The Wandering Inn

Book 8: Chapter 49: M Revised

It is a terrible thing for a child to exceed their parents. It probably happens to most children, if only in terms of physical strength or something as vain as beautywhen the child eclipses the adult. However, sometimes it becomes even more painful than that. The child accomplishes something truly extraordinary, and then their parents reveal they are not the all-perfect, superior force, but flawed people.

Even if you love them. No, especially if you do. The worst thing is when they see it that way and treat you likesomething else.

She had known that feeling for a while. It was stronger now than ever, and not deserved.

I have not done anything amazing yet.

Which was an arrogant statement in itself, because she hoped she would. She dreamed of it, longed for the chance, and feared she had missed itfeared it would never come again. That she was famous now? It feltundeserved. Borrowed fame. Illusory.

She turned the weapon around in her paws, a killing edge on a beautiful handle. She was deathly afraid of it, but she had already cut herself once with it by accident and her flesh had not mortified; her body had not begun to rot. Perhaps, as the owner, she was immune to its effects.

Nevertheless, there it sat. A strange, eerie metal formed seamlessly into a translucent blade, so fine and deadly it could cut through every material she had tried it on. So thin, glittering like someone had stolen a shard out of midnight.

Diamond. An onyx-colored blade, but not onyx in nature. One of the worlds most valuable minerals, smelted or forged somehow into this dagger. It would be a weapon worthy of any [General]. Yet it was more than mere ornamentation.

If she put the little carved sigil to her ear, Feshi could swear she heard it whispering. She told herself it was nonsense. But the Diamond Dagger of Serept did contain

Souls. If she called for them, they would come. Great warriors, long deceased, guardians of Khelt who would protect and serve anyone who bore the blade. More than that, the edge could corrupt any wound it caused. Those struck dead by it would rot away and rise as Ghouls in service to the master. She had not known that last part until she had been told, and it made her fur crawl.

Here was a dread blade. Here was a weapon worthy of a warlord leading a legion of darkness. Yet it was hers. Hers and not hers; it would return to Khelt after she died, as she had promised. But she owned it, and it was hers because of her adventure at sea. But it wasnt hersnot really. It was Wils. She had tagged along on their grand adventure, following his map. She had won this dagger entirely by chance.

Its just more proof youre meant to be the greatest Weatherfur of our generation. So her parents had claimed. They were beyond proud of her. The [Strategist] who attended the Titans Academy on scholarship. The genius of their tribe.

Feshi Weatherfur turned the dagger over again, then put it back in the magical sheath custom-made to hold it. She rose from her tent, festooned with books, maps, gifts, possessionsa yurt just for her. An honor for someone so young.

Everything was an honor. Feshi shook her head unhappily as she emerged from her tent. She looked about and saw some of Weatherfurs guards spot her.

Feshi wasnt tall by her peoples standards. Humans remarked on it, as did Lizardfolk, who were quite short until they became a variant of Naga. Feshi had white stripes mixed with russet fur, and that normal pattern of Gnoll fur was changed again by colorful patterns of yellow, blue, and even hints of green or purple. Mostly the first two colors, patterned on her arms.

Weatherfurs Gnolls were more colorful than most youd find at the Meeting of Tribes because they had access to plentiful dyes and loved to apply them to their fur. They didnt come out with water, so Feshi only had to reapply them once a week. Plus, she wore long earrings, two links of beads dangling from her right earnone on her left. That had a meaning too, although it was only here, at the Meeting of Tribes, that she wore them.

Earrings could be torn out in battle, so she had wisely removed them in Baleros.

She missed the Titans Academy. There she was a student among peers. Here?

Honored Feshi, the Chieftain is meeting with Gaarh Marshs Chieftain and Shaman regarding what should be done about the Drakes. Do you wish to join your Aunt? We shall escort you if sothe Meeting of Tribes is hectic.

One of the [Guards] addressed her, with even a slight nod of the head. Honored Feshi. She grimaced.

I do not wish it just yet, no. Thank you.

He bowed his head to her. Feshi cast her eyes around. The Great Plains of Izril looked beautiful by dawn, as light changed the color of the grasslands. Golden dawns light dripped over the landscape, like an inkwell slowly spilling over a world of green. It was not monochrome like the steppes, but had a bounty in plants fighting with the grasses, medicinal herbs, magical seedlings, forests and lakesall interspersed across thousands upon thousands of miles.

So few cities, and only on the border of this land. It smelled like cooking, all the busy scents of a camp, hung mints and other odorizers to eliminate the bad smells from outhouses and such, but if you walked just a little ways out there, you would inhale a hundred different things, from Corusdeer herds to little rodentsthis was home and Feshi usually smiled.

But she caught the sour note in the air where people dwelt. A lingering memory of angerand anger was a smell, unpleasant, harsh. Anger andshe turned and looked around.

Has anything else interesting happened?

One of the other [Guards] snorted.

Beyond fights and arguments all night? Everyone is finding out whether they have any magic and waiting for the Chieftains to make a full decision. Tempers are tensebut I would say ask your friend Honored Yerranola. She is breaking her fast there, yes?

He gestured toward one of the mess tents and Feshi gave him a nod of thanks. She went in that direction, but it was a sign of who she was that they asked her and would have even taken her orders. Her parents? They were a [Gatherer]-[Fletcher] couple. Her parents were completely enamored with Wil, Venaz, Peki, Merrik, and Yerranola.

The two had a lot of respect in the tribe thanks to her. But it meantwell. Sometimes it felt like she was the responsible one, for all they had jobs. She could give their Chieftain advice, though at least Chieftain Torishi would take it as merely advice.

Here was a stupid fact that none of her friends had understood but that explained everything about Feshis complicated position in her tribe: the [Guards] had referred to Chieftain Torishi Weatherfur as Feshis Aunt. Which was completely true, and Feshi did use that term, and they were indeed close.

But technically, Feshi was Torishis first cousin five times removed. Not exactly close in the tribe, given that Weatherfurs Gnolls shared a common bloodline. Most Gnolls could probably boast something like that of all their Honored members. Why did it matter? It didnt unless someone said it. Then Feshi was the niece of the Chieftain, [Strategist] of the Titans Academy, as if he didnt graduate countless [Strategists]

She was obsessing, Feshi knew. It was a bad habit of hers. And of her tribe, really. She moped over to the open tent and seats where a somewhat silent, isolatedGnollwas taking her breakfast. Her arm trembled a bit as she ate some kind of toasted baguette. Her features were very pale under her fur, to the point where it was noticeable. But Feshi took that as a good sign.

Yerra, how are you feeling?

The Selphid grinned with some of her former vitality.

Better. Now that I cant hear Venaz snoring from two tents over. Although Pekis worse. You know, every Gnoll moved their tent two dozen paces away after the first night?

Feshi put on an air of mock-solemnity as she shook her head.

We want to give you space as Honored guests.

Hah! I like that. My people would probably be too polite to do anything. Nowait. Wed just turn our ears off at night.

Yerranola cackled, and Feshi was glad to see it. She gave Yerranola a quick glance, but the Selphid seemed like shed had a full meal.

Which was to say exactly half of what Feshi would eat for breakfast. But that was a bursting meal for a Selphid, whose body mass was simply lower than any other species but a Fraerling. The only times Yerranola ate large was when she wanted to taste somethingor if her body was so freshly dead she could make its digestive system work.

Busy day, eh?

Yerranola carefully poured herself a cup of something strange. It looked like off-white tea at first, but it had a dark blue glow underneath the creamy substance at the top. Her medicine.

Yes, though Im not sure what my part is in it, no.

Feshi sighed. She hadnt been there at the Meeting of Tribes when Krshia Silverfang revealed that Gnolls could use magic. Or when Ferkr broke in to prove the truth of it before the disbelieving Chieftains. She had heard, of course: every Gnoll in the Great Plains had heard, though it was only a day since.

Some were making stories of it, a grand production, and the name Krshia Silverfang was on every Gnolls lipsalong with Chieftain Akrisas and Ferkrs. They were famous.

And I met Krshia Silverfang. She seemednice.Intelligent.

How strange for Krshia to suddenly become so famous and important. But thenit had happened to Feshi after Daquin. Yerranola too. Even now, after nigh on a month of resting at the Weatherfur camp, the Selphid got looks from children and adults. The wounded [Strategist], the Selphid whod been at Daquin.

She bore it well, drinking her special medicine from Otesliaa powerful painkillerthe antidote for the poison still eating at her.

Two very important people, international celebrities, if minor, at the Meeting of Tribes. And, Feshi felt, about as useful as ticks on a Stelbores ass.

Yerranola glanced at Feshi.

Fesh, youre spiraling again, arent you?

No Im not.

Feshi jerked her paws away from her belt, where she was fiddling with the diamond dagger. Yerranola rolled her eyes.

Oh, sure. Youre not sitting in your tent, brooding over your dagger and obsessing over bringing worth to the tribe. Sure. I believe that.

Im needed here. I should obsess a bit.

Feshi turned red under her fur and crossed her arms defensively.

But Yerranola was a devious attacker, even socially. Like her strategy, she loved tricks and feints.

Absolutely. Which is why I know youll do your best work when youve spent three days straight trying to crack the Professors latest chess puzzle, or when we find you hunched in the library, red-eyed and snarling at everyone who comes close while youre reading books.

Feshi wished she could turn her ears off. She coughed, flushing under her fur.

Im just focused.

Obsessive.

That was true. Feshi had a bad habit that was really a Weatherfur trait. It was that shefocused on something. A passion, a hobby, an idea. She never let it go until she succeeded or something else wrested her attention away. It was one of the reasons why shed attracted the Titans attention; shed learned chess by playing it to the point of obsession when it came out. Similarly, she could focus on homework or a problem to the point where even Venaz thought she was too dedicated.

It was a flaw, but it had led Weatherfurs Gnolls to do great things. Garusa Weatherfur had been one of the few [Generals] ever to be employed by a Drake city, and Torishi was a [Shaman] turned [Chieftain] by dint of her amazing proficiency with weather magic.

Her friends took her out of such obsessive states when they saw her in them, but Feshi knew shed been bad of late.

I just feel like Im not adding enough. Weatherfur can boast of our trade deal with Pheislantor at least we can if Pheislant isnt eaten by Ailendamus in that blasted war.

Dont let Wil hear you say that. Hes already agonized enough. Im glad they took him to find the Professor.

I wish Id gone. Imagine if I brought him here? I should have. Why didnt I go? You should have let me talk Chieftain Torishi into it. Im just

Hey. Relax, Feshi.

Yerranola grabbed her friends shoulder. Feshi kept muttering.

Hey! Relax, Feshi.

Yerranolas second admonition was accompanied by a friendly kick to the stomach. That snapped Feshi out of it. She curled up on the ground, holding her stomach for a second.

Thank you, Yerranola.

What are friends for? Want breakfast?

No, thanks. My stomach hurts.

Gee, I wonder why?

The Selphid grinned. She was like that. Well, it was one of the reasons why they liked each other. Yerranola was friendly but could be blunt if she needed to, yet she always came from a good place. She was likable but adaptable.

Unlike Venaz. Even Kissilt was better since they could talk about Izrilbut Venaz was a pain. Yerra pointed ahead.

Lets go for a walk. You can obsess and I can stretch my body. Im feeling better.

Feshi smiled a bit. Her friend couldnt feel the agonizing pain anymore, but she still grew tired too fast. Too fast to go on an adventure with the mercenaries of the Wild Wastes tribe to find the Professor to the north. Still, Yerranola was chipper today.

What shall we do? Enjoy more Gnollish festivities? Flirt with handsome or cute Gnolls? Demonstrate how much better at chess we are?

Yerranola spread her arms wide, beaming, as the two left Weatherfurs central camp. Feshi made a face.

Im not in the mood to eat or play games. My stomach hurts.

I wonder why?

Theres more to life than games and romance. Everyone else can do it, but I need

Worth! So lets find some rather than speculate!

So they did. They made a good team that way. Yerranola directed Feshis focus, nudged it, then went ahead when Feshi found a good idea.

Lots of fallout from yesterday. I couldnt sleep, and I heard there were over a thousand fights.

Only a thousand?

Hyperbole, Feshi. Underbole, or whatever you call it.

Yerranola pointed around the communal area, showing Feshi damaged stalls, denuded of goods and treats for sale, trash on the ground, torn fabric. Feshi could smell a bit of blood, alcohol, and the remnants of adrenalinewhich was a smell, just as fear was.

Gnolls had been fighting. Of course they hadthe news that magic had been suppressed by the Drakes for countless years tended to rile people up. But they had no concrete proof. Only the giant crystal that everyone knew was probably part of Fissivals ancient teleportation network. The Drakes denied that it had any connection to the problems the Gnolls were having with magic or anything else.

Feshi, like every Gnoll at the Meeting of Tribes, wasnt in the mood to have a nice discussion about it.

It could be war, you know. Did you hear anything like that last night?

Feshi had been up late, talking with Torishi about what it all meant. Yerranola shrugged.

Hotheads howling about itId be more worried about what your Chieftain thought.

Shes not pleased.

No. I thought shed be high-fiving Drakes left and right.

Feshi snorted at Yerranolas dry look.

She doesnt want war. At least not all-out war. Weatherfur has too many ties to Drake cities. Shes all for putting it to Fissival, but if one Walled City fights

The rest gang up and kick the Selphid out of you?

Thats how it goes. There are enough tribes here to fight every Walled City, but if other Drake cities get drawn in

All-out war. Right. So what are we doing, stopping the war or getting ready?

I dont know. Im mad as aas Venaz, Yerra. But I know what the Professor would say. Bide your time, wait for vengeance if its appropriate.

Mm. So why dont you join your Chieftain and say that to everyone?

Because she can say it. She doesnt need me. Anyone who listens to Weatherfur will listen to her.

Yerranola skipped around a little Gnoll staring at a scrying orb with a group of others. They were watching as Drassi introduced two Gnolls on the orban Elirr of Liscor and a Gnoll of Pallassto discuss the magic-suppression incident. Feshi wanted to listen, but Yerra kept them moving onward. She was glad they were getting magical coverage on the television, though.

And were back to looking for worth again. All right, I see what you mean. You want to be special. Hit the Chieftains from the other side.

Theyre not my enemy.

Feshi snagged a stick of free goats meat since her stomach had stopped smarting. She gnawed on it, savoring the bite, and thanked the Gnoll minding the booth. Yerranola tapped her chin.

Hit them politically. Where do we start?

Feshi swallowed.

Well, thats easy. The most important Gnolls in the entire Meeting of Tribes would be the ones who can sway minds. And they would be

Ferkr of Pallass, Grimalkins apprentice; Krshia Silverfang, and Akrisa Silverfang. Yerranola knew the way to their tribes camp as well as Feshi.

When they got there, they found a sea of Gnolls all thinking the exact same thing as they were. The [Guards] at the Silverfangs camp were keeping a wave of them back, all of whom wanted to talk to the Gnolls in question. A Chieftain broke through the throng.

Daemonbanes tribe to see Silverfangs Chieftain and Krshia Silverfang!

The [Guards] let them through. Yerranola and Feshi watched as the Gnolls were admitted, the Chieftain and a small retinue. Yerranola shielded her eyes, smiling cheerfully.

