I enjoyed reading this series so far, now that I stumbled across it; a different take on what happened during the Books of the South. I was looking forward to future chapters, but I am not surprised it has fallen to the bottom of priority lists.

I've enjoyed this story and look foward to the next two chapters. Black company fanfic is rare, so i hope your muse returns someday. If not, then thanks for all you've written!

Almost had a heart attack seeing this get updated, especially since I've been rereading the series after Port Of Shadows was released and I'm now reading She Is The Darkness.

I'd say this is still a good chapter, I didn't really see any problems with it. I'll have to do a proper in depth review of this chapter and the next when its released once I get back from my vacation into regular life.

Glad there's too more to look forward to, I'd always wondered where this story would lead. But I sure to understand a lack of inspiration too. Its impossible to write anything when you just don't have the passion or desire. Still, thanks for putting in the effort. I was happy to see your story follower count increased a bit over the last 4 years.

Great story, well written characters and interisting plot. I hope you return to it someday.

Badass fic dude. Less crazy Catcher brilliant.

Regretfully it appears you've not updated in ages. Too bad really, this was a little gem, wish I'd found it earlier but only found Black Company category today. Oh well, it was great while it lasted. If you continue, know you've got yourself a devoted reader.

Type your review for this chapter here...

This was a great read and the only Black Company fic I've ever found, and well written to boot, you do Cook's style proud and it's from Soulcatcer's side of the story, I'll have my eye open for updates.

I love that this is from SC's perspective. I enjoyed this tremendously.

I wouldn't bother explaining quite so much though, your audience is either going to have read the books or be ignorant to them which means you get a fresh canvas anyways. I am not sure what your objectives are but this is fun so far. Were you planning on breaking canon before or after SC gets entombed for the final time under the Glittering Plain.

Another stellar chapter

Lightbringer makes a grand showy debut and leaves a good impression on the locals; the way you wrote the whole scene was quite epic without going overboard, proving Lady and Craoker aren’t the only masters of showmanship. Catcher weighing the idea of playing off Lightbringer in a religious context adds more dimension to the fictive great wizard’s rising reputation in that fewer people will ask questions if Lightbringer personifies some god; it’s a powerful thing indeed to pull the strings of human faith like a marionette, such manipulation is a delicate dance and could work for or against Catcher in the long run; but she’s a smart women and will exercise subtlety. Ots cool that Howler instantly considered Catcher as the puppet master behind Lightbringer; its only suspicion but if he knows Catcher well enough for that, then Lady might be equally observant.

I liked that you covered some of the Shadowland rebellions to set up Lightbringers advent, you seem to have studied battlefield tactics and even a little archery too, its little technical tidbits like this that give a story more flavor and enhance the feel of the events taking place, and you don’t get bogged down over explaining things the way some writers to, I tend to do that myself, so well done covering those things without needing an avalanche of wordy explanations. Narasima is also I name I suspect will be popping up again, I enjoy how you implement active side OC characters who aren’t in the spotlight but still play their parts, its good story structuring.

Hmmm, Stormbringer’s resurrection will be tricky, still, if Shifter and Shadowcat spent so long stalking Bringer then perhaps they’ll have a few tips on how to quicken the search for her –pieces- somewhat, that’s if Shifter can tolerate Bringer’s return, I think he might, if only to deal with the Company; but after that, who knows, maybe he and Bringer will go at it again and Catcher can deal with the weakened survivor if she sees fit to do so; Howler also adds an interesting dynamic to this alliance, especially if he and Mogaba stay fast allies. Still, it’d be awesome if they all decided to cooperate, made a treaty of some sort and ruled a Taken Empire. Eh, that’s a catchy name, The Taken Empire.

Hehehe, Shifter’s a cat person, that’s certainly a comical but accurate assessment, guess the original were-leopard made a good first impression on him. Strange he’s creating feline minions hosted by formerly disembodied tormented spirits; if he makes enough he could get a fairly effective spy network up and running, perhaps not so versatile as Catcher’s ordinary crows since they can fly but certainly as intelligent as he magically bread crows.

The most unexpected part of this chapter was the –thawing- of the frozen people of the fortress, I’d never even once thought of suggesting that, an excellent plot thickening move on your part, well done. Admittedly I recall little of what the books said of the frozen men, who they were, why they were there, only vague hints and that not all of the frozen people are necessarily part of one single group, it mentioned different amount of icy buildup on the old ones, indicating time period differences in which they were petrified. I’m most intrigued at what you will do with the two thawed ones. The best part is this move won’t break the lore of the books, because nothing is specifically stated about the frozen people or if they all know eachother.

