1.38

“Lism. He causes trouble, yes? Even though you bested him fairly and his nephew is most admiring of you. But enough—I will make sure he causes no trouble. I wish to speak with you.”

“Most interesting, but Erin Solstice is busy. I will talk with her, and you will find her later, yes?”

“Look, I’d really love to visit. And I will—how about tomorrow?”

“I have met with various individuals. But I am sure others will introduce themselves when they realize I am in the city. However, I wonder if I might take you up on your offer.”

“I am merely exploring this continent. Rest assured, I mean to cause no disruptions while I am here. Reim is far from here, and my liege sleeps. I am…peaceful.”

“As a matter of fact, I believe today is the day I will pay off my tab. I have come into quite a bit of money as of late.”

“As tempting as your offer is, I must refuse. But I believe you would be wise to invest in some form of defense as you are no warrior.”

“I already know about the thief in the city! And before you cause more trouble, it wasn’t Pisces. If he were the thief, you’d have caught him already.”

“I will if you stop moving. What is it?”

“I’m definitely not paying for [Messaging] an image. But I could probably send a letter via one of the bulk deliveries! What a fun puzzle! Wait…ah. I actually know this one.”

“Not at all. I merely performed a complex bit of magic and received remuneration. But I believe this is more than enough to pay off my tab many times over. Allow me to repay my debts in full and tip you for your time.”

“If we’re done with talking about stuff I can’t afford—anyone hungry for something else? I have Acid Flies if you guardsmen want to try them. I know Relc eats them.”

“Once I have the money from the Shield Spiders I’ll see. But I’m not made of coins. I don’t have much gold.”

“But nothing icky. Or gross. Or—anything I won’t like.”

“This is the Human who robbed me of my merchandise! She also cheated at the chess game with my nephew, I’ve no doubt! She’s been nothing but trouble since she entered the city, and now she’s stealing from honest folk trying to make a living!”

“It could have been her. You know how Humans get! They’re always sneaking around, going where they’re not wanted.”

“But I—he—he’s just mad because I beat him at a game of chess! Or—I beat his nephew and—look, I didn’t do anything.”

“If we wait for a good time, we will never have time. Come, my home is not far.”

“It’s not that expensive, especially if you send it with the slower deliveries.”

“—I would deeply love to know how you solved it so quickly. But I should—yes, I should solve it on my own. Shouldn’t I?”

“But it’s so fascinating to play games across such a long distance, isn’t it?”

“It’s a bit elementary, but it should be a good challenge for a beginner. You can send this via letter, if not a [Message] spell thingy?”

“I hate kids. I hate Drakes, and I hate people who don’t understand anything about female anatomy.”

“You mentioned you had an inn. If you wouldn’t mind, I would very much like to see it and have a meal, if I may.”

“Let me know if there’s anything you want or can’t eat. Also, this is blue juice. It’s…it’s blue. But it tastes sweet.”

“I’m sorry, Miss, but I’m afraid I’ll have to investigate his claims. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take a statement from you. Just with a truth spell. I’ll also need proof that you were out of the city this morning.”

“That’s not—I’m just doing my job. It’s just a truth spell to make sure she’s innocent. In fact, she can rely on that as proof.”

“In case anyone’s wondering, I cannot shoot blood out of my crotch.”

“Forget it. This is my inn. I’ll get you some food. You can take a seat. Watch out for Pisces, the jerk over there. He steals stuff. Like my food.”

“I have every right. Or did you forget—you’re still wanted for all those thefts you did earlier. Scaring people—robbing graves—all of that should be nicely covered by this donation to the city, shouldn’t it?”

“That’s good. I’d hate for any of that. It seems like every other day I have to deal with uppity adventurers causing trouble. It’s because I’m the highest-level member of the Watch, you know. All the guys always call on me for help.”

“I know it was you! You couldn’t resist attacking an honest merchant, and you decide to have a bit of revenge, eh?”

“Go on, I don’t mind. Ask me any question you want.”

“I have a bed in my home too. You may use it and rest if you wish. Come.”

“You know what it is? But of course—how silly of me.”

“You should. It will help you in the long run. Don’t feel bad—I just happened to know how that particular problem goes. But it was quite fun.”

“I’ve been wrestling with this problem for an hour. But—of course with someone of your level I shouldn’t expect this to faze you. Of course.”

“It was one of the puzzles that gave me a headache back when I was playing a lot. It took me nearly a week to figure it out.”

“Go ahead. And if you’ll send this back to the person who sent the other puzzle—I’ll pay for delivery.”

“I did not wonder. But it was quite amusing to see your reaction when the child asked you the question.”

