1.26 R

“[Fireball]! Cover—”

“Healing potion! Get me a healing—”

“Horns! Move up and support Marian! Ceria, take out that spellcaster! Shields up!”

“Status?”

“I think Terr got hit by a [Fireball]. Coblat and Grimsore dragged him away, but he’s down for the count as well.”

“Damn.”

“What about Ceria and Sostrom? Why the hell aren’t they taking this thing out? We are a disgrace of a team.”

“They’re trying, but whenever they fire at that monster, it just raises a shield. It’s got more mana than all of our casters combined. We need to get in close if we want a chance.”

“Fat chance of that happening with all those skeletons and zombies guarding it.”

“I think Terr got rid of the last of them, but we still can't get close. It's too flaming quick.”

“We have to.”

“Do you have half a potion left, Gerial? Give it to me. I’ll yank this out and charge. Everyone who can move goes.”

“You’ll get roasted. No way.”

“We must take the monster down. No Runner can get to us with it here, and no other adventuring team can bail us out. I am Beriad of the House of Minos. It would be a disgrace for me to let my team down.”

“Beriad my ass.”

“We’re not doing a suicide charge. Just give Ceria a chance. If she can damage it, we’ll fall back and try to escape. The horses are—”

“Who is that?”

“Who? What’s happening?”

“It’s a Runner! She just charged down the hill at the Lich! She’s coming this way!”

“You’re joking. She’ll never make it.”

“She’s doing it.”

“She’s foreign. Chandrarian? Balerosian?”

“You idiot. She’s Drathian.”

“Drathian? What’s one of them doing across the world?”

“No clue. Shut up—give that Runner covering fire! Everyone up!”

“Delivery.”

“Dead gods!”

“That was the most amazing sight I’ve ever—you just ran right past that Lich! Are you insane? Or crazy?”

“I’m a Runner. I’ve got a delivery for the leader of the Horns of Hammerad. That you?”

“That’s me.”

“Calruz of the Beriad, Captain of the Horns of Hammerad. Son of Minos, at your service.”

“I hope you’ve got our delivery, Miss Runner.”

“Fifteen healing potions, five mana potions. All unbroken. Delivery to Horns of Hammerad. Your seal?”

“Seal? Oh, of course!”

“Thanks.”

“Wait—are you going?”

“Yep.”

“You can’t! I mean, that’s even crazier!”

“Let her go if she wants. Runner—thanks for the assistance. Not many of your lot would do this. The Horns owe you a debt.”

“No problem.”

“At least let us reassemble and give you a diversion. Once we get these potions to all our members, we can finally bring this guy down.”

“That’ll take too long. You want an opening? I’ll give you one. I’ve got more deliveries to make.”

“He’ll blast you the instant you leave cover!”

“He can try.”

“You heard her. Horns of Hammerad—covering fire! Potions have arrived!”

“She did it. She actually did it.”

“She told you.”

“Is that a new Runner? She must be. I haven’t ever seen her before, and I think I would have remembered hearing about one as crazy as that. Dead gods, she saved us. Gerial, you alright? Marian is going to make it. So is Terr. He’s on his feet.”

“Thank the Five Families.”

“Thank the Runner. Ceria, how’s your mana?”

“I’m going with Persua. You can go—or Miss Ryoka can go, Claudeil. We can trade up!”

“Potion’s working. Dead gods, that’s nasty. I bet Octavia made it. It tastes cheap and foul as hell.”

“Coming from our bug-eating, tree-kissing half-Elf? It must be bad.”

“Stop bickering. We’re at full strength again, thanks to that Human. Speaking of. Did anyone catch the Runner’s name?”

“We can ask later. She looks different. Drathian, you said? She’s definitely new; no one around here has the guts to do an Emergency Run like that.”

“Drathian? Well, we can ask questions later. Potions are distributed. What’s our plan, boss? Charge in and eat another ice spike? My vote’s not to do that—the Lich can throw better spells than I can, and I’m the [Elementalist].”

“We take a page out of the Runner’s book. Did you see how she escaped it? We moved in too slow. This time, we spread out. No shields, just run from cover to cover. Gerial, you’ll take one group left. I’ll head right. Put Marian and the other archers up and tie it up. Force it to shield itself, and give me an opening. Ceria, can you tag it at least once?”

“Can do.”

“Horns! Did you hear that? We’re going in. The Runner’s bought us our moment, and we’ll all buy her a drink. But I’ll be drinking it out of that Lich’s damned skull. Advance!”

“Fun.”

“Good run.”

“You completed the supply request for the Horns of Hammerad?”

“That’s incredible. Are the Horns already finished fighting? The magic communication we got said they were fighting a Lich and a horde of the undead.”

“They’re still fighting. The Lich is still around. Not sure about the other undead. Looked like they were mostly dead. Undead.”

