the top of a hill. Below them, in a comfortable, secluded valley lay the village of Wixwind. Through its center wound the river, sparkling in the afternoon sun. All seemed quiet and welcoming, just as one would expect.


    A pair of switchbacks led them down the hill, ending on a well-worn dirt road that paralleled the river¡¯s shore. The river was big, at least seventy meters wide, but didn¡¯t appear to be terribly deep or very fast moving. In fact, a few children could be heard splashing not far off, an adult yelling out to warn someone to stop trying to drown his sister.


    ¡°Good river,¡± Feldwin commented. ¡°I can see why fishing is a big part of their livelihood.¡± He looked at Ruvan. ¡°Simple overfishing, maybe? Or annual migrations?¡±


    ¡°If it was a common migration, it wouldn¡¯t seem out of the ordinary. We need to know more.¡± Feldwin frowned, a worried look in his eyes. ¡°Something doesn¡¯t feel right.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we could go talk to him,¡± Vanis suggested, pointing. To the left and ahead, sitting on the river¡¯s bank, sat a Tigerkin, one of the white variety, with a fishing pole. They watched for a moment as the fisher threw out a long line with a float on the end, allowing the river to slowly carry it downstream. Then he wheeled in the long string and cast upstream again.

 Chapter 67 Part 2 - A Friendly Interrogation

    PART II - A FRIENDLY INTERROGATION


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Feldwin said. He looked down sternly to Vanis. ¡°Remember, nobody must know who we are. Do you remember your name?¡±


    ¡°Harrin,¡± Vanis replied, remembering.


    ¡°Excellent. Don¡¯t forget that.¡±


    Feldwin left the road, followed by the other two. He approached the Beastkin, shuffling through the grasses to make some noise. It would be rude to startle him, and potentially dangerous if he was a damage caster of some kind. ¡°Good afternoon,¡± he called out once he saw a reaction.


    The fisher held up a paw, giving them a ¡®wait a moment¡¯ gesture, choosing to focus on the float in the river. It bobbled in the slow current and then disappeared beneath the water. Instantly the Tigerkin jerked the pole to set the hook. It seemed to take, and he started to work the line in, furiously reeling to take it up. After a few moments though, the line went slack and the pole went straight. ¡°Damn!¡± he scowled.


    ¡°Bad luck,¡± Feldwin said.


    ¡°There¡¯s a big one out there, I can sense it,¡± the fisher said. ¡°I just can¡¯t get him to bite.¡± He sighed, and used his hand to continue cranking the small spool attached to the pole, which in turn took in the rest of the line. Once it was all brought in, he finally turned to address the newcomers. ¡°Good afternoon,¡± he said simply. ¡°Is there something I can do for you? I don¡¯t recognize any of you.¡±


    ¡°We are travelers, passing through,¡± Ruvan said, ¡°taking the slow route to Marindine.¡±


    ¡°Marindine? Really? On foot that¡¯s probably three weeks, at least.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll ride when we must, but if the weather is as pleasant as today, walking suffices. We are in no hurry, and it allows us to meet wonderful new people and see beautiful sights.¡± Ruvan gestured generally towards the river to indicate such a sight.


    The Tigerkin looked the travelers up and down a second time, before shrugging. ¡°Well, walk if you want to, it¡¯s no fur off my tail.¡±


    ¡°Are you out here recreationally?¡± Feldwin asked.


    The fisher smirked. ¡°I enjoy it well enough, but right now I¡¯m just trying to catch some dinner and have had no luck to speak of, besides a few tiny ones that need to go back. Depending on what I can come home with, my wife will make a stew or some such from it. If nothing, it¡¯ll be egg and vegetable soup, I suppose.¡± Then he realized something. ¡°Oh, sorry, I¡¯ve been rude. The name¡¯s Yovel.¡± Then he wiped his paw on his overalls and held it out.


