Mid Spring

  Clover

  1911 SC (Skyfall Calamity)

  The first two days, Puzzle had found every single root, fallen bough, or tangle of undergrowth in the entire forest. The boy wondered if he'd ever spend more than thirty seconds vertical. Everything seemed to catch his legs, catch his body, and upend him at a moment’s notice. The two scouts had said very little since awakening. Even the reserved Dace seemed quite cold around Puzzle. The boy wasn't sure what to make of the change in their attitude. But it mattered little to him; surviving another day and finding somewhere warm to rest for the evening was what counted.

  The routine of the day was quite simple; arising at dawn and breaking their simple camp quickly and efficiently. One of the scouts would range ahead, leaving behind trail-makers for Puzzle and his chaperone to follow. Much like the first two days, Puzzle stumbled by the markers without so much as a second glance. Only after several curses and threats did he learn to stay close to his guide, following their lead, heeding their advice.

  By the start of the third day, he was learning the tricks, the little ways to place his feet or how to check his path ahead in anticipation of any changes in terrain. The loose stones that had felled him were avoided, bushes navigated around, logs vaulted over. It took another three days for the boy to get a grasp of how to move as the scouts did, fluidly with minimal exertion and yet leaving no trace. But Puzzle was a stubborn student, watching the way his guides would move beside him, mimicking and imitating them as best he could. Flidais would offer the occasional dry reply whenever the boy made a mistake. Dace would nod or shake his head depending on the outcome.

  By the end of the first week, Puzzle had a firm grasp of what his teachers were showing him. He felt stronger and faster for it, eyes picking out the myriad small details that mattered as they made their way through the perpetual forest. As the trio sat by the small camp-fire that night, the carcass of a rabbit roasting on a makeshift spit, the boy finally mustered the courage to speak up.

  “How long were you two going to drag me through every convenient bush and loose bit of footing?”

  Dace shrugged. The smirk on Flidais’ face was hidden beneath the scarf she always wore. Puzzle stabbed at the embers with a loose stick.

  “I did not realise it at first, but you two were trying to get me to fall down. I must have been guided into every sharp rock or spiky bush there is in this bloody forest.”

  “You needed the exercise,” Flidais noted. “Young boys need to work off all that nervous energy.”

  “Thank you.”

  There was no sarcasm in Puzzle's voice.

  “You enjoy being hurt?”

  “I enjoy learning how to survive a journey in a wooded environment.”

  “This is no wood,” Flidais rebutted.

  “True. This is a primeval forest full of deadly predators, several of which we have already encountered. And rather than treating me like a precious jewel, the two of you have taught me, in your own roundabout way, how to travel both carefully and without trace.”

  “You read far too much into things, boy.”

  “So, how long would you have let me stumble my way around before giving up?”

  Dace let out a low bark of laughter.

  “I had a wager of two weeks,” he muttered.

  Flidais struck the man's shoulder and rolled her eyes. Puzzle smiled, enjoying the joke at his own expense. Prodding the embers with his stick, he let his gaze become entranced by the flickering tongues of fire, expression going vague.

  “You have an unfair advantage,” Puzzle pointed out.

  “So now you complain about our experience?” Flidais teased.

  “No, the irokane boots you both wear.”

  The two scouts exchanged a look, Dace shrugging. He nodded to Puzzle as though acknowledging a point scored.

  “Our light footfalls?” Dace inquired.

  “Something like that. I have seen how skilled the two of you are; it is amazing. But sometimes you shift with no sound, even when moving through leaves on the forest floor. I am not sure how it works, but I assume your boots mask the sound of your movement.”

  “Ever the little scholar,” Flidais continued to tease.

  Puzzle sighed a little at that, before deciding to change conversation.

  “So, how far is it to South Greywater?” he asked in a neutral tone.

  “Two weeks, maybe more, maybe less,” Flidais explained. “We're coming down from the foothills, so the terrain should even out. This area is known as the Dells. Various small villages have carved out nooks in the forest; little dells to break up the landscape. Much like your own village. We'll run into a road sooner or later. Then we follow it until we reach a village. From there it's easy to get a more precise bearing.”

  Puzzle nodded to himself, still poking at the embers, turning them over.

  “I want to continue my training,” he said.

  “Our survival is a more appropriate priority,” Dace replied.

  “We are not in any serious danger now. The two of you have completely healed, foraging is good, and I am learning how to not make a complete buffoon of myself. I want to learn what the two of you know. I want to learn how to move and forage like a hunter. I want to learn how to fight like the two of you would.”

  “Two weeks is barely a shred of time necessary for you to grasp the basics. I appreciate your enthusiasm, little scholar, but it seems futile.”

  “Let the boy learn,” Dace muttered.

  Flidais turned to her companion, raising an eyebrow. He looked back before shrugging and turning to watch the shadows outside the fire.

  “The Lady would respect his resolve,” Flidais muttered.

  Sighing, Flidais stood up, dusting her legs off before locating a long and short branch. Tossing one towards Puzzle, the scout shifted into a long stance, impromptu sword pointed at the boy. Following his teacher, Puzzle stood and mirrored the stance.

  “You've been learning how to fight with a longsword against a longsword. It's time to learn finesse and speed, how to fight against someone who is faster than you, because inevitably there will be one. You are a Null, and your opponent will almost always be someone with an affinity, someone who can enhance their strength, speed, or both.”

  Flidais came at Puzzle so fast, he barely had time to check the strike, giving ground hastily.

  “It's time you learnt how to dance,” Flidais threatened.

  A week ago, Puzzle would have been shocked by the sudden appearance of Dace at his side. But after spending enough time with the scouts, he'd learned how to pick out the subtle sounds that announced their impending arrival. The boy had no doubt that when they wanted to, the scouts could be quieter than the Matriarch. But when returning from their quick patrol ahead, silence was not so essential. It still scared him that they were this talented, even without focus. Chameleon cloak shimmering in the noon light, Dace matched the careful steps of Puzzle as the two made their way between the boughs of tall trees, Flidais a few steps ahead.

  “We've a village an hour’s walk ahead of our current location,” the softly-spoken man explained.

  “About time,” Flidais grumbled, not looking back as she jumped over an especially prominent root. “I was beginning to wonder if we'd somehow stumbled south into the Wylds and troll country.”

  Puzzle felt his heart begin to flutter, excitement filling him. The last two weeks of hard travel were beginning to wear him down. But the chance to finally sleep in a warm bed with good food and clean clothing were enough to restore his spirits. Eagerness picking up his pace, Puzzle dashed over to Flidais, grinning up at her.

  “Looks like we will be sleeping in real beds tonight. And then onto South Greywater.”

  Puzzle felt his enthusiasm slipping as he read the distant expression on Flidais face.

  “Perhaps.”

  Nodding to himself, Puzzle put on a brave face and focused on the walk ahead, keeping up with the rapid pace with the two scouts. It was the smell that first hinted at the distant spot of civilisation. Scents of fires, of cooking, of tilled earth and domesticated animals. Small hints that something much larger was ahead. As the trees thinned, Puzzle did his best not to break into a sprint. Dace and Flidais flanked him, eyes scanning the tree line, almost on edge. Not sure why they were so cautious but understanding there had to be a good reason, Puzzle began treading as as they did. His movements were quiet and subtle, sticking more to the shadows and keeping his ears alert for the sounds of strangers.

  The trio finally broke through and into the neglected vegetable patch of one of the houses. Looking around, Puzzle saw a large section of the forest had been cleared. Roughly two dozen houses in three circles surrounded a central village green and pond, smoke rising from several chimneys. A larger building with two chimneys at the centre of the village looked to be either an inn or a wealthier property.

