Selina clearly didn’t get many visitors, and she didn’t seem to know how to handle having both the First Shield and the leader of the Rift Hunters sparring in her backyard. Ethan was waiting patiently next to her as she looked over the Rune Stones the princess had given him, though she was continually distracted by the two men fighting nearby.

“Do you think they need drinks?” she asked.

“Since you brought them some ten minutes ago? No, I think they’re fine,” he said with an amused smile.

“I can’t believe you brought them to my backyard!” she said for the dozenth time.

“We need a place to train,” he insisted, though it was only part of the truth. “You have those great dummies you made, and I needed help with the Rune Stones. Don’t you like the company?”

She continued to fret a little, but she was genuinely interested in the rare and–in some cases–ancient stones the princess had provided Ethan with. She was soon caught up in studying them as he turned to watch the two men fighting back and forth across the broad lawn.

Savilar had tracked Ethan down the day after the meeting, and proven to be surprisingly personable. He’d apologized for the incident with his Familiar, explaining that the golden monster was from a realm that was far more aggressive than Viridus, and was still struggling with dominance issues. He sounded so much like he was talking about a favored pet that kept peeing on the carpet, that Ethan was inclined to forgive the incident.

“I’m happy to help,” the tall, dark haired man insisted as they walked through the city together. “As I told you before, I support what you’re doing. Besides, I can’t believe you convinced Valanor to help you. The man may be a miserable grouch, but we’ve fought together since we were lads. No one better to have beside you.”

“Can’t really argue with either of those points,” Ethan said with a slight smile. “I’m not taking you away from your duties with the Church? Or the Tournament?”

“The Brighthearts will continue to Hunt monsters without me, don’t worry. As for the Church, that is an issue. If there’s any major rifts, I may need to excuse myself for a time. Hopefully won’t interfere with any of your Hunts, but I wish to be upfront–my duty to Nexum comes first.”

“More than fair,” Ethan said with a shrug. They’d made their way to Valanor’s home at Savilar’s direction. Apparently the two men had been recruited as orphans, and grown up in one of the Church’s programs–though Savilar wasn’t originally from Viridus. That was the other reason Ethan hadn’t outright rejected the idea of working with someone so strongly connected to the faith.

While Savilar was still part of the Church’s martial order, he’d laughed at being compared to the clergy. The ‘ones who won’t dirty their hands’ he’d called them. He and Valanor had identical upbringings, and they’d only parted ways when one chose knighthood, and the other chose to pursue the scourge of rifts. Ethan was suspicious by nature, but resolved to give the jovial man the same chance he’d given Valanor.

“Savilar,” Ethan said as they waited in front of the surprisingly cozy cottage on the edge of the city. “Do you happen to know Valanor’s brother? He mentioned one that apparently gave all his Familiars adorable names.”

Savilar barked a laugh. “I did, yes. Timothy was a sweet lad. I didn’t let him name my Familiars though. It was Valanor with the real soft spot for the boy.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I take it he passed?” Ethan asked.

“He did, yes, but it was more than a dozen years back now. Time enough that the tragedy has given way to the joy. Valanor might still be a bit sensitive about it though, he’s like that.”

“I can hardly blame him, losing a brother before his time,” Ethan said, thoughts inevitably going to Dean.

Oddly, Savilar smiled. “Hardly before his time, Bishop. Tim was in his late sixties. Died working on his beautiful farm, surrounded by grandchildren. We should all be so lucky.”

Ethan’s eyes widened. He’d wondered about Valanor’s age after learning about the extended lifespan Bonds brought, but hadn’t really considered exactly what Dusk rank could do. “I didn’t realize. Still, hard to say goodbye to a brother.”

“You’re right there,” Savilar said, pounding on the cottage door again. “Hurry up, Val! You’re pretty enough, you preening arse!” He turned back to Ethan, who was looking at him in open surprise. “What were we…? Right, brothers. Aye, it never gets easier, and we’ve lost a few dozen over the years. Sisters too, of course.”

“Wait, not blood then?” Ethan realized.

“It happens; the Church takes in all kinds. There were fewer Hunters back in our youth. That means more monsters, and more orphans. But no, Tim and Val were close, but they didn’t need blood for that.”

At last the door opened, and a freshly shaved Valanor strode out, a glare locked on Savilar. “You show up unannounced then demand I rush? Will you never change, Sav?”