    Feldwin reached out, clasping wrists. ¡°Kellner, and this is my son, Arshall, and the young one is his grandson, Harrin.¡±


    ¡°Father, son and great-grandson? You¡¯ve brought the whole family along with you, haven¡¯t you. Good for you. Family is important. Are you doing ¡­ what do you Elves call it ¡­ your cycle? The innkeeper last year decided to do that. Suddenly sold his place and then headed off to Imor. Place hasn¡¯t been the same since. New owners are nice enough, but their food isn¡¯t the greatest, honestly.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really practice that, although at times I¡¯ve thought about it,¡± Feldwin said. ¡°No, Harrin wanted to see the Colossus of Marindine, and I¡¯ve never seen the statue either. None of us have. It seemed like as good an adventure as anything. Honestly, I think his father was just happy to get him out of the house for a while,¡± Feldwin chuckled, rubbing the hair on the young prince¡¯s head.


    Before the Beastkin could inquire further, Ruvan interrupted. ¡°Speaking of Harrin, I don¡¯t believe he¡¯s ever tried to catch a fish before. Would it be an imposition for you to briefly show him your craft?¡±


    It surely was a bit of an imposition, but Ruvan wanted to quickly change the topic away from them and to something the villager could resonate with, as it was the best way to get him talking. Plus, Vanis, in fact, had never been fishing, and hardly needed the Regent¡¯s prompting to get an excited look on his face.


    Yovel¡¯s eyes looked down at the boy. ¡°Sure, I have a little time.¡± He gestured. ¡°Come down here and I can show you. It¡¯s a good skill to have if you are going to be wandering the countryside. Fresh fish is always delicious, except for the black ones with the blue stripes. You can eat them if you have to, but they have a nasty, bitter taste. They also eat too many of the smaller fish, so I just toss them into a bucket to use as garden fertilizer if I catch any.¡±


    As Feldwin and Ruvan sat and watched, the Tigerkin showed off his fishing getup, and then demonstrated how to cast out into the river, the line unspooling as it extended. ¡°Now, if that is pulled under the water, that means there¡¯s a fish trying to take the bait. You want to give it a quick flick so it hooks them, like this.¡± He made a quick snap of the end of the pole. ¡°At that point, turn this handle to bring it in.¡±


    ¡°In general, how has the fishing been? We passed someone from here on his way to Imor, and he indicated he hasn¡¯t been taking as much with him of late.¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s right,¡± Yovel said as he guided Vanis through a casting practice. ¡°Eight months ago, I could come down here, catch four decently sized fish and get back home in time to help my wife with the garden, or play with my boy.¡± Yovel frowned. ¡°Now I¡¯m happy with one or two. It¡¯s been rather odd, honestly.¡±


    The fisher gave an approving nod to Vanis as the boy did a solo cast, quickly getting the timing down on when to remove his thumb from the spool to allow the line to extend. ¡°Good job, son.¡±


    Vanis grinned at the praise. ¡°Thanks!,¡± he said as he focused on the float being gently carried by the slow currents, willing it to disappear beneath the water.


    Yovel switched his attention to the two elder Elves, his demeanor relaxed and friendly. You could tell he enjoyed chatting with people, and doubly so the newcomers passing through the village. ¡°The lack of fish is affecting other things. Others haven¡¯t really noticed yet, but I¡¯m starting to see it. My wife, too.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Ruvan asked.


    The Beastkin hiked himself up on the bank taking a seat on the grass next to the younger Regent, which would allow him to keep half-an-eye on Vanis and the float in the river. ¡°Less fish means there¡¯s less for some of the fish-eating animals in the area to feed on. Bears and wolves and the like, mostly. There¡¯s a spot not far upstream from here where the fish jump the rocks, and they can catch them out of the air. But with fewer fish, they¡¯ve started to move on. That means they are also eating fewer of the small game, so more of the mushrooms and plants we gather from the woods are being eaten.¡± He sighed and ran his hand over his furry head. ¡°It¡¯s all a balanced circle. No fish, no wolves. No wolves, more critters. More critters, fewer plants. Fewer plants, less to gather. Plus things get more aggressive about getting into everyone¡¯s gardens, too. Keep knocking my fencing down or going under it.¡±


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    There was a quiet for a bit as the three watched Vanis and enjoyed the warm, late-afternoon sun beaming down on them. The Prince wasn¡¯t having much luck, though, and after three castings, the float hadn¡¯t so much as twitched. ¡°It¡¯s not working,¡± Vanis groused.


