A Story of Eighteen Years

by Centurious the Azure

A rewrite of A Story of Eighteen Years. "This is a love story. The story of a girl with a broken soul, and the boy who tried to pick up those shattered pieces and put them back together…only to fail in every single way."

5. Let the Flames Begin

Disclaimer: See Chapter

A Story of Eighteen Years

By Centurious the Azure and Storm Wolf77415

Chapter 4: Let the Flames Begin

The atmosphere around the dinner table was a muted one. It was a good thing dinner had concluded. The mention of the mummified spider woman would have killed appetites real quick. Raven was the one who finally broke the silence. "I've done a lot of chicks in my lifetime, but even I would draw the line at taking a spider lady to bed, and mummified on top of it."

"Wow, I'm surprised to hear you admit that. So even you have standards." Rita said, but her eyes flickered over to Ezra. "I'm guessing what you found in that sewer was linked to that Pale Spider Cult?" The way the young man squirmed in his seat was all the indication the scientist needed that the answer was yes.

"I would have preferred if my first big mission didn't turn out to be so notorious. Beastkin are hardly rare back in Midgard, but usually, the most you get are people with extra ears and a tail. Maybe some fur or scales, depending on what type of Beastkin you were. Full-on transformations into a human/beast hybrid weren't uncommon either, mainly werewolves, werebears, and wereapes."

"I even read about bipedal cat and lizard people being a thing at one time as well. Although those are really rare. Probably because they were hunted to extinction by humans or even the Aen Elle at the height of their power. It's really hard to say."

"Hold on a minute!" Judith broke in. "Did you just say the Aen Elle, Ezra? Because I've heard of them. The Aen Elle are legendary amongst my people. The stories state they had a massive empire that spanned countless realms beyond our own. Apparently, most records were destroyed when civilization collapsed a millennium ago."

"I've heard those stories too," Estelle spoke up. "In those ancient times, the Geraios, the dominant human civilization at the time, were subservient to the Aen Elle. It was as if they ruled over everything."

"My people were the scholars of the Aen Elle civilization," Judith said, her ears twitching. "They were responsible for all maintaining all the knowledge they accrued. At least that's what the elders have said. A lot of the people in the tribe take it with a grain of salt. Just think it was a flight of fancy when elven superiority was still a thing."

She looked away, sadness growing in her eyes. "It was said the Aen Elle could live thousands of years. We can barely manage two hundred, and our lifespans are shortening with each generation. It may just be a matter of time before we're lucky to live as long as humans do. Which is kind of pathetic if you think about it." Felecia went to comfort her fellow elf, patting her on the shoulder.

"I can totally sympathize with you there, Judith. Elven birthrates were dropping in Midgard too. Less offspring were being produced with each generation. I was working to fix that problem. I wanted to bring us back to some kind of glory." Judith looked up to Felecia, who in turn kissed her hand.

"My father said the exact same thing when I was a child. He toiled endlessly on perfecting the Hermes Blastia. The magic that abomination was going to produce would put elf kind back on the map back where it belonged. Unfortunately, all it did was make the situation here even worse. Humans took advantage of that and it just spiraled out of control."

"I hated it when you destroyed all those Blastia. Years of work reduced to nothing. People left vulnerable to beast attacks." Rita sighed, not wanting anyone to see her shame. "That was before I realized just what they were really capable of, and how all the Aer was eating away at reality."

Estelle did her best to contain her tears. "And my existence isn't exactly helping matters either." Only for Rita to take hold of the Princess's hand. While Ezra came around to squeeze her shoulders.

"You had no control over that. Besides Ezra and I fixed that particular problem." Another squeeze came from Ezra. "Your Mana Lobe doesn't feed on Aer any longer. From my analysis, it looked like it was bred into your bloodline over centuries of being exposed to it in the first place. That's just simple evolution right there."

"Alexei said it was a blessing to us. That we were cursed for our devotion to the gods. A love that crushes like a mace." Estelle shivered in her seat. 'I still get chills thinking about it that way." Furiae suddenly stood up, the legs of her chair creaking as it scraped across the wooden floor.

"She said those same words to me." Furiae struggled to get the words out. "Or at least…whatever was possessing her at the time. Those exact same words. I never understood what she was talking about, but it scared me so much. Although I wasn't able to understand much of anything said to me when I was acting as the Goddess."

"They were trying to break you," Ezra said. "The Watchers, Demons masquerading as Angels, crawling up from the very bowels of hell itself. They'll say whatever they can to get you to do their bidding, make you little more than a glorified flesh puppet." His hand curled up into a fist. "They're so successful because they know things they shouldn't, and get inside their victims' heads."

"Sounds creepy," Yuri said.

"The Cult of the Pale Spider was honest in their lust for chaos and destruction. The Watchers are much more insidious, twisting whatever truths people believed in to suit their lives. It wasn't long before all go Midgard was under their sway, thanks to their siren song."

"Like that whole mess with Cumore and Ragou," Yuri said, his heart aching at what he was going to do. "That weird-ass voice coming out of them, taunting me about the path of blood I was taking."

"Or when we confronted Alexei both times," Raven said. "His eyes went all red, and his voice was distorted. I don't know about you, but it sure as hell crawled out of the depths of my worst nightmares."

"Don't remind me." Estelle was near tears as Rita whispered comforting words to her. "The monster was in my own head, torturing me. It was like no matter what I did, I couldn't escape it." Ezra then began patting her head, before she reached out to grab him.

"I wonder why Zagi wasn't affected," Karol asked.

"You can't corrupt what's already broken, kid." Ezra gave Estelle one last kiss. "One of our enemies, a chick named Three, was already completely consumed by her insanity when we put her down. She was totally off the deep end, disturbingly so."

"I'm sure we'll hear about her soon enough," Yuri said, yawning as he stood up from the table, groaning as he stretched. "As interesting as hearing your story is, Ezra. I think we should all get some sleep. We make port in Capua Nor tomorrow."

"That's right, Kyana and Raphtalia will be waiting for us there. Given what's coming up. I think they'd want to be present for it."

(The Following Day)

The sky was crystal clear, with not a single cloud in the sky. It was under this sky that Fiertia, the ship that belonged to Brave Vesperia, the guild Yuri and his friends belonged to, pulled into the bustling port of Capua Nor. The vessel glided past other ships like it, mooring at the first open dock available.

Ezra breathed in the fresh sea air. There was a certain thrill of being on the open ocean. The sound of light giggles made Ezra's ears tingle. He looked over to where Felecia and Phoebe were standing at the rail. They both looked so carefree and relaxed, relishing the sound of the waves breaking against the side of the boat. "I have to say, Terca Lumiereis is the total opposite from Midgard. There's not that constant feeling of despair hanging over everywhere." Felecia said.

"I know, although it's not all sunshine and rainbows either," Phoebe said, remembering the encounters with Alexei earlier. "We still have a lot of problems to deal with."

"And we will deal with them," Felecia said, watching as the dock crews began tying up the mooring ropes. "A part of me will just be glad to see Kyana and Raphtalia again. I hope their missions to take down those Adephagos monsters went well." A couple of high-level contracts for very dangerous monsters warped by the rampant amounts of Are had gone out to any capable guilds. Brave Vesperia had been quick to snap them up.

"Since it's the two of them, I doubt they had much trouble." Phoebe knew all too well what the girls could do. As did Felecia, but it was normal to worry. "You remember when we first arrived here, and that big old mansion Accord gave us to live in?"

"What a dump it was!" Felecia remembered it all too well. "We all had to split up for a while so we could build funds in order to renovate the place. Raphtalia was torn. I could tell she wanted to explore, but at the same time, she wanted to stay close to Ezra. It took him giving her his express permission to leave and explore. I think it relieved her when he said she didn't need to fret over him anymore."

"It really helped Raphtalia to grow as a person," Phoebe said. "I'm not surprised Kyana went with her. She was never all that comfortable with being in the civilized world. It made her claustrophobic."

"The only real civilization she ever knew was Bright River. Hanging out in the trees, playing in the wide-open fields. All the brick and mortar just wasn't her thing." Felecia admitted, smiling slightly. "Although all those climbing skills made scaling buildings real easy."

"Hey, you guys! we're disembarking!" Rita called out to the girls. The entire crew made their way down the gangplank to the dock. Kyana and Raphtalia were waiting there, the wind blowing the former's ponytail and the latter's long hair about.

"Hey everyone!" Kyana waved, running up to give Felecia a massive bear hug. "Oh, I missed you, Fi!"

"Welcome back, Master Ezra." The raccoon girl was a vision of beauty. Her fluffy dog-like ears perked up as her silky brown hair cascaded down her back, framing her face, brilliant tea-red eyes sparkling in the mid-morning sun. She had gone for a simple outfit of a light brown t-shirt with a black knee-length skirt, revealing a pair of toned, firm legs, capped up by brown ankle-high boots.

Ezra grinned, he knew Raphtalia was just teasing him by calling him Master. "What are you, my maid or girlfriend?"

She giggled warmly, covering her mouth as she did so. "What can I say, Master? Old habits are hard to break."

The weary Tracker just rolled his eyes while bemused. He knew that she wasn't going to quit any time soon. "Well then in that case you should just change your profession to maid once things calm down. You can serve me tea, and be my secret mistress." This earned him a gentle tap on the forehead.

"Don't push your luck." Raphtalia's dazzling smile made Ezra's heart stop for a second. He couldn't help but find her so desirable.

"What would you do, if I didn't push it all the time?" He quipped.

"I'd be a content old raccoon girl."

"But that would be so boring." Ezra grinned, eliciting another joyful laugh from his beloved.

"So Kyana, how did your mission go?" Rita asked, wanting to move past the gooey display of affection.

"Giant mutated, flying transparent manta rays, rather formidable creatures, but after facing the likes of Leviathan. not all that impressive if you ask me," Kyana said, throwing her ponytail over her shoulder. Ezra couldn't help but take in the sight of one of his first loves, her skin pale but still lustrous. The warm sun had agreed with her quite well. It was clear the girls had also gotten in some downtime.

Raphtalia had spent quite a bit of time on the beach, if the slight tan she had was any indication. The raccoon girl could feel his gaze. She smiled, bowing her head, blushing slightly. "If you're going to say something, Master Ezra. Then just go ahead."

"Don't mind if I do," Ezra said, leaning in to give her a gentle kiss. "You look great, Talia. It's a far cry from when we first met." He strained to recall that day. A thin, malnourished creature. Skin, dried and cracked, her matted hair little more than a rat's nest covering her head. "I'm proud of you for becoming so strong." The Raccoon girl's eyes shined with her love for him.

