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~~((The July 4th Special -- page 9 of 12))~~
'You seem to be rather knowledgeable about aberrations,' said Orric.

'Yes,' said Renart's reaper. 'Such information has become crucial, as of late.'

'How do you mean?' said Orric.

'Hmm. You truly have no idea what I am referring to?'

'I'm afraid not. Should I?'

'If you intend to keep participating in this war, then yes. For your own good, you should know much more.'

'Ah,' said Orric, and Raul recognized that ever-so-slightly irritated tone. 'Perhaps you would be so kind as to enlighten me, then, O wise one.'

Renart intervened again. "My companion here meant no offense."

'Nor did I,' said Orric. 'I was just wondering if he was good for anything other than running his mouth.'

Yikes, Raul thought.

Then again, he was already holding the rings, so he supposed there probably wasn't much point in holding their tongues any longer.

The other reaper elected not to respond, instead letting Renart handle things.

"...Tell me. What do you know of how this Second Continental War came to pass?"

Orric let Melchor take over, too, and the man angled his emerald gaze at Renart. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said."

"I only know what I have heard," said Melchor. "Five nations invaded their neighbors, seemingly without provocation."

"Calthos, Kavia, Orsta, Corrico, and Vantalay, yes," said Renart. "All countries with significant Abolish influence, as I am sure you have noticed."

"Of course."

"And in each of the initial assaults, there were reports of strange or otherwise mysterious circumstances."

"Reports from whom?"

"From those who were present, of course."

"Yes, but how did you come by such intel?"

"It pays to have friends. And to keep your friends paid."

"Cute. Is that a company motto?"

"More like a Ridgemark motto. One that more foreigners should take to heart, in my humble opinion."