Cast of Characters

*Back row, from right to left:* Eiryin, Ariana, Jonas Tomfoolery, Liona, Doom, & Durroughk
*Second row, from right to left:* Greta Ironwhisk, Liderra, Esmay Lavora, Shashi, & Marjorie
*Third row, from right to left:* Nova, Maximus, Belts, Dobby, Kalli Rein
*Fourth Row*: Hym

Prologue

Each warrior stood in the circle, assessing the blood dripping down some of their tunics. All were responsible for taking a life during the day—one way or another. Surrounding the warriors, a collective of mages held their magical spheres aloft; each glowing brighter as darkness crept over the Fortress walls.

“It was useless,” one of the bloodied sword-bearers said, taking her weapon and placing it back to the side of her belt. “A clear set-up that we all missed.”

“Is it true, Kalli Rein?” One of the mages said, drawing closer. “Did you—”

“No. I could never sully myself with such magic.”

The figures gathered around Kalli Rein exchanged a variety of glances. Whether they believed her claim—or not—they had made their choice; to side with the Boarish Kingdom, even after the day’s events. Kalli Rein wiped the sweat from her brow and marked the different expressions that circled her. She knew her reputation, once preserved and unsullied, had now been tarnished and marked permanently. There would always be doubt. About her. And now, about the Boarish Kingdom.

Chapter 1

The air was brisk with the autumnal turn of Imeld, a barren continent suffering under the toils of war and famine. Many were lost in senseless strife and suffering; hunger a daily chore amidst the danger and uncertainty of perseverance. But all was not lost in Imeld; in the cresting cliffs of this continent, the remote country of Flimkein ushered weary refugees, travelers, and hopeful adventurers towards a new horizon—where the horns of battle had yet to sound.

On the eastern tip of Flimkein, hidden by arduous landscapes, was Termini Forest. Crisp, sanguine leaves drifted from oak perches to the trodden murk of paths below. An adventurer, Kalli Rein, trudged through the wilderness scouting and searching Termini Forest’s crannies. Her silver and white cape brushed against the looming, thin branches. She found herself batting her braided, red hair from grasping twigs. But Kalli Rein remained steadfast in her mission, for she had two purposes on this excursion:

To recruit the future citizenry of the Boarish Kingdom, and to solidify a nation through goodwill and honor.

Such people could be found at the checkpoint within Termini Forest; a bastion for those leaving Imeld towards that new horizon. The checkpoint was constructed within a fortress known as Lacta Alea, a large compound teeming with the denizens of the continent; common-folk, merchants, families, mercenaries, purse cutters.

Scavengers.

Kalli Rein was not the sole wanderer entering the Fortress. Trailing behind the Boarish Kingdom knight was Esmay Lavora and Liderra, their black garb scratched and muddied by their long, arduous journey. They twisted around the paths arriving at the gate with trepidation. Behind them, a long line of travel-worn pilgrims carted their items with depleted strength. Belts and Shashi, an unusual team, maneuvered past Lavora and Liderra; their loads light and gait determined as they pushed towards the gate. Belts and Shashi took stock of the checkpoint before them, unaware of two mysterious figures who explored the comfort of the shadows behind them. His cape billowing behind him, Maximus led the cloaked Doom towards the large market center of Fortress Lacta Alea. In search of deep, arcane knowledge, they stealthed through the crowd, peering behind abandoned doors and neglected abodes; investigating for long-lost traces of the unknown.

*Liderra & Esmay Lavora searching for the Fortress*

As Maximus and Doom explored Fortress Lacta Alea, joyous laughs bellowed from a cohort of refugees. Jonas Tomfoolery toyed with his golden chain and intricately designed spectacles, taking in the fresh air that he longed to breathe since beginning his trek to the fortress from his bardic college. His traveling campaign, Greta Ironwhisk, rolled her eyes as her tenuous step searched the brambles for traps and false paths. She had come to know her traveling companion—in their brief travels together—all too well. Although lighthearted in his overt positivity; his flash of gilded wealth had caught the attention of devious rogues in the past.

Such roguery was not too dissimilar to Dobby, who enjoyed the thrill of pickpocketing and many a five-fingered discount. He adjusted his black spectacles as he saw potential marching through the rough patches of road. He took his sword from his side, wiped down the grime from its handle, and marked who could be his future ally.

Dobby leapt down from his perch overlooking the funneled crowd as they checked into the Fortress. He eyed Belts and felt the opportunity for camaraderie. The elf approached the halfling and smiled.

“Let’s be allies,” he said, his hand outstretched. Shashi eyed Dobby, and nodded her head. Dobby and Belts shook on their new pact, and scampered further into Fortress Lacta Alea. Shashi smiled as she saw the young pair maneuver their way around the crowd. Perhaps this new alliance could bring back memories of when she was ruled by the light.

As Shashi contemplated her past, another pair of adventurers entered the bustling square, their curiosity peaked by an assortment of aligned chairs on a dais. “My,” said the human mage known as Nova, “this does seem quite the odd set up.” She lowered her blue hood and inched closer to the site.

“I don’t think we should trust it,” Durroughk said, his dwarven face scrunching at the scene, “Something set up like that is usually a trap.” He scratched at the ring of fur lined around his tunic.

“Good call,” Nova said, still inching towards the setting. “But what if it holds a nice secret?”

“Here in this place? Unlikely,” Durroughk frowned.

Shashi, overhearing their conversation, drew near to the weary pair. She sighed, and stood beside the cautious Durroughk. “I agree that this is most certainly a trap,” she said. “But maybe if we watch for a more curious person, they can uncover the secret for us.”

“An excellent idea!” Nova said, her eyes shining bright.

Durroughk considered the proposition, “Where should we wait and watch?”

Shashi and Nova grinned at each other, then turned their heads to scan the area. Nestled within the fort was a cluster of thick-trunked trees; their bark a soft brown and creating a delicate shade. Nova nodded towards the spot with her chin and arched an eyebrow. Without words, the new trio slinked to the brambles and began their vigil—the ring of chairs always within sight.

The formation of the rest area drew the attention of Marjorie as she paced herself through the throngs of on-lookers. She paused at one of the chairs, noticing a glimmer shine through the stitching. She collected her brown, braided hair into a bun and assessed the scene before her. Raising the cushion with her hands, the elf found a small collection of gold. She gave a hearty laugh and trekked off further into the woods.

Hearing the laugh, Jonas Tomfoolery skipped over to the puzzle. “Wonder what I will find?”

The secret trio hiding beneath the shade gave each other a cautious look, nodded, and joined the bard in full step. The collection of the curious searched through the display, reaping a reward of gold. With a quick sleight-of-hand, Tomfoolery stashed another prize in his pocket, one he thought unseen by those around him…

Chapter 2

Off in the distance, Dobby and Belts were inspecting the wall of Fortress Lacta Alea when they came across a fine, woven basket. “Hey,” Belts whispered to Dobby, “do you think there could be treasure in this?”

Dobby’s eyes glimmered with mischief. “I like the way you think.” He reached his hand out towards the lid, pulled the top up, and lowered his palm into the unknown. At once, he felt a sharp pain run up the veins of his wrist. With a lurch, he fell back onto the ground, clutching his bleeding appendage. He felt a throng of pain weep its way up his arm, and a strong sickness filled his head. He stumbled and struggled to stand. A black snake slithered away from the basket and into a small hole burrowed into the ground.

“No!” Belts yelled, gripping the shoulders of his new friend. He could see Dobby’s skin turn sick and sallow. Dobby clung to him, feeling his blood turn into sludge.

“I need,” he gasped, his lungs fighting the urge to collapse. His voice left his throat as he looked around, the desperation making his head spin. In the center square, his elven ears could hear a faint chant:

“Potions, here! Get your healing potions here!”

With a weak point, Dobby gasped and pushed his weight to guide Belts towards the sound. Belts clung to his wounded ally, their pace ticking against time. They wobbled through the population in a mad dash to the potion dealer, who belted out their wares to the interested crowd. Before Belts and Dobby was a tall Lion-Kin, her face dotted with feline stripes and bearing a sword at her side.