    ¡°You must have patience,¡± Feldwin said before Yovel could say the same. ¡°Fishing is supposed to be relaxing.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°The young ones don¡¯t appreciate the quiet,¡± Yovel chuckled. ¡°My boy would probably call this ¡®boring¡¯, if he was old enough.¡±


    ¡°Enjoy the young years while you can,¡± Feldwin said as he watched Vanis. ¡°They grow up faster than one would wish, before becoming time you can never get back.¡± To make his point, he jokingly gestured towards his grown son, who chuckled in return.


    ¡°My mother tells me the same thing,¡± Yovel said with a sigh. ¡°There are days, though ¡­¡±


    The three elders sat and talked, really about nothing, simply enjoying the day and each others¡¯ company. Feldwin and Ruvan steered the conversation, seeming to have a way to interrogate the Tigerkin, without actually doing that. Quickly they got him to open up about the struggles the village was facing, beyond just the fish issue. Mostly it was just gossip. Just everyday feuds between people, or whispers about who was sleeping with somebody they shouldn¡¯t be sleeping with, and who wasn¡¯t sleeping with somebody that they should be. Simply the drama of village life where everybody knew everybody and not a lot was much of a secret.


    Ruvan pressed more about food issues, mostly to see if the lack of their fish staple was going to lead to a larger hunger problem. It didn¡¯t seem like it would, at least not anytime soon. As the high-private had said, the village was self-sufficient, needing little or nothing from outside the valley. Gardens would handle any short-term problems the issues with foraging or the river might cause, and several people had small herds of animals that could be eaten if it reached that point. Plus, they could easily adapt to trap or hunt the smaller creatures that were starting to become prolific. More than anything, the village would be lacking tradeable items for those few supplies they did need, which could lead to a longer-term problem.


    Once during the discussion, Yovel interrupted Feldwin, stood and approached Vanis. ¡°Watch the float,¡± he warned, refocusing the Prince¡¯s straying attention. Sure enough, within less than ten seconds, it disappeared beneath the surface. Vanis flicked the pole as he¡¯d been shown, and the tip began to wiggle and bend. He quickly began to reel the line in. Yovel¡¯s shoulders sagged almost immediately, though, and the reason was soon apparent. The fish Vanis eventually landed was small, smaller than someone¡¯s hand. Worse than that, it was covered in multiple black and yellow lesions.


    ¡°Bah,¡± Yovel snarled as he unhooked the undersized fish.


    ¡°No good?¡± Ruvan asked.


    ¡°Barely big enough to eat,¡± the Tigerkin said. Then he showed them the fish. ¡°We¡¯ve also been seeing more and more of this, too.¡± He indicated the sickly blackness. ¡°If it¡¯s just on the surface, you can still eat them, but these here are deep, so the meat¡¯s rotten and they aren¡¯t going to live very long. I¡¯d let it go, but I don''t want to see this spread.¡± The fisher sighed, snapped the fish¡¯s neck and then tossed it into one of two buckets. ¡°I¡¯ll cut it up for garden fertilizer, at least. Can¡¯t eat it, though.¡±


    Now encouraged that at least something was biting, Vanis re-baited the hook with a little assistance, and then cast it out again, this time paying much closer attention to the telltale float. Yovel returned to the bank, retaking his chatting spot while still half-watching what was happening on the water. They were quiet for a while. ¡°This is a good village,¡± Yovel finally said to break the silence. ¡°A good place to raise our cubs.¡±


    That was all that needed to be said. Wixwind was a good village, full of good people. They were happy, or largely so. They were able to support themselves, or largely so. Save for the herb-eating critters in the forest and the mystery of the diminishing fish, there was no real danger. From all that, this place seemed almost perfect. Still, Feldwin felt something was off, and seeing the look on Ruvan¡¯s face, he could tell the other former king felt the same way.


    Yovel suddenly leapt to his feet, rushing for Vanis about three seconds before the float suddenly disappeared from sight.


