R?gnor actually did have another patient for me. I recognized his face—barely. He worked under a different h?rlie, and the laceration he sported would’ve once counted as a major. However, healing potions and pain suppression skills changed the calculus. I treated it with a bit of [Enhance Medicinal]. The act that had once strained me had become trivialized upon obtaining the next tier.

  I tried to make some pleasant bedside conversation, but that fell flat. My patient said nothing, but maybe some of that typical ?ttarsk coldness disappeared by the end. Of course, I could have just imagined it.

  I had just finished when the Verndari appeared—followed by the burrower’s shattered maw, lined with broken teeth sharp as blades. Ten ?ttir carried the massive corpse with ease. More followed.

  I am going to miss it! If I rush, maybe—

  Someone had filled a cart with terrorvoles for me. I squished the sense of surprise that welled up. R?gnor. He had said he would cover me and when had an ?ttar not kept his word?

  I grabbed the cart, flooding it—and myself—with Energy and more Aether than I should’ve. I couldn’t miss this. I didn’t have a good reason—only an inkling of something important. Dorian had alluded to a different relationship between the master craftsman and ?ttir, and though rare, when R?gnor spoke of the man, his words carried a subtle air of reverence. I knew so little of the ?ttir. Anything more would help.

  I hurried after the troupe of ?ttir carrying the burrower, catching up before they left the cavern. They moved with a military cadence. Once they left our cavern, they would draw attention. Yet, that was just the beginning. Even after death, the monster exerted an effect on its surroundings. Light acted strangely around it. The shadows beneath it were deeper, and the things above it, hazier. At times, when the burrower came near a tunnel’s wall, the smooth stone face of the carven rippled ever so slightly. I may not know what living stone did, but I did not doubt that those plates had special properties.

  As we headed up the hill toward our destination, Dorian slipped out of the General Supply. I detoured slightly in his direction, and he caught up just in time to make the delivery.

  Our presence hadn’t gone unnoticed by the Verndari. However, with a cart in tow, he could only scowl at me. I slowed my pace to match the ?ttir and kept a respectful distance. The ?ttir spoke not a word the entire time I had followed them. I kept my voice hushed out of respect when I talked to Dorian. “That took you a while. Did you get the information the h?rlie needed?”

  He grumbled, “Yeah. Eventually.”

  I let out a soft chuckle. “Good thing I gave you a bit of space. I think we can get the place cleared out of terrorvoles by today. But more importantly, what’s the deal with the crystal? Will it be worth trying to harvest it whole?”

  “We will have to see what the h?rlie thinks. In my opinion, it is a toss-up. The expedition is low on reagents for healing potions. They are willing to ‘pay’ a premium for key reagents. If they knew when the Alfa would return, they might not, but there is still no word. However, I think the most important factor in the decision will be our increased priority for supplies. If we grind it up, we will have first dibs on potions. Given our pace of mining, we will need them.”

  He didn’t sound bitter—for once. “Cheer up, Dorian. All that is good news, and by the way you describe it, you might get to harvest it as it could go either way.”

  “You think they will let me?”

  He had earned some respect, but just how much? How else could he prove himself? “Did you say that if they brought an outside group to do the harvesting, they would take a cut?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And let me guess, if you did it, you planned on charging them?”

  He turned a bit red. “Yeah…I know it seems silly, but with the way things are set up, it’s expected.”

  I shook my head. “Let’s not support this messed up system. Forgo the ‘fee.’ After all, you are part of the company.”

  “They will expect one, and they don’t like handouts.”

  “No, they don’t like owing debts, but you just have to frame it right. Could it help you level?” He nodded. “Then lead with that. Then add something about supporting the company. I think you made some headway with the ?ttir with your actions with the burrower. We are part of the team, and this is another way to reinforce that.” I gestured with my chin. “And if Auren is going to provide the news you expect him to, you might have more goodwill to play on.”

  He gave me an appraising look.

  “What? You don’t agree?”

  “No. I am surprised and impressed. Every other Human your age that I met just cursed the ?ttir. However, you not only want to help but you also have a plan that makes sense. Few young scions of a clan could do better. Most would do far worse. It’s just…unexpected. ”

  How do I respond to that?

  Assuming our years were roughly equal, I had fifteen years on my expected age. In those years, I had dealt with annoyed residents, irate lead researchers, and far too many difficult patients and their families—invaluable but not easy to explain. Luckily, I didn’t have to come up with an answer because the ?ttir had arrived.