“Potions, trinkets, and trades made here!” The feline figure shouted. She noticed the limping pair walk towards her stall and gave a fanged smile. “Well, there…it looks like you are in need of a potion.”

“Yes,” Belts said, “give us one!”

“Sure thing,” the Lion-Kin said, “just 5 gold.”

Belts and Dobby whipped around to face each other; green veins trickled up Dobby’s chin.

“5 gold! It’s an emergency!” Belts exclaimed.

“I can see that,” the feline-figure said. “5 gold is nothing compared to saving a life.”

Dobby gurgled, and a trickle of black bile leaked from his nose and mouth. He reached into his pocket, feeling the loose change, and slammed what little he had onto the surface of the booth. The Lion-Kin clinked the coin in her claws and slid a glass bottle to her customers. Belts grabbed the potion and uncorked its contents down Dobby’s closing throat. Dobby gagged back the medicine, feeling the arcana eradicate the poison inside him. He pulled in a large inhale, his chest no longer heavy with pain.

“Anything else, today?” The Lion-Kin said, pointing towards the rest of her wares. Dobby and Belts narrowed their eyes at the merchant, then followed the line of sight of where she pointed. An assortment of clothing—in various states—lay before them. Each tagged with an expensive mark.

“No. Not for those prices,” Dobby scowled as he walked away, clutching his throat. He turned from the booth, his gait still slow and pained. Belts followed him, only looking back to notice the Lion-Kin was not done with her trading business; Marjorie approached the table next, excitement in her eyes.

“I found something, deep in the woods on my way here,” Marjorie said, her hands reaching into her side bag. She looked around, and placed an intricate golden dagger onto the Lion-Kin’s table. “What can I get for this?”

The Lion-Kin’s ears perked up at the whisper and took the dagger into her paws. Dazzling jewels twinkled under the sunlight, and the sharp blade clinked as the merchant’s claws tested its durability.

“Ah yes,” the vender said with a gleam in her eye, “this is quite the find. I can depart with 10 gold for this lovely dagger.”

Marjorie pondered the offer and looked at the assorted clothing displayed. Her elven eyes widened as they beheld a multi-colored jester hat, adorned with musical bells. “Can I trade instead? I would like that hat please.”

The Lion-Kin smiled, “A fine deal if I do say so myself.” She picked up the hat and handed it over to Marjorie.

Beholding the transaction from afar, Belts elbowed his recovering friend. They turned to each other and began to whisper.

Chapter 3

Tomfoolery, Durroughk, Shashi, Nova, and Greta finished their search of the mysterious crescent circle of chairs. With new gold in their pocket, they wandered further into the fortress and saw a crowd gathering around an area marked off with twine. They stopped next to Esmay and Liderra; both transfixed on the sight that had stopped them in their tracks.

“What’s going on?” Nova said, gesturing to the collection of bodies that had circled around.

“Someone from the Boarish Kingdom is here,” Esmay answered.

As the audience whispered amongst themselves, Maximus and Doom slipped through the paths and perched their position upon an abandoned cart to see. Doom whispered a cold voice into Maximus’ ear, “See there. A figure drawing all our attention.” Maximus cupped his hand to his eyes and let his senses guide his vision. Standing in the center of the crowd’s gaze was Kalli Rein, her hand upon her sheathed sword as she waited for the crowd to grow around her. Maximus could also see the dejected faces of Belts and Dobby settle in the crowd.

“Doom,” Maximus said, adjusting the green bandana covering his forehead, “I have a feeling we should gain allies in this place. What about those two?”

Doom grasped the medallion hanging from his neck and meditated on the suggestion. He turned his dark eyes to Maximus and nodded, “We should approach them once we hear what this figure in the middle of the square has to say.”

Kalli Rein cleared her throat, then addressed the on-lookers: “Travelers, adventurers! I represent the Boarish Kingdom in all its glory. Come, come closer. We have a home across the sea. A haven for the noble, good and true. We invite you to sail to our shores and become a part of our new nation. All are welcome under our banner.”

Somewhere in the crowd, a man snickered. Kalli Rein heard the sound, but carried on with her speech.

“To show you our goodwill, I offer my training services today. Free of charge. Come: learn how the Boarish Kingdom fights in close quarters.”

“Don’t bother,” the same snickering voice from earlier said. A human man wearing red pushed through the crowd. He juggled a stone in his fingers and gave a hearty laugh. “The Boarish Kingdom can teach only one thing. How to fail its citizens.”

Kalli Rein turned to the man, her eyebrows furring into a scowl. “Hym. What are you doing here?”

Hym stopped tossing the stone. He smirked and turned to face the crowd, “Be warned: the Boarish Kingdom is full of empty promises. But go ahead, learn to punch and push. But if you want to really learn how to defend yourself, I suggest you find me in an hour over at Vendor’s Veranda.” He tossed the stone over his shoulder and gave deep laugh.

Kalli Rein rolled her eyes and watched Hym walk away. She cleared her throat and began her speech once more, “No one pay attention to that liar. Hym and all he stands for is what’s wrong with this world.” She unbuckled her weapon’s belt and set it against a stone; then, she pulled her fists up to her face and moved her feet into a fighting position. “Now,” she huffed, “who wants to learn how to defend themselves against the likes of Hym?”

Kalli Rein watched as the crowd dispersed around her, their footsteps sloshing against the Fort’s poorly cobbled streets. After a beat, Shashi, Tomfoolery, Maximus, Belts, Dobby, and Esmay boldly stepped into the twine ring. “Ah,” Kalli Rein said, “I have found some worthy onlookers after all. Come forward, and let’s strengthen the lot of you.”

Chapter 4

*Ariana scopes out the Fortress for opportunity*

As the warriors began to practice their mettle, a new pair of adventurers entered Lacta Alea through the western port. Ariana, clad in a velvet robe, and Eiryin dressed in a simple beige tunic; eyed the grounds with delight, witnessing opportunity around them.

“So many pockets to pick, Eiryin,” Ariana said, a large smile spreading across her face. “There is much gold to make in a bastion such as this.”

“I whole-heartily agree,” Eiryin replied, eyeing a half-orc as they placed a coin in their back pocket. “What a joy to return to Flimkein and its blessings.” The two elves stalked through the bustling streets, slipping their nimble fingers through purses and pockets wherever they could. As they meandered into the thoroughfare, a ghastly figure spread a cold trail as it swooshed to a glen of abandoned carts. It rested its long talons on a knotted, wood post; its fingerprint leaving behind a patch of crust.

The creature hissed through its black lips, “Magic. Magic, I teach.” The sound of its voice slithered through ears and mocked the shadows that wisped around its black cloak.

Doom, from across the way, sensed the being and eyed its long, white face. A force tugged inside Doom’s head—pulling them from their perch towards the creature’s make-do hollow. Nova, Greta, Liderra, and Durroughk eyed Doom as it pushed through the gathering audience. Their curiosity peaked; they trudged their way into the cold glare of the awaiting being.

“Ssss-hadows,” the creature uttered, “one can walk in. Fire, yessss, one can control. I teach you. Yessss.”

“What’s your price for such lessons?” Greta said, feeling goosebumps run up her spine.

*A mysterious creature lays low to the ground*

The creature snapped its face towards Greta and gaped open its mouth. “Priccccce isssss free. For now.” It gave a high-pitched sound that mocked laughter.

The various mages looked at each other with trepidation. “What do you mean for now?” Nova asked, feeling her spine ruffle with energy. The creature snapped its body to face her, a long neck arched as it took in her curiosity.

“Magic hasssss a priccccce,” it creaked. “I will call my duesss when I feel the time isssss right.”

Doom relinquished his gaze from the creature and turned it towards the people around him. “I don’t think we should trust it.”

*Marjorie & Durroughk acquire their magical spheres*

A twinkling of bells jingled, startling the mages. They turned around and saw Majorie walking up to the hollow. “I think we should do it. Sounds like fun. How else are we going to learn magic here?”

