Robert stared at the dark stone of the changing room. He wanted to hit the wall, with his fist, or with his magic, but using his fist would hurt, and using his magic would just incur damage that he’d have to pay.

He replayed the fight again over his head, but the conclusion he reached was the same, bleak, head-drooping one that he’d reached minutes ago.

He’d done his best, but Ayax was simply better. The other troll had been faster, had better reflexes and had refused to let his words get under her skin. It wasn’t like he didn’t train well enough to face her, but the close quarter’s pressure she’d put on him was far beyond anything he’d expected or trained against. He could have won, but it would have taken a lot of lucky breaks.

Groaning, Robert shoved his things into a cubby, stood up and went to the toilet. If he was going to sit around, he might as well do something productive.

As he closed the door and pulled his pants down, he heard some people walking into the changing rooms. He thought nothing of it, even as they talked.

Until he heard this:

“Whatever happens at the stadium, we have to make it look like the Windstorms did it, or else the Windwhistlers won’t act,” whispered the man.

Robert blinked, troll ears stiffening. It was only because of his ears that he could hear the voices because if he simply had human ears, he wouldn’t be able to. They were talking probably in the changing room whereas he was in the toilets.

“Doesn’t have to be the Windstorms, also if it is heinous enough the Windwhistlers will believe any of their many enemies want them dead.”

“What makes you think it will work this time? We thought trying to kill the Firehand’s daughter would spark a House War.”

“Our problem the last time was that the Windstorms, Seaskimmers and Voidsailors knew they and the Windwhistlers didn’t do it. Now, if we nudge our contacts well enough, we can sow enough doubt. We just have to misinform them and let them know only part of our plan.”

“Yes! They’ll tell their families what’s going on, and they’ll drive them to war. It’s a good plan.”

“Just make sure they don’t realize who we’re working for. They might already suspect us.”

“Understood. Hold on. I just need to use the washroom.”

Robert immediately whispered a spell to silence the area around him. Pulling on his pants, he stepped onto the toilet bowl, tail lifted for balance.

It was then Robert wondered what he would do if the person tried to open his stall.

Not even daring to breathe, Robert raised his wand and braced himself to fire a spell the moment his lock jiggled.

Only, the unknown person opened a different door, did his or her business, flush, and then left.

Still, Robert waited a good several long minutes before he slowly opened his door and peeked around it. There was nobody there.

His first instinct was to tell his parents, but he immediately dismissed that. They wouldn’t believe him and that would let these conspirators know. He could tell Jeffrey and Ophelia but even that ran the same risk.

Robert swallowed, grabbed his stuff and quickly left the changing room, glancing nervously around corners as he did so. He had to tell someone, but who?

Ayax walked up to the stands and after accepting a brief but tight hug, took the seat her fathers, Alexander and Don, had saved for her.

Frances’s match was just starting. She was taking her place across from Davout Antoine. The centaur, long face set in a determined grimace, was hefting a lance-like staff with two sharpened golden gems at its top and bottom. His hooves were nervously pawing at the ground.

Frances looked calm and collected as ever, and that was when Ayax noticed her cousin was not wearing her usual gambeson. Rather, she was wearing what looked like a studded fabric.

What is that?” Ayax asked.

“Brigandine armour made from small metal plates riveted to cloth from the inside. Was that what you were training Frances for, Edana?” Alexander asked.

“That and some other tricks,” Edana explained.

“Wait, that’s metal plates under there? How does Frances manage to move—” Ayax’s voice trailed off as her the starting pistol fired and her cousin lunged into action.

The centaur charged at Frances, singing, his lance-staff glowing a vivid yellow. Frances dodged the charge, her song growing in tempo as she drew up a shield. She managed to get it up in time for Davout to start to batter her shield with his staff. The centaur was wielding it like a quarterstaff, alternating between both ends to rain an unending hail of blows on his much smaller opponent.

But Frances’s diamond ring was doing its job. Suddenly, with a twist of her wand and a rise in her chorus, a jet of fire sent Davout scurrying back. Frances pressed on, Ivy’s Sting pouring flames out that made the centaur retreat.

At least, until the centaur summoned a jet of water that doused the flames. He charged forward, bringing his shining staff up to strike Frances down in a mighty blow.

Only for her to sidestep and sing a tune that caused the water-soaked ground to freeze.