"I'm looking forward to dinner tonight. We'll get to hear more of Ezra's adventures." Yuri's words caught both Kyana and Raphtalia's attention. "He recounted the story of how you all got together and ended up here in Terca Lumireis." Both of them fixed solemn expressions on Ezra.

"How far have you gotten?" Kyana asked.

"Vizima. Just after we met Rodger and Rose." Was his simple answer. No one missed how Kyana cringed when he mentioned the Temerian capital city. Or how her eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm glad the two of you are here. There's a few details I think only you can fill in for everyone."

"But of course." Kyana sighed, her axe swinging at her hip. "Vizima…that was a total disaster at the end. Of course, it all goes back to her." Raphtalia flashed a dark look, she knew exactly what her best friend was talking about. "I used to hate Rose so much, but not anymore. Granted, it's hard to totally forgive her. She was a first-rate bitch, and she didn't have to act that way to hide her own insecurities. All she had to do was be honest with herself."

"We should have abandoned her in Morning Vale after she got sick." Raphtalia's eyes darkened just for a minute. It was unsettling to those of Brave Vesperia to see her act so cold. "It would have better to just leave her to succumb to it, and let her find some peace."

"It didn't help that a certain somebody was so intent on being horny with her and just her." Kyana glared at Ezra. "Otherwise, we might have all gotten along much better. If Rose had been accepting, we would have gladly shared him." Felecia, Fianna, and Phoebe had since joined the group. While all of the girls were precious to Ezra. The ones he was closest to were these five, Kyana, Felecia, Phoebe, Raphtalia, and Fianna.

"I wasn't aware you were into a poly relationship so early on Kyana," Ezra said, grinning slightly at how all the girls started blushing. Estelle and Rita along with them. But the axe wielder brushed it off, just sticking her nose in the air slightly.

"Oh, come off it, Ezra. We all wanted you for ourselves. Just chalk it up to our inexperience and youthful selfishness. It also didn't help that Rose was always provoking everyone and wouldn't let up on it at all. If I had to hear her call me a 'Woodlands Slut' one more time, I wouldn't have cared what you thought of me after I buried my axe in her skull. All I wanted to do was get into your pants, nothing more."

Kyana stood up proud, folding her arms as the other girls all blushed and looked away, while Ezra just looked up at the sky. "Why don't you tell them how you really feel?" He remarked.

"It's Rose, I don't sugarcoat when it comes to Rose," Kyana said. "None of us would, right Talia?" The beast girl just nodded. It really was just how things were back in Midgard, you live fast and hopefully die young.

"I wish you wouldn't be so crude though." Phoebe finally spoke up. "It doesn't make you sound any better than Rose, Kyana."

"I prefer the term 'wooing' myself," Fianna said, twirling one of her auburn locks idly as a playful glimmer appeared in her aquamarine eyes. "You have to set the mood just right. There's a song to play and a dance to be learned. It took me quite a bit of time to sink my hooks into you. It's not all that different in how you hunt monsters as a Tracker, Ezra. you have to show patience and diligence to your prey."

Ezra sighed, rolling his eyes. "Do you have to put it that way, Fianna?" She just giggled, having made her point. "You make me sound like a predator. And don't forget you were the one who taught me how to do that in the first place."

"It's not my fault you knew nothing about women when we first met." Fianna shot back. "You had your little woodland darling on your arm the whole time, and all you wanted was a harsh, thorny rose. If I had to choose between them, I know what my pick would be." She smiled at Kyana as she said that.

Kyana just sighed. "Still never going to happen. And don't harass Raphtalia either. Seriously, what were you thinking, telling her that kissing alone gets women pregnant?" The Raccoon Girl started blushing again at that particular memory as Kyana went on. "I should have guessed sooner when I saw you skulking about Vizima, acting Dandelion's backup with all your friends."

Fianna just rested a delicate hand against her chin. "Ah, those were simpler times. When I just traveled about, put on performances for anyone who enjoyed hearing music. Not to mention charming any gorgeous females that just happened to cross my path." She winked at Ezra. "But then I met you and everything changed. I'm not sure if that was for better or worse, but nothing stays the same forever."

"All because I was a Singularity," Ezra grunted, making Rita stay at him. "Something Accord told me, apparently Rose and I were vital components in the grand design. A lot of it went over my head, but she told me my presence has a way of changing the fate of others. I'm not sure how I feel about that."

"It was because of you we all met and came together, Ezra." Phoebe pointed out.

"So, it's not like it's a totally bad thing." Felecia leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. He in turn put an arm around her slender waist.

"You can share all the sordid details with us later at dinner," Yuri said, watching as Raven walked by with some fresh lumber under his arm, Karol right behind him with a bucket of pitch. "Right now, let's just focus on restocking our supplies, and seeing to any repairs on the Fiertia." With the moment effectively killed. Ezra and his cohorts set to work getting what they needed before departing Capua Nor.

(Later that Night)

Once again, the members of Brave Vesperia gathered around the dining table, and now Raphtalia and Kyana, who had been with Ezra since the very start, sat with them, on either side of the young man who had brought them all together. "All right, we're ready for the next chapter in the life and times of our favorite idiot," Rita said, looking quite eager. "So, you made it to Vizima, reunited with your washed-out sky-pirate teacher and childhood crush that became a hooker. What happened next?"

"I'll field that particular question." It caught Ezra by surprise when Kyana cut him off. He threw her a confused expression. "Estelle told me how hard it was for you to recount some parts of the story. You're taking a break tonight, Ezra. And that's final. Besides, it's not just your story. We have our own accounts to share as well."

Ezra just shrugged. He stepped back, letting Kyana have the floor. She cleared her throat. "As someone who lived practically her whole life in the forest. Coming to a big city like Vizima was quite a culture shock. On the surface, it seemed like a wondrous place, but I learned fast there was a dark side to Temeria's capital, and while we didn't know at the time, we were neck-deep in it!"

Two weeks had passed since we arrived in Vizima. Ezra had joined Erik and the rest of Rodger's crew working security at the Datura. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach. Even if he was bringing in good enough money working there, it just felt wrong to me. I'm not sure which is worse, the fact that he was willingly associating with such ilk, or the fact that he was constantly making eyes at Rose.

There was a part of me that wondered if Ezra didn't have it all wrong. Certainly, this bitter, crude, hateful shrew of a woman couldn't be the same girl he knew from Rulid? Maybe it was a case of mistaken identity. I tried to convince him otherwise, but our boy, Ezra, can be very stubborn when he wants to be.

I wouldn't be caught dead in that place, given that I was already mistaken for a new hire. So, I made it a point to keep as much distance between the Datura and me as much as possible. I spent my days either exploring the city by scaling the rooftops, many years of climbing trees made that easy, and led me to some great views. I could spend the entire day camped out on a roof, looking out at the city and the countryside around it.

That, or I would hang out with Laura. She was the exact opposite of Rose, gracious, kind-hearted, and had a deep desire to help others. Laura made for an awesome training partner, befitting someone whose entire life revolved around swordsmanship. I stepped up my game with her help. We would go out into the fields around Vizima and slay monsters, take their skins and sell them to the local merchants. It may not have paid as much as Ezra got from working at the brothel, but it felt more honest to me.

In truth, we could have made even better money by joining the Adventurer's Guild like Erik. But given his situation, it wasn't a good call, at least that's how he put it. I always wondered why he was such a threat to the Empire. His only crime was being Yesenia's son. Any time I asked, he'd always get real defensive. So, I decided to let it rest.

Now while I had tried to avoid her at all costs. I suppose it was inevitable our paths would cross eventually. I had forced myself to go down to the Datura because I needed Ezra's help with something. However, I had just missed him, apparently, he was out on a supply run with Erik. And when I mean a "supply run", I mean they were going to get more booze for Rodger and those two idiotic thugs who followed him around.

So I went out looking for him, and I just so happened to see Rose at one of the stalls, arguing with the merchant, "The tomatoes you sold me were rotten, you piece of shit!" She raged at him, as she tossed the object in question on the counter. It certainly looked rotten to me, given half the side was melted in an ugly black shade. "You promised me it was fresh; this is anything but fresh! I want my money back!"

"All purchases final, No returns allowed." The merchant replied, revealing rotten, yellowed teeth twisted into a smug sneer. One thing I found out that day was just how shrill Rose's voice could get when she screamed and decked the merchant square in the mouth. My ears stung all the rest of the day. I watched her stomp off down the street.

I hesitated for a minute, wondering if I should approach her. But at the same time, I wanted to know more about this girl who had Ezra so enraptured. So I followed her a couple of blocks. She then suddenly ducked into a side alley. I broke into a run, not wanting to lose her. I nearly got her fist right in my mouth, instincts, and years of training meant I was able to avoid it with a well-timed backflip. "Who the fuck are you and why are you following me?" Rose snarled.

"Uh." I wasn't sure what I wanted to say to her. Rose was already balling up her fist. Even without any kind of combat training at the time, she could throw a mean right cross, something Ezra would have appreciated. "I liked your performance the other day." I finally said. This just seemed to make her angrier. "I couldn't help but admire the way you knocked out that annoying merchant!" I quickly amended it. "But aren't you worried about trouble with the town guard?"

Rose just put a hand on her hip. "Meh, it's not the first time I've been screwed over, and the guards are a bunch of no-good louts anyway. They don't give two shits about a brawl between a crooked merchant and one worthless whore." She snorted derisively. "I'm surprised anyone would care about me."

"You shouldn't say that. I mean, you may be a working girl, but I guess you still contribute an essential part of society." I immediately regretted saying that. "Oh, by the Goddess, I actually quoted Rodger!" I muttered under my breath. "What is wrong with me? I was about ready to puke right there, but it did elicit a slight, bemused chuckle from Rose.

"Oh really? First time I've ever been called essential. So, are you a hooker too? I mean, you have the look for it." She eyed my usual attire, which admittedly did show off a lot of skin. "I guess the streetwalker look is catching on here in the Northern Kingdoms. I guess that makes me in vogue, at least that's what the noblewomen call whatever new trend they're chasing at the moment."

I really didn't want to snap at her for the cheap remarks. I wasn't sure if she was just ribbing me or actually plain insulting me. It's really hard to tell since sarcasm was Rose's primary tongue. So I did my best to remain friendly and amicable. "I wonder if bitch is your default mood," I said without realizing it, before snapping my lips shut. "I am so sorry; I did not mean to say that."

