Tale of the Outcast Warrior: Raylik and her foxgirl.

DAYS UNTIL WAVE: 63

Tyler opened his eyes to find Malico's face right next to his own, with kaori's arm over his chest. He smiled, and kissed her awake. HE could feel her massive naked melons pressed into his chest as she opened her eyes to smile at him.

"Good morning love."

She was purring like a cat as he stroked her soft skin her back.

"Good morning."

He kissed her again, and she lashed her tail at this. Then she let him up. He looked over and saw Sera asleep in Lillia's arms with Wulf near the flap. Kaori was still sleeping on her side, and he smiled as he covered her with the fur that covered his body. Then he and Malico left the tent to start the morning routine. Tyler got the fire going as Malico laid out food. Tyler had the fire blazing again as Malico made a breakfast of fish, Lisk, roasted apples and some strawberries they'd found. Once the flames were set, Tyler pulled the map out to once again go over the plan for the day. Malico was in charge of cooking this time, while Tyler looked at the map.

"Okay, we're here. If we move out after breakfast at a decent clip, we should reach Raylik by early evening, with plenty of daylight to go see the leader and find an inn."

He had his blades beside him and his bow as well.

"Good morning kaori."

The trying to be sneaky blonde jumped with a squeak.

"Eep!"

"Cute."

She smiled and hugged him from behind and he kissed her.

"How'd you know I was there?"

HE rubbed her soft arm.

"I'm always aware of where you are."

She smiled as she looked at the map.

"Everything good commander?"

"Well, we DO have one issue that needs to be addressed."

She caught his serious tone,

"What is it?"

He looked at her, and kissed her on the lips. Then he pulled back.

"There, taken care of."

She blinked before she got it. Then she smiled as her heart sang. Where the hell did he learn to be this smooth? Dude once upon a time wouldn't even LOOK at me! Now he's stealing kisses off me and showering me in complements? The HELL?

Tyler rolled the map up as Wulf came out yawning and went about his morning prayer. Kaori went to take a dip in the cool stream to get her blood going, and Malico was on cooking duty. Tyler was looking over what they needed to buy in town. The things they needed most spices, herbs like Basil, bread, sugar, and other ingredients for trail meals. They also needed to empty out their license rings, loot bags and unusable items. Wulf, having finished his prayer, came over to assist.

"How's it looking?"

Tyler was placing the loot pouches back in their saddlebags.

"We're understocked in terms of cooking ingredients. And overstocked on sales goods. I'm wondering if we're carrying too much sales goods for a set of mere travelers."

Wulf rubbed his narrow chin.

"I'd say we're fine for a group that's been out in the wilds for a week. We seem more like a group of adventurers returning from a journey."

Tyler smiled at that.

"Now as long as they'll take our Wyvern and Lisk loot without hassle, we're golden."

That got a chuckle. Tyler then thought to look over his spells and see if he could upgrade them. He took his seat by the fire and flipped through his licenses to Protective Warning. He found he could upgrade it by using skillpoints like his HUD earned for that spell. HE smiled as he added an extra hundred meters, bringing the distance to 250 meters, and on top of the mental image it gave him, would also hinder enemy spells within the protected area. Tyler loved the spell, and decided to leave it at 250 meters of range, and start adding other bonuses as he got them. He then upgraded ChainShot to have 5x the force of a regular shaft, decreased it's mana cost from ten to 5, and made it so all he had to do was say the spell name. WaterBurst's healing strength was increased along with the force of the burst. Holy relief got upgraded to both cost less and heal more. And tranquil waters' range was increased to 250 meters. He had just finished his upgrades when Sera and Lillia came out yawning from the tent. He smiled at the royal pair.

"Morning ladies. Foods nearly ready."

Sera smiled as Lillia took a spot by the fire. Tyler set his Licenses away as Sera came over and sat beside him. She was still smiling at him like he was her brother.

"Uhh, hi."

She laid her head on his shoulder, as Lillia giggled.

"Wow, she LIKES you."

Tyler wrapped his arm around the smaller girl.

"Well, I like you too, Sera."

She giggled as she blushed.

"Teehee! Thank you!"

Tyler rubbed her back as he shrugged, eh, fuck it. She's more little sister though.

Sera was happily humming as he stroked her back when kaori came back from her morning dip to see Tyler with Sera snuggled under his arm like she was his sister and he her older brother. The pretty blonde shook her head as she sat beside Lillia.

"I guess Sera's got a new favorite."

The princess chuckled.

"She does indeed. She's never met a boy like Tyler before, so is loving the adventure."

Malico got their attention then.

"Foods ready!"

The group ate breakfast and readied the horses. Tyler tore the tent down, Kaori saddled their mounts, Wulf stood watch as protective warning and tranquil waters dissipated, and Malico cleaned the site, as the cook cleans the mess. Once teardown was finished, the friends mounted up and set off down the road, leaving only a single scorch mark on the ancient stone to indicate they'd been there. Tyler had little Sera on his horse this time as Lillia shared Mounts with Malico. Sera sitting in front of him as she was half his size. The black haired princess loving the easy canter they were going at as well as feeling tall. Tyler was in the lead again and was playing with the girl by poking her side and tickling her as they went. Kaori found the sight of the large boy playing with the girl who was not even half his size cute.

"Wow, Tyler! You look like such a good big brother to little Sera there!"

HE rubbed the girls hair.

"Well, she's good fun. And a nice change to GET to play big brother to a decent little sister for once."

Sera was smiling as he spoiled her, loving the fact she had a Warrior of Legend playing with her hair. Tyler was also loving playing with her as well, as she had gotten over her fear of the scarred boy to just have fun.

They rode along without issue for a few hours, meeting no one besides them on the dusty road, which struck Tyler as odd. He looked to Lillia.

"Hey, Lillia, is the King's Road NORMALLY this empty?"

The older sister to Sera smiled.

"Usually is until we near a large city. It may be a main highway through our kingdom, but it's empty a lot of the times due to both better routes, and safer alternates, despite it being the fastest route to the capital."

Tyler smiled, and noted a set of shadows off to his right in a patch of tall grass. Tyler rubbed his eyes with his right hand and subtly nodded towards the right. Wulf and the two ladies got his silent heads up. Tyler was still playing with Sera when an Arrow whistled to land point down in the dirt just in front of Thunder's hooves. The horse, however did NOT react with panic, and just stopped as the large Thoroughbred tossed his head with an nicker. The other horses stopped too, as a group of fifteen men in blackened chainmail vests came out to block the road ahead. Sera and Lillia were scared, but a pat and a glance from Tyler was enough to calm them. Tyler smiled as a tall man with a bow and arrow trained on him spoke.

"Alright, hand over your women and valuables."

"I was just startin to get bored too!"