Ah, Frog Face recommended a new acquaintance. Cobold, interesting name choice by the way; he sounds like a real mischief maker if the other imps petitioned his exile, he could be a lot of fun, sort of like a mini Taken in the way the Taken were to The Lady; though I don’t think he’ll step out of line, Catcher may be a generous, lenient boss, but she’s bloody scary when provoked. Yet I do wonder how honest these thawed people will be with the translations; yes they may be greatful for their liberation now, but human gratitude is often short lived and best cashed in on early; but then again, given how good Frog Face was at sniffing out lies, Kobold should be equally so, he is a demon after all, they’ve got centuries of experience wheeling and dealing with humans.

Lady shows here her great experience in warfare strategy, I remember the book saying she was almost as talented a field commander as Mogaba and whenever they tangled she only came out more inconvenienced than actually beaten. I enjoy the little games of magic the sorcerers are playing, it proves that keeping how magic works largely ambiguous makes it feel more impressive and intimidating. Howler and Mogaba’s interactions are well done, I know Mogaba doesn’t much approve of magic but accepts it as an unavoidable factor, plus he and Howler actually seem to get along without getting in the other’s hair. And poor Howler, he always was a favored target for those fireball throwers in the books; he must really hate Lady for creating those things given the grief they repeatedly cause him.

The next stage of the wars only just beginning, can’t wait to read where how it progresses.

Lightbringer rides into battle! And what an impression he (she?) made!
Thanks to the new hero, the rebels won a victory against a larger force. Well done!

I was a little surprised to see that Soulcatcher thought to incorporate some the local religious iconography into the Lightbringer costume. Soulcatcher strikes me as an anti-religious sort. But this move certainly makes sense. She would want to strengthen the myth and boost the rebel morale. At this rate – with Lightbringer’s ability to kill shadows and Lady’s new weapon and traps – the shadows certainly don’t stand a chance. Still, Longshadow still has other advantages – Howler’s magical abilities, Mogaba’s military experience and Overlook. So it’s always possible that he can win this (if the story deviates from canon).

I just want to mention again – I enjoyed Lightbringer’s introduction. It felt like a legend in the making.

Will Stormbringer be resurrected? That would certainly make things more interesting, especially if Stormbringer doesn’t want to fully cooperate with Soulcatcher’s plans. I am guessing that Soulcatcher would be more inclined to perform the resurrection ritual if she had found ways to improve it. Shapeshifter’s revival was certainly a success. But Soulcatcher seems to be a perfectionist. Would she be willing to perform the rite again (with any flaws included)? Or she will she choose to hold onto Stormbringer’s remains? Those are the questions. Hmm….

And Soulcatcher has added 3 new members to the team – the ancient couple and Kobold, the imp. The couple seems interesting. I wonder why their pictures were in the texts. I also wonder why they were willing to help Soulcatcher. I suppose it could be because she freed them. With the 3 new additions, the texts may yet reveal some hidden knowledge about the Plain.

What a deception Lady pulled off! Convincing Mogaba and Howler that her army was marching south. That certainly does seem like a Lady trick. I hadn’t realized what Mogaba pointed out – He is at a real disadvantage because the Lady now knows his location (and she likely has ways to track the position of the enemy armies). Lady may have the upper hand here.

Thank you, Abderan Sophist!
I especially enjoyed the Lightbringer battle scene and Mogaba and Howler’s discussion.
It was a pleasure to read. Thank you!

This was an excellent chapter. Again I could swear you’ve read books like the art of war and the Book Of Five Rings and other such war-wise texts. You write the strategy and tactics so well, like with Lady’s fire ball throwers, you considered angles I never did. Catcher steals one for study, is wise enough not to arm no-talents with potent magic yet teaching those with talent how to conjure shadow killing fireballs.

Oracle herself displays a gift for magical warfare, suggesting a means to divert said fire balls to prevent the throwers being used against them by enemies and treacherous allies though the amulets will need an upgrade whenever Lady boosts the bamboo’s power.

Further insightfulness regarding Long Shadow’s blind dependence on Howler, and the throwers giving Howler a logical excuse for his –limited successes-, of course Howler would still make himself and perhaps Mogaba fireball repelling wards if he can find a bamboo to study, but he likely won’t share that with his crazy employer.