Rose just shrugged. "Eh, most of the time. Look just tell me what you really want. You don't look like a dyke to me. I'm just giving you the benefit of the doubt. Believe me when I say I've had plenty of dumb cunts come by to flirt with me, and both genders no less." So there I was back at square one.

"Uh, let me ask, do you know Ezra? The two of us came in a couple of weeks ago. He…started working security." Her entire demeanor changed in a split second. The smirk was replaced by an icy glare, and her eyes narrowed. "I'm going to take that as a yes."

"Oh…him." Rose spat out. "Honestly, that fucking dumbass is really cramping my style. All he ever does is follow me around whining about knowing each other from someplace I don't even care about. I'm here to work, and I can't push my goods when he's constantly hovering over me, blubbering on about some fucking nonsense! He won't even pay for my time, the cheap son of a bitch. I get my ass chewed out by the madam if I don't make my quotas."

I felt my blood start rising. That nonsense was one of the reasons why Ezra ended up the way he did. Few things piss me off more than seeing a friend who's gone through a hard time and be put down. "Don't you dare talk about Ezra that way!" I hissed at her. "Clearly you don't know what he left behind, but I would expect as much from an ignorant whore like you!"

Let's face it, that's all she would have been if Ezra hadn't obsessed over her so much. Still, I struck a nerve with her. "Is that a fact, girlie?" Rose's let out a sultry, menacing laugh. "You should be more careful. He's clearly more interested in me, I guess you're not putting out for him huh?" I so wanted to rip that smirk off her face. "Why else would your boyfriend desire my pussy more than your virgin ass? I guess that's why he wants a freebie so bad."

I felt my hand going to my axe again. Even as Rose continued her little rant. "You probably only give him anal anyway. Wow, I can only imagine how loose your ass must be after all these years. A slut is a slut no matter what hole gets used. You're a butt slut. Or maybe I should say a Woodland Slut? Yeah, I can smell nature all over you. Probably haven't seen a city before today I bet." She let out an irritating laugh. "Woodland Slut it is then! Welcome to Vizima, sweetie." She brushed past me, intentionally hitting me in the shoulder. "I wouldn't drink the water if I were you."

Kyana sighed as tore into the large piece of chicken that Phoebe prepared earlier. "That's how I became known as Woodland Slut. So yeah, clearly, we weren't meant to be besties. If I had known the kind of monster she would have become. I would have killed her right then and there. But she was just a dumb whore, so I didn't think anything more of it."

Ezra sighed as his head met the table. "I had to listen to that for the whole week following that incident. Rose always went overboard on everything she did. Although I did think it was kind of funny at the time." He smirked, not even caring about the glares coming from Kyana and Felecia. Estelle just gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

"She had insulting nicknames for all of us." Felecia scowled, "It always burned me up the way she insulted Erik and me because we were elves. She seemed to take the most pleasure in insulting us. Erik was Knifey Spoony Ears because of our hybrid nature. I was Hotpants Elf because I wear such tight shorts, and if she was really vindictive, she'd call me." She struggled a little. "Sky Cum Lover."

"Wow, why did she start calling you that?" Judith asked.

Felecia blushed as she bowed her head. "I love all things water, but I particularly love the rain. I was a devoted follower of Leviathan, the god of time, water, and patron deity of the elves. Anytime it rained I would offer a small prayer of thanks to him. And Rose twisted it around to something disgusting!"

"Give me your cummies, Sky Daddy!" Ezra blurted out at once raising his head from the table. "Every single time."

"I recall you wanted to slice her head off every time she did that," Phoebe said.

"More than once!" An eight-inch-long blade suddenly slipped out of Felecia's right vambrace. "It was like she went out of her way to find the cruelest insults to Elven kind just to spite us."

"I was ripped on too for being a Beastkin. I couldn't have gone a full day without being called Trash Bandit. All because I was part raccoon." Raphtalia absently tugged at one of her ears.

"None of us got away scot-free, even if some of our nicknames weren't as mocking. I was Amnesia Waif." Phoebe just sighed, shaking her head at the questioning glances Yuri and the others gave. "It's a long story, and we'll get to it soon enough. I'm sure if Rose was here now, she would have given insulting nicknames to all of you."

"Like what?" Estelle ventured.

"Oh, I could come up with a few if you wanted examples." Fianna giggled as she leaned in, clearly not being serious about it.

Rita wasn't so enthused. "If she even thought to demean Estelle in any way. I would have burned her face clean off. What a bitch!"

Ezra snorted. "At least you all got something unique. I was just 'Hey You' or 'Dummy'. I could count the number of times she used my real name on one hand." Mikhail let out a gasp of surprised joy. "What is it?"

"Rose used to call me that too! That's so cool, we have something in common!"

The older boy just let out a bemused sigh, before patting Mikhail on the head. "Yeah, that is the one thing we had in common, kid. I guess it's better than nothing." Several of the girls cooed at the cute display of affection. The boy was all their child whom they loved so much.

"So can we get back to the story now?" Rita asked impatiently, taking a bite out of a chicken leg. "So tell me, Ezra. How far did you go to get Rose's attention? Because it's quite clear to me that she did not return the affection." The way Ezra sighed, and his head returned to the table. "Ooh, I smell something ripe and juicy!"

Fianna giggled. "I can tell you guys that part of that story." She licked her lips in anticipation. "I remember that day so well. My performance troupe, the Scattered Feathers, was running a show at the Datura with Master Dandelion himself, it's a huge honor to just be able to stand on the same stage as him. He and I were setting up when I saw him." She looked over to Ezra. "You looked so forlorn that day."

Ah yes, a wonderful day indeed. We were slated to perform at the Datura for five days, and that first night the crowd was smoking hot. Ezra was trying so hard to get the attention of his thorny Rose, but sadly was shut down every single time. It was the same thing on the second night too. Even though he was trying to look tough, it was easy to tell how dejected he was, given how he dragged his feet everywhere. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

It was the day our third performance was to be held. I was working with Master Dandelion on composing a new song. Hopefully, we would be able to come up with something that didn't involve his adventures with Geralt of Rivia, all greatly exaggerated, I'm sure. I know this because he's recounted them all to me before, given we had been touring with him for several weeks by this point. So, I was hoping to give the crowd something fresh.

Ezra was going about his normal patrol, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. A part of me wanted to comfort him. Part of my duty as a bard and songstress is to lift the spirits of everyone around me with my music. It was clear he needed someone to pick that chin of his up. He also seemed quite eager to talk to Dandelion and I, given how he would flick a sideways glance at us every time he walked by the stage.

It was rather cute the way he was trying to look intimidating, personally, I thought he resembled a rather curious feline. He could not keep eyeing me. I'll let you guys in on a little secret, I'm bisexual. There were a lot of cuties in that place, but he was the one who caught my eye. No one else was going to bother with him, their loss was my gain!

Dandelion also seemed intrigued by this young man, given he wore two swords on his back, just like Master Geralt himself. It was then I recalled hearing some of the patrons mention a young man wielding two swords who came in and had a little adventure down in the sewers with the daughter of the Radiant Blademaster.

It then dawned on me this had to be the guy. After his fourth round, I decided it was time to break the ice and get to know this intriguing boy. "Hey there," I called out, smiling inwardly at the way he froze in his tracks. "Is there something I can help you with?" I sauntered up to him.

"Uh." Ezra just grunted, his mouth hanging half-open. I don't think he was expecting me to approach him like that. Just one more reason I found him so appealing. I gave him what I thought was a truly dazzling smile, and he shrank back a little bit. I think I was making him nervous; I can't imagine why. Not his fault a cute redhead took some interest in him.

"Indeed, young man." Dandelion stepped in, turning on his natural charm. Ezra looked a step away from gushing, he was really trying to keep his cool, but it wasn't working. "If you have something to say, just come out and say it. I'd like to think I'm very approachable to my fans."

Cue Ezra's epic nerd out! "Thank you so much, Master Dandelion!" He finally began babbling. "I'm a huge fan of your songs. I've gotten all of your books. That one of you and Geralt taking on that dragon was one of my favorites." He did this for almost ten minutes. Dandelion took it all in stride, he was clearly amused that someone was so enthused about him. Still, I wasn't about to be denied. I cleared my throat.

"Perhaps you would like to take a break for a while?" I took hold of his arm. "I'm sure it's very hard work ensuring that the crowd doesn't get too rough. I'd very much like to know one of the men who's charged with keeping us safe." It was then I caught sight of the rest of the Datura's security detail. The taller man, Hammer was currently passed out in a chair, drool covering his face. Anvil was looking at us cross-eyed before going back to finger painting.

His…art decorated the entire wall. It was mostly of him and Rodger. I get the impression it was all he knew how to draw, to begin with. He grunted, showing his latest work to the man in question. He looked positively unimpressed, scratching his cheek before letting out a very obnoxious belch. He then turned to the side, hocking a near-perfect shot into the corner spittoon. Erik then came down the steps, dragging one of the patrons who apparently had gotten a little too physical with one of the working girls, the latter babbling in a drunken stupor, before tossing him out the door.

I then turned to Ezra, leaning in close to him. "One thing's for certain. You're the best-looking guy here. Aside from the guy who just showed that dumb lout the door, there isn't much competition."

"Huah?" Ezra's entire face turned bright red. He tried to get out some words, no doubt trying to refute my claim with some show of humility. Sadly, it amounted a little more to gibberish. I really didn't care all that much, I was just eager to know him. Not to mention I enjoyed teasing supposed badasses just to see that they were still human underneath.

Dandelion then patted me on the shoulder. "Fianna, please don't fluster the boy too much. It's clear he's rather new when it comes to courting the fairer sex. Like your many failed attempts with that fair Rose you follow about so much." Ezra then became very serious, but not hostile. Dandelion was unmoved, clearly used to being in danger from his travels with Geralt. "If you are as big a fan of mine. You know I'm no stranger when it comes to seeing people in love. I can smell the flowers of love blooming from a mile away."

I gently nudged Dandelion in the side. "Forget about her, I want to talk about our handsome friend right here! So, tell me, where are you from, and where have you been all my life?" I batted my eyelashes at that last part, still holding his hand. "It's been so droll on the road, seeing a good man is always a treat!"

Ezra finally found his tongue. "I'm just an out-of-towner. I moved around a lot since I was very young. As such, there's no real place I could call home." I just tilted my head a few inches, and I could see it was making him uncomfortable.

