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This Story story is being released under a new name.

  The Sawtooth Mountains got their name from me after their distinct jagged ridges. They're a spectacle to spectate and a wretched nightmare to traverse. Even with our buffs and an endless amount of rope, we have to take our time navigating cliffs, loose rocks, and valleys. Our pace is terrible; it takes nearly three hours to put one mountain behind us. That was the easy mountain, too.

  My heart isn't in it. I feel gross. I thought I'd come to terms with what I needed to do to keep people safe and grow in power. Attacking a city is not what I was prepared for. I didn't even do the attacking. Until now, our hands have been bloodless. Now, who knows how much death we've collected and how many more will be used to fill Bones' army. I never imagined myself the good guy; I didn't think I was the villain either. There's no justification for this.

  The phoenix dominates the sky as we make it past the second mountain. I swear I can feel the heat of the fire burning my skin from here.

  "It's not real." Lana catches me taking another look as we begin climbing down the mountain. The firebird is attacking the Mithral Palace. At least it's attempting to attack the palace. Storm Dragons have arrived, and mages are on their backs, intercepting the mythical beast. "Believe it or not, I appreciate your concern for these people. The war and destruction are all part of an elaborate illusion. Not even Bones' army is going to harm the bugbears. At most, they will be given a good scare and some military training. By the looks of their response, they can use it."

  "The firebird isn't real?" I don't bother trying to hide the relief in my voice.

  "The phoenix is part of the illusion. The destruction is all made up. Even the deaths and injuries. All that is happening is fragments of light and controlled mana are putting on a show."

  "How come the mages haven't been able to destroy your illusion?"

  "I put on an incredible show when I want to." There is no arrogance in her voice or expression. The illusionist has honed her craft over years. Just as Gene is a master of rituals, Lana is a master of illusions. I try to look closer at the mysterious woman without being too obvious. When she smiles in response, I know I've failed.

  "All this for us to climb the mountains? Didn't Gene think this was too risky?" Surely, the protective Granny in our group would have shot down the idea.

  "She did. But even Gene has her price." I keep silent waiting for her to explain. Lana holds out for a quarter mile. "Gene, as you know, is a sucker for secrets. She could hardly resist when I presented her with a plan to break into the vaulted library."

  "Sure, she likes her secrets. I still don't see her being willing to participate in this, even if she was outvoted."

  "Don't forget Gene's best friend is a paladin. If there is a chance the secret technique can help Fury, Gene will have a hard time saying no."

  "You broke into their library…?" OK, they convinced Gene by enticing her with power for her friend. I can see her not resisting that too much, especially if Fury is the benefactor. Perhaps Gene even feels a sense of debt to her former totem. Breaking into a highly secure vaulted library… That's a whole different pill to swallow.

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  "It is a secret," Lana says with a playful smile. I play the silent card once more. This time, it takes her less than the previous thirty seconds for her to crack. "Fine. People tend to like me." She's not wrong. Lana is as much of a celebrity as Cru, and I can't deny she has a peaceful draw to her. "And I'm really good at illusions."

  "That's it. With high charisma and some skill, you were able to steal the secrets of the bugbear nation — the Empress' own techniques." I emphasize the last part. This is too ridiculous to believe. Even if Lana and Gene had all the skills in the world they were only gone for an hour or so.

  "Yeah." This time, Lana's voice is additionally confident. It's well deserved.

  "Is it any good?"

  "I don't know. I have not been able to check the techniques yet. By the way, do you mind holding these in your storage?" Lana pulls the pack off her back. She opens it up to reveal scrolls stuffed inside.

  "I can't believe you stole their techniques."

  "I copied their techniques. Besides, they don't help many people being locked inside. It just keeps the power in power, and well, it's time for the smaller dogs to be able to bite back."

  "What happens when the bugbears track you down?"

  "I will try to reason with them."

  "That won't work."

  "Then there might be blood. I do not think it will end that way. The empress really liked me." What does that even mean?

  "What does that even mean?" I can't hold in the question.

  "You've got your secrets, and I got mine. How close do you want to be?" The light cleric looks back at me and then drops off a high cliff. Her playful words run through my mind. Her smile imprints in my vision. She's a witch, for sure. My eyes dart to the sky to ensure no setting moon or rising sun puts me under their own spell. The moon is still hanging high above us with its amber lighting. I can't trust it. I give myself a good thirty seconds to clear my head before I follow.

  My hesitation is enough to break the spell. We don't share any secrets during the rest of our hike. I don't even know where to begin. Strangely, it feels like Lana already knows me. I think she does this to everyone, though. Lana is a familiar face with a comfortable smile. She's warm and welcoming. That's what draws everyone in. She's not even trying to be those things. She just is. It's kinda irritating… and awesome.

  Though we don't divulge our secrets, our hike is full of chatter and laughter. Lana tells me about her past adventures, how she became a part of Anvil, and how she led the people to what everyone calls "The Lost Coast." She tells me about the outside world, my homeland, and my people. I learn about the conflict in the Agorian Empire, Mauna, and Lochland Kingdoms. She talks about the great wars against the horde and other world history.

  I don't worry about controlling the flow of the conversation and let the charismatic clerk take the lead. I try to understand how she speaks so easily and can turn any subject into an interesting question directed at me. She not only speaks easily, she listens intently. As enthused as I am to learn more about the bigger world, Lana is more eager to know about my small life here. She laughs at my shortcomings and questions all the ridiculous encounters. Seeing my memories through her lens somehow makes them more valuable… or maybe that's just the nature of sharing.

  Miles pass unnoticed. Mountains are slain and forgotten in the wake of our next victim. No dragon, beast, or bugbear bothers us. We just walk and talk and laugh. Then, our trek comes to an end. Nestled in a cavern at the base of the last mountain are Gene and Remny. The two lycans emerge from their shadow, and Lana runs to greet them with a warm hug.

  I look back one last time. I will miss the jagged hills or at least the time spent running through them. Still, there is much more walking to be done.

  I look forward to the swampy forest and prepare for our next adventure.

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