It says alot about Cho’n Delor if the crows prefer the Glittering Plane over its proxcimity. Mayhap some forshadowing of Shifter’s goal. Shifter snaring and breaking ghosts into his service is a brilliant idea; they might have some value against shadows too since they aren’t comprised of the life energy shadows feed on; the shadows are doubtless more insane while the ghosts will have more intelligent thought. Even so, Shifter is looking for something, I can only speculate but it might be the Pain Gods burial chamber, or a hidden vault.

Shifters ultimatum to the locals of Tron, Cho’n Delor or Death with most taking death was amusing, , these southern folk seem to fear superstitions more than death. I like Shifter and Shadowcat’s strange relationship too, I think she’s kind of sweet on big, old, ugly Shifter, if only for his power; though her loneliness makes me curious if she deep down regrets her actions in Juniper which landed her here, some potential character development there. Shifter’s ambiguous nature and laconicness makes him tough but fun to figure out too..

Mogaba shows his military brilliance here and even a droll sense of humor; I loved that “He seems to offer a plan for losing slowly.” Line, you did the man justice there and made him more relatable.. It was good to have Howler and Mogaba take a united front; Guys like Long Shadow make the worst bosses with their –failure is everyone’s fault but mine- attitudes; Its why Soulcatcher is awesome, she admits her mistakes, if only to herself and rarely casts undue blame. I think they’re also right about the deceivers being of limited use beyond spies and glorified assassins; but still, use what’s useful and all; and Sing did ally with Howler in the book. While Catcher might be interested in Boo-Boo, but the child’s Kina connection might be too risky. But then is her freedom any less risky? I doubt Catcher would tolerate the deceivers, or she’d recruit them and assign them suicide missions.

I like that here Howler shows he’s as devious as his Taken peers in telling Mogaba what Long Shadow may do with the Shadoowgate, true or not, which I bet it is, he’s cleverly planted more seeds of doubt in the Great General’s mind. Excluding the cannibalism. Mogaba’s isn’t so bad, and he might just join Soulcatcher since she’s less insane in this fic, though Howler will want to be certain before offering, Mogaba’s sense of honor might hold him to Long Shadow through contract obligation .

Smart not to teach the priests who don’t end up Taken more than necessary, though I doubt the priests who are selected of test on are nearly as cunning as the original ten who had 400 years under their belt, still, Catcher should take precautions, even over exaggerate their helplessness to her will..

Very brave man that Painter, very few major wizards would willingly embrace a taking. Then I suppose he has developed something of a deep respect for Catcher, and she respects his honesty in turn. Besides, there are far worse masters to be subject to Soulcatcher, like when Croaker witnessed Whispers taking, Catcher hung around for days to look after him and Raven while they slept it off even though she should’ve been elsewhere. And Painter I suspect would be the first truly loyal Taken to ever live; his sense of honor to Catcher’s service, scruples aside, is refreshing, as is the logical way you approach the magic system and have the characters do the rational thing is a good way to write this fic.

We are venturing into new territory here. Soulcatcher making a Taken! I was surprised that Painter suggested it, and even thought about going through the ritual himself. He’s a brave lad. I agree with the author’s comment – There is no reason why Soulcatcher couldn’t make a Taken. She seems powerful enough to do so, being the Lady’s sister, and also magically enhanced by the Dominator. I think it’s a ritual that she can perfect with practice and possibly reach the Lady’s level aptitude there.

My favorite parts of this chapter were Shapeshifter’s building efforts in Cho’n Delor and Mogaba’s strategic planning. Cho’n Delor is haunted and hostile. I am wondering if Shapeshifter can really make his home base there. It does seem to make for interesting tension. I’d like to see how far he can go in taming that landscape. He’s been very successful so far. But with all of the unknowns on the Plain, anything can happen. And once again I enjoyed Mogaba and Howler’s discussions of the war efforts. Mogaba’s line was priceless – “He seems to offer a plan for losing slowly.” I had a good chuckle there. And it was good to see that Mogaba noted Soulcatcher as possible threat. I imagine that Howler mentioned Longshadow’s possible plan of flooding the Plain with shadows as a way to eventually turn Mogaba away from Longshadow. I suspect that Mogaba is already devising his Plan B.