Davout slipped and stumbled, allowing Frances to hit him with a barrage of earth she yanked from the ground. He deflected some of them with his staff, only to slip as Frances turned the earth under his hooves into the mud. The centaur nearly went down, but somehow managed to catch himself with his staff. Davout threw several cards that forced Frances to back away as they exploded against her shield. That bought him time to struggle back on his feet.

Except, Frances didn’t let up. She’d continue to throw spells that would attack the centaur’s footing. Between throwing lethal spells at Davout from range, she’d make the ground slippery, or try to bind his legs together. One time, she even threw physical caltrops onto the ground.

The centaur struggled and managed to worm his way out of her traps, but eventually, a well-placed ice spell froze two hooves to the ground. That allowed Frances to hit Davout with the full force of a fire spell that activated his emergency shield.

Unlike in Ayax’s victory where the stadium had erupted in cheers, the crowd clapped almost politely as Frances helped Davout up and they shook hands. Still, Ayax couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief as she clapped along with the crowd.

At least this match hadn’t been sabotaged.

Frances sipped her flask of honey, water and herbs as she exited the changing rooms. It had been a hard-fought victory and she couldn’t wait to celebrate with her family.

As she walked out of the changing rooms, however, she immediately whipped her wand out and braced herself for a fight.

Robert Windstorm was standing in front of her, eyes wide, hands raised.

“I just want to talk! In private, please!”

Frances’s wand did not go down. Rather, she was already drawing her communication mirror from her pocket. “Why?” Unsaid was the memory of the night of the masquerade.

“Look would you just listen to me? Erlenberg is in danger!”

Frances thought about just leaving, but something about how the troll looked, wide-eyed, glancing over his shoulder, and sounded, made her decide that she should hear him out.

She beckoned to the changing room but didn’t drop her wand. “Inside.”

Once they were in the room, Frances cast a spell that created a barrier of energy to block the room off. Robert meanwhile, ran over to the washroom and checked every cubicle, before coming back, and immediately started to blurt out words. She tried to listen for a good minute before she raised her hand and cut him off.

“So to summarize someone wants us all to get into a House War and they have spies in the Windstorm, Voidsailor and Seaskimmer houses. Alright, why do you want to tell me this?”

Robert growled, “Because you … you…” he spluttered for a moment and grunted, “because you Windwhistlers don’t stand to gain from it and least of all a newly adopted Otherworlder.”

Frances grimaced but nodded. “Thank you for telling me. Do you have a magic mirror?”

“Yes,” said Robert.

“I’ll contact you later. I need to confirm your information,” Frances said.

“Confirm my information? Why would you—” Robert shut his mouth and shamefaced, grimaced, before turning on his heels and leaving the room.

He left so fast he slammed into Frances’s barrier facefirst.

“Sorry!” she stammered. “Are you alright?” Frances asked.

“I’m fine!” Robert glared at Frances, but his scowl faded as he took in her concerned look. “Don’t tell too many people.”

Frances nodded and the troll left her, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

The first thing Frances did when she was done celebrating with Edana and Eleanor was to get her friends in a room and tell them what Robert had told her.

Their reactions were… well…

“You can’t possibly believe him, right?” Ayax asked. Her face had a neutral expression, but her slightly trembling tail told a different story.

“But I do. He seemed too scared to be lying,” Frances explained.

“It’s also plausible. There is a lot of animosity between Erlenberg’s families. Someone could take advantage of that,” Martin remarked.

“Like the Kingdom of Alavaria,” said Frances, frowning.

Ayax started. “They wouldn’t… How can we be sure? It could be another kingdom.”

“Well, Edana told Frances that while it could be another kingdom, Erisdale is relying on Erlenberg to stay neutral so Alavaria can’t open another front in the war. She also mentioned that Alavaria might be interested in weakening Erlenberg,” Martin pointed out.

“That’s a good idea, but we shouldn’t draw any conclusions yet. It’s the best way to get a conclusion that answers what we think rather than what is true,” Elizabeth pointed out. The Korean girl pursed her lips. “Should we tell the adults?”

“Maybe not yet?” Frances said, surprising herself. “If we do, we might scare Robert from telling us more. He only told me because he was desperate.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yeah. I think we need to compare notes and plan what to do next.” Pressing her fingers together, she frowned. “You and Ayax are going to have to be careful, Frances. If they’re targeting the Windwhistlers, you’re going to be prime targets.”

Ayax smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Elizabeth.”

