The action was mostly over by the time they got to the castle, the gates hanging open, banners lowered, the members of guard still walking all bearing ragged red cloth tied around their arms. Everything was still chaotic, some taking the opportunity to engage in looting, servants hauling out bags of silver and gold plates, cutlery and other loot.

They were stopped by a group of guards, all looking tired. ‘Halt! Who do you fight for?’

‘We’ve come up from the arena, we stopped whatever was going on down there.’

‘And killed an evil wizard!’ Semari punched the air.

‘Yeah, and that. Is Dalin around? There’s a lot to talk about. And what happened to the old Duke?’ The guards looked at each other. ‘I’m guessing conveniently not around, for some reason? Anyway, point us to whoever’s in charge.’

‘We’re not letting any outsiders in! Duke’s orders!’ They pointed weapons at them, although didn’t attack.

‘I broke out of the arena last night, and then fought back in, and killed one of the bastards behind this all.’ There was a snapping hiss behind her, as Janaxia or Hakara prepared a spell. ‘I don’t want to fight you, I just want to get this sorted. Just show me where Dalin is, I have news for him.’

Their leader looked nervous, torn between his orders and outright fear, the latter finally overpowering the former. He gestured his men backwards, allowing them to pass. ‘We will guide you there. But if this is a trick, then you will pay dearly.’

‘Sure, whatever. Let’s go see Dalin. For what it’s worth, you have my word that I mean him no harm. Now let’s go.’

There was some awkward shuffling around as the guards moved back in front to show them the way, leading them through a succession of fancy halls and receiving rooms, although most of the smaller decorations were missing, either looted or moved somewhere safe. There were still bloodstains and the occasional body, more crimson trails showing where other bodies had been dragged along the floor and hidden away in side-chambers. At least all seemed to be adults, and members of the guard – unpleasant work, but no evidence of any atrocities.

They turned a corner, dazzling, blinding sunlight suddenly sparkling in the air, the floor of polished marble. Ahead of them was an altar, fancy depictions of the gods surrounding them. The altar was covered in papers, having been pressed into service as a desk. Dalin was there, sorting through them, accompanied by several clerks. Several clerics had been pressed into service, doing what they could to heal the injured.

Stathis walked more heavily, letting her armour clank to draw attention, Dalin looking up. ‘Stathis, how unexpected to see you. I’m given to understand I have you to thank for clearing up the arena? My thanks, my own forces are rather stretched at the moment. The palace is secure, and I think I have Undercliff, but the docks are waiting to see if I can sustain my power, and the Blackgate and Eastgate districts have just sealed themselves completely.’

‘Are you the new Duke? Is this a takeover?’

He looked slightly awkward. ‘He was in league with dark forces. We’ve been looking through the notes kept of those taken to the arena, or to the tower. Over five hundred souls, sacrificed to make those monsters. It was almost a mercy, given the circumstances.’

‘Just to be clear, he is dead? Properly done, confirmed body, decapitated, burnt in a fire to make sure, then then ashes mixed with blessed salt, that sort of thing?’

He nodded. ‘Yes, it seemed best to be sure he won’t be coming back. All the precautions were taken.’

‘Good. And Jalmi?’

He coughed, colouring slightly. ‘She is currently securing Undercliff. Although will be back shortly. I must thank you, as well, Lady Janaxia, for your help. Your aid was unexpected, but was invaluable for giving a rallying point, as well as a suitably overt start to the revolution.’

‘Hey, I helped too! I punched squishy-demon-things!’ Semari was, inexplicably, perched halfway up the wall, probably committing a minor blasphemy by hanging off a statue of some warrior god.

‘Yes, thank you for your aid. And to you as well, Brina. Having an agent of the Iristari distract the heir was most useful. And kept the elven dominions from interfering.’

‘Uh, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I only came here to get healed, I try to avoid getting mixed up in that kind of stuff.’

He looked at her doubtfully. ‘Oh? The daughter of the Iristari, with bags full of elven treasure, meeting with an agent of the Iristari working her way into the guard? While I appreciate your aid, and believe you mean well, I will not allow Cormantara to fall under your mother’s control, nor that of the elves. We will remain a free city, outside of the bindings of formal alliance.’