Doom’s gaze returned to the smirking being, watching as a thick tendril of frost dripped from its fingers. “A risk work taking,” Doom finally said, their mouth turning into a snarl. Doom watched as the creature made a mockery of a chuckle.

“Yesssssss, yesssssss.”

The mages inched closer to the creature and learned of its arcana.

Chapter 5

Back at the center of the Fortress, Belts and Dobby hatched a plan to amend their loose coin purses. “Can you believe the prices of that merchant?” Dobby said, scratching at his healing throat.

Belts kicked a rock with his shoe and watched it skip through the steps of passing peasantry. “The nerve to sell a potion for 5 gold. That would leave me broke.”

“It did leave me broke,” Dobby said. He pulled out the inside of his pocket, a trail of lint falling to the ground. “Doesn’t seem fair.”

Maximus approached the pair with a smile, “I overheard your conversation. You’re having money problems?” He watched as the duo in front of him nodded and continued, “I think we should team up. Together, along with my magical companion, we could make a lot of gold.”

Just then, Doom—out of nowhere—appeared out of the shadows. Dark energy swirled in an orb he carried in his hands. “I am Doom. I have learned to walk through the shadows. I am useful.”

Dobby and Belts exchanged smiles and stuck out their hands. “Sounds like a plan,” Dobby said. Dobby felt his blade at his side, and knew what he had the courage to do. “I think the first thing we should do is convince that shop keeper to give us her wares.”

Belts glanced up in confusion, “What do you mean?”

Dobby pointed to their blades. “A bunch of us. One of her. Think of the potions we could collect. All we need to be is persuasive. And threatening.”

Belts smiled, “I think that’s a great idea. But I’m not too confident about my sword skills.”

Just then, the figure of Hym walked by, whistling an old bardic tune before shouting over his shoulders, “Free sword lessons. Better than the Boarish Kingdom could ever provide.” Hym saw the huddled figures of Belts, Dobby, and Maximus huddled together. “You look like you’re not too busy.”

Dobby scowled at Hym, but Belts cleared his throat, “We don’t have any spare change, Mr.”

Hym let out a laugh and continued walking, “Feel free to follow if you want to spend some time learning to swing those swords by your side.”

*Dobby, Belts, & Maximus prowl the woods*

The trio exchanged looks, shrugged their shoulders, and trailed after the odd human.

Soon, even the other warriors who had just learned from the Boarish Kingdom followed Hym’s proclamations and settled in to learn from his expertise.

Chapter 6

As noon approached the tip of the sky, the newly educated mages and warriors coalesced together to share their experiences. As they discussed their findings, Tomfoolery turned to Marjorie and eyed her jangling cap.

“That’s a fantastic costume. Where did you get it?”

Majorie thanked him and replied, “There’s a lion-looking person in the square over there selling odd goods and potions. I traded something to her and got this hat.”

Tomfoolery put his hand in his bag and felt his hidden treasure against his fingertips. He knew what a jester’s hat could do for his bardic experience. “Point me in the direction! I must find this vendor!” he demanded. Marjorie turned around, and gestured towards the center of the Fortress. Without missing a beat, Tomfoolery adjusted his golden spectacles and skipped forward through the crowd.

Greta, Nova, and Durroughk followed the bard’s path with their eyes. “Should we follow him?” Nova said, adjusting her bag as she tucked away a spell book.

“I am interested in the idea of a lion-looking merchant,” Greta said, “I wonder if it knows feline magic?”

“Feline magic?” Durroughk said, scratching his beard. “I’ve never heard of it.”

“Quite rare. Possibly extraordinary. I’ve been hoping to research it.”

“Then let’s check it out!” Nova said, moving to lead the way.

***

After Belts and Dobby completed their lesson with Hym, they retraced their steps back towards the Lion-Kin vendor. Maximus followed from a distance, using the crowd to his advantage. Waiting until no witnesses were around, the elf and halfling snuck behind the booth and drew their swords. Maximus watched, waiting for a signal.

“You’re going to give us all your potions, or we’ll end you here and now,” Belts said.

The Lion-Kin turned around, a smile still on her face. “I see. We’re in a pickle, aren’t we.”

“Didn’t you hear him?” Dobby scowled; his sword pointed directly at the merchant. “We’re not afraid to hurt you.”

“I see that. But you should know: if you strike me, you’ll just be cursing yourself.”

“What do you mean?” Belts said. His sword fell just but an inch. A look of panic spread across his face. Maximus watched from behind a tree, his hand falling onto his sheathed sword with alarm.

“I have protection magic surrounding me,” the Lion-Kin explained. “You may get a strike against me, but you’ll be down before you can even lift your weapon to strike again. But feel free to try it out. I don’t mind.”

Dobby and Belts turned to look at each other as the Lion-Kin continued to smile. Dejected, they let their swords point at their feet. “We can’t afford anything,” Belts said.

“However you make your coin, I won’t judge,” the Lion-Kin responded, “but might I suggest using those swords on folks who deserve it.” She pointed to the bounty walls, their pages fluttering in the breeze. “I hear there are a few of Imeld’s most wanted wandering around this fort. In fact, I handle them personally. Bring me captured bounties—or proof that they have been…dealt with…and I’ll dispense your reward.”

Belts and Dobby took off towards the wall, eager to see the faces that awaited their wrath. Maximus, confused at the interaction, ducked through the crowd to disappear.

The Lion-Kin’s ears perked up as she heard the padding of footsteps grow closer to her stall, a collection of mages and wizards appeared before her. “New customers,” she greeted, “how can I help you?”

“What’s your name and what do you offer?” Tomfoolery said, leaning his elbow against the table.

“My name is Liona, and I offer a variety of products. But potions are my well-known specialty,” The Lion-Kin said.

Greta inched closer to the feline figure; eyes wide with curiosity, “You know, I am interested in studying your kind! Your magic fascinates me.”

Liona smirked and cocked an eyebrow, “It fascinates us too. We’ll have to compare notes one day. For a fee, of course.”

Greta smiled, but took a step back. Although she had found some gold, she noted the price tags labeled around the stall and felt a pit in her stomach.

“I see you also sell disguises and other items,” Tomfoolery interrupted, “you wouldn’t happen to have more jester hats, would you?”

Liona took in a deep breath, “Freshly sold out I’m afraid. But I recently came into custody of this,” she held up a golden dagger, as she slipped a tag over its handle. “I’m happy to part with it for 100 gold.” Almost the entire party before her made an audible gulp in their throats, each instinctively drawing their hands to their collarbones. Tomfoolery held back a smirk from forming on his face as his hand went to his pocket.

“One hundred gold?” Durroughk said. “Too rich for my tastes.”

Liona set the dagger on the table next to a pirate’s vest stitched with black thread and leather, “When you have such coin, you’ll know where to find me.”

Nova riffled through the potions and turned to the others, “I think we should pool our coins together to get some tinctures. You never know what might happen in a place like this.” The others nodded in agreement as they plucked a handful of bottles into their bags and handed over their discovered gold.

“I need to give one to Belts,” Shashi said, her neck craning to see if she could spot her companion in the crowd. “He wandered off with a small elf earlier and I haven’t been able to talk to him since.”

Unbeknownst to Shashi, Dobby and Belts were hiding by the bounty posters, plucking the wanted faces off the wall. “We should start with the outer woods,” Dobby said, staring at the drawn visage of a black, green-eyed Lizard-Folk man. “There’s probably a few of them settled out there hiding.” The two of them picked up their packs, and left to scour the outer ring of Fort Lacta Alea.

Chapter 7

“We found one, alive!” Belts said, making his way towards Liona’s stall. The crowd turned their heads towards the yelling and watched as Belts, Dobby, Maximus, and Doom dragged a black Dragonborn with bright yellow eyes through the square. The bound captive was caked in blood and dirt; limping through the square with obvious wounds.

“Unhand me!” the Dragonborn bellowed, his taloned hands tied by rope in front of him. Dobby pushed him forward with the butt of his sword. As the commotion drew curious eyes, Shashi craned her neck and spotted her friend. She rushed past the onlookers and made her way into the square.