    ¡°Set the hook,¡± Yovel said, a sense of urgency in his voice. ¡°Hang on tight.¡±


    Vanis snapped the pole back, and immediately the end began to bend and wiggle, much more than it had for the last fish.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to pull him in yet,¡± the Tigerkin coached. ¡°Just hang on to the handle and try not to let it swim too far. You want it to tire out.¡± On the bank, the two Regents had stood, both grinning wildly as they watched Vanis struggle to follow instructions, while still awkwardly maintaining control. When it looked like the pole might slip away, Yovel grabbed it about halfway down its length just to reduce the wobble a bit. ¡°There you go. You¡¯ve got it, Harrin.¡±


    Yovel carefully guided Vanis, telling him when to slowly wind the spool to take up any slack, and when to just wait, all the while helping to support the fishing pole with his paw. ¡°Alright, Harrin. You can start to bring it in. Don¡¯t force it too much, or it might get away.¡±


    Slowly, Vanis used the handle to wind the line into the spool. The fighting was much less now, the fish only making occasional runs for deeper water. Finally it broke the surface, leaping fully out of the water, before diving back in and making a hard last attempt to get away. Vanis lost control of the spool¡¯s handle for a moment, but Yovel used his paw to grab the line, apparently not noticing as the friction burned into it. Finally, the fight left the fish. Vanis furiously wound the spool, excitement on his face. The two on the bank beaming with pride, Yovel let go of the pole, stepping into the shallow water to lift out the fish.


    As fish went, it was big. Not necessarily huge, but still much larger than the first small one. It was about the length of Yovel¡¯s forearm, weighing in at around four kilograms or so, and the Tigerkin held it up with one arm.


    ¡°Nice catch, Harrin!¡± Feldwin said in praise. ¡°Very nice catch, indeed. Is it edible?¡±


    Yovel was slowly turning the hanging, wiggling fish so he could look it over. Then he pointed to a spot, before rubbing it slightly with a claw. ¡°It¡¯s got a bit of whatever this black blight is, but it¡¯s not deep, so it¡¯s good to eat. May need to cut around that part, that¡¯s all.¡± Quickly, so it didn¡¯t suffer, Yovel snapped the fish¡¯s neck, before tossing it into the second bucket. Then he looked up the bank at the two smiling grandparents, and then back to the boy, who was grinning with a giddy glee.


    ¡°Join us,¡± Yovel said. He looked at Vanis. ¡°Be our guests for dinner. You caught it, you should help eat it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, we couldn¡¯t impose,¡± Ruvan said, waving the smiling fisher off. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can find something at the inn.¡±


    ¡°You can find a place to sleep, but trust me, neither of the couple that now owns the place can cook like my wife can, or at all, for that matter. Please, we¡¯d be happy to have guests, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯d love to meet all three of you.¡±


    Ruvan shot a glance at Feldwin, but the look on his face told him what he already knew. You couldn¡¯t turn down an invitation like this without being rude, and more importantly, no wandering traveler would ever pass on the promise of a home-cooked meal. If anything, they had to accept, if only to keep their cover.


    ¡°We¡¯d be delighted,¡± Feldwin finally said, making the decision before it became a discussion.

 Chapter 67 Part 3 - Drimlings

    PART III - DRIMLINGS


    ¡°I have a tincture for that, if you need it,¡± Ruvan added, clearing his throat as he gestured towards Yovel¡¯s paw. It was covered in a little blood from where the fishing line had burned into it.


    ¡°Yowch!¡± the Tigerkin said, apparently noticing he¡¯d been hurt for the first time. He shook out his paw then inspected the wound. Ruvan was digging for something in a pouch, and Yovel waved him off, before hissing in pain. ¡°It stings, but I should be able to take care of it.¡±


    Yovel¡¯s uninjured paw began to glow slightly, and he ran a finger slowly over the wound. Healing magic flowed through him, passing into and closing the damaged skin. He looked up, seeing the look on the others. ¡°Healer class, but I only know two skills. A minor wound heal and a sleep spell. That one is surprisingly useful when the baby doesn¡¯t want to go down for the night.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t the village healer?¡±


