by Pirateaba
“Regardless of what you may believe, it is not in the best interests of my Hive for me to reveal any information confirming or denying your suspicions. I bear many of you no ill will, but I do not see you as comrades either. Erin Solstice I consider my friend, but her friends are not mine. You are all dust.”
His expressionless face was turned towards the place where Revi stood. Or perhaps it was Zel he was staring at.
The [General] moved forwards slowly. The people in the center of the room backed away as he walked to face Klbkch. Zel was standing straight, and there was the same hostility in his gaze as when he’d first laid eyes on Klbkch.
“If there is a Dragon on the continent, I think we should know about it.”
“Oh? I was not aware I answered to you.”
Klbkch slowly stood up from his chair. He seemed—angry. That was what Relc noticed. It wasn’t a word he’d ever had to use to describe his friend. But he saw it in the way Klbkch stood, and the way his hands hovered close to his swords.
“Hey, Klb, buddy. Hold on, you’re talking to a real hero here. General Shivertail—excuse my friend. Klbkch, come on. I served with General Zel during the war. He’s practically a pal…”
“He is not my friend. He killed two of the beings I called friend. Two of my comrades fell at his claws, never to rise again.”
Klbkch stared at Zel. The Drake felt the electric bond of hatred surging between them. He nodded, uncurling his fists into claws at his side.
“I fought against you in the war, Klbkch the Slayer. And as far as I’m concerned, the war never ended. Not with the Antinium. Your kind don’t know peace. So if you’re plotting something with a Dragon—”
“What my kind does is our affair, Zel Shivertail. It may be there is no Dragon and that I am simply tricking you. As I recall, you fell quite easily for such tricks during the war.”
That was it. Zel felt a spark ignite something in his breast. He took a step—
And a shadow fell over him. Zel turned his head and saw Moore, head in the rafters, standing on his right. Jelaqua was on his left, and the tingling on the scales of Zel’s neck told him the [Rogue], Seborn, was right behind him.
“Hey, not that I don’t like a fight, but if there is one I’d prefer the civilians and kids to be out of the room first, okay?”
Jelaqua smiled at everyone as she put a hand on her belt. She didn’t have her two-handed flail with her, but she had a dagger at her side.
Someone else stepped between Zel and Klbkch. Halrac and Ulrien stood in front of Typhenous and Revi. The two mages looked nervous, but Revi had something in her hands and Typhenous was staring fixedly at Klbkch.
“Halrac and I fought in the Antinium wars.”
Ulrien stared placidly at Klbkch, speaking calmly, but in such a way that it was clear he was ready to do violence. His face was unreadable, but emotion flickered in his tone, out of sight. He glanced at Zel as well.
“I fought against Antinium. But I also fought against Drakes every time their armies came up through Liscor. As far as I’m concerned, you two are welcome to tear each other apart—elsewhere.”
Zel didn’t move. He knew the Gold-rank adventurers had numbers and the drop on him if he moved. But he also knew he didn’t care. And from the way Klbkch was staring at him, the Antinium didn’t care either.
The room was frozen. Selys, staring at the two, bent down to whisper to Lyonette. The girl jerked as Selys touched her and pointed.
“Go over there. If Uncle Zel gets angry, you want to be behind him as far as you can go. If he loses his temper, no one in this room will be able to stop him.”
She whispered a bit too loudly. The Gold-rank adventurers in the room shifted uncomfortably. A Drake [General], a famous one like Zel Shivertail was at least the equivalent of a Named Adventurer.
“Not true.”
It was Xrn of all people who spoke in answer to Selys. The blue Antinium stood up casually, ignoring the way people shifted their attention towards them. She stared at Zel and then at Selys.
“You may not know me, young Drake. But I am Xrn, the Small Queen. Of all those who fought in the Antinium Wars, I was the one who never fell. I am strongest in this room, and so it is I who say: enough.”
She turned to Klbkch.
“Klbkchhezeim. Klbkch the Slayer. You will honor the peace. Or I will halt you myself. As for you, Zel Shivertail…”
She turned to Zel as Klbkch abruptly sat down and folded his arms. Zel stared at Xrn with as much enmity as Klbkch, but the Antinium appeared not to feel his contained fury.