Tyler flipped the dagger no one had seen him draw into the man's throat, before leaping off the tall horse as he drew oblivion, the short sword perfect for speedy draws. Sera went wide eyed as she saw a Warrior work his craft. Tyler was on the ground and had cut four to pieces before they even knew what had happened. Tyler then planted his feet and swung his blade in a sweeping arc, severing limbs, and killing an additional three. Kaori and Wulf were also active, as the blonde was dancing among a second group of ten that had attacked from the right as Wulf used kaori's bow to take out their archers with the accuracy only an Elven Ranger can. Malico was miffed she didn't get to play, but played the good defender as Tyler, kaori, and Wulf made short work of the bandits. Then there was only one left. Kaori went and climbed atop Thunder to cover her eyes.

"Cover your ears too, little one, Tyler needs to do some dark work now."

Sera understood and complied. Lillia was concerned.

"What's he going to do Malico?"

The catgirl smiled.

"We need to kill their camp. So. Find out where it is."

The last man hand been disarmed by Tyler's skillful blade work, and was cowering on the ground.

"Mercy, great one! Please! I'll give you anything!"

Tyler squatted across from the terrified man.

"Your camp. Where is it?"

The man looked away as he answered.

"A half hour ride that way Sirraaahahh!"

Tyler pulled his Sgian Dao and stabbed him in the knee. As before he glared at him with the full force of his new glare.

"Right here, buddy. Map."

The whites of the man's eyes were visible as he pulled a regular map from his cloak.

"here!"

"Number of men?"

Tyler was twisting the blade slowly.

"Twenty!"

"Leader have a bounty?"

"Forty gold dead! Names Waleis! Wields a boardsword!"

"Mages?"

"two!"

"Paths?"

"Red and black!"

Tyler looked at Wulf.

"We need to kill that black mage."

"Uh-huh."

Tyler withdrew his knife and knocked the man out cold.

"Alright ladies and elf. You know the drill."

Sera's eyes and ears were uncovered as Tyler, Kaori, Wulf, and Malico began searching the dead bandits with the quiet efficiency born of practice. Sera tilted her head.

"What are you looking for?"

Tyler smiled as he pulled a small pouch of coins from a dead bandit.

"We're looking for anything useful Sera: Coin, licenses, potions, basically anything we can use."

Sera thought this new information over as Lillia sighed.

"Don't you think it similar to grave robbing?"

"Not really. We're more honoring another phrase from my world."

Sera looked at him.

"What phrase is that?"

Tyler stood up holding a blue-bladed dagger he'd found.

"you keep what you kill. In other words, anything that kill had on them when they made us kill them."

Sera nodded as if she understood.

"I don't really get it, but they don't need their stuff anymore if they're dead."

Tyler and his friends burst out laughing at her wisdom.

"Atta girl Sera! See, you guys, she gets it!"

Sera giggled as he praised her. The looting was finished and the haul this time was 45 silver, 89 copper, a blue dagger, a few mana potions, and some licenses. The friends mounted up as Tyler looked over the dagger.

"That's a Water Dagger."

Tyler looked at Wulf, the one that spoke.

"What's it do?"

The elf chuckled.

"It boosts blue path magics when wielded by a blue pather."

Tyler got it then.

"Neat. I'll keep this one."

He placed it in a sheath of skin before adding the map to the bandit camp to his own map. He looked at the spot and smiled.

"Hey, Wulf, look here."

The ranger did, and smiled.

"They built there camp in a rock formation that surrounds it on three sides. Not bad, but also not good."

Tyler looked at the topography.

"You know that spot?"

The elf nodded.

"It's that other spot I told you about last night."

"Good thing we stayed at that one then. Is there another way in or out?"

"A small passage in the back. If you don't know to look for it, you'd never find it."

Tyler put his map away.

"Let's go say hi."

Lillia jumped.

"We're attacking it ourselves?"

Tyler had Thunder headed in the direction Wulf indicated.

"We have to, Lillia. They have a black mage. That guy gets his hands on the wrong License we have a friggin nightmare scenario here."

Lillia slumped.

"I understand. Where will we be?"

"Malico will stand guard. Sorry, kittycat, but I need Wulf to show us the path, and Kaori to help kill."

The busty cat smiled.

"I understand. And don't blame you."

"I'll reward you later. How? Well,"

He leered at her bouncing chest.

"I'm sure I can think of SOMETHING."

The cat purred as they rode along.

Wulf had the group hitch their horses near a stream as Tyler placed his Magicite sword, Oblivion, his crystalline bow on his back with his daggers on his hips. Kaori had her Katana and wakizashi, as Wulf his leaf sword and kaori's lended bow since his was one draw from snapping. The trio set off along the streambank with Wulf leading with Tyler a step behind and Kaori right beside him. Malico sighed as she had to play babysitter.

"Well, at least they'll have fun."

The trio approached the large rock face, and they could hear the sounds of a active bandit camp within the stone, if the yelling, screaming and clash of steel was anything to tell by. Wulf smiled as he pointed out a crack in a tower of stone that looked like a massive tooth thirty feet tall and maybe fifty wide. Tyler followed their elf friend as they squeezed into the crack and found it to be like a narrow hall that Tyler, due to his size, was having a hard time dealing with. Kaori could plainly see him having to suck in his stomach to fit, and wanted to crack a fat joke. But I will NOT be the blonde stereotype that gets her party caught by a bad joke at the wrong time dammit! Wulf held up a finger, and pointed to a similar crack in the rock. The trio waited for him to give the all clear before squeezing through. Once outside, Tyler carefully drew his broadsword, and it flared with a duller mix of his paths the attack was not ready yet. Kaori had her Katana out and Wulf his blade. The trio were behind the largest tent, and were creeping along a ground of patted dirt that rendered their steps silent as they looked for a spot to open the tent. Then a man in a black robe came behind the tent and lowered his drawers to take a whizz. Tyler placed his sword with kaori, and pulled his dagger. As silent as a shadow, Tyler snuck behind the man. Only to lock an arm around his throat before plunging the dagger twice into his heart before once into his kidney and laying the now dead man on the ground. Wulf, even with his superior elven hearing, had not heard a single sound during the assassination. That boy. If he can move so silently that not even an elf can hear him, and kill with the same silence, then that would explain why the pope could not capture him in his own tower. You can't catch a wraith. Tyler sheathed his blade, and pulled his bow with a shaft on the string. He'd spotted a lookout on a tall tower near what looked like a signal flame or alarm. The silent boy drew his arrow back, and fired. The arrow taking the man in the back of the head and dropping him without a sound. Then he readied his next shot as he then spotted a man alone by the rock face whizzing as well, with a long staff beside him. Tyler added an extra shaft and buried both in the mans head. Wulf had yet to hear a single sound beyond a simple twang of string as Tyler assassinated three men in a camp of twenty without a single man the wiser. Tyler smiled as he then saw a final loner near a further rock face. HE killed him as well before they moved along, seeking the best place to set off the most chaos. Tyler had his dagger out as his other blade was sheathed. Tyler assassinated four more on the perimeter, bringing the total men in camp to 12. He had yet to find the leader or the black mage. And as he killed his ninth silently, a cry was heard.