Well, theres the Silverfang camp. Whos Daemonbane? Thats not a Gnollish tribe name.

It was awarded to them. They went to Rhir.

What, all of them?

Feshi twiddled her thumbs, trying to recall, before nodding.

Yep. Went, fought for three generations, came back. They kept the name. Theyre fairly important. Everyone wants to talk to Silverfang.

Hm. Well, unless you think we can rely on our names, how about marching up there? You go, Im Feshi from the Titans Academy! Let me in!

Some heads swung toward them even at Yerranolas proclamation. Feshi groaned.

No thanks, Yerra. Even if Krshia hears me first, were working at cross-purposes. Too many officers for a single battalion. Rememberhit them where you do the most good.

Professors words of wisdom, right. But he also says, Kick them in the face sometimes just so you have their attention.

The Professor had a lot of funny sayings. Feshi and Yerranola circled the crowd, grinning and trading a few. Yerranola eyed the circular Silverfang camp and its hide walls.

You know, if you really wanted to get in, we could cut a hole through the walls. Its just hide and wood, right?

Its probably enchanted, and its tough. Even with my dagger it would be a pain. And thats destruction of property, Yerra.

The Selphid stepped back and eyed the tops of the walls, far too high and steep to see over.

Well, what if we jumped over?

Its an eight-foot wall, Yerra. Who can jump over that?

I could. If I Rampaged, I think.

Well, I cant.

Thats what ladders are for. Im just saying, if you wanted a private word, we

The two were arguing, more for fun than anything else, as Feshi looked around for another way to meet someone important. They walked around the back of the Silverfang compound. Feshi heard some loud voices past the wall, pounding footsteps. Yerranola might not have heard, because she was inhabiting a dead Gnolls body with atrophied senses. But then Yerranola heard a shout.

Gireulashia! Dont you dare

A giant hurtled over the wall, from the inside, to land just past Yerranola and Feshi. In a single bound. Nine feet tall, her red-brown fur gleamingthe tallest Gnoll, save for one, that Feshi had ever seen. She leaped over the wall like a high jumper, arcing her body so it just cleared the top of the stakes hammered into the ground.

Feshis and Yerranolas jaws dropped open. The giant Gnoll landed as light as a cat. She spotted the two on her way down and avoided Yerranola, who jerked back.

Excuse me.

Gire muttered apologetically at the two, then sprinted. She barely stopped as she landed, but transitioned into an athletes run. She was nearly a hundred paces away before Feshi and Yerranola had even turned.

Dead gods. She just

She jumped over the wall! How did she do that? Magic? A Skill?

I thought you said you could do that!

The Selphid grabbed at her ears.

Yeah, but Im a Selphid! Look at that body!

Feshi saw the distant Gire racing across the Great Plains and knew which tribe she was from. Even if she hadnt known Gireulashiaand she was hard to forgetshed know an Ekhtouch anywhere.

Sure enough, her pursuers looked much like Gire herself. One was only seven and a half feet tall, and he clearly had to use a jumping Skill to clear the wall. The rest had to climb over; one was boosted up, and the others, no less than six of them, swarmed over it.

There she is! Gire, come back! This is the Chieftains order! Come

They raced after her. The last ones over the wall completely ignored Feshi and Yerranola. They cursed as they pointed at Gire.

Shes running! Well never catch her without Skills. Stubborn[Marathon Run]! The rest of you, get some horses!

One of the Gnolls accelerated but barely seemed to break even with Gires pace. The two [Strategists] watched as the others sprinted with commendable form, off to get horses. Yerra turned to Feshi.

Whats that about?

The Gnoll hesitated, but before she could answer, she heard a voice.

What are they doing to her, Tkrn?

I dont know. Here. Let me just get ovlet meuh

Someone smacked into the hide wall, scrabbled at it, and then jumped a few times. Yerranola and Feshi heard a grunt.

Maybe you can get up there. Here, Ill boost you, Inkar.

Okayargh! Dont drop me!

Well, its hard! Do you have a handhold?

Yes

Someone pulled themselves up, red-faced. Feshi saw a Human face turn, nearly fall over the wall, and then try to haul someone else up.

Youre too heavy! Let go, let go! Youll pull me

Inkar disappeared back into the compound with a scream, and Feshi and Yerranola heard a crash as she fell on top of whoever was on the other side. Yerranola looked at Feshi.

Hey! Anyone need a hand over there?

Yes, please!

That was the female Human. Yerranola did a little hop, then a big jump, and nimbly hoisted herself up onto the wall. Feshi knew her friend had Rampagedexceeded her bodys natural limits, tearing muscle, but giving herself amazing strength. There was a voice, male and mystified.

Whos that? Thats not one of the Ekhtouch

From her position on top of the wall, Yerra reached down, hauled up the two figures with ease, and Feshi was once again reacquainted with Inkar and Tkrn.

Dont I know you? From the brawl

Thats right! Inkar, and this is Tkrn.

Hi.

The Gnoll was a bit breathless from getting over the wall. He looked shamefaced as Yerranola helped Inkar down to the ground. He tried to jump down, but Feshi opened her mouth.

I wouldnt

She heard the click and saw his face as the Gnoll [Guardsman] landed from a nine-foot drop onto his haunches. But the force of the landing had turned his squat into more of a rapid sit-down, so fast that he kneed himself in the chin. And all the weight and force of his hitting the ground went right into

Tkrn rolled over.

Healing potion! Healing potion! I just broke my legs!

Inkar landed with Yerras help and fished out a potion. Tkrn sat up after she helped him fix the torn muscle in his legs, not actual bone. Tkrn sat up, panting.

Okayhow does Gire do that? Where did she go?

The two were clearly after the same Gnoll. Feshi and Yerra pointed, but the other Gnolls were almost out of sight, mere dots on the horizon. Feshi shaded her eyes, frowning.

Whats happening? Thats Honored Gireulashia, isnt it?

Its Gire. But I dont know whats happening. She was just playing withand then the Ekhtouch Gnolls came and said she had to pass a Trial and she ran for it.

Yerranolas eyes lit up, as they did whenever she found something interesting.

Ooh. Feshi, whats a Trial?

She turned to her friend. The Weatherfur Gnoll scratched at her head.

I have no idea. It must be an Ekhtouch thing. I cant imagine that its pleasant if she ran away. What was she doing in the Silverfang camp?

She thought Gire might have been there on Ekhtouch business, but Inkar and this Tkrn had made it sound different. Indeed, Inkar was worried.

We have to find her! She sounded terrified! Shes only fifteen!

What?

Yerranola and Feshi started. But hadnt Venaz said? Feshi saw Tkrn look around.

Lets get some horses. Thanks for your help, um

Yerranola. And this is Honored Feshi, of the Games of Daquin. Greatest Gnoll [Strategist] to ever

Feshi stomped on Yerranolas foot. Since she knew the Selphid had no pain receptors, she also had to cover Yerranolas mouth. Inkar and Tkrn recalled who their acquaintances were and did that staring thing, but only for a second.

Yerranola was beside herself.

Can we come and see whats happening? This sounds amazing.

Inkar glanced about the area.

Only if you can find horses.

I can do that!

The Selphid dashed off with Tkrn. Which left Feshi and Inkar standing together. The Gnoll glanced at the Silverfang camp, then at Inkar.

Now, here was another interesting coincidence, like meeting that Lyonette at Oteslia. A Human who just happened to be a rather important guest of Longstalkers Fang, in the Silverfang camp, and friendsor at least concernedwith Honored Gireulashia of Ekhtouch? There was an explanation for it, obviously, but the why of it made Feshis fur tingle.

Im Feshi of Weatherfur. Pleased to see you again, Inkar.

She held out her paw, and Inkar took it.

Thank you for your help again, Miss Feshi. We meet when people are fighting each other or running around, yes?

There was a twinkle in her eye as she used the Gnollish inflections, and Feshi grinned despite herself.

Hrr, yes. Lets find Gire. It shouldnt be too badand then maybe we can talk? Im interested in Silverfang, as everyone is.

Perhaps this was her moment?

Tkrn and Yerra came back with four horses, including Inkars own horse, and Feshi and Inkar mounted up. They sped off to find Gire and discover what was so bad about the Trials.

But Feshi was more concerned with what theyd do after that. She completely failed to understand what Ekhtouch Trials meant.

During the Meeting of Tribes, even though the participants were angry, wrathful, talking, and full of unrest after yesterdays drama, there was always fascination. Always delight and chaos.

In fact, perhaps more now than ever. Because all the Gnolls were so upset, the tribes had pushed together some festivities planned for later that week. So here came a raritya Gnoll [Performer], no less than one of Weatherfurs own. She did a flip into the air and threw three daggers.

They hit three targets tossed up by helpers. She landed, laughing, and in swept a Gnoll band playing merry music on flutes and drums.

Lets have some cheer! Who wants to learn how to throw knives? How to balance on the very tip of a pole, like so? Well, if you can hold your balance for ten seconds, Ill give you a prize!

The [Performer] shouted down at the adults and children. She stood on a narrow wooden pole with one foot, the other raised behind her, arms outstretched, grinning with the light of a challenge in her eyes. Then she winked.

If you can do this, Ill give you my class!

And with a laugh, she did a front flip from her standing position and landed again, in the same pose.

Children pointed and oohed and gathered around, because there were also traditional Gnollish sweets being passed out in huge baskets, along with more food and nonalcoholic drinks. The sights and sounds were all a welcome distraction.

Some Gnolls didnt even have to try to be exciting. Garsine Wallbreaker just walked past the others, but the eleven-foot-tall Gnoll was enough to dumbfound a little Gnoll cub clinging to an adult Gnolls paw.

Some people hurried to eat or let the children play; many only drifted about, still furious, still talking. The air was tense, and as a result, more than one child and adult pitched a fit.

One big child in particular threw up her hands, lay down on the ground, and wailed.

I dont want to! I dont want to!

It wassomething. Feshi felt embarrassed, astonished, awed, at the sight of a nine-foot-tall Gnoll, whom she had taken to be fully grown, throwing a tantrum, pounding her paws and feet on the ground, wailing, her nose running as the Ekhtouch adults tried to get her to be quiet and others watched.

She was a girl, and the tantrum drew no less than Firrelle, Chieftain of the Ekhtouch, to her side.

Gireulashia! Calm yourself!

I dont want to do a Trial! I wont! You cant make me!

Gire had been hauled back by the time Inkar and the others caught up with her. Hauled back in a net, wailing. What was this Trial? Well, the other Ekhtouch Gnolls of their small tribe were already setting it up.

Firelle was furious.

Gire, this is meant to be an exhibition. You are embarrassing all of Ekhtouch!

To which Gire just sniveled.

I dont care! You do it! You cant! Its scary and I dont want to!

The Chieftain looked exasperated. Then a Gnoll couple came over. Wella couple of Gnolls, as in two. They were not a married pair.

Gireulashia, you are more than capable. Do not embarrass Ekhtouch. You must succeedonly then can you level. You know this.

Yes, do it for our tribe. Do it for us, Honored Daughter.

A tall male and female Gnoll smiled down at Gire. She sat up, sullenly, and Feshi realizedthey were her parents. But what an odd relationship. They coaxed Gire until she stopped crying, but not once did they give her true orders, only cajoled and pleaded. Even Feshi found itdisconcerting. Inkar pointed at the two.

Those are her parents?

Tkrn was watching, just as bemused. Gire bowed her head as the Ekhtouch tribe finished moving other Gnolls back, creating a kind of enclosure with what looked like a magical powder. One of them placed an odd-looking marker in the centerFeshi narrowed her eyes.

Yerra, you see that? It looks familiar.

Gire looked up when she saw the strange long strip of paper delicately laid out on the ground. She stood in one movement and ignored her parents. She looked around.

Dont I get anything?

One object.

Then I want a spear!

An Ekhtouch warrior instantly went to arm her, but Firrelle didnt offer Gire her own spear or any of the fine enchanted spears her warriors carried. Rather, someone hurried off and came back with the most plain iron-tipped spear that Feshi had ever seen. It wasnt a training weaponexactlybut that was all it was good for, in her eyes.

Yerranola was focused on the item Feshi had spotted. She frowned.

Yeah. Ive seen it before. What is that? I cant remember where

Feshi had the exact same impression. Her eyes widened, and she clapped her paws together.

Oh! I know! Venaz has some!

The Selphid gave Feshi a look of comprehension and snapped her fingers.

Yes! Its one of those weird summoning things! He said they were from Drath, remember? The same things he used at thegamesof

Her voice trailed off. She and Feshi both slowly rotated and saw one of the Ekhtouch Gnolls make a gesture and speak.

Ramish! Arise!

The talisman glowed, and the magical paper unraveled. Something rose, glittering, taking shape as spectral energy moved to create a replica of the real thing. No less deadly, but made of magic. Conjured to create

A Manticore.

Feshi leaped backward, the Diamond Dagger out of its sheath before she processed anything. Gnolls fled backward, shouting in alarm as the massive Manticorewith the face of a lion, a tail like a stinger, and wings like an eagleroared into the enclosure. It was far, far larger than any normal lion. Gireulashia made a whimpering sound.

The Manticore, even without the stinger, had a mane slightly taller than she was, and it outweighed her. It paced left and right, snarling.

What the

Tkrn had his sword drawn but was trying to shield Inkar. However, she, Feshi, and Yerranola were all looking at the Ekhtouch warrior who had summoned the beast. The Gnoll was looking at Firrelle, and the monster didnt attack.

The Chieftain called out, frowning, at the lone Gnoll with an iron spear facing down what Feshi knew was considered a Gold-rank monster. As inno Silver-rank adventurer was ever expected to be able to handle one alone. A Silver-rank team could, but Manticore packs required Gold-rank teams, multiple teams, to quell. Firrelle surely knew this, but she only shouted to Gireulashia.

Five minutes, Gire! Three blows!

I dont want to!

The [Paragon] howled. But Firrelle ignored her and lifted a paw.

Now.

Attack!

The Manticore sprang forward at the Gnoll warriors command. It bit and struck with paw and stinger, all at once.

Feshi cried out. That was as vicious as the real monster! She had assumednaivelythat it would at least hold back or be a lesser copy. But it struck like a serpent, nearly as fast.

Gireulashia was too agile for it to tag her. She swung left, and her spear stabbed the Manticore along the shoulder, aiming for the place where the muscles were grouped. She swiped the spear left and backed up, circling. She was still sniffing, but she kept her eyes on the Manticore. And that stinger

This was an Ekhtouch Trial, Feshi realized. She was not the only Gnoll to stride toward Firrelle, who was watching Gire do battlestriking from range, dodging back as the stinger shot forward again and againwith every sign of approval and calm scrutiny of Gires performance.

A panting Chieftain, Eska of Longstalkers Fang, was the first Gnoll to appear, racing up with her bodyguards. She pointed at the contained battle within the circle the Ekhtouch had set up.

Chieftain Firrelle! What is this madness?

A demonstration, Chieftain Eska. I told you we would keep training Gire and other warriors. They will go through the same, but she must be first, even if she throws tantrums.

Firrelle replied calmly, nodding to acknowledge the other Chieftain. Eska looked appalled.

Tantrums? Shes fighting a Manticore with an iron spear!

