Sybil held up an outfit. She preferred neutral colors. Gray, black, blue, that sort of thing. This was loud, with red and gold embellishments. Though there was a fair bit of white, it brought too much attention to itself. The only good thing she could say about it was that it has pants.

“Ah,” muttered Sybil as she picked up a jacket. “It looks like they put your crest on this one,” she held it up for Zaniyah to see.

They were in Shaw and Beat’s room at the moment. A day had passed and it was time to pick out something for tomorrow’s duel. The rest of the outfits from Carapace had arrived that morning and Sybil and Zaniyah were looking through them.

Upon Shaw’s suggestion, his father had ordered outfits for them while he was in the city. He had asked Zaniyah’s mother to help them. Basically, it gave Nicolas an excuse to see Zoe, and Shaw would feel more comfortable about what clothes Zaniyah ran around in. That is, as long as she didn’t cut up any of these ones to make herself feel more comfortable.

Zaniyah didn’t care too much about clothes. She kept glancing around the room. It was spacious. There were two beds, two armoires, two weapon racks, and a mannequin on each side that had armor on it. As for decoration, there wasn’t any. Neither Shaw or Beat spent time in their room. It was only used for sleeping and they rarely slept at the same time.

The only bit of personality came from the bedding and the fact that each kept a small bookshelf near their bed. Shaw had a plain bed that was neatly tucked with military precision. He kept a collection of cookbooks as well as autobiographies of military men.

Beat’s bed was so covered in pillows that one could hardly tell that he was passed out among them. He was hidden beneath a thick quilt with a pillow over his head. His bookshelf had been overrun by the copper dreadfuls he had collected from Carapace, along with other adventure and horror novels.

Zaniyah shook her head and looked over at the tabard Sybil was holding up. A standard paladin tabard, but this was made from silk rather than the heavy wool. “That’s not really my crest. It’s my dad’s crest,” she muttered.

Shaw glared at her. He was standing behind Zaniyah at the moment, simply glaring at the back of her head.

Sybil was in full view of his harsh expression. She bit down on her bottom lip for a moment. “I guess it’s nice to have a dress uniform? Well, not uniform, but uhh… Fancy clothes befitting a paladin?”

“True paladins run out into battle with nothing but paint as their armor,” replied Zaniyah. She nodded to herself as she proudly folded her arms.

“What have you been teaching her?!” Shaw exclaimed loudly. His anger was now directed at Beat.

Beat didn’t say anything. He had been in bed since yesterday afternoon and was not planning on leaving it until the next day. His beauty rest was his time, and he was not going to let Shaw’s tantrum interrupt it.

Sybil waved her hands about. “We should go over the plan for tomorrow.”

“... Right,” muttered Shaw. “Proceed.”

“Irving agreed to distract Tish,” said Sybil. “Dalkirk and Mila know some variation of what’s happening and are trusting Beat to handle everything.”

Shaw approved. “Flaytongue is being sent out on a mission today. Gildenboot won’t be back for some time.”

Someone was bound to notice the lot of them leaving for the duel tomorrow. Alton had already excused himself from his duties with Lady Till and Stonetoe was busy with Rowan and Elm. Grimhawk never went anywhere unless he was asked to, so he was unlikely to notice if someone went missing. The majority of second years were out on missions so that just left…

“What about Paladin Buttonweed?” Sybil asked.

Buttonweed had begun to assert himself within the barracks. He questioned the lax format of Blu’s acolyte studies and demanded that Till tighten the reins of authority. There was even news that he was pushing for the knights be transferred to the war effort. Everyone, not just Rosethorn.

“I received permission from Sir Stonetoe to extract Zaniyah for etiquette training tomorrow,” replied Shaw. “You, Zaniyah, myself, and Prince Duxton will be taking a carriage to Tilrey. We will change our route as soon as we are out of sight of the barracks. Alton and Tuton will find their own way there. Buttonweed doesn’t appear to hold interest in their movements. It will be alright.”

Veximarl could easily go somewhere with the excuse that he wanted to practice with his summons. Alton often wandered off to practice on his harp. No one would think it unusual if either disappeared for a few hours. Sybil nodded to herself. It looked as though they wouldn’t be running into any issues.

Zaniyah wasn’t so certain. “What’s going to happen when we get back tomorrow and it doesn’t seem like I learned anything about etiquette?”

“No one would be surprised when you fail to show any improvement,” replied Shaw.

Zaniyah frowned at him.

“We’ll just have to sneak in a change of clothes and get you something nice to wear,” quickly added Sybil. She began to dig through everything. “This yellow one should work?” She held up a yellow gown for Zaniyah.

“Whatever,” muttered Zaniyah. “It doesn’t matter what I wear. I just want to see Chi, make sure he’s fine, and do some fighting.”

“He seemed alright when I gave him his journal,” replied Sybil.

Though Chickadee had noticed that she wasn’t wearing her engagement bracelet and congratulated her on the sex. Though awkward, and even though Sybil was worried that he might still be getting brainwashed down there, it sort of seemed like he was doing alright.