“You are quite different from what I expected. Was it luck or fate that kept us from ever meeting each other on the battlefield during two wars? In any case, I am surprised by you. There is not much of General Sserys in the way you act. He was far more cautious, for all his daring.”
Zel recoiled as if he was struck. The silent room drew in a breath as one. Looking worried, the Gold-rank adventurers stepped away from Zel. There was death in his eyes as he spoke.
“Watch your tongue. Sserys was my mentor. My friend. I haven’t forgotten that you killed him.”
“No. You would not. But did you know, Zel Shivertail? I was there when he died. I spoke to him in the minutes before his death.”
Not a word. Not a breath was drawn. Every eye was on these two. Zel stared at Xrn, and knew that if she spoke the wrong word it would be her head he held next, or his smoking body that lay on the ground. He didn’t care about the consequences. One wrong word.
And it would be war.
“What did you say to him?”
“Many things. Things that I will not utter here. But know that I did not kill him, Zel Shivertail.”
The Drake spat. Xrn shook her head.
“There are others in this room who know I am speaking the truth. I did not kill Sserys. Now. Would you like to know who did?”
Zel’s heart stopped. He stared at Xrn.
“Who?”
“It was no soldier. No common warrior of the Hives. Of course, you knew that. A single thrust to the heart.”
The Small Queen stared around the room. Her eyes returned to Zel, and her mandibles opened.
“Three Prognugators, three of the original Prognugators survived the war. You named us. Each one. Klbkch the Slayer. I, Xrn. The Small Queen. And the last…”
“Wrymvr. The Deathless.”
Xrn nodded slightly.
“Just so. Ask him what became of Sserys if you are so inclined.”
Something was burning hot in Zel’s chest. He took a step and the room tensed. But he staggered towards the door. Zel pushed it open and disappeared into the snowstorm. He didn’t feel the cold. He didn’t feel anything, but the beating of his heart. He heard the word in his mind, like a pulse thumping in his chest.
Wrymvr the Deathless.
When he was gone, Xrn turned to the speechless room. She smiled, opening her mandibles as the swirling lights in her eyes lightened and turned bright orange.
“Well, I have done one of the things I have come here to do. Klbkch, we shall speak now. Or perhaps after your presents are opened. Erin Solstice returns.”
All heads turned towards the door. After a few seconds, it was pushed open. Erin walked into the inn, no longer crying. She smiled cheerfully at everyone.
“I’m so sorry guys. I don’t know what happened. I can’t apologize enough, but—”
She paused and stared at the overturned table, at the people gathered together, the tense adventurers, and the stunned looks on most of her guests.
“Uh. What happened?”
—-
After that came presents. It seemed like almost a letdown after all that had passed, but no one had told Erin what had happened and she was determined to salvage the party.
“Here you are, Klbkch! It’s from me!”
The Antinium took the present gingerly, ignoring the stares coming his way. He unwrapped the gift and found…
“A scarf.”
&nb
sp; It was black, with splashes of red along the ends. Klbkch stared at the scarf as Erin smiled nervously.
“I had it specially knit. Jasi knows a good [Seamstress], and, well, I thought it would look good on you! I know the Antinium don’t have possessions, but I thought you could wear it now and then…”
Klbkch looked at Erin. Without a word he wound it around his neck. The scarf’s red ends dangled around his shoulders.
“I appreciate it deeply, Erin.”
“Ooh, is that for me? What did I—food!”
Relc goggled at his present. Erin laughed as he lifted out the huge jar of what were to him, strange round, golden-brown circles.
“They’re cookies! Honey cookies, extra sugary, Relc! Ever since Octavia helped me make baking powder, I’ve been dying to make some!”
“Are they—are they all…?”
“All for you! Go on! Try one!”
Relc did. He bit into the chewy, thick cookie and teared up. He hugged Erin tightly, making her yelp as he scarfed down another cookie.
“They’re so good! So good! So sweet!”