  It struck Puzzle that the village seemed almost like Oakdell. He hadn't been sure what to expect once he'd left the village. Perhaps something different enough that it wouldn't give him a momentary pang of home sickness. But it all struck a familiar chord. The buildings were built in a similar manner, walls of thick wooden planks or heavy stone, roofs slanted to keep the snow off during the winter. Similar crops in the vegetable patches, same fences to keep out the wildlife. Even the larger building near the centre reminded Puzzle of the Town Hall back home.

  At a distance, the boy could see several of the villagers going about their business. Their clothing was much like that of Oakdell; the men in trousers of brown or black, linen or woollen shirts, light coats of brown, black, or green for the warm spring, and leather boots. The women dressed a little differently, favouring long skirts and blouses, shawls about their shoulders, heads, or both, and leather shoes.

  “Welcome to Mossdell,” Flidais muttered dryly.

  “You know this village?” Puzzle asked.

  “Passed through once or twice on patrol, heading to the Wylds. Quaint kinda location. Inn is actually half-way decent.”

  “Let’s go, then!” Puzzle exclaimed, striding forward.

  Dace caught up with Puzzle, using hand gestures to guide the boy towards one of the many paths circling the village centre.

  “Careful,” he warned softly. “Three strangers appearing on the borders won't invite trust.”

  Puzzle nodded, looking back to see that Flidais was shadowing the two of them, almost acting as a lookout against an unseen attack. The two men made their way to the path and immediately found themselves the centre of attention. Several doors opened, men, women and children all exiting to see who had arrived. In moments, the air was alive with half-heard conversation, buzzing whispers, and more insistent shouts. Glancing back and forth, Puzzle realised that he and Dace were in the middle of a debate between various citizens of Mossdell. Some pointed at Puzzle and the masked Dace accusingly, declaring they were bandits down on their luck. Others asked why a small child was travelling with two clearly marked soldiers.

  A few shy children pushed between the legs of their parents, moving forward to get a closer look. A young blonde boy reached out to try touch the sword over Puzzle's shoulder, but pulled back when Puzzle stepped away.

  “You own a sword?” he whispered reverently.

  Puzzle bobbed his head.

  “Where did you find it?” he asked.

  “My uncle gave it to me, before he passed away.”

  “I wish I had a sword,” the boy complained.

  Puzzle shook his head.

  “It is not so great. You have to practise with it every day, and the bruises hurt.”

  “You know how to use it?” the boy exclaimed.

  “Sure do. In fact the two...”

  A gloved hand on his shoulder stopped Puzzle mid-sentence. Flidais had joined the crowd finally, face impassive. Looking down at Puzzle, she shook her head before gesturing towards the larger building at the centre of the village.

  “We best head that way, organise lodging and a resupply.”

  “Yes, ma'am.”

  The two scouts and Puzzle wound their way towards the village centre, trailing a crowd of onlookers and curious locals. Many questions were thrown at them. Some asked from whence they had come, others why they were only three. Still more wanted to know why they had appeared from the eastern edge of the village clearing. The two scouts dodged the questions, giving non-committal replies as they briskly strode towards what must be the village inn. Arriving at the door, Puzzle found his path blocked by a large man, ruddy face pockmarked. Wearing worn trousers and a linen shirt, the sleeves rolled up, he looked very similar to the metalsmith Gailan. Arms folded across a broad chest, the tall man dwarfed even Flidais.

  “I trust the three of you will be no trouble,” he rumbled, dark eyes glancing over the new arrivals.

  Flidais stepped forward and tapped the leather spaulder with a gloved hand.

  “We're both soldiers of the Empire, so you can inform the two snipers atop the roofs three houses down that they strung their bows for nothing.”

  The tall man raised a bushy eyebrow.

  “Your eyes are keen enough. How do I know you're not deserters?”

  “Do you think a deserter would be stupid enough to pass through a village where their face would be recognised?”

  The man shrugged and unfolded his arms, tucking thumbs into the loops of his belt.

  “I'm Morgan. Welcome to the village of Mossdell. You're a far way from the nearest military outpost, soldier.”

  “Long range patrol. Ran into basilisks.”

  Morgan grimaced.

  “I'm sorry to hear that. We've lodging in the Placid Pond Inn, if you're looking to rest up.”

  Stepping to one side, Morgan allowed the trio to enter the Placid Pond. The crowd made to follow close behind, but Morgan stepped back into the doorway, blocking egress. The collection of locals milled outside, asking numerous questions of the mayor. The man rebuffed their desire to enter with stern words.

  Past the threshold, Puzzle looked about, again surprised at how similar the Inn seemed to his home village. Same angled ceilings, open-beamed roof, lamps set onto the walls in a similar manner. Even the collection of sturdy tables and chairs looked the part, a bar in one corner with the kitchen behind. A man of middling age, wearing a linen apron and cleaning bottles of liquor with a wet cloth, turned and gave a modest bow to the three new arrivals.

  “Good afternoon to all,” he welcomed them. “Here be the Placid Pond Inn, and I do be the proprietor. How might I serve you this fine day?”

  “We'll handle the negotiations,” Flidais told Puzzle. “Go take a seat.”

  Keeping quiet, Puzzle bobbed his head before wandering over to a small table in a corner of the common room and sitting down. Staring up at the ceiling, he let out a sigh of relief. It felt good to be seated, to actually let go and relax a little. Shrugging off his travel pack, Puzzle looked about the inn, noticing all the odd little trophies and fixtures. Bones of great animals on the walls, paintings of far-off vistas or heirloom weaponry set in places of honour. The light of the Four Suns streamed in through open windows, a few faces peering in to get a glimpse of the strange arrivals.

  Puzzle wondered what it was like to live in Mossdell. It seemed so similar to Oakdell. Even the pleasant smells from the kitchen were a comforting reminder of the past. Roast chicken and vegetables filled the air. Stomach rumbling in agreement, Puzzle stopped his daydreaming and looked over to see how things were going. The slightly slumped shoulders of Flidais spoke volumes.

  “We travelled as a patrol; having scouts carry coin was deemed unnecessary,” Flidais appealed.

  “I do understand your predicament, ma'am,” the inn keeper explained, “but ye do understand my problem? Three appear with no coin, asking for lodging, food, and supplies.”

  “We can arrange for the money to be paid in full by the next patrol to pass through,” Flidais replied.

  “That be fine and all if I knew ye as regular soldiers of these here parts. But, sadly, I don't be recognising you. So, taking your honest word, though it seems to ring true, is no easily done.”

  “What, then, are we to do if you won't take our word?”

  “If you have something to trade, then perhaps we can barter for goods?”

  Flidais threw her hands up.

  “All I have on me is supplied by the Empire. If I were to sell any of it, then it would see me court-martialled and dishonourably discharged.”

  “Then maybe you can work off the debts that...”

  Puzzle let the rumble of conversation slip into the background. An odd thought tickled his mind, something from a few weeks ago. Puzzle opened his travel pack and began to rummage through, pushing aside soiled clothing and alchemical tools. Finding the stockings, Puzzle carefully unwound them and dropped the wallet into a waiting hand. He popped it open. The gift from Joan glinted, heavy crowns sitting amidst smaller marks and pennies. The silvery-gold coins had been one of the first things Puzzle had packed, an insurance in case something were to go wrong and he had no one else to rely upon. Hopping off his seat, Puzzle walked over to where the three adults were haggling and raised his both his hands, showing off the accumulated wealth.