"Is that a fact? Well, that's one thing we have in common. I've lived on the road for my entire life since I was adopted into the Scattered Feathers. But is that really the whole story? I could use some specifics." Ezra got all shy again, averting his eyes from me and looking to Dandelion for support.

He lucked out because Dandelion said. "Ah, Fianna you are simply too much. I would like to get a couple of words in otherwise." He held up his wine glass, swirling it about as it gleamed it in the torchlight before taking a delicate sip. "After all, I am your senior in the ways of the bard. It's only proper after all."

I had to relent a little bit. Maybe I had come on a little strong, and wound him up more than I should have. So I decided to switch tack. "All I want to do is know you," I said in a low sultry voice. "For now at least." Ezra began squirming as I squeezed his hand to drive my point home.

Leave it to Dandelion to ruin my fun, as he pushed a drink across to Ezra. "Here, perhaps this will help your nerves." He gladly took it, knocking it back quickly. Dandelion took another sip of his wine. "I couldn't help but notice the way you have those swords arranged on your back. I can tell you're trained in the art of the blade, but it's rare to see weapons equipped in such a manner unless they're a member of one of the Tracker schools."

Ezra bowed his head slightly. I could see the conflict in his eyes. But he raised his head, looking Dandelion right in the eye. "I was inspired by your songs of Geralt of Rivia. I wanted to live a life like his in virtue." This earned him a bemused chuckle from Dandelion.

"I think my dear friend would recoil at being called virtuous. If Geralt is here, he would say there's no strength in mortality, and only in your sword arm." Ezra then looked over to Rodger and the empty right arm of his ratty old coat. He looked quite vulnerable for just that moment. He then looked back to Dandelion, a fire in his eyes.

"Then if he didn't lead a virtuous life, then I want to be like Geralt of Rivia because he was strong. I need strength like that to achieve a goal of mine. I lose something quite dear to me, and I want to protect what I still have." Oh, how I swooned at that valiant determination in those brilliant jade-green eyes of his! That was what drew me to him. My heart skipped a beat when I heard his bold declaration.

It was then I noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye. I casually looked over my shoulder to another corner of the brothel where Rose and her dark elf friend, Indigo, was sitting with some of the clientele. She was staring right at us. For that split second, we locked eyes, I saw a wistful gaze. But then it turned cold, she gave a dismissive flip of her hair before attending to her patron.

Thing is, as a performer, I'm taught to look for the smaller details. I could see Rose grasping at the hem of her dress. Her hands shook as she did so. I never brought it up to anybody, but I wondered, was she trembling out of anger, or desperation? I suppose we'll never know. What I did know, was at that moment I considered Rose my rival in love to Ezra, and I wasn't about to let her win.

"Wow Fi. Could have you laid it on any thicker with Ezra?" Felecia rolled her eyes, having been rather annoyed during Fianna's entire retelling of their first meeting. "I always knew you were a shameless tease, but this really pushes the boundaries of proper behavior!"

"Oh hush you!" The red-haired bard admonished the half-elf girl, sticking her nose in the air. "You weren't there for his lowest point, and I was. So, of course, I was going to enjoy myself as much as possible. It took Ezra a little while, but he came around, right honey?" She cocked her head slightly, playing with her hair.

"Yeah, couldn't have done without you, that's for sure," Ezra said, taken in by that playful smile of hers. Both Felecia and Kyana bowed their heads slightly, the former's eyes were a little misty. He shot both girls a reassuring nod, but both girls still had a pang of regret in their eyes.

"Sounds like Fianna gave you a bit of courage when it came to the ladies," Raven said, to which the redhead just gave a playful little giggle. "So tell me, did you redouble your efforts to gain Rose's affection?"

Ezra shook his head, tossing the remains of a thigh to the side. "It wasn't that simple. Dandelion said he was willing to mentor me in how to win Rose's heart, but truthfully a lot was going on in my head at that time in my life. I knew what I was doing was degrading to myself, but we needed the money. I should have been looking for my mother, not pining away after my crush. I was waiting on Rodger to get the intel we needed so we could start for real, but he barely moved from his private booth at the Datura."

"And those were the days he wasn't piss ass drunk," Kyana said.

"I remember a time when Rodger showed some actual humanity." Ezra knocked back his drink. "Even if he was a detestable example of the breed most of the time. I remember it all too well."

It was a few days after my little chat with Dandelion and Fianna. He had given me some hints on how to win over Rose, and I was eager to try them out. However, Rose was currently…indisposed at the moment with a customer upstairs. So, I would have to wait for a while.

"Hey, Ezra!" Rodger slurred out. "Ezra, take me back to my flat, would ya?" A part of me rolled my eyes in irritation. For someone who was supposed to oversee security, he really didn't do much. It seems like Erik, and I were the ones who did all the real work. Instead, he was sitting there with the madam. A thin, bony-looking woman with the face of a horse and way too much make-up on.

This was the woman who forced Rose to demean herself every single day. Truthfully, I had spent the last few days thinking about buying Rose off her. However, the more violent side of myself was contemplating a much easier solution. I lop off her head, and then all the working girls here are free. I really was considering it, not going to lie. "What's that look for?" Rodger brought me out of my reverie. "You look like you're ready to kill someone!"

"Oh my, it's so terrifying to behold!" The madam exclaimed, taking hold of Rodger's hand. "It reminds me of you at that age, to be honest." He smirked, it was twisted, but still a sense of pride about it.

"Heh, he's a chip off the old block all right. I trained the kid myself, after all." Rodger knocked back another tankard of mead. "The old killer instinct is showing itself all right! Maybe he's my illegitimate kid or something. Let's face it, we're one and the same, we take what we want and fuck anyone else who gets in our way!" The madam let out a girlish titter. Personally, I thought it just grated my ears.

I was so disgusted, at Rodger and myself. "Goddess forbid, Rodger. We wouldn't have met if that was the case. You actually taking responsibility for your actions would be like goblins considering consent to sex." Rodger let out a long, belly laugh, sprinkled with a few coughs, before finishing it up with a loud belch.

The Madam smiled. "If goblins understood the concept of currency. I'm certain they would be regulars at my establishment." I wanted nothing more than to impale the bitch through her throat at that moment. All that mattered to her was making money by exploiting others. Rodger hiccuped, standing up. He flailed about a bit, and I caught him.

"How about that?" He grinned. "You know exactly what to do. Seriously, kid, I think you can read my mind."

"I know it so well because I've had to do this every other day since I arrived here. You get hammered, almost face-plant against the ground. The only reason I'm the one who does it is that Hammer and Anvil are as sauced as you are. And the only reason Erik isn't here to do it is because he's taken up extra duties at the Adventurer's Guild."

Rodger let out a noise that sounded half like a grunt and a fart. "Well, how do you expect me to keep track of it all the time? The days just kind of run together after all. I probably won't even remember this tomorrow. So I'll let you off the hook today." He hiccupped one more time. "Now take me to my place. I need to work off this headache!" In Rodger's talk, drink more and collapse on the floor.

With that, I began the ritual of dragging Rodger to his flat. We had to stop a couple of times for him to puke his guts out in a side alley. I was considering just dumping him off and not coming back. "You know, Eli would be your age right now." I about stopped in my tracks.

"Who in the hell are you talking about?" It was then it clicked in my head. Eli was Rodger's younger brother, who died many years ago. Eli only came up when he was hammered, just a drink away from death. I never learned how he died, but there were many stories. Rodger seemed genuinely fond as recounted those times, it was one of the only things he really treasured.

"What about Eli?" I asked. He looked so melancholy. Not at all like the proud, confident privateer I knew from his time training Kyana and I back in Bright River.

"Just get me to my place first." There was no hiding the sullenness in his voice. Finally, we arrived at Rodger's apartment. It was truly a desolate hole in the wall. I kicked the door open, and a rancid stench assailed my nostrils. "Sorry about the mess." Rodger grimaced as we shuffled through the door. "I might have fired the maid." There wasn't much to the place, to begin with, but the piles of trash strewn about made it even less so. I saw numbers of empty bottles of various kinds of alcohol littering the place.

The walls were decorated with trophies of his prior conquests. Other people would call it junk, Rodger would call it a valuable treasure. One thing that caught my eye was a large vase sitting on his dining room table, along with a large pile of trash. He groaned. "I need to clean up!" My eyes widened in muted horror as he swiped all the trash, along with the vase, off the table. It crashed to the ground, shattering into a million pieces.

"Rodger, what did you just do?" I asked, my eyes still fixated on the busted pottery, silently calculating just how many crowns that vase would have cost. I could have easily bought Rose and the other girls a couple of times over with the money from that vase.

Rodger didn't seem all that disturbed. "What does it matter? It's just something Madam Lula gave me. It was a cheap copy at best." He then sobered up a little. "Uh…it was a copy, right?"

"No, it was not." I shook my head. "It came from the Dwarven Second Dynasty. I remember traveling to a dig with my mom once. We found something similar to it." Rodger paled, and I'm pretty sure he sobered the rest of the way up.

"Oh…fuck. Lu's going to kill me for that one." He was becoming frantic. "Uh, you wouldn't by chance know some of that fancy restoration magic, would you? I know spells to repair broken items exist. It would help right now!"

"Sorry man. I invested all my time and effort into magic that destroys shit. But once I unlock the tree on my converter. I'll see what I can do." In truth, I was planning on adding some healing magic to my repertoire. Item regeneration is much less complex than healing flesh. Not that I was going to tell Rodger about that. It would just be a waste of mana after all.

We both sat down at the table. Rodger was about to pour himself another drink, but decided against it. "Ugh, I want to be sloshed for this, but I get the feeling it would just make it harder. This isn't an easy story to tell kid. Truth is, when we first met back in Bright River, I was looking at myself. That hurt and anguish in your eyes, it was the same thing I saw every morning. After you told me about what happened to your mother, it's one of the reasons I trained you. So consider this one last lesson from your old teacher."

Rodger sighed. "I didn't grow up with much back in Archades. My parents lived in one of the shittier parts of the city, beneath all the shine and glitz of the upper levels. My dad was an undertaker and my mom…was not a whore. She was a healer. Her services were greatly appreciated by the people in the slum we lived in. She was a very upstanding woman, with a strong faith in the Dragon Goddess Sothis." He smiled fondly. "If I had to be totally honest, my mom was an absolute saint."

The fond expression burned off his face as his eyes darkened. "My dad, on the other hand, was anything but. He would steal all the valuables of the dead, and pawn it off to the nearest merchant. Take the money that should have gone to feed his family and stuff his own worthless mouth with booze." I gained a little respect for Rodger at that moment. As rough as I had it, always moving from place to place. Naaman loved my mom, and would never dare to raise a finger against her.