Stathis turned to look at Brina, who shrugged. ‘Busted, I guess. Although I was only here to keep an eye on things, not for anythin’ else, at least that I was told. Guess this means I need another job?’

‘Not necessarily. An agent I know the identity of could be quite useful – a diplomat may be of some use. And to prevent any, shall we say, awkwardness between our domains.’

Stathis sighed. ‘See, this is why I don’t get involved in this kind of stuff. I’m here to get healed, and then all this stuff happened. How long have you been planning this for?’

‘Long enough, that your actions were a useful starting point I was able to capitalise on. And again, I thank you for your aid, but I would request your departure, quite soon.’

Semari’s voice came from above, where she was now hanging from a chandelier. ‘Dick move, dude! Dick move. At least give us some food first.’

‘My apologies, that was not intended to be a threat. It has been a rather long day.’ He yawned, a little too ostentatiously. ‘Fortunately, few others seem to be aware of your presence. Had I known, then I wouldn’t have invited you along; I thought you an ally of Brina, not the heir themselves. It would be awkward were your presence to be known – having to fend off accusations of being an Iristari plant would be problematic. Fortunately, most took you for a well-featured guard with aspirations, you seem to be at least discreet in your passage.’

‘Gods, this is why I avoid politics. I damn near died in that arena, twice!’ There was a low groan from behind her, as Janaxia swayed, feverish again. ‘Crap, this place is consecrated ground, isn’t it? Is there a room nearby where they did monster creation work? I, uh, need to make sure it’s properly destroyed.’ A mote of black drifted past, Janaxia’s clothing began to melt away.

‘I don’t think that is really a concern of yours, Lady Iristari.’

‘You know who I am. And who my sister is. And what our family tends to do when such things are discovered. Trust me, I’ll see it destroyed. Thoroughly. And then we’ll rest up and leave, don’t worry. Although I do agree with Semari here, you are being a bit of dick about this.’

‘”The weakest times for any leader are at the start and end of an action. Motion brings power; to stop is to die”. Your own mother’s words, I believe?’

‘Probably? It sounds like her. Look, you’ve done a good job here, I’m pretty sure you’re not going to summon demons or anything dumb, but I’m not here to undermine you or whatever. Just point us where to go.’ Fortunately, Hakara was supporting Janaxia, who was looking barely conscious, her unicorn wounds gleaming again. ‘Then we can talk this over. Or at least I can take a message for you.’

‘Lieutenant Kabrinth, show them to the tower. And then, yes, we will talk.’

There were taken to a nearby tower, through a large door, heavily locked, remnants of spells burnt into the wood. Inside was the now-expected equipment, stench of blood heavy in the air, although any bodies looked to have been removed. Stathis found a tray full of mottled metallic fragments, gesturing at Hakara to drag Janaxia over. She’d gone mostly limp, her hand falling into the tray. The metal started to peel, curl and disintegrate, Janaxia somehow absorbing their power. Her clothing regained its solidity, as she was taken around the room, siphoning off the energy from all of the, well, evil stuff stored here.

As her eyelids fluttered, her forelock started to glow with a constant, crimson light, her clothing shifting to something more typical, if still black and foreboding, as a deep and narrow cleavage developed, running almost to her navel, scalloped spikes around her wrists, the back of her dress dropping low, the gap filling in with lace, dotted with tiny red gems. Blood welled out from her shoulder, soaking into the fabric, carrying with it shards of gleaming white. Stathis carefully picked one up – bone-white, flecked with gold, a remnant of the unicorn’s attack, now being ejected from Janaixa’s body, presumably the influx of energy allowing her body to reject them.

With a gulping, hacking cough, Janaxia shook her head, hair fanning out, before several clips of onyx and brass appeared to bind it, her nails now vivid red. Stathis put a hand on her sword and stepped back to have enough distance to draw, just in case, Semari also moving in readiness to attack. Janaxia looked around, seeming somewhat dazed.

‘Oh, another squalid dungeon, what a surprise. Although at least this time I am fully clothed, which is a benefit.’

Stathis looked her up and down, taking in the dots of crimson gems atop black silk, the rather extreme tightness at the waist, gems on her horns catching the low light. ‘About that, can you tone it down a bit? You’re looking, uh, a bit spooky and villainous? A bit closer to someone that drinks blood and sacrifices virgins, that sort of thing.’

