Xeothea's was an impressive institution. Alumni had arrived to assist, creating a hive of activity.

  Women laboured tirelessly, rebuilding the breached wall sections. Signs of a fierce battle were being plastered and painted over inside. Chairs, beds and other furniture were being repaired.

  A few of the more grievous injuries were still being treated.

  Our arrival had not been the best organised, understandable with everything going on. Instructions from above were to make weapons for us, then offer us some training, the head of Xeothea's would see us later at dinner.

  . . .

  The blacksmithing workshop had fared well, several women and girls had barricaded themselves in during the attack. Staving off attempts to breach the barricade with the many readily available weapons. Those of us that didn't use metal weapons were sent to other in-house artisans who could make staffs or wands.

  I noticed her straight away. Short black hair, dimples and freckles, looked younger but I'd guess she was around twenty. She scanned from afar every forged item on us. Her determination and ambition were clear.

  She was staring at my armour. I'd got it back from Fischdorf's blacksmith. It had been a mistake from the start, the whole setup needed to be lightened. The inside arm parts were removed first by another blacksmith. Then the front of the cuirass halved and replaced with chainmail over the stomach. The blacksmith in Fischdorf knew how to make thinner, lighter steel but just as strong, to completely replace the heavy pauldron. It was now a franken-mess, despite saving my arm and life a few times, I knew I'd have to replace it soon.

  As I covertly watched the hungry, young blacksmith, using the reflection off mirror polished sword on a stand nearby, I halfheartedly listened to the explanation. We were to be gifted new weapons, minimum one level above ours, as thanks for our involvement in the rescue. Apparently some training that had been arranged for us would probably bump us up the level.

  The raven haired woman was pointed to and said to be a skilled apprentice, she'd make weapons for Basandra (spear girl) and Zacherie (rogue). While a distracted looking master blacksmith would be making weapons for Audo, Layla and me. Another master and her apprentice would make those for Isabelle and Leif. Explanation wrapped up, we were to talk with our assigned blacksmiths.

  I crossed the room as swift as a fox.

  "You make that? May I?" I asked, pointing to a dagger on the apprentice blacksmith's belt.

  "Um, yes, but sorry. I'm not making your weapon?"

  "I like the handle, black stained oak right? Can't you make a min lv27 short sword?"

  "I've made lv30 before—"

  "Can I see the dagger please?"

  "Um... OK." She handed me the dagger.

  The blade was as nice as the handle and sheath, made with passion. It had excellent balance and all the handle edges were smooth, nothing loose. Its uniform sabre grind was flawless and to a hair shaving finish. I turned to the master blacksmith who was glancing at me and the apprentice with mild curiosity while looking over Audovald's axe.

  "Hey, no offence, could you do one of theirs? I want her, I love this handle."

  "Sure, I can knock out a spear no problem, lets me focus on whatever those gauntlets are all about." She said shrugging before waving over Basandra.

  Zacherie the rogue walked over to me. "Use a long dagger and blow darts myself, may I see that?"

  He whistled, clearly appreciating the dagger as much as I did.

  "I'm Harvey, you are?" I said holding out my hand.

  "Tuana, I err, don't understand... Oh!" Turning up the charm (to improve the weapon outcome obviously), I kissed the back of her hand before clasping it in both of mine.

  I heard Isabelle's breath hitch from across the room.

  "Tuana, a lovely name, please do mark it on my short sword. I'm sure I'll be recommending your work. I'd love for the handle to look like the one on this dagger.

  I've been using an exceptionally long hunting knife— very good, but a little unwieldy, very blade heavy.

  Please, something light and nimble with a good guard to catch opponents blades plus protect my hand. I know they told you one level higher, so that would be lv26 but make it lv27 for me OK, worth the wait plus it'll last me even longer.

  Other than that, I trust your expertise, my gut tells me, you won't disappoint."

  I let go of Tuana's hand and smiled sincerely as she stammered out sounds that I interpreted to be her acceptance.