"My old man was an angry drunk on top of it. Whenever Mom would get on his case about it, there would always be angry words thrown about. On a good night, he'd just storm out, find a bar or a whorehouse to work off the rage, but the worst nights…" He swallowed hard. "On the worst nights, Mom would be black and blue all over. But Mom never let it faze her." Rodger looked so sad as he kicked a bottle away. "She would always smile and say this was another test from the Goddess. A single glow of green magic and the bruises were gone, but the hurt in her eyes never went away."

"The wounds on the soul aren't as easily healed as wounds of the body," I interjected.

Rodger just nodded, pushing through with his tale. "Mom said the light was the essence of time itself, according to her master at least. But there's no way of accelerating the passage of time. The cycle of abuse continued well into the time I was your age. But you know what's interesting?" He sneered a little. "One day the old bastard just keeled over dead. Perhaps it was that last glass of alcohol…or maybe it was the herbs my mom used to heal people. I remember her telling me more than once that healers knew how to make people well and make them dead all the same."

Again, I could sympathize. Mom was no stranger to healing magic. I had seen her save more than a few people from the brink of death with a single touch of her hands and a few words. I also knew just how much of an engine of destruction she could be. The memories of Minas Tor were still fresh in my mind after all that time. I said nothing and let him continue. "Mom was three months pregnant with Eli at the time. I had to believe that for our sake, and the sake of the life she was carrying, Mom poisoned Dad. No one asked. She just said it was better to leave it to light and time to erode away. One of her favorite sayings."

There was a new resolve in his eyes as sobriety continued to take hold. "I swore I would get strong enough so my mother would never have to commit such an act ever again. I gained a new purpose, what was that fancy word that Mark's old lady said? A raison-d'etire?" Rodger snorted. "Ten crown words from a million-Crown lady. Either way, I helped Mom raise Eli and I learned the way of the blade from a former bodyguard of the Emperor."

"I never had the smarts or desire to learn magic like Mom. But Eli, he was everything she was and then some. I tell ya, he soaked up that magic shit like a Drowner to water. I passed my skill with a blade onto him as well." He chuckled. "I have to admit, he had a grace with it that I never could get. I would be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit jealous of how much of a prodigy he was with both magic and steel. But I am always really proud of him."

"That sounds a lot like Kieran and I. He was always slightly better with a blade than I was, but I had a better talent with magic." I realized then it was the first time I had thought of Kieran since Minas Tor fell. I hadn't really wondered what happened to my brother since I was so worried about myself.

"See you get it!" Rodger choked out a sob. "Eli had such talent, so much potential. I could only imagine what he would have been capable of once he got old enough. Him and I, standing shoulder to shoulder. We could have changed the world together." I said nothing more and let Rodger continue his story.

"I had made a name for myself in the army by defending the outer territories in Afroka from the Palmyrans in the south. I would be away on tour for months at a time. But I never worried since Eli was defending the walls at home. I'll admit things got a lot easier once I joined the military. Still, I wanted to get them out of that trash pit, away from all the garbage and scrap hanging over their heads. I started looking into finding a better place in the upper city, nothing fancy at first, but far better than our current occupancy."

Rodger lowered his head, and I knew what was coming. "It all seemed so perfect. I got called up for emergency deployment. It was only for a few weeks. I figured once I came back, I would be able to move them, and then…it all went to shit!" I saw how his fingers twitched, how badly he wanted to grab at a bottle of something, anything to calm his nerves. "While I was on campaign, this plague ripped through the kingdom. My mother was infected trying to help others. She just couldn't leave well enough alone." He shook his head. "But the shittiest part of this whole mess is that not even magic could cure the plague."

My stomach started to tighten up. A part of my mind was already working on if I had seen anything like it in my mother's books. "A plague that not even magic could deal with?"

The old sky pirate rested his head on the table. "It comes and goes with time, mysteriously shows up, ravages the place, and vanishes just as quickly. It doesn't just make people sick in the body, it fucked up their heads too." He growled, banging his hand on the table. "Those eyes, those damn red eyes…even now it haunts me."

"Red eyes?"

Rodger couldn't contain himself, finally grabbing a bottle of wine, and taking a long drag. "The plague's most visible sign. Anyone who's inflicted with it, their eyes turn an ugly blood red. They also turn incredibly violent, attacking all in their path. I got a letter from Eli. He told me that our mom had died from the plague. More and more people were starting to get infected; the undercity was becoming a battleground. I deserted my post and headed straight back home."

"How bad was it?" I asked. Rodger just took another gulp of wine.

"Bad enough, The place wasn't exactly luxurious, to begin with, but given how the plague ravaged everything. It was like a ghost town. My only thought was getting to Eli, and getting out of the city as fast as possible. I found our old home, still as decrepit as ever. I wasn't sure what I was going to find. Luckily, Eli was there, and sane." Rodger choked out a sob. "I was so relieved to see him alive. I thought it was a sign we were meant to survive."

"We salvaged whatever we could from the neighborhood. The beginning of my life of crime I suppose. After that, we both hauled ass, hoping to put as much distance between us and there as possible. When out of the sewers came a huge swarm of rats. It was unlike anything we had ever seen before, hundreds if not thousands. But they weren't like the normal rats, they had to be at least three times the normal size, nasty as hell, and smelled like rotten flesh. And of course, those same burning bloodshot eyes the other people had. They were on us in a flurry of teeth and claws."

Rodger's story was hitting far too close to home, making me think of what happened to Kieran and I after Minas Tor was ravaged. "Eli and I were back-to-back, cut down more of those vermin than I could count. And then, one of them got him, tore out his neck and he was dead before he even the ground." He bit down and really was trying not to cry. "And then he got back up, his eyes red. Eli attacked me, and I…I decapitated him. It was the only way I could think of to ensure he would stay down. He was only eleven, damn it!"

I wasn't sure what to say. Rodger had been one of the only people who actively encouraged me to pursue my goals, not caring about what got in my way. Ioran and the Twins had always advocated caution and rubbed me the wrong way. Nowadays I think he's just a sympathetic piece of shit. But back then, telling me that reinvigorated my faith in him.

So, I patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks for telling me that Rodger. I know you probably feel worthless since you lost your arm, but I think we can fix that." Rodger looked up at me, a slight ember of hope in his eyes. "You probably dismiss it, but I think I can find a couple of regenerative spells that might be able to regrow your arm, be like you never lost it. Aside from bringing the dead back to life, healing magic can do a lot. Granted, magic like that is highly advanced, but I think I could pull it off. Once that happens, all you'd need is a little training to shake off the rust, and like that. You're back in fighting form!"

In that moment, Rodger looked alike the cocky, self-assured sky pirate I knew so well. He clapped his sole hand on my shoulder. "I knew there was a reason I kept you around! Ezra my boy, you do me proud!"

A part of me was actually relieved Rodger was finding his resolve to do more than just sit around and get wasted. I also knew I had to remind him of why I came out here in the first place. "I just need to know you have my back in this, Rodger. You said you'd help find my Mom, can you do that?"

Rodger chuckled. "Of course! Of course! You give me a couple of days so I can get in touch with my friends at the guild. When that happens, we'll all head out together and track down old Yennie. You'll be reunited before you know it!"

Ezra let out an annoyed grunt. "Nothing but a bunch of lies and double talk. Rodger never had the intention of helping me find my mother. All he wanted out of me was to fix his damn sword arm." Estelle rested her head against his shoulder, a guaranteed way to keep him calm. "Being how naive I was back then. I said nothing more about it and busied myself with doing my job around the brothel."

"So did the advice of the master bard help you to prune some of your Rose's thorns?" Raven asked. Ezra's pronounced groan and the deep sagging of his shoulders gave him all the answers he needed. "I guess some flowers just can't be tamed."

"It was an epic fail," Ezra admitted. "I think I just made Rose angrier at me. So I put my focus on finding ways to buy her off Madam Horse Face." His hand shook as he gripped the table. "Even now, I just get so pissed off thinking about what she did to Rose. The way she exploited her and the other girls. It didn't help that she and Rodger were old friends."

"I wouldn't be surprised if the two of them were regular bedmates." Rita snorted. A mental image that made everyone cringe. But the fire mage then turned it around. "I wonder if Rodger had to pay for her services. I guess the Datura was in such financial trouble the Madam had to pitch in!"

A chain of laughter erupted around the table. "I could see that. She was the only woman that would let Rodger bury his treasure in her hole." Ezra said between giggles, trying to calm himself down. "Rodger's little sob story ensured I would stick close to him for a while longer. After using Dandelion's latest romance tip, Rose got nasty at me. I felt even worse, Erik showed up, saying he was going to take up a new contract and he would need my help. I figured it was a good idea to stay away for a while."

"I remember that." Kyana almost sounded fond, idly tapping her fingers on the table. "You could say that's where our climb to glory started. I mean, stopping an evil necromantic cult from resurrecting a crazy, former queen is always guaranteed to get people's attention."

"That it was." Ezra wouldn't deny it. "Erik looked pretty serious when he asked us to come with him to the castle that day."

It was taking Kyana and I everything we had to keep up with Erik as we headed for Vizima Castle. I forgot how long his strides could be. Erik was a tall guy, and built like a mountain. One thing I had always admired about him was how he walked, always like he had a purpose to it. He was worried about something; I could see it on his face. "Thanks for agreeing to help out, guys. The Guild Master said this came straight from the King himself. He asked for me by name. I pale to think what's so important."

"We should be getting one hell of a payday then." Not going to lie, I was very hopeful when Erik said that. If this mission was coming down from the highest authority, then it would come with a nice big pile of coin attached to it. That would help toward my new goal of getting enough money to buy Rose's freedom. Although I hadn't told either Kyana or Erik about this yet.

We were met at the door by Strenger. The poor man looked exhausted, clearly having pulled an all-nighter. "Follow me." Was his curt response. I was about to make one of my patented sarcastic jokes, only for Kyana to put her hand on my shoulder and shake her head. A sentiment that Erik shared if the way he was glaring at me was any indication.

Strenger led us into the unoccupied throne room. "Lady Triss and the rest of His Majesty's advisors are currently in the conference hall. She'll explain the finer details of the mission to you there." I had to take a few deep breaths to steady myself as we entered the room. Here were some of the major power figures in the Kingdom of Temeria, I was walking with the greats, looking around the room.