The Rift Hunter laughed, throwing an arm around the knight. “I change all the time, brother, unfortunately for you I just get worse.”

Valanor grunted, tightening the straps around his limp arm. “If being aware of your own jackassery made it palatable, then people would actually like Ethan.”

“Hey,” Ethan said, “people do like me. Only crotchety old knights fail to see my obvious value.” Savilar laughed at that, and Ethan found himself smiling. It wasn’t easy to get used to a Valanor that could make jokes. He sobered a little as they began walking again. “In all seriousness though, I’m surprised you’re in a good mood with news of the duel spreading around.”

“Arinaens,” the other two said derisively in unison. Savilar burst out laughing again, but Valanor explained. “Those desert bastards sail their boats around causing trouble. It’s just what they do. Partly it’s why there’s so much excitement when people hear they’re coming–promises an interesting time.”

“We’ve been scrapping with their kind on and off for decades,” Savilar agreed. “Val and I even did a tour on the Western border years back. Showed them the error of their ways more than once.”

“Don’t worry,” Valanor said, clapping Ethan painfully on the shoulder. “We’ll make sure you’re prepared to fight that royal prick.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“He’s right!” Savilar agreed. “There isn’t a trick of theirs we haven’t seen.” Considering the mission he’d been given by the princess, Ethan hoped they were right. It still wasn’t his intention to face Thavin himself, but he didn’t want to get anyone else killed either.

They’d made their way to Selina’s at Ethan’s direction. The princess had allowed him to share the details of his upcoming mission with the small group, understanding their support would be invaluable. It was also implied that the three of them were more trusted than Ethan when it came to protecting the kingdom.

Selina had certainly been surprised when three men appeared at her home, however, having only expected a Rune Magic lesson. Thankfully Savilar and Valanor were content to test their skills against one another while Ethan and the Runemistress worked. The warriors hadn’t fought together in some time, and warhammer and shield met twin maces in an impressive dance to see how each had grown.

Ethan knew Valanor’s arm and broken Bond was too great a disadvantage against the other Dusk rank warrior, but without the use of active powers, they appeared evenly matched. Savilar wore gray armor of a medium weight, allowing him to move more quickly than the knight, but the massive shield was always where it needed to be to hold the powerful man back.

It was interesting seeing the raw strength and speed that came with Dusk on full display, as neither man saw the need to hold back. Ethan was feeling a lot more confident about the upcoming Hunt for the thunder drake, especially now that he wouldn’t be solely responsible for dealing damage.

He turned back to Selina. “Well, do you know what we have?”

She had pushed the stones into three separate piles. “This first one is a Knowledge Stone, already keyed to you–the princess’s security no doubt. There isn’t anything unusual about it, and I suspect it contains exactly what it’s supposed to. As for the rest…”

She indicated two larger stones, absolutely covered in runes. “These are the most complicated works I’ve ever seen. They’re Master level or beyond, and looking at them is like sounding out words in another language. I think they’ll get you through the ship’s security, but I don’t even understand what they’re protecting against.”

Finally she pointed to two additional stones, much smaller and less complex. “These are what you’d call ‘the good stuff’,” she said, trying some Earth phrasing. “Permanent runes that must have cost a fortune. The first one works with your Spirit Familiar, it will allow him to hide your Astral presence.”

Tomo appeared, looking at the rune hungrily. Selina continued. “I wouldn’t try it around anyone more than a rank above you, but it should keep you hidden from any Dusk rank without powers specifically for Hunting hidden beings.”

“That is damn useful,” Ethan said. Tomo had said he’d likely gain something similar, but not until higher ranks. “And the second one?”

She held up another stone. “Proper infiltrator rune. It will allow you to temporarily imbue an object with a listening rune. It’s actually something I could teach you already, but it’s time consuming and expensive. This will let you do it with a touch and a drop of mana.”

Ethan nodded. That would definitely come in handy. “This is fantastic, Selina. Thank you.” She beamed.

“Are you kidding? I’m actually part of the story this time! A secret mission from the princess? Sneaking into an ancient, Champion-forged ship to stop the Arinaens from doing vile things? This is amazing!”

Ethan smiled at her enthusiasm. “Glad you’re enjoying yourself–though I’m sorry it’s not a story you can tell. By the way, did you get a chance to think more about what we’d need for the thunder drake?”