“Some might say so. I apologize if the attention bothers you. Do you dislike such things?”

“The life of an adventurer is not for everyone.”

“Indeed? A fascinating class. I myself have killed only a few.”

“How does that work if you trade the letter more than once? Do you pay the first guy a lot and have him give the money to the next person? That sounds risky.”

“Because I’m Human? And all Humans know other Humans?”

“I’ll look into your claims, sir, but I can’t make any arrests. Unless you have proof—”

“I can’t even begin to—how did you come up with this so quickly?”

“I believe I am more infamous than famous.”

“I am quite enjoying the spectacle. Do not mind me.”

“I believe I have something in mind that may benefit us both.”

“I believe I’ll continue my investigations into the break-in separately. And confirm with the Watch at the gates before I take up Miss Solstice’s valuable time.”

“It sounds like you have quite a tough job. I am impressed.”

“Erin Solstice. I have been looking for you. And it is good that I found you just now, yes?”

“Take a look at this, Erin! I just received this, and it’s the most fascinating thing ever! A new way to play chess!”

“It’s a challenge or a problem for players. You have to find a way to win the game in a certain number of moves. It helps people learn to play chess, and this way, you can write it down.”

“They sent me a puzzle, so I can send one back. Let’s see how they like this.”

“I’ve got a better idea. Here, give me the paper back.”

“Oh, right. I think I’ve heard the name before. An adventurer? That’s nice. I thought about being one, but it sounded like too much hassle.”

“I was wearing armor, and I had my spear, alright? She got lucky!”

“She had…black hair. And she was—tall? Taller than Erin. And, uh, she was fast. Ring any bells?”

“Really. I saw you just this morning and thought—well, it would be nice to see a friendly Human again. I had to deal with so many rude adventuring types and annoying mages each day.”

“I try, I try. I’m not the greatest guardsman in the city for no reason.”

“—By the way, Miss Erin. You…wouldn’t happen to know any female Runners, would you?”

“Hey, Gazi, want a job? I can’t pay much, but I’ll feed you if you stay. I haven’t fixed up the rooms upstairs, but I could work on that.”

“Lism, I’ve told you before. You can’t just start accusing Humans at random!”

“Greatest guardsman? Sure, one who can’t even catch a Human Runner.”

“They are. Unless you know one personally, the rates they charge are far too high.”

“I might be able to help in that regard. Miss Erin, seeing as how my funds have been confiscated…would you accept—alternate forms of payment?”

“At this point, as long as you pay me something I’ll be happy.”

“I fail to understand this—puzzle. Why has someone sent it to you, Olesm?”

“You can’t trust her word! Get a truth stone! All of these Humans have caused nothing but trouble since they got here! First, they start stealing, and then what? They’ll take our jobs, attack us on the streets—”

“Look, I’m grateful, really, but this isn’t a good time. I just had to deal with some evil spiders and—”

“I understand, Miss, but I have to investigate all leads. Please, this won’t take too long…”

“I don’t see why not. I mean, I won’t get in touch with the Titan, just his company. And it costs a bit, but it’s only a few silver for a [Message] spell…I bet he’ll check for answers soon, but not within an hour of sending the puzzle!”

“I get it. Well, not anything of what you just said, but it’s pricey. Okay…”

“Funny person. Anyways. So. What I’m saying is, I’d hate for your visit to get unpleasant, understand? This isn’t a good place for you to cause any trouble like the kind you get up to on your continent. You get—”

“I was out of the city all day! I have proof!”

“It’s written right here. And white moves first.”

“I’m just surprised. I thought sending stuff was supposed to be costly.”

“This looks delightful. Thank you for allowing me to impose.”

“I’m Relc. A Senior Guardsman here in Liscor.”

“That’s a lot of gold. Hey! Did you steal that?”

“Stop harassing. My guest. And sit back down. The food’s ready.”

“Too bad. I guess I only have food for paying customers.”

“Honestly. I have a new guest here. Can’t you two behave for one night?”

“I saw that. You were pretty impressive out there. I didn’t know you were that good.”

“Shut up! Don’t call me that stupid name!”

“How am I supposed to know someone by all that?”

“And pay them with what? Adventurers are expensive!”

“There have been a number of petty thefts across the city. Shopkeeper Lism was the latest one to be stolen from.”

“Too busy panting and not enough breathing while you were running?”

“I wonder—do you think I could send the answer to the person who sent you the puzzle?”

“Is it strange that other species do not know much about Human reproduction?”

“Perhaps. Or perhaps they might wait until others have sent in their reply. It could take a few weeks or up to a month for a new puzzle.”