Yes. In the next Trial, she must climb a mountain in a day. Or, if we have time, swim up a river. If we find monsters of the correct type, perhaps she will battle them. Without weapons. She is doing too well, battling too easily.

She turned to one of the Ekhtouch Gnolls analyzing Gires performance.

You see, Gorekh? She does not try in sparring.

I see.

Feshi glanced back and saw one of Ekhtouchs veteran [Warriors] watching, arms folded. Gire had somehow kept out of range of the Manticore, baited two charges, and stabbed it repeatedly in the same place. The magical summoned monster was now limping on its right foreleg, and Gireulashia was keeping out of range, circling and striking.

ThisI would not ask the greatest warriors of Longstalkers Fang to do this! And Gireulashia is a child, no?

Firrelle looked overly patient as she replied, still in that maddeningly calm tone of voice.

She is. But she is also a [Paragon], and her Trials must exceed any other. How else would she level?

Eska stared at her, then at Gire.

You put her in this kind of danger?

There is no leveling without some danger. Rest assuredwe would step in if she looked truly in danger of losing life or limb, but there must be challenge. Please, Chieftain Eska. I understand that our ways seem difficult to you. But the greatest of Longstalkers Fangs warriorsskilled as they areare not Honored Gireulashia.

Now, there was a statement to take Feshis breath clean away. The worst part was that Firrelle didnt even seem to think shed given Eska an insult. Eska just stood there until her ears flattened. Then she moved toward Inkar. The young woman was watching with horror, looking for a way to stop the Trial, but Gire was winning. Even soFeshi glanced at Gires parents, who were watching with eager approval. The [Strategist] noted Firrelles calm judgment and murmuring with her people about how to make the Trial more challenging.

And she had thought her tribe had terrible expectations of her. Feshi gripped the dagger at her belt.

So this was the Meeting of Tribes? She looked around at the Gnolls watching this exhibition of talent, arguing over the revelation from the Chieftains gatheringand watching the scrying orb, where Drassi was covering the news.

The news about them. In this great gathering, which came only every twenty years, somehow the news was all about themand not about them. It was about Ailendamus, the [Knight] charging Ailendamus armies, and the Drake conspiracybut not about here. As if the Gnolls, even at their peak, were a sideshow to the real events taking place.

That should not be. Feshi had to bring great worth and deed to Weatherfur. It occurred to her, in that moment, that it should also be Weatherfur, Krshia Silverfang, and even poor Gire whose names were called across the world. This was no less fascinating, for ill or good, than anything she saw on the scrying orb.

So why wasnt it there?

While Gires Trial was going on, elsewhere in the Meeting of Tribes, Chieftain Mrell had an answer for Feshis question, though he didnt know shed asked it. They had simply come to the same conclusion.

We are an insular people, Chieftain Iraz. We do not look like it, because we travel widely. But I tell youGnolls, in their way, are even more resistant to change and sharing than Drakes are.

Not a popular opinion, Chieftain Mrell. Especially given how sharing space has worked out for our people.

Mrell had to own that was true. He sat in his small Chieftains tent. Small compared to some of the tents of the grand tribes. But it was his, and he was a new Chieftain. Not as famous for war as Woven Bladegrass, but the fact that his tribe was consorting with famous tribes showed everyone how far theyd come.

He was Chieftain of Demas Metal. The tribe that had risen by sheer dint of the new metal they had created. Mrell was young, in his late twenties. Yet he was Chieftain, having created this tribe by himself. For one reason alone. Because it would change this world.

Because it was the only thing he had left that mattered.

Demas Metal. It lay before them, a deeply blue alloy that had the magical luster that regular metals, even gold, lacked. Like Mithril, Adamantiumwhen processed and smeltedand other fantastical metals, it had a power to it.

But such metals were few and far between. Demas Metal? Iraz had the blade that Mrell had presented him with. He flicked it up and caught it, the light glinting off his own steel-gray fur.

Mrell admired Iraz. Here was a Chieftain that Mrell wanted to be like. Iraz too had created the Steelfur tribe by dint of his Skill, which gave them all fur like steel. In fact, Mrell felt a commonality, and Iraz clearly seemed to think there was some value in speaking with the new Chieftain, hence their breaking bread togetherand dipping it in silkapthis early morning.

I will admit, Chieftain Mrell, there is some weight to your words. But I assume you have a point?

They were debating, as Gnolls did, although in private, without an audience. Mrell inclined his head eagerly.

I would not say something so provocative without proof. And my proof is this: Demas Metal. It was not a creation I could have come up with alone. I did not, in fact; though the final creation I claim as a stroke of inspiration. But I learned my craft from another species.

Really.

Iraz set the blade down. He admired the strange alloy.

It is not purple, like Orichalcum. But it has the same qualities. Cloud blue to dark violet, depending on the weather. Hard. Strongbut that tells you nothing. Even steel can be sharp as can be with a great [Blacksmith] behind it. This, though?

Iraz made a slashing motion, very quick.

Mrell was glad he didnt jump. He stared at the fine line that followed the tip of the blade, then vanished a heartbeat later.

Is it a magical effect?

Just the metal, Chieftain Iraz. If you strike a shield or piece of armor made of the stuff, it leaves the sameafterimage. It doesnt harm, but Demas Metal has many qualities. It is superior to steel, heavier than Mithril, but just as strong. And as you know, it has another grand secret besides being beautiful when swung.

Iraz grinned his warriors grin, and his eyes lit up. He put aside the blade and refilled his small bowl. They were eating from Mrells prepared snacks, and the Chieftain of the Steelfur Tribe did not eat silkap on bread or crackersnot when Mrell had treats out. Everything from pickled herring, cheeses, and even odd treats like roasted plums to fill voids in the conversation.

Yet it seemed Iraz had a fondness for Chandrarian dates; he had already eaten sixteen of the sweet fruits. Unlike regular dates, these were not a brown or purple, but remained yellow and even red or blue, despite being wizened. They also had a mix of drinks; in this case, Amentus wine, sweet and only a bit heady this early.

Yes. I found out when testing it. I could have remained ignorant.

Mrell smiled too, deeply pleased.

I knew youd discover it. And how else to show what a gift it could be in the hands of enough warriors?

Chieftain Iraz agreed slowly, taking Mrell and his tent in. The younger Chieftain had a tent decorated with his research notes. Books, of all things; guides to blacksmithing; even what was akin to an [Alchemist]s workbench devoted to metallurgy.

It is not complete, though. You said there were improvements to be made.

Mrell spread his paws helplessly.

Steel has many alloys, many forms, Chieftain Iraz, and we have made and used it for countless ages. I cannot claim this is the perfect Demas Metal. But it is my alloy, and if it existed in times past? Well, the one who beheld it and helped me complete it told me that othersonly the true ancients of our worldmight know how to make it to perfection. That I discovered the makinghe told me I would usher in a new era on the strength of it alone. And he was a Dwarf.

Iraz was leaning forwards, hooked on the story, and caught himself, sitting back. He slowly lifted the sword he had been given and pondered it. Then, carefully, slowly, he took out a simple water flask and dribbled water onto the blade. Mrell watched, knowing what would happen.

Rather than simply dribble down the blade and onto his floorcarpeted with beautiful depictions of Gnolls in battle, tapestries of triumph and tradition, a careful nod to this Meeting of Tribes, which hed paid for just this effectthe water pooled along the blade. Coating it. It formed a second edge, as fine as a razor. Iraz moved the blade, and the water rippled but did not fly away.

It would if he swung it hard enough, though.

Fire does the same. Does lightning?

I havent dared hold it up in the middle of a storm, but a little shock spellyes. Though it lasts for seconds at most.

Incredible. You saida Dwarf helped you make it?

Mrell sighed.

Yes. This is a great secret, Iraz. But I tell you this because I hope you will buy many blades from me, and our tribes might work together. After all, Demas Metal can be made far more plentifully than Orichalcum, which we put into it, but it will not ever replace steel. Perhaps, thoughsteelcloth and Demas Metal together?

The Steelfur traded their fur, which could be laboriously processed into metallic cloth, to other places. Iraz nodded.

It is rare that we offer trade concessions to any tribe but the large ones, like Plains Eye. But you have my full attention. So you met a Dwarf? When?

Mrell exhaled. He chose his words carefully, telling only what needed to be told, though his face grew somber.

On my journeys. I left my tribe, you see. I became a wandering Gnoll. Not Plains. Or City. It was not pleasant, alwaysI shall spare you the details. But the crux of the story is only this: I met a Dwarf on my travels. I never expected to meet him, for we both were seeking Orichalcumthe very vein my tribe uses for Demas Metal. Well, I say we, but he had found it. He lived alone, in a cave, in misery, a master beyond compare.

Iraz murmured, placing his paws under his chin.

I have heard of such reclusive masters. Although they are the stuff of legend.

Mrell lifted a paw.

This Dwarf was not there out of some great training journey or because the isolation suited him, Chieftain Iraz. He was in exile. Anddying. I forged under him for three years, until he passed, and that was when I made my discovery. He did not give it to me, you see. He told me I had surpassed every expectation in discovering the alloy. Shortly thereafter, he passed.

A strange story. What was he doing there?

Mrell stared back, leaning to look upwards at a memory.

He never said. Only that he had betrayed the heart of the craft he and I both pursued. I named the metal after him. Demas. Demastel was the only name he ever gave me, you see. Without his guidance, I would have never had the skill to create this.

Honorable of you. So your tribe will work the vein, make more Demas Metaland make it better still. What do you intend?

Mrell lifted the blade Iraz offered him and smiled.

Simply to redefine the world, Chieftain Iraz. I do not know if Gnolls will take my metal and create great tribes or armies. I am a [Smith]. I do not know if this heralds some great new erabut I do know this. Demas Metal will sweep this world. In ten years, it will be sought after by every Gold-rank adventurer. We have the means to make more. We have the resources. Unlike Mithril, Adamantium, and Orichalcumof which there is enough only to arm a small group, or one personDemas Metal will arm armies. And I will sell it only to the tribes, or let them sell it to others. But I do ask a fair price.

Iraz was agreeing as he listened to Mrell.

That is fair, Chieftain Mrell. And Steelfur will be honored to support and bid on your items.

Indeed, this was what many Chieftains said, although Iraz was refreshingly direct. Mrell smiled and offered Iraz more food, but the Chieftain had already eaten his fill. Iraz took some to be polite, and Mrell saw him eying the blade. Everyone, from Greenpaw and Orelign to Steelfur, wanted Demas Metal. Ifand only ifit could do everything Mrell said it could.

There had to be a catch. A plentiful metal exceeding steel? It had to have some weakness or flaw. Thats what they thought in private, where they tested Mrells gifts. But here was his dirty, dark secret:

There wasnt one. Not one flaw that he could find. It didnt dissolve if you sneezed on it right. It didnt have a crippling weakness. Krshia Silverfang had upset the Meeting of Tribes with her announcement, and rightly so; Mrell himself was shaken by the news. But the announcement of his metal would be just as grand. Demas Metal was simply a revolution.

The two Chieftains toasted the success of Demas Metal. Then Iraz asked a pointed question.

If I were to ask fortwenty blades, each custom-made for my best warriors, could you produce them?

I have the ingots here, Chieftain Iraz. I can have my best [Smiths] work on them, and I would personally forge your blade myself. They cannot stand up to the greatest artifactsso I can offer you nothing worthy of a Chieftains blade. But perhaps armor?

You could wear Demas Metal without it affecting other magical gear, which was a huge plus, and he was talking Iraz into commissioning some chainmail. Which was damned annoying to make, but if Chieftain Iraz wore it and when people saw how it worked in battle

The two Gnolls were about to seal the deal with a shake of the paws when Mrell sniffed something. He closed his eyes as an acrid odor assailed him.

Dead gods, not now.

Iraz sat up, smelling the exact same thing and hearing what Mrell did. A faintpattering sound.

What is that? Some smith or?

No, it was not that, and he realized what it was just as any Gnoll would. Both stood up, and Mrell strode out of his tent.

He didnt post guards around his tent because his tribe was too small to need them, especially during the Meeting of Tribes. But it occurred to him he needed them now, not because of the threat of assassination, but to deter

A pair of Gnolls stood to the side of the tent. Both female, and both with markings on their fur from a tribe neither Iraz nor Mrell belonged to. One Gnoll had just adjusted her loincloth.

She was currently peeing on the side of Mrells tent. She and her companion froze when they saw the two staring Chieftains. They hadnt expected Iraz.

Uh-oh. Thats the Chieftain of thePrha, run!

The other Gnoll yelped, redid her loincloth, whirled around, and took off. Chieftain Iraz stared at the stain on the side of Mrells tent. The Chieftain of the Demas Metal tribe had his face in his paws.

Why are two Gnolls from the Sofang tribe peeing on your tent? Iraz asked. He recognized the markings of a distant coastal tribe. Mrell didnt have the heart to answer.

Hey! You two!

One of the camp [Guards] finally noticed the two intruders and chased after them. The two Gnolls, one of whom was exactly Mrells age, shook her fist back at Mrell.

Take that, you worthless furball!

She fled with her companion. Iraz peered at Mrell, trying to hide his amusement.

I take it you two know each other?

She was my partner. We had a falling-out. Illmake a formal complaint to Sofang.

I shall as well. Disgracing a Chieftains tent

Its complicated, Chieftain Iraz. She has a right to beupset. Perhaps shell stop.

Hugely embarrassed, Mrell led Iraz to the blacksmiths tents, where they could finish their talks. Yes, that was from his past. He cursed running into Prha here. He wanted to just move on. But here they were.

Mrell turned his mind back to Demas Metal. That was all he could focus on. His great gift to Gnolls and the world.

It was all he had left. If he could go back in time, he would have saved what mattered. But he couldnt.

Feshi was beginning to happen upon an idea, but it wasnt concrete. She passed by some of the [Merchants] trying to buy and sell goods. Especially some of that Demas Metal, although most pieces werent sold as such; they were gifts.

But it could damn well change the world.

It was how two tribes saw value. Demas Metal put its faith in a change in the market, metallurgy; a new metal. Ekhtouch? They believed in one over all.

Gireulashia, a [Paragon] of her kind, had bested a Manticore in under five minutes, and with less than three blows taken, just as her Chieftain demanded. What could she have done if she had been equipped with Demas Metal?

Despite both amazing achievements, Feshi noticed something. There were no scrying orbs here. Rather, they were all showing images of other places. Wistram News Network had broadcast a few views of the Meeting of Tribes once and left it at that.

And that was because Gnolls and Wistram had been feuding, and Gnolls were insular, and so on and so forth. Yes, yes.

It did not mean that there were no non-Gnolls here. Look at Yerranola. Look at the truly intelligent [Merchants], [Traders], and emissaries who came here. Justno movers and shakers.

Im sorry, none of it is for sale. Chieftain Mrell of our tribe sells itbut no pieces for non-Gnolls.

Oh, come on, now. Im a reputable [Arms Dealer] across Izril and Baleros! This is your chance for your tribe to break into a huge market!

An upset [Merchant] was trying to badger a Gnoll [Smith] into selling some hed been letting passersby try out on practice dummies, but the Gnoll didnt move. Feshi sighed. Apart from Demas Metals politics, she was bothered by how the [Merchant] was speaking to the [Smith].

