Sister, dear sister, a word for the wise? Blood may be thick. But like all things, it turns thin when it boils and writhes.

Sister Dear Sister, A Children's Poem

Everything started looking the same some time ago. Koroth Ulin was, more or less, just a carbon copy of the two previous jurisdictions they had passed through on their way east.

To Sheala, the Koroth Lands were nothing more than one never ending town. Composed of mostly low single and two-story wooden or stone structures, the sprawl rambled on along the countryside with no end in sight. Most of the structures had thatched roofs, while others had ones made of overlapping wooden shingles. There was only the occasional respite from the abutting buildings, intersecting streets, and throngs of people.

Residences intermixed haphazardly with markets and storefronts, and other various establishments. Mostly any number of different places to get drunk on a variety of local, and often cheap, booze.

While some areas seemed more reputable than others, none of it was what Sheala would have considered prime retirement real estate.

Koroth Savo, which they had completed traveling through just yesterday, and on the backs of one fewer horse than they had several days ago, pretty much qualified as a run of the mill, standard slum. while Koroth Abal and now Ulin had only a slightly less precarious and about to be stabbed in the back at any moment feel about them.

Despite it all, the element infesting this entire region made Sheala at ease rather at home. Even if an unknown area to her, there was a soothing reminder of her time on the streets of Catersburg dancing around in her mind.

"How do you think Korg and Sheetah are getting along on their own?" The former their asked, drawing back the now stuffy hood of her cloak. She maneuvered her mount around a cart headed for them once it became clear the drive didn't seem interested in either stopping or changing direction on their account.

"Hopefully ok." Sayra spoke her reply from the depths of her own hood, still pulled up and hiding her silvery hair and from prying eyes she was entirely certain were on her. "I felt bad about sending them around. But I think it was for the best."

Anthony laughed, striking a much more nonchalant pose and not trying to hide himself as the young elven First Mother was. The mask covering a portion of his face where Sheala's sister had gouged his eye would have made him stand out under normal circumstances. But not here. Not among this crowd. "Could you imagine? I think an otaur and a dragon, even a small one like Sheetah, would cause quite the stir around here."

"Not to mention draw far too much unwanted attention our way." Brentai punctuated the conversation with a dose of reality. "The longer we stay here, the stronger I have this pressing need to get out of here sooner rather than later."

Gregory rode silently on the back of Brentai's mount, making the space available to either man cramped after having lost his gelding to the claws of the demon they had recently fought.

"Koroth Abal, Ulin, and Savo are sympathetic to the Rebellion. We've got lots of friends here."

"Sympathetic," Brentai restated the claim. He touched one of the daggers in his sash for comfort. As well as for sending a small warning to a particularly disreputable sort who he sensed was staring at them a bit too long and with eyes that spoke of his desire for something he saw and that didn't belong to him. "That doesn't mean free from Imperial influence. In case you didn't notice, Koroth Abal was infested with Imperial troops for some place supposed to be under rebel control. There's too much activity to be a mere coincidence. I'm certain your sister has them here looking for you, Sheala."

Realizing Brentai was probably right, Sheala pulled the hood of her own cloak up over her head, not wanting to be made out if someone was indeed looking for a red-headed woman in her early twenties. She'd enjoyed her time free from it's confines, but conceded silently that hiding her appearance was perhaps the prudent course of action.

Reane pointed to a building looming ahead, far larger than any other so far that they had passed as the group closed in on it. Its roof was of a design that none of the party remembered seeing thus far in the Koroth Lands; black slate tiles. "I think that's the place we're looking for." The primary structure was nothing more than a single-story longhouse, like so many others. But what was attached to it was what made it truly stand out. "What do you think, Anthony?"

The half-masked assassin nodded. "I think so, too." On the back side of the building was a taller structure spanning three stories in height with no apparent roof. Wood paneled sides concealing what was within. Several colorful banners of varying design fluttered down the exterior.

"Sure matches the description," Gregory added. "Looks like the stadium we were told to keep an eye out for. Wonder what they do in there for fun?"

"From what I heard?" Reane replied. "Rumor is they pit captured Imperial soldiers against each other in fights to the death and for the right to live another day rather than being outright executed."

"I can't believe the Empire allows that."

"Koroth Ulin is pretty much a no-go zone for the Empire. It's repelled any effort to weed out rebel forces calling it home. Based on what we learned from our last contact, Ola Farust, the current governor, owns that place. But you said you never met her, right Anthony?"

"Nope. Can't say I have," Anthony confirmed. "But, I trust Ien. And if what he said is correct, she's built her reputation around here on holding up against the Empire when others couldn't."

"Yeah, well, last person we ran into who had that sort of notoriety didn't exactly fare too well. Just thought I'd point that out."

"Our supplies are running low, so hopefully she's going to be able to help us resupply before heading east."

Reaching the main entrance of the establishment, Sheala and the others confirmed that this was indeed the proper place based on a plank sign nailed to the outer wall. "Skull Crackers Tavern, Inn, and Auditorium," was written in red letters, dripping like blood. "Imperials executed weekly," read a smaller sign below.