“I can write down the answer. Do you have any paper…?”

“I guess. Did you meet all the important people you were supposed to?”

“Black side will mirror white side’s every move. Force checkmate in 4 moves.”

“For a meal. Mind putting something on for us? I’m hungry.”

“What are you doing, if I may ask, guardsman? I hear you are taking an innocent Human away on the word of a petty shopkeeper. But that would be wrong, yes?”

“No, there’s all the dirt and mud and monsters trying to kill you.”

“Sorry, Krshia. It’s just that I promised Gazi—she helped me out earlier today. You don’t mind…?”

“Yeah, looks good! Have a bite and let me know if that’s an illusion.”

“Fine. But I’m keeping this. Necromancer Pisces will be allowed back in the city, and we won’t stab him with all his fines paid off—but I’ll be watching him.”

“Sorry, Erin. I just wanted to say hi—after so long.”

“She was really fast! I’ve never seen anything like it! Any other Runner I’d leave in the dust. But her—”

“Sure, I mean, maybe, right? She was about your age.”

“Oh, you mean sort of like a magazine, right? Or a newspaper?”

“Several new players like to challenge me this way. So I grew quite adept at beating them. It is quite a simple solution as I’m sure you know. If you move the queen like so—”

“Lism, the sheddings that he is, talks too much and lies when he knows nothing. Someone broke into his stall, but he saw nothing, heard nothing. But he claims it was a girl who bested him out of spite. And you would bother her without evidence?”

“Pshaw. It is a cowardly thing that hides and steals from us on Market Street and elsewhere. No one knows if it is Human or another, but the thefts are small. Low-level. No, I do not worry about such a [Thief]. I wish to speak with you privately. I invite you to my home for food and drink.”

“It’s more like—well, I suppose you could call the letters a form of currency. Travellers will buy them for a few coins and complete the delivery in hopes of earning more when they sell them later or deliver them to their owner. Really, the Runner’s Guild is far more reliable but expensive.”

“This was the first—I mean, I suppose we might expect more of the same in the future, wouldn’t we? This puzzle was sent to countless cities. From the Titan. To find good opponents, I bet, and promote his game. I wouldn’t be surprised if more appear soon.”

“Exactly, but it’s fairly certain that the letter will get to your destination in the end. Of course, sending something private is a bad idea, but you can send a message to another continent for only a copper coin or two. It might take a month or two, but it will get there.”

“But today is quicker, yes?”

“Well…I’m sorry about that. Good luck finding the criminal.”

“There is time to play such games later, yes? Erin—”

“I believe the difference between the two is quite minute in some senses. In others however—well, suffice it to say I appreciate staring as opposed to other reactions. Some cities would not let me past the gates—or even in range of the walls. Nor will I blame them for that.”

“I am Gazi Pathseeker, a travelling adventurer.”

“Dunno. I’ve never been famous—or popular.”

“It’s more like a challenge to anyone.”

“I’ve never been that either.”

“I didn’t steal anything. I haven’t even been in the city—”

“Oh, hi. Thanks for getting rid of him for me. Was he mad about someone stealing his stuff?”

“Write it down here. I won’t look.”

“I can’t—may I copy this? Please?”

“Yeah, well, I’m just that good. [Spearmaster], you know? One of Izril’s few.”

“This is an abuse of authority! You have no right to steal my property—”

“Ah. Pasta? It looks quite delicious. Thank you, Erin.”

“Hey, I’m doing the best I can! All you Humans—you’re sort of similar. Anyways, I just thought you’d know her.”

“Hey, I just wondered—that isn’t the only reason I’m here! I was going to tell you about the thief in the city.”

“We’ll investigate your claims. Just please move back—”

“Sure you didn’t lose while you were admiring her? Relc, the Gecko, lost to a mere Human. The mighty have fallen.”

“Okay, so you send it to this person. And then this person will send me something harder?”

“Thank you, Shopkeeper Krshia. I apologize for my rudeness.”

“So…mind telling me what you’re doing in my city? And, uh, how long you’re going to be staying around here? Not going to start a war, are you?”

“Can you really shoot blood out of your—”

“Just look at this, Erin!”

“Yep. It wasn’t too bad a problem. But I’ve seen several like it, so…”

“Greetings, Mistress Solstice. Ah, are you well?”

“You’re really that famous, huh?”

“Yes, isn’t it amazing? I would never have thought of that—but someone’s come up with a way to play chess across long distances without a spell! But this isn’t a game at all—”

“This does make sense—if you had any reason to suspect Miss Solstice. But all you have is Lism’s unfounded claims. She was outside the city most of the day—your colleagues can surely attest to her being at the gates, yes? Why waste truth spells on her? This seems close to harassing her for being a Human…much like one might question a Gnoll who was anywhere near a crime being committed in another city. But Liscor is not like other Drake cities, no?”