This is me, doing you a favor. No wonder the Gnoll wasnt receptive.

I tell you what. [Name Your Price]. Just do it. Name your

The [Merchant] resorted to another bad but understandable idea. Which was using a Skill. The Gnoll [Smith] stiffened, and his mouth opened as he held out the shortsword he had been holding back. Which meant hed have to sell it if the [Merchant] met his price, probably at a high markup.

But it was a bad idea because every other Demas Metal Gnoll and others whod heard the Skill being used were looking around very unhappily. Feshi wondered if shed watch the [Merchant] and his nervous bodyguards being dumped out of the Meeting of Tribes in a wheelbarrow.

However, the [Merchant Armsdealer] was saved from being beaten senselessby someone giving him a knee to the stomach. Feshi winced in sympathy. There seemed to be a lot of that going around.

[Belay That], Merchant Equed. You know better than to force a sale. Especially when every Gnoll in the Great Plains will beat your caravan senseless and take the blades back. Youre tactless. Please excuse him.

The [Merchant] doubled over as someone pushed him over, cancelling his Skill. Gratified, the Gnoll [Smith] bowed to the woman.

Thank you. Im afraid the Demas Metal isnt for sale. Not to

Non-Gnolls. Which I quite understand! Might I try holding the blade, though? I havent had a chance.

Of course.

Merchant Equed was pulled back by his bodyguard as he spluttered in outrage, but Feshi saw someone pick up the blade and thenFeshi turnedexecute a marvelous cross-cut technique. Even the [Smith] was impressed, having seen a number of [Warriors] with varying levels of expertise try the blade.

You have a fair hand with it, Miss Human.

A woman with colorful hair tossed it back and laughed.

Thank you! Its a bit heavier than I thought, but it feels wonderfully balanced. Can I try that trick with the oil?

Of course. Hey, bring the pot over!

The strange female [Merchant] dipped the blade in the pot and admired the odd oil-coating on the Demas Metal blade.

I know people who would buy this just for that effect. You could sell little toys to children! I want some.

The Gnoll opened his mouth, but she raised a hand.

Yes, I know. No non-Gnolls. Wellwould your Chieftain consider selling to a Gnoll? Another [Merchant]?

The [Smith] raised his brows.

I dont see why not. He has many meetings at this time, but surely so.

Would he entertain an offer for a thousand pieces? Because I will back that price. And thats just my order. Hey, Qwery! Look at what I found! And I just got here!

Ysara Byres raised her voice and raised the blade overhead. And in answer

Feshi glanced over and went momentarily blind as the most glittery Gnoll in the world whirled and dazzled everyone in a display of light off her golden fur.

The Golden Gnoll of Izril herself descended into the Meeting of Tribes like a lightshownot a performance, but her caravan had come in and was in the middle of unloading. She strode over, ignoring the looks from other Gnolls.

Ysara, whats that?

Demas Metal, Qwera. Apparently sold only to Gnolls. But I want some. I think its a marvelous metal. Ill have to put it through its paces, but I have a good feeling about it.

If you have a good feeling, Ill buy it. And sell it to you at, oh, a 5% markup. How could you get a better deal? You cant.

What if I threaten to kill you?

Ysara held the blade out across Qweras throat, a bit teasingly. The Golden Gnoll gave her a grin that showed every tooth.

Then you can get 3% off the regular sale. This Demas Chieftain can sell to me, and Ill sell to you. You can take your half to Chandrar and stay out of my business.

Ysara narrowed her eyes.

I hate you. Well, lets find this Chieftain. Just as soon as I do a few more tests with this. Does it work on anything other than oil?

The Golden Gnoll turned back to the [Smith], but she kept her attention on something out of the corner of her eye. Qwera saw that, at last, the little Gnoll cub whod been staring at the giant Garsine Wallbreaker passing by finally broke out of her stupor.

She yanked urgently at the paw of the adult she was holding hands with. He groaned, massaging his back.

What now? Over there? FineTesy, you hold her hand. My everything hurts.

Hmm? What was that, Vetn?

Nearby, Tesy, a Drake with brass scales, stopped doing a quick sketch with charcoal and a bit of parchment. He held out the rather fine image to a Gnoll, grinning and posing in place.

Three coppers. Here you go. Thank you.

The Drake stood up as Vetn hobbled over to Qwera, clutching at his back, then his legs. He was obviously in a considerable amount of muscular pain, despite having taken one healing potion already.

I want another potion, Qwera.

The Golden Gnoll had lost her patience.

Well, go get one.

Vetn whined.

I want you to pay for it.

Hmno. I already paid you. Its one potion. Dont be stingyuse one of yours.

My own money?

Qwera raised the Paw of Slapping-idiots-on-the-head, and Vetn hobbled away quickly.

Then the little Gnoll cub, her fur a plain, ordinary brown, just as it had been on the day she was born, spotted the Demas Metal blade. She raced over to Ysara and began jumping up and down.

Give me! Give me! I want to hold it!

Her meaning couldnt have been more plain if she were shouting. The [Smith] chuckled as Ysara held the blade high overhead.

Oh, no. Im not going to have someone sever a hand on my watch. Qwera

Thats it! Move back, you. Vetn, I said dont let go of her paw. One of you holds it at all timesyou or Tesyor I make both of you do all the unloading for my caravans.

Tesy hurriedly grabbed the little Gnoll girls paw.

The cub looked reproachfully up at Ysara but remained oddly silent. Then she lowered one paw to her side, pressed something hidden on her belt, opened her mouth, and spoke.

I want that. Please?

What a completely ordinary thing for a Gnoll to say. Ysara instantly refused.

No, Mri. You cannot.

Pretty please?

Absolutely not. Vetn, would you mind giving me some room?

Pretty please?

The [Smith] was too busy admiring Ysaras excellent bladeswomanship to notice it, but something was off about the second time the girl said that. The little Gnoll girl said itexactly the same way. Intonation, pitch, and volume.

Qwera noticed. She let Vetn drag the girl back, then bent down and grabbed an ear.

Dont be silly, Mri. And dont think about touching one of those blades! Im not explaining to your mother why youre missing a digit.

She added that for the benefit of the listeners, then went back to haranguing the workers who were unloading her caravans.

The little Gnoll girl with brown fur, a curious pattern on her arms and chest, and two gold-painted ears pouted. She was clearly in the company of the Golden Gnoll herself.

She took her paw away from the tiny activation runes shed been given. No one would really think twice about the gaudy gemstone set into a fancy necklace hanging from her neck. It was still a risk to use, but if people didnt look too closely, they wouldnt notice that the voice of the girl hadnt come from her mouth but from a little bit farther down. Or that she could only say a few things.

I want food, Vetn.

The Thief of Clouds patted his stomach.

I want food too. Qwery, can we have food money?

Mri slapped her speaking rune.

Pretty please?

Qwera spun with the wrath ofQweraand both Gnolls hid behind Tesy. Qwera pointed at Tesy, also known as Sellme, the Magical Painter, who looked around for someone to hide behind.

Tesy, take these two children around the Meeting of Tribes. Not farand if you get into mischief, I will break your favorite paintbrushes with my own two paws. Get some food. Buy it if you have to.

Can I have an allowance?

Make Vetn pay. Ill pay him back. Five gold pieces.

Mri brightened up, as did Tesy. Vetn just sulked.

No, you wont.

Damn right I wont. Get lost!

Tesy, Vetn, and the little Gnoll scampered off despite that, and Qwera went back to unloading her caravan. It was oddshe had publicly declared that she wouldnt bother attending the Meeting of Tribes, but one supposed she had learned of something worthy of changing her mind. Demas Metal already seemed promising.

Ysara wasnt much of a surprise, either, given her status as another [Merchant] who sold both arms and ingredients depending on her location and inventory. Vetn, Tesy? Childhood friends, just one Gnoll and Drake out of many in the Meeting of Tribes.

So there they were. A small gang to join the great, wonderful, eye-catching Meeting of Tribes. Qwera, Tesy, Vetn, Ysara, and Mri, the little Gnoll girl.

Or ratherMrsha. She clung to both Tesy and Vetns hands, making them swing her off the ground rather than walk as they groaned and held her up. Beaming, eyes popping with everything to see, the interesting sights, smellsshe was here.

Shed made it.

It was all part of Qweras master plan. With Plains Eye Gnoll hunters stopping everyone on the roads, ready to pursue even one child close to Mrshas age, even in her caravan, she had decided there was only one place to hide Mrsha.

Among as many Gnolls as possible. Of course, everyone had said it was dangerous. But Qwera had pointed out that their options were slim. More important, Mrsha had allies here. Krshia Silverfang, even her mother, had intended to come here.

To get Mrsha out of the city and past the checkpoints, shed made Vetn do it. The Thief of Clouds had been hired to steal Mrsha away from Ysara. Which he had done. It somehow let him use his Skills, and so he had run with Mrsha in his arms on one breathless night.

She thought Wanderer was fast, but he was like nothing compared to the Thief of Clouds. The Gnoll had raced up a wall, leaped past two [Guards] while they were distracted in response to a little noise spell hed used, and landed on the other side in a moment. Then he had raced across the grasslands.

Hed avoided the Plains Eye hunters too. Invisible, soundless, he had sped Mrsha low through the grass, leaving no trail, leaped over a gorge, shadowed a galloping City Runner on horseback at night, and run and run to deliver Mrsha back to Qwera, who was waiting to take her to the Meeting of Gnolls

And he had been confined to bed for nearly two days straight with muscle pain. He refused to take a potion for it, claiming that it would build up his body. Despite Qwera having paid him five thousand gold pieces to steal Mrsha, he wouldnt spend so much as a silver coin on a healing potion.

Mrsha thought he was funny. She liked Vetn, even though he was cheap and whined about spending five gold pieces out of his fortune on snacks.

Dont be stingy, Vetn. Mris never been here. Neither have I! Do it for uscome on. Pwease?

Tesy, I swear

The Drake rested his head on Vetns shoulder and gave him a fairly good Mrsha-eyes impression. Mrsha copied him, and Vetn scowled.

Fine. Well take four.

He paid for some delicious-looking dough-fried meatballs in a small container and got an extra-large one for himself. Tesy and Mrsha began to gobble theirs, using a little toothpick to pop them into their mouths.

Hey. Whyd you get more than us?

Because I exercise and deserve more food.

I paint all the time!

Thats your arms.

And my brain! You know how much energy this thing takes?

Tesy jabbed his head repeatedly. Vetn muttered under his breath.

Not much.

Tesy looked hurt as Mrsha nearly snorted meatball out of her nose. Vetn elbowed Tesy.

Im joking.

I knowso give me a meatball.

Hey! You have yours; I have mine!

It was amazing how outraged the Thief of Clouds could be about someone stealing one of his meatballs. Tesy rolled his eyes.

Fine. Have one of mine. Hes going to sulk all day if you even steal one.

Mrsha, who had been eying the big basket of meatballs, had been contemplating the very same thing. She saw Vetn glowering, but Tesy poked a meatball from Vetns own basket and pushed it at him.

Here.

Vetn chomped it down. Tesy went for another of Vetns snacks, and the Thief of Clouds slapped his claw down. They were having a good time. Mrsha beamed. She tapped one of the runes shed been given.

This is fun!

Vetn and Tesy glanced down at her. The prerecorded message was in fact a little Gnoll girl in the city theyd left who, in exchange for some coin, had happily recorded all the lines in a song crystal, the kind Qwera sold.

It is. Vetn, I dont understand why you uhleft.

The Thief of Clouds gave Tesy an angry wide-eyed glare, and Mrsha recalled that hed actually stolen something from this very place. Vetn gulped down more food.

Is that Velrusk free? No? How much for otwo? A silver and? All right, fine. Two, please.

He sipped from his drink as Tesy took one with delight. Mrsha reached out for one and glared when it was clear that she was not going to be the benefactor of either. Tesy snagged a cup of goats milk for Mrsha, which mollified her.

I left because I have better things to do than eat and stare at things all day. Which is what happens here.

I thought the most important Gnolls made big decisions.

Vetn sniffed.

Maybe the Chieftains do. I havent heard it changes that much. At leastuntil recently.

Mrsha thought he was a fool. A damned fool! There was food and drink that was delicious, plus amazing Gnollsshe knew the legend of Garsine Wallbreaker, and she had been right there! And a [Performer]! And some Gnoll had been poking a Manticore with a spear! And she was huge! And there was Demas Metal, which she was going to buy. And, and

And she was here. She had been so worried and afraid for a long time, ever since Wer had taken her from the inn. Ever since Belavierr. Mrsha was still nervous, so she made sure Tesy held her paw, even as they moved along. Vetn had to juggle two mugs and his own snack tray. She knew this was a dangerous place, but she had Wers fur dye and Qweras gold disguise on, and she had the speaking crystal so no one thought it was strange that she was silent.

She was very proud of her brown color. Shed asked specifically for it to be the same brown she used to be when she was growing up, but as an added bonus, shed had Qwera and Tesy help her do a very Plains Gnoll thing, which was apply the markings of her tribe.

Stone Spears. The gray pattern on her arms and shoulders was technically for older Gnolls, but who else but Mrsha could wear it? It made her sad, but Qwera had approved. She was the last of the Stone Spears in this world. Stone Spears should be at this Meeting of Tribes. Even in secret. And it made her look like a real Plains Gnoll.

Mrsha was proud, and happy to be eating, but she was alsotired. She just wanted respite. She wanted Lyonette to come here and to see Krshia and for the adult to say that everything was going to be okay.

Why dont we find a place to sit, Vetn? Or should we look into, yknow, the Silverfang thing?

Mrsha had been thinking the same thing. Vetn shrugged.

We can try, but I saw a huge crowd around the Silverfang camp. You know, because of the news.

Mrsha frowned darkly. Oh, yes, the news. Tesy and Vetn circled back with Mrshabut only after they picked up some nali-sticks being sold by the Gaarh Marsh tribe. And the news was on every tongue.

They stole our magic. Stole it. The [Shamans] are saying thats why no Gnoll can cast magic.

Well, now that the crystals gone, surely we can all be [Mages]?

No. Its deeper than that. See?

Mrsha idly looked around. Then she dropped her meatball snacks. Vetn cursed, and Tesy bent.

Oh, no. Whats

But Mrsha was staring, open-mouthed, atof all thingsa Gnoll standing there. Holding a magic wand. Then she looked around and realized. It wasnt just one Gnoll.

Do you have a spark, Honored Qwera?

The Golden Gnoll of Izril put her hands on her hips.

I have plenty of sparks. Which one are you referring to?

One of her fellow Gnoll [Merchants] whod come to visit gave her a grin and held out a wand. It had been dead in his paw, but the instant Qwera took it with a frown, it lit up.

Did you just imply

Excuse me, Ill have a refill. I cant say anything, Your Majesty of Nerrhavias Fallen. I am Grand Strategist of Pallass. Excuse me while I cough and look away. If I point as Im doing it, think nothing of it.

A few heads followed the Drakes claw, which was pointed at a very sweaty monarch of Pheislant, despite his having done nothing wrong. Until they realized that Chaldion wasnt being literal.

Somehow, uncannily, Chaldion had gone from being put on his back foot and outnumbered to having everyone waiting on his words. He was on the offensive.