She looked down at herself, jewellery tinkling as she moved. ‘Well, I can scarcely expect you to heed the dictates of fashion. Although I suppose this may be a little excessive for a more casual engagement. If you would kindly give me a moment?’ Her clothing began to shift and alter, the deep cleavage filling in, her back getting covered with material as it changed into a dress of night-black silk, with a high thigh-cut, along with cloth gauntlets running down her arms, but leaving her shoulders bare. Still a little “evil seductress or witch”, but not quite as overt.

Semari picked up another ragged lump of metal and pushed it against Janaxia, where it immediately crinkled and melted away, magical energy absorbed into her body. From the look on Hakara’s face, this wasn’t normal, even for Janaxia’s stretched version of ‘normal’.

‘What are you doing?’ Janaxia brushed the light smuts of dirt off her shoulder. ‘You are being as insufferable as always. Would you kindly desist in your attempts to attaint my skin?’

Her hair had returned to normal, just a thin strand of red amongst the glossy back. Stathis approached, gingerly putting a hand on Janaxia’s shoulder, staring into her green eyes. Janaxia looked slightly taken aback, but not displeased. There was no burning sting of coldness, nor flare of heat, just her familiar scent, warm and sweet. ‘You feeling better now? No fever, or urges towards tyranny and conquest?’ She sent a tiny spark of energy into Janaxia, a brief dawn-tinged glow emanating from her palm. Janaxia gave a pleased little sigh.

‘That was strangely soothing, I didn’t know you possessed such abilities. Although again; casting such aspersions upon my character seems unnecessarily rude, if not cruel. So, this is another place where the Duke’s pet wizards performed their tasks? It seems rather squalid. I suppose we will be putting it to the torch?’ She spun, hand blazing with darkness as she confronted Semari. ‘If you approach me with enough dirty piece of rubbish, then I shall take it most ill!’

‘OK, so I think that cleaned the unicorn stuff out of your system. So you’re probably not going to have problems anymore.’

Janaxia sniffed, waving a hand at Semari, who danced away. ‘I really don’t know what you’re talking about, Stathis. While I appreciate the concern, your worries do seem rather overstated. Now, let us be done with this ugliness. And Jalmi may need some encouragement to secure her relationship with the Captain.’

Hakara was already poking around, checking through the place, apparently able to face up to the materials when there weren’t dead bodies involved, although her face was pale. ‘If you wish this place rendered inoperable, then I can do that. Unless Miss Janaxia would rather?’

‘If you could, please. Thanks.’ Stathis had a look around in case there was anything useful – everything seemed to be blood-stained and sharp, or silver etched with runes. Even Parth wasn’t taking the silver though, not wanting to get mixed up with anything that tainted. ‘Do you want us out of here? Do we need to evacuate the area?’

‘No, I believe the destruction should be limited. Although I would appreciate if you would stay, Miss Stathis, in case some guardian creature is unleashed.’

‘OK. Everyone else, out.’

As the door shut behind them, Hakara began casting, pale blue light washing out, runes etched onto every surface glowing red for a moment. As her hands maintained the spell, she spoke, in a secretive tone.

‘Is Miss Janaxia capable of siphoning essence from physical constructs? Such a thing must take an incredible amount of control! But to draw the energy from this kind of thing is dangerous. Is she, um, well…’ She trailed off, apparently unsure what to say.

‘Yeah. I don’t think she knows what she’s doing. I’ve been trying to talk to her about it, but it’s pretty hard to get through, she takes everything personally. If you don’t mind, could you explain to me what you think she’s doing? Magical theory was never my strongest point, if you could explain in simple terms.’

Hakara bit her lip before speaking. ‘Magical essence exists everywhere and in all things, and…’

‘OK, not that simple. Skip to what she’s doing.’

‘Well, in principle, any magical item can have the essence drawn out. Several rare creatures subsist in such a manner, seeking and devouring magic to further their own existences – the spectral slime is one such creature, and various demons and ghosts require such energy to live, or sustain themselves within the world. Some wizards have researched similar skills and abilities, but it is very esoteric, and generally associated with dark knowledge. All this’, she gestured at the gear around them, the silver now fading into dust, ‘is using similar knowledge, albeit in a darker, less skilled fashion. I’m worried that Miss Janaxia may be delving into dangerous grounds – by opening one’s soul to outside influences, there is a danger of corruption. And with the reputation and history her family has, I do worry what she may be doing, or becoming.’