Zaniyah shook her head. She didn’t like waiting around and planning. All she wanted to do was fight. If the others were going to go around and trick everyone, that was on them.

No matter Zaniyah’s disdain, it seemed like everything would go smoothly. The next morning, they packed themselves in a carriage. Veximarl and Alton watched the carriage go through the barrack’s gate. Tish was standing with them and she briefly squeezed onto Veximarl’s hand as she smiled up at him.

“I’m supposed to be meeting up with Irving soon. We’re going to plan out his date. Well, it’s not a date yet, but I can’t see why Mila would reject his advances. It’s going to be so much fun, Vexi! Why don’t you come out with us?”

Veximarl smiled nervously. “I do adore spending time with you, dear, but Alton’s schedule is quite hectic. He went through a lot of effort to help me with my animals today. I cannot turn my back on his kindness.” Tish pouted. “I’ll look forward to hearing what you and Irving have planned out.”

His words did wonders to perk her up. “Of course! I’ll make sure I’ll have exciting news for when you return!”

Alton checked his watch. “I need to be back by the afternoon,” he muttered. Not that he minded Tish gushing all over Veximarl, but he didn’t have the time for this.

Veximarl held out his staff. “Martyr. Ale.”

The summons appeared in front of Veximarl. He got on Martyr’s back while Alton mounted Ale. They then made their way out of the barracks. Alton had assumed that Tyrtain would be able to find them, as no location for the duel had been set. He and Beat had already agreed on using the far north field for the duel. There weren’t any roads nearby but it still could be easily reached by carriage.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Alton dug his heels into Ale’s haunches. “Steady, steady.” He patted the horse’s neck as Ale trotted to a stop. A part of him knew that this was a zombie horse, which unnerved him a great deal, but Ale didn’t behave any differently from a living horse.

“What’s wrong?” Veximarl slowed to a stop as well.

“We’re being followed,” muttered Alton.

Veximarl tilted his head. “It couldn’t be one of ours. I’m certain we handled everyone.”

A rider was off in the distance. They had stopped as well. Once they realized that Alton and Veximarl were waiting for them to catch up, they tugged on their reins and rode up to the pair.

“Morning, Emery,” greeted Alton as Emery came to a stop.

“Where are you going?” Emery looked between them.

“I’m helping Vex test out some of his summons. We’re trying to figure out which ones are easiest to ride,” replied Alton. “There might be an emergency where he needs to transport a group of people quickly. It’s happened before.”

Emery glanced between them again. “But you hate him.”

“I hate dying more,” replied Alton.

“Sybil stole materials from the forge the other day,” muttered Emery to himself. “It had to have been her. Your squad is the only one who would benefit from pinching metal and it vanished while you were trying to distract us all with an impromptu meeting.”

“Sybil likes to work with golems. She needs supplies for that. I got elected as commander and thus have to waste my time checking in with all of you,” replied Alton harshly. “It’s not my fault that we need to start talking about summer missions now.”

“But Stonetoe hasn’t punished Sybil for unsanctioned golem constructions and Foggy doesn’t need mechanical parts,” argued Emery. “With how fixated she’s been on that skull, she couldn’t be working on anything but Foggy.”

Alton had had enough. “How would you know?” He adjusted Ale so he could better glare at Emery. “She doesn’t tell you anything about her private affairs. Sybil isn’t even assigned to Moontear anymore.”

“Something drastic happens whenever any of you are working on a project,” said Emery. “There’s enough evidence to prove that you’re hiding something.”

“There isn’t any evidence of anything, Penvil. All you have is little facts and theories that you’ve spun in your own head. Stop trying to cause trouble. You have no proof,” spat back Alton.

Emery frowned. He almost said something but then shook his head. His brows furrowed in thought. “Tuton usually attempts to be a mediator whenever someone starts up an argument. He only stays quiet when he doesn’t want to get caught up in a lie.”

“Hmm, what?” Veximarl asked.

Emery continued. “I know that Chi is working on something and I know that you two are going to meet up with him now. I’m going with you.”

Alton relented. He didn’t have time to put up with this, especially since he didn’t know if Tyrtain would be going to him or Beat or Zaniyah whenever he chose to appear again. “It’s going to be dangerous.”

“Which is why I need to be there,” argued Emery.

Veximarl spoke up next. “I wish it were as simple as that but we are not in a position to bring you with us. Trust that no matter what happens, Chi will be returning to the mage encampment this afternoon. He will be able to answer any questions that you have.”

“Please trust us,” added Alton. “Everyone is going to be fine and Chi is coming home today. The only problem is that the people we are meeting are dangerous. We can’t risk bringing anyone they aren’t expecting.”

Emery’s hands tightened up on the reins. This was supposed to be his chance to see Chickadee. He had been trying to keep his eyes on Sybil, since she would likely be acting as their point of contact, but she could also vanish if she didn’t want to be followed. There were ears all over the barracks, and he didn’t want to risk Chickadee’s safety by interrogating her about it.

“Who are these people?”

