I wasn’t quite sure what state I expected Clearvein to be in a day after the attack, but it was frighteningly chaotic. Settlers and miners were rushing about, gathering bags that looked to be full of crystal chunks, mining tools and other assorted personal belongings.

I had seen it before plenty of times. Usually, when rumours spread about particularly rare crystals like Amuralite popping up in a certain area, word would spread like wildfire between the many mining communities of the Scorch.

Since they had to act fast, or risk losing out on their payday, many miners would band together and pay for private caravans, complete with mercenaries, to take them to wherever the rumours led. I had joined many of these caravans, and gotten to know a lot of miners from the experience over the years.

For the most part, they made for good company, and I always loved the atmosphere of those caravans. Everyone was excited, enjoying hearty meals and plenty of drinks as they shared stories of their greatest hauls.

I didn’t really partake in any of the drinking or chatting, but I still enjoyed being there, often riding atop a caravan with my repeater at the ready. It was a much needed reminder to me that life could be more than just survival out here.

The atmosphere around the miners I saw running about in Clearvein was entirely different to that of those heading to their next big score. There was no excitement in the air, only fear. It didn’t take much thinking for me to figure out why.

The town had been attacked by an unknown force, seemingly controlling the crystal creatures that everyone deeply feared. On top of that, the rooks and myself had been nearly killed in the fight. If I were in their position, I’d be strongly considering getting out of dodge as fast as possible too.

It was likely for the best. Clearvein just wasn’t safe right now. The masked attackers had seemingly succeeded in what they had set out to do, kidnapping Kate and retrieving their captured member, but there was no guarantee they would stop there.

The fact was, we were facing something entirely new, and in the Scorch the unknown would get you killed. It wasn’t too far a leap in logic to assume that the mysterious outlaws If it weren’t for Kate, I’d be joining the miners, gathering the money and supplies I had stored in my room at the Ruby Rest and heading for the hills. Instead, I tried my best to slip through the many panicking people and make my way back to the rook headquarters.

The building had definitely seen better days. Hell, the whole town had definitely seen better days. The corpse of the Ruby snake was still laying by the outskirts of town, and there were small craters and damage to plenty of the basic buildings from the dynamite and gunfire, as well as from where I had led the serpent on a chase.

The rook HQ still had a huge hole blown in the side of its jail too, but I tried not to linger on that too much. Dwelling on my failures was what I had been doing in bed for the past day. I had to focus on the future for now.

Just getting into the headquarters building was quite difficult due to the crowd of miners and settlers outside. Zari was standing in front of the main entrance, and seemed to be answering questions from the concerned crowd.

“What are you doing to stop another attack?!”

“We can’t mine without our escort!”

“Quartz to your escort, we need rooks for our caravan!”

“You cowards! We want to stay and work!”

“You think the crystal here is worth dying over?!”

“Some of us ain’t got a choice!”

The yelling and arguing continued, despite Zari doing her best to answer any actual questions and control the crowd. She was a skilled warrior for sure, but like me she seemed to lack much experience in terms of dealing with people, especially crowds.

I couldn’t blame her. I doubted Kate could even quell a group like this one, and if I were in her place I would be undoubtedly doing far worse.

“Including myself, there are only three rooks in any state to perform their duties!” Zari suddenly boomed, catching me and everyone else off guard.

“Mining will have to be suspended for the time being, as will any other task that will require rook supervision. The safety of the town comes first!”

“Then what about the caravan? The town isn’t safe, and some of us want to leave!”

“I understand that an emergency caravan has been arranged, but I cannot guarantee the safety of any to take it.” There was an immediate outcry in response to this, but Zari continued. “The route back to Emberstone is likely unsafe at this time. It was cleared of creatures on the way here by our rooks and a crystal gunslinger, but the town has just received two survivors from the caravan that departed yesterday. They say it was attacked, so there are likely still creatures out there. Despite this, we can’t afford to deploy any of our remaining rooks.”