Dobby and Belts thrusted their bounty down to the ground by Liona’s table and stretched out their hands. “A bounty. Alive, as was asked,” Dobby demanded.

“A bounty? I’m innocent! You have the wrong person! My name is Euye! Just check the posting!” The Dragonborn pleaded as he squirmed against his restraints; his yellow eyes flaring up with rage.

Liona eyed him and turned to the two adventurers, “Let me see the wanted poster you accuse this fellow to be on.” Dobby dug out a piece of paper from his pocket and slammed it on the table. Liona picked it up, unfolded the parchment and eyed the group before her. “Remove his bindings.” Dobby and Belts exchanged quizzical looks, but snapped their swords up to cut the bound Dragonborn.

“If you look here,” Liona continued, “you will see we are looking for a Lizard-Folk man with blue eyes. Not a Dragonborn. You must be careful of those whom you apprehend in these parts. You don’t want to wrongly accuse someone without being prepared with the consequences.”

Belts, Dobby, and Maximus looked up at Euye, their eyes wide with fear.

Shashi came up behind Belts and turned him around, “What is this about?”

Belts picked up his tattered rope and placed it back into his bag, “Trying to earn some money for potions.”

Shashi rolled her eyes and rooted around her things until she gripped a potion. She looked over the injured Dragonborn and handed the bottle over to him. “Here,” she said, “please excuse my companions’ mistake.”

The newly freed captive uncorked the brew and downed it in one gulp. Immediately, his leaking wounds were magically stitched up; his body erasing the weakness it once had. Euye eyed his captors, then cleared his throat. He rubbed the scales at his wrist, “It’s fine. Just, don’t do that again.” He stood up, wiped the dirt from his claws onto his pants, then brushed past the gawking onlookers; his spined tail swinging back and forth with agitation. The young adventurers let out a low sigh of relief.

“Try not to get into too much trouble,” Shashi said, eyeing Dobby as she folded her bag closed. “If you need help with gold, you can always ask me.”

Belts shrugged his shoulders and said, “I want to earn it myself. In my own way.” Shashi clenched her jaw, but backed away from the three warriors.

“We need a faster way to make money,” Belts said, turning towards his allies.

“We should look for more bounties, or—” Dobby began, but his stare fell on the approaching Tomfoolery as he paraded to Liona, taking out a golden dagger from his pocket. Dobby nudged Belts hard and rushed over across the square, unsheathing his weapon.

“How much can I—“ Tomfoolery said, just about to drop the dagger onto the bench when he felt the tip of a sword at his side.

“Hand over the dagger, and no one gets hurt,” Dobby said. He nodded to Belts, who withdrew his sword from his side. Shashi watched in utter shock as she watched the scene unfold.

“No!” Tomfoolery said, knocking the sword away. “This is my dagger!” The commotion turned the heads of the square’s inhabitants.

“Then die!” Dobby bellowed. He thrust his sword again at Tomfoolery, nicking him through his basic, leather shirt. Tomfoolery yelped, and pushed the two attackers aside.

“Help!” Tomfoolery cried, bolting through the streets. Dobby and Belts chased after him. Their stampede through the streets drew the attention of all who could see and hear. The various characters scattered around Fort Lacta Alea watched as Tomfoolery twisted around the bends of the compound, his labored screams cut by the stomping boots of his chasers…

Chapter 8

“What is that noise?” Esmay said, turning to Liderra as they hiked through the dense crowds. The two companions heard the commotion and felt a pit within their stomachs.

“Sounds like it is coming from the square.” Liderra said, turning to face the noise. “Should we go back and help?”

Esmay gave the Dwelf a concerned look, but gave a small jerk of her chin. They retraced their steps away from the port leading out of Flimkein.

***

In the middle of stealing a wineglass from a table, Ariana and Eiryin pricked their ears up into the air as they heard the hard thumping of running.

“Should we hide?” Eiryin said, his eyes wide with fear. “Has someone caught on to us?”

Ariana shook her head, “Listen carefully, my son. Hear how the heel slaps the ground? It turns away from us.” She watched as Eiryin’s chest fall with relief. She plucked the glass from the unoccupied table and gave a mischievous glance towards the square. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t find treasure amongst the confusion.”

Eiryin bared a crooked smile and lead his mother through the crowd.

***

Majorie was surveying her treasure trove of found oddities when three figures rushed past her, knocking her bag to the ground. “Oh, come on!” she said, raising her voice enough for a passerby to jump. She crouched down to the ground and scrapped her scattered findings into the large, open front.

“Let me help you,” Kalli Rein said, watching the small elf struggle in the street. She squatted down and noticed various stone runes. Majorie snatched the rocks from Kalli Rein’s grip and plunged them into her stash.

“I’ve got it,” Marjorie snipped.

Kalli Rein gave her a soft look, “I’m not here to take what’s yours. But you should have those runes looked at. They might be worth something.” She watched as Majorie stood up, and followed suit. “I’m headed towards where the commotion is. Would you like to join me?”

Majorie thought about the proposal, slung her pack over her shoulder, and marched towards the square’s scene. Kalli Rein chuckled and trudged after the curious mage.

***

“Did you hear that scream?” Greta said, noticing the cadence of Tomfoolery’s bellow. Nova and Durroughk pulled out their magical orbs; the energy inside of them twisting in intensity.

Greta took off towards the square in a mad dash. She may not have known Tomfoolery long, but she had come to understand his propensity for getting into mishaps.

***

Hym wandered into the square and watched the chaos unfold.

As Tomfoolery rounded back into the Vender’s Veranda, his foot caught the edge of a stall and fell face first into the ground. Tomfoolery scampered through the dirt, fear overcoming his face.

Before he could stumble to his feet, Dobby and Belts leapt to his fallen position, and stabbed him through the back.

Tomfoolery’s life gurgled from his throat, and he was no more. His limp body slumped to the cobblestones.

Dobby removed his blade from Tomfoolery’s back and went to his side pocket. He pulled out the golden dagger and walked over to Liona’s stall. Belts took his own weapon, wiped the coating of red from the steel, and sheathed it to his side. With a sigh, he pulled Tomfoolery’s spectacles and sword from him, and followed his partner.

Shashi watched from the shadows, flabbergasted.

“How much, for this dagger?” Dobby said, throwing it into Liona’s booth. The Lion-Kin glanced behind him at Tomfoolery’s remains, then back again at the elf.

“10 gold,” she said, pulling out the coins from her pocket.

Dobby shifted through the potions and picked up two. “I’m taking these,” he said, putting them into his bag.

Liona bowed her head, “Pleasure doing business with you.”

Belts placed the glasses and sword on the table with a huff, “How much for these?”

Liona took the spectacles in her claws and weighed them carefully. She flicked the metal and drew the sound to her ear. “Unfortunately, this metal is gilded—not pure. I’ll be generous and offer you five gold for them. As for the sword, it’s not crafted well—probably one of the reasons why he couldn’t defend himself. I’d say 2 gold for your troubles.”

“Deal,” Belts said, pushing the glasses and sword closer to the Lion-Kin. Satisfied, the two companions found Maximus and Doom and left the square; their clothes covered in blood and pockets full of gold.

Greta, Nova, and Durroughk watched as the assailants were left alone. With furious faces, they rushed to Tomfoolery; Durroughk pressed his fingers against the bard’s neck and felt the absence of a pulse.

“He’s gone,” he said turning to Greta. “I’m sorry.”

Nova, standing beside her new friend, clenched her jaw and began to scan the crowd as they watched their group inspect Tomfoolery’s remains. “Is no one going to do anything? A man’s been killed here!”

Hym met Greta’s perturbed gaze and stepped forward, “He one of your friends?”

Greta paused and gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, “I met him on the way here.”

Hym tilted his head, “You could always avenge him.”

Greta balked, “They’re just kids!”