I know I shouldn’t have been surprised. It was only a matter of time. But I hadn’t thought of the Deceivers joining with Longshadow. They do need protection. But I suppose that Mogaba is right – As allies, they probably don’t have much to offer. With the Lady as their enemy, I think the days of the Deceivers are numbered.

Shivetya has been named. I will look forward to learning more about him in the future.

Also liked the discussion of the nature of the Taken. It was a good reminder. When I was initially reading the books, I would sometimes forget that the Lady was not Taken. And it is of note the submission/loyalty of the Taken was not always absolute. They did find ways to defy their masters when they could.

Another great chapter! Thank you, Abderan Sophist!

The Plain of Glittering Stone AND a female bonegnasher. You wrote this chapter for me, right? :) Just kidding.
When Soulcatcher went through the shadowgate and onto the Plain, I almost held my breath. I thought she might be attacked or face some obstacle. I am rather relieved that she didn’t have any difficulties there, although that giant may pose a threat at some point. And to know that Kina is most probably there – that’s a bit chilling.
This definitely felt like a chapter of new discoveries – exploring the Plain and the fortress, finding documents and artifacts, and new apprentices! (Like the names, by the way. Felt like a nod to the Sandman series with Dream, Delirium, Desire, etc., although I may be way off here.)
With the discoveries on the Plain, this could have been a really creepy narrative – frozen but animated bodies in a cave, shadows meandering on the Plain at night, and the growing menace of Kina down the stairs – but it didn’t quite read that way to me. It could have been a bit spookier, but I guess from Soulcatcher’s point of view, not much would really spook her. She’s very pragmatic when it comes to power. Either someone is more powerful than her or they aren’t. And she knows not to take on Kina unprepared.

You mentioned wanting to add things to the Plain and/or Cho’n Delor. I do think magical creatures would be a nice addition. They could range from mildly annoying to a potential threat that must be avoided or neutralized. But whatever is added, I understand that you wouldn’t want to deviate too much from canon. Will any of the artifacts reference other dimensions? Not sure where to take that idea. Something that I’ve mentioned before – there seems to be a few parallels in canon. Like Old Father Tree holding down a great evil is similar to the spells and spirits that held down the Dominator in the Barrowlands. What if Cho’n Delor also had a gate, like shadowgate on the Plain? I don’t really know enough about the canon to know if this is feasible, or if this has been proposed before. It would be interesting if something other than shadows passed through a different gate. Or perhaps there is another gate key that must be found – or used for some other purpose, maybe in the war.

But getting back to the chapter at hand, more and more Painter seems like a very capable second in command. And it seems that Oracle is ok with this. Which is cool. I do wonder if there will ever come a time when Painter will over-reach. Maybe he will become a little too efficient and maybe get into something that he shouldn’t. I just had an image of Oracle rescuing him from danger. Or perhaps the new recruits could lend a hand (or cause some mischief).

Lightbringer is also a good plot device. He could have a big role in Longshadow’s downfall. And speaking of Longshadow, it makes sense that he would be too distracted to notice Soulcatcher in his backyard. He has a lot on his plate at the moment.

Another great chapter! I am enjoying the atmosphere of the Plain. It feels as if nightmares once lived in the walls of the fortress. But now it has become an abandoned hell. Well, maybe for Kina and the giant anyway. Thank you, Abderan Sophist!

Sorry for the late review, been kind of busy.

That’s a brilliant touch creating more fictional great wizards and powers to throw the overall war into chaos. Lightbringer might be a rather mainstream name but I reckon it’d play well with the religious types, and the fact it might pose opposition the ancient terror of the shadows from Glitering Stone might even fool the Black Company into suspecting there’s a new player in the game so long as Lady doesn’t recognize her sister’s work. Might be best to keep any such deceits clear of Lady just to be safe, especially if her powers returning. The bow and arrows of light are a nice touch, such showmanship shows Catcher has a sort of respect for Croaker and Lady’s style, in fact even if Longshadow is clever enough to see through the deceit of Lightbringer, which I doubt he is, but if so he’ll likely put it down to Company trickery rather than Catcher’s doing.