"Alarm! We got an assassin in the camp!"

Tyler put up his bow and pulled his sword as the camp came to life to realize that nine were dead already. The element of surprise still working in their favor, the hunting trio waited until a small group of four men came close before launching the open attack. Tyler split one clean in half as Kaori made a mist of his buddy and Wulf killed his other friend. Tyler pivoted on his leg to bring the large battle blade across his chest and severing his torso completely. That left 8 alive of the initial twenty. The men had their weapons out as a tall man with a massive greatsword slung easily over his shoulder face the still outnumbered group.

"Och, well ya no look what the wind blew in. A slip of an elf, a mere boy, and a rather pretty toy."

Tyler and his friends were not interested, and charged. Tyler smiled as he and the leader clashed.

"I take it you're Waleis?"

Tyler had blocked the man's 8 foot greatsword swing with his 5 foot broadsword. The man gaped.

"By the Gods! A Demon!"

Tyler flipped the man's blade around and severed his head.

"Yep."

By the time he'd gotten done, his companions had finished their fight as well. They were shaking their heads.

"Demon? Ha!"

"Agreed."

They searched the dead and camp. Laughing as they learned the black mage was the first man Tyler had killed.

"Somehow it fits."

"Right? A coward killed with his pants down."

Kaori handled the man's licenses as Tyler couldn't touch them. She flipped through them with Wulf right beside her, as he was an expert on banned spells. Kaori was nearly finished with the small packet.

"Wow, maybe we got-'

"Wait. Go back one."

She flipped, and Wulf sighed. Tyler came over and stood beside him.

"Got another one?"

He nodded.

"Willing Misery. It costs ten mana, and the target willingly supplants themselves for play by the caster, while both fully conscious of what they're doing and knowing it's wrong, yet all too eager to actually to the deed."

Tyler sighed.

"I think we need to ask Lillia about that one."

Wulf looked at him.

"You don't think the pope used a forbidden spell to take her, do you? THAT church instituted the bans!"

Tyler smiled a dark smile.

"And who was responsible for destroying these?"

Wulf looked at him, then his eyes went so wide Tyler was tempted to put a spoon under them.

"The church was. By the gods. They weren't destroyed at all, they were-"

"Stockpiled. The pope has an arsenal of banned spells that was handed to him on a silver platter."

Wulf just sighed as his shoulders slumped.

"We're all in grave danger."

Tyler shrugged.

"Not right now. Come on, we got work to do."

Wulf nodded and the camp was stripped bare of all valuables. This haul netting them ten gold coins, 45 silver, no copper surprisingly, the head of the leader, his monster sword, serval potions, and an extra coin pouch that held 5000 gold, silver and copper coins filled with another two thousand copper. The trio then left the dead and returned to their horses and friends. They found the girls waiting patiently by the horses. Sera patting Thunder, Lillia resting on the grass by the stream as Malico threw daggers at a tree trunk. The girls were relieved by the party's return. Malico caught Tyler's look, and came over.

"He had one?"

kaori slipped it to her out of sight of Sera or Lillia.

"Hide that quick. It's a mean one."

Malico slid the dangerous item in her well-hidden pouch, and watched as Tyler hung the massive sword on Thunder's other side before adding the head to the bag.

"Was it hard?"

Tyler smiled as he lifted Sera back up onto Thunder.

"More light workout."

They mounted up and set off down the trail, with Lillia riding with kaori for an interrogation. They returned to the road and headed off at a light gallop to make up for the lost time. Sera loving the feel of the wind in her hair as they went. The happy girl loving life as they headed along with her hands in the air feeling the wing rush by.

"Better than that wagon?"

She giggled.

"Uh-huh! This is fun!"

They hugged her as Kaori pulled alongside. Tyler sighed.

"I right?"

The pretty blonde nodded as Lillia rested her head on her back.

"Yup. Bastard used it on her for her first. After."

"Blackmail. Yeah, I got it."

He patted Lillia's back.

"We ARE going to kill him at some point. So you know at least."

She turned her head to look at hm.

"I thought you said you wouldn't help us?"

"Well, Lillia, when it comes to that bastard, his head is MINE to take."

Lillia smiled.

"Can I watch?"

"If you're there. Seriously, middle of the road, town square, middle of the king's throne room, I see that bastard again I'm killing him. No two ways about it."

Lillia smiled happily.

"I'll look forward to it."

That got a smirked as Sera bawled.

"Look! Raylik Tower!"

Tyler looked forward to see a massive structure rearing above the fantasy landscape of rolling plains and rippling grassland. The Tower was a dull brown thing with a strange twisting pattern not unlike a twizzler from his world. He could also make out a massive window that looked down the road that Tyler grinned at.

"hey, kaori, ten gold says that fox chick hangs out a lot in that window."

kaori snorted.

"Like I said. I don't do rigged bets!"

They chuckled as the walls came into view. These being smaller then Term's and Dragul's, and a rather rustic looking brown. Tyler threw a wrapping over his bow in case of elf. He then activated his warrior's Insignia as they approached the outer wall. He looked to Wulf.

"We made great time. Wasn't expecting to get here till three hours past noon."

The elven ranger chuckled as the joined the line of others looking to enter.

"Strange is it not? That map made it look longer than it actually is. It happens to travelers all the time, as they'll gauge how long the trip will take, only to beat their schedule by a respectable margin."

Tyler tilted his head.

"Wonder if it's an old enchantment to aid a long journey?"

Wulf smiled.

"That's a rather popular theory, other's think it's due to Raylik being the only city on the king's road for a hundred miles that the trip seems longer due to your eagerness to get there."

Tyler chuckled.

"I can see that. Like how a return trip home seems to take less time than the trip out, even if you go the same speed both ways and take the exact same route."

The group moved along.

"The world is a strange place."

"That it is Wulf, that it is."

Tyler and his band waited patiently in the long lines of people waiting to enter the city. Tyler passing the time by teasing Sera by poking her and pretending not to. Kaori was getting looks of admiration from both man and woman as she sat stop her elegant horse cleaning her wakizashi. Whereas Malico was getting open leers and looks at her massive bust. Wulf was also getting looks, mainly from human women at the handsome elven ranger in their mix. Sera squealed as Tyler poked her yet again and a passing guard happened to look at her face. Annnd gasp hard.

"Milady Sera Von Vernillion!"

She groaned.

"Spotted."

Tyler laughed as the guards went into immediate panic mode at the sight of the princess.

"At least we can get in faster."

She sighed, but a hug from him made her feel better. Then a man in brown steel armor came over with a set of similar armed local soldiers. The man looked at the man holding her.