“That’s the way things are done here at Fort Lacta Alea,” Hym said, scratching the top of his tunic. “You handle your own business.” He knelt by Tomfoolery and puzzled over the corpse. “Of course, there are other ways to handle this—”

“Don’t listen to Hym!” Kalli Rein’s voice echoed over the gathering. She ushered people along as she drew close to the scene. She leaned next to Esmay and Liderra and whispered to them, “Get these folks out of here. We don’t want Hym to influence them with his lies.”

The Dwelf and Elf—faces shadowed by sadness—turned to the people of Lacta Alea and pushed them away with calm arms. “Nothing to see here,” Liderra said, her voice cracking, “go on about your days.”

Majorie tried to push past to see with more clarity, “Oh, come on! I didn’t get a good look!” Liderra scoffed and continued to shepherd the young one away. Esmay glanced over her shoulder at the golden dagger still struck in Liona’s stall; its handle splattered with a bloody handprint. She shuddered, knowing full well she held onto her own, mysterious golden dagger from previous adventures. She stewarded the curious away with trepidation.

Hym rose from his crouch and beamed a smile at Kalli Rein. “Oh, here she comes, penitent of the Boarish Kingdom. I’m trying to comfort these fine folks in their time of need.”

“Your brand of comfort leads to more pain,” Kalli Rein said with a snarl. She stomped to Greta and laid a soft hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry about—”

“Jonas Tomfoolery.”

“Jonas,” Kalli Rein said. “We can figure out a proper way to find justice. It might not be here at this Fortress, but we’ll find a way.”

Greta rolled her eyes, surprising the group still surrounding her. Greta looked towards Durroughk and Nova and shrugged her shoulders. “Let’s go,” she said, “I’m fine, trust me. I only knew him for a short time, and honestly—I’m surprised he even lasted this long.”

Nova heard a shuffling behind her and turned to find Liona writing a price tag over the golden dagger: two-hundred gold. Nova let out an amused snort. “A shrewd businesswoman, I see.”

Liona smiled and lifted the dagger out from its position. She gave it a quick wipe down with a rag and positioned it amongst her wares. “New golden dagger sold here! Just 100 gold! Excellent deal! Brand new sword, untested in battle—5 gold!”

Nova, Durroughk, and Greta released themselves from the sight of Tomfoolery’s corpse, and retreated away in the dispersing horde. Liona, satisfied, organized her things when she heard the scrape of an item leaving her stall. She turned her head and watched as Ariana slipped Jonas Tomfoolery’s glasses into her robe. The Lion-Kin thought to herself, then pulled out a book to scribble a note to herself.

As Vendor’s Veranda cleared out, Hym clicked his tongue and examined the mangled corpse at his feet. “So, Kalli Rein. How are you going to use this as an advantage today?”

Kalli Rein scoffed at him and gripped the hilt of her sword, “Stay out of my way, Hym.” She turned on her heel and stomped away.

Once the square was absent of onlookers, Hym nudged Tomfoolery’s arm with his toe. “I think I can do something with this,” he muttered to himself. He walked over to Liona and dug a few coins from his pocket. “You didn’t see anything.”

“See what?” she said, pocketing the gold into her pouch. She went about her business, organizing her wares.

Hym turned back to Tomfoolery and lowered himself to the ground. Hym gripped the body and slung it over his shoulder, lifting it with ease. He trudged off into the woods, a trail of blood dripping behind him.

As time ticked away, Jonas Tomfoolery waltzed back through the square again, arms swinging to a melody that played in his head.

Chapter 9

“I know where this one lurks,” Doom said, drawing its sphere closer to its side. Belts, Dobby, and Maximus inched closer to where Doom was pointing: a charcoal drawing of a ghastly figure glared up through the bounty parchment. Around them, the day waned away, and a chill taunted their skin. The group huddled in an abandoned hut, a table before them splayed with the taken posters wrinkled and dotted with fresh-spilled blood. Below the sketch of the criminal, “Dead or Alive,” blared in large letters. Along with a name: Ghoul.

“Show us the way,” Dobby said.

The group left their hidden abode.

***

Back in Vendor’s Veranda, Liona watched as a cohort approached her table and slammed the whispering remains of Ghoul’s head before her. Belts riffled through his pockets—stained with red and haunting blue—and handed over the wanted poster.

“I believe it’s 20 gold for this bounty,” the halfling said, “and here’s proof it’s been taken care of.”

Liona pinched the tendrils of frost wisping from the head and lifted it up to her eyes. She examined the evidence and gave a satisfactory grin. “A fine catch, indeed.” She lowered the head into a bin hidden behind her stall. She flicked her wrist and 20 gold appeared in Belt’s outstretched palm. The halfling doled out the gold between his companions. Doom nudged Maximus and handed him his reward. The strange group chattered about the vendor before turning back to her.

“Have you heard about the whereabouts of the others wanted around this fort?” Doom finally asked her.

Liona held out her hand and pinched her claws together. “Perhaps I have.”

Maximus reached in his pocket with a menacing glare and dropped a handful of coins into the merchant’s grip. Liona bowed her head with a grin, “I have seen wanderings of a masked villain trouncing about the forest. Rumor has it, you can walk west of here and spot their encampment.”

Belts gave a low laugh and craned his head towards the darkening trees. “What about the Lizard-Folk? Any hints to where he could be?”

Liona held out her hand once more. With a hard slap, Dobby placed the bribe on the table.

“I heard whispers,” Liona said, whisking her cost away, “that your bounty was seen fraternizing by the docks leaving the Fortress. I would hurry if you want to catch them before they depart for a new home.”

The adventurers shared looks of turmoil on their faces, then rushed out of the square.

Chapter 10

Tomfoolery made his way through the fort, skipping along the paths with a cheery gait. His limbs felt renewed, as if they’ve never felt an ache or malady. While the drooping sun was bright against his uncovered eyes, he basked in the light as it filtered through the trees. A song whistled out from him as he strutted through the crowd, his clothes still bloodied and stained with dirt.

Hearing the whistle, Greta perked her head up and stopped in her tracks. Nova ran into her and let out a small gruff of air. “Greta! What’s wrong?”

“Do you hear that?” Greta said, her eyes large with bewilderment.

Durroughk walked over to his fellow mages and lifted his hand to his ear. “I don’t hear anything.”

“It’s like whistling,” Greta said, taking off down the path. She rushed over roots that pushed through the Fort, and followed the eerie and familiar sound. The others followed her and watched as she pulled out a lavender, magical orb. As she followed the noise, Greta stumbled into Tomfoolery, almost knocking him down into the dirt. She looked him up and down, making note of his stabbed tunic and missing items. She lifted her orb to him and drew it close to his eyes.

“It can’t be,” she said, “I watched you die.”

Tomfoolery laughed and spun around in place. “Does it look like I’m dead now?”

Durroughk pulled from his bag a deep, ocean blue orb and pressed it against Tomfoolery’s shoulder. It buzzed against the bard and released arcane runes that filtered up Durrougk’s arm. The dwarf translated the information in his head and pulled back his sphere away from Tomfoolery. “My magic can tell he’s certainly alive. In fact, he’s quite healthy.”

“It can’t be,” Nova said, bringing her green orb up next to Tomfoolery and pressing it to his temple. It thrummed against him until she released the pressure. “How did this happen?”

Tomfoolery gave a sly grin and shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t know. But I’m back!”

Greta furrowed her brows. “I don’t believe it.”

Tomfoolery shrugged his shoulders and said, “Does anyone know where I can find my glasses? Or my sword? I woke up and they weren’t here.”

“They’re back in Vendor’s Veranda. Your attackers sold them,” Nova said. Tomfoolery bowed to her, spun around, then retraced his steps back to the square.

“I should go see about those glasses!” he said, retracing his steps. The group of mages looked at each other, and trailed behind the risen bard.

***

Hym walked towards Liona’s table and slipped a pristine necklace towards her. The Lion-Kin’s eyes grew wide as she took the jewelry into her grasp. Dark, red rubies twinkled before her as she inspected their clarity.

“I hear that might be useful for your personal research,” Hym said.

Liona folded the necklace into her pouch and pulled the strings tight. “And what can I do in turn for you?”