It nice of Soulcatcher to compliment Painter on his enchanting work despite her needing to redo it more potently, such an awesome boss, and Painter's very professional about it too, doesn’t take it personally that he’s so outclassed, instead he keeps a very practical and creative open mind about it all, that’s what I like about him, no ego sensitivity, or at least none that will compromise their goals in the way Goblin and One Eye cause the company no end of grief. It’ll be interesting to see Painter cross magical swords with those two actually, he seems almost as cunning and sneaky as they are. The priests might be getting more cooperative but it’s been proven they are even more useful when you make the desired outcome of your goal somehow seem beneficial to their faith system and factionalism. Conversely they are disposable resources, or so Croaker thinks, I mean look at Blade, he’s specifically targeting priests who are supposedly allied with the Company but who’s loyalties are either bought or questionable. So yeah, lots of possibilities with priests.

I love how you lay out the broader situation of the war; your very observant and catch a lot of angles. Wise of them not to off Blade, both to destabilize lady psychologically and to limit the more competent Mogaba’s own ambitions, indirectly proving to him that their side might be well worth joining if they can think things out so well and operate so effectively from the shadows. Shadow Weavers are the logical target since they are essentially like Long Shadow’s bat spies but more reliable and versatile. And Hehe, nobody likes Longshadow, sometimes I wonder if he even likes himself.

The Plane of Glittering Stone and the fortress at its heart likely hold many secrets beyond what the books covered, quite a fascinating place. Perhaps when Cook releases his new book that follows after the last he might expand on the place (He’s also got another company book in the works that’s set between the first and second book.) Anyway, despite that I think there are possibilities that might fin into the lore of the place, give me a day or two to think up a few suggestions and I’ll send them.

It’s for the best Catcher didn’t confront Kina’s sleeping physical form; that might not have ended well considering what happened to a certain little wizard later in the books. Be interesting what she translates from the books she took; that flying carpet is a real nifty thing, get the rider around and about nice and quick, and I’m pretty sure even a no-talent can pilot one for a little while, maybe from the residual magic its owner leaves behind, because the first captain in the second book tried riding it to rejoin the company as they sailed out of Juniper but sadly crashed it from lack of ability and experience.

This concept of the three female witches, one of them a warrior, sound very promising, Dagger particularly sound life an eager and fiery sort full of the exuberance of youth; wonder if she is of a religious family or is one of the rare cases that cast aside traditional beliefs and grew up wanting to be a legendary fighter. It’ll also be curious to see how these three new women get on with eachother. Hmm, creating a female Bone Naster, that a unique idea, magically augmented warriors. Actually, speaking of Bone Nasher, I have an odd suspicion her survived Charm as well, I mean of all the Taken he was one of the least likely to fall to the enemy, but then again even the big one’s go down, just ask the Dominator.

Most intriguing though is whatever Shifter and Shadowcat are up to, I remember the Pain god being briefly mention in the first book, makes me wonder if Cook has more lore and history in this series archived than he hinted at. Can’t guess what Shifter’s trying to do though, maybe contact the Pain God’s ghost, not sure how strong the Pain God was, he sounds like he might’ve been Taken level material once upon a time but who knows.

You seek suggestions for what secrets and treasures the fortress might contain. Give me a day or two and I’ll see what I can think up. And not to worry if you’ve got to slow updates, take whatever time you require. Also been trying to think how this fic might get more viewers but I’m not sure if there is any major Black Company fanbase or community. I do know there is a company fanfiction archive over at archiveofourown . org (Spaced it out cause I’m not sure your allowed to put actual links here.) Which is another fanfic site but there’s nothing much in there for the company and I think you need an invite from another member to join. I also found a tvtropes page -Fanfic Recs: Black Company- which recommended the excellent Black Company in Middle Earth fic, so maybe you could get your fic added to the recommended list as well. Anyway, I’m pretty sure most Company fans aren’t even aware this archive exists, its only two months old. Still, if I stumble across any large forum chats about the books, I’ll drop a line about there being a company fic archive now.

Great chapter by the way, pacing was good and the OC characters are gaining more definition and developing with every update.

Sorry for the late review. Anyway, this has to be my favorite chapter to date, so much happening, so much of impotence to touch upon.

The Nyueng Bao are a tricky, complicated, secretive people, I’m not sure even Cook himself fully explored them, yet Soulcatcher’s ability to peruse a captive soul’s memories is very handy in shedding light on how craftily the Key’s guardians duped and very nearly killed all the Shadowmasters with their counterfeit key deception. Its also a testament to what a lousy tactician Longshadow is in that he or the other shadowmasters didn’t go back for the real key so nobody else could use it against them, or maybe he simply thought it’d be safe where it is in the deep swamps where only he knew it could be found, either way.