I remembered hearing something about those survivors from Vera. It was another among the many concerns I needed to talk through with Zari once she was done with the crowd.

“B-but there’s a chance the creatures will have moved on, right?” One of the more nervous settlers spoke up. “I need to get to Emberstone tomorrow! If I don’t pay my debts, my family will be…”

The man trailed off into silence, and Zari took a second before replying.

“I’m sorry, but there’s no way to know if the route will be safe or not. If you want to, I can’t stop you from leaving. I can only inform you of the facts.”

“That’s a load of quartz! If we run into creatures without a guard we could die!”

“You very much could. Which is why I strongly recommend you stay. The next caravan of settlers and rooks should come into town in three days. If you don’t want to wait that long, or can’t, then leaving is your choice.”

“It’s your duty to keep us safe though!”

“Our duty is to protect you, but we can’t just abandon our posts in the town.” Zari grimaced as she spoke, as if to say “Even if we wanted to”.

I understood her struggle all too well. Zari couldn’t outright forbid people from leaving, no rook had that kind of authority. If they did leave without the proper protection however, death was almost certainly waiting for them out there.

The rooks had orders they needed to stick to, even in times of emergency. It would be a different story if everyone wanted to leave, as then the rooks would be able to keep everyone safe at the same time, but in this case it seemed to be a pretty much even split.

Half of the settlers, miners and workers in Clearvein wanted to leave, and half wanted, or perhaps needed, to stay. In a situation like this, the rooks were ordered to prioritise protection of the town.

It wasn’t pretty, but I understood the thought process. The act of setting up a town was expensive, difficult and time-consuming. Letting one be completely destroyed would cause major setbacks to the ongoing expansion into the Scorch, and nobody wanted that.

At the end of the day, most of the guilds I knew, the rooks, researchers and couriers, were all acting under the authority of Kenbry, the closest nation in the north. They were ultimately paid by the government, and had to follow their orders. Losing a town meant that a nation would fall behind in the race to conquer the Scorch, and the other three would pull ahead.

All four nations bordering the Scorch had their own methods of advancing into the Scorch and claiming territory, but they all respected and even hired the guilds from time to time. I knew that something similar to the guild system was popular among the nation of Zhia to the east, but wasn’t too knowledgeable on the specifics of how the other nations handled their expansion efforts.

To the west, I knew the empire of Destria was supposedly pushing deep into the Scorch with their advanced technology, while to the south the smaller nation of Raiken steadily claimed more and more land with hired mercenaries and powerful adventurers. That was the extent to what I knew about the other nations presence in the Scorch.

The wasteland was so vast, there was plenty I still hadn’t seen even in my six years here. Staying alive was enough trouble on its own, so if I found steady work I tended to stay in town.

“Wait! Where’s the crystal gunslinger? We can just hire them!” A miner I thought I recognised from the Ruby Rest cried out.

I considered trying to stealthily slip away at that point. It wouldn’t have been too hard as I was standing behind the crowd, who were, up until that point, entirely focused on Zari.

That possibility was very quickly blown out of the water though when another miner spotted me, pointing and calling to me.

“There he is! He can do it, he saved me on the way here!”

I felt my stomach drop out from under me, the world beginning to spin as the entire crowd turned their attention on me, staring expectantly. I wasn’t prepared to deal with any of them, but I had no choice at this point.

“I… don’t think I’m fit for escorting anyone right now.” I tried to hold both my arms up in front of me to try and mollify the crowd, but that immediately backfired for obvious reasons.

Even though I knew all to well that my arm was no longer there, forgetting it was frighteningly easy. Learning to live with the phantom limb was going to be difficult, but if I was going to help Kate I would need to get used to it quickly.

“W-what happened to you?” The miner that had spotted me was staring at my empty sleeve.

“I lost my arm, fighting that snake.” I hung my head low. “Doubt I’d be any good on the caravan now, can’t really use my gun.”