If you are aware of who is to blame, speak, Grand Strategist. Or damn Pallass by omission. You have already indicated that the City of Inventions knew of this action, admitted what has been done. You prevaricate to throw blame askew. Well done. The House of Minos shall remember all that is said.

The King of Minotaurs hand tightened on her thrones stone armrest, and Chaldions eyes narrowed for a brief second.

Well, then, Your Majesty, I will be as straightforward as I am able to be in my position. Injustice was done. A conspiracy, some might call it. Analogous to the Circle of Thorns in the north. Hah. Every powerful entity makes plans in secret.

He waved a claw, but the Seer of Steel interrupted.

YOU MAKE A TOPICAL COMPARISON LIGHTLY. BUT IT SUGGESTS SOMETHING. DOES THE NORTH HAVE ANY INVOLVEMENT? OR DO YOU MERELY PUT THE IDEAS TOGETHER? ANSWER DIRECTLY, CHALDION OF PALLASS.

Again, the Drake grimaced.

Merely comparative. Very well. What I am sure about is this: no Walled City could do this alone. As I said, holding the Walled Cities as a whole, or Drakes as a whole, responsible for any actions taken is impossible. Misguided, though understandable. They had no role to play in orchestrating or implementing anything that might have been done. In the same waythere were beneficiaries of even ostensibly hostile actions against the Gnollish people at large.

Chieftain Torishi choked, barely able to speak.

You are suggestingtribes were culpable in this?

Chaldion flicked a claw back and forth, as if swatting at a gnat.

I am not suggesting anything. Merely illustrating, Chieftain Torishi. Let me rephrase my statement. There was a benefit. To whom? Drakes alone? I can say definitivelyno.

You are muddying clear waters. When a crapfish stinks up the catch, I do not blame it on shrimp.

Queen Geilouna narrowed her eyes at Chaldion. Some of the others winced at her metaphor, but Chieftain Akrisa was quick to agree.

You must offer proof, Chaldion. You cannot simplyhint. Who benefits? Why?

Her eyes flickered. Tulm the Mithril hadnt said a word, but he was holding his head, and his eyes were distant. He was thinking. So was Perorn, who had gone uncannily still, especially given the way Centaurs usually move around.

Sounds tricky. I think she knows.

The voice was a mutter. Eyes snapped sideways. Foliana blinked. Chieftain Akrisas fur rose.

I dont know what youer, Three-Color

She trailed off, unsure how to address Foliana. And, moreover, because she was caught.

The giant Squirrel Beastkin chewed on her raw clams, inspiring paranoia in every person who loved clams. She stared back at Akrisa as she replied, that disconcerting stare of three colors.

Yes, you do. Suggesting. You have something in mind. There. I was clever. Can I go now?

Akrisa paled, but another voice interrupted, for the first time since this had begun. Despite her name, the youngest member of this group had been still, listening, and she chose her moment to voice her opinions well.

I do not know this Grand Strategist. Nor am I as gifted in diplomacy as some of my peers. But it seems to me this is quite cunningly accusing Gnolls of conspiring. It astonishes me, frankly, Grand Strategist, that you would dare.

The Grand Strategist raised an eyebrow at Jecaina.

Your Majesty of Jecrass. Is the truth limited to your personal feelings?

She flushed slightly, and lifted her chin. Fetoheps golden eyes flashed a moment, but he waited. Jecaina could take care of herself.

I do not think it is my personal feelings that change the truth, Grand Strategist. We have seen Gnolls slaughtered on Chandrarian ground without mercy, and a nation burned for it. I do not even know if the King of Destruction was wrong in his wrathonly how far he took it. We have seen innocent tribes slaughtered, a people deprived of magic, and clear culprits. Only, you have the gall to turn the blame back on Gnolls? Without proof? Let us have some, or we should call every statement into doubt. As well as your feelings, if any, on the people you share this continent with.

Chaldions expression was unreadable, but he didnt look quite as sanguine as before. He danced like a striking viper, but the others had nets, and some were experts at this.

Proof. If I said a name at this moment, it would be war.

And like a [Magician], everyone was back to listening to Chaldion again. The Grand Strategist pursed his lips. It was on the tip of his tongue, but he refused to speak.

Lets say there was a plan. There were names. I remind you all that everyone who took partinitiallywould be long dead by now. I advise you to think historically. Let me also be up-front. There have been times when the facade cracked. Actions were taken.

He forestalled another furious outburst.

Here is one such point in time. One moment.

Chaldion had pulled something from his pocket. He slowly lit a cigar and blew out some smoke.

Wistram.

We have no involvement in a Gnollish conspiracy. I will swear on behalf of every current Archmage and have each one attest to that. No faction in Wistram was aware of this, and I have conducted an internal purge and review.

The words were out of Eldavins mouth in a second. So fast that most people failed to check his words fully. Chaldion gave him a slight nod.

Yes. But Wistram was involved. Four decades ago. The Wistram-Gnoll rift.

Queen Geilouna muttered darkly.

Which hampered magical trade and made it harder for Gnolls to

Chaldion raised a brow again.

There was groundwork before. The idea that Gnolls couldnt become [Mages] was already quite prevalent. Rather, if you recall history, that was an attempt to send a Gnoll to become a [Mage]. It failed. Why? There is a secret here, isnt there, Grand Magus Eldavin?

Yes. It seems so. And it seems that it behooves anyone curious to investigate this incident.

Eldavin flicked his eyes to the side. Chaldion let the cigar heat up; it would not last as long as it was meant to. It didnt matter. Now he spoke more quickly.

So. A conspiracy long laid. Walled Citiesother parties. You dont know how. And you dont know why. Something was gained. There was a larger reasonwell, I suspect the Walled Cities saw it as straightforward. But what would someone else gain?

Queen Yisame could hardly contain herself, eyes flashing with what could be read as fury or excitement.

Tell us already, and spare the secret! No mystery lasts forever! Skip to the end!

Chaldion paused. He seemed to take umbrage with Yisame above all others; as if her lack of a concise verbal jab was more offensive than her pressing him.

Your Majesty. I am protecting the interests of the Walled Cities. Should I be more direct, it would be dire for my people and cities.

The Queen of Nerrhavias Fallen threw back her head. Her eyes opened, and behind her, six [Handmaidens] snapped open their fans like the wrath a small hurricane.

Dire? More still than everything you have admitted? Do not presume, Grand Strategist. You are here before a council of judgement.

In what court? I see only arbitration. There is a difference between public opinion and law, Your Majesty. Nerrhavias Fallen does not command Izril.

Chaldion was turning away when Yisame spoke.

No secrets lie buried forever, [Strategist]. Tyrants die, even if immortal, even if we must claw and tear them from their thrones, and kill them a thousand times. This is the very truth my kingdom was founded on. So speak your truth. Or else Nerrhavias hordes will pry it out. Not as invaders, but because we were invited by the rulers of this land. Just so as we march shoulder to shoulder with the House of Minos, Dullahans, and Humans.

The Grand Strategist of Pallass stopped, a claw on his cup. He looked back, and a light shone from under his eyepatch. Yisame looked straight past him, fanned idly by an attendant.

Forgive me. That overreaches. After allI did not ask those with the authority, nay, the right. Chieftain Akrisa, Chieftain Torishi. What will you? May I offer you an armada?

She smiled, as the other leaders looked at Yisame, and her vainglorious nation cheered their [Queen]. Yet of the two GnollsTorishi spoke.

Your Majesty. Not yet.

Chaldion saw Torishi rise. The Chieftain of the Weatherfur tribe looked at Chaldion.

Grand Strategist. You play with words well.

Thank you, Chieftain Torishi.

She gave him a bitter look.

You hide dark truths well, until it becomes convenient for you to tell all. I wish I could say this was Pallass, and turn the wrath of empires on you. But it is not Pallass, as you so carefully say. You throw other Walled Cities on the pyre, and hint. I expect no great revelationsnot in common words from you. Nor can I ask for armies and war, because my heart does not want these things. Not now. Not until great decisions have been made, and you will not guide us far, only hint.

Chaldion frowned, because there was no direct opening there. Torishi just looked at him.

Would that I could say this was Pallass way. Crafty and manipulative. But I know Pallass. My tribe will not forget this day, nor your part. You are not Pallass, though, because we have shed blood with Pallass. Our great daughter, Garusa Weatherfur, fought with Thrissiam Blackwing against the Goblin Lord and perished there. She did not run. Nor did her last letter to me ever say she found Pallass [General] wanting. We have known Walled Cities as enemies and friends. This day? I say the Cyclops of Pallass sullies its name in my eyes. Speak.

It stuck. Everything else had slid away. Water on oil. Arrows bouncing off a magic shield. Save for this. Chieftain Torishi sat, cross-legged, and looked at the old Drake with the hope of exactly nothing in her gaze. He frowned. Choosing his words, displeased. Perhaps it changed nothing in what he said next. Perhapseverything.

Across Izril, Drakes were waiting. The High Command of Manus, the Serpentine Matriarch, Wall Lords and Ladies of Salazsar, Oteslias First Gardenerand far moreappraising Chaldion. Was he selling them out? Or doing the only thing that could be done?

He hesitated, and it seemed to those watching that this was the moment when he was truly conflicted.

The Walled Cities have known many things for a long time. They buried this secret. Quite literally. Other groups helped them. Something was lost. Something was gained. Even Im not sure of theexact price. So when you go digging, ask yourself what was traded. Gnollish magic for centuries. A suppression field can hold it back, but the energy still went somewhere. Where? Perhaps someone hid something. Perhaps its needed. Used. Every Walled City has a secret.

His one eye swept across the camera. Someone quietly breathed an oath.

Traitors scales. Does he know?

Dragonspeaker Luciva rose slightly. She looked around the High Command of Manus.

Does he? Is he referring to Rafaema? Or

She swung her gaze around. Was it this? How far would Chaldion go? But even the other Drakes and Gnolls looked at her. What was he talking about? Manus? Or something else?

Too many secrets.

The Drake grinned like a devil in the dark bar as he spoke. Light shone from under his eye patch, and his scarred face twisted. He looked at Torishi and nodded once.

Lets have some come to light. Weve known too much. Leaders. Its coming out. We have always known of things like this. Now you see a buried crystal. But you already had the first hint. Or havent you looked into it? They were right there, too. Buried but never forgotten. One after another. You found them first. The greatest enemies of Gnolls. Greater than Dragons. Do you know what Im talking about?

Heads tilted. For once, no one did know. Akrisa and Torishi slowly blinked, then grew visibly uneasy. You could see their fur beginning to stand on end.

Geilouna whispered to Altestiel.

What is he talking about?

The Earl of the Rains glanced up and realized that if he spoke, it would be to the entire group.

Fetohep knew. He focused on the others, seeing who else did.

Tulm the Mithril was nodding, like someone watching a masterpiece being completed. Perorn got it with a quiet snap of her fingers. Outside of Izril, the only other person to put it together in a flash was Eldavin, who cursed. The rest didnt know because it wasnt yet a word spoken aloud. Chaldion drew it out, a single word, in an exhalation of smoke.

Raskghar.

Someone dropped a mug. The sound of shattering glass was the perfect note to fit that moment. Chaldion nodded.

Ask yourselves who forgot they remained. Gnollish memory is a famous thing. Someone has taken a quill to it, which I quite applaud. I couldnt have done so well myself. That is my testimony. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe I may soon be court-martialed or summoned before the Assembly of Crafts. Good day.

He cut off the image of himself before anyone could speak a word. Then it was madness. Then everyone was speaking, demanding that Chaldion be brought back, demanding that other leaders of Drake cities, who were suddenly very reticent, be put on. It was done. Some people watchingeven enemies, people who found the entire business as reprehensible as could bestill felt the urge to stand up and applaud.

Earl Visophecin of Ailendamus and the Blighted King even did. Applaud a craftsman on the stage, an artist of intention. That took all the momentum in the world and trained it

Where? Drake plots. Lack of magic. Traitors?

Raskghar.

Somehowhe had thrown water into the air. And now they saw it. Like the Stitch Witch of Terandria, who decided she had an interesting project as well. Who smiled. They all saw it. Glittering drops of water on a tapestry of very different things.

Allsomehowconnected. Now tug at one string and find out where it led.

If you dared.

Every Gnoll in the Great Plains was practically glued to the drama unfolding between Chaldion and the council Feshi had convened. It was about them. It was a clue to a greater story. Treachery and betrayal and mystery.

And why not? It was the most important thing that could happen today. For almost all of them. What could be more important than that? What could be?

Mrsha?

It was just one word. A question. A name.

Her name.

Mri was her name. The little Gnoll girl wasnt too attached to it, but no one had actually said her real name since they had come to the Meeting of Tribes. Her real name was dangerous. Who knew it?

Well, anyone whod heard Drassis broadcast, maybe. But Mrsha wasnt that spectacularly rare of a name for a Gnoll. Why apply it to her?

For that matterwho could recognize her? Tkrn had recognized her face because he had visited the inn where she stayed for a long time, saw her face every time she was there, up close. He was an exception. With her brown fur, the Stone Spears tribe markings, who else could?

The strange Gnoll had picked Mrsha up. Shed been so terrified of Chieftain Xherw that she hadnt moved, just grateful that he shielded her from Xherws gaze somehow.

Becausehe was a Chieftain himself? The Gnoll had the appearance of one, though she didnt recognize the blue dye and markings of his tribe. But he had a bodyguard, and hed been right next to another Chieftainthe famous Chieftain of the Steelfur tribe, whod gone off without giving Mrsha a second glance.

Yet this Gnoll had gone pale.

He had picked her up, spoken her nameand now he grabbed her and hurried her off. Mrsha didnt know if she should fight back or not.

How did he know her name?

She began to squirm as she realized she was getting farther from her protectors, Vetn and Tesy, but the Gnoll had her firmly in his grip.

Excuse me. I have to go. Please. Please.

The Gnoll Chieftain started. He almost dropped Mrsha, then swiveled her around.

Thats impossible. You cant

He almost let go of Mrsha, but then his eyes focused on the speaking-crystal necklace. He stared at Mrshas fur.

You cant speak.

Mrshas eyes widened. She definitely didnt know this Gnolldid she? He wasnt from Liscor. But how did he know she couldnt speak? She hesitated, but if she triggered her speaking crystal, her canned speech would be obvious.

Twice confused by her voice, Chieftain Mrell stared at Mrsha. And again, his eyes darted to her face, with faint recognition but no true certainty. He saw something, but he wasnt certain.

What he looked at washer fur. Her brown fur. And more than that, the gray markings on her shoulders and arms. Mrsha saw the look and went still.

Slashes of gray, arrows in stylized patterns across her fur. Any Gnoll of age could apply them, though most only did as a matter of rank or for special occasions. Mrsha had thought it would be an honor, a Good Thing. No one else knew what they meant exactly. Perhaps someone might recognize them, but the markings were those of her tribe. And her tribe was dead.

Stone Spears. Its Stone Spears markings. And you

Yet he knew it. Mrsha stared wide-eyed up at Chieftain Mrell. He looked at her, then recoiled.

Youre the runaway child? You w

He recognized her at last as the kidnapped girl! Mrsha squirmed harder, kicking at his arms, but now Chieftain Mrells head snapped around. He whirled, largely unnoticed among the Gnolls chattering about seeing Fetohep of Khelt and the Stargnoll. Then he began to run.