Frances blinked and exchanged a glance with Martin as they observed the wide smile the troll was shooting at their friend. Elizabeth somehow didn’t seem to notice and was scratching her head sheepishly.

“Aw, thanks.”

Examining her cousin’s features, Frances realized just then that all of Ayax’s attention was on her friend, and the troll’s tail was nervously flicking left and right. As the conversation wound on, with the group eventually coming to a consensus on how they would approach Robert, Frances felt her suspicion grow. By the meeting’s end, it was a conclusion.

She needed to talk to Ayax and Elizabeth, quickly.

With Elizabeth beside her and Martin and Ayax standing behind the hand mirror, out of sight, Frances set up her communication mirror and concentrated to contact Robert.

His image swam into view, jaw set, all business.

“So? Wait, who’s this?”

“Elizabeth. My best friend and an Otherworlder.” Frances drove on, despite Robert looking to speak. “I believe you. But we need evidence. Can you tell us what you heard again?”

Robert growled, but picked up a piece of paper and read off what he recalled. It was much the same as what Frances and her friends understood. In return, Elizabeth explained what Frances had been told by Edana about their suspicions of Alavaria’s involvement.

However, after a moment’s thought, Martin’s eyes widened and he began to gesture wildly. Frances glanced over, trying to figure out what her friend was trying to communicate.

Ayax grabbed a nearby pencil and paper and shoved it into the knight’s hand. Martin hurriedly wrote something down and showed it to Frances.

‘Stadium, trapped?’

Frances blinked. “Robert, you mentioned that they said whatever is going to happen is going to happen at the stadium. And that it’s probably going to be something big. Maybe they’re at the stadium now, trying to set something up.”

“That’s a stupid idea,” Robert said. “The Pacha family wouldn’t let anybody touch their magnificent stadium. They have good security on it.”

“A lot can happen, though. People can be bribed, workers might turn a blind eye, there might be a grudge against the Windstorms, Windwhistlers, Voidsailors and Seaskimmers someone can use,” Elizabeth suggested.

Robert waved his hand dismissively. “The only big rivalry that is in the city is the one we, that is the Voidsailors, Seaskimmers and Windstorms, have with the Windwhistlers.”

“I thought House Antoine and Pacha were also part of The Five, though?” Elizabeth asked.

Robert rolled his eyes. “Yeah they’re part of The Five, but they know not to get our way, or your way for that matter. They know their place in Erlenberg.”

“And they don’t have ambitions to change their fortunes?” Frances asked, in a quiet voice.

“Of course they wouldn’t. Don’t be silly—” Robert opened his mouth and closed it, a deep frown narrowing his eyes. Frances and Elizabeth watched him sit completely still, aside from the slow swaying of his tail.

“What do you think, Robert?” Frances asked.

The troll scratched his ears. “I’m wondering why you don’t look smug as pie.”

Frances’s grim look didn’t change. “Erlenberg’s fate is on the line and I don’t want to be right about it. You think I am, though.”

“Yes, because as major stakeholders of the stadium, House Pacha has always run the Winter Tournament and they approve the referees. That they allowed a referee to be bribed…” Robert shook his head. “Fuck. This… this could run very deep. House Pacha has ties and trading deals with the Windstorms, Voidsailors and Seaskimmers. I… I even have relatives who are from House Pacha.”

“We need to look over the stadium ourselves. Robert, can you, Elizabeth and another friend of mine visit the stadium tomorrow night, inconspicuously?”

“Tomorrow night?” Robert squawked.

Frances nodded. “Ayax and I have matches scheduled in three days, and I am facing Jeffrey Seaskimmer. If they want to cause an incident and start a House War… that would be it, and we might need to tell the adults.”

Interestingly enough to Frances, Robert seemed to pale, and his pointed ears stiffened at the mention of Jeffrey’s name.

“Tomorrow then,” said the troll.

As they ended the call, Frances turned to her friends.

“We should tell Edana.”

Ayax started, “Are you sure?”

“This concerns the War and if it’s on that Edana Firehand is completely trustworthy and quite discrete. We need to tell her and get her approval, if not advice,” Martin said.

“And regarding the meeting, I think it’s best if you and Ayax are tailing us,” Elizabeth suggested. “We don’t know if we can trust Robert 100% and if things go wrong you two can get us out of there.”

“I like that. I’ll tell mom tonight,” said Frances.

---

Later…

“Elizabeth, can I ask a question about your religion?” Frances inquired.

