Erich O.

The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything. I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing my strength, my drive, and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.

Former Special Forces Operative Ion Frost has one job left before he vanishes off the grid for good: Deliver his dead comrade’s dog tags to a boy named Lincoln. It should have been a quick easy stop. But for wanderer Ion Frost, things have a way of getting complicated. Upon meeting Lincoln, Ion learns that his older sister, Taya, has been missing for over a week. Ion's plans to disappear get put on hold. Then an assassin takes out Lincoln in a brutally efficient murder.

It’s still winter, but everyone’s on the move. Rags the goblin is heading north, seeking allies against the Goblin Lord. And Erin is going home...or trying to, at least. She’s determined to bring back cheer to The Wandering Inn - as well as Christmas! But the coldest time of the year leads to strange encounters with a number of people. At the same time, Ryoka Griffin is far from what she would consider to be “home”. Deep in the north, in the city of Invrisil, she finds herself as the guest of Magnolia Reinhart.