Hym smiled and knocked on the wood in front of him. “How are you at recording bets?”

Liona laughed and pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill.

Chapter 11

The bounty hunters wrangled their findings towards Vendor’s Veranda. Belts gripped a bloodied, masked head in his small hands; while Maximus, Doom, and Dobby struggled to hold onto a struggling Lizard figure. They approached Liona’s counter with a gleam in their eyes. Belts flung the head to Liona as the rest of the party pushed the Lizard-Kin to her counter.

“You’ve been busy,” Liona said, taking in the mask. “I assume you have the papers with you to prove these are actually wanted criminals?”

Dobby fished the parchments from his side and handed them over to Maximus, who proceeded to show the vendor their findings.

“A true Lizard-Kin, meeting the exact depictions of the poster,” Maximus said. “And the head of a well-known thief in the area.”

Liona studied the sheets and proof before her until satisfied. She placed the head behind her counter and plopped ten gold coins into Maximus’ hand. She pointed behind her and directed, “There is a cell in the back of my shop. Walk around and lock the bounty there, and I will make sure he gets to the proper authorities.”

“Oh, come on!” the Lizard-Kin whined. “Let me go! I didn’t do anything too bad!”

“Hush,” Dobby said, sticking his sword up to the Lizard-Kin’s back. The Lizard-Kin gulped and shook with fear towards the cell. After a beat, a large clink rang out from behind the shop, and Dobby reappeared with his sword sheathed.

A faint cry and the jangle of iron bars rang out, “Get me out of here! You’ll be sorry for this!”

“All locked up!” Dobby said, stretching his hand out towards Liona. She placed twenty gold coins in his hand and bowed her head. Dobby watched as her eyes drifted up towards the street and a sly smirk stretched across her face. Dobby turned around, his jaw dropping as he watched Tomfoolery walk into the plaza. He nudged Belts beside him and turned the halfling around.

Jonas Tomfoolery skipped through the puzzled crowd, whistling his tune with glee. His party followed with caution behind him, their arcane spheres still visible in their hands. Belts took in a sharp breath and shuddered.

“Good evening, Liona!” Tomfoolery said, plopping his elbow down and leaning on the counter. “I hear my spectacles might be for sale over here.”

Liona shrugged her shoulders, “If I had them, they would be for sale.”

Tomfoolery looked over the table and gave a slight frown, “I see you have my trusty—now expensive—sword here too.”

Dobby and Belts exchanged a glance before backing away from Tomfoolery. “How are you still—” Belts asked, his voice deepening with fear.

“Just am. But don’t worry—I’m not going to come after you,” Tomfoolery said, turning his head slowly towards his attackers. “I won’t forget it either.”

Belts and Dobby looked at each other, then inched closer to Maximus and Doom. “Do you know what happened?” Belts asked his new partners, still keeping his eye on the once-dead bard.

“No idea,” Doom said, “but it’s fascinating.”

Chapter 12

The square stirred in commotion as everyone watched Tomfoolery, back from the dead, look through Liona’s wares. Word spread through the fort that necromantic magic had been performed—alarming some and intriguing others. Like a mad dash, the occupants of Fort Lacta Alea contorted around the streets near Vendor’s Veranda to see the revivified bard. Kalli Rein, upon hearing the news, rushed towards the square to inquire more information. Eiriyn and Ariana, compelled by curiosity and itching fingers, slinked their way towards the distracted audience. Shashi, busy contemplating Belts’ growing interest in violence, made her way immediately to the bustling Veranda upon hearing the whispers of Tomfoolery’s recovery.

Fort Lacta Alea stirred, all intrigued by the victory over death.

“How are you alive?” Kalli Rein asked out of breath, pulling up beside Tomfoolery. The bard turned to her and shrugged his shoulders.

“Why are you so interested, Kalli Rein?” Hym’s voice rang, startling the gathering audience. Everyone turned to watch as the imposing human waltzed from behind Liona’s stall, flipping a gold coin from his thumb up and down in the air. “Don’t tell me you’re interested in the dark arts?”

Kalli Rein looked at Tomfoolery with disgust. “You know I’m not.”

“Really? See, I’d wager you Boarish Kingdom type folks are not who you say you are,” Hym declared. Kalli Rein scoffed and inched closer to Jonas Tomfoolery; her hand lowering to her blade. Before she could ask him another question, Hym pressed her further, “Not going to refute it? Let me say it louder,” he raised his tone for the gathering crowd, “I’d wager Kalli Rein is not who she says she is.”

Kalli Rein whipped away and began to walk away from the scene. Hym closed in, trailing her heels. He laughed and raised his arms. “Oh, come on Kalli Rein! Now that we’ve all gotten to know each other, let’s have some real fun. Actual fun.”

“What do you mean, Hym? You never always say what you mean,” Kalli Rein said, stopping in her tracks.

“I highly disagree—"

“Surprising.”

“I always say what I mean. It’s just that you don’t like what I have to say and how I say it,” Hym snickered, backing up into the center of the Veranda; drawing all eyes towards his presence.

Kalli Rein responded, “Say what you have to say and however you’re going to say it. Those of us with some sense will take it all with a grain of salt.”

“Then stop interrupting me,” Hym said, clearing this throat with a dramatic flair. “As I was saying, let’s make today more interesting. We all like gold, right? I think we should hold a Blood-Thirsty Tribunal! Let’s see who’s worth their mettle!”

Kalli Rein’s face darkened with bewilderment. She shook her head and stepped closer to Hym. “A Blood-Thirsty Tribunal? That’s Scavenger talk. How could you suggest such a thing? No one listen to Hym. He’s clearly trying to start something he knows nothing about.”

Hym bared his teeth, “Know nothing about? The only ignorant one is you Kalli Rein.” Kalli Rein huffed and gave Hym a nasty glare. She started to walk away before Hym—in a proud and direct voice continued: “Scared to face a proud Scavenger, Rein? Ha. Pathetic. Look everyone: the so-called brave Kalli Rein won’t stand up for her people.”

Kalli Rein turned immediately and unsheathed her sword. She moved her feet into a defensive stance and raised her weapon in front of her. The crowd grew still and silent.

“You’re a scavenger?” Kalli Rein scowled.

“In the flesh,” Hym said, marking every word with a distinct pause.

“I knew you were sleazy,” Kalli Rein said, “but to be an actual Scavenger? And proud of it? Proud of murderers and thieves? Despicable. How could you willingly choose to be a Scavenger?

“I choose myself,” Hym said, pointing his thumb to his chest. “I choose to keep the gold I earn. I choose safety. The Scavengers are the only ones that can provide that protection. Who cares how they do it? In my eyes, the Boarish Kingdom is nothing but a bunch of liars. In fact, when’s the last time you’ve stepped foot in the Boarish Kingdom, Rein?”

“How dare you?” Kalli Rein sheathed her sword with force. “This conversation isn’t even worth having. Everyone here knows the Scavengers promote violence and cruelty.” Kalli Rein turned to the people around her and addressed them directly, “We’re better than this. It’s pointless trying to debate what’s right in front of us. The Scavengers only want to promote fear. The Boarish Kingdom refuses to engage in such mockery.”

“Just what you’d expect from the Coward-ish Kingdom,” Hym said, walking on the edges of the circle forming around the pair of combatants. “Watch! Watch how the Kalli Rein walks away. Won’t take any responsibility for the crimes the Kingdom has committed against its people. They think they’re better than you. They’ll use you up. They’ll spit you out. You’re nothing to them.”

“I should cut your tongue out!”

“Prove that you can!” Hym said, whipping around to face the warrior. “Show them who Kalli Rein is! The real Kalli Rein! Come on! Meet me in the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal! Prove to them how righteous the Boarish Kingdom is!”

Kalli Rein squinted her eyes at Hym, “I’m not indulging this conversation anymore.” She swung her body around and trekked away through the horde of gossiping viewers.