While the Windwhistler mansion was opulent, not every room had a bathroom. So there were shared bathing pools, as well as private showers.

Elizabeth and Frances were soaking in a hot bath after having showered. It was a custom they both had had to get used to in Durannon as individual showers were quite rare. Still, it was quite comfortable and since most of the Windwhistlers for some reason preferred showering early rather than late in the evening, the pair had some time for themselves.

“Go ahead!” Elizabeth said, almost eagerly.

Frances swallowed and exhaled to collect herself. “Why does your church forbid marriage between the same sex?”

Elizabeth’s smile faded and she sank deeper into the water. “Um, well the church thinks same-sex relationships are sinful. Though I… I don’t know if I agree, or disagree.”

That took Frances aback. “You don’t?”

“I don’t know, Frances. I mean, I used to, but then… well I came to Durannon. There are so many same-sex couples, but nothing bad happens to them. Usually, I cannot even tell what kind of relationship they are in until I meet their partner.” Elizabeth sighed and sank down her chin was touching the water. “And um…”

The taller girl shut her eyes and bowed her head, hiding her eyes behind her hair. Frances stammered, “Elizabeth, you don’t have to tell—”

“I like girls!”

Frances stared at her friend, whose dark brown eyes peeked out from behind her curtain of black hair. Never quite in her life had Frances ever been more aware of her own nakedness. She tried to form words, but her mouth just opened, closed, and opened again.

Elizabeth stood up, “I’m sorry, I’ll go—” only, Frances caught her wrist. Curling her fingers around her friend’s hand, Frances gently pulled Elizabeth back down into the bath.

“Elizabeth, I don’t think there’s anything shameful about that,” Frances said. She reached out to brush her friend’s hair out of her face, but Elizabeth backed away.

“But I don’t know, Frances! I…” Elizabeth sniffled. “I… realized I liked girls because I… I was looking at some other girls, and you, and just… I had thoughts…about how good you all looked.”

Frances felt far too warm, but that may have just been the water—oh who she was kidding, she was definitely red in the face.

“You like me, romantically?”

“Not at all. It’s just, girls look… better to me. But if I like like girls, isn’t that bad because homosexual acts are bad, but it’s what I feel but I…” Elizabeth sobbed, and burying her head into the water, she screamed, making a gurgling, choked sound.

When she finally came up, tears mixed with long strands of wet hair and water, Elizabeth shut her eyes, unable to look at her best friend.

A small hand squeezed her shoulder, making Elizabeth open her eyes to see Frances smiling at her, eyes wide with concern.

“Elizabeth, it’s okay to be… confused about this.”

“Really? But… God… my faith in him helps me to handle my homesickness. I know he loves me and wants the best for me, but… he has to have a reason for why the church says that. How could he love me but make me like this? Why would he do this to me if it's wrong?”

Frances swallowed as a cold pit formed in her stomach. She took in the desperate look in her friend’s dark brown eyes. She had to make a choice.

Because… Frances didn’t think that same-sex relationships were wrong. She thought liking the opposite sex or the same sex, it was just how you were born. Just a preference, innate to you. Edana liked both, and that seemed alright. Frances knew she preferred boys, but she knew Edana would be fine if she liked girls.

That her friend thought those girls liking girls was wrong, or at least, partially thought they were wrong, arrested her thoughts. What weakened Frances’s grip on her friend’s shoulder was that her friend believed in a God that said such relationships were sinful. Her friend believed that relationships such as the one Edana was rekindling with Igraine, were wrong.

Closing her eyes, Frances made her decision.

“Elizabeth, I… I can’t answer that. I understand you’re confused. I know you’re looking for answers but—” she swallowed “—my mother loves your mentor, and I don’t think that’s wrong.”

Elizabeth blinked. “Frances, what are you saying?”

“I… you… you need to figure out what you believe by yourself.” Frances wiped her eyes, biting back tears. “You’re my best friend Elizabeth, but… I don’t agree with your God, so I can’t… I can’t tell you what to believe. I’ll be there for you, though.”

“I… oh. Thank you.”

Frances squeezed Elizabeth’s shoulder and got up. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Frances? Are you…”

“I’m fine.” Frances grabbed her towel and drew the long-unused fake smile back over her features, before she turned around and said, “You’re still my best friend.”

That much was true, and Frances could see Elizabeth smile weakly, but like her own smile, it wasn’t quite all the way across.