"Sirrah. I am Wallgate Captain Yatano Walik. I must ask you to relinquish the princess to our care at once."

"Stand down Captain."

He looked over, and saw Lillia looking at him from her spot on Kaori's horse. His face went extra pale.

"Milady Lillia! At once Your grace!"

Tyler gave a crest fallen Lillia a comforting pat.

"hey, cheer up, Lillia, at least we got Wulf. Not sure what he can do, but we got him."

That made her smile as Wulf flipped him off.

"Prick! Why is it always ME?"

Kaori laughed.

"jackass did the same thing to my brother. Other then me, Kazuma was his closest friend."

They got seperated from the group and waved through the center of the road normally reserved for military caravans. Tyler was still teasing Sera as they passed through wallgate security. Then a series of gasps were heard again as Tyler's face was lit up by the sun on the other side. A guard was heard muttering,

"What the hell are the princesses doing with the Murderers?"

Tyler looked right at the man that had spoken, and grinned a shit eating grin as they passed. Tyler then turned his attention to the town they'd entered. Unlike the sprawling mess of the capital, Raylik was a neat city with gracefully flowing buildings of homely brown, red, and a odd placed blue here and there. In regards to architecture, the buildings seemed more classic fantasy cottage then the gloom inspiring stone structures of the Capital. On the sides of the passing group were throngs of people giving them a wide berth, as Tyler's Warrior insignia alone scared them, and the presence of the princess playing with him atop a massive black horse like she was his younger sister more than enough to inspire them to just get the fuck out of their way. Tyler then noticed a series of damaged buildings near a side street.

"Hey, Lillia, that the street those idiots ruined?"

The princess looked and sighed.

"Yeah. A shame since that was a favorite of mine."

"I'll give Seline the means to fix it."

The street in question had scorched buildings, shattered windows in every building, holes in walls, and the clear aftermath of a drunken rampage with magic and super strength. Tyler shook his head as they passed.

"I'll bet ten gold Seline asks me to help heal her people as a sign of good faith."

Kaori gave a disgusted sigh.

"Again. Rigged."

Tyler smiled as he noticed the road they'd been walking on was cobblestone, and found he loved the sound of horse hooves clip clopping on cobblestone. They passed a small wooden bridge over a small river when a courier came running towards them.

"Hail Warrior! Hail!"

Tyler stopped to look at the scraggily boy panting as he fought for breath. The boy was younger than Tyler, was thinner, had dirt on his face, but Tyler didn't see any scars or other signs of abuse.

"Hiya, what's up?"

The boy took a breath before delivering his message.

"The Lady Seline is awaiting your presence in the Sky Spear. She wishes to meet he Warriors Tyler and Kaori and their party."

Tyler nodded,

"Thanks kid. Here."

Tyler dropped a handful of silver coins in the boys hand. His eyes lit up as Tyler patted his head, feeling a set of ears.

"Not all the Warriors are idiots."

Tyler left the mind blown boy staring at the twenty gleaming coins in his hands. Wulf shook his head.

"Kind and well-played ploy."

Tyler chuckled as Sera pointed him in the right direction.

"Wanna learn about the top? Look at the bottom. Boy needed to eat more, but that's no biggee. I couldn't find any scars or other marks on him, so I got twice the info."

Wulf was confused until kaori filled him in.

"You can tell a lot about a city's character based on how it treats the ones under it. That boy was just slender, Tyler, not skinny. I think he's just a thin one to begin with."

"I can see that. Kid's frame didn't exactly scream powerhouse."

Wulf chuckled again.

"I understand now. A most wise rule indeed."

Sera was happily humming as they neared the Sky Spear. They were then hailed by a ferrier near a set of stables.

"Sirrah!"

They looked as the tall, lanky man came forward.

"Sirrah, your stables are ready. Please, allow us to care for your mounts."

Tyler smiled.

"No offense, but we'd all feel better settling them in ourselves. I'm sure you understand."

The Ferrier did, and nodded with an approving gleam in his eye.

"I do indeed Sirrah. Right his way."

The friends dismounted, and Tyler bumped the sword on Thunder's side, and it jogged his memory.

"Hey, buddy, I got a question for ya."

The Ferrier looked at him.

"What can I do for you?"

Tyler patted a bag on his horse.

"We got a pair of bounties to collect. Where do we do that?"

The man chuckled.

"Just take the proof of kills inside the Spear. Look for a large window behind a steel cage. Once proof of kill is confirmed, you'll receive payment."

Tyler tossed him a few silver.

"Thanks bro."

The man had been a ferrier for years, and had learned who to trust, who to collect payment upfront from, and who to just straight up be scared of. This boy was both to be feared above even the Pope, and trusted with his life. Especially when he asked the question.

"Pray tell, which bounties are you looking to claim?"

Tyler smiled as he lifted the massive sword and axe off Thunder's sides.

"Guy by the name of Waleis and another named Valic."

The man went pale.

"The giant and the butcher?"

"Of course they're called that."

Tyler and his friends un saddled their mounts as Sera and Lillia watched. Tyler then hefted the large weapons and the sack of heads as they strode inside the tower. Sera holding his hand as she skipped along and Lillia right beside Kaori. The Ferrier looked at the Insignia over the now occupied stalls.

"I'm thinkin we need to take the very best care of these mounts, or not even the gods can save us."

Tyler led the party through the large double doors of the Spear. People going out of their way to get out of the path of the boy with the massive weapons over his shoulder and the clearly damp bag. Once inside, Wulf pointed out the indicated window.

"Over there."

Tyler led his party over and the bored lady inside the cage perked up as Tyler approached.

"Greetings Sirrah. Welcome to the Raylik collection's office. Please, state your name, and the bounties you've come to collect."

Her voice was chipper and happy, as if Tyler's appearance had made her day more exciting. Tyler smiled at her kindly.

"My name is Tyler miss. I'm claiming the bounties of Valic and Waleis."

She went pale.

"Tyler the Warrior?"

"Yes miss."

She gulped, clearly frightened by the fact the one that had been branded a murderer by the Pope was at her window, but she fulfilled her duty.

"I see, sirrah. Do you have proof?"

Tyler lifted the bag up and she had him place the heads on a tray for Id.

"If you still need more proof, I have their weapons here."

She seemed taken aback by his thoroughness.

"Umm, please. Place them in the racks beside you."

Tyler slotted the weapons and rubbed his shoulder.

"That damned axe haft was digging into my shoulder."

The lady looked to her superior.

"Okay, proof is confirmed and accepted. Your total is eighty gold."

She slid the sum out and he added it to his pouch.

"Thank you kindly miss. Is the bounty board nearby?"

"Hey jackass, look to your left."

He looked and sure enough, there it was.

"Well, that axe head was blocking my eyes, but thanks Kaori."