    Shaking his head, Yovel sighed as he flexed his now-repaired paw. ¡°Nah. Honestly, I¡¯m not very good, and just have the two spells. We¡¯ve got a much better healer that takes care of most everyone¡¯s ills and injuries, and she¡¯s amazingly skilled. If I was younger, I¡¯d even ask to apprentice, although she has one already. But if I am needed, she knows to summon me and I¡¯ll come running. I can at least knock people out or handle the little things.¡±


    Soon, the afternoon was beginning to grow late, and after a few more attempts to maybe land another fish, with no success, Yovel called an end to fishing. His house was actually not far away, located on the outskirts of the village, on the other side of the road, and it took only a few minutes to make the walk. The fisher carried the two buckets, with Ruvan carrying a handled basket of miscellaneous fishing gear and Vanis the fishing pole.


    The Tigerkin¡¯s home was an unremarkable building of logs, with a roof of the same. Gaps between the wood were filled with mud, sticks or even rocks, and then sealed with pitch that cured hard and dry to make everything waterproof. Surrounding the home was a short fence of wood to create an enclosed yard. It was a simple home, and not very large, but welcoming all the same.


    After entering through a gate in the fence, Vanis heard a growling, grunting noise coming from around the corner of the house. Curious, he walked to look, his eyes then going wide. ¡°They have drimlings!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too close, Harrin!¡± Yovel called in warning as Vanis ran out of sight. ¡°Some of them aren¡¯t friendly!¡± He then looked at the other two Elves. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re penned.¡±


    ¡°Assuming he doesn¡¯t put his hand in or climb inside,¡± Ruvan chuckled as the three followed after. ¡°He likes animals.¡±


    Around the back of Yovel¡¯s home was a decently-sized fenced pen that had a roof built over it. The ground of the pen was mostly bare of vegetation, and covered with a haphazard spread of straw. Inside the pen were about a dozen drimlings, some just walking around scratching at the ground while others were sitting comfortably. The running footsteps of Vanis caused a few to perk up, and one of them hissed in warning, the few bright feathers down the back of its neck rising.


    ¡°Dumbest animals I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± Yovel sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard,¡± Feldwin said. ¡°Good egg layers, though, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Four to six a week from the females if we keep them collected. Good eating, too. But dumb as a post. I lost nearly my entire flock a year ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°They go crazy for anything shiny, and I mean anything! The river was up a bit, and the sun hit the water at just the right angle. They took one look at the reflection and kicked their way out of the pen. The whole lot of them charged across the road and right into the river. They can¡¯t swim, and over half drowned. I had to put up something to block their view.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a reason we use their name as a good-natured insult,¡± Ruvan said.


    ¡°It fits. They are so dumb, if I didn¡¯t cover their pen, they¡¯d probably look up and drown in the rain,¡± Yovel chuckled.


    ¡°How many do you have?¡±


    ¡°Eight, and then one male. You need a male or the others won¡¯t lay eggs.


    To look at a drimling would be to find yourself looking at a rather odd animal. A peculiar blend of flightless bird and ornery reptile, the animal stood about a meter tall, if one was to include their long neck. The bipedal creatures possessed stubby, undersized wings, oversized heads filled with sharp teeth and movement-sensitive eyes, along with thick, muscular tails. In Earth terms, they might have been described as a messily stitched together amalgam of a featherless ostrich and a tiny, raptor-like dinosaur, about the size of a turkey, and then adding the long neck.


    Wild drimlings generally ranged in mated pairs, or occasionally small packs of one male and multiple females. Omnivorous, but largely scavengers, they were capable hunters if they needed to be, using their endurance, high speed, and agility, to take down smaller prey, often by simply running them to exhaustion. Their three-toed feet, equipped with semi-retractable, curved claws, were formidable weapons in both offense, using a leaping, pouncing attack, and defense, by balancing back on their tails to claw or kick away an attacker.


    ¡°That white one is friendly, Harrin,¡± Yovel said. He made a chittering noise and the creature stood from where she was sitting, strutting over to the fence. ¡°Just stroke her head like this. Don¡¯t touch her face, they don¡¯t like that.¡± Yovel demonstrated, using two fingers to rub the drimling¡¯s head and then follow the sparse feathers down the back of its neck.


