Joah stepped forward and carefully lifted Alex in his arms, cradled against his chest. Lyra couldn't help but smile fondly at them as he could see the gentleness of the big man. Then she paused as she looked at Joah closer. "Are you getting younger?" Joah huffed uncomfortably. "I was caught in the first flash while I positioned Alex next to the woman." He considered his answer. "I don't feel younger, but there were... changes." He sighed again as he looked down at the man in his arms. Lyra shook her head as she admired his darker, thicker hair and mustache. "Follow me." She guided the swordsman up the stairs and down the hall to a room she opened. She pulled the sheets down and looked back at Joah. "Set him on the bed." As they went by, she plucked the tunic off Alex, and the big man gently placed the sleeping man on one side of the double bed. He helped Lyra pull the sheet up then they left the room and closed the door. "Whose room—" Dystra began. "It's mine. I'll keep an eye o

I was fortunate the water was deep. I also used my magic to soften the impact a little. I sunk to the bottom and broke my right knee badly before I was swept downstream. I used water magic to tourniquet my leg to stop the bleeding. I don't know how I knew how to do it, but it worked. I went over waterfalls, struck rocks and submerged logs, and used my water magic each time to bring me back to the surface. I was badly battered by the time I reached the village. My right leg was only hanging on by a few sinews by that point. I no longer have any fear of the water. I think the fear was inhibiting my ability to use my magic. I feel more of a connection with it now." Her expression dropped, and a little fire appeared in her eyes. "Lisa didn't deserve to die that way." Alex nodded. "You're right. She didn't. I want to do something about that. Not just get revenge against her attacker but create a world where there are no monsters to kill, no need to be forced into adventuring." Sh

Not everyone was content with his sudden passing. One in particular was convinced that end had been premature, but he lacked the evidence to prove it. The royal physician had examined the king's body and proclaimed the death was caused by natural causes. The man's heart had just stopped beating. Regent Alois Charette, soon to be former regent if not the late Alois Charette if Jalviere decided to finish the job, knew there was nothing natural about it. He'd monitored Harlen's health his entire life, since they were young boys, and knew the king's heart was sound. He had other minor issues, but none would lead to heart failure. However, raising an alarm about it now would definitely accelerate his own demise. He wasn't so delusional to believe that if the truth came out, the guilty would be held accountable, and justice would prevail. He was well-versed in how things worked at this level of their corrupt society. The rich and influential were already aligning themselves behind Pri

Lyra's party crested the last rise before the road led to the main gate of Genthale. They'd made good time, and the sun was still a short distance above the horizon. Alex was hoping this meant dinner was a possibility. Thorn had recuperated on his back all day. While she claimed the bliss of the evening before had been transcendent, her ache this morning meant it wasn't an activity she'd be repeating any time soon. Thankfully, no one asked for details on what they'd been up to. Rest and Lyra's healing greatly helped her, and she managed to sit up for the last part of the journey. She claimed she wanted to walk through the gate on her own two feet. As they got closer, Dystra noted a new flag flying above the tallest spire of the castle. They talked about what that could mean. Alex started to get a prickly sensation on the back of his neck. "Thorn, could you get my tunic, boots, and belt knife from my pack?" he asked. Then he turned his big head to look at their latest add

And I just want to protect the people of this world who've been forced into indentured servitude! To save them from the brutal dangers they're forced to face just to survive for another day just to face them again. This world could be so much better!" Alex snapped back. "The dangers don't go away because we want them to! The Adventurers are needed for this purpose!" Grakkesh shouted angrily. "Not forever," Lyra said softly, and Alex shot her a look to make her stop. She nodded to him. Harkentoll caught the interaction and paused in confusion. Not forever? "Where are Ti'Nah and Shi'Jax?" Alex asked. The Guild Master frowned. "The Beast-Kin," Lyra said. "Taken to the lockup by the city guard," the Guild Master replied. "Get them back—" "I don't have the authority!" Grakkesh argued. "Listen, I'm not now, nor have I ever been a threat to the people of the Kingdom of Thale! However, hurt my friends and you will see how precise I can be with the damage I cause. Agron has