Chieftain Mrell? Something wrong? Whos the child?

One of his guards spotted him as the Gnoll hurried with Mrsha still struggling in his arms. The Gnoll was panting.

Inothing. I know thissend a messenger. Im returning to my quarters. No meetings with other Chieftains.

A famous [Merchant]

Later. This is important. I need you to send a runner to the Sofang tribe. Now. Tell them I demand that Prha come here now. To me.

Yes, Chieftain.

Mrell. Prha. Those were stupid names. Mrshathought they sounded familiar. But how?

Something was stirring in the back of her mind, but she was reaching for it andnot. At the same time. What a curious thing. It was almost as if she knew. But she didnt want to.

Was that why she let him carry her out of danger into a foreign tribes camp? Gnolls greeted this Chieftain Mrell, and he answered with strained casualness. He was clearly well liked, and it was a fairly prosperous tribe, from what Mrsha saw. Smallish, but it looked pretty wealthy. She heard a lot of hammering, smelled smoke and metala crafting tribe?

Seal the camp. No visitors. Imworking on a change to Demas Metal. Tell everyone I will see them later. Tonight, if I can. This is aguest.

The Gnoll strode into his tent, issuing rapid orders. The guards stared at Mrsha, but they didnt question the orders. Mrsha found herself in a Chieftains tent, carpeted by expensive tapestries depicting Gnolls in battle. There was a single rolled-up cot and samples of that strange Demas Metal stuff.

Was this the Chieftain behind the blades? She sat there, staring up at him. The Gnoll went to the tent flaps, closed them, fumbled with something, and hung it up.

A [Silence] charm. Mrsha thought she should be worried. It was likely he had realized who she was somehow and was now going to kill her.

Except that he knew her tribe. He knew her name. And she knew him. He looked back at her, at last, and she saw Mrell flinch.

He wore a band of Demas Metal around one bicep, a Chieftains loose garments over his top, and a loose kind of kilt open at both sides, made with cotton and richly dyed. He smelled like coal and fire, and he was young.

Older than Erin and definitely older than Lyonette, but younger than Relc. That was how Mrsha thought of it. A Gnoll man out of his true young man years but as young as Chieftains got.

He had brown fur, like trees in a forest, and ears that were forward and a bit pointy. Mrsha thought they looked familiar too. His eyes were brown, like every Gnolls. No odd rings or quirks. But they were wide.

When he spoke, his voice was a growl, and sometimes he slurred his rs a bit more than usual, but he enunciated with care.

Are youMrsha of the Stone Spears tribe? Child? Girl? YouI know you.

He hesitated. Mrsha had hold of her speaking charm. She raised one arm to cover her mouth, pretended to cough, and triggered it.

No.

He started. Oh, how he jumped! He did not expect that, but then he stared. He crouched, slowly, at the other end of the tent, near the flaps.

No. Did you say that? Please, say it again. Are ydo you know me?

His voice was so strained. Mrsha bit her tongue.

No.

Again, she hid her mouth. Chieftain Mrell squinted.

Youre not saying that. You cant be. Not unlessits not coming from your mouth. What is that?

Mrsha bit her tongue. Darn! He was a Gnoll, and his hearing was too good. Even a Human could probably have understood where the voice was coming from with this much scrutiny. Yet

Im Mri. Hi. I have to go. Excuse me.

This time, he saw that her lips didnt move in sync with the voice coming from her speaking stone. He straightened, slowly.

It is

Mrsha glanced around the tent. She could run. She could tunnel under the tent if she had toand Qwera had given her an emergency wand. Heck, she could howl and probably receive help if he didnt stab her within five seconds.

Why did he look even more afraid of her now? This Chieftain Mrell hesitated, took one step forward and two steps back. It seemed to Mrsha that if she could but speak, he might bolt for the hills.

There was a funny feeling in her stomach. Chieftain Mrell was speaking. He kept starting, stopping. Mrsha stared at his face. Was he handsome? Nah. She didnt care, and that wasnt it. His ears. Now, where had she seen ears like those?

Please, listen to me. Youre from the Stone Spears tribe. YoureMrsha Stone Spears. Your name is Mrsha. Did you change it to Mri? When I heard there was a white Gnoll namedIve met Gnolls named Mrsha. I didnt think of it. I didnt want to think of it. Stone Spears is dead. They were wiped out.

He knew her tribe. Mrshas eyes opened wide. She stared at him. This time, without opening her mouth, she touched one of the runes.

Yes.

Mrell jumped. He went on after a second, swallowing.

Thyour Chieftain was Urksh. Chieftain Urksh, [Mining Chieftain]. He was in his sixties. A good Gnoll. He had a scar along his chin here. He was Chieftain of your tribe. Heraised you.

Yes. Yes. Mrshas chest began to hurt. She remembered Urksh. Oh, it felt like it had been every day she cried and remembered him. When had she begun forgetting? When had she stopped thinking of him every second?

She was exactly who he said she was. It came back to her, living along the High Passes, being scolded by Urksh, going hunting, the tribe moving from place to place. And then had come winter, and out of her boredom had come the most interesting person ever. A young City Runner, rescued out of the snow, followed by Winter Sprites

Then disaster. Goblins.

Stone Spears died. A Goblin Lords army wiped them out. Almost all of them. Zel Shivertail fought the Goblin Lord, but they all died there. Thatsthats what I heard. From the last survivors.

Mrshas eyes widened. Survivors? Mrell hadnt blinked. She stared at him. Survivors?

But now he was speaking.

I know this. Imfrom the Stone Spears tribe. I was. Id know those markings anywhere. I thought the only survivors were a handful of children, and I met every single one. Believe me. I never thoughtLiscor? I saw a white Gnoll and never looked closethey only had a sketch of you on that Drakes report. Do you understand what Im saying? Do youknow?

He was waiting for something. It was building behind Mrshas eyes. Something pounding in her head. She just held still. Sitting there in the center of his tent. Why did everything he say ring a bell? Ears?

There was something in his tent that made her look around. Since it included a workshop, he had a number of things. Tools for creating powders, tools for working on the Demas Metal stuff, even books. And because he was at the Meeting of Tribes, he had formal clothes laid out ready for use, and, of course, a mirror.

No vanity like one Lyonette would consider proper, or makeupjust something to remove bad scents, shampoo, a brush tangled with hair, and a mirror. A big mirror for a Chieftain. Mrsha looked into it.

There were those ears again. She stared at them, quite puzzled. Now, how could that be? Her ears were smaller than Mrells, but they had the same shape. Gnollish ears had more variance than silly Human ones. And these were tipped with gold paint. They twitched as she looked at them.

Her ears. Slowly, the little Gnoll in the mirror reached out. Mrsha felt her paws touch her ears. Then she looked up.

Chieftain Mrell stood there. Like hed seen a ghost. Like he was incredibly afraid, incrediblyguilty. Mrsha looked at his face. His fur looked familiar. Normal for a Gnoll. She stared down at her dyed fur, a copy of the fur shed had growing up. It was close.

His ears looked like hers. Now she listened to what he said. He was from her tribe. Stone Spears. Hewasnt anymore? It was rare for a Gnoll to leave a tribe. But it happened.

If you wanted to go your own way. Or, sometimes, if you were exiled.

Stone Spears had always been good with stone. Mining. Mrsha looked at Mrell.

Urksh cast me out. You were too young to even walk on all fours. Me and Prha.

What stupid names. Mrell? Prha? Why did they sound odd together? Almost like

Slowly, the [Last Survivor] of the Stone Spears tribe, or so she had always thoughtthe girl who had received white fur for doom deferred, who had lost her people, her home; who had gone to faraway Liscor and found her mother, another home, friends, magiclooked up.

Mrell stood there, pale under his fur, looking at her but unable to meet her eyes. She listened to what he was saying and finally, finally understood what he had not said.

Was too ashamed to say.

Slowly, Chieftain Mrell of the Demas Metal tribe, a new tribe started by a single Gnoll who had discovered a fantastical new metal, walked forward. Not directly at Mrsha. He sat down in a chair, legs collapsing under him. He was shaking.

He was an outcast. From the Stone Spears tribe.

Urksh never talked about it. He had only told Mrsha about it a few times, and the others, even the children, didnt bother Mrsha about it. Urksh only told Mrsha, once, when she was very little, that her parents were gone.

She thought that meant they were dead. The second time, he told her they had done a bad thing and been exiled.

She thought that meant they were dead. Mrsha had never thought of them again. She had her tribe, Urksh. Later, she had Lyonette, the inn, Ryoka, Erin, Numbtongue, Bird, Apista. When Stone Spears died, so had every connection to the old Mrsha with brown fur, Mrsha of the Plains Gnolls.

That was that. Never once had she expectednever had she dreamed of finding someone like the strange Gnoll standing here. Yet. Here he was.

Her

Youre Mrsha. My

Mrell spoke at last, and she didnt know how long it had been. He didnt say it, either.

The little girl looked up at the Chieftain sitting in his chair. She stared at him. Then, at last, she moved. She stood up on two legs, and he flinched.

I

Words failed him. Disbelieving, Mrsha took a step forward. She looked around.

Chieftain of the Demas Metal tribe. Chieftain of a tribe she hadnt known, but a growing one. Come here to become famous. An important Gnoll. Here.

Urksh hadnt known about him. She was almost certain. Thishe was just here. Out of nowhere. No warning. No signs. And now?

She looked at him. Walked over to the chair. Stared up at him. Mrell looked down at her and didnt smile.

He looked pale, shaky, like he was about to be sick or run. And as Mrsha looked at him, his head jerked to one side. He had stared at her so fiercely before. Now, up close, as he saw the light of comprehension in her facesuddenly Mrell turned into a statue.

I

She waited. Saw a brown eye flick her way, then skitter away and stare right at the tent flaps. Mrsha waited. But he didnt look at her.

Like Ekirra when he was being naughty. Mrsha reached for her speaking rune. Then she dropped it. She stood there, waiting.

He never moved. He was frozen. Outside, Gnolls were watching the scrying orb where Chaldion spoke. Neither Mrell nor Mrsha moved. It didnt even matter.

Mrsha waited. She counted ten seconds. Then twenty. Then thirty. Thenshe slowly spread her arms out.

It was not a hug. It was a gesture.

Here I am.

She waited.

Mrell didnt move. Mrsha stomped her foot, and he jumped. He almost glanced at her. But he didnt.

Now she was angry. The little Gnoll girl grabbed hold of another chair and yanked herself up. Now she stood there, right in front of him.

Im right here.

She couldnt say anything. But she knew he could see her. Yet those eyes didnt swing her way.

Ididnt expect

Mrsha clapped her paws together as loudly as she could. Mrell started again. She pointed at her chest.

Look at me. Look at me when you speak!

Your mPrha is coming. I sh

He began to rise. Mrsha lunged forward. He jerked, and she grabbed his clothes. Now she was touching him. He looked downjerked again, like he was being zapped by a spell. He stared right over her head. She twisted the clothing.

Look down.

And he did not. He tried, but it was like a magnetic force was dragging his head up. His gaze darted around. Mrsha punched his shoulder. And still, Chieftain Mrell never looked at her. He glanced at her face. He tried to say something.

He refused to meet her eyes.

He didnt want to meet her eyes.

He was afraid to meet her eyes.

He couldnt meet her eyes.

Which was it? Whichwasitwhichwasit? How dare you? Her mouth opened and closed, but the adult sat there, unable to hear a word. Only a frustrated half sound. A coughing growl. She clawed at her own throat, trying to make the words.

He saw that and almost reached for her. But when she looked up, he flinched away again.

Mrsha had nevernot Tkrn in the prison. Not the worst Drake. Not Lism or anyone else.

She had never met such a coward. Him? He came here and just picked her up and

Her head swung around. Now, now she saw it all clearly. She looked. Saw.

What a fancy tent. How rich it was. She knew rich. She stared at his clothing, letting go of it. The armband, a signal that this was what he was selling.

Demas Metal. Now, there was a name that screamed pride. Confidence that the name would one day equate to fame and fortune. Not Stone Spears. Her tribe had never been rich.

She had never really cared, but she had known what it was like to want a bit more in the food pot, to have Urksh worrying about where the tribe would go. They had lived along the High Passes with dignity and pride. They had laughed and life had been fun at times, hard at others.

This Gnoll? He was rich. He had a growing tribe and a special metal. He had come here, to the Meeting of Tribes, to be richer still. After he had left the Stone Spears tribe. Been exiled.

She sniffed the air. It smelled like metal and burning and soot. Even that was like home. Stone Spears had always had a knack for minerals and mining. These were talents he had learned from her people. But he had no right to them.

Urksh had cast him out. He had said Urkshs name, and he had no right. This Gnoll had been cast out of his tribe. If other Plains Gnolls knew, would they want to join his tribe, buy his metal? He hadnt evenhed left

Suddenly, Mrsha didnt want to be here. She looked at Mrell and let go of his clothing. She backed up. She stared at himthen bolted for the exit.

Wait

Mrell moved. He was out of his chair and after her in a flash. Mrsha was almost out of the tent flaps when he grabbed her by the sides. She whirled, punched, kicked.

Let go! Leave me!

She wanted out! Begone! She wanted to find Vetn and tell him to bring her to Oteslia. Now! Nownownownow!

Wait. Dont go. Im sorry. Mrsha, Im

Mrell was desperate all of a sudden. He picked her up, and she bit him. She sank her teeth into his arm, and he cursed. Thenstopped.

Mrsha looked up. Mrell had almost yanked his arm free, but he stopped. She felt his muscles tensethen relax, and his face took on a pained, reserved expression. As if it didnt hurt. As if he was going to just take it

She bit with all the strength in her jaws and saw his face contort. Mrsha sank her teeth deeper, gnawing, as if she were trying to tear his wrist in two

Stop!

He tore his arm free. She tasted blood and spat a clump of fur out. Mrell stared at his bloody wrist.

She snapped again, and this time he jerked his arm away. Mrsha kicked and punched, and he held her back. He had to drop her or shed have bitten his other hand. She landed hard, and Mrell moved toward the door. He already had a healing potion out.

Please, listen to me. I dont know what to say, but

Mrsha spat on his carpeted floors and watched the dribble of bloody saliva give the image of a Gnoll on the beautiful carpet a funny face. She snarled and looked for the entrance. She darted left, and he blocked the way. She could slip past him, but then the damned Gnoll spoke.

Prha is coming. Shes your mother. Mrsha. My daughter

Her eyes widened with outrage. What did he just say?

My daughter. Someone else had said that. And she had every right. Lyonette, her mother, said that. What did he just

Mrsha, Im your f

She stopped going for the door. Mrsha put her paws over her ears. She saw his lips move. Saw him looking at her.

He walked over. Mrsha got to her feet, tried to walk around him. She still had her paws over her ears. He blocked her way, said something.

She couldnt hear. She would not hear. Mrell bent down. Desperately, he made a gesture.

Listen?

No.

Mrsha tried to run left, but he was too quick and was blocking the way. He stopped her. The Gnoll man took her arms and tried to pry her paws from her ears. Mrsha began to kick at his groin, and he held her up.