I like that Catcher was willing to be patient and act diplomatically with the priests in her negotiations and speaking with one voice to disguise her identity (and the robes) Even if her true aim was to have her spy crows wheedle out The Key’s hiding place. That self-control and discipline is why she got the better of Limper so often. Catcher’s had years of experience covering her tracks and schemes from Lady back when, so her slaughtering the priests wasn’t a surprise, but it’s a reminder of what she is as it’s easy to forget given how considerate and amicable she is toward her own minions. I consider Soulcatcher the most intelligent of the Taken, and the most human too. Smart idea having Catcher make a fake key to replace the real, especially if it takes one of her power to feel its magic, any who come seeking it and unwittingly glean the fake will have a monkey wrench thrown in their plans

Also a wise move her getting Howler to make her a new carpet, it’ll make life easier, she might even teach Oracle and Painter how to fly it in case of emergency, they might even get their own carpets in future. Very, very devious getting Howler to deceive Longshadow into perceiving Lady as more of a threat than she is; a scheme worthy of Soulcatcher’s intellect, it will prove beneficial on several fronts. Interesting Howler didn’t warn Catcher about what the Company lance did to him when Croaker spitted him with it, or perhaps he did via crow correspondence, plus I imagine Soulcatcher suspects the lance is more than a mere standard even without Howler’s warning. I laughed at how casually Soulcatcher told Howler what a lousy Shadowmaster he’d make, I think he knows it too, poor bugger, he just wasn’t built for leadership.

It’s no surprise Oracle and Shadowcat don’t get along; Lisa was about as disagreeable as they came, and in a city like Juniper it’s saying something about her attitude. Still, with Shifter back she probably won’t be such an unstable or risky ally and may even prove herself trustworthy, but that woman has always looked out for number one, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of relationship she and Shifter have developed and how much they mean to eachother. I wonder what Lady did to Lisa after the Company handed her over in Juniper to save Maron Shed. Did Lady do anything to her, like discover then help awaken her dormant magical potential, was she made Taken then handed over to Shifter for training; I doubt she was Taken as she’d have lost her powers when Lady did, and she wasn’t powerful enough to warrant a Taking anyway, still, it’s an interesting thing to ponder.

I reckon you portrayed Shifter’s laconic persona well, he wasn’t much for conversation unless it was business in the first book, I imagine his usually deep resonant voice would also be changeable like Catcher’s as he shifts shape. His personality is a bit of a mystery too, though he does have a sense of humor I think, like in The Shadow Games book when Croaker asked shifter to create some fog to conceal the fire trap so the enemies would run blindly into it, Shifter said something like –that’s’ what I like about your kind, you always find new and interesting ways to hurt and slaughter one another- I don’t know if shifter meant The Black Company by –you people- or soldiers in general, or even humanity, but if he meant humanity, it makes one wonder if he was ever human in the first place, or if he was originally some fool wizards pet project that got out of hand, killed the wizard and claimed its own independence; after all, Soulcatcher apparently use to amuse herself making pet monsters, besides, the ambiguity of the Taken is what makes them such fun to analyze.

The way Catcher casually pointed out Shifter owed her for his revival after saying they were old friends made me chuckle; the Taken have been wheeling and dealing with each other for so long, forging alliances and backstabbing eachother, so it’s pretty much just another business day for Shifter and Catcher; I think all the Taken were like that, they might seem to take things personally, and maybe they do a little, but they all schemed and knew their fellows also schemed, it was all part of the deadly game to them, Limper was the only one who took everything as a personal affront. Enjoyed Soulcatcher’s sense of humor in this chapter, like with naming herself the nice one of her and Lady, which might be true funnily enough.

This is a very important chapter as it precipitates several strategic dieticians for Team Soulcatcher. The Key, the history of the Shadow Masters, Howler’s swearing loyalty, the resurrection of Shapeshifter, the campaign against the powers on the Glittering Plain. These deeds alone will alter the tide of cannon events, though how much will be determined in how actively Soulcatcher and Shifter are in melding with Longshadow and the Black Company, whether through background subtly or more overt methods. You have a knack for ensuring your own alteration to the plot delineate nicely with how the original books flowed, things may be different but the changes are so smooth that they feel legitimate, almost as if they were original. Your interpretation of the magic system feels true to the series as well. Many fanfic writers don’t have your level of attention to detail plot-wise or detail-wise, and this is a tough series to write as it does have a lot of impotent factors to consider. So kudos for writing this compelling fic.