  As Zacherie showed her his blowpipe, I found the corner she directed me to, so I could look over her other work. I knew I wasn't wrong, I just hoped her passion was being nurtured and she wouldn't become jaded by heavy work loads or churning out common junk. Feeling a little bad for Basandra, but her spear would've quickly become too low level anyway. At my current pretend level, leveling up was a lot slower, I'll be with the short sword a lot longer.

  . . .

  I found myself being taken along with Rhys to Xeothea's medical wing. We'd both been given Xeothea medical handbooks and had already been taught one teachable skill, SoothWave. Either from a wand or staff, or by clapping and opening out our arms while using the skill, we could send out a wave of weak healing magic which also dampened the effects of debuffs and maladies such as poison or burn. Useful to buy time, if several members were affected.

  Rhys and I both already knew Purify.

  "Hmm, still too soft, it's like a bubble. Try again, really imagine a tough outer layer, difficult to squeeze, just a little give. It's important if you miss or the recipient doesn't catch it, it bounces rather than shatters."

  Raquel was a cheerful healer, nearing retirement, despite crooked teeth, her smile was beautiful and infectious. She was teaching us a Xeothea original skill, one we were sworn not to teach freely to others— sorry Conall. HealingOrb, or HealingBall as I immediately wanted to rename it, was a one off teachable skill which allowed for ranged delivery of healing magic without a staff or wand. In an emergency the skill could be used to encase healing magic and lob it to a recipient, whereupon the outer shell would disappear on contact with skin.

  Fortunately for me, the healing magic held within was dependent on the level of the skill 'Healing', meaning the HealingBall skill required no further skill points, unlike HealingMist which had two further levels and seemed worth investing in.

  "Raquel don't be alarmed, I want to try something..."

  I tossed her a glowing ball which she caught with a smile and delightful little sound of happiness, it was as though we were outside playing catch. The ball pulsed then released its contents, not healing magic, but healing mist.

  "Oh! What's this wonderful trick? Your orb was spot on except there was a slight delay after I caught it, remember to make the intention that it releases on contact clear, alright?"

  Raquel caressed the puff of magical mist, a small amount for the experiment. Her eyes tried to focus on the tiny floating particles.

  "I'll try again, thank you Raquel and that's healing mist... do you want me to teach you?"

  "Ha! I'm meant to be teaching you... but this does seem rather useful, reminds me of HealingAura, if it's no trouble to you, I'd love to add this to Xeothea's library."

  I spotted Rhys's grin as he shots forward to interject.

  "The price is pretty high, Miss." He cheerfully blurted.

  "Oh? A price you say?" Raquel looked to me with a closed mouth smile, plus a mock look of concern. I gestured and winked to Rhys to explain.

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  "Um, well. Do you like healing— No, sorry. Why do you heal Miss?"

  I turned away laughing. Poor Rhys didn't quite understand why the gag wasn't appropriate for an older lady who had clearly dedicated her life to healing.

  After showing Raquel the basics, I left her with Rhys, who also still needed to harden his healing balls, hehehe. I wasn't just a healer after all, I was a field medic.

  . . .

  Having been escorted to a courtyard, I found Audo, Basandra, Isabelle, Leif and Zacherie training with Xeothea's fearsome warrior women. Paige and Marci were being taught magic skills elsewhere. I wondered if they knew any teachable dark magic skills.

  Disappointingly, I had to pretend to learn and be grateful for a skill I already had, SidestepMirage. Classed as a physical skill, it used a little of the magic everyone has as well as speed, muscle control and quick footwork. By very rapidly stepping back and forth, and at it's lowest level requiring a well timed shout, you could trick anyone with low enough perception into thinking you were standing a step from your actual location. For just half a second they'd "see" you there, long enough to hide a simple attack or redirect an opponent.

  Both Basandra and Zacherie were too low level and didn't have high enough agility stats, despite learning and practicing the fundamentals, the skill would be locked until they improved.

  Isabelle showed me the other skills they had been taught later, and I knew them all, though one by another name.

  . . .