‘I don’t think she’s actively dangerous. Could you keep an eye on her, though? If she starts getting strange or evil or anything, let me know. For what it’s worth, she’s not really in touch with her family, so I don’t think that’s a worry. If you can, could you study what she’s doing, try and figure that out? Try not to let on though, and don’t tell her she’s not a wizard, she gets really touchy about that. I think she’s got something extra granting her power, but it’s part of her, not possession or anything? But this really isn’t something I know much about.’

Hakara lowered her voice even more, Stathis having to strain to hear. ‘Of course, you have my support. I’m sure your mother must have assigned you this task for some reason, Lady Iristari.’

‘This isn’t an Iristari thing, it’s just coincidence. And “Lady” isn’t needed.’

Hakara tapped the side of her nose. ‘Undercover? I understand, I won’t mention it again.’

‘No, it’s not that, I just don’t like the fuss.’

Hakara gave a knowing nod, clearly thinking this all a ruse. ‘As you say, Stathis.’

Stathis changed the subject. ‘So, is everything in here safe now? Or is there more magic you need to do?’

A chill wind started, as Hakara summoned up ice in her hand, a large lump glowing with an inner light. As she released the spell, ricochets of razor-sharp ice started, shattering and bouncing off the surfaces. Stathis hauled her towards the door as ice clinked and rattled off her armour, shielding Hakara from the worst of it. They bundled outside, accompanied by the sounds of destruction from inside as ice ruined the contents of the room. Stathis put Hakara back down – she was heavier than Janaxia, although a lot of that was probably her heavier robes and all the pouches and other magical equipment she carried.

‘That’s been dealt with.’ Something popped and exploded behind them. ‘Janaxia, you sure you’re OK now?’

‘Quite fun, thank you. I feel very much refreshed, in fact. It seems defeating villainy does wonder for one’s constitution.’

Stathis watched Hakara peer at Janaxia, scribbling some notes down. Fortunately, Janaxia was too absorbed checking her reflection in a mirror to notice. Stathis turned to Brina. ‘Were you given any fancy jewellery when you signed up? Probably brass, with a gemstone in?’

‘Yeah, I was told to keep it safe, has some kinda communication spell on it.’ She handed it over – a cheap-looking amulet, overly-complicated with a green gemstone in the centre. ‘Thanks. Now let’s go get this sorted out.’

As they re-entered the chapel, she kept an eye on Janaxia, watching, in case of a relapse, but she appeared unaffected, looking around herself with interest. Parth and Semari had wandered off somewhere, hopefully not causing too much chaos.

She rapped her gauntlet against a statue, drawing Dalin’s attention. His stamina was impressive, but was clearly running low, his head drooping. ‘Let’s get this sorted out and make things official.’ He looked at her blearily. ‘You’re clearly worried my mother is up to something. And, to be fair, she probably is, although it would probably have been to remove the old Duke. But rather than you getting paranoid, talk now, sort out something, and go from there. If nothing else, you’ll be wanting to keep tradelines open, which will be easier if everyone is pretending to be friends.’

‘Oh? And will you swear, in this place, to be honest and fair?’

She shrugged. ‘Sure. In the eyes of all gods, under the light of heaven, all that other stuff, I will. If you do as well. Or we can all just be reasonable about this, and not fuck each other over without a good reason. I’m fine with either.’ He paused, considering. ‘I’ll take that as a “no”, then? Now let’s get this over with.’

She snapped the medallion, the gem breaking with a puff of energy. A ghostly green image appeared, of a woman, sat at a desk. ‘Agent Silversoul? What do you have to report?’

Stathis raised a hand in greeting. ‘Hi, Dorothia. It’s me.’

‘Stathis! What an unexpected pleasure. Oh, my shining knight, it has been far too long.’

‘Please don’t do that. And this isn’t a social call. I’m in Cormantara. There’s a new Duke, he’d like to lay out terms. And rather than snarling at each other in diplomatic letters and border squabbles, if we hash it out now, then everything will be a lot easier.’