Of course, Triss was present, currently chatting with a very attractive blonde woman, wearing a dress that did little to hide a superb, hourglass-shaped figure with a wreath of flowers entwined in her golden locks. The woman carried herself with a strong dignity, not to mention a magic aura nearly as powerful as Triss herself. "Those magical disturbances are getting worse and worse. Of course, something like has to happen while His Majesty is out on the front lines."

The blonde woman spoke in a stately manner. "But of course, my dear Triss. It's no secret that His Majesty loathes any kind of dark magic, especially necromancy. They wouldn't have acted as long as he's here. It's the perfect opportunity with him gone." It took me a couple of seconds to recognize the woman as Keira Metz, the other Royal Mage of the Temerian Court, and a legend in her own right.

Standing at Keira's side was a young girl about the same age as Kyana and I. She was dressed in a very expensive-looking silver dress made of silk, a black corset wrapped around her waist, the silver chiffon train dragging on the ground. Her blonde hair was tied up in a high ponytail. She carried herself with the same dignified manner that Keira and Triss exuded if a little unpolished. There was no denying she was a stunning creature.

"Both of you are worried about nothing." A stern voice spoke, as another woman swept into the hall. She wore simple black robes, her face concealed by the hood. "I've been scrying all this time and have found nothing. Perhaps your Megascopes are malfunctioning?"

"With all due respect, Lady Sybille, I find it hard to believe that both Master Keira and Lady Triss could be wrong about the cult making a move." The girl spoke, clearly intimidated by the new arrival, but finding strength from the other two mages. "We all read the reports from the adventurers about the workshop discovered in the sewers. It's quite evident that they've waited for their chance."

Keira looked at her with a sense of pride. "You're very observant, Leona. I would expect nothing less from my apprentice." Leona bowed her head slightly, blushing at the compliment.

Sybille just folded her arms. "Oh please, what would a child like you know? I will remind all three of you that I am the senior Court Mage here. And is it any surprise that the Cult of the Pale Spider is acting in such a manner? I told his Majesty that outlawing the worship of Baaz Umaga would come back to bite him in the ass. He's been on an anti-black magic kick ever since that dumb little Royal Bitch of his was turned into a Striga. It's not like it's hard to make a curse. You just need the right words and the meaning behind them. It's like the Witcher told him all those years ago."

"And who was it that broke said curse, Sybille?" Triss said. "After you said it was impossible to do so?"

"Indeed." Keira put her hands on her hips.

It was clear that they had put their superior on the ropes. But Sybille wouldn't admit she was wrong. "It doesn't change anything that I have more experience than all three of you combined. It comes with being a part of the kingdom since it was established. And by the way dear." Sybille aimed that remark at Leona. "That dress says I'm a princess, fuck me senseless."

In truth, I did fuck her senseless in that dress, many times I might add. Now if I had been smarter, I would have just kept my damn mouth shut. But I wanted to put what Dandelion taught me into practice, and see if it worked on another girl besides just Rose, that way I could refine it. "I think your dress is lovely. It says I'm a princess, please wine and dine me with a cruise down the Yaruga to Novigrad." Cue everyone's attention on me…

"Ezra." I winced at how Kyana dragged out my name, and I could hear Erik's face meet the palm of his hand.

As for Leona, she was just looking at me funny, squinting. "Uh, who are you, and why did you feel the need to insult me? And why are you now flirting with me?" She looked me over, before taking note of the dual blades. "Oh, you're a Witcher at that, and a copycat Witcher no less. Master Keira warned me about you types."

I flinched internally. I wasn't expecting that reaction. Dandelion told me it was all about confidence, so I doubled down and puffed my chest out. "Yeah, I am a copycat. I won't deny that. But I'm the only natural example of a Witcher. Certainly, that must pique your interest, right?" Leona was less than impressed.

Both Triss and Keira let out long, loud sighs. "Oh great, Dandelion must be in town. This has his handiwork written all over it." Keira said, shaking her head. "Leona, go easy on this poor young man. He clearly doesn't know Dandelion's reputation all that well."

"Yeah, kid, it's simply better to not be Dandelion."

Triss's words struck me across the face. So I went for what I did best, snark. "Well, I can go the brooding edge lord route if that's what sorceresses like. I can even do that tingly touch thing you ladies find so popular." This caught all four of them, even Sybille, by surprise. It's not something that's well known, but apparently, Witchers give Sorceresses a certain pleasurable sensation when they touch each other.

It's only something that's known within those two particular circles. I learned it by accident when I grabbed hold of Felecia's hand when we were younger. After that she made it a point to hold my hand, just to experience it. It was always cute to see how much she smiled, her face bright red as we skipped along.

Erik decided to assert control before I buried my foot in my mouth any deeper. "Please excuse my friend, ladies. My name is Erik and I'm the agent from the guild. The young lady here is Kyana, and our Dandelion wannabe is Ezra." He just flashed an annoyed glare at me as I pouted at him.

"So you were the ones who found the Pale Spider hideout, to begin with then?" Leona asked. "As I recall, there was another member of your party. Viscount Arseid's daughter I believe?"

"Did someone mention my name?" Speak of the Watchers and they will appear. Laura came in, just a few steps behind her father. Both Arseids offered deep bows to the mages. "Lady Merigold, Lady Metz, and Lady Stentor. I am Laura S. Arseid, and yes, I was present when we found the workshop, and everything contained within."

Triss, Keira, and Leona returned the bows. Sybille just snorted. "We are grateful to you, Lady Arseid, indeed all of you." The red-haired mage said. "We knew the Pale Spiders were becoming more of a problem by the day. But they didn't dare try anything with King Foltest present. It's my hope to nip this in the bud, we have enough problems with the coming war against Nilfgaard. I don't want His Majesty to return home and find his capital a wreck."

"What exactly is the situation we're facing, Lady Triss?" I asked. The redhead just nodded slightly.

"Thanks to the intel you recovered from their workshop in the sewers, it appears they're preparing for a massive necromantic ritual, it doesn't specify whom they're attempting to raise from the dead, but odds are it's nothing good. There's over a dozen of the cultists, holed up in a cave located in the swamps to the southwest of Vizima. A rather fitting place for scum to hide. I'm ordering you to find their hideout, and neutralize them."

"We'll get the job done," Erik said, looking from me to Kyana to Laura. "All four of us should be capable of stopping these guys."

"Actually, I think you need to check your math, because my apprentice will be joining you for this little outing." Leona looked at Keira in disbelief, but she just rested her chin in her hand. "Now now, Leona dear, just consider this another part of your training. Sometime in the field will do you some good." She let out a playful giggle. "If you're going to be a grand court mage like myself, it will help to experience this kind of thing firsthand."

"Y-Yes master!" Leona bowed, before looking at us. "Can you give me ten minutes to go get changed? If we're venturing into the swamps, I'd like something a bit more practical."

"That works for us. We'll be waiting at the gate." Erik said. Leona promptly excused herself. "Lady Triss, if there's nothing else. We'll make our final preparations and depart for the swamplands. Rest assured; we won't return until the cultists have been dealt with."

"Then you'll need this." Keira produced a large, folded sheet of parchment. "It's a map that leads to the cavern. It will show you the quickest route there. You should be able to avoid the more perilous parts of the area. So be careful, and do bring my dear protege home in one piece. I've invested quite a bit of time in her, and good disciples are very hard to come by."

"It will be done, Lady Keira," Laura said. Her smile was a radiant one. It made me feel relaxed. We said our goodbyes and made our way back to the castle gates. Leona soon joined us, wearing armored vambraces and greaves in white, with elaborate black scrollery decorating it. A sleeveless white top had an open slot that gave a very nice view of her ample cleavage. A brown leather belt with a silver buckle, leaving a train that stopped at her armored knees. A sheathed estoc hung at her side.

"Welcome to the party Lady Leona," Kyana said, offering a slight bow to the mage. "We're happy to have you with us."

"I'm very grateful for that. I should have figured Master Keira would pull something like this." It was clear this wasn't the first time Leona had to endure this. But she quickly became all business. "Regardless she asked me to help you with this task, and I will do just that." Her hand came to rest on the sword. "I'm fairly capable with a blade, and I'm well-versed in healing magic, so don't worry."

That did set us at ease. I was about to say something when we were interrupted by the last people, I expected…or wanted to show up. "Hey, kid!" Here came Hammer and Anvil, wielding a giant warhammer and a massive shield respectively. Erik and I looked at each other, both silently wanting to just slip into the ground right then and there.

"Who are these…gentlemen?" Leona inquired, taking in both of them. "And have either of them ever heard of a bath?" She muttered under her breath.

"Are they friends of yours, Ezra?" Laura's question made me want to find the nearest sewer drain to leap into.

Hammer puffed his chest. "Yeah, our boss was the one who trained the kid, taught him everything he knows, right?" I wasn't sure what to say. Anvil just grunted. Hammer just nodded before providing a translation. "Anvil said, the boss wanted us to check in on you two."

"We're preparing for a vital mission given to us by the Crown." Erik wasn't going to put up with any bullshit from them today. "There's a group of cultists out in the swamp and they want us to put them down. If you want to tell Rodger that, go ahead. We're on a time

"Then why don't we go with you? It's been a while since Anvil, and I had a good throwdown." Anvil let out a wheezing chuckle. "Anvil says he's ready for a fight. Given all you've done for the boss, it's the least we can do for ya."

"I should have just said no." Ezra groaned as Estelle and Felecia offered quiet words of comfort. "But I was still remembering what Rodger told me about Eli. So, like an absolute dum-dum baby, I let them come along. Laura and Leona were looking at me the whole way through the swamp. I just felt awful they had to see this side of me, associating with people like them."

"Oh, Ezra." Felecia just rested her head against his shoulder.

"There was a big part of me hoping the two dumb morons would have died during that raid," Kyana said. "Or just end up sinking into the muck. I was so tired of Anvil undressing me with that creepy, cross-eyed glare of his. That being said, I don't even know if he understood the meaning of sex anyway…"

"Would you even want to bang something like that, to begin with, Kyana?" Fianna asked, her face twisting in disgust. Despite her predilection for doing anything that moved, even she had standards. Her fellow redhead had no comment, just letting out a resigned sigh.

"Yeah, I think we all would have felt better if Hammer and Anvil died in the swamps. Because they fucked up what I thought was a perfectly good plan!" Ezra tore into the chicken thigh that Phoebe provided him, roiling in anger at the memory. "I'd say they were dumb as rocks, but that would an insult to rocks."