“It’s a group of mages researching Tyrtain,” replied Alton. Veximarl glanced his way, seemingly alarmed. “They believe that the dragon is at fault for the mage’s magic problems and Chi is helping them with research. We gave him a deadline and he’s coming back today. That’s all there is to it, but it will be dangerous if someone unexpected showed up with us. The barracks is working with Grand Temple on this problem and these mages don’t trust the church.”

Emery looked between them. Veximarl’s nervous expression was enough to let him know that some truth was spilling from Alton’s lips. He tensed up for a moment. “Alright.” It would be fine. “I’m trusting you.” He gave a tug to the reins and turned the horse around.

Alton narrowed his eyes as he watched Emery leave. They had been so careful. He hadn’t realized that Emery had been watching them closely. If Emery was watching, that meant that Basil was helping him, and Basil was a lot smarter about coming up with theories than anyone else was.

“Do you believe anyone else will show up?” Veximarl asked.

Alton’s eyes skimmed the horizon. “I doubt it.” He patted Ale on the neck. “Let’s hurry up and meet with Alder.”

Beat was already waiting for them at the field. He had set up an open tent with cloth tarp for people to sit on. With nothing else to do, he was taking a nap until the others showed up. Alton and Veximarl were first. Since they weren’t important, Beat went back to sleep. They didn’t have anything else to do until the carriage rolled up.

Duxton was promptly kicked out of the carriage so that Sybil and Zaniyah could change their clothes. The prince didn’t care whether he was dressed to dance or to fight. He was only here because he thought it would be an amusing fight to watch. That and he was the prince. Of course he had every right to be involved.

Sybil stepped out of the carriage out of him. She was wearing one of the outfits Shaw had gotten her and had equipped herself with all of her weapons and her leather armor. If the worst were to happen to one of her friends, she was going to bring her wrath down upon the gods.

“Zani needs a few more minutes to apply her warpaint,” she said to the others. Shaw was immediately flushed with concern. “She’s wearing clothes.”

“Good,” he quickly replied. “Then we only need to wait for our other guests.”

Beat sat up. He shuddered for a moment as Iath took over. “Sybil!” He called out. “It’s good to see you again! You’re a much healthier color than last I saw you!”

Sybil had been warned about Iath, but hearing his voice come out of Beat’s face was incredibly unnerving. “It’s uh…” It really wasn’t good to see him again. She was still annoyed from the last time they had met. “... Hi.”

“Goodness,” muttered Veximarl. He was also unsettled by the sight.

“Wait for it,” replied Alton. Iath stood up and began to take off his shirt. “... There he goes.”

“... Uh,” whispered Veximarl.

“... Yep,” replied Alton.

Sybil averted her eyes. It wasn’t right that Iath could do that sort of thing in Beat’s body. “Do we have any word on when-” The ground began to vibrate. Tyrtain and Chickadee burst out of a hole that quickly sealed up again. “Chickadee!” Sybil ran over and gave him a squeeze.

Chickadee hadn’t changed much. He was wearing one of his usual outfits, but he had on less scarves than usual. The others could actually see his face as a result. His ears were adorned with pointed cuffs, he had on his gloves and a host of bracelets, and his cane had been reborn. Tyrtain’s claw had made a suitable replacement for the wood that had been there before. After all that training he went through, he finally was able to melt through it.

Tyrtain examined their group. “Where is Mart?”

“We couldn’t find a reason for him to be here,” replied Alton. “Nor do we see any reason for him to be involved.” Plus they had stuffed Felix into a school at Tilrey. He had a lot of studying to do before he left for Carapace.

“And the God Among Men?” Tyrtain glanced about again. “I do not see her.”

“I’m here,” replied Sybil as she let go of Chickadee. Tyrtain stared at her with a stern face. “... A lot has happened since we last saw each other.” He dismissed her words and began to look around again.

Alton spoke up. “Everyone who is going to show up is already here. Don’t go looking for anyone else because this is all there is,” he said in an annoyed manner. Tyrtain gave him an annoyed glance before shaking his head.

Chickadee pointed at Iath. “... What?”

Sybil chose to ignore Tyrtain’s rudeness/ “Beat is Iath’s vessel.” Chickadee had already understood that, but that didn’t explain that lack of clothing. “... That’s just how he dresses.”

Chickadee nodded to himself a couple of times. “... Nice,” he whispered.

The door to the carriage burst open and Zaniyah jumped wearing a tabard and her thigh-high boots. “Yeah!” She thrust her axe in the air! “I’m ready to kick some Chi ass!”

“Pants!” Cried out Shaw.

Zaniyah blinked a few times. “I’m wearing underwear,” she replied.

“That is hardly the point!” Shaw cried back.

Chickadee couldn’t care either way. “Pendants?”

“Oh! Are we starting already?” Sybil thought Beat had them, but he technically wasn’t here at the moment. “I’ll go look for them.” She went over to Beat’s discarded clothes and dug through them until she found a pouch.

Chickadee caught a pendant as Sybil tossed him it. “Ready?” He looked up at Zaniyah, who also caught onto a pendant.

Zaniyah grinned widely. “Absolutely!”