    Vanis watched closely and then emulated the motion, the drimling happily leaning the back of her head into the petting. Giggling, he repeated the action and Yovel stepped back to where the other two were watching. ¡°That one won¡¯t bite,¡± he said quietly.


    ¡°Are you home?¡± came a voice from inside the house. The door opened to a female white-furred Tigerkin with a very-exhausted look on her face. It was immediately obvious why she was exhausted, as she not only had a small Tigerkin cub, perhaps around two, wrapped shyly around her leg, but she was also quite pregnant. ¡°Who are these people?¡±


    ¡°Travelers passing through,¡± Yovel beamed. ¡°They stopped to chat about fishing, and I thought they might join us for dinner. The young Harrin even caught his first fish. Our only one, in fact, or the only one not-blighted.¡±


    ¡°Just one? That won¡¯t go very far, especially with guests,¡± Yovel¡¯s wife said sourly. ¡°I hadn¡¯t planned on more people.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s an imposition ¡­¡± Feldwin began to respond.


    ¡°No, no, I was already making a stew,¡± she sighed. ¡°I can add some egg and turn it into a soup. Stars I wouldn¡¯t want the three of you to have to eat at the inn. They¡¯re getting better, but those two can still barely even boil water.¡± Next, glaring at her husband for not doing it already, she stepped forward and offered her paw in introduction. ¡°Since he won¡¯t, let me introduce myself. I¡¯m Dafnese, and this is Natio.¡± She gestured down to the little Tigerkin cub.


    Feldwin took the lead, quickly introducing the three of them, forcing Vanis to step away from the drimling for a moment. ¡°You have a lovely valley and village here. It seems quite peaceful.¡±


    Dafnese nodded. ¡°It¡¯s pleasant enough. We used to live in Imor proper, but when Natio was coming, we decided we wanted to move somewhere quieter. Yovel knew a couple that came from here, back from his days with the army, and it seemed like a good fit. Just a bit dull, sometimes. No regrets, though.¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m going to clean this,¡± Yovel said, holding up the bucket with the good fish. ¡°Have the drimlings been fed?¡±


    Dafnese shook her head. ¡°Not yet. And take the cover off the collection nest, we¡¯ll need more eggs tonight if I use the ones we have.¡± Turning, she excused herself and went back inside, closing the door behind her, little Natio disappearing alongside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to her,¡± Feldwin said quietly to Ruvan as Yovel walked off. ¡°Keep an eye on Vanis?¡±


    Ruvan nodded, and followed after the Tigerkin, while Feldwin gently knocked on the door so as to not startle Dafnese, before slowly opening it. He remembered when his wife had been that pregnant, and while she might not admit to it, he knew the mother-to-be could use a hand, especially with the little one hanging on to her, too. It would also give him a chance to chat with her, to learn what could be learned.


    Yovel quickly and expertly cleaned the fish with a thin knife, removing long filets and other edible parts, but as he¡¯d suspected, needing to cut around the small, blighted area. That, along with the chopped up first fish, went into a compost pile for eventual use in the garden, while the rest of the viscera was mixed with grains for the drimlings. Ruvan chatted idly with him while he worked, talking more about the village and its history.


    The cleaned fish was delivered inside, and then Vanis was shown how to feed the creatures, which largely consisted of pouring little piles of food randomly around the pen so each drimling would get its share. ¡°That¡¯s the male, Yovel said, gesturing to a larger, black drimling that was sitting on a raised platform glaring around at the goings on. ¡°He¡¯s not very friendly, so stay clear.¡± Warily, the Tigerkin poured out an extra-large pile, jumping back when the big one made a quick hop to the ground to move for the food. ¡°He bit me once. Nasty, cranky thing. But he keeps everything out of the pen at night, so I shouldn¡¯t complain.¡±


    ¡°Are all the males ornery?¡± Ruvan asked.


    Yovel nodded. ¡°In my experience, most are, but in the wild they need to be, so they can protect the others, standing guard so the female can lay their eggs before the owners come back.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Vanis asked.