Tyler smiled in farewell before going to inspect the board. Sera bobbing right beside him with Lillia holding her hand. Tyler tilted his head as he saw a bounty on the King's Road.

"Hey, Wulf."

The elf looked at the poster.

"That's further up the road from here."

"Hmm, Wulf, question."

The elf could clearly see gears turning.

"Sure."

"Are we in a rush to get to your queen?"

Wulf tilted his head.

"I'd say we are, as those we found threaten my homeland's safety."

Tyler sighed.

"That's fair. We can play bounty hunter after."

Tyler then looked to Lillia,

"Where do we go from here?"

Lillia looked around.

"If we head to that desk there, we can have them tell Seline we're here."

Tyler had Sera's hand again as they approached the desk. The interior of the spear reminding Tyler of a large reception hall for a corporation. The lady looked up from her papers to see the heavily armed party approach her.

"What can I do for you today?"

Lillia smiled.

"Roxette! Great to see you!"

The lady went pale at the sight of the princess.

"Lillia!"

"Hey! I'm here too!"

Sera had Tyler lift her up in view of the lady. This new surprise sending her into straight mind blown.

"Sera? Lillia? Why are you here? We got no news saying you were visiting!"

Tyler sighed deeply.

"Well that settles it. Is Seline free? We have an issue."

The lady pulled a crystal and spoke into it.

"Milady Seline, Princesses Lillia and Sera are here in the lobby...YES I'm sure."

"Give me that."

Tyler took the crystal and placed it by Sera's head.

"Seliy!"

Tyler and kaori both snorted at the pet name. The girl then passed it back to the lady, and she got an order. She pointed the party to the back corner.

"There's a lift waiting for you."

Tyler smiled.

"Sorry about that, but easiest way to handle it."

She just smiled.

"Nice to see a young man ready to step up to take charge."

Tyler said goodbye and they left the lady extremely flustered by the sudden appearance of the royal girls. Tyler had the party form a wall around the girls as they rode the lift. Tyler with his still concealed Mythril vest being a nasty surprise for any ambush. The reached their floor, and the door in front of Tyler opened to a large room behind the glass window.

"Called it."

"Prick!"

Tyler stepped off first with a hand on Oblivion's hilt as he looked for ambush. The room was a large open area with a pair of white cloth couches with a black table between them with a set of free standing stair leading to an upper floor. The floor was a white carpet and the walls paneled wood. Tyler saw no one in room and felt no eyes.

"Clear!"

The party stepped off the lift, and it shot downward to the ground floor. Tyler sighed.

"Kaori. Remember that one movie trope about getting trapped in a tall tower?"

She was right there with him.

"I was worried about the same thing."

Sera and Lillia were still in the center of the party as a door was heard opening above them, and the sounds of footsteps hurrying towards the stairs. The friends pulled their weapons and stood ready as a tall woman in a flowing red gown, and red shoes came down the stairs. Tyler looked at her, gauging if she was a threat. The lady then stood before them, and Wulf was heard speaking.

"Lady Seline. Mayor of Raylik."

Seline was an imposing lady. She was tall, with a mane of flowing red hair that looked like she was on fire. Her eyes were the color of ice that seemed to pierce your heart, her skin was fair and smooth, with long legs and a large bust. Swishing behind the lady was a pair of blood red fox tails that gleamed like the stuff, and atop her head were a pair of twitching fox ears. Tyler smirked without letting up his ready stance.

"Gotta say, Wulf, not bad. Kaori's got her beat, but close third."

That cut the tension like a knife as the lady burst out laughing, as kaori glowed, and Wulf groaned.

"Prick."

Malico sniggered.

"If she's third, who's in second?"

"Sera is o course!"

"Yay!"

Her happy cheer making them all smile as she got a hug from Tyler. The sight of the princess made the fox lady gasp.

"I was expecting a look-alike. Not the royal girls themselves!"

Lillia sighed.

"You had no clue we were coming?"

The lady gestured to the couch.

"Lets get you ladies freshened up. I have the baths ready upstairs."

Lillia looked to Tyler.

"Clear it first."

"On it."

Tyler headed upstairs to clear everything and make sure it wasn't a trap. Seline looked at the girls dusty and torn clothing and a single tear appeared in her eye. Tyler came back then.

"Clear. Malico, keep an eye on em."

"bath time!"

Kaori groaned.

"Kaori, we'll hit a bath house later. Properly."

"I feel better."

The lady fox smiled as they all sat on the couch. She then looked at Tyler, the clear leader of the party.

"Sir, I know you're a Warrior."

"my name is Tyler."

Her eyes went wide.

"Tyler? And kaori?"

Tyler had Oblivion resting by his hand. Now he laid it on his knees.

"Yup."

There was a happy squeal from Sera upstairs. Seline looked at him.

"I need an explanation, Please. What happened? Why are they here? And why are they with you?"

Tyler sat back, and looked at her.

"How can we trust you?"

Seline glared at him.

"You have no choice. You are in MY city."

Tyler smiled, and glared at her with his Demon's Eye.

"That right? You sure you wanna play that card?"

His voice was ice old and his gaze burning with his force. Poor Seline went bone white as the full force of his will slammed into her. She gulped was she started shaking so very badly.

"I realize I misspoke. Please, allow me to try again."

"By all means."

The fox lady had never in all her years encountered a boy, of fifteen years no less that had such a terrifyingly overpowering willpower. She knew if she played the leader card he'd just up and leave, and take the girls with him. Seline then waved her hand, and a series of shutters appeared over the window and the doors were also covered. Tyler smiled.

"Privacy. Not bad. Let me ask you a single question."

Seline then saw the true test.

"What is it?"

"Who TRULY wields the power in this kingdom?"

Seline gulped as he looked at him in the eye. He knows. More than even I perhaps. She sighed.

"The pope does. The king is a puppet."

"Next question."

She jumped.

"What is it?"

"Who do you serve? The pope or the king?"

Seline glared at him.

"I serve my people. First and foremost."

Tyler chuckled.

"Good answer. Congratulations, Seline, you just saved your own live."

HE relaxed slightly, and she realized if she had gotten even ONE answer wrong he'd had cut her down without hesitating. Tyler then sighed.

"We encountered Lilli and Sera on the King's road as their transport was being attacked by a band of bandits."

Seline was shocked.

"But, why wasn't I informed?"

Tyler leaned forward then.

"Seline, listen to me. Do you have a means to contact the king directly?"

She looked at the seriousness in his eyes, and sensed a grave secret.

"I have an emergencies only contact for him."

"Use it, Seline. Is it a face to face thing?"

"It is."

"Then do it."

The force of his tone was enough to convince her to use the spell. A large mist appeared with a silvery sheen that shimmered like water, before a face appeared in the shimmering depths.

"Seline? Why have you used our emergency spell?"

She was about to speak when Tyler held an arm up.