Everyone had presents, and everyone opened them, with the exception of the absent Zel and Xrn, whom Erin hadn’t included on the list. They opened presents, at first awkwardly, but soon getting over the excitement of the last few minutes for a more normal, fun experience.
“A new robe?”
Pisces stared incredulously at Ceria. He held up the pristine white robes, made of strong, soft cotton. She smiled wryly at him.
“Don’t go crying on my shoulder. Erin insisted I get something for you—hold on Ksmvr. Is this for me?”
“I have obtained the present for you, yes, Captain Springwalker.”
Ceria frowned as she opened the present.
“What is—”
She gasped and Pisces’ eyes nearly fell out his head as he stared at the lump of gold. Ceria gaped at the gold nugget and then at Ksmvr. He nodded in satisfaction.
“I was advised to get jewelry for you by Erin Solstice. Gold is a component of jewelry, hence this gift is appropriate. Do you like it?”
“Um. Yes!”
Other presents weren’t as dramatic. Lyonette was explaining to Halrac that the jar of honey and sausage was a gift from Mrsha—the Gnoll had picked out the sausage herself. Brunkr blinked down at the bottle of wine Wesle had given him and the [Actor] introduced himself awkwardly as he clutched the blanket Jasi had bought for him around his shoulders.
Relc had bought a wickedly sharp curved dagger that [Assassins] used for Klbkch. The Antinium had bought him a signed receipt from every tavern owner in the city, promising Relc ten free drinks.
“You guys are so sweet!”
Jelaqua laughed as she accepted her gifts from Seborn and Moore. Respectively they were a powdering kit to make her body look more alive, and an extra-powerful liquid soap bought from Octavia.
When Erin asked what the soap was for, Jelaqua winked at her.
“Helps with cleaning all the parts that get really messy. You know how it is.”
The girl shuddered. But then she laughed, and gave Jelaqua a hug, much to the Selphid’s delight.
It was Christmas. In time, people began looking towards their beds. The adventurers trooped upstairs, and the others bid Erin goodnight.
“They’ll all be heading out tomorrow. But if you want to talk—”
Selys gripped Erin’s hands gently with her claws. Erin didn’t quite meet her eyes as she smiled.
“I’ll be fine, Selys. I’m sorry about—well, merry Christmas.”
“Yeah. Have a good one. This was really fun, Erin.”
The others passed by Erin, nodding to her, shaking her hand, hugging her—Klbkch paused as Xrn stood by his side.
“I apologize for causing a commotion in your absence, Erin.”
“Oh? Uh, well, you’re forgiven.”
Erin blinked as he bowed his head and left. She stared as Klbkch walked out into the snow with Xrn.
The two Antinium moved in silence, and then Xrn looked at Klbkch.
“Do you understand what I did in there, Klbkch?”
“I understand, but I do not know why.”
Klbkch stared at Xrn. The Small Queen sighed.
“Had we talked, you would know. But understand this, Klbkch. I did not come here to simply evaluate your Hive’s latest works. There is more at stake here.”
Klbkch hesitated.
“Then it seems we must talk after all. I feared what you might say. Now I do not know what you have come here to tell me.”
“Well then. Let us find out.”
They walked off towards their Hive.
—-
Back at the inn, Halrac, Revi, Typhenous, and Ulrien stood together in the hallway as Erin bade the last of her guests goodnight, speaking quietly.
“We’ll leave tomorrow, then. Halrac, are you sure this is what you want to do?”
“Ask, Ulrien.”
The [Scout] stood with arms folded. He stared down towards the staircase. He could still hear Erin saying goodbye to Octavia.
“There’s something about her. Just ask your contacts and I’ll ask mine. That’s all I want.”
“Who is that girl?”
Revi stared at her teammates. No one answered. Ulrien yawned, and looked to his room.
“We may find an answer tomorrow. Until then…merry Christmas.”
“Yeah.”
“I suppose?”
“Merry Christmas to you all.”
Halrac and Revi went to their rooms. Typhenous bade them goodnight. He paused at the doorway, and turned to make sure the corridor was empty. Then he smiled and put a finger to his head. He whispered as he entered his room.