  “Excuse me,” Puzzle interrupted, “but will this be enough?”

  All three adults stopped mid-sentence, turning to look first at Puzzle and then the tidy sum in his hands. Flidais’ eyes widened a fraction, the inn keeper's eyes dancing over the money while he mentally calculated the wealth. Even the normally reserved Dace whistled quietly.

  “That do be more than enough, young master,” the inn keeper explained. “I do think I have enough in me counting lockbox to give you change, but only just. Well, now, since the young master has sorted payment, we can see to your meals and lodgings.”

  Flidais and Dace exchanged glances, both coming to a wordless agreement.

  “We're going to let the child pay?” Dace spoke quietly.

  Flidais shrugged.

  “Do we have a choice?” she replied.

  Turning back to the inn keeper, Dace nodded. The man reached down and took one crown.

  “I shall return with change,” he explained, heading over towards the bar, and likely the inn strongbox.

  The two scouts looked down at Puzzle, amazement still in their eyes.

  “Since when have you been a wealthy aristocrat?” Flidais asked.

  “It was a gift from someone during my Rite of the Elements. I never had need to spend much of it, so I kept it hidden away.”

  “That was quite a gift.”

  The inn keeper returned and deposited four marks and some pennies back in his hand.

  “Thank you again, young master. Your rooms will be ready shortly. In the meantime, if you do so wish, the bathhouse be ready to use, and dinner almost be done. If you be needing clothes cleaned, that, too, can be arranged.”

  The inn keeper returned to the bar, washing several plates and mugs in anticipation of the evening meal. Puzzle looked down at the money in his hands before glancing about the inn and sighing.

  “You saved us from a very difficult position, and still you look like someone who has failed,” Flidais noted.

  Puzzle felt his shoulders sag a little.

  “I just... I wish everyone else were... Well, Heph, and Maria, and Theresia, and... There's Ms Perenelle and the captain, and... and Thuma, and, Albertus, and Clarissa... even Lendor.”

  Words trailing off, Puzzle felt the enormity of what had happened pressing down on him. Out in the wild, he'd focused on surviving, on learning as much as he could from the scouts. But now that they had time to stop and think, reality was beginning to settle in. Flidais knelt and put both gloved hands on Puzzle's shoulders.

  “The Lady watches over those with a generous heart, young man. If your friends are one third as kind as you are, they will be well. As for the captain, he won't die until he's good and ready. Would order the Matriarch to return later when it wasn't such an inconvenience.”

  Puzzle smiled and nodded.

  “I guess you are right. The captain would look after Ms Perenelle, too.”

  A bark of laughter escaped from Flidais.

  “No, it would be the other way around. Fire Blossom isn't one to lean upon anyone else.”

  “Fire Blossom?”

  Confusion wandered across Puzzle's face and began bubbling in his mind. Standing up, Flidais gestured towards the bathhouse.

  “Perhaps later. Go clean yourself up. Dace and I have supplies to organise.”

  The trade road moved by in a blur that Heph found he could barely recall. Cutting its way through the great forest, the bough-lined verge seemed the same, day after day. One bend, one twist or turn about hills and valleys, was the same as another. They could have passed by the entirety of the Empire and Heph would have never known, the unending vibrant green and brown landscape always stretching onwards.

  It had been only the day after running dry of the gritty potion when they ran across a trade road. Following further west, it wasn't long before the two encountered a caravan heading back to South Greywater. Bartering for food and passage hadn't been hard, Ms Perenelle selling her services as a trained alchemist. Heph was glad to be off his feet and eating properly again. Hot meals and a warm place to sleep each night were comforts he came to appreciate once they had been lost.

  “So, have you rethought your goals at all, young man?” his travelling companion asked.

  The wagon shook the daydreaming boy awake as it lurched over a minor pothole. Blinking away the daze, he nodded at the lady asking the question. Beth and Bella were the merchant sisters with whom Ms Perenelle and Heph had bartered. On the first day and wanting conversation, Heph had begun asking them questions. Uninterested in marriage or settling down, they had instead chosen a life of travel, moving between the Dells and South Greywater in a continual circuit. Most often they brought various foods and wares between villages that were in short supply, acting as an impromptu courier for whatever needed to be transported about the region. They found their impermanence and somewhat chaotic lifestyle intoxicating, talking happily all day long about the many villages and roads they had travelled, the sights they had seen, their experiences.

  Bella, the elder of the two, was asking the question. Dressed in pale blue and grey, she was also the more serious and mature of the two. Both chose to wear dark trousers and grey coats rather than skirts or dresses, finding them difficult to maintain in their nomadic lifestyle. Bella kept her light brown hair long and in a simple braid, while Beth wore her hair short.

  “I guess so, Ms Bella,” Heph replied. “I still want to learn how to fight.”

  “What is it with boys at this age and fighting?” Bella grumbled. “Even worse when it's a Vesulian.”

  “It's certainly more exciting than wandering around in a rickety wagon selling flour, salt, and other condiments,” Beth replied, glossing over her sister's comments.

  Beth, in grey trimmed with green, gave a cheery smirk to Heph.

  “I'm sure the two of you could be doing things other than corrupting my young ward,” Ms Perenelle called from the back of the wagon.

  Heph had been seated on the driver’s seat beside Beth and Bella, giving him a good view of the everything ahead. Ms Perenelle, meanwhile, was seated at the back of the cart, pouring over some small notebooks she had taken with her from Oakdell.

  “We're trying to save this dear child from making a rash decision,” Bella explained.

  “Besides, the two of us want him to join us in becoming travelling merchants rather than a soldier in the army. Surely, you'd think that wasn't corrupting?” Beth added.

  “Hephaestus is free to make his own decisions however he wishes. And if that means joining the army, then so be it.”

  Bella rolled her green eyes

  “You won't be able to join the army until you are considered an adult, so dreams of fighting in great battles and slaying the enemies of the Empire may have to be put on hold for some time,” Bella explained.

  “The City Guard are always looking for recruits,” Beth offered.

  “You are not helping, Sister,” Bella replied.

  “If the young man is determined to become a soldier, then why should we not help? If he joins the Guard, they can teach him a great deal. Enough that he will get a taste of what the life of someone who fights for a living is. Maybe he'll find it isn't for him and choose something else instead.”

  “I guess I could join the City Guard instead,” Heph agreed.

  Turning his gaze back to the forest-line, Heph wondered what could be lurking behind the boughs of the great trees.

  “You needn't worry about keeping a vigilant guard,” Bella noted. “There are few that would be foolish enough to rob us. These roads are well travelled and patrolled.”

  Heph shook his head.

  “It's not people I'm worried about,” he whispered to himself.

  Beth and Bella exchanged a sad look. Both had been given a broad explanation by Perenelle of what had transpired leading up to their crossing paths.

  “I doubt monsters are lurking about,” Bella reassured the boy. “They don't like the area, anyway; feels queer to them. Speaking of which, we should be coming upon the Falls shortly.”

  Heph frowned and looked around, wondering what the two were talking about. It was then that he noted the strange hissing sound. It was as though there were odd insects buzzing around his ears, but it was not a sound heard so much as felt. His bones seemed to hum to the strange, discordant buzz.

  “Ah, now you notice,” Beth teased. “Often you feel it before you hear it.”

  “Have you been taught how to ward yourself?” Bella inquired, changing the subject from the military.

  “I've seen some of the soldiers do it, but no, not really,” Heph answered.

