“Sister Alharrow! Send for Sister Alharrow!” Finn shouted as soon as he was past the outer gates, still carrying his sister. The guards stopped what they were doing and looked up in alarm.

Finn Callahan was a regular sight around the city. His status as the Realm Founder, the one who had claimed the Hearthstone of Blackwood, meant that any resident of the town was immediately aware of his presence. Often, he commanded respect, friendliness, and awe, but sometimes—like now—Finn could feel worry flowing through the crowd at the sight of the blood-soaked Knight-Defender and Guard Captain Goreth.

The Hearthstone! Finn realized. The magical crystal at the heart of the realm. That was also a store of defense and healing, wasn’t it? He could allocate its resources to heal anyone he wished.

Finn’s eyes flickered, pulling up the Celestial Inventory even as he continued to hurry toward the vast set of wooden gates.

>  

>

> Realm: Blackwood (Level 24)

>

> Hearthstone: 690 / 690

>

> Patron: Sesuuk of the Lamakai Third Trine

The Hearthstone appeared in the air before him—a palm-sized, multifaceted purple crystal that shimmered as it spun. As Realm Founder, it was matched to Finn’s Level and Mana.

But I don’t even know how much life Esther has lost! Finn thought in annoyance. His eyes flickered to his sister’s pale face. Her eyes were still closed, and her breath came in rapid, sickly bursts.

>  

>

> You have taken 100 Mana from the Hearthstone. Converting to Health for a Blackwood citizen.

>

> [CELESTIAL ENGINE ERROR!]

>

> Unable to find citizen!

>

>  

What!? Finn blinked. The Hearthstone’s Mana jumped back up to 690 after it failed to connect to Esther.

But Esther was a Blackwood citizen! She’s my damn sister! Finn tried again, but it still didn’t work.

It had something to do with her special…status, didn’t it? Something to do with her power, too. It was like his realm didn’t even see her.

“Finn? What’s wrong?” It was Goreth by his side, his voice heavy and strained. Finn shook his head. He wasn’t going to go into it, not out here in front of the gathering townsfolk. He quickly flickered his eyes through his inventory, converting 150 of the Hearthstone’s Mana into Health and giving it to Goreth instead.

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The Guard Captain visibly relaxed, exhaling a long breath as his back straightened and a soft purple light glowed around his arm. Goreth’s face flushed with a healthier tone, and he stretched his wounded arm, now good as new.

“You didn’t need to do that. It wasn’t bad…” he muttered. His tone was lighter now, but there was still a note of suspicion in it. “You should heal yourself now, too.” He said this to Finn, but his eyes were wary and watching Esther’s unconscious form.

“I’ll be fine.” Finn shook his head and knew it was true. His healing was advanced at his level, and it wouldn’t be long before he regained the health he’d lost. 65 out of 686 was barely a scratch.

“Knight-Defender! Guard Captain!”

There was a shout from the gate, and Finn raised his eyes to see that the smaller, inset door had been thrown open and there were people approaching. One of them was Laurie Marr, Blackwood’s mayor and an original resident of the town before it had been assimilated into the New Zone.

Laurie wasn’t a tall woman, but she exuded authority in a way that few did. She had dark brown hair tied back in a ponytail, and her features were sharp. She didn’t wear any chain of office or official regalia other than a small metal pin on her stiffened leather tunic. The tunic itself was a relic from the days when she had been a mere scout and woodswoman. The badge was a simple piece of embossed bronze, a token of Blackwood like Finn had in his inventory, shaped like a shield with a spreading tree and a stylized flame in its heart.

Blackwood Stands. Through Fire and Darkness, Blackwood Stands, Finn recalled the motto of his realm. Here before him now were the leaders of Blackwood responding to his call.

Beside Laurie was Rosa Lux, another Earther about Finn’s age, tall and willowy with shocking pink hair and wearing wrap-like sarong that made her look exotic but also deadly. Her Staff of the Aethers—a treasure from the Order of Celestial Grace like Finn’s blade—flickered into existence in her hand. It was dedicated to Rosa’s Air Path just like Finn’s weapon was to Fire.

“Finn? What’s wrong with Esther?” Rosa was the first to ask and looked around like she was ready for battle.

This wasn’t a battle that could be won with a weapon, though.

“She needs a healer. Sister Alharrow of the Lycans is the best—” Finn began, but he saw how Goreth shifted a little uncomfortably, as if he were about to say something. He also noted how Goreth and Laurie Marr shared a look.

This isn’t good. I can’t have suspicion spreading through the realm! Finn thought angrily.

“We ran into Troll scouts, boar-riders, but the largest boars I’ve ever seen. They had supplies for a long journey, but I don’t think they were on their own. I think they were searching for something,” Goreth said.

“Searching for us?” Laurie asked.

Finn grew more and more irate. Couldn’t they see that his sister was ill? That she was unwell?!

“Get me Sister Alharrow!” Finn said loudly over their conversation.

“I heard your call and have already sent word to the Lycan Quarter,” Laurie told Finn in measured tones. It was the sort of thing that made her a good leader, Finn knew despite his own rising panic.

There was a third citizen of Blackwood hurrying forward, and they certainly weren’t the older shapeshifter woman.

“Bring her to the Lamakai Quarter. I know what this is, and I will be able to treat her,” hissed the words of the tall Lamakai Prophet, Sesuuk of the Third Trine.

“Prophet, the Lycans are the best healers we have. I’ve never seen anyone so good with herbs as they—” Laurie began, but Sesuuk’s hissing, scratchy laugh interrupted her.

“No plant will fix what is wrong with Esther Callahan! Now, come! If you wish her to survive, bring her to my temple!” He turned on his heel, his white robe—embroidered with gold and indigo—flaring around him as he stalked away.

Finn didn’t hesitate. He followed Sesuuk, and the others followed him.