  They stopped not far from the edge of the Crafting Quarter. Dorian and I parked ourselves at the edge of a building. It wasn’t the preferred drop-off point, but it afforded a view, and dragging it closer would have just interfered with things. Even now, the flurry of activity had not abated.

  Dorian whispered in my ear, “Pay close attention. The ?ttir respect few people, but the L?vf?dda are one of them.“

  Dorian wasn’t kidding. Auren arrived without being called. He walked towards the line of ?ttir, and the Verndari along with Eir?k and his other direct subordinates separated to meet him halfway. Auren gave them a deep bow, and the ?ttir crossed a close-fisted hand across their chests followed by a partial bow. It was a fraction of what Auren made, but it was the most reverence I had seen them give anyone.

  They stood like that for a few seconds, the only sound of the wind through the leaves and muffled voices of the [Harvesters] at work.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Auren spoke first. “You bring me up a gift today.“

  The Verndari responded, “I hope this is worthy of your skill, L?vf?dda.“

  Auren gestured to the burrower. “May I?”

  “I would be honored.”

  Auren approached the burrower. ?ttir spread apart to allow better access. The L?vf?dda ran his hand along one of the monster’s plates in a manner similar to Dorian’s assessment. He then moved to other plates across the body. The only hint of disappointment came when he inspected the maw. Even then, it was just a flicker.

  After finishing his inspection, he approached the Verndari. “You have brought me a fine gift. I hope that I can live up to your expectations. This will prove a boon to your people.” He paused, and, when the Verndari didn’t ask the obvious question, he supplied the answer anyway. “Normally these plates are worth two to three times their weight in crystal. However, these plates have been treated well. I expect this yield to be worth much more—at least ten times their weight in crystal. Even better, I might gain some valuable experience.”

  The Verndari and his subordinates may have remained stoic, but at least one ?ttir let out a soft gasp.

  “Dorian, is that as good as I think it sounds?”

  “Oh yeah, there is going to be a party tonight.”

  ***

  At the time, I hadn’t believed Dorian. The ?ttir were too stiff to have fun. But, the word spread quickly about the burrower’s value. I started to pick up hushed conversations when my path took me near other ?ttir. As the hours passed and we neared the end of the shift, an excited energy had spread throughout the company, and the typical, unrelenting pace had slowed, if almost imperceptibly.

  Of course, not a single ?ttir had mentioned a thing about it to me, even given the opportunity. I had, between my loads of terrorvoles, diverted to some of the friendlier ?ttir to enhance their healing potions. I had finally broken down and blatantly brought it up to R?gnor, which only earned me a questioning raise of his eyebrow.

  I didn’t press the issue, instead focusing on finishing the day. Still, lugging monster bodies and rock could only distract a person so much. The Volkski assault remained fresh in my mind, and when Dorian asked to join me for dinner in my cabin, I welcomed his company.

  The steaming mix of vegetables and sauces gave off a wonderful aroma that still made my mouth water and my stomach grumble. I dug in with a wooden spoon but stopped. While Dorian could handle anything on the plate, I didn’t have that luxury.

  How much should I eat here?

  Even if our positions had improved in our company, I remained a persona non grata among the rest of the ?ttir and Volki. “Dorian, are you sure we are invited?”

  He snorted. “We? I think there is only one person in question here. After all, I laid out those defenses, played a pivotal role in slaying the burrower, and told them how to maximize the burrower’s value.”

  “Thanks, Dorian. I think you made your point, which, by the way, was not helpful.”

  “Would it help to say I wouldn’t go without you?”

  “Please. You’ve been more excited about this party than anyone else in this company. Though, it still blows my mind that they are capable of one.”

  “It will be more of a celebration than a party. However, I bet they are going to crack open the good stuff. ?ttir may not look it, but they have a refined palate. The expedition’s [Chef] has some experience cooking their cuisine. It may look simple, but the flavors are complex and…potent.”

  “I wouldn’t have taken you as a food connoisseur, especially on ?ttarsk cuisine.”

  “Our tastes in food are one of the few things our peoples agree upon. Plus, how else are you supposed to woo the ladies?”

  I cocked my head. “Really?”

  His bronze skin reddened. He cleared his throat. “To answer your original question, you are invited. You ensured we had zero casualties. That is worth something.”

  “Still, I am a Human, but you’re probably right.”

  “I don’t think it matters, not after what you did.”