    Walking over to a raised, wooden box, Yovel took the lid off. Inside revealed what appeared to be a simple mockup of a straw nest, but with a few egg-shaped objects wrapped in cloth lying inside. ¡°In the wild, they lay eggs in the nests of other ground creatures, forcing them to hatch their young as surrogate parents. This is why they lay so many eggs. Most of the nest owners catch on to the ruse and destroy the egg before it hatches. As I said, not the brightest of creatures. Still, lay enough and a few will survive. Using this, we can make them think it¡¯s another creature''s nest. Overnight, each of the females will lay an egg, sometimes two, thinking they are being sneaky, and in the morning we¡¯ll probably have about ten or so.¡±


    ¡°Your wife said you came here from Imor, how did you learn to raise drimlings?¡± Ruvan asked.


    ¡°I knew an Elf family here in the village, I served with their son in the army, and they raise drimlings, too. They were a big help in getting us settled and welcomed when we arrived, and gave me my first few drimling chicks, too. When we need to, we¡¯ll let some of the eggs hatch to replace any we might lose or eat, otherwise, we just collect the eggs for eating.¡±


    Ruvan and Yovel continued doing a few simple, odd chores to pass the time, pulling some weeds out of the garden and then reattaching a downspout that had come dislodged from a rain barrel. Vanis eventually grew tired of petting the drimling and joined, holding pieces in place while Yovel hammered things back to working order. Eventually, the door opened, and Feldwin, now wearing an apron and with what appeared to be a splash of flour on his face, called everyone in for dinner.


    After washing their hands, the six sat down at a small table, Yovel rolling over two pieces of tree trunk kept in a corner to act as additional makeshift seating. As a basket of warm, herbed flatbread was circled around, Yovel said, ¡°I¡¯m going to have to talk to our village carpenter. We¡¯ll need a second high-chair for the babies.¡±


    ¡°Babies? Plural?¡± Ruvan asked.


    ¡°Twins,¡± Dafnese replied as she slowly and awkwardly slid into her own chair while holding her belly. ¡°At least according to the midwife. Due in about three weeks.¡±


    ¡°How marvelous!¡±


    ¡°Maybe eventually, but I¡¯ll be glad when this part is over,¡± the lady Tigerkin growled. ¡°I feel overstuffed.¡±


    ¡°Do you know the gender yet?¡±


    ¡°She said it¡¯s a boy and a girl.¡±


    ¡°A double blessing, for sure.¡±


    Dafnese smiled as she helped Natio with his bread, tearing it into smaller pieces more to his size. ¡°Unlike most beastkin, we didn¡¯t want a big family. We had decided we only wanted two, but it appears we¡¯re going to get a bonus one.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m planning to get an addition put on the house sometime after Midsummer,¡± Yovel said, passing along a pitcher of water. ¡°That will be two small bedrooms that the cubs can use.¡±


    ¡°It will be expensive,¡± Dafnese said with an absent sigh. The home itself was only a two-room affair. A large open main room, a kitchen prep area with a wood-fired stove in one corner and a fireplace in another, then a second room that likely was a bedroom for the couple. Natio was probably small enough to still sleep in the same room as his parents.


    ¡°We¡¯ll make it work. I¡¯m lining up people to help. The village carpenter has already said he¡¯ll work for a day at half pay.¡± Yovel patted his wife¡¯s hand, although the resulting glare indicated it didn¡¯t placate her much.


    ¡°That¡¯s only because he has magic to help with all his work,¡± Dafnese said, an irritated growl in her chest. ¡°And honestly, he should give us a discount, for as much as he charges for everything else.¡± She refocused away from her husband, pasted on a brighter smile and looked to Ruvan, forcing a subject change. ¡°Kellner said you spent time in Imor. Did either of you ever see the autumn Lantern Festival?¡±


    ¡°I have!¡± Ruvan replied enthusiastically. ¡°It¡¯s quite beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it! I don¡¯t miss a lot about Imor, but one thing I do miss is that there was always something wonderful happening somewhere. It can get a bit ¡­ quiet here ¡­ sometimes.¡± She reached out and took her husband¡¯s paw. ¡°But we¡¯re happy. We have no need to go back.¡± Then she added, ¡°Well, maybe to visit again someday.¡±