Selina nodded her horned head. “I did! I put some extra research in, because they’re rare enough and dangerous enough that the local bestiary isn’t really trustworthy. It looks like they often have a sub-Affinity for fire, which you’ll need to be careful of.”

“Hold on one second,” Ethan said, then turned to the two others, still completely absorbed in their battle. “Valanor, Savilar! Thunder drake briefing!” The Rift Hunter stopped immediately, only to take a warhammer to the gut a moment later.

“Sorry,” Valanor said, “couldn’t stop in time.” Savilar coughed raggedly, then sent a glare at the shield knight, who was doing a passable impression of one of Ethan’s grins. This is like being around my brothers again, Ethan thought. Missing Mike and Rich more than he had since…well since long before leaving Earth, really. He was only just beginning to realize how much he’d squandered those relationships.

He sighed, pushing it from his mind. He took out the Kumori pipe he’d inherited from Tomo’s former master, and lit it with a tiny sparking stone he’d purchased. At first he’d gotten Revan to do it, but the Familiar didn’t really do small flames. Ethan took a puff, finding the magical, bottomless pipe soothing, without dulling his mind.

He’d been using it frequently since he realized it could actually be made to create no smoke at all, as easily as it made a smoke screen. It was quickly becoming his default way to relax in a remarkably stressful world, and even better, Tomo would often form his own little pipe, and join in. Those quiet moments were invaluable in a life that seemed a bit too loud.

The two warriors joined them at the table, and Selina looked nervously from them, to Ethan. “Go ahead, Selina, tell us what you’ve got.”

Despite the audience, the Runemistress was clearly in her element when she began speaking of her craft. “Well, thunder drakes have three main threats. Lightning is obviously one of them. They don’t require much preparation to use the attacks, unlike many monsters. However they do use their tails to guide them, so that should be a priority. Obviously you’ll also want protective spells to reduce their damage, regardless.”

“Lightning is certainly the most dangerous,” Valanor agreed, “but their physical might is impressive as well.”

“Absolutely!” Selina said. “They’re both strong and fast, which is rare for creatures of that size. As drakes, they’re wingless, but more mobile on the ground than most draconic monsters. You’ll want something to protect any one of you in a pinch–something powerful you can use quickly, not just a long-term generic enhancement.”

“Such as?” Ethan asked.

“Well…” she reluctantly reached into her inventory and removed a Monster Gem. “Defensive shields would be best. This one comes from a turtle creature in the Southern Reaches. If you find someone with that Familiar, they can likely cast something similar.”

“You mentioned a third problem,” Savilar said, sounding curious. “I hadn’t heard of anything more than those two.”

“It’s less common, but I was just telling Ethan that they can use fire attacks as well. I’m not sure what type, but there’s definitely tales of it happening.”

“That’s a lot to deal with,” Ethan said, looking at the gem Selina was now tossing from hand to hand. “Did you think of anything else?”

“Oh, yes I suppose I did, but I don’t know how helpful it would be.”

“Thunder drakes are powerful opponents, and we’d be fools to fight one without every advantage. Speak your piece,” Valanor said, his deep voice making it a command.

“Well, the one good thing about multi-affinity monsters is they tend to have multiple weaknesses as well. The protection will help, of course, but even better if you can find someone to use earth and water attacks as well. That will reduce its ability to use the more powerful attacks consistently, while you work to weaken it.”

The three men nodded, sharing looks. “Selina,” Ethan asked. “Haven’t I seen you practicing with earth and water attacks?”

She nodded. “Certainly. Any of what you’ve seen me use should work. If you can find Hunters with those Affinities I’m sure it will go a long way.”

Valanor raised an eyebrow, then shared a look with Ethan. “So what do you think, gentlemen?” Ethan asked. “Have we found our fourth member for the Hunt?”

Savilar laughed. “If she was an elf I’d say no, but a Nator? She might be overqualified.” He turned back to the yard, limbering up with his maces again.

“She’ll do nicely,” Valanor agreed. “Utility specialists are rare, and the Runemistress’s reputation precedes her.” He turned and went back to Savilar, obviously wanting to spar some more.

“Wait, what?” Selina asked.

“Don’t worry, we have a few weeks to prepare,” Ethan assured her. “Besides, you said you enjoyed being part of a story for a change.”