“I-if you can’t use it, why not give it to one of us?” One of the settlers spoke up, and I felt my blood run cold as others started to agree with them.

“Yeah, it’s only logical right?”

“Lives are at stake here!”

“How much? I’ll buy it right now!”

I wanted to speak up and tell them my repeater wasn’t for sale, but I couldn’t work up the will to do so. In a way, they were totally right. My repeater was next to useless to me now, but there were people here who could use it.

They might not be as skilled as me with it, but anyone could point and pull the trigger. Was it selfish of me to want to hold onto it, even now? Before things got too out of control, Zari spoke up.

“Cyrus here is going to be assisting me in finding those responsible for the attack, and rescuing the researcher they kidnapped.”

The crowd almost immediately started to complain, but she spoke up once more before they could build up any momentum.

“Just as I report directly to my guild, and the government of Kenbry, Cyrus is currently employed by the researcher those outlaws abducted. Neither of us are going to be abandoning our jobs, and I believe his weapon will be needed in the fight to come.”

Zari had taken the attention off me, and was receiving all of the crowd’s anger now.

“However, we do have a supply of weapons in our headquarters, some of which I am able to dispense to settlers in times of emergency such as this.”

I had clearly underestimated just how well Zari was able to handle the crowd. She likely hadn’t mentioned the weapons before as she had been trying to convince everyone to stay in town, but seeing how desperate the settlers were getting she had finally played that card.

“I really can’t recommend you take to the Scorch alone, but if there are those that I can’t convince to stay, I will ensure you are at least properly armed.” The rook sighed.

By the end of it, at least twenty settlers and miners walked away from the headquarters nervously clutching an assortment crystal weapons. Zari had made sure to point out the fact that they were all engraved with the official guild symbol, a simple “R” emblazoned on a tower, and that if any of the settlers got greedy and tried to keep the weapons, they would quickly be found out and be in deep trouble for the crime.

I silently wished the group all the best, despite some of them giving me, or more specifically my repeater, covetous looks. I was deeply thankful for Zari stepping in when she did, and made sure to tell her so as soon as the crowd cleared out to go and prepare the emergency caravan.

“No need to thank me. I’m thinking we really will be needing your repeater if we want to survive the next few days.”

“I don’t really see how, I know this thing inside out but I doubt I could fire it one handed with any kind of accuracy.” I instinctively reached out with my right arm to hold the handle of the gun at my side, wincing as I instantly realised my mistake.

“We’ll figure something out I’m sure.” Zari nodded.

If she had noticed my mistake, she didn’t comment on it, which I appreciated. We made our way through the Rook building and into what seemed to be a planning room of sorts.

There was a large table with a map of Clearvein and the surrounding area, several chairs dotted around it. The walls has similar maps, some familiar as areas around Emberstone, and some unfamiliar, likely around Clearvein.

There were also quite a lot of charts and papers littered around, seemingly tracking the appearance of crystal creatures in the area. Curious, I picked one up to give it a look. I had never been invited into the more private areas of a rook base before and, despite everything, I was interested to see how they operated.

It seemed to be a record of crystal creature sightings in the nearby area. There were dozens of entries, giving the date, circumstances of the sighting (Such as on a mining expedition or general patrol.), species and crystal type, and the name of the rook who had spotted it.

“Part of our orders, we track what we can and send copies to the researcher guild when we get the chance.” Zari sighed, resting in one of the seats around the table.

It seemed that now we were finally in private, she was taking the opportunity to let her strong mask slip. I could only imagine how exhausted she must have been, being the only uninjured rook in the town and having to deal with a myriad of issues from all over.

“Guessing it won’t be much use to us now.” I took a seat across from Zari, who had poured herself a drink of water from a pitcher.

“You never know. Could be something useful in there, but I don’t have the time to comb through all the records on top of everything else.”

“Ah, is that why you wanted me here then?” I didn’t mind the idea of combing through papers, looking for clues.