“[Message] spell to Lord Tyron Veltras. Please record the following message and deliver at once. Yes…I will pay for immediate priority delivery.”
He spoke a short message as he closed the door to his room. No one heard. Or rather, Typhenous thought that no one heard.
Pisces shook his head as he cancelled the [Invisibility] spell and walked silently down the stairs towards the basement. Mages. It was the same in Wistram—despite knowing such powerful magics, even the best mages were so careless. How hard would it have been to put up a [Muffle] spell, or a [Contained Sound] ward? He could just put his ear to the door and listen!
“What the hell were you doing up there?”
Ceria hissed at Pisces as she and the other Horns of Hammerad stood at the door to the basement. Pisces flicked his fingers and the specialized magic only she could read flickered before her eyes.
Tell you later. Much is afoot.
She stared at him, and then yanked the trapdoor open. Yvlon and Ksmvr went down below.
“Erin? We’re going to sleep. Goodnight.”
“Oh. Goodnight!”
Erin turned and smiled at the Horns of Hammerad. Ceria nodded to her, searching the Human girl’s face. But Erin seemed cheerful, if tired.
The half-Elf and Pisces went down below. Erin turned and saw Lyonette and Mrsha standing on the stairwell.
“Do you need anything else, Erin?”
“No, I think we can clean up tomorrow. You two have a good night. Merry Christmas!”
Mrsha made a small, indistinct, sleepy noise and Lyonette smiled.
“Merry Christmas, Erin.”
And then she went upstairs. Erin stood in the center of her messy room, smiling faintly. She noticed coins on the tables and frowned. Apparently, people still paid her for the party.
She went around from table to table, collecting coins. As she did, Erin mechanically piled up dishes. When she got to the overturned table, she stopped.
Slowly, Erin looked around the dark room. The only light now came from the fireplace. Erin went over to it and stared at the embers. They glowed in the darkness, but dimly. They were fading, without any fuel left to consume.
She looked around again. No one. Erin was sure everyone was asleep by now. So she sat by the fire and stared
into the remains.
“I really screwed up, didn’t I?”
Erin said it softly, not wanting to wake anyone. How could she have done that? Broken down in front of everyone? On Christmas?
Her hands trembled. Now that she was alone, really alone, Erin felt her eyes stinging again. She’d ruined Christmas. Even if people were happy now, she’d made them all sad. Because she was sad.
But she was sad! Erin stared at the blurry orange light and wiped at her eyes. Her shoulders began to shake.
Standing at the top of the stairs, Lyonette made not a noise. She stared down into the dark room, at the figure sitting by the fire. She heard the muffled sounds, almost indistinct in the quiet inn. And then Erin’s voice.
She was crying again. When no one could see. Lyonette leaned against the bannister as she heard Erin’s voice.
“I want to go home!”
Erin wept uncontrollably as she sat alone by the dying fire. Hidden in the shadows, Lyonette stared down at Erin. She reached a hand out, and then turned away.
There were tears in Lyonette’s eyes as she went into her and Mrsha’s room, closing the door softly behind her. She stared out her window up at the clear night sky. She cried too. Not for herself, but for Erin. For a girl that wanted to go home.
Her voice was a whisper. Lyonette stared up at the dark sky. There was no one to hear her, but she spoke anyway. She spoke to the world and the stars.
“I, Lyonette du Marquin, swear on my name. I swear by my blood. Someday I will…”
In her inn, Erin curled up on the floor. She kept crying, letting loose all the emotions she’d kept bottled up for so long. She lay on the ground as the day she’d called Christmas ended. The longest night began as Erin slept on the floor of her inn, eyes red, curled up by a dead fire.
The shortest day of the year began as Erin Solstice slept. Her friends stayed in the city, left her to her grief. Erin was alone.
Alone.
Interlude
The day after Christmas, Ryoka woke up in a quiet village where the houses were still partly submerged by snow. She got up and after eating a communal breakfast with the villagers, began to say her goodbyes.