It took our crew almost the entire day to reach our destination. It was a glorious slog, up to our knees, and even waists in mud. I felt bad for Leona, given how her once pristine white armor was now caked in grime, although she didn't seem too bothered by it. Laura clearly wanted to ask me about Hammer and Anvil, but held her tongue. Although I noticed how she kept a hand close to her claymore.

We reached the cave at about 2:30 that afternoon. If it wasn't for the single, bored-looking mage standing outside on guard duty. Any passersby would have simply dismissed it and moved on. I gave a signal for everyone to stop, not wanting the cultists to know we were coming. Some would find the sight of seven grown adults hunkering down in a thicket comical, but I wanted to come up with a plan in order to catch the enemy by surprise.

"I don't think they know we're coming," I said, glancing through the thick underbrush, and looking at the guard yawning. "The sentry doesn't appear to be paying all that much attention. It should be a pretty simple affair to subdue him. A couple of us will remain to secure the entrance. The rest of us will then enter the cave, neutralize any opposition along the way, and then disrupt the ritual."

"A fairly sound plan." Leona actually sounded a little impressed. "It's nice to see a man who can think strategically, instead of just blundering ahead. Like those two oafs, you brought with us." It took me a couple of minutes to realize what she meant. And then I realized two of our number were not present.

I looked with muted horror as Hammer and Anvil ran straight at the cave entrance. "What in the hell are they doing?!" I exclaimed. I was afraid they were going to kill the mage. But what they did, I still don't quite understand. Hammer slammed his…hammer against Anvil's shield. He let out a shrill war cry. "YA-UT-JA!" Anvil in turn let out a sound that I could best describe as a cross between a gurgle and a dull buzz.

"Ya-ut-ja! Ya-ut-ja! Ya-ut-ja!" Hammer bellowed, hopping around in a bizarre display, alternating between banging on his ridiculous weapon on his idiot friend's shield and the ground, pounding his chest as he continued the stupid chant. None of us were sure what to make of it. But what I did know, is that if the cultists didn't know we were coming before…they sure did now!

The racket had certainly gotten the sentry's attention. The mage looked confused at first, but then he quickly ran inside to get back up. This seemed lost on our two resident dumbasses, who kept banging and hopping about. "What In The Hell Are You Doing!" I finally exclaimed, coming out of the brush. "You two fucking morons! This was supposed to be a sneak attack, and you just announced our presence to the whole of Temeria!"

They both look genuinely confused, well Hammer did at least. Anvil just kept grinning; I was a second away from knocking his teeth out. "We were only making our offering to Lord Yautja. It's a tradition we have to observe, been that way since Anvil and I were kids."

"You couldn't have done it when we were back in the city?" Kyana asked. Both Laura and Leona were less than impressed by the sudden turn of events.

"Everyone had to see it." It made sense to Hammer at least. But for me, all I could see was red. The sheer stupidity…I was about to grab that oversized tack hammer and crush both of their idiotic brains to a pulp.

"If you haven't noticed, we have company!" Leona pointed to where the mages were coming out of the cave, all looking very confused and annoyed. Nonetheless, they were already getting into formation and powering up their various spells. The ground began stirring as skeletons emerged from the ground, and withered, mummified corpses, Draugr, wielding ancient weapons, marched out of the cave in a straight line.

I just gave Hammer one last angry glare. "Then let's hope your dumb offering was accepted," I said, drawing my steel blade while everyone else pulled out their own weapons. "If not, we're going to be in a lot of trouble!" I let out an irritated groan. "I hate fighting the undead! They never stay down."

"Unless you know their weakness," Erik smirked, holding up a hand as flames coalesced on his palm. "And as I recall, you happen to be quite proficient with said weakness!" I couldn't help but mirror his smirk, letting a blaze of my dance on my hand. Erik was right in that regard. The undead had a glaring weakness, which just happened to be fire. Erik didn't have the proficiency for it that I did, but between the two of us, it wouldn't be a problem.

"Let's burn them to ash!" I said. Erik needed no further prompting, thrusting out his left hand and letting a jet of flames erupt outward. The fire slammed into the first wave of skeletons, who came apart quite easily. It's to be expected when they're just piles of bones reanimated by magic. Erik swung his heavy meteorite steel two-handed sword cleaving through a few more skeletons before he saw a weathered-looking old battle axe coming at him.

Erik twisted his body to the side, finding himself looking dead in the glazed, lifeless eyes of a draugr with matted, scraggly hair and an equally tattered-looking beard. "By Leviathan, you draugr are ugly up close!" He quipped, kicking the creature out of his way before sending another jet of flames. The draugr roared, heaving back its giant two-handed axe. Erik quickly brought it up to parry. Only to have to avoid being skewered by a pair of war axe-wielding skeletons.

I charged up a fireball in my hand, giving a mighty heave, targeting another of the mummified nightmares. It splashed against the draugr's shoulder, engulfing the entire upper torso and head into flames. I followed up with my blade removing the draugr's head from its shoulders. I quickly spun about, relieving another of its leg. Only to get a real close look at the empty sockets of a skeleton wearing a horned iron helmet and carrying a two-handed sword. I flashed a glance to where the necromancers were still just standing there letting their minions do all the dirty work. They were using the draugr and skeletons to form a protective wall.

The other members of our party were handling the various creatures in their own way. Kyana was doing her usual thing, making use of her natural speed and agility to her advantage, flipping over a group of skeletons and a few draugr. I then noticed a slight glimmer come from her bronze hair clip. "Ivy Spikes!" She cried. The ground began shaking, the undead creatures were impaled by several large thorny roots, eviscerating them.

I couldn't help but admire the landing, but there wasn't time to be impressed. A trio of draugr was rushing at her. I would have helped but I was tied up. Luckily, I didn't have to worry. Because in came Laura, "Radiant Spin!" She cried, sweeping her blade around, creating a vortex that swept the undead creatures into it, seconds before being rent asunder by the blue-haired swordswoman's blue and gold-trimmed claymore. The bones of the skeletons spiraled in the air before crashing into the muck of the swamps, the dull squelching echoing off the gnarled trees.

Since Leona was a relative unknown, I wasn't sure about her. But in the few glimpses I got, she was holding her own. The estoc in her hand flashed with a speed even I had trouble keeping up with. What surprised me was the precision with which her strikes landed. Leona gracefully pirouetted around a skeleton wielding a sword and shield, burying the tip in the throat of a draugr. "Foul creature, you shouldn't have been awakened. So to that end." Her hand started glowing a brilliant green, the telltale sign of healing magic, laying a gentle hand on the draugr's shoulder. "I will give you peace." The light washed over the draugr, and it keeled over dead.

She then spun about, shattering a couple of skeletons. Before raising her hands, with that familiar green glow present again. Leona put her hands on them. The skeletons just fell apart, bones clattering to the ground. She seemed totally calm about the whole thing. I made a mental note to just talk with this girl. The necromancers were starting to look nervous, but still, they were conjuring up more Draugr and skeletons and creating a wall between us.

Despite their earlier buffoonery, I did have to admit Hammer and Anvil were actually fairly competent fighters. Both took great enjoyment out of stomping whatever undead was unfortunate enough to end up in their way. Anvil made good use of the weight of his shield to crush the skeletons to dust and bludgeoned the draugr with the edge of his shield. Hammer stayed behind his companion, covering his back as they waded through the hordes and got to the necromancers.

"YAUTJA!" Hammer roared, bringing the heavy mallet down on the head of the first mage, not paying a second thought about the gore splattering across his face. Anvil let out a guttural war cry, smacking his shield into the throat of another necromancer, crushing his windpipe mid-chant.

"I guess they're useful for something after all," Kyana remarked, tossing her axe into the throat of a draugr before burying her knife into the side of a second undead. She retrieved her primary weapon, raising her hand. "Get crushed!" Wooden hands lanced out, grabbing several undead monsters. A single clench of her fist, the skeletons were crushed to dust. The mangled corpses of the draugr fell to the ground.

"Forget about the skeletons and draugr! We need to call in something more substantial if we want the ritual to be successful." The lead mage said. I was getting unnerved at the sinister leer he wore. "Channel your power together, let us give these pitiful interlopers something to really worry about." A spiraling magic circle materialized on the ground. The all too distinct stench of rotting flesh filled the air.

And then it appeared, slowly rising out of the magic circle, a monstrosity made of stitched-together corpses, wearing spiked bracers. Rows of blackened, pointy teeth gaping out of its jutting maw. It roared to the skies, pounding its fists against a bulging chest. "Enjoy our Flesh Atronach. I can assure you it's far different from the usual undead!" The necromancer sneered. Did I mention how much I hate facing the undead?

"Ugh, such a repulsive creature!" Leona noted with disgust, bringing her estoc up to guard. "Lady Keira and I had to face one of these monsters about a year ago. It cost us seven knights before we felled it!"

"Clearly these guys don't believe in proper oral hygiene!" Eric said, conjuring up a fireball in hand before tossing it. The flaming projectile splashed against its blobby gut, causing it to roar in mild, but didn't seem to do much damage. He followed it up with a larger firebolt, but again it did little, leaving a slight burn mark against the skin. A heavy pressure seemed to bear down on all of us.

"I recall my father telling me a story of how he slew three such beasts at once in his youth." Laura actually looked excited at the prospect. "He said it was no small feat. This will be a good measure of my training if I can take down such a monster." She aimed with her claymore, aiming a powerful jump upward, but the Atronach blocked the sword with its spiked bracers, sending Laura back.

"Enough of the small fry, here's the main course!" Hammer smirked. Anvil also looked ready, letting out that empty rattling laugh of his. I just looked over to Kyana, axe, and knife in each hand. She just nodded to me. The message to me was clear, Kyana would follow my lead. But still, this would be our toughest battle yet.

I read about Flesh Atronachs once before from one of the Witcher books Devola and Popola gave to me, straight from the depths of hell itself, stitched together from the flesh of the damned. "Oh, this is fucking bullshit! Don't you think this is overkill? Why don't you unleash the skeleton of an undead giant king, anything else is fairer than this thing!"

The necromancer just laughed mockingly. "Aw, too much for the little baby to take?" He proceeded to flip me off. Then you should have stayed away! This is what happens to those who interfere with our plans!" Okay, now I was starting to get really pissed off! I clenched my hand, my face becoming grim.

"Oh, says the necrophiliac! So tell me, does the dead body of your grandmother offer that much cushion for the pushing?" I was going to have to become serious. I began digging down into the more advanced fire spells I had. It wasn't something I relished doing, but against this thing, I couldn't hold back.