  “Well, now is as good a time as any. We are approaching the Skyline Falls, an area where The Grid is rather damaged. You won't die from exposure, but it will leave you feeling ill and likely nauseated. Unless you have a desire to vomit up your breakfast, I suggest you pay close attention.”

  Heph watched and felt as Bella drew in the Aether around her.

  “A ward is our way of protecting against anything magical in nature,” Bella explained. “Metal and leather protect against the physical, a ward against the magical. Since both of us are Iron affinity, this will be much easier. Watch closely and do as I do.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Heph could see the subtle flow of Aether drawing in around Bella. Leaning in closer, he could see her weaving the Aether into a complex web that overlaid the barely visible iron-grey lines that now flowed beneath her skin.

  “Weave the web to follow the conduction lines of your body. That will allow you to empower and reinforce the ward with your own reserves of Aether, as well as protect against direct strikes.”

  Focusing, Heph stretched outwards and felt the Aether around him. Strangely, it felt slick and oily, struggling and twisting in his grasp. Doing as Bella had done, the youth wove a complex web that was layered over his body, fusing it into part of his being and powering it with a pulse of his own Aether.

  “It's not easy to keep up the ward,” Heph muttered.

  Beth glanced over and rolled her eyes.

  “You needn't channel that much into it. Right now, you could block a fireball with your face, if necessary.”

  Grinning sheepishly, Heph let go of Aether, feeling the drain slow to a trickle.

  “It's good exercise for you, actually. Learning to draw a little from your surroundings whilst concentrating on everything else. Soon enough, it becomes second nature,” Bella noted.

  A faint roaring in the distance interrupted Heph's response. Craning his head, he could just pick it out, the sound of rushing water on stone. The air seemed thicker, too, heavy with moisture and something Heph couldn't quick pick out.

  “I always enjoy this part of the journey, no matter what the others say,” Beth piped up.

  “That's because you're a little odd, Sister,” Bella replied.

  Sticking out her tongue, Beth sat a little forward, grinning at Heph.

  “This would be your first time, hmm?”

  “Yess’m.”

  “Then you're in for a treat. The Skyline Falls are...”

  “Don't ruin the surprise,” Bella admonished. “Let young Hephaestus see for himself. Now don't forget, young man, keep the ward up the entire time. You'll start to feel some ambient resistance from the Aether in the area. That is normal.”

  “As though it were trying to break free?” Heph asked.

  “Yes, something like that. It's the reason why we are safe in this area. Few bandits could stand to live to close by. After all, you can't ward yourself while asleep. And most animals shy away, repelled by the Falls themselves. The road we are taking skirts around the waterway, following the tributary before it merges and becomes the Grey River downstream. The river crossing itself is part of the Skyline Falls. But you'll see soon enough.”

  As the roaring grew louder. So, too, did the sound of Heph's heart. Whatever they were coming upon, it sounding amazing. There had been a few small rivers and streams in and around Oakdell. Nothing longer than a man was tall, but still deep enough to encourage the children of the area to be careful. One time, while camping back at Oakdell, Heph, Puzzle, Maria, and Theresia had come across a small waterfall. The stream had plunged over the cliff and crashed into a pool ten metres below. Heph wondered if the Skyline Falls were like that, only bigger, grander.

  Rounding the corner, Heph could only gape, jaw dropping down as he stared at the impossible scene. A great rent in the earth had been carved out, some colossal hunk of stone fallen from the sky and plunging into the ground. The rift seemed bottomless, crossing almost from one edge of Heph's vision to the other. The rift bisected the river, cutting it in two. But the great chasm was not what caught Heph's eyes. Instead, it was the flow of the river that plunged down one edge of the rift into the misty depths and then flowed up the other side against gravity. Heph could see the roaring blue-grey waters straining against stone, flowing as though the world had been inverted before following natural the course of the river on the other side.

  Floating in the middle of the chasm was a small island of stone, two great arched bridges connecting either side. As the small cart approached the irrational scene, Heph could see that the bridges were built from an unknown material, like an alloy of Copper and sandstone. Heph could see no grooves in the material like there would be in a stone bridge’s construction. They were perfect, whole segments slotted into place, guard rails crafted from the same strange material lining either edge. Odd-looking cyclopean pillars marked the edge of the rift valley and the beginning of the bridges which forded either side.

  “How is that even possible?” Heph mouthed.

  “There are several theories,” Perenelle's voice explained from beside the boy.

  Tearing his eyes away from the unnatural scene, Heph realised Ms Perenelle now walking beside the cart. Her eyes scanned the valley, flicking about as though looking for something.

  “Looking for your wares, alchemist?” Bella teased.

  “Any area with a strong connection to the Grid, or in this case, a damaged one, is a good site to find the herbs. With a Spring Seasonal Ascendance, it will be quite the bounty. Lots of conduitweed. I'll leave you to cross the Skyline Bridge and catch up in a bit. The foraging may take some time, and I have no desire to see you ill.”

  Turning away from the cart, Ms Perenelle stepped into the thinning undergrowth and disappeared beneath the green shadows. Heph stared at the impossible waterfall.

  “That's amazing,” he addressed the two merchants, “but what does Ms Perenelle mean 'several theories'? How can water flow against gravity?”

  Beth gestured towards the bridges.

  “The origins of its construction, who built it, and from what, are shrouded in the mists of time. Records of the Volkaugh, who controlled the Grey States centuries ago, indicate that the bridge still stood then. So it must to be someone even older. Maybe the Elyssans from around the Ancient Era, maybe even the Ur-Golems--”

  “The valley is a result of the Skyfall Calamity,” Bella interrupted.

  “That is a myth, Sister.”

  “Well, it would explain how the bridge still remains when everything else was destroyed.”

  “I don't understand,” Heph admitted.

  Almost nudging her sister aside and handing her the reigns, Bella launched into a lesson.

  “We know of the Skyfall Calamity. Ombos went searching for the Eternal Tower in the Cradle. We don't know what she did or didn't find, but we do know that the Tower was shattered and fell. It broke into a million pieces, and they plunged into the earth, tearing great holes into Alloy.”

  “The Skyfall Calamity is a metaphor for the breakdown of ancient civilisation after a series of disastrous wars, Sister,” Beth rebutted.

  “That's one belief, Beth. But look out over this valley. It does look as though something fell from a great height and tore it apart, plunged so deep into Alloy that you can't see the bottom. And why hasn't the valley long since been filled up by the river?”

  “Because it follows a node,” Beth answered.

  “Exactly!”

  Heph gazed towards the impossible island floating between the impossible waterfalls. It was something he had never thought of before, yet the two sisters seemed so casual. His attention finally return to the conversation.

  “A node?” Heph asked.

  “Perhaps we're overloading the boy. That's a lesson for another day. All you need to know is that the river exists because it follows a series of nodes, and this one passes through the Skyline Falls. The river and its waters push against and defy gravity because they must follow the nodes.”

  Beth and Bella stopped their banter as the cart reached the strange cyclopean pillars that marked the edge of the rift valley and the beginning of the bridge. Leaning cautiously over the side of the cart, Heph could see the valley plunge so deep that the bottom was shrouded in absolute darkness. The sound of the horses’ hooves striking the strange material of the bridge seemed to echo in Heph's ears, not quite metal or stone, but something else. Following the rise of the bridge, Heph couldn't help holding his breath as it soared over the limitless black depths of the valley, mist rising from below and casting the air in a rainbow of colours. As they crossed over to the floating island at the centre, Heph could feel the Aether around him twisting and writhing. It wasn't dangerous enough to overwhelm him, but he now understood why Beth had taught him how to ward his body. The Aether was almost toxic with energy, shifting about in unusual ways and pushing against his wards. It took most of his concentration and focus to keep them up. Even drawing on the Aether in the area was taxing, a light sweat breaking out as he focused. The sound of hooves on stone had Heph exhaling, his skin itching as the Aether around him threatened to surge through the ward he was maintaining.