"Sera, Lillia, you good?"

"Yep!"

"We needed this!"

"Lillia, c'mere a sec."

"Dammit."

The girl came down in a towel.

"Of course you'd make ME come down. Infuriating prick."

She saw the mist and was shocked.

"Father!"

Tyler stood then.

"IS that truly him?"

The face was shocked by the sight of his daughter in Seline's office. But nowhere near as shocked by his first good look at the boy's face, the face he'd had memorized ever since the day his friend had been slain. Lillia came to stand beside Tyler, with evident trust, to question the image.

"What was Mother's last joke before she went on her trip?"

The King looked at her, then to the now openly glaring at him boy, and he then saw he was being tested to see if he was true.

"I'll Sera later Lliy!"

Tyler groaned.

"Okay, that hurt."

kaori was rubbing her head.

"And I thought YOUR puns were bad."

Lillia nodded.

"Only Mother could make a pun that bad. What was the first thing you told me before I went to sleep the time I broke my leg?"

"I said you're lovely legs will be far stronger than ever."

"Correct. Weird my father likes my legs, but whatever. Now, what was the last thing you said to us before we got in the wagon before we left the Capital."

He looked at her.

"have a safe trip to Yalik."

"Correct."

She looked to Tyler.

"That's him."

Tyler patted her back.

"Go get yer soak on. I'll handle the rest of this."

She hugged him and headed back up the stairs. Tyler smirked.

"Hey, fun fact, Malico's ears make her squeak."

That got a smile as she headed up the stairs. Tyler then looked to the King.

"Is this thing secure?"

The king sighed.

"It's inside my mind. So yes."

"Are YOU secure?"

HE looked at him.

"I'm inside my chambers as we speak. They're the only place the pope can't hear me."

"Don't really care if he can. Bastard will die by my hand next we meet."

The king sighed again.

"Okay, my boy. I need answers. Why are my girls in Raylik? Why did you kill Gruven?"

"Let's start with Gruven. The pope wanted my friend Kaori. I said NO. He ordered Gruven to take from em by force, and I stood my ground. He then threw the fight to aid my levels, give me his sword, and allow us to escape."

The king looked at him.

"That does sound like something Gruven would do. And the pope as well. I understand what happened now. Now, my girls."

"The pope raped Lillia."

The king and Seline both looked at him in absolute horror. The king recovered first, his voice full of pain.

"Are you sure?"

"I know that look, Ishtar. I even know how he did it."

"How?"

Tyler raised his voice.

"Malico. I need them."

"The shiny?"

"Others."

"On it!"

There was a splash as Malico came down with a small ring. Tyler then had Kaori hold them up in view. Another gasp.

"Two river of torment licenses? Mind Subjugation? Willing Misery? Boy where'd you get those?"

Tyler sighed.

"I got the rivers and Mind off YOUR knights, Ishtar. That Misery off a black mage we killed in a bandit camp. And here a further tidbit, I found your girls caravan under attack from a group of bandits. After we killed them, her escort was reduced to five men. They literally just stood there gawking as I threw the girls off the wagon they were in."

"YOU WHAT?"

"Shut up. We'll get there."

Ishtar was flabbergasted by this boy's demeanor. While his friends just laughed at him.

"Get a load o the balls on this guy. Telling a king to shut up to his face!"

"Way to prove a point Tyler!"

"Her Elegance is going to love you."

Tyler smirked. Then looked at the king.

"The knights were under two sets of orders. One from you to get them to Raylik, the other to ensure the girls died in the ambush. When I threw them off the wagon, which was to prove a point, the knights just watched. Then When Lillia ordered them to help them, they told her they needed someone to tell them HOW. How to help them. So, I walked up, and told a knight to pick Sera up off the dirt. He obeyed. I then told him to push her. He did. Without hesitating. That's what clued me in."

The king sighed deeply.

"My standing army are nothing but puppets."

"And the pope used willing Misery on Lillia for her first rape. After, he had blackmail to force her to do it repeatedly."

The king rubbed his head.

"Are you sure about the rape?"

"I can have my girl check."

The King looked at him.

"Do it."

"Malico! I need a favor!"

"I heard!"

"Atta cat! Verdict?"

"Right on all counts!"

"I guess she got a CAT scan!"

Kaori wacked him, as the room just groaned. The king looked at him.

"Not as bad as it coulda been, but thank you miss."

"Happens a lot."

Tyler then got serious again.

"The pope is prepping an overthrow of your kingdom Ishtar. After, he'll start a march."

Ishtar looked at him.

"My boy, I see how you've arrived at that thought. And I agree. But I cannot act anymore."

"Pff, which is why I will NOT."

Seline looked at him in shock as he continued.

"I will not aid a man that refuses to help himself."

The king chuckled.

"You should wear this thing. It'd suit you much better."

"Nah, a crown of gold only works for Kaori."

She smiled as the king chuckled again.

"Smooth. The reason I cannot act anymore is the pope has my city in a stranglehold. The fact he was able to set up a hit on my prized daughters is proof enough."

"Sooo, you not even going to TRY?"

HE looked at him.

"What tools could I possibly use?"

"I escaped that damned tower after killing a knight captain, with kaori in my hand, and the tower on full lockdown with a six inch knife, no armour, a single sword, and my own wits. Your tellin me, that you've ruled this kingdom as long as you have, and you don't have ANY tricks up your sleeve? Or friends to call on for aid? Or even the slightest things to inconvenience the pope?"

Tyler spoke with the tone of voice a teacher uses when instructing a child when they get a wrong answer. The king sighed again.

"I can't ask them. They all are outside the country, and if I reveal our plight, it could lead to war."

"Soooo, you don't HAVE friends period?"

The king became angry then.

"We ARE friends boy. But I cannot drag them down into this mess I made."

"Again. No friends. Any TRUE friend comes running if their friend needs them. Like me for example. Wulf may not be an official member of my mess, but I like to think we're friends, so, if he needs help I do whatever I can. If I need help, I know they'd come for me. Every time and anytime."

Ishtar just looked at this boy.

"I see how you've managed to survive without the crown's support."

"I never really needed it to begin with."

That got a chuckle.

"I see you have a spine that's not made of jelly."

"Nope, it's made of ice, steel, and fire."

The ruler smiled.

"As it should be."

"What will you do about the Pope's agenda?"

The king looked at him.

"If you were in my place, what would you do?"

"To be fair, the pope woulda died long before but whatever. As for you? Accept you're going to die by the pope's hand. That damage is far too great to undo it before his coup. That said, start doing things that make his life harder, give US a list of officials in the world, we'll make them disappear. Give us a pardon on Gruven, that'll piss em off. If the pope seeks to have an official elected, elect your own to the same spot. If it is a church spot, make the idiot an incompetent one. All the while get word you your friends you can trust with the lives of your daughters and warn them about the pope's plans. If possible, start a small underground resistance against the church, or aid one that already exists. In that town, there has to be more an a few. Next, set up a temporary heir to the throne the Pope CANNOT make a puppet out of. My advice? Use the Warrior Kazuma."