Stop it. Enough! I know you have every right to be angry. Let me explain.

He had both her arms in his grip! So Mrsha twisted and kicked him in the chin. He dropped her with a cry of astonishment. [Relc Kick]! Relc

He went to grab her again, and she tore a wand from its hiding place under her fur and aimed it at his face. Mrells eyes widened, and he ducked as a single arrow of stone shot past him. It hit the wall of the tent, but the thick fabric only tore a bit upon impact.

Chieftain Mrell dove sideways, wide-eyed.

Magic? How?

He went to tear the wand from her paw but then yanked his paw back. Because Mrsha had just slashed at him with a huge, sharp thorn protruding from her paw. She snarled, slashing, and he took a step back.

They were frozen like that. With one paw, Mrsha menacingly waved the thorn shed conjured. She dropped the wand to fumble at her side.

Mrell was unmoving, watching her. He saw the little girl fumble for her belt pouch. Her hands were trembling because she was so angry, but when he tried to move, just a bit, she slashed at the air.

Shed drawn blood. A slash across his shin was leaking red into his fur. Mrsha ignored it as she dropped something on the ground.

Mrell saw the little girl spilling an assortment of strange objects. Crumpled paper, a roll of parchment, a bottle of ink, a quillshe grabbed the quill and unstoppered the inkwell after two tries, all while holding her other paw out. She wrote as fast as she could, but so neatly. Sowell.

In a cursive script. It was a laborious process that took nearly five minutes, handicapped as she was by one paw. But what she finally threw at himor tried towas a single slip of paper.

Paper didnt fly. Mrsha had to blow on it, then crumple it up and toss the small wad at Mrells feet. She glared at him as the Gnoll hesitated. He bent down and unwrapped it as she edged sideways.

He read the beautiful calligraphy, albeit in smudged ink on crumpled paper.

I have no father. I have a mother, and her name is Lyonette. Leave me alone, stranger.

Mrell stared at the piece of paper, then the girl moving for the exit. Mrell spoke, and now it was without hesitation, desperate.

Wedidnt know what to do. We thought you were dead at first because you never cried. You couldnt. You howledbut the [Shaman] thought it was ill luck.

She had been about to leap past him. Mrsha hesitated, every muscle tensed. She looked back at him, eyes wide.

What?

Prha and I were young. I was successful. Rising in the tribe. We didnt know what to do, and the [Shaman] suggestedthere is a custom.

What?

I was a fool for even dreaming of it. But we did. Almost. Urksh found out right before it happened.

The words spilled out of Mrell like a confession. Not one Mrsha wanted to hear, but she heard it, as if it were filling the air with poison. Faster and faster.

He cast us out. Me. Your mother. The [Shaman]. A few other Gnolls who went with usI never went back. Your mPrha and I split up. We couldnt stay together. Not after that. I only met her later. I was wracked with guilt. I was. But I didnt deserve to go back. I became a wanderer, took up smithing. I founded this tribe.

Mrell pointed at the ground, at the tent.

It was luck. I thought of youwonderedbut Prha wanted nothing to do with me. Urksh wouldnt acknowledge me, even when I sent him a [Message]. I never went back. I meant to, after the Meeting of Tribes. I planned on meeting Urksh here, maybe eventhen I heard of the Goblin Lord.

Mrell was panting now. Shaking.

I was too late. I didnt sleep or eat for nearly a month. It was my fault. I looked for the other survivors of the Stone Spears tribe, but they thought you were dead, and Urkshthey told stories about a City Runner who brought the Goblin Lord and a blizzard andif Id known you were in Liscor, I would have found you. Mrsha. I am so sorry. Yourethe white Gnoll, arent you? The one all the tribes are hunting?

She stood there, across from him, at the entrance to the tent. Just staring as his words came out, until there was nothing left, until they stopped. Mrell looked at her, reaching a paw out, but afraid to draw near.

Mrsha. Just wait. Prha will come, and thenI dont know how you got here, but if one of the traditionalist tribes finds youwait. I failed my tribe and you and Urksh. But wait. Please.

He looked at her, straight in the eyes.

I will protect you.

The little Gnoll girl stood there, staring up at Chieftain Mrell. Neither one moved or spoke. Then, abruptly, there was a voice that broke the bubble of magical silence.

Mrell whirled, and a voice began speaking, higher-pitched, angry. It had an unusual cadence to it. Slower, then faster near the end of a sentence, especially when the speaker was angry. Which she was.

Mrell! How dare you summon me here! I wont answer to you. Leave Sofang out of it. You

A Gnoll came storming into the tent, a warrior of a tribe Mrsha didnt know. She was leaner than other warriors Mrsha had known and had a bow on her back, a shield and short-spear too. She had eyes only for Mrell, so she missed the girl standing there.

If there was something familiar about her, it was probably her paws? Noher fur was the exact same color as

Prha strode toward Mrell. She was snarling, furious. She saw Chieftain Mrells face and hesitated.

Whats your problem? You look like youve seen a ghost. Did I ruin one of your precious deals?

Prha. I found her. Look over

Found who? Dont bring my tribe into this. You shouldnt have flaunted your famous Demas Metal tribe if you didnt want to see me. I hope your metal shatters in the forge. You

Prha glanced behind her and finally saw the girl with the gold-tipped ears standing there. She had been staring at Prha, face blank.

Whos this?

She turned to Mrell, but he just stared at her. Like hed seen a ghost. The female Gnoll lost some of her bluster. Prha looked back, focused on the girl, but it wasnt as if she could suddenly figure it out.

Her mind focused on what was easiest to put together first. Her angry look turned to puzzlement. The little girl was doing something with her bag of holding, but what was that on her fur? The gold ears were one thing, but

Are those Stone Spears markings? Howis she another survivor? Did you bring me here to

Prha.

The word was so strained and so intense that it stopped her again. This time, she looked. And like Mrell, she went completely still.

She had the same look on her face. The one of sheer disbelief. It played across her features. Shock, disbelief, and guilt were all there, too, just as they were on Mrells face. But Prha displayed a simple emotion above all.

Fear.

Her spirit haunts me.

Prha whispered. Mrell jerkedbecause he had not expected that. So did the girl. But then Mrsha moved, made the thorn disappear, and rubbed at her left ear. Because it was itchy.

That broke Prha out of her trance. She looked at Mrell. Then she cried out.

Mrsha?

The girl flinched. But she looked at the two adults. Two parents. Someone elses parents. Slowly, she brought out the object shed reached for. Looked at Mrell. That Gnoll woman.

I can protect you.

What audacity. What a terrible twist of fate. Mrsha was shaking. Her ears were filled with the sound of blood roaring, and she saw Prha saying someones name. She looked at Mrell, then lifted something.

Her wrist. Both Gnolls looked down and saw Mrsha pour a single drop of something onto her wrist, onto the fur there. From a little bottle Qwera had given her and told her not to use unless she needed to change something.

It sank into her brown fur, the fur she had had all her life, which she had inherited from those two. And, before all threes eyes, the fur on her wrist changed color. The brown of the forest turned pale. Then white.

Pure white. Prha stared at the patch of white on Mrshas arm. Then she recoiled.

Doomb

She stopped herself. Mrell himself stared at the white patch. Mrsha looked at them. She covered the spot with her paw.

Mrsha, wait. Were your

Mrell began. Mrsha whirled.

Too late. She ran. She ran, and a second later both her parents burst out of the tent after her. The Gnolls of the Demas Metal tribe saw a little girl running, racing into the Meeting of Tribes, as fast as she had ever run. Away, away from these impostors and this lie.

Away.

Revelation. Chaldion had spoken and put into motion an inevitable event. Nudged it in the direction he thought would be best.

The tribes were full of voices. People stood around, stunned, arguing, disbelieving. They barely noticed the little Gnoll girl racing through the midst of themuntil a Chieftain and hundreds of Gnolls followed after her.

At first, she just ran. Away from that thing. Then she ran for someone she knew, anyone. But she didnt know this place, and she was terribly afraid that shed run into a hunter.

Get her! Grab her!

She heard Mrells voice. Desperate. Afraid. For her? She didnt care. Even knowing the danger, she didnt want to be anywhere near him.

But it seemed that more Gnolls had heard and seen the chase and were coming after her. She dodged left as someone whirled.

There! That one!

Someone dove for her. She saw an adult warrior. No. Mrsha leaped over him, and now she was fleeing for her life.

Another tribe had found her! She looked around for the one thing that would keep her safe. Silverfang. Or the Golden Gnoll. She had to find them.

That girl. Grab her, on the Chieftains orders!

And it was not a Demas Metal Gnoll who spoke, but another warrior from another tribe. A stranger. Mrsha ran left, wide-eyed. This was her end? She looked around for that glitter of gold. She saw something bright. Golden. Was that?

No. Not Qwera. Mrsha desperately raced past Gnolls forming a wall and signaling others who joined in. She raced left, saw she was headed for another tribes camp, and saw more Gnolls running to block her in. She frantically spun around.

There she is. Get

Mrsha leaped as someone raced toward her. She bounced, pushed off a chest, and vaulted over the Gnolls head. For a second, she did a flip through the air, just as Wer had taught her. The [Grasshoppers Run]. She strained, though she had not the Skill. Fly. Back to her mother. Let me l

A pair of paws caught her. Someone leaped and yanked Mrsha out of the sky. Paws dragged her to earth, and it was not Mrellwho stopped, suddenly afraidor Prha, or any Gnoll Mrsha knew. A Chieftain calmly caught Mrsha and held her up.

Is this the one?

Its her.

Mrsha went still. She looked for that golden glitter, but it was only fake gold on fur. No Qwera.

Why, then, is there still gold? She looked up and, through the clouds, saw something shining down.

A golden ray of light. And the Chieftain who held her was illuminated by it. It played over her dyed fur, and she smiled as she turned.

Is this the girl, niece?

Feshi Weatherfur exhaled. She looked at Mrsha and the little white patch, quickly blocked by Chieftain Torishi Weatherfurs paw. She nodded toward their camp and all the Weatherfur, Ekhtouch, Longstalkers Fang, and Silverfang Gnolls who had come searching for her.

Thats her.

Demas Metals here. I recognize Chieftain Mrell. Signal our people. He cannot shout, or it will be dangerous.

Torishi murmured. She lifted Mrsha up, into the ray of light.

I found the troublemaker! Alls well!

Mrsha stared around. Troublemaker? Me? She saw a figure starting toward her, face filled with relief.

Mri!

Vetn? And there was Qwera, pushing through the crowd, and Tkrn, and that Human girl, andMrsha looked at Torishi, and the Weatherfurs Chieftain smiled.

Hello. Dont worry. Youre safe. Are those Gnolls after you?

She looked past Mrsha at Mrell and Prha. Mrsha didnt know what to say, so Torishi nodded in answer to her own question. She looked tired. Worn from her duties on the scrying orb council, though it was still ongoing. She jerked her head at Feshi.

Lets go, Feshi. Come, child. Youre safe now.

Mrsha didnt know if she was. But then Weatherfur Gnolls were around her, escorting their Chieftain to their camp and her private Chieftains tent, telling the others all was well. Andescorting Chieftain Mrell and Prha forward. They stood in her tent as Torishi spoke.

Feshi, standing behind her Chieftain, Mrsha, sitting just behind the impressive Chieftain of the Weatherfur tribe. Warriors standing outside, and an audience behind them, lined across the entrance and walls, her friends, Vetn, Qwera, Tkrn, strangers like Inkar, all of them listening, trying to understand what was playing out before their eyes. Torishi knew. She looked at the two Gnolls standing in front of her, almost as if they were on trial.

Chieftain Mrell. I trust you will listen first. Speak after. I do not know what you may thinkbut this child is under Weatherfurs protection. Weatherfur, Silverfang, Ekhtouch, Longstalkers Fang, and Liscors.

Chieftain Torishi had Mrsha right next to her. She did not know everything. She looked at Mrell warily, and he didnt know what to say. So Torishi went on.

Before you say anythingthis is a time of great change. Everything is unrest. If you declare heranathema, as some tribes might, I will not stand idly by. I would not have tribes do battle. So I ask you to listen.

No, Chieftain Torishi. That wasnt

Feshi glanced at Mrell, who was lost for words. She was behind Torishi, eying the Weatherfur warriors who were far backbut would notice any slight gestures she made. Vetn had run off somewhere to tell Krshia, who was still with Akrisa, debating the issue worldwide.

Krshia didnt know. Torishi didnt know, because the sun shone down as radiantly as the intense smile on her face, ready for trouble, a warning glare. Such powerfully bright light. Her wariness was because she had no idea.

And what could Mrell say? He looked at Mrsha.

It is not that, Chieftain Torishi.

Really? Then what?

Qwera looked straight at Mrsha, bending down to whisper.

Mrsha, are you all right? Did he do anything? Or are we gutting him?

Mrsha shook her head, but she didnt know

Mrell looked at Mrsha. He looked at Prha, who was shocked, unable to process it allthe tense Gnolls, Tesy with his paintbrush held in a threatening manner, Torishis intense readinessand then looked down at his paws.

He still held something. A crumpled bit of paper. He stared at itthen, without a word, held it out. His paw shook.

Torishi frowned. But she stepped forward, took the paper, and read it. The Chieftain of Weatherfur stared at the words.

I hate cursive. What does this?

Her brows furrowed together. She looked up at Mrell, twisted her head to Mrsha. It was not a hard thing to put together, but the message needed to be understood. Then she got it. She nearly dropped the bit of paper.

Oh.

Qwera didnt know what Torishi now knew.

Ysara was here, and she had none other than the Demas Metal blade aimed not so casually toward the very Chieftain who made it. What a funny coincidence. Ha. Ha.

Qwera addressed the child.

Mrsha, tell me what happened. Why are you shaking? Ysara, get ready to stab him.

Qwera was watching as the little Gnoll child wrote. Trying to explain. Trying to encapsulate all that had happened in such a short amount of time.

Mrsha looked up as Torishi sighed. Slowly. Painfully.

Lower your sword, Merchant Ysara. This Gnoll is notan enemy. I think.

Mrell looked up as Ysara hesitated. The woman raised a brow, but for answer, Torishi passed her the bit of paper. Feshi walked over.

You couldnt understand until you saw the clue that put it all together. But the paper was one of the fastest ways to get it. That, the messageMrsha felt her shoulders shaking. She heard Feshi muttering, a gasp.

Who are? You mean?

Tkrn and Inkar walked over.

Gireulashia arrived, striding through the knot of guards like a giant. One drew their blade on her, and she flicked it out of the warriors grasp.

Peace! Ekhtouch is here to help. Where is the girl? Whats happening?

She stopped, spotted the paper, read it backward through the transparent paper in Torishis spotlight, and looked around.

Hm. You and you.

Gireulashia looked at Mrell and Prha. She seemed pleased with herselfthen realized she was going to have to wait for everyone else to catch up. She tapped Inkar on the shoulder and whispered to explain.

Thats this girls

Lehra Ruinstrider barreled into the tent a second later with Suxhel, who did the same trick, immobilizing a guard before they could block her with one huge eye. The rest of her team slowed, but Mrsha heard none of the explanations, the chatter.

She was trying to write something to Qwera, but she couldnt. She saw Torishi walk back toward her and crouch.