Reane swung out of the saddle and fastened her reigns to the hitching rail just outside the batwing doors adorning the otherwise nondescript entrance. The others followed suit. "Gregory, be a dear and keep an eye on the horses. We don't want another incident like back in Koroth Aba. I don't think any of us are in the mood to chase down more horse thieves to recover our things again."

"Aye," he replied. Although none of their mounts seemed particularly eager to wander off on their own. Sword drawn, he took up position to watch their possessions while relaxing on a narrow bench just outside and under the eaves while everyone else entered.

With a creak of hinges, Reane surveyed the essentially empty common room of the inn. Empty, except for a tall woman with short cropped hair. Her sleeveless tunic revealed more defined muscles in her arms than most men, and she used them to wipe down the bar with powerful strokes while standing behind it. Their only other company were two drunks, both passed out at a table in the corner and still clutching pints of half drank mead.

"Can I help you?" Leaning on the bar, the woman's husky voice broke the silence. "You all don't look like you're from around here."

"We've got business with Ola Farust." Reane's pronouncement followed her continual scanning of the area to make sure she wasn't missing any potential threats. The seer loosened the protections keeping the visions growing ever more insistent upon entrance each day in check, and only enough to receive the slightest of impressions rather than full thoughts.

"Do you now? And what makes you assume that I have business with you?" The woman tending bar smiled. It was both playful and serious. "Let me see all your faces. You two remove your hoods." She pointed to Sheala and Sayra. "Don't much care for mysteries around here. I like to know who I'm dealing with."

The elf and the former thief complied, revealing silver and red hair, respectively.

"Satisfied?" Sheala grumbled.

"Almost. Ien sent a runner and said some out of towners matching your descriptions would be coming this way. But I still need to see the proof. If you're who you say you are, you'll know what I mean."

Sheala sighed at the game being played and moved the silvery disc from beneath her armor to out and on top of it. That seemed to thaw the tension circling the bar's owner. Even if only slightly. "We'll be thankful for any help you can give us."

"Of course you will be. But first, a drink for luck. It's a tradition around here." Ola flipped a number of shot glasses out from under the bar onto the top of it, one for each of those who had come inside. Then she began filling them with a muddy brown liquor from an unmarked and uncorked bottle. "You appear to be one short, however. I was told there were six of you. Unless my information was wrong. Hopefully he didn't cross paths with the wrong sort of folk that call Koroth Ulin home."

"He's outside watching the horses. Look, we don't want to be here longer than we have to be. So, can we speed things up?"

"Of course you don't. Probably for the best that you're not, too. Imperial troops have started to move into both Koroth Abal and Savo from our neighbors to the south from what I hear. Already secured about half of both. They'll try to make an advance on us here in Koroth Ulin next. All because of you. Your presence here is not a huge secret. But at least you're ahead of the hunters. For now. It'll probably take them another fivedays to secure Abal and Savo and reach Ulin."

Sayra was the first to approach the bar, and the drinks laid out for them. Although she did not pick one up. "You don't seem worried."

Once Sheala, Reane, Brentai, and Anthony all saddled up to the rail, it was Anthony who was the first to accept one of the glasses and drink.

"Worried?" Ola gave a hearty laugh from deep in her belly. "Why should I be? Koroth Ulin will continue to stand proud and free of Imperial control today, tomorrow, and forever." Ola filled Anthony's glass again when he set it down; empty. "That'll be four Copper Shins. Or whatever equivalent you've got on you."

Anthony downed the second drink. "Just start me a tab."

With a nod, once more Ola filled the glass. "All tabs are settled daily. And before you walk out the door. Just so you know. We don't run them longer than that. People have a habit of disappearing and not being able to pay their debts. Anyway, I've made some deals recently to help ensure Koroth Ulin remains independent. I won't bore you with the politics of it. None of you all seem like the sort to be interested in such boring things."

"Look, like red told you, we just need supplies. Fresh food and water. Two fivedays worth should do."

"I can get that for you. Got to get it out of the stores, and it will take a few hours to pull and prepare. Probably be ready for you after tonight's festivities."

"Festivities?"

"Yep. It's battle night. Got some fresh meat for the matches, too. And a special surprise. One that's sure to draw a crowd in. Should be great fun. Surely you can spare a few hours and join us?"

Sheala rolled her eyes. "You can't get us on our way any quicker?"

"Possible. Not likely. There're rooms prepared for you all if you want to get the stink of the road off of you. Be your last chance for such amenities. Nothing between here and the mountains. And certainly nothing in the mountains."

"How much?"

Ola shrugged. "I'll cut a deal. You don't haggle with me over the price of the supplies, top-notch rations mind you, that you agreed to and since you won't be staying the night from the sound of things? Half the normal rate. A silver each for the rooms, and a copper each for the baths. An extra copper each if you want the water hot."

"Fine." Sheala dug around and produced the coin required. Particularly for the hot water. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'll take it. And a drink."