Kaori looked at him in shock. Then she smiled as she saw his ploy. The King saw it as well.

"Adopt Kazuma into the family as my new heir? A very interesting strategy."

"Guy KNOWS we're innocent, what the pope is about now, and from what Lillia has told me, has a good rep. Plus it's not the first time a Warrior was made king."

Ishtar chuckled.

"My own great grandfather, Vernillionia the dragonking was a Warrior before he disappeared."

Tyler's eyes flashed with idea. Both the king and Kaori saw it, but the king misunderstood it.

"I see that light, and don't bother. Many have gone out searching for his last rest, and none ever returned."

Tyler and Kaori just looked at each other. Then back to the king, having decided NOT to tell him, that they in fact had found the resting place. Tyler smiled.

"Sounds like a fun time. Later though. Now, another thing you can do is give us the free rein to take what we need from the wilds and sell them without hassle."

That got a chuckle.

"I heard from Duke. That man is an idiot."

"PLEASE don't say his name! It makes my head hurt."

Ishtar chuckled as he reached over to a spot and pulled a document. He wrote something down and used his seal to make it official. He then passed it to Tyler, and the man was surprised by the fact he could actually take it. HE looked at it as he read the thing.

"Wow, neat trick."

Kaori looked over his shoulder.

"This permit allows the wholesale harvesting of all dragonkin, plant life, materials, and other such sundries along with their sales by the order of the king. Expiration is life. And says here that we get to also access the networks of info for such beasts."

Tyler had Kaori handle it as he looked at the King.

"Alright. Just that little bit is enough to at least rile the pope up. Now, about that list of targets?"

"You're going to assassinate them?"

Tyler smiled darkly.

"My plan is to dismantle the church out from under the Pope. And hold the spike he gets impaled upon when his golden tower comes crashing down from under him."

The king shuddered at the look in the young man's face.

"I have agents that I can trust in every town. Where is your next destination?"

"We were actually headed to see Tatiana on an elven matter with Wulf. Nothing as serious as this, more, hey, Wulf, this a secret?"

Tyler looked at the elven ranger, who shook his head.

"Not like the licenses. It's a purely elven thing, so you can speak of it."

"Figured I ask."

Tyler then uncovered his bow and held it in view.

"I guess my bow's kinda a big deal for elves. So we're going to show it to the queen and warn her of the spells."

Seline jumped as the crystalline bow was seen.

"Lady Eilisef's crystal bow has been found! And can be wielded by a mere human no less!"

Tyler looked at the now awestruck foxlady.

"I guess this thing's that big a deal."

He shrugged as the king got over his own shock.

"Where'd you find that thing?"

"The treasure trove of that lisk. We got a few decent things off that one."

The king laughed.

"Well, m'boy, you won't need the crown's support if you have the treasure trove of a dragonkin to play with. Any other notable finds?"

"Well this."

Tyler reached over his shoulder and grasped his Magicite sword and unsheathed it. The blade was then bathed in his twin paths of blue and white, making Seline jump while the king gaped at the beautiful roiling weapon. Seline then looked at Wulf.

"He's of Blue and White and wields Crystal Death?"

"THAT's what her bow was called? Lame."

The king chuckled then.

"That sword is a truly beautiful weapon. Have you named it yet? I am aware you named the sword you had Burlock forge you Oblivion."

Tyler sheathed the large weapon.

"I was thinking Fenrir."

The king stopped laughing and just looked at him as Seline and Wulf stared.

"Boy, where did you learn that name?"

Tyler tilted his head, confused.

"In our world, there was a culture of people called the Nords. In their culture, Fenrir is a wolf god, son of then Norse god of Mischief Loki. Fenrir is fabled to be the one destined to kill Odin, the king of their pantheon. In order to do so, Fenrir had to slip unbreakable chains of silver and gold. So, he escapes his prison, gets his revenge, and is a wolf deity on top of that. Plus that name, Fenrir, is awesome to say."

The king sighed.

"Thank the gods, I can find no deceit in your eyes. Fenrir is the name of that black mage that led to the initial banning of the spells. His is a fallen name."

Tyler sighed.

"Well damn. I really liked that name too!"

Tyler then pulled the blade out and looked at it.

"Oblivion is taken. Hmm,"

Tyler turned the blade this way and that as he thought it over.

"Oh! I know! Gliepnir!"

Kaori looked at him.

"Nice. I remember that one."

The king smiled widely.

"Gliepnir. That's the name of the horse the Reaper rides when it is our time. A fine name."

Tyler sheathed the large sword on his back as the sounds of footsteps were heard and a happy squeal.

"Daddy!"

Tyler looked and saw Sera come running in a light gown of green with a pair of light shoes on her feet to both hug Tyler and see her father. Lillia was also clothed in green, whereas Malico was in her usual getup. The king smiled at his girls.

"Sera, Lillia. I am so sorry I couldn't protect you."

Lillia sighed.

"And we're sorry we couldn't tell you."

Sera was still hugging Tyler as the king looked at her.

"Are you okay, Sera?"

She giggled.

"Uh-huh! Tyler's scary but nice! He taught us to fish!"

The king looked at him in shock. Tyler shrugged.

"In my camp, you either pull your weight or you don't get fed. I taught them how to fish, clean said fish, and cook it themselves over an open flame."

The king had a single tear of pride at his girls protector.

"I thank you for rescuing them. And protecting them. Now, what will you do with them?"

Tyler crossed his arms.

"We can't take them with us. It's just downright too dangerous for them. I was thinking having them stay with Seline."

Sera bawled, but understood as Tyler looked to Seline. The fox lady sighed.

"I can protect them. But, I don't think they can stay in the country."

The king sighed as well.

"The kingdom is NOT safe for them. Anywhere."

Tyler rubbed his eyes.

"Okay, we can't leave them here and we can't drag them to the places we're going to."

Wulf spoke up.

"Her Elegance can help."

All heads turned to look at the elf.

"Our Queen is a very kind hearted lady, plus she knows Lillia and Sera. If we bring them to her and ask her to shelter them, she will."

Seline smiled.

"Tatiana does have a soft spot for children."

Tyler and Kaori exchanged concerned looks, and Seline scoffed.

"Not like that! Gods, just what the hell kinda world did you two come from? She loves doting on children! She's like the mother to practically ALL the children under her."

Tyler and Kaori breathed a sigh of relief.

"We really need to watch that."

"Yeah, maybe, JUST MAYBE, not all the people in this world are monsters."

Tyler patted Sera's head.

"Guess that means I'm stuck widcha for a while longer."

Sera bawled.

"Yay!"