  Gwendoline Nikephoros the current head of Xeothea's walked slowly into the hall. I wished she'd hurry up, I could smell the food was ready to come out. She paused at the end of our table, behind a grander chair than all the others in the hall.

  "We have been struck by tragedy. Two of our sisters could not be revived and everyone of you has in some way suffered. Our home has been damaged, its sanctity defiled. But in times of hardship we are reminded of the kindness and goodwill of others.

  Countless sisters from far and wide have returned to help us. Locals have donated supplies and we are joined by ten heroic adventurers. These ten stepped up and though none are affiliated with us, they risked their lives to save so many of us.

  Tonight we feast, in memory of sisters Melánie and Clara, a moment of silence for them please..."

  A minute passed, only the wind outside and birds could be heard. When Gwendoline continued, some women sniffed loudly, some weeping.

  "But we are also here to honor Audovald, Basandra, Harvey, Isabelle, Layla, Leif, Marci, Paige, Rhys and Zacharie— plus myself for remembering all those names."

  She got a smattering of laughs.

  "Thanks to them, the ship that would have taken from us so many sisters, it may well have been the end of Xeothea's, was stalled long enough for the capital's finest to launch a rescue.

  Sisters and new found brothers! This institution has not fallen! We will recover! We will be stronger! We will not allow such a travesty to happen again!

  Please everyone... FEAST!"

  With the raising of her arms, servers started pouring out the kitchens.

  Boar, chicken, fish and garlic butter snails, as well as a plethora of vegetables and salads were been laid out for us.

  With one hand I served myself a few snails while using my other hand to lift and move the fish to within Layla's reach. Marci opposite me, must be a vegetarian, she took no meat, having her fill of tabbouleh and roasted veg. I later joked to Layla that maybe the pink witch only ate children, this earned me no laugh.

  Audovald and Leif got into a stupid macho competition piling boar onto their plates before Paige slapped Leif's arm and Isabelle scolded Audvald, they both put some meat back off their plates.

  When we thought the feast is over, fruits, sweet breads and biscuits came out. I could count on one hand the number of desserts I'd had in my entire life. Probably the only time I'd ever wanted to fight Layla, there was only one slice of spiced date cake left, we had both gone for it... we split it in half staring daggers at each other, upping the anti with growling, before laughing.

  . . .

  I was requested to meet in private with Gwendoline after the feast, as I anxiously followed my escort to her study, I couldn't help but think the worst. Could this be a repeat of Lis? I just hoped my nuts weren't getting frozen again!

  "...I understand you masterminded the sabotage of the ship, I wanted to personally meet you." She said after we've exchanged the usual pleasantries and I've sat down.

  "It wasn't such an exceptional plan, I was simply lucky to notice a couple details and make use of my talented party. Layla should really be here, her summoning ability was crucial."

  "Hmm, no need to be modest. Harvey I want to offer you more than a weapon or some training however my spies have found very little on you. This is not an interrogation, please relax. You saved my girls, please, is there anything more I could do for you?"

  "Isabelle wants to hunt down those responsible, please train her as best you can. Layla and Audovald could do with some spiritual healing, they're traumatized having killed humans for the first time."

  "Done, I'll personally see to making that ranger stronger, I see her potential too. But what of you Harvey? What do You want or need?"

  The grey haired woman of mixed heritage, in fine quality, but modest design robes, studied me from across her bureau.

  "Can the request be... discreet?"

  "Of course, no one need know of it beyond the walls of this study and I won't pry, please make your request."

  "OK... I need skill points, potions are maxxed. Any leads on sources of skill points would be greatly appreciated."

  "Hmm... I really want to know why..." She didn't ask.

  Having got up and turned her back, she extracted something from a display cabinet then held it out to me. I took the ornate jeweled egg with both hands, immediately feeling its power. It glowed for a second, then the glow faded. She took it back.

  "That's three, and it'll be three months before it works for anyone else again."

  "Thank you."

  Having placed the egg away, she began rifling through a nearby chest of drawers.

  "Have you been to the fountain of Lugh?"

  "I have."

  "Hmm... There's a yeti—"

  "Soul freed, afraid I may have ruined it for everyone."