Head cresting out of the steaming water, Sheala pulled drenched hair from her eyes. "You know," she said, some of the water lingering on her lips spraying back into the bath. "I can't shake the impression that something's not right here."

"Same." Reane lounged in her own tub next to her roguish friend. Head hanging over the back of the tub, she stared at the ceiling. "But I can't put my finger on it. If only I trusted that I could drop my guards a little bit."

"That bad, huh?"

"It's just getting worse." Reane touched her head. "A month ago the visions were like an angry mob pounding on a door, demanding to be let in. Now it's like they've decided to use sledges and break the door down after being denied entry."

Draping her arms over the sides, Sheala took up a similar position to her friend. "Not sure I want to know what that feels like."

"Imagine the worst headache you've ever had and multiply it by a hundred."

Sayra was busy wringing the grime from her time on the road out of her hair. After each rinse, it was clear just how dull her silvery strands had become prior to this bath. "I do find it odd," she interjected, "that Ola did not have supplies already ready for us."

"Probably didn't believe we'd make it this far. I'm sure if we didn't, it wouldn't have been the first time."

"People betting against us would lose a lot of money with an attitude like that," Sheala snarked.

"Don't get cocky."

"What? I'm just saying we do pretty good at defying the odds."

"We'll have to do a lot more defying if we're going to come out the other end alive."

"By the Fates," Sayra proclaimed. "The two of you bicker more than an old married couple. Have a little faith. When you do, everything works out."

"I've survived this long on my own, thank you. With nothing more than this." The seer tapped at her temple. "Faith has had zero to do with it."

"And now what? Now that you don't have those talents to fall back on?"

"Still getting by quite fine. Learned a few tricks along the way to make up for the lack of being able to use my abilities. I'm not a one-trick pony."

"Indeed."

The door thudded with a knock, followed by Brentai's call from the other side. "You gals decent?"

Sayra quickly grabbed a plush towel from a table at the side of her tub and draped it across her chest while not getting out of the bath. It floated there, while covering her. Reane and Sheala made no such move for identical ones available to them.

Reane smiled at Sheala, who gave a playful grinned back. "Ain't nothing you boys haven't seen before!" the captain called back.

The door cracked and Brentai's voice came again, without any muffle from being blocked. "Ok, we're coming in then. Last warning."

"Just get in here. And stop pretending like any of sorry schlubs are the chivalrous sort." Reane leaned forward in the bath, arms on her knees as she sat there, her body only partially concealed by the level of the water.

The three men accompanying them did so. None of them looked directly at Sayra, the implication of the towel rather clear. In fact, Gregory kept his eyes purposefully off all the women, finding a plethora of other places in the women's bath room to look other than at them.

"Hey there, stud." Sheala winked at Brentai as he halted and folded his arms. "You all clean for me, like I am for you?" She winked again.

"You want some of me?" Brentai winked back. "We'll talk about it later. Right now though, boys and I have been talking about how something doesn't feel right."

Reane stood, allowing the water to drip off her while she fetched her towel. "We've been having the same thought. And we're out of here as soon as those supplies are ready." She dried her hair, not showing the least bit of worry about anything else being seen.

In contrast, Sayra squirmed out of her bath, careful to keep her sopping wet towel covering all her modest parts. "Has anyone checked on the horses? Made sure they're secure and ready?" she asked.

"Yep," Anthony affirmed. "Just came back from the stabling area. They prepped to ride when we are. Tacked up and ready on a moment's notice. Gave the stable hands a little extra to make sure they stay that way. Had to show them the scar General Nightwing gave me though to seal the deal." He pointed to his eye.

Stepping out of the tub, Reane proceeded to finish drying off. "Great. I think everyone should stay on their toes until we get on the move again."

"And it probably would also be good if we all kept our clothes on too."

"Oh, come on. I thought you enjoyed seeing me naked?"

"Alone, yes." Anthony motioned to everyone else standing around, or in Sheala's case, still lounging in a tub. "Not with an audience."

"Either way—"

Reane's followup comment was cut short as Ola strode in to join them. "I take it everyone is finding the accommodations satisfactory?"

"Yes," Reane replied. "Very much so." She noted how their hostess's eyes lingered on her naked body a little longer than was prudent.

"Excellent. Just wanted to let you know, I'll have your supplies in about two hours."

"Mind if I ask why is it taking so long?"

Ola frowned. "It's a big order. Six people and five horses for two whole fivedays? Usually it's a day or two and a lone traveler until the next waystation. But I guarantee you, it'll be worth the wait."

"I'm sure it will be."

"In the meantime, we're getting ready to open the gate's on today's festivities in the arena. If I didn't know better, I'd say half of Koroth Ulin was lined up wanting to get in. I would be honored if the soon to be heroes that will bring down that vile cur, Lord Hedric, and his demon queen, would be my guests of honor while we wait."

"We'd rather be on our way." Sheala's grumble at the ongoing delay broke in.

"Please, as my guests? I promise you, it'll be an event you won't soon forget."