  Some of the tension in my neck drained out of me, and I relaxed back in my chair. Despite my misgivings, everyone had given my actions as much weight as the Vísir’s. I had R?gnor’s and the h?rlie’s promise of protection. Also, none of the ?ttir I helped today showed any hostility. Of course, they didn’t display any friendliness either. Still, Dorian’s affirmation went a long way to easing my worries.

  Dorian stopped eating, and his eyes narrowed. He leaned forward to study me. “Who are you? And what did you do with Daniel?”

  “What?”

  “The Daniel I know wouldn’t be so…accepting.” I sat up in my chair but avoided his gaze for a few seconds too long. He pointed his spoon at me. “What happened?”

  “I…” My head dropped. “I might have been assaulted by some Volki—”

  The dull thump of a chair hitting the floor filled the longhouse as Dorian suddenly stood, his face a mask of fury. Dorian’s fingers had turned white as he clenched them. A soft crack followed as the spoon in his hand snapped.

  I raised my hand. “Dorian, stop. Let me explain. It isn’t what you think—well, it is, but it got resolved…by our h?rlie.”

  He spoke through gritted teeth. “Tell me what happened.”

  How much do I tell him?

  “I was coming back from the Vísir—”

  “Why?”

  “I needed to check on my patient.” The rage turned into confusion, and I sighed. “Look the Vísir’s healing is new to me. I didn’t expect him to walk away from those injuries. But it was a good thing he did because some Volki tried to jump me on the way home.”

  “Cursed fleabags, what were they thinking—

  I made my choice. We couldn’t afford a camp-wide incident. The truth would need some trimming. “Acting out their nature? They wanted to show dominance. I am Human and the lowest-tier person here. I was an easy target. They tried, and Eir?k showed them the error of their ways. And let me be clear. By error, I mean that if I hadn’t intervened, we would have one—perhaps two—dead Volki on our hands.”

  Dorian let out a long breath, some of the color returned to his fingers but then started pacing. I kept quiet as he processed everything. After a few minutes, he stopped. “You really healed those bastards after they attacked you?”

  I shrugged, feigning indifference. “I wasn’t that badly injured, and it was the right thing to do for both my class and for maintaining the peace here.”

  He shook his head. “You aren’t wrong about that last part. If the Alfa found out who had killed—”

  “He would’ve found out. There were other Volki as witnesses, and Eir?k only put down those that attacked him.”

  “Of course he did. I doubt his honor would allow him to slaughter those who didn’t attack him or you.” Eyes closed, he pinched his nose and took a deep breath. “If the Alfa had found his men killed by ?ttarsk hands—well, thankfully, it won’t come to that. That doesn’t mean this is settled. In their eyes, you are still easy prey. I can help.”

  My heart started to accelerate at the suggestion, the [Tailor]’s ’request’ very much on my mind.

  “I know you can, but should you?” He frowned, but before he could speak, I continued. “The matter has been settled, and I’ve been promised protection.”

  ”What do you mean?”

  He picked up his chair and sat down, and I tried to explain. “For some reason, Eir?k feels that he owes me a debt.”

  “Eir?k? By the Gods, he gave you his name.” I nodded. “Do you know what that means?”

  “Sort of. I know it wasn’t done lightly. I’m not sure when or if I can use it. However, it’s clear that he feels there is a debt—even if I don’t agree with it.”

  “Of course, there is a debt. Daniel, you, a Human, save his life. ”

  “I did my job.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” He rocked back in his chair. “I don’t like it—not the debt part, that’s the best thing that’s come out of this. The attack...” He shook his head. “I could talk to the Quartermaster for you…but I don’t think that’s a better solution than what you have now.”

  I managed to hide my relief. “Thanks for the offer, Dorian. You really—you’re a good friend. But let’s keep the Quartermaster out of it. This seems like it will work, and I would like to keep myself free of more debts.”

  I flinched as he slapped the table. “And you thought you weren’t going to be invited to the party.”

  I ran with blatant change in topics. “So you think there will be a party?” I pointed to my tray. “And will the food be better than this?”

  He stared at me for far too long before, shaking his head and leaning back in his chair. “Oh, yeah. Better yet, you will be able to enjoy it now that you hit the second tier. Probably. Yeah. I am sure you won’t regret it.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “That isn’t at all concerning.”

  He laughed. “I think it will just depend on how much you drink.” He leaned forward and gestured as if this was the most important bit of information I was going to receive all day. “Take it slow.”

  He was definitely correct on both accounts.

  ***