Hym laughed, then faced Liona across from the square. “Liona! Let’s start rounding up contestants. Anyone who wants to participate in the Blood-thirsty Tribunal can sign-up with her. Five gold to enter. Winner takes the lot!”

“What’s the Bloodthirsty Tribunal?” Dobby shouted; his hands cupped over his mouth.

“Ah, good question, young fellow!” Hym said. “Contestants enter a Scavenger maze constructed here at Fort Lacta Alea. Only one is crowned champion. To win? You must be the last to leave the labyrinth.”

“What makes it blood-thirsty?” Belts questioned.

Hym laughed and opened his arms wide again. “Those that enter the maze must fight each other to the death.” The crowd erupted into loud conversations. Boisterous applause from excitable peasantry; gasps of horror and shock from those with sensitive dispositions. The Fortress stirred with anticipation and disbelief. Hym took in the rapture and continued to explain, “Those that enter can—of course—flee the maze if it’s too much for them. But they relinquish the right to enter again. And lose.”

Dobby and Belts turned to each other and began to whisper. Doom and Maximus mirrored their actions. Jonas Tomfoolery looked at Hym, who returned the gaze with a wink.

“Anyone willing to bet,” Hym directed, “can take it up with Liona. One-to-one betting. Let’s meet again in ten, and I’ll bring everyone to the Tribunal.” Hym stomped over to Liona’s stall and pulled a collection of gold from his coin purse. He went behind the Lion-Kin’s stall and whispered into her ear, dropping the coins into her hands. Liona quilled a note in a brown leather book. Hym smirked and picked up Tomfoolery’s sword. While twisting the sword in his hand, he slid over to the bard and placed the weapon in Tomfoolery’s hands. With a nod, he walked out of Vendor’s Veranda.

The square stirred as everyone looked from one person to the next, waiting with bated breath who would enter the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal. After a beat of tense suspense, Maximus and Doom approached the Lion-Kin first.

“I wish to enter the tribunal,” Maximus said with pride. He deposited five coins to Liona, then stood to the side. A gaggle of patrons took in the warrior’s proud stance, then swarmed Liona’s booth.

Belts walked over towards Liona’s stall, but was interrupted by Shashi as she pressed her fingers against his arm. “What are you doing?” she asked.

Belts smiled up at the Dark Elf and rested his hand on hers. “I’m going to sign-up,” he said, watching Shashi’s mouth turn into a frown. “Don’t worry. I’ll win and split the winnings—with you and Dobby.”

Shashi looked back at Dobby and saw him walk with a boastful step out of Vendor’s Veranda. “You don’t have to do this,” she said, “we can find a way to make gold in other ways.”

Belts patted Shashi’s hand, “I can do this. I know I can.” He turned from her and continued walking towards Liona’s table. He set down five gold and leaned on the hilt of his sword protruding from his belt. “I’m entering. Belts of Moon Valley.” A throng of listeners descended on Liona, throwing down their bets.

When the bustle of Belt’s entrance began to subside, Jonas Tomfoolery sashayed to Liona and plopped down 11 gold pieces. “My entrance fee. And six gold on myself.” A burst of hushed excitement rattled around Liona’s stall. As Tomfoolery left, a trail of betters filled his space.

Kalli Rein circled through the crowd, begging for others not to watch the upcoming Tribunal; citing the inhumane treatment and barbarity of the Scavenger practice. However, her pleas fell on deaf ears as the promise of blood and adrenaline brought out the travelers’ curiosity and craving for excitement.

Chapter 13

As dusk floated through the sky, Hym approached the gathered champions and circled around them. He cocked his head and said with a dejected voice, “Oh now, we have everyone here except for one.” He pulled his hand over his eyes and scanned the onlookers. “Kalli Rein—where are you?”

With confusion, everyone adjusted their sights on Kalli Rein as she clenched her fists by her side. She shook her head and said, “Hym, you’re losing it. I am not registered as a competitor, nor do I wish to be.”

Hym’s face grew bright. “But I already paid for your submission. Right Liona?”

“That’s correct,” Liona shouted over the buzzing throng. “5 gold has been paid for her to participate.”

“You signed me up?” Kalli Rein said, stepping forward. The eyes surrounding her did not move their gaze from her gait. “I refuse to participate. Looks like you lost your precious gold.”

Hym chuckled, “Not so fast, Rein. Liona, does this mean I win my bet?”

“I would consider it so, yes,” Liona said.

“What bet?” Kalli Rein replied. She turned to Hym and walked towards his position.

“Well,” Hym began, “I bet 10 gold that you would be a coward. That you would willingly leave the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal in fright. I guess not entering is the same thing.”

The circle surrounding the scene ooo’d at Hym’s accusation. Displeased whispers mingled in the air. Kalli Rein’s hands grew white, her face red, as she heard the dissonant reasonings of her bravery questioned. She stomped over to Tomfoolery’s side and crossed her arms. “I’m joining.”

A few cheers and claps roared from the chorus of spectators. Hym raised his arms, and a hush fell over the crowd like a thick blanket. “Now that we have all our competitors—let’s proceed to the tribunal.” He swished his arms down and spun around. With his chin held high, Hym led the processional through the fort.

As they marched through the streets, Maximus; Belts; Tomfoolery; and Kalli Rein felt pats of hands upon their shoulders. Graces of luck met their ears, and small shakes of their hands came from the inhabitants of Fort Lacta Alea. Soon, Hym came upon a large, constructed stone wall with a single window and door etched into the side.

“This is the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal,” Hym declared, letting his voice rise and fall with dramatic flair. “Wait here, my champions.” Hym walked through the door, leaving it open. A tight sensation of silence clung in the air as footsteps rang out against the sound of hard stone. Over time, Hym’s shape rose inch by inch over the wall, until he appeared to be standing on air itself. Each contestant looked at each other, beads of sweat falling from their foreheads.

“Enter,” Hym said lowering his hand to the door. One-by-one, the registered collection maneuvered their way through the crannies of the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal. Hym nodded from his position, and a figure emerged from the crowd—shrouded in a gray cloak—and closed the door leading into the arena. They shifted back into the mix of citizenry.

“Begin!” Hym shouted.

Belts pressed forward in the maze, jumping out with each bend or corner; swinging his sword as an act of caution. He took a moment to listen—to take in the tribunal and its crinkling sounds. His heart thumped in his ears, along with an approaching beat of footsteps. He raced forward to the sound, jumping up with a slam of his sword.

*Jonas Tomfoolery and Belts clash swords as Maximus hides*

It clashed against the guarding Tomfoolery. The two stared at each other—their arms shaking against the strain of their weaponry.

“Think you can kill me again?” Tomfoolery laughed. Belts trembled in horror at the reanimated bard, and backed away from the interlocking of their swords.

“Maximus!” Belts yelled, his voice echoing with terror.

Maximus raised his sword up towards his face and inched closer towards the wall. He heard a shifting of feet behind him. “Belts,” he whispered, “are you there?” The shuffling of feet stopped, and a brisk breeze howled around him. At once, the footsteps he heard turned into a full sprint. Maximus—his heart racing—bolted the other way. The thumping of heels against barren soil grew closer towards him. With his breath growing heavy, he came around a turn in the maze and was greeted by a dead-end. But the wall in front of Maximus was not bare or free of grime; it was covered in a layer of rust-color stains and splatters, deep scratches and dents the size of mace points. Maximus let out a shriek and dashed towards the left. He followed the bend and saw Belts cowering under Tomfoolery.

Before the young warrior could do anything, the footsteps behind him leaped above his head and clashed into Jonas Tomfoolery. Kalli Rein scowled as she protected the young warriors behind her.

“Abomination!” she said, pushing against Tomfoolery. “You will draw your last breath by my blade!”

“Try and fail!” Tomfoolery taunted. He stepped forward and kicked Kalli Rein to the ground. She flipped over her shoulder—a cloud of dirt coming up with her stance. With a battle cry, the knight charged through and whipped her sword towards the bard.