“Here’s the Seal from the Horns of Hammerad.”

“It’s real. So you’re telling me you delivered the supplies in the middle of the battle?”

“Yup. Emergency Run, right?”

“Incredible.”

“You could go to Invrisil, if you cared to risk your life like that. The City of Adventurers always headhunts brave Runners. But a Lich? Well, well, this is all in order. Would you like the payment now or…?”

“Later.”

“Well, I think you’ve earned your break. Unless—do you think you could do another delivery? I wouldn’t ask, but you’re the only City Runner here right now.”

“Where to?”

“Celum. It’s another request from Lady Magnolia. Another Runner just brought it from Remendia, but he’s too tired to keep going. It’s been passed from six Runners so far, and we need to get it to Magnolia within the hour if possible.”

“There aren’t any other City Runners around?”

“They’re all out on deliveries, and I don’t want to wait longer than I have to. I was about to ask one of the Street Runners to do the delivery, but that would have been a problem too.”

“I’ll do it.”

“Thank y—”

“Hold on!”

“There’s no need to give Magnolia’s request to her. I’ve just arrived, and I can take care of it myself.”

“Oh, Miss Persua. I didn’t know you were still in the city.”

“Well, I was doing that delivery to Remendia, but once one of my friends let me know Magnolia’s request was sitting in the Runner’s guild, of course I came back to fulfill it.”

“You—haven’t finished the other delivery? Well, I was going to give the request to Ryoka. She’s free, and she’s—”

“She’s already done a request for Magnolia this week. By rights, that means I should have a turn. Claudeil will do my run, right?”

“I will? I mean—of course, Persua. That frees it up. Toriska and I will go.”

“There’s no rule that explicitly gives precedence to other Runners. Besides which, I need this delivery done as quickly as possible. It is literally getting…warmer? As we speak.”

“So?”

“I can easily do Magnolia’s request. Ryoka can just switch with me.”

“It doesn’t work like that. Unless Ryoka agrees, I can’t just give this to you. Besides, as I’ve said, this is a speedy delivery. I can’t give it to—”

“To what?”

“I just meant that Ryoka is the fastest City Runner. Even Fals can’t beat her time.”

“Yes, but I’m sure she’ll switch with me, won’t you, Ryoka?”

“It’s urgent.”

“So? I can make it.”

“If we can’t get it to Magnolia within the hour, the delivery won’t be any good. Can you make the run in time? It will melt, that is what I am told, and the Runner’s Guild will bear the costs of reimbursing Lady Reinhart if it is ruined. I would like it there in forty minutes. Or less. Miss Persua, you have no sprinting Skills while Miss Ryoka is the fastest. Can you do it?”

“I can.”

“So can I.”

“Can you?”

“Give me the request.”

“That’s not fair. You’ve already done a request. I deserve it! Claudeil and Toriska are both with me—they both deserve chances too!”

“Toriska’s not even a City Runner yet.”

“So? Claudeil is!”

“Yeah, and you always deliver to Magnolia together. This isn’t about—getting to hobnob with her. She needs it fast? I’m ready.”

“Persua, please.”

“Here’s the delivery. It’s packed in ice, so try not to get it too warm if possible. You know where Magnolia’s house is. They’ll be expecting you.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Good for you.”

“You’ll regret this.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes!”

“I’m off.”

“Delivery for Magnolia.”

“That’s Lady Magnolia, Miss Ryoka Griffin. Wipe your feet.”

“Seal?”

“Wait.”

“Nonsense! Ressa, how could you—of course I insist you let her in! Dirty feet or not!”

“Please, allow me to apologize for my servant’s rudeness. Come in, please!”

“I can just deliver the package if you have the seal—”

“Oh, I won’t hear of it! Come in!”

“This way, please. You can put it in the drawing room. No, not the secondary one, Ressa. The main one!”

“Oh my, that was quick! I was told this would be travelling the entire way from the port city of Hazenbrad! Did you bring it here yourself?”

“No. Other runners brought it most of the way.”

“Well, you and your people have certainly done me quite a service! Thank you! My, you look exhausted. Won’t you take a shot of stamina potion? You’re not supposed to mix it with anything—terrible effects, alchemy, you know, but you can chase it with a drink. I find a lemonade works. But perhaps you’re busy? I did remember this time to have my seal ready!”

“It’s Ryoko, isn’t it? It’s rare that I see the same Runner in so many days.”

“I’ve got to go. More deliveries.”

“Oh, but won’t you stay? I’d love to share this delightful treat with you—and you’ve run so far and so quickly too! When I heard a Runner was setting out from Wales*, I was sure it would take at least an hour for you to get here!”

“Mm.”

“And you look so tired! Did you do another delivery today? You Runners are out and about! Wales, Wales…I say, are you the one who bailed the Horns of Hammerad out of their predicament? I was wondering which brave Runner actually ran into a battle, and I will just bet it’s you!”