  “Half-way there, young man. You're doing quite well for someone so young,” Beth encouraged him.

  Even though knew the ground beneath him was solid, Heph could still feel a tingle of fear and caution in his fingertips. The knowledge that the small stone island they were crossing hung in the air was uncomfortable. Staring forward, he wondered how Tully the horse could stand it. Reaching out with his far senses, he picked up the faint ripple of Aether surrounding the gelding. It was hard to maintain the technique, Aether twisting like a storm. Rather than looking down, the boy kept his eyes strictly forwards and upon the horse, picking out the subtle lines of dull grey that marked the brown flesh of the animal. Tully was instinctively protecting himself from the toxic Aether.

  The journey to the other side dragged on forever. As the cart and its occupants made their way forward, Heph could feel the storm of pressure around him starting to abate. Wiping away the faint sheen of sweat, the proud boy grinned at his two travelling companions as they cleared the bridge and crossed back onto solid land. Following the trade road as it ran parallel to the river, Heph was glad once they were out of sight of the Falls. Only when the Aether around him finally settled did he let go of the ward, feeling it dissipate into strands of excess energy that were absorbed into the ambience.

  “It's always quite an experience the first time,” Beth noted. “Though I must confess, it still has some lustre, even after all these years of crisscrossing our own paths.”

  “Are we going to wait for Ms Perenelle?” Heph asked.

  “She did inform us that she would catch up. I'm sure the alchemist knows what she is doing. Most like to do a little foraging on the side.”

  Heph nodded and looked forwards, speculating on any other wonders that might lay ahead on his journey.

  “You were talking about the City Guard,” he started.

  Puzzle sat quietly in the corner of the inn, his meal finished, a mug of warm milk sitting to one side of the leather-bound book he was browsing through. It was one of the texts that Ms Perenelle had given to him to study on the proper cultivation and collection of herbs in the field. The sketches of various flora found in their native climates were intricately detailed and annotated. The young boy's eyes scanned over the images, taking in the notes and reading the accompanying text found beside every picture.

  “Would I be intruding if I sat down with you?” a courteous voice inquired.

  Looking up and smiling, Puzzle wordlessly motioned for the innkeeper to sit down. His eyes were lighter than most in the area, and his head bald. The man seemed a polite and modest sort. Drying his hands on the apron about his waist, the man planted them on the table and nodded towards the book Puzzle was reading.

  “I mean no disrespect, young master, but would you mind if I asked you two questions?”

  Puzzle shook his head and closed the book, giving the man his full attention.

  “The first be more of an observation, but I do think it right to ask regardless. That book you be reading and the way the other two address you, do you be an alchemist?”

  Puzzle nodded, then paused.

  “Only an apprentice. Can I ask something in return? You called me an alchemist, where most would call me a Null. Why?”

  “The word be pejorative, a word my father taught me when very young, so I do prefer the term alchemist. He raised me to be a respectful man and I honour his teachings very much.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It do be an honour, young master. It not be often I meet someone as polite and courteous as you. My second question do be less an inquiry and more an offer to help, if you desire. Your two travelling companions; they mentioned the name Fire Blossom and you seemed unknowing of it. I am familiar with the tale, if you have an ear to listen.”

  “I would appreciate any information about Ms Perenelle.”

  The inn keeper nodded his head.

  “Ah, so that be her true name. It is good after these long years to know and honour who she truly be, rather than the name we gave her when we had none to call upon.”

  The innkeeper offered his hand. Puzzle shook.

  “My name be Gus, by the by.”

  "Puzzle."

  Gus gestured towards the hearth of the main room. Looking across, Puzzle saw two steel swords crossed beneath a large kite shield hanging above the crackling fire.

  “Back when I had more hair upon my head and less sense within it, I chose to leave behind this village of Mossdell and travel towards North Greywater. I had family there, you see, and when word of siege reached us, well, there was little need for the Empire's recruiters. Many an able-bodied young man and woman chose to take up arms. By the time we had arrived, it be already too late. All were lost, and the undead had claimed our home as their own. Then General Gathios arrived at the head of ten legion. Back then, the general was known as Gathios; it would take the siege of North Greywater and the ingenuity of the legendary man to earn his title, the Ever-Burning.”

  Puzzle sat and listening, intrigued by the tale and wondering where it would go next. He was certain that Gus would not have told this story to everybody who entered his inn.

  “Many of the fresh recruits were immediately inducted into the army that had translocated. Out here, a man or woman do need to know which end of a blade to use, a grasp of the basics many of us had. For a month, we sat encamped on the edges of the city, surrounding it, staring grimly at its fallen walls.

  “Conflict, wars, and sieges do be part of the history of this lands, young master. All soldiers born to it are familiar with the rules and knowledge necessary to succeed. But this time, it be different. This time, we faced not a foe whose supply lines could be cut, whose water wells could be poisoned or starved from lack of food. The undead do not hunger for such things, so Gathios did find himself in a bind.

  “Minor skirmishes were fought, small parties of scouts sent from either side to assess their foe. The Restless Legion used ghouls and small troops of animated children's skeletons gifted with morbid intelligence. We sent experienced scouts. But neither side did commit, almost holding breath, almost unsure of what to do next. It did seem to me that the Restless Legion be waiting for something, be searching for something within the city, or searching for some inscrutable sign to attack.

  “I was on watch on the perimeter with the other recruits when she arrived. The woman gave no name, merely demanded that she speak with the general.”

  “This was Fire Blossom?” Puzzle interrupted.

  “You do be getting ahead of yourself, young master; but yes, you do be right. Normally, such an arrival, still dirty from weeks of travel, would be turned away. The general do have more important things to do than receive every traveller that passes by.”

  “What happened?”

  Gus took a slow breath in and composed himself.

  “She looked at me and it was as though recognition passed through her eyes. She told me that she was here to avenge those that would not be avenged. Justice for those forgotten. She spoke for the alchemists murdered within North Greywater and sought vengeance for their deaths. Though they do be Null, their bodies may be torn apart by undead arms and blades much like another. And in death, they can be raised to undeath, much like any other.”

  Gus took a moment to gather his thoughts. Puzzle drank a little of his warm milk and looked across to the weaponry above the crackling hearth. Looking back, he could see that the innkeeper's eyes had gone misty, as though from some long-forgotten pain.

  “My father was a Master at the Hall in North Greywater. I knew the woman's pain, because it do be my own; family and friends lost to the undead. I chose to ignore my orders and escorted her to the general himself, even though it do be dereliction of duty.”

  ‘Wait, if his father was a Master of the hall, that would mean...’

  “Your father was an alchemist? But that would make you one, too.”

  Gus chuckled.

  “No, young master. I do have an affinity for Iron like most. The nature of being an alchemist, it not be in family lines. Many an alchemist who has a family, though it be a rare event indeed, is surprised to find their children wielding magic, much like their neighbours. My father raised me to help people and be a good, honest man. I chose the life of an innkeeper in service to my fellow man. I inherited his turn of phrase, a man from more distant lands, but not his talents as an alchemist. My mother was a local, falling for him though he lacked any magic.”

  Gus rubbed his hands on his apron and seemed a little embarrassed.