Mrsha Silverfang? Or is itMrsha of The Wandering Inn?

Tkrn must have told her. She had it wrong. It was Mrsha du Marquin. That was all she wanted, though she could do without the du.

That was all she wanted. And nowMrell was looking at her. Prha was beginning to reach out but was held back by a wall of Mrshas friends and protectors. Torishi glanced at them.

I take it you two have never met.

Chieftain Torishi. The story is

Tkrn gasped loudly.

Hes the father who got exiled? I thought he was dead!

Mrsha flinched. Inkar looked at her, then instantly she and Lehra stomped on Tkrns feet. Gireulashia raised her foot as well but decided against it.

Now it came out: Mrell and Prha were in the center of another kind of spotlight. What else was there to do but explain?

Mrsha didnt hear it. She heard him speaking, in a shaking voice, saying it less coherently than he had said it in his tent. She didnt listen.

She had a quill in one paw and a bit of paper in the other. She was still trying to say something. She had dropped her activation rune. And that wasnt her voice anyway, just some prerecorded messages. Only what should she say?

Herparentsthe Gnolls who had brought her into this world, rather, and then abandoned herstood here, in Torishis tent.

Chieftain Mrell, who had saved her from being seen by Chieftain Xherw. Who looked guilty in his successful tribe. Prha, who had thought Mrsha was a spirit.

I will protect you. Words many people had said, that Chieftain Mrell had said. The thing he called himself. Which he had no right to say. Lyonette had earned the right.

Mrell was staring at Mrsha. Longingly. Desperately.

Mrsha refused to meet his gaze. Now. Now, only nowshe began to write. Her paw began to shake. Her shoulders trembled.

Tears fell out of her eyes. Only here, only now, as Chieftain Torishi, basking in the sunlight coming through the top of her open tent, bent. She did not know Mrsha, but her face was kind.

You have traveled a long way, Mrsha. Even here, much has happened. Too much in one moment. What is it you wish to say?

Mrsha wrote, hand shaking. Tears rolled down her face, dripping from the fur around her chin. She held something out to Torishi. The Weatherfur Chieftain read it, slowly.

Nowat last, this was the only thing Mrsha could think to write.

I want to go home. To Liscor.

She was done. She wanted to go home, now. With her mother. She wanted to go home, go back in time, lie in her room, and erase this place from ever having happened. Even if it meant that she never would have met Qwera, Vetn, and Tesy.

Torishi sighed. She looked back, and the sunlight was not the harsh light of warning. Even so, Mrell and Prha flinched. Urksh had looked like that once.

It was the look of a Chieftain. But Torishi did not shout at them to leave. She looked at Mrsha. Then she walked around the tent, to the scrying orb that still broadcast the arbitration council, now engaged in arguments, debate about what should be done.

There was dissension in the Meeting of Tribes. Confusion. Anger. Could there truly be traitors among them? Torishi looked at the white patch on Mrshas wrist. And there lay an entire world of knowledge.

When Torishi spoke, she sounded very tired. She did not address her words to Feshi, or to Mrell, or even to Mrsha alone. Just to herself and the tent. The world and no one.

We are a bitterly cruel people. We put tribe in front of person. We quarrel, and we diminish in our smallness, our shortsighted pride. We have descended into madness. And we are hated, hunted by other species. We hate and hunt each other. There is little good, on those dark days, that I can say about Gnolls.

She looked up at the sun, which vanished behind a cloud, then turned her head. Mrsha saw the light vanish. Rain did not fall. Torishi shook her head.

But that is what I can say of every people who has ever lived. We try. Sometimes, in the trying, we succeed. And we are glorious. Right now? I look at a brave girl who survived killers coming after her. Who traveled across Izril and survived, despite all odds. Who has a story that stretches before and after her and already makes her something of a legend.

She looked at Mrsha, then pointed to Mrell and Prha.

Over yonder, I see two very small, very petty Gnolls who did what the worst of us have always done.

One of the two stirred. Prha opened her mouth.

Hey

Torishis single glance made her fall silent. She walked back over to Mrsha. The girl did not want to look at either of her parents, and Torishi knelt.

I know this is a painful moment for you, Mrsha. So listen to me. Close your eyes.

Mrsha did. That was easy. Torishi murmured, very gently.

There sits Chieftain Mrell of Demas Metal. And, I think, Prha of Sofang. You know what they are. What they claim? You know that too. I do not know all of what they said. But you sit in my tent, in my tribe. So I say this: as you close your eyes, you do not need to open them and see them again.

Chieftain Torishi

Be silent, Mrell. Weatherfur is speaking.

Chieftain Eska snapped.

Torishi waited.

If you do not want to, Mrsha, when you open your eyes, you will not see them. If you do wish toand I believe someday you shouldChieftain Mrell will be there. You will speak with him and he with you, if you so desire. But remember. No matter what you chooseyou do not owe either one of them anything. You do not need to love them. You do not need to listen to them.

Mrsha listened desperately as that kind voice went on. She squeezed her eyes shut.

Neither of them can take you or force you to do anything. They can hurt you, by kindness or thoughtlessness or cruelty. What you take, and what you give, is your choice. I only ask that you think. You do not need an answer for all these troubles. Just tell me when you are ready. What do you want, right now?

Mrsha trembled. Because that was exactly what she wanted to be asked. She reached out, and a big paw let her squeeze it. Mrsha cried. She wanted to go home. And she wanted her mother.

She knew what she wanted right now. Slowly, Mrsha wrote and gave Torishi a bit of paper.

Feshi Weatherfur saw the others talking in her camp. Such an unlikely alliance. Ekhtouch, famously reclusive; Silverfang; Longstalkers Fangand Demas Metal.

But not their Chieftain. He had left, as had Prha, to their own tribes, silent. Neither had the words yet to begin to comprehend this moment.

Only three Gnolls remained in the tent. One was Torishi, the other Feshi. The last was the Gnoll girl with white fur, albeit covered by her fake brown fur. Feshi couldnt take her eyes off her.

Tkrn had only said a few things. But his remarks had been like the Professors storieshere was a girl who had survived Goblin Lord and Raskghar.

Doombringerno. Feshi listened. That was what Torishi had done. Feshi had been afraid of what her Chieftain would do, but now Torishi sat with Mrsha, who had stopped crying and was blowing her nose. Torishi was speaking, softly.

I was once told there was a time when Doombringer was not the name they called you. But we have forgottenI know part of why we began hating your kind. Such terrible daysbut it was not your kinds fault, nor was it ours alone. It was a tragedy, and we must not let it repeat itself.

Torishi had been a [Shaman]. Yet Feshi had known with every fiber of her being that Torishi would not kill a child, white fur or not. So she came over as Torishi stroked Mrshas head.

But you shall not die. That is my promise. And it is written twice, because we were wrong about magic. Silverfang showed us the truth. So when Krshia Silverfang and Tkrn shout that we have been fools, I listen. Here is my niece, whom I trust. Do you know her?

Mrsha looked up. Feshi bent over and smiled.

My name is Feshi. Youre Mrsha, arent you?

The Gnoll looked at the famous [Strategist]. Yet Feshi didnt think Mrsha was the one most impressed by the meeting.

They had much to tell each other. But not now. Today was a day of great revelations. Great news. Things coming together.

Too much. So when Feshi took Mrshas paw and led her from the tent, the others blinked at the strange girl.

She hadbrown fur. But someone had dabbed green and red on her and other colors besides. She had gold ears, courtesy of Qwera and Weatherfur.

Inkar clapped her hands together.

Oh! How smart!

Feshi had covered Mrshas white patch.

Torishi came out of the tent.

We have much to do.

You have never said truer words, Torishi.

Eska walked over. Torishi smiled.

But not we as in, we here. You and I, Eska, we have much to do, yes? This child will go with Feshi. And I entrust her to her guardians, who will not let her out of their sight.

Vetn and Tesy flushed, and Mrsha was amazed they still had their ears.

Qwera nodded.

I wont let her out of my sight.

Tkrn promised too.

Or mine.

Torishi raised an eyebrow.

All of you might be just enough. But I think we have less to fear now, yes?

What? But Mrsha was right there, and she had her magic wand, her true nature hidden by paint, buteveryone looked at Mrsha, who rubbed one red eye. What did Torishi mean by that?

As if in reply, as the light faded over the Meeting of Tribes, Torishi led Mrsha and Feshi out of the Weatherfur camp. And there Mrsha saw a sight to take her breath away.

The Gnolls had stopped watching the council on the news. They had broken up, but they might reconvene tomorrow. Certainly Walled Cities and tribes would shake and tear apart over this. Something had begun.

But anger and rage could only last so long. Right now, there was a feeling in the air. Solemnity. A quiet. But not silence.

As light faded from the sky, and even as Torishis place in a permanent spotlight of her own weather turned quiet and still, darkness fell over the camp.

Yet no one lit torches or braziers. No one reached for a magical lantern or asked a [Shaman] to illuminate the darkness. Instead, Mrsha saw, in the crowd of gathered Gnolls, someone lift something up.

It was a wand. Bought at a markup from the Golden Gnoll or donated by Wistram, found, and held in an uncertain grip.

A Gnoll with a wand. Slowly, the tip began to glow with a faint green light. Not the green of any color Mrsha could name. Not the green of any artificial screen but a color mixed in a shade only produced by magic.

It filled the darkness, touched the silent figures. One light. Others held wands. But there was nothing.

Thensomeone lifted a staff. They raised it high overhead, planted it, and a shimmering small fire of blue insects, beautiful little insects that flew and melted, rose upward. Mrsha saw another Gnoll, standing on a platform, lift a crystal ball that began to glow from no power but the one in its holders hand.

So few. So far between. Yet the light shone all the brighter because it was so dark.

Mrsha saw more lights appear, each one different. And she saw a Gnoll looking down at her.

Feshi smiled encouragingly. Mrsha hesitatedthen plucked something from her side. A hidden object that no Gnoll could use.

Orat least until a moment ago. She raised it, slowly, as in the center of the Meeting of Tribes, Ferkr of Pallass raised her paw skyward and conjured a vast globe of light.

Mrshas wandwell, the wand shed stolen from Pisces, but technically he had given it to her laterrose into the air. It produced a green-yellow light, like blossoms in spring. Torishi looked up and smiled as the tendril of light grew upward, like a plant. She called out as she and Feshi lifted Mrsha to their shoulders.

Look upon this child of Weatherfur! Look and know the truth of it forever! Let them never lie! Never shall we forget this injustice! Never!

Some Gnolls took up the call. Others just looked at Mrsha, many with tears in their eyes.

In the distance, a Gnoll, a Chieftain, stood and saw the distant girl. Chieftain Mrells eyes fixed on her. Right there. So far away, yet so close.

A little Gnoll girl. With a shining light from the tip of a magic wand.

She gasped, and he heard it in that quiet moment. A small intake of breath, wondering.

Mrsha du Marquin looked around, and there they were. So many faces smiling at her. For having magic. Despite everything that had happened, as she sat there on the two shoulders, she felt it. A beautiful connection with everyone here. Mrsha looked at Tkrn, at Vetn, standing next to Tesy as the Drake painted the scene and showed it to Gireulashia, who was leaning over to watch, and Lehra waving Suxhels wand and grinning.

She was among her people. Mrsha breathed out. And then she finally saw it.

Gnolls, a group of them, pushing through the crowd. Led their way by a pointing Gnoll. One of them cried out and began running, pushing other Gnolls aside, racing toward her. Mrsha felt herself being lowered, and she ran forward so Krshia could sweep her up in her arms and kiss her and hug her properly.

That was how Mrsha found Krshia. That was her first day in the Meeting of Tribes.

That night, she ate with Krshia and Feshi, who were listening and reading the notes she passed around, as Vetn clammed up about his real profession and Gireulashia played with Inkars iPhone, listening to computer, movie, and inn with ears that twitched.

But everyone listened, putting together a story to bind all other tales together into one, connected by a common thread. And though there was much more that happened that was goodand she knew she would have to see Mrell again, and there was more to worry about and dofor today, this was enough. Mrsha fell asleep in Krshias arms.

Not before she had done one last thing, though. One last super-important thing.

She sent a simple [Message] this time. No games. No plots. No cursive. It had one recipient, and it was something only that recipient would understand. To Lyonette, in Oteslia, her daughter wrote:

Im here. Find me with everyone, Mother. I miss you.

Authors Thoughts:

There exists a guidebook of grammar rules. I believe its Perdue or something. It indicates, among the many rules, that you should end quotations with punctuation inside the quotation marks. Like I write like this.

It is disgusting, I refuse to do it, and I will not bow down to the tyranny of some random people who sound like a weird cheese you put into a fondue telling me how to write. Similarly, I do other things that are not grammarly correct, but are my style.

Ahem. All this to say that I felt bad when Barbara got her edits back to me, because the one thing I did have to disagree with in her first draft was her notes on dialogue. And thats my fault because I have not told any of the three editors that I use a stylized dialogue with no tags. Thats not her fault; its on me and Im going to remember with those in the future.

I also feel bad, sometimes, because when I write these edited chapters, Ive felt like Ive flipped a coin. Either it needs huge work and substantive edits on a plot/narrative level like Interlude Pisces or it has really good bones like this one and Erins chapter.

I dont write a meh chapter, I guess. But each editor has done something rather different and this time, I was introduced to an amazing line edit job. I dont know if thats the term, but if you looked at the original chapter and this one, I think youd find more differences on a line-by-line level than the other two chapters combined.

It had to be at least a thousand comments, I think. So many that when I uploaded it to Google Docs, it actually started crashing the browser. It was a huge amount of work and I wonder if youll see the changes because I think it tightened up prose and changed comprehension immensely.

Which is a lot of what I learned. More than anything, I have a problem with a staccato narrative and I sometimes forget to clarify when I write for like 7 hours straight. Thatshonestly something I dont think I can fix on a first draft, but I will keep it in mind. And thats why editing is so useful.

A huge amount of effort, such that I think that this kind of chapter would go really well with someone like Andrea reading it in audio because its just improved. Tightened up, things fixed. Except for the names. Nothing will save Andrea from Klbkchhezeim. Or NaltharNathIm going to introduce his cousin, Androitixculeoum-adus.

The point is that I found that I could trust Barbaras edits, which was really good given how many there were. Signs of a good editor is that you can re-write in my narrative style, which she did. I was very pleased to work with her! However, I think the process had to be a killer for both her and meI spent four hours going through the edits and I cannot imagine how long it took to write.

More than anything, this is what I want for a chapter that matters. And I think this chapter does matter. I hope you agree, and also rememberI wrote this exactly one week ago. This was fast editing, and good stuffs. Get an editor. Maybe dont pay them at a contest rate. I hope youre now looking forwards to the next edited chapterthey make me push harder and I think theyre all some of my best. Thanks to Barbara, me, and me and Barbara and not you because you didnt write this or edit it. But maybe thanks for reading.

pirateaba

Unedited Chapter and Cover Letter are combined in the following /2021/10/27/8-49-m-unedited/

Lyonette by quenesu!

Twitter: /qenesu

Fetohep by Dr.replig8r!

Imani and Palt, Elir and Hexel, and more by /illudanajohnsCommission info:https://i.imgur.com/OmNDuK8.jpg