“The Horns? They made it?”

“They did indeed. Did you leave before the battle ended? I’m told they slew a Lich and a horde of undead. Found very little, but the bounty on a Lich is quite high, and I imagine if it was wearing any artifacts, they got those too. It sounded like they were returning to Wales for the day.”

“I…that’s great. How did you know?”

“Oh, I do keep up with the local adventurers and their exploits. It pays to be informed, you know, and I was quite concerned when I heard they were in danger. And you were there! You must tell me about it. I insist. Ressa, the potion and some lemonade for Miss Ryoka!”

“Besides which, I was never able to talk properly with you both times before now. I truly would love to converse with you—and ask about your peculiar choice of footwear, or should I say, its lack! Won’t you stay for a while?”

“I’m sorry, but I really should go. I’m very busy.”

“Are you that eager to be away? You may simply tell me if you don’t wish to converse.”

“Really, my dear. It’s written all over your face. But besides that, I am a [Lady], and most of us learn [Sense Intentions] quite early. And I am quite high-level at that. So, therefore, sit.”

“I am seldom so straightforwards, but I would like to talk with you. And you are so flighty, Miss Ryoka Griffin! It is rare that I meet a young lady as interesting as yourself.”

“Please sit here. I would like to share this delivery you’ve worked so hard to bring me.”

“Ressa? Please be so kind as to open up the delivery? And I believe we will need two bowls and silverware. I would like the blue porcelain today.”

“Very good, milady. I’m sure the color will detract from the quantity you intend to gobble down like a pig for slaughter.”

“I do hope you like sweet things, Miss Ryoka. Forgive my rudeness, but I simply find that sometimes it’s best to pin people down and get to know them, don’t you?”

“I’m so glad you agree! My, between you and Ressa, I am simply spoilt for fine conversation, aren’t I?”

“Well, continue sitting there for a moment. I simply must try this delight, although I fear it’s rather ruining the carpet. Ah, well, it was due for a change.”

“And here we are!”

“Now, this is quite a treat.”

“Don’t be afraid. This is in fact a very rare delicacy I had imported. It’s quite, quite expensive, but once you try it, I think you’ll agree it’s worth the cost. And I was sure a fast Runner would take it to me! I would have been so…disappointed if it was late.”

“Oh, go on. What kind of host would I be if I did not allow you the first bite? I must warn you, though—it’s quite cold! Eat too fast and you will suffer, as I’ve learned.”

“Huh. Ice cream.”

“My. You know what this is?”

“…No?”

“My dear, remember what I said about my Skills? I know you’re lying. But how can that be? I would swear that this delight hasn’t been invented but for a week! I just heard it had been created by a master [Chef] in the northern continent. But you’ve had some before, haven’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Delicious. Oh, but pardon me. I couldn’t help myself. Well, this is one surprise that quite trumps my surprise! I must say, I’m rather put out and delighted that you know this treat. What did you call it? ‘Ice cream’?”

“Is it called something else around here?”

“I believe it was referred to as ‘gelato’ or some such. But I rather like your name! It certainly is quite reminiscent of cream, isn’t it? But the coldness—and of course the sweetness is incomparable!”

“Mhm.”

“Well, now you simply must tell me how you know of this treat.”

“Uh, it’s common in my home country.”

“Common? It is not in Drath, I assure you. Surely you—but you are telling the truth. How curious.”

“Uh, how much did this cost?”

“Well, I hate to bring up such issues in polite conversation, but this little treat cost seventy gold coins, not including the cost of shipping it across the sea and rushing it all the way here.”

“Oh, please. I know it’s a lot, but for a treat like this? Very worthwhile.”

“So worthwhile you could not eat two bowls.”

“Ressa, you’re right. Of course.”

“I am?”

“I must make this batch last. I shall have some cherries, raspberries, and strawberries in my bowl. Delightfully sweet. Will you have any, Ryoka?”

“I fear we must eat quickly before our ‘ice cream’ melts. But I’m sure we could chat over tea as well. And then you can tell me about how you know of this ice cream and where you come from. I must say, your features are quite striking.”

“Well, if you don’t prefer to say, I quite understand. But I would like to chat.”

“Aah. I mean…I could talk about one thing.”

“Oh? I know it’s terribly rude to point out what you’re thinking, but that was quite the inspiration you just had.”

“Yeah. I was just thinking about the ice cream.”

“Would you like another scoop? We could all have a third bowl.”

“No. But I do know a lot about it. Ice cream, that is.”

“Really? You are a fan or familiar with the recipe? I’m afraid I wasn’t able to learn anything about what creature produces such a delightful treat. Or how it was made! Do you know where it comes from? I have a small culinary bounty for my [Chefs] to replicate it because I love it so. Any hints I will be sure to reward!”

“Better. I know how to make it.”