With the clashing of metal upon metal, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. Chants of Kalli Rein and Tomfoolery echoed against each other in a fit of antagonism from the audience. Hearing his name uttered with such prominence, Tomfoolery felt his pride soar. Never had his title been cheered in such a way. This was his legacy—his bardic dream come true. He spun around as he swung his sword at Kalli Rein, feeling the dance arise from the battle. He was Jonas Tomfoolery—the world will know him and never forget.

But Kalli Rein was ready as Tomfoolery went to spin again for his adoring fans. When the opportunity arose, she crouched down low, and thrust her sword through Tomfoolery’s ribs. A splurge of blood trickled down her hand.

The bard felt his life escape his lungs for the second time. With a thud, Jonas Tomfoolery’s body fell to the earth.

Kalli Rein’s chest heaved with adrenaline. She turned to face Maximus and Belts behind her. They watched a splatter of red drip down her chin and onto the dirt. Kalli Rein’s heart sank as she cowered over the two, young adventurers. She watched as they trembled with fear, their pupils wide in their eyes. With a flourish, Kalli Rein backed away into a corner; wiped Tomfoolery’s blood from the blade; and sheathed her sword. She shook her head and turned from Belts and Maximus. She followed the footsteps in which she travelled, and left through the door leading out of the Tribunal.

Hym belly-laughed and pointed down at Kalli Rein. “As I foretold. Kalli Rein has left the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal. A coward. She has been eliminated—and I am ten gold richer.”

Kalli Rein glared up at his visage and snarled, “If I am a coward—so be it.” A flourish of whistles and jeers followed Kalli Rein as she pressed her back against the large stone infrastructure.

Inside the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal, Belts and Maximus turned to each other. They raised their swords, hands shaking the metal as if under tremendous weight.

“We’re at a draw,” Maximus said. His voice faltered with heavy inhales.

Belts circled his friend. “We don’t have to die.” He turned his head to Tomfoolery’s body and watched as the spilled blood seeped into the dirt. “I propose a truce.”

Maximus clenched his jaw and inched closer to Belts, “I’m listening.”

“Let me win,” Belts said. “Walk out of here. We’ll split the gold. As a group.”

Maximus backed away from the halfling, his eyes fixed upon each sword. He turned with a sharp movement, and ran towards the maze door. As he passed the threshold, a collection of cries arose from the audience; a mixture of shock, disappointment, and joy.

Hym looked over the crowd and yelled, “Maximus has left the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal. He has been eliminated.” After a few moments, Hym and the chorus of onlookers watched as Belts walked into the evening light, his sword dragging in the dirt by his side. Hym smiled and descended his stairs into the Tribunal. Belts looked around him, a loud cheer greeted his presence as he left the labyrinth; his adoring legion called out his name.

“You did it!” shouted Shashi. She clapped her hands towards her mouth and felt a wave of pride wash over her. Dobby beside her jumped up and down.

“We’re rich!” the elf exclaimed. “We’re rich!”

Suddenly, heavy footsteps climbed up the maze, and Hym emerged with his fists raised in triumph. “Belts has left the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal. He has been eliminated. We have a new champion!”

Sounds of confusion mingled in the horde. Those cheering for Belts began to clamor and pelt their fists against the wall. After the energy simmered down, Hym stepped down from his position and came forth from the frame of the maze. He brought his hands to his mouth to echo his decree: “The last to remain in the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal—and your new champion—Jonas Tomfoolery!”

Hym stepped aside and before him, Jonas Tomfoolery emerged; his body dancing with glee. He shook his hands in triumph, ringing them from ear to ear. His adoring, loyal fans chanted his name over and over as he walked out into their arms.

“What?!” Dobby yelled, running over to Belts.

“This is unfair!” Belts said, pointing at Hym. “Kalli Rein killed that man, and we watched him fall!”

“If only,” Hym said with a sly smile, “he had stayed dead. But due to unforeseen circumstances, Tomfoolery has risen. He was the last to leave the Tribunal. Therefore, he takes the crown.”

Kalli Rein marched up to Hym and pushed the man. “You’ve been practicing dark magic! There’s no possible way that bard should be alive!”

Hym straightened his tunic and brushed up against Kalli Rein. He walked to the edge of the lingering circle and sharply turned to face his accuser. He turned out his pockets, revealing nothing but a few remaining gold coins. “You have no evidence to show that I practice in such arts.” He paused, lowering his sight to Kalli Rein’s side. “But I wonder, knight from the Boarish Kingdom—prove that it is not you who dabbles in such arcana.”

“You can’t possibly be serious!” Kalli Rein said, lowering her hands to her pockets. Her snark face dropped as she felt a lump at her side.

“Do it, Rein. Turn out your pocket.”

Kalli Rein turned red with anger as she reached in and threw a silver locket on the ground. A glistening, Blood-Red Ruby lay in the center, misting with recently used energy. “You set me up,” she said, glowering at Hym. Arguments fluttered through the collection of witnesses.

“How could I have set you up, Rein?” Hym said turning to the crowd. “This is what you get when you side with the Boarish Kingdom. Nothing but empty promises and lies. We Scavengers are up front—you’ll know what you get when you become one of us.”

“I’ll find out what happened, Hym. Mark my words, I’ll make you regret it.”

“Did you hear that? She threatened me!” Hym said, his voice rising in alarm. “Is that who you really want to lead you? If that’s a representative from the Boarish Kingdom, I don’t want to think about what lies behind its borders!”

Kalli Rein glared at Hym, her eyesight firmly on his brassy pace.

“Most of you are here at Fort Lacta Alea because you want to leave Imeld. Your homes have been battered by war. Famine. Disease. You want a new beginning. You’re desperate to find a new place to call yours.” Hym waited as the crowd finished their reactions to his speech—agreeing with his words or shouting out their mistrust in him. “You have a choice ahead of you. Most of you probably believed in the propaganda the Boarish Kingdom has blasted out to the world. Promises of safety—a better life. But it’s all a lie.”

“Don’t listen to Hym! Scavengers are dangerous and not to be trusted!” Kalli Rein pleaded. Her face drawn with anxious concern.

“The Scavengers only fault is that they believe and practice in the harsh truth. If that is our crime, then let us be guilty,” Hym said. A few more hurrahs shouted from the horde. Hym nodded his head in approval. “It’s time to choose. Right now, in this port. Depart to the Boarish Kingdom or join the Scavengers. They’re your only options left in this world.”

Glances were exchanged from around the court—a choice presented to the adventurers lingering in the final port of Flimkein. Hym and Kalli Rein stood before the cast of characters, awaiting the results of the ultimatum; the country’s final challenge to the fleeing inhabitants. What they chose and how they lived remained hanging in the air as the sun dipped into the ground and blanketed the fort in a dark night.

Epilogue

Jonas Tomfoolery leaned against a tree and picked the crusted blood from under his nails.

He whistled a low tune from his lips and whispered the chants of his name; still lingering from earlier in his head. A song stuck perpetually on repeat. In between his whispers and soft chanting, he felt heavy footsteps creep through Termini Forest. They grew close to him.

“I’m glad to find you, Tomfoolery. I suspect you’ve been counting your winnings from the Blood-Thirsty Tribunal?” Hym appeared from the shadows and faced the bard with a wide smile. His teeth glowed under the dim light of the waxing crescent moon.

Tomfoolery patted his pocket, releasing a loud clinking noise into the air. “All accounted for. And well-earned.”

Hym placed his hands on Tomfoolery’s shoulders and gave them a friendly grip. “Everything is going according to plan. I’m pleased with how this partnership is working.”

“Couldn’t have done it without you. After all, I’d be dead and left forgotten to the gods.”

Hym reached a hand down and shook Tomfoolery’s hand. “It was a pleasure, Tomfoolery. I couldn’t let you go. You were made for the spotlight.”

Jonas Tomfoolery took in a relaxed breath. “So, how’d you do it? You know, the whole ‘Kalli Rein had the locket the whole-time’ thing?”

Hym smiled and placed an arm around Tomfoolery, leading him away into the darkness. With his other hand, he pulled out a Blood-Ruby necklace and jingled it in his fingers. “Come, bard. We’ve got work to do.”