It was something I could at least definitely manage with only one arm, and probably not end up getting myself killed doing. Unless I got a really bad papercut.

I couldn’t help but smile slightly at that idea. It was good to know that despite everything going on, I could still joke with myself.

“No, I have something far more important in mind for you, if you’re up to it.” Zari seemed almost hesitant to ask.

“Depends, what is it?”

In answer, Zari leaned over the table, moving a small wooden marker onto one of the maps.

“This here is the canyon that you and Kate were scouting out when you were attacked by the scorpion, and subsequently Sean, correct?” Zari spoke as matter-of-factly as ever.

“Yeah, looks about right. The scorpion was in the canyon itself, and Sean attacked us on the way back around… here.” I pointed to a spot on the map, remembering to use my left arm this time.

“Right, and there was mention of a chicken in the canyon too, I believe?” Zari remained dead serious.

Honestly, in all that had happened in the past couple of days, I had almost forgotten about our feathered friend that had been unfortunately crystallised by the scorpion.

“Right…” I gave Zari a curious look, not sure where she was going.

“Now, do you remember if the chicken appeared behind, or in front of the scorpion from your position?”

“What are you…”

“Just answer the question please, Cyrus.”

“Right, sorry.” I took a second to think back on it. “I’m pretty sure it was behind the scorpion when we first saw it. Can’t remember where it ended up though.”

Zari nodded, as if that was exactly what she had been expecting to hear.

“Why do you ask? No offense, but I don’t really see how a chicken is going to help us now.”

“As strange as it may sound, that chicken may just help us save Kate, Cyrus.” Zari looked up at me from across the table, a soft smile on her face. “Think about it.”

I did. And I still had no idea what Zari was talking about.

“Nope. It was just a stray chicken right? Probably escaped from the town?”

“Clearvein doesn’t have any live animals yet, however. The only foodstuff we have is canned vegetables and meats.”

I was a little annoyed by Zari not just giving me a straight answer, but all in all it was good for me to be doing some critical thinking again. I needed to get back into the swing of things, and putting my knowledge of the Scorch to the test was a good start.

“Right, and there are no nearby towns where it could have come from…” I checked the map to make sure I wasn’t mistaken. “And it must have come from somewhere nearby. I doubt a chicken could have made it all the way from Emberstone.”

“Yeah, we can almost certainly rule that one out.” Zari nodded.

“So there must be a small camp or settlement somewhere nearby?”

“Exactly.” Zari was fully grinning now, the signs of exhaustion all but gone from her face. “And I’d put money on said camp being right here.”

The rook had moved another small wooden marker in the shape of a flag onto a spot deep into the canyon. The canyon itself wasn’t mapped out, but the surrounding area was, and it seemed there were a total of three entrances, including the one Kate and I had done our scouting at.

“You think it all meets up into a clearing or something?”

“Seems likely. The outlaws could be hiding out in there pretty comfortably, if they have some crystal creatures protecting them.”

“And if anyone attacked them from one side, they’d have two other escape routes.” I nodded, understanding Zari pretty clearly now.

“I’m honestly impressed you figured all that out just from the chicken.”

“What? You think all us rooks are only good for fighting?” Zari laughed. “I used to be a detective back in Kenbry. Been a long time since I’ve put those skills to use properly though.”

“You’ll have to tell me about it sometime.” I gave Zari the best grin I could manage. “I always liked detective stories.”

“Sure, if we survive this mess, drinks are on me.” Zari sighed. “For now, how do you feel about doing some more scouting?”

“I could probably make it back to the canyon, but I don’t really like my chances if I have to fight alone. At best I could maybe manage one shot with my rifle, doubt I could work the lever action with one arm though.”

“Right, so realistically you need a rook with you? Someone to cover you if things get messy, and buy you time to use that thing properly?”

“Could work yeah, are you volunteering?”