  “I did be afraid that my rash actions would see me put in the brig. I never did be sure what the general and the lady alchemist did discuss, but long into the evening was their talk. When she left, it was behind a flight of messengers. I was assigned to watch the woman and lend what aid I could. My father did teach me something of herbs and alchemy, so I understood a touch of what she needed.

  “The lady was afforded a large tent and modest accommodations for her needs. She disappeared into the tent and made barely a peep until the next morn, though I was sent to locate many a merchant what carried supplies that would suit her needs. Upon the morn did she leave her tent, and carried in her arms were the weapons by which we would reclaim the city.”

  “Alchemist’s fire,” Puzzle surmised.

  “Your guess do be true. When the undead were cut down, there was little to stop the Necromancers raising them the following eve. But when burnt to a cinder, not much remains of the, well, remains. It did be our best weapon in fighting the Restless Legion. The lady alchemist disappeared for a few days and the fighting between Empire and Necromancer began in earnest. Block by block, we did reclaim tracts of the city. And whatever was thrown at us we repelled, though with harsh losses. Many a soldier fell to the claws and swords of skeletons hidden in the shadow. Shuffling mobs of zombies did advance upon us at all times while slinking ghouls feasted upon those that did not pay attention. Worse still, the unholy wraiths of the Restless Legion hounded us without rhyme or reason. Even the Paladins of Mirai did find their presence difficult to manage.”

  Puzzle could hear the timbre of Gus' voice shiver, recalling painful memories.

  “But soon enough, the lady did return, with weaponry in hand. She worked hard at it again with whatever supplies she had found. The alchemist fire we be supplied with was replaced with something stronger. A clay flask, marked with a burning flower, that exploded upon contact and would spread, consuming all it touched.”

  ‘There were flasks that Ms Perenelle kept safe in locked cabinets. I remember them, I remember the ones marked with blossoms on the side.’

  “We named it fire blossom, since that be its effect. Never did get the name of the lady alchemist, so that became her name, too. With fire did she arm us, and with fire did we take back the city. Through each district, we burned away the undead. With nothing to raise again and our cautious nature leaving few unwilling recruits, the Restless Legion did begin to suffer. Never quite sure what their goals be, only that they fought grimly to the end, never giving quarter, never asking any in return.”

  Puzzle looked down at the alchemy book he had been reading, the neat cursive writing so familiar, elegant, and careful.

  “Ms Perenelle was at the siege, too,” he whispered.

  “Many a story be written about the Siege of North Greywater,” Gus continued. “Some do romanticise it, some do be more realistic about it. Gathios did earn his name there, with alchemist fire and fire blossom supplied by the unnamed lady. And we retook that which seemed lost.”

  Gus stood up and dusted has hands on his apron.

  “Fire Blossom be responsible for helping retake the city. Very rarely did she venture forth, choosing to remain in her tent and tirelessly supply us. But a direct hand did she have, unthanked as she was.”

  Puzzle frowned.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Many a legend and honour arose during the siege. One of the Three Sages of Uwajika, near the very end, took a personal interest. Gathios, of course. The Paladin of Mirai demonstrated their own skills and fortitude. The Battle Mages of Empire fought against the Necromancers of the Legion. But no mention be made of the unknown alchemist, the one called Fire Blossom. We, the lowly soldiers what knew of her, were thankful for everything she did. But history forgets her too easily, intentional or otherwise.”

  “And so the siege ended, and she came to Oakdell,” Puzzle finished.

  “Where one story ends and another begins. Now, if ye be excusing me, I have a kitchen to finish sorting, and an Inn to close up for the night.”

  The innkeeper left Puzzle to his thoughts, staring down at the book.

  ‘I knew nothing about my uncle, and now Ms Perenelle. What do I know about the people who I'm meant to trust?’

  They appeared at camp three days after they had crossed the Skyline Falls. One moment, Heph was spooning down one of Bella's fantastic stews, the next he was on his feet, a loose club of wood destined for the fire brandished in his free hand.

  “Heph, do put that stick down. I don't want you to injure yourself.”

  The cloaked figure walked towards the fire, pulling back the hood to reveal an unimpressed Perenelle.

  “Ms Perenelle!” Heph blurted in surprise.

  “I know who I am, young man. Now, if you will excuse me, I've a hunger that needs to be sated.”

  Beth and Bella, both looking calm as they came from around the cart, exchanged a look. Perenelle took up a bowl and ladled out some stew before sitting on the log next to Heph, quickly devouring the contents.

  “I apologise for the delay to the three of you,” Perenelle explained as she ate. “There were some complications that left me having to take an alternate route.”

  “Nothing dangerous?” Beth asked.

  “Put your mind at ease. It won't be following us here. Won't stray far from the damaged section of the Grid.”

  Bella narrowed her eyes and walked over to where Perenelle sat. Hands on hips, the older woman fixed the alchemist with a serious look.

  “I find it hard to recall what might live in and around the Skyline Falls. With the glaring exception of a-”

  A large thump echoed through the camp. Heph was on his feet again, the club back in hand. Beth and Bella peered around the perimeter line. The merchant sisters had elected to camp a little away from the main road. A wayfarer's clearing lay at the end of the wide path, the perfect place to make camp and rest after a long day's journey. Two days of light spring rains had convinced the three to rest for a night with a large campfire to warm their damp bones.

  “You said it did not follow you. Or should I say ‘they’?” Bella pressed.

  Perenelle had stood, scanning the perimeter as she reached for a small, round flask drawn from her bandoleer.

  “If they wanted us dead, dead we would be. No, this is something less subtle.”

  Another crash, like the sound of a falling log, rumbled through the camp. Perenelle motioned to Heph.

  “Behind me, Heph, now.”

  Nodding without objection, Heph hurried over, still holding the club and trying to look for whatever it was. Beth rummaged through the wagon before drawing out two Iron-shod quarterstaves. She threw one to Bella before moving to stand beside Perenelle.

  “I'm blind at this point,” Perenelle explained, “so I'll have to rely on you three. Can your far sense pick up anything?”

  Bella moved to stand opposite Beth on the other side of Perenelle before scanning the perimeter. The Aether around the sisters swirled, flowing through them before being guided out into the dark night. They groped around the edge of clearing where the camp's light finally died.

  “Nothing that I can sense,” Bella admitted.

  “The creatures may be masking themselves,” Beth added.

  “I think there is only one of them,” Perenelle mused.

  Perenelle continued to flick her eyes back and forth. Pushing her spectacles further up the bridge of her nose, she looked irritated more than anything else.

  “Ms Perenelle, is there something you can do to help us?” Heph asked.

  “I've a potion or two that would let you see as though it were day. But what I currently hold could prove more harmful to you than the spider out there if used afterward.”

  Perenelle balanced the flask in her hand, as though it might explode at any moment.

  “Your guess is the same as mine, then?” Bella asked Perenelle. “Blade Spider?”

  “It makes the most sense. They nest in the thicker parts of the forest. Perhaps it hasn't been successful in chasing down prey for a week or two. Now it's hungry enough to forage farther afield.”

  Beth swallowed, wide eyes looking for the beast.

  “Merciful Fates, we've no tools to fight off such a thing.”

  Heph watched Perenelle's hand as the three talked about possible strategies. They would not have enough time to break camp and ride off. Fleeing on foot was not an option, the darkness and thick underbrush would only work in the spider’s favour. Fighting seemed the only solution, dangerous as it was.

  Reaching up, Heph gently wrapped his hand around Perenelle's.