    Feldwin stood, moving to retrieve a pot from where it had been simmering, waving Dafnese off when she tried to stand and help. ¡°Absolutely not! Sit!¡± Bringing the pot over, he set it in the middle of the table, and then fetched a stack of mismatched bowls. ¡°This should be plenty hot.¡±


    ¡°Kellner is a Culinar,¡± Dafnese beamed at her husband, gesturing to Feldwin.


    Shaking his head, Feldwin laughed. ¡°Not a Culinar at all. I¡¯m a Wizard by class, but I have learned two rudimentary Culinar spells. One for seasoning a dish with simple flavors, and a second for heating water. Incredibly useful when you¡¯re traveling across the countryside.¡± Or for when your tea gets cold while reading in the castle library, for that matter.


    ¡°I can imagine!¡± Yovel agreed eagerly. ¡°Harrin, what class do you hope to be, when the time comes?¡±


    Vanis had his mouth stuffed with bread, and struggled to swallow it, now that he was the center of attention. For the most part, he¡¯d practiced as he¡¯d been told, listening as much as possible, being polite, and not talking a lot. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± he finally said after swallowing. ¡°My grandmother says I would make a good Bard, though. Being a Wizard, like my great-grandfather, would be fun, too.¡± He gestured to Feldwin to indicate who he meant.


    ¡°Bard? Good class to have,¡± Yovel said, winking at the boy. ¡°We sometimes have a wandering Bard or two come through, stopping at the inn to play for an evening. Always a fun event and a good excuse to leave the house and be social.¡± He held up his cup in a toast, ¡°When the day comes, young master Harrin, here¡¯s to you receiving a class that will bring you joy.¡± The others around the table echoed the toast, each holding their own cups up, while the young Vanis sat and blushed.


    Ladling into each, Feldwin handed the bowls around. The stew-turned-soup was now a simple thick broth with chunks of root vegetables. For volume and protein, drimling eggs had been scrambled and then added, along with the fish Vanis had caught, the long filets further cut into smaller pieces. With the proliferation of wild herbs in the area, the steaming soup had the most-wonderful aroma, leading to a taste that was equally good.


    As they ate, Feldwin and Ruvan took turns regaling Yovel and his family with a few tales. They were all based on real events that had occurred during their previous ¡®pilgrimages¡¯, with minor editing as needed to assure any secrets were kept. Dafnese eventually handed Natio off to Ruvan, as the little one was being fussy about eating, and the younger Regent offered to give it a try, with surprisingly good luck. The two Tigerkins eagerly peppered the elder Elves with questions about their wanderings, or about things back in Imor, even heartily recommending some great places to eat for when the trio returned to the capital.


    The meal was simple, and over before very long. Still, there were smiles all around, even a few laughs, which caused Natio¡¯s eyes to light up, too, his own giggles adding to the mix. Looking up into the faces of their hosts, Vanis actually found himself feeling a little jealous. His father, the King, hadn¡¯t been able to attend their little expedition, owing to other responsibilities. In fact, his father was often quite busy with ¡®responsibilities¡¯, so he didn¡¯t get to spend much time with him. This wasn¡¯t to say that Vanis didn¡¯t understand the reasons, he just wished that maybe Homeday still meant something when you were the king. Someday, when he was king, he was going to have to make sure the same didn¡¯t happen with his own children.


    Ruvan made a point of firmly, albeit with a little bit of mocking, insisting that Dafnese stay seated rather than help clean up. They may be guests, but it was the least they could do, especially given the condition she was in. Of course, the Tigerkin didn¡¯t necessarily like it, but she didn¡¯t object too greatly. She retired to a comfortable chair, Natio curling up next to her, and played the part of supervisor.


    There wasn¡¯t enough room for more people to help with washing of the dishes, so while Ruvan concentrated on that, Yovel gestured Feldwin to follow him, and with Vanis in tow, they went outside into the evening air.