“I would if I could, but think I’ll have my hands full here. I don’t trust the outlaws not to come back.” Zari shook her head. “There’s never been a report of people actually controlling creatures out here, and the fact that caravan got attacked on the way back to Emberstone worries me.”

“I was thinking the same thing. Possible they plan on killing us all at this point.”

“I’d hope not, but we have to be prepared. You don’t bring crystal creatures to a town if you aren’t fine with taking innocent lives.”

“True, think you’ve got enough to defend the town if they come again while I’m gone?”

“Unlikely, but I’m sure as hell going to try. We’ve got plenty of guns, weapons and a couple crates of dynamite. I’m thinking get a posse together with those who want to stay.”

“Could use the explosives to set some traps around the perimeter, your best shot at stopping any more crystal creatures before they get close.”

“What about if they have any fliers?”

I thought for a few seconds on that one.

“You got bows?”

“Bows?” Zari was surprised. “Pretty useless out here, no regular animals to hunt, and crystal arrows can’t get enough force behind ‘em to do any real damage.”

“Ah, guessing you don’t have any then?”

“I mean, we’ve probably got the supplies to make some. I don’t see the point though.”

“Well, if you have enough dynamite, you should be able to make some arrows that pack quite a punch.” I shrugged. “Not too easy to use, mind, but they ought to get the job done.”

Zari stared at me wide-eyed.

“You want me to arm the town with explosive arrows, so if we come under attack they can start firing dynamite up into the air?”

“Unless you have a better idea.”

It was Zari’s turn to think, and from the unhappy expression on her face, I could tell she didn’t.

“Alright, I really hate the idea, but if you’re not around and we get attacked by fliers, I’d rather have something ready.”

“And I wouldn’t recommend using them if the creatures are already over the town, that’s how you end up blowing yourself up.”

“Yeah, funnily enough I did figure that one out, Cyrus.”

“Sorry.”

“You’re fine.” Zari gave me another weak smile. “It is a solid idea, if a little crazy.”

“All the best ideas are.” I shrugged.

It felt good, to be able to help Zari out. Using my knowledge of the Scorch and the creatures to plan out a dozen or so different defence strategies almost completely took my mind off the dark thoughts that had been hounding me ever since I woke up.

I could still be something out here. Even if I didn’t go through with the plan to get a replacement arm. It wasn’t all for nothing.

“So, I’m guessing you’ll have your hands full for a while with all that.” I nodded to Zari, who had been scribbling down the many ideas and plans we had come up with. “What about my escort?”

“Right. That is a tricky one.” Zari placed her pencil down. “Most of the rooks who were in that fight have some pretty major injuries to their arms or legs. I don’t feel too confident on sending them into the Scorch.”

“That’s fair enough, maybe one of the settlers or miners then? Could be someone who can fight among them?”

“I’ll ask around, but I don’t think we can count on that plan too much. This is an extremely dangerous mission, and you’re already injured.” Zari looked uncomfortably saying it, but I didn’t mind. “No offense, but we need someone who can cover for you, not another person who can hardly fight.”

“No, that’s fair. I have to accept it.” I nodded, although it did still sting.

“The only question is who we can send with you.” Zari sighed.

I was about to speak up and suggest we perhaps hold off on the scouting trip, or I try it alone, when another rook stumbled into the room. I vaguely recognised him from the fight, a young man who had sustained a broken arm.

“M-Ma'am!” The rook gave a hasty salute.

“What is it Xander?”

“One of the rooks who came from the caravan is awake, they say they need to talk to whoever is in charge right away!”

“Alright, guess we’re tabling this discussion for now Cyrus.” Zari quickly got to her feet and headed for the door.

I followed close behind, feeling a little out of place next to the two heavily armored rooks.

“I heard from Vera about the two survivors, is it anyone you know?” I whispered to Zari as Xander led the way.

“No, not part of my squad. One of them is another squad leader like myself. The other is a half-goblin girl.”