  “Can I have that, Ms Perenelle?”

  Perenelle looked down at Heph with a cold glance.

  “Perhaps now is not a good time, Hephaestus.”

  “I can see farther than Beth and Bella. I've a good arm, too. If this is something you think could hurt the spider before it attacks, let me try.”

  Nodding, Perenelle relinquished the round flask. Drawing on the Aether around him as Clarissa had taught, Heph inhaled and centred himself. Exhaling, he cast his far sense out, dragging it like a fishing net past the camp perimeter. Mostly, he felt a faint response to the Iron in many of the trees. Some small animals, likely rabbits or mice, tickled his senses on the forest floor.

  Something large pushed against his far sense. Focusing on the one point, Heph felt the shape of the creature, the Iron in its body and blood reacting with his technique. The arachnid was the size of a small pony, its front four legs tapering to sword-sharp ends.

  “I found it,” Heph announced, pointing in the direction.

  Perenelle nodded and gestured in the direction of the blade spider.

  “Don't strike the beast; you want to send it fleeing, not stun it to the point of anger. Be careful to hurl it just past the clearing. The explosion could blind even at this range. Everyone, when Heph throws the flask, turn away and cover your ears.”

  Taking another deep breath, Heph closed his eyes and felt with his far sense. The blade spider had recognised Heph's technique and was chasing it back to the camp. With each stride the limbs would lash out, cutting through tree and shrub with horrific strength. Counting slowly, Heph waited until the spider was at the perimeter of the clearing before hurling the flask. He could not sense the clay as it tumbled forward, but Heph was confident of his throw. The flask struck just beside the spider, clay cracking, the contents coming into contact with the air. There was a flash of light brighter than all four suns at noon, followed by a near deafening rumble of sound. Nobody needed magical aid to see and hear the creature scuttling away in fear, stumbling on its legs and running into several trees along the way.

  Beth and Bella rubbed their eyes, after images still flickering about. Heph couldn't shake off the ringing in his ears, feeling a little woozy at the events of the night. Perenelle was the only one unaffected, remaining standing and watching the edge of the clearing as the other three moved to sit about the fire.

  “I've heard of thunder-shock flasks,” Beth said excitedly, “but never did I think I would see one.”

  “Or hear it,” Bella muttered.

  Finally satisfied with their safety, Perenelle joined the three around the fire. She fished out a thin clay vial and offered the potion to Beth.

  “You should only need a brief sip to help with the after-effects. I apologise for the discomfort; that was a flask I brewed some time ago. The effects should not have been so pronounced at this range. Hmm, ageing, much like with alcohol, improves its potency. Something to further explore later.”

  Perenelle gave Heph a warm pat on the back.

  “You did very well, Heph. That was a brilliant throw. I suspect without your help, this would have turned out far worse.”

  Beaming, Heph turned to the two merchants. Beth smiled back, giving the boy a small clap. Bella was more subdued, inclining her head a fraction. When she winked at him, Heph found his smile going a little wider.

  “It may very well be that the blade spider followed my own path through the forest, and for that, I owe all three of you and the horse an apology. If I might advise, we should break camp very early tomorrow and put as much distance between ourselves and the arachnid as possible.”

  Nobody argued with Perenelle's logic.

  The pace was faster than Puzzle had become accustomed to. For once, both scouts had chosen to remain together rather than one trailblazing ahead. That worried Puzzle more than anything else. Dace and Flidais were methodical people. Both had their scarves up and were scanning the gaps between imposing trees.

  They had left Mossdell early the following morning, seemingly to make up for lost time spent wandering through the wild forest of the Dells. But only an hour on, the scouts had veered into the thick undergrowth and towering trees. Without a chance to question, Puzzle followed the two, jogging to keep up with the longer strides of his guides. They moved with deliberate footing, shifting from various tree roots, avoiding thick brush or some of the oddly mottled trees. The pace remained for the rest of the day until all three slumped against a large ferrum tree as the Four Suns disappeared over the horizon.

  Too tired to speak, Puzzle gingerly picked himself up and started hunting for dry sticks. The wet of spring did not make it easy, but soon Puzzle had everything he needed. Piling his collection atop a larger log, the boy fished a striking match from his alchemy pouch and scraped it against the wood. The match ignited, quickly spreading its fire to the sticks. With the fresh fire crackling, Puzzle sat back down and gave the two scouts a tired look.

  “Why did we do that?”

  “I wasn't in the mood to feather a dozen villagers,” Dace replied.

  “What?!”

  “Seems you left a positive impression upon Morgan. Liked you enough, he wanted to help relieve you of that coin in your bag.”

  Pulling out the supplies from his backpack, Puzzle scrambled his hand around the bottom before fishing out the coin pouch. Tugging open the leather strings, he gazed at the crowns, marks, and pennies. The silvery-gold metal gleamed back at him.

  “I do not understand,” Puzzle spoke while he continued to examine the money.

  Dace withdrew traveller’s rations from his own pack and made an easy meal for the three of them; dried fruit, some cured meat, and a small hunk of bread.

  “You come from a good village,” Flidais explained while Dace worked. “You lived with good people. Yes, they aren't perfect, but nobody tried to hang you or drive you off with clubs and rotten vegetables. Count yourself blessed, little scholar, or should I call you little banker?”

  Puzzle knew that teasing look and hidden smile Flidais had.

  “So you are saying because I am a Null, they wanted to kill me.”

  “They couldn't have cared less you being a Null. What got their eye was all the money you have. I don't know if you understand, Puzzle, but that is no small sum you are carrying. More than most would see in several years. The innkeeper, Gus, is a good man, but likely he mentioned seeing the coin you had as a story to share with his patrons.”

  “They wanted to rob us?”

  “Something like that. Dace and I, we tend to sleep light; part of the job. One of us will do a pre-dawn reconnaissance of the area. It was Dace that noticed the dozen odd villagers preparing for their own journey. Readying up with weapons to claim that coin off you. Didn't matter that both of us announced being Empire scouts. They would delude themselves into thinking they could fight us.”

  Puzzle leaned back, gazing into the fire and finding it hard to fathom. He had liked Gus; the man was reasonable, honest, and showed him kindness and respect he thought he’d be always denied. It mattered nothing to Gus that he was a Null. The innkeeper had been truthful, even filling in the holes in Puzzle's knowledge of his mentor. The others of Mossdell lacked his qualities.

  “They would not have negotiated, would they?” Puzzle muttered.

  “No, they would not. Might have left the village thinking intimidation was enough. By the time they caught up, a quick kill and hidden burial somewhere in the woods where no-one wanders. If we were Empire scouts and reported the robbery, the law would catch up with them. But who would miss two more soldiers and a Null?”

  “I guess we will be in the wilderness for a while yet.”

  “It will delay us. However, Dace and I move at our best out here. Out here, you don't have to deal with people, and we like it that way.”

  Chewing on his dinner, Puzzle mulled over the unpleasant news. He wanted to shout at the two, tell them they knew nothing of how people were, that they were inherently good in nature. Thinking it over, Puzzle couldn't fault the reasoning. Sitting with his back to the fire, he let his night sight settle in. Normally, he took first watch, let the two get a rest before they split the rest of the night in half.

  “Can I ask you an honest question, Flidais?”

  “I've yet to hear anything other.”

  “You spoke in the inn last night about how everyone else would have survived the attack with those...”

  “Basilisks.”

  “Thank you. Basilisks. I could not ask you anything today; we were focused on running. But I had time to think. We are the only survivors.”