  "Really? Hmm... Good for the yeti I suppose. And you've visited some of the people able to reward skill points?"

  "I have but wouldn't mind comparing names, might've missed some."

  Gwendoline stopped rummaging and shoved the drawer closed.

  "Hmph... I'll have a document assembled and discreetly delivered to you, names plus other places like the fountain.

  The only other one that comes to mind... but it is very dangerous... The Demon Lord's blacksmith. Arch blacksmith Ilmarinen. They say after the fall of the Demon Lord, his soul is still trapped within his dungeon, workshop and tomb.

  Defeat him and you'll be granted skill points, plus he'll forge you something legendary. However he is within a high level dungeon set within the catacombs of the capital. He's very high level himself and I've heard of many adventurers dying trying to defeat him."

  "Arch blacksmith Ilmarinen... consider me thanked. You've been very generous."

  I held my index finger up in the air for a moment before tapping her desk. Gwendoline waited for me to speak.

  "One last thing. Not for me. Consider it a professional need to see the job through... Other mercenaries attacked this place right? Split off from the caravan after the siege. Could I get all the information you have on them? Sketches, descriptions, accents, tattoos, anything notable. I, and Isabelle, want to help find them."

  "Hmmm... I'm sure you do. I called in a favour with the royal family. Got most of the prisoners transferred to our own dungeon. Quite impressive work you did on Trench. He was quite forthcoming when I told him you were visiting and I could fetch you."

  "I'm a field medic, a healer... I just know where it hurts the most, that's all."

  . . .

  From the room all five males were sharing, I followed Audo to a garden which led to the outhouses. I waited in the garden for him to complete his business, but I knew from his body language he hadn't left the room to use the loo.

  He meandered into the garden, looking down and dropped himself onto a bench.

  "You Ok Audo?"

  "Huh, oh, hey Harvey."

  "Still thinking about what you had to do to stall that ship?"

  I sat myself beside him.

  "Yes and no. Man... I don't know anymore. It's not about that sailor... not just about that sailor. I don't know what I was thinking... After I lost my guard job, I let Isabelle talk me into this. It's fun at times... But honestly... There are times I wish I was still a guard. Steady pay, barracks to call home, comrades and local women. I wanted to get married around this age, Harvey.

  Hehe. I actually had a decent prospect in the hamlet near the Lord's manor. Couldn't face her after everything went to shit. It takes me time to build up confidence to say anything... We haven't been anywhere long enough for me to talk to anyone.

  Urgh... I know I got you, but I miss the guys. Getting ales after a long shift. Used to win wrestling fights for drinks..." He chuckled, his luagh fading as he frowned.

  "I'm living out of pack, Harvey, and don't know what the point is anymore..."

  "Sounds like you don't want to be an adventurer, sounds like you want a job and home... What kind of woman you like Audo?"

  He laughed, covering his face. After some rubbing he looked up at the dusk sky.

  "Don't laugh... I like strong women, physically I mean. First girl I loved could pull a plough, hahaha... oh man. Don't ask me why."

  "Hmph, your big barbarian looking guy who likes strong women... You should really go visit Layla's clan. Anything other than guarding you like to do?"

  "Done all sorts before I was guard, as long as I'm working I'm happy. First job I ever had was working the fields right alongside my crush. It was her family's farmstead so when things didn't work out... Ended up working in the capital's warehouse district, by the port. It stunk and it was dangerous.

  Went pretty high up in the local wrestling circuit too.

  Tried other work in the capital, it all stunk. Friend I met there let me know about guarding jobs."

  "This life ain't for everyone. You do you— but seriously go visit Layla's clan, I really think you might want to join. Roxie will for sure wrestle you. Not to mention... they have shield maidens."

  "Shield maidens?"

  I held my hand over my arm, grasping an invisible bicep larger than mine. Then used both hands to indicate breasts. He laughed for a moment, wiped away a tear then we sat together in the garden for a while longer.

  "Yeah... I think I will ask Layla to visit. Thanks bro."