“What was that about a new way to play chess?”

“This was sent via magic. The Mage’s Guild can print images as well as text—but it’s extremely expensive. If it was a letter…again, the Titan can definitely afford magic, but a letter’s a fraction of the cost. And slower. Heck, you don’t even need the Runner’s Guild. You see, Runners deliver things quickly, but merchants and caravans and even ship captains will pass on long-distance deliveries for a very small fee.”

“So. You’re the famous adventurer entering our small city. Nice to meet you.”

“In this case, the solution is to checkmate the black king, but I haven’t been able to figure it out yet. I imagine most of the players across the continent are trying to figure it out. It might take some time, but I hope to be one of the first to figure—”

“There she is! There’s the [Thief]!”

“Do you have any more?”

“You—you finished it? Just like that?”

“Erin. Is now a good time?”

“Aw. That’s a long time.”

“That’s a—a lot of pieces.”

“Checkmate in four moves. Black moves first.”

“Miss Erin. How’re you doing?”

“Good. Um. You brought friends?”

“Oi. Stop harassing my guest.”

“Ow. Have you gotten stronger?”

“Give that back! It is my property!”

“It’s a Skill. Stop bothering my customers.”

“You got outrun by a Runner?”

“Solve it in five moves?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Ah, but this one is different!”

“Oh, we know that. The [Guards] would have spotted him entering the city, his stupid invisible trick or not. No, it’s probably just some Human. But I wanted to tell you to hire some protection around here. You got lucky with those Shield Spiders, but you’re not going to be lucky forever. Hire an adventurer already.”

“Um, does it have to be now? I’m really beat, Krshia. I could use a nap—”

“Yes. Thanks for that, Krshia. I didn’t know what to do, and that shopkeeper guy—”

“Oh, I know. It’s a chess puzzle.”

“Ah, I believe you missed someone.”

“I don’t have money for that. Unless—”

“Right, right. I get you. I think.”

“Hah! Another Human lie!”

“If you would observe.”

“I just received a long-distance delivery that went out to all the known [Tacticians] and chess players on the continent! From the Titan of Baleros! Okay, his Great Company, the Forgotten Wing. On Baleros? He can definitely afford it. It was this paper—and it’s a challenge, see? You have to—”

“Look, Mistress Krshia, I’m just investigating—”

“Hey, I said I didn’t steal anything!”

“Um, okay? About what? The thief?”

“Yes—yes, that sounds about right.”

“Way to help, thick-tail.”

“Oh, of course. Certainly. Um, you can give me a few silver coins and it will get there, but more money means a faster delivery. Sorry, but it is overseas. Maybe I could get someone to pay for an image-[Message]? But that’s gold. How about two silver and I’ll copy this to Baleros for a slow Runner letter—and to Pallass? Maybe someone will send it back to the Titan. They’re all rich in the Walled City. Tons of famous [Strategists]. Heck, the Cyclops of Pallass lives there. Uh, the Grand Strategist of the Drakes.”

“No. That’s impossible. But—no, it shouldn’t be—”

“Oh. So it’s sort of a gamble.”

“Give me that.”

“Who asks that? Honestly!”

“I rarely get visitors.”

“Nope! Confiscated by the City Watch!”

“What did she look like?”

“It becomes occasionally unpleasant.”

“Here you go.”

“Erin! Erin Solstice!”

“Hm~! Got it!”

“Done and done!”

“How’d you know?”

“Offer? What offer?”

“Greetings, [Necromancer].”

“Miss, please.”

“Yes, that is wise.”

“No problem. I rarely get visitors—”

“This is unjust—not right—”

“It’s standard procedure—”

“I heard.”

“Fun.”

“Of—of course.”

“Unbelievable.”

“Yoink.”

“Oh. Of course.”

“Acid Flies?”

“Enough!”

“Erin!”

“Olesm?”

“Slower deliveries…?”

“A what?”

“Four moves?”

“Who?”

“Did I?”

“Relc!”

“Really?”

“Really?”

“Me?”

“Miss?”

“Ow!”

“Please! Move back!”

“Hi, Relc.”

“Right, right.”

“I wasn’t—”

“I—”

“Well—”

“What?”

“What?”

“Yes, but—”

“Wait, what?”

“Yes! No! I just—”

“Hey!”

“Um. Yeah?”

“Well then.”

“What?”

“Hi there!”