Whitecliff was a large town, nestled amongst fertile farmland, and with several layers of defensive walls to show its steady growth over time. After the wilderness, it was a relief to be back somewhere with less chance of random murder-monsters, and the local rogues were sensible enough not to mess with a group of experienced combatants, even if one of them was still in a daze. The Crystal Lovers were a famous statue, set in the centre of town, a paved square surrounded by traders, inns and cafes. Nobles and merchants strolled around them, all elegantly attired as they discussed business or politics, their servants rushing around to do actual work.

That Janaxia hadn’t immediately perked up and started dropping allusions to whom she knew, or commenting on their attire, was concerning – she was walking about, and just about talking, but still seemed dazed, and was very ragged looking, her clothing rough and hair unkempt. Hopefully the dragon hadn’t eaten her soul, or at least any important bits of it.

Near to the statue (true to its name, it was crystal, gleaming in the strong sunlight, a pair of youthful figures embracing) was a tavern of the same name, likely where their contact would be – handing over a legendary artefact in public would be risky, even in a place like this. They entered, ignoring the disapproving looks they got from the more tidily-dressed guests, although the staff seemed unconcerned.

A waitress approached, her uniform immaculate as she curtseyed at them. ‘Miss Stathis and party? A room has been reserved, if you would kindly follow me.’

They were shown to a private room, the waitress closing the door behind them. Even the obvious signs of wealth and privilege didn’t rouse Janaxia from her stupor, as she slumped into a chair, staring into the middle distance. Semari went around the walls, distracted by all the pretty, shiny things, as Parth gently stroked an ornamental plant.

Part of the wall swung open, a hidden door revealing itself. A figure stepped through, her face hidden by a silk veil, body wreathed in expensive robes, embroidered with intricate gold and silver symbols, crystal beads in their golden blonde hair clicking together with every step. A hand emerged from the voluminous sleeves, slender fingers bearing obviously enchanted rings.

‘Greetings, brave adventurers! I congratulate you all on your safe return.’

Stathis coughed. ‘If we could talk in private? Now.’

Before the figure could disagree, Stathis wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a corner, whispering urgently at her, close enough to see through the veil and confirm her suspicions.

‘What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were over in Farhaven!’

The woman smiled at her. ‘I heard my dear little sister was adventuring in this area, so thought I’d stop by and help. You know how Mother worries – you really should at least try and stay in touch. Just vanishing like you did really worried her! And then you joined the Order of the Sun, when you know how she feels about paladins.’

‘You joined the Silver Arrow, and at an earlier age, and she was fine with that!’ Stathis sighed, not wanting to reopen old arguments, or start shouting. ‘Please tell me you didn’t come all this way just to check up on me? And what happened to our actual contact?’

‘Oh, he’s a friend of mine, I simply asked to take his place, although I did want to see you. The old dears at the Prophetic Sanctuary were raving about “ancient doom” and “untold evil”, which they do if a novice prepares their tea wrong, but it was a convenient excuse to get away for a while. Now, are you going to introduce me to your friends?’

‘They’re not my friends, we just work together. And please don’t tell them we’re related! Or anything about me.’

She gave a smile of such disarming sweetness it was clear she was scheming. ‘Didn’t you have to swear to not lie?’

‘Not telling people things isn’t lying. Gods, can we just get this over with?’

They broke apart, Stathis plastering a fake smile on her face as she turned. ‘This is Carissia, who has taken the place of our original sponsor. Once she’s paid us, then she will be leaving. Carissia, this is Parth, a tracker and ranger, Semari, a rogue, and Janaxia, a wizard.’ OK, that was probably a lie, but ‘probably infernal magic-user recently used as a soul-battery by an undead dragon’ was too clunky to say.

‘Congratulations on achieving your goal, although I am surprised by the lack of treasure you carry. The horde of Karilimanath was legendary.’

Semari spoke, as, behind Carissia, Stathis made frantic slicing motions, trying to get Semari to shut up, to no avail. ‘We kinda broke it. Or he did, at least. Tried to munch on this one.’ She poked Janaxia, who rocked slightly, without responding. ‘Kaboom, blew a hole straight through the ceiling, buried everything except what we grabbed.’

‘That sounds unfortunate, although at least you acquired the Veil. Although your wizard does appear to be somewhat afflicted. Give me a moment.’

Without being asked, Carissia reached out a hand and placed it on Janaxia’s forehead. A magical symbol appeared, gleaming with cool, clear, light, as energy radiated out. Her sister’s tone changed to one of cool, imperious majesty as she incanted a spell. She always was so damn bossy! And becoming a famous and high-ranking member of an adventuring group before turning 20 really hadn’t helped matters. Nevertheless, Janaxia’s eyes brightened, and she straightened up from her slump, blinking blearily, looking around in mild confusion.

As she took in her surroundings, she relaxed somewhat, clearly accustomed to waking up, the worse for wear, surrounded by luxury and opulence. She stood up, swiftly finding (of course) a mirror, some minor magic already cleaning her clothing as she tried to tidy her hair. As her fingers found her now-blue forelock, she tugged at it, expression changing to anger.

‘What have you done to my hair? What on earth happened?!’

Carissia gently took her by the shoulders, guiding her back to a seat. ‘It appears you have undergone a shock. Don’t worry, you should recover soon. Why don’t you tell me what the last thing you remember was?’

‘I was falling, and then an angel appeared, and pulled me to safety. They were so strong, and warm…’

Even without seeing her face, Stathis knew that Carissia would be smirking. ‘We’re in Whitecliff now, it’s safe. This is Carissia, who will be paying us for the job, and then leaving. Isn’t that right?’

‘Oh, but I should examine her more closely. After all, she claims a divine visitation, and such miracles are rare. Why don’t you tell us more?’

‘I’m sure the Dragon’s Veil, which we risked our lives for, must be taken to a place of safety right away. Isn’t that right?’ She stared down at her sister, a long pause ensuing before Carissia, for once, backed down.

‘Very well. May the winds favour you, your roads be smooth, and your gods bless you.’ She slashed a glowing wand through the air, a slit of silver light forming and expanding into a gateway. She leant close to Stathis. ‘Please, do write to Mother, before she gets anxious. And you really will have to tell me where you found Janaxia – she’s very intriguing, I do hope you will more properly introduce us later?’ She turned to the rest of the group. ‘I thank you for your service. Spend your wealth wisely. Oh, and Janaxia? I think red is rather more your colour than blue.’ Then she stepped through the gateway and vanished, the slit likewise disappearing.

It took a few seconds before all hell broke loose, Janaxia and Semari immediately squabbling, with Janaxia assuming that her hair had somehow been coloured by Semari who, to her credit, didn’t implicate Stathis in the matter. As they squared off, Stathis rang the bell, the waitress swiftly appearing. Obviously used to anticipating the needs of rowdy adventurers, she was wheeling in a cart, filled with all manner of drinks. She picked up a bottle of wine and thrust it at Janaxia, a frosty stein of beer going towards Semari. This was probably better than dealing with more questions about any mysterious angel, as Stathis helped herself to a bottle of strong spirits, chugging it down.

As their jobs went, this had been one of the more successful – no-one was dead, nothing was on fire, and they’d even turned a profit. Plus, this booze tasted great! Maybe this could be the start of a new trend. As long as she could keep Carissia away from Janaxia, or possibly the other way around. But that was a problem for tomorrow, tonight was celebration and keeping everyone distracted!