‘Oh, so you didn’t call just for the pleasure of my company? Such a shame, when I was the first princess you saved; I’m disappointed.’

Stathis rolled her eyes, ignoring the baleful look she was getting from Janaxia. ‘Official business? Please try and keep this vaguely formal? Dalin, this is Dorothia, you’ve probably heard of her, she has quite the reputation. Sort out whatever government relationship stuff you want now, then you can bicker about it later on. It saves a lot of overtime on spies and soldiers and stuff.’

‘You really do take all the fun out of this, my knight. Nations can’t just “sort things out”, we need to parade our strengths and bark and snarl at each other first.’

‘Yes, they damn well can. You need sea trade, Cormantara needs the roads open, everyone wants the same things, done. There’s probably some tiny bordertown no-one is sure who owns?’

‘Farnham. It has been a contentious point for…’

‘That’s mine, isn’t it? Want to flip for it?’ She pulled out a coin.

Dalin managed to interject himself into the conversation. ‘Lady Dorothia Chulata, a pleasure to meet you. I am Duke Dalin Awdelly Cormantara.’

‘Congratulations on your sudden promotion, Duke. I must apologise for Stathis, she has a tendency towards excessive reasonableness, which does rather take the fun out of these matters. Nevertheless, we are both in a situation to cause harm to the other, which would be best avoided. Especially as your predecessor had been somewhat remiss in such matters, and let things get quite in a mess. Very well, shall we say Farnham is to be a freetown for trade? Otherwise she will flip a coin, and I suspect neither of us likes the thought of loosing any claim to it from sheer chance.’

‘A clear, concrete win to present to the people, yes – between that and a ducal wedding, then I believe that may mark a clear end to the previous regime.’

‘If we both take the usual wrangling and snarling at each other as read, then? While it can be enjoyable, it is sometimes useful to cut to the end. And I suppose I should congratulate you on your nuptials, Duke Cormantara. If you would be so kind as to let Brina attend as the representative of the Iristari? Unless, my knight, for once, you are planning on staying in place for more than a few days and actually attending to family duties for a change? The last reports we had placed you in Greyholt.’

‘You need better informants, then, don’t think I’ve been there for months. And no, I don’t think I’ll be sticking around. Where’s Carrisia these days? I’ve got some questions for her.’

‘High Priestess Carissia is currently dealing with some issues in the Western Peaks.’

‘I’ll be heading east then, although if you could pass a message on, I need to talk to her. Considering she can teleport now, I guess she’ll show up at some point? Ask if she’s OK as well.’

‘Would you like to speak to your mother as well? She is currently dealing with royal affairs, but I can call her.’ Her hand reached outside the range of the spell, no doubt to call for a servant.

‘Ah, no. That’ll be fine, thanks. I’m sure the magic on this thing won’t last that long.’ She gestured at Hakara to stay back, in case she tried to extend the spell somehow. ‘So, you’re going to play nice? No trade wars or anything stupid?’

‘We’ll do our best to live up to your hopes, my knight. Although matters were already in hand.’

‘Sure, that’s why people were getting sacrificed, it was clearly “in hand”! While you’re here, is there anything else I need to be aware of? That’s not prophecy-related bollocks?’

She chuckled. ‘Nothing requiring your personal attentions. Although your steed grows restless, and your mother would like to see you, rather than having to piece together rumours of your deeds. Are you likely to be honouring the court with your presence anytime soon? It would be a pleasure to see you myself as well, of course. I do, after all, owe you a debt I can never replay.’ The sharp grin the accompanied her words made them seem less than sincere.

Stathis sighed. ‘Probably not for a while? Maybe next year sometime, if there’s some work going?’

‘I will ensure your chambers are preserved as you left them, my knight.’ Fortunately, at that point, the crystal gave up, crumbling into dust and breaking the spell, Stathis turning to Dalin. ‘Right, so that wasn’t so hard, was it? No duplicitous mutterings and betrayals, and you’ve got a new tradetown on your borders. Unless you still think I’m here to do something shady, then I’ll be staying here for a few days to rest up. And in case there’s anything else going on. Any objections?’

Dalin looked slightly taken aback, coughing to try and cover his confusion. ‘Uh, yes, of course, Lady Stathis. Thank you for your help. That was certainly advantageous.’