Tyler rubbed her head affectionately.

"I'll teach you how to shoot a bow next, so you can actually HELP us for once."

"Hey! Mean! I'm cute! That helps already!"

That made the whole room burst out laughing at Sera's indignant outburst. Even the king laughed, though secretly he was smiling inwardly with pride at the one his girls had placed their faith in. After the mirth subsided, The king sighed.

"So you'll take them to the Elves."

"That's the current pain in the ass."

"Prick."

"Mean!"

The king sighed.

"Lillia, Sera, how much of our talk did you overhear?"

"They were sitting on those stairs the entire time."

Sera jumped with a squeak.

"How'd you know? We were sneaky!"

Tyler patted her head again.

"Toots, your too honest for cloak and dagger shit. Stick to cute and leave the dark work to me."

She was miffed.

"Fine!"

That got another chuckle. Then the King looked at his daughters.

"This may be the last time we see each other."

Lillia and Sera nodded.

"We understand, Father."

"Yeah, Daddy."

The king sniffed.

"I can tell you two have grown more in the past three days than in years. I cannot be more proud."

His girls took Tyler's hands as they kept their now raging emotions under control.

"We love you, Father."

"I love you, Daddy."

The king sniffed as he looked to Tyler.

"Look after them, please."

Tyler put his hands on their shoulders protectively.

"I will keep them from harm."

The king sighed.

"Your words put me at ease. I will begin our work at once."

"Good. Now, I have a phrase that may help you."

The king looked at him.

"What is this phrase?"

Tyler smiled.

"It is better to be feared then loved, if one cannot be both."

The King smiled darkly himself.

"I like the way that sounds. That will be your pass code for my agents in the cities."

The king passed a scroll.

"Add that to your map, it has the locations of every single agent in my kingdom I can trust. And yes, with I can trust them with my daughters and the kingdom itself."

Tyler passed the thing to kaori.

"Alright. Anything else?"

The king shook his head.

"No. I need twenty four hours to get the network established and ready for use."

"That's fair. We need to unload and resupply as well."

Sera and Lillia sniffed as well.

"Farewell Father."

"Bye-bye Daddy."

Ishtar smiled at his girls.

"Farwell my beautiful daughters. I love you, and please. Lillia, forgive your foolish old man for not protecting you."

The black haired princess smiled.

"I never blamed you in the first place. But, I forgive you. Oh, and I'll help hold the spike."

The king smiled.

"That's my girl! If we never see each other again, then know I'm so proud of you. If we do, try not to kill me with a hug. But, I have work to do."

Tyler nodded.

"As do we."

The king nodded, and the image faded out. Soon as it was gone, Sera and Lillia burst into tears and buried their faces into Tyler's chest and side. Tyler said nothing, and let them grieve the loss of the peaceful life of plenty they had left behind, and the father that now had to organize a resistance.

The king sighed deeply as he let the spell go as he sat in his chair looking into the fire of his chambers.

"It would seem, that boy is a far stronger man then I am. Far stronger, and far better."

The man then reached for a picture on a small table beside him. It showed him with Lillia and Sera with Gruven, Houndra, Lyrica, his beautiful wife, all standing in front of a large shield in the throne room.

"Ahh, my dear, if only you were here. If you were, that pope would be hanging on a spike right now."

The king then looked to where a large great sword of Magicite hung over the mantle.

"It seems that my own sword is a fake. And Vernillionia's death site has been found. Fenrir has been set loose upon the world once more."

The king smiled and rose from his chair.

"Let's make a mess."

Lillia and Sera got their grief out of their systems, and were now sitting on the couch with Tyler between them. He had his map out and had added the one given to him by the king to it. Result was a massive area getting filled in. Tyler smiled.

"I'll look this over later."

Nods. Then Tyler looked at Seline.

"Okay. We need a room. Is there any inns that survived those idiots rampage?"

Seline gave a disgusted snort.

"A few. We need support from the crown to repair the damage."

"How much?"

She sat back.

"A thousand gold. Those bastards ruined our best part of town."

Tyler nodded and pulled the required sum out of his pouch and placed it on the table. Seline just looked at him and the tower of coins.

"Make sure to collect the debt from them as well. But use this to repair the damage."

Wulf saw his ploy, as did Seline. She smiled.

"Raylik thanks you for your extreme generosity."

"Lillia said she liked that part of town."

His shrug got a smile. She hugged him as Seline used her own pouch to store the glittering pieces.

"I'll have repairs start immediately. I understand you walk the White path?"

"I'll lend my healing spells as well."

She laughed.

"What do you want in exchange for these gifts?"

Tyler smiled.

"Well, a safe room out of the way for our crew, the town guard to be on OUR side, a full map of the local area, and information on the area as well."

Seline shook her head as her twin fox tails swished behind her.

"I was expecting you to ask to pet my tails, bed me or some other request."

"Yer decent, but Kaori's got the better looks, Malico the better rack and hugs. Plus I like cats more an foxes."

That made the lady throw her head back laughing as Kaori and Malico looked at each other.

"Wow, Mali. HE just shot her down for US."

"Indeed he did, kaori. What ever shall we do about that?"

"What will we do indeed?"

Wulf was amazed at this boy. That guy. Shoots down a foxlady to her face while complementing his own in the same breath. Tyler smiled.

"We already have more or less anything we'd need. Only things we don't have can be bought. Actually, there is one thing we need."

Seline looked at him.

"That is?"

He smiled.

"We need to convert coin. Coppers to silvers to gold. Our pouches are nearly full."

Seline chuckled.

"I'll direct you to a bank that does the service."

"There a fee?"

"Umm, yes there is. If you convert coppers into ten silver, the bank takes two for our finances. If you convert silvers into ten gold, same."

"So, off the bat we're looking at several thousand coins in taxes. I mean that's fair. Still sucks though."

Seline laughed.

"Welcome to the world of finance."

"We'll hit the bank first. Get that infuriating mess dealt with. After, we'll find an inn."

they all nodded.

"A bathhouse for Kaori and myself. Maybe Wulf, but not sure."

"I hate you, you infuriating prick."

"After that we'll grab some food, and see what we got for daylight."

The plan was made, and Seline gave them directions to the bank they were to see. Seline then made a promise.

"You're all safe within MY city. So relax."

Amazingly, Sera and Lillia spoke up.

"we're not safe until Protective warning and tranquil waters are up."

"Or until Tyler says we are. Whichever comes first."

"Thanks for the faith."

They all smiled as they climbed into the lift to get to work. As the lift descended, Seline used her own spell to contact an old friend. The mist appeared and a beautiful elf lady was seen.

"Seline! What a surprise! Miss me?"

"Listen well, Tatiana. Ishy's in trouble and you're going to play host to a set of VERY important travelers."

The queen of the elves noted the serious look on her friends face.

"Tell me everything."