I began the incantation. "I, The dragon of the north, command to the heavens! Cut off the laws of reason, reshape and release it on my command! Power of the White Dragon! I have deciphered and bent the laws of nature! Let my roar echo and heed the truth of creation! Revelation Aurora!" A white, flaming aura came over all seven of us. New strength coursed through our bodies, and the oppressive atmosphere dimmed considerably.

Leona looked at me in surprise, and the necromancers were getting panicked. It was clear they had been putting out a debuff, but I had completely broken it. "Oops, did I do that?" I said in the same mocking tone the necromancer used earlier as I brought my hand up, flipping the mages off. "I'm so sorry."

Hammer laughed. "Yeah, that's the boss's little brother, all right! He's the absolute shit! Right Anvil?" The big shield-bearer made an enthused grunt, slamming his fist against his shield.

"Whatever magic you've used Ezra; I feel my strength has grown considerably." Laura stood even taller than before. "I could fight a Zoro Aguara this way!"

"Heh, it looks like your training with Devola, Popola, and Michael has paid off big time!" Erik said, spinning his blade.

"You guys are so fucked." Was Kyana's simple response. "Ezra, shall we show these assholes a good time?"

"I couldn't have put it better myself!" Flames began forming again, but these were much wilder and untamed. This was a different level of fire. The Fires of Chaos itself! "Let's see how you like this big guy!" I tossed the fireball with all my might, landing it square in the beast's chest. The Atronach roared in agony, as lava bubbled up, spreading across its front. It thrashed its arms around, forcing everyone out of the way.

"That's chaos pyromancy for ya! It's not the flames you need to worry about, it's the lava it forms that really gets you burned up!" I crowed, conjuring up another, bigger one. "Great Chaos Fireball!" I caught the beast in the side this time, the lava searing its flesh, leaving it severely burned. It was then Anvil held up his shield, grunting at Kyana. She wasn't sure what he was getting at, but I did. "Kyana, leap up onto the shield, Anvil's giving you a boost."

"Why didn't you say so?" Kyana took a running start and launched off in a powerful leap. She landed on Anvil's shield before he pushed upwards, sending her sailing into the air. She did a single flip, letting out a piercing scream, burying her knife into the Atronach's eye, gouging it out, before spinning around to hit with her axe, leaving another nasty wound on the creature's cheek. She landed in a crouch, regrouping with the others.

I looked to Leona. "How about you? Got any tricks up your sleeve that would be useful in putting this thing down, preferably for good?"

"I have a spell for this, although it will require some setup time." She said, putting her estoc back into its sheath. I wasn't sure what she was getting at as she held out her arm, an ornate-looking trident materializing in her hand. "You and your friends have to hold that thing off while I prepare it."

Laura took that moment to leap up into her patented Armor Breaker slash, ripping a large wound in the demon's meaty flank. It swung a meaty arm, looking to swat her aside, which would have probably meant a messy end on the spiked wristbands. Erik slid in to defend her, his meteorite steel greatsword, locking against the dull metal points. Thanks to that, Laura was able to leap back.

Erik rolled between the monster's legs. "Do it now, Hammer!" He yelled. The older man ran in, swinging his mighty weapon, crushing the Atronach's kneecap. It crumbled to the ground. I raised my blade, so it was parallel to my face. It started glowing with flames. I ran in slicing the giant's other leg, rendering it totally immobilized. The necromancers were now very worried, as we began pressing in on it.

I looked back to Leona, much to my amazement she was levitating in mid-air, her hair whipping around her as the trident pointed at the sky. "Holy light, heed my call, and gather in this sacred weapon!" a golden light began forming on the prongs, and I could see the faint image of white feathered wings coming out of her back. "Send down your divine grace and punish these evildoers!" Gilded shafts of light rained down, impaling the Flesh Atronach. The necromancers tried to escape, but they were soon trapped by the light as well. An ornate cross of light formed beneath all of them, and I knew it was game over.

The mages knew it was game over, and Leona did too. If the smirk was any indication. "I hope all of you will find peace in your next lives and think twice about messing with such foul magics in the future." The trident pointed at the terrified mages. "CROSS CRUSADE!" Her voice echoed across the swamps, and everything went gold. The light faded and there was no sign of the Flesh Atronach at all, nor of the mages, just a bunch of smoking robes.

Leona gracefully descended, panting heavily, supporting herself with the trident. The spell took a lot out of her. "Are you all right?" I asked, taking her hand by instinct. She gasped and stiffened up, her pale cheeks turning bright red. Yeah, I gave her the tingles! If anything else, it proved to her I was the real deal. Although my real focus was on that trident of hers.

The shaft was forged of a darkened metal with silver accents, the bottom ending in a wicked-looking point. In all, there was a very refined presence, which made me think it was a genuine magic artifact. Leona must have been something special if she had access to a weapon like that. I suppose it makes sense if she was chosen to be the disciple of one of Foltest's main advisors.

"You can let go of me now." Leona's voice put my attention back on her. She looked rather annoyed. Which made me realize I was still holding her hand.

I quickly relinquished my grip and gave a cheesy grin. "That was a nice little bit of spellwork. You made those necromancers toast." I reached into my pocket, producing a mana option. "Uh, here. I figure you might need this. We don't know if those corpse lovers have anything else like that demon waiting for us." She begrudgingly accepted it, knocking it back in two hits.

She opened her mouth when a shrill sound rang out from the cave. The best way I could describe it is a cross between a banshee's shriek and a wolf's howl, and a couple of other things as well. A sickly dark purple light came out of the entrance, and then it appeared…a specter twice the size of the Flesh Atronach, in the shape of a wolf's skull. It shot off into the sky, circling once before flying off to parts unknown, all the while letting off that crazed screech.

"By Leviathan's fins!" Kyana gasped.

"Yautja help us," Hammer said.

"Something tells me…that was the thing we were supposed to keep from being summoned," Erik remarked grimly. "I hope Lady Triss won't dock our pay for that…"

"Potema, the Wolf Queen. The first ruler of Temeria." Leona said. There was something about that face and how worried she looked, that made me want to pat her head. "We need to get in there and secure the ritual site, now! I need to see what they were doing." The seven of us ran in and the scope was very evident. An elaborate circle had been carved into the ground, it was full of arcane symbols and words in a language that not even I understood.

At equal points along the circle was a dried, burnt-up husk, the remains of the other necromancers. But also present was a glowing bubble of swirling magic energy, indicating someone had survived. "Damn, the old Wolf Queen is a real thirsty bitch!" A male voice spoke. "Of course, if I had been taking a long dirt nap, I'd want something to drink too."

"Who are you?" Leona ordered as the shield dissipated. The figure was dressed from head to toe in black leather, his face covered by a cloth hood. The only thing we could see was the narrow slit and the purple eyes with a menacing gleam. He lifted his sword, a giant thing that looked like a boomerang on his shoulder.

"And who's your tailor?" I added. A part of me thought it looked like a dark version of Witcher armor. This just elicited a bemused chuckle from him.

"It's a custom job." He said plainly, letting out a slightly frustrated groan. "Well, that plan went south real quickly. Personally, I don't know what those idiots were thinking." He idly kicked at one of the corpses. "A bunch of wannabes who thought they could shackle the power of the Wolf Queen just because they could summon forth a few Flesh Atronachs. I told my boss they were too inexperienced, but I gotta do what they say."

"As the duly appointed representative of the government of the Kingdom of Temeria, I place you under arrest in the name of King Foltest," Leona said, drawing her estoc. "You can come quietly now, or we can take you in by force."

The masked figure just laughed mockingly. "Oh really? You talk a big game, little girl, but I think you have about as much authority as what you have dangling between your legs! Foltest was a fool to ban her worship, and now he reaps what he's sown. Temeria's true ruler lives again! Lady Potema was the one who forged this kingdom in her own blood and dark magic. She will reign once again, and Foltest would be wise to abdicate to her favor. I answer to no king who rejects the Goddess of Hunger!"

"Are you finished?" I took all the wind out of his sails with those three words. It's something I've become rather adept at. There's great satisfaction in watching deluded, entitled douchebags must face reality. "I could care less about whom you worship, but if I had to say something, you look more like a worshiper of Aqua, the Goddess of Failure, given how useless your friends were."

I could hear Kyana stifle a giggle, Hammer just smirked, and even Leona seemed amused by that. Goes to show that fear means nothing when faced by the limitless power of snark done just right. The masked figure seemed to falter a little at my words, couldn't really tell given the mask. Although I like to think he paled a little bit at being shut down. "You watch your tongue, your little piece of shit! The Cult of the Pale Spider doesn't take kindly to such disrespect!"

"What are you going to do about it? You're outnumbered seven to one. I think we have the edge here." Everyone began surrounding him. "If you're smart, you'll do as the lady asks and just surrender. It's up to you." The masked figure considered it for a minute before he brought his weapon to a ready stance. I sighed. "Figures, all right then. Let's go guys." I made the first move, only for this stranger to parry with his weird-looking sword.

Kyana hurled a throwing knife, only for it to be knocked away. He then flung the boomerang, aimed right at Leona, only for Anvil to step in front, protecting her. The stranger grabbed his weapon, vaulting up onto the big guy's shoulder. He pulled a strange device out of the folds of his cloak. A metal hook on the end of a chain flew out, embedding itself in the ceiling. The guy swung up to a hole in the ceiling, where the sunlight was peeking through. He looked down at us, giving us a twin-finger salute.

"Later do-gooders! I would say until next time, but there won't be a next time for you. The Wolf Queen has returned, and she will hunt down all who get in her way." With that, he vanished to parts unknown.

"Wow, that was an impressive piece of magic on Leona's part!" Estelle said. "She sounds like she was an amazing mage. I wish I could have gotten to know her."

"Yeah, she really was amazing." Ezra sighed. "Stunning good looks, and a very sharp mind for both magic and politics. It was thanks to the combined efforts of her and Laura that I began to pull away from Rodger and his crew, trying to make me into something better than I was at that point in time."

A grim sadness swept over the members of Ezra's party's mention of the name. It was clear no one was willing to speak further about Leona. Kyana looked for Ezra's permission to continue. He offered a small nod of permission. Kyana's green eyes swept over all of her friends as she slowly spoke.

"Triss paid us quite nicely for stopping the necromancers, but it was clear how worried she was to hear that Potema had been summoned back to life. We couldn't do anything more about it. So Ezra went back to working at the Datura, fawning over Rose. I thought it was just going to be a case of the man I loved chasing after a dumb hooker. None of us could have known the Wolf Queen would have had her own uses for a thorny flower such as her."