  Flidais came and sat down beside Puzzle, clear green eyes looking out into the darkness. The chirping of insects surrounded them, an occasional hoot of an owl or rustle of a mouse or other small creature. The forest felt alive at night, in a way that the day could not compare to. Puzzle put his hand against the trunk of a ferrum tree, the rough bark scraping against his palm. He knew he should have been able to feel the Iron within the tree, maybe even magic. But the world was muted to him. Even people seemed muted.

  “I don't know, little scholar; I really don't know. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong.”

  “Those basilisks, they moved so fast. Their gaze is death, I heard the screams. Ms Perenelle told me not to look back, to run. But I could not stop hearing. The tearing of claws through metal and into flesh. I heard the scream of someone as their breath was stolen away, screeching as their body froze around them.”

  “You're in a grim mood tonight.”

  “What you told me about those villagers. A beast, I understand; it lacks morals. But us, surely we can do better? First my Uncle and now this.”

  “Kill or be killed. Frightening, but sometimes that's the world.”

  “All the soldiers were slaughtered or turned to Iron. Nobody could survive that, not with so many surrounding them. Heph and Theresia, they would stand no chance. We are children. One cold gaze and it is death.”

  “Maria may have survived. The gaze of a basilisk cannot harm a Null.”

  “Perhaps. I tried to run. You two saved me. Maria could have run, but they would have hunted her down, overrun her.”

  Glancing to one side, Flidais saw Puzzle square his shoulders. Straightening his back, he looked forward into the night.

  “It is not about wallowing in self-pity. I am done with that. I need to accept that I will never see them again. It is hard. It hurts more than I want to admit. But I have to keep looking forward.”

  Flidais stood up, dusting off her trousers. Offering a gloved hand, she hauled Puzzle to his feet. Mimicking her, Puzzle dusted his trousers before stretching his back.

  “Don't go cold,” Flidais advised. “You're far too young for that. But don't fall apart, either. It's a hard thing to balance.”

  “I am going to say goodbye to them, Flidais. Each day as we run, each night as we camp, I will say goodbye a little less. By the time we reach South Greywater, I will be done.”

  ‘I'm already regretting letting the girl spend an evening with that Silver innkeeper. She isn't trying any techniques. However, her skill in body-language has grown in leaps and bounds. She's already starting to guide conversation. I may have to start paying attention to what she says.’

  Romas was perched on the back of the cart. Somehow, Theresia had convinced him it was time for a break, to give him a chance to rest his feet after two days keeping pace with the wagon.

  ‘And now she walks beside Eli, learning more from the merchant. He's almost as bad. Hasn't tried anything after our little talk when we first me. He's not foolish enough to mistake which of us is stronger.’

  Stretching, Romas checked his boots. They were starting to look quite care worn. The time spent pushing through the forests had been bad enough. Fleeing from the basilisks and the forced march had left further damage. A leather worker might be able to save them. Otherwise, they would be consigned to the waste heap.

  ‘Like so many of my belongings already. Armour, blade, irokane, all waiting in the forest to be found some day.’

  “What do you think, Captain Ilthell?” Theresia asked.

  Turning to one side, Romas saw Theresia had slowed down to speak with him. He was impressed that she was able to keep pace with the wagon. Her small size and stature would not have made it easy.

  “Well?” Theresia pressed.

  “I wasn't paying attention,” Romas admitted.

  Theresia didn't roll her eyes, but Romas could read her well enough to see that she wanted to.

  “Perhaps rather than disapproving, you should explain the content of your question.”

  ‘You are not the only one who can read people, young lady.’

  Cheeks going pink in embarrassment, Theresia launched into an explanation.

  “Eli was telling me about how the various provinces trade between one another. We all tend to have our specialities, things that other provinces want that we have in abundance.”

  “The Grey States have an excess of Iron and lumber.”

  “Grey States?”

  Romas gestured around before launching into a lesson.

  “These are the Grey States. North and South Greywater were once city-states. The Dells were the surviving Volkaugh villages, allied under a common need for mutual self-defence. The foothills, where you come from are distant and independent enough that nobody claimed them. But they share enough customs with the Dells that they use the same naming conventions and linguistic idiosyncrasies. This area was known as the Grey States. When the Sardan Empire formed, the region was still independent. In 1820 SC as the Empire continued to expand eastward, the States formally petitioned to join the Empire as a province. With the approval of all the interested parties, the Grey States became the eastern most province in the Empire.”

  Theresia nodded her head in approval.

  “Then I was right, Eli.”

  “Don't crow with triumph yet, Theresia,” the merchant called from the front of the wagon.

  “You still need to explain what you were asking my opinion on,” Romas pointed out.

  “Eli says that since the Empire has formed, the enforced peace between provinces has allowed us to advance much faster than before. He thinks that, due to the trade between regions, they could focus on advancement rather than having to waste time, energy, and money on acquiring rare resources they lacked.”

  “And you disagree.”

  Theresia frowned as she strolled beside the cart, brown eyes checking the road in front of her.

  “I don't think resources shared due to the Empire's formation are the root cause.”

  “A wise eleven-year-old knows more than various historians and scholars?”

  “I'm not saying that. I just think... Well, it's more about people getting to know one another.”

  “Spoken like a true Silver.”

  “Hey!”

  ‘She's easy to stir up, this one. But that's a good mind she has, already thinking about the bigger picture. First reading how to handle a crisis, learning the first techniques of a Silver, now socioeconomics. Raised in a rather forgotten part of the Empire and already more in tune than some of the finest blue-blooded aristocrats the provinces can provide.’

  “A sharing of cultures and their ideas?” Romas theorised. “The diffusion of differing ways of thinking. With the strongest surviving and further melding while the less defined or refutable fade into the mist. It holds potential, I will acknowledge that.”

  There was a bark of a laughter from the front of the wagon.

  “Sounds like our military captain has himself a nobles’ education.”

  Romas shrugged, not interested in rising to the bait.

  “Not all soldiers are muscles with weapons. I have found those who survive their first campaign become some of the wisest and most well-learned people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

  “Everything is a weapon in the end. Even knowledge,” Eli agreed.

  “Everything is a tool. It only becomes a weapon when you direct it against your foe. Until then, it is simply a way to further expand your understanding of the world.”

  “I like that perspective more,” Theresia added.

  Pondering over Theresia's theory, Romas considered that rationale behind it.

  ‘It's sound reasoning. Though you would need to compare--’

  A wet cough broke Romas' train of thought. In a moment, he was crouching beside Maria. The poor girl was getting paler by the day, covered in a cold sweat that soaked through her clothing. Romas had Theresia change the unconscious girl's clothing each evening, both for comfort and to prevent any further complications.

  “I don't like the look of her face. The rings under her eyes are bordering brown, and her lips are off-colour, too.”

  Eli had a quick look over his shoulder, before clucking his tongue and pushing the horse a little faster.

  “We've maybe a day's more travel. As much as I would like it, pushing more than this won't make a difference. It's a fool’s journey to travel at night.”

  Face a grim mask, Romas nodded in agreement.

  “We can only hope that the Matriarch is busy elsewhere and overlooks the girl for a little while longer.”

  “You've enough medicine to keep her stable?”

  “Plenty. Rayleigh stocked us well. None of us could know if there would be delays or not. If the potions last, we should keep Maria from slipping too much.”

  Picking up a loose rag from beside Maria, Romas ran it over her face, trying to clean away the sweat. Another wet cough pulsed from the girl. Soon she was coughing constantly, the painful sound destroying any chance for conversation. The three travellers moved in silence.