Larrik seemed to have gotten the hint that this wasn’t Stathis’ doing, turning and gazing up at the attacker. Stathis covered her eyes, trying to see through the rain, shouting at some of the crowd as she did so.

‘Get water! Make sure the fire doesn’t spread!’

Before that could happen, there was a soft, ashen scent and a hissing sound, as the fires flowed together, all the sparks, embers and flames moving into a single bright sphere, rushing through the air into Carissia’s hand. It hovered there for a moment before she hurled it skyward, rain hissing into steam from the fierce heat as it flew. It exploded, a burst of flame high in the sky, steam bursting in the air, obscuring everything. As the steam faded away, the attacker was still there, winds buoying them aloft, copper-red hair and green clothing rippling in air.

Some form of magical barrier could be seen, a sphere clearly visible in the steam before it blew away. In retaliation, the attacker cast her own spell, a dome of lightning appearing in front of her, blindingly bright white light. It fell to the earth and exploded, the world turning white from the blinding flash, streaks of colour dancing through Stathis’ sight. Lightning arced everywhere, shouts of pain indicating a large area of effect, as she felt lightning spike and pierce through her body, her armour flaring with heat. The ground rumbled, almost pitching her off-balance as she staggered in her blindness. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to ignore the pain, as there was a whoosh of firebolts from nearby, as purples and greens swirled through her vision, slowly returning.

When the steam vanished, the attacker had gone, sparks of electrical energy still hovering in the air as an aftereffect of their spell. Then pandemonium broke out, chaos spreading through the crowd. Stathis started to yell, before fire burst into the air above Carissia, fierce enough to stun everyone into silence.

It seemed her oath of whispering or whatever was still in effect, as she didn’t shout orders as expected, instead posing dramatically, her ash-black clothing appearing ominous in the rain, the fire above her keeping her dry beneath a heat-haze aura. It served to keep everyone in line, as those injured by the lightning were tended to, few remaining fires put out.

Stathis moved through the crowd, doing what she could to direct people to where they could be helpful. No-one seemed seriously injured; a few people blinking past lightning-induced blindness, or cutting off burnt clothing, checking minor wounds. Rumour was already sparking through the crowd, that the Storm’s Eye had returned, open speculation as to the price, and what would be worth it.

Stathis drifted over to Semari and Janaxia, both hiding from the rain under one of the tents, Janaxia busying herself with continual application of cleansing magic, to keep her outfit dry. Mavrosa was just outside, trying to move close again, Stathis calming her with a few pats.

‘Any idea what the hell just happened?’

‘Well, I beat that dude, and I’m not seeing that cow you promised me.’ Semari gave Stathis a glare, obviously expecting her reward immediately.

‘I said a meal, not a whole cow. And it’s been, what, ten minutes? Give me some time, at least! We’ve not technically won yet, either. Anyway, the flying storm-witch seems a little more important, don’t you think?’

‘Yeah, but, you promised!’

‘Don’t worry, I’ll get it sorted. Just not right now, OK? Until we’re not in danger of being blasted or stormed or whatever.’

Semari made a face. ‘Fine, but you better pay up! I could’ve been, like, skewered, or something, just because some dude has major beef with you. And now there’s a storm-witch as well. Pretty crazy, right?’

Janaxia flicked away another blob of water, magic pulling it from her clothing before it fell to the ground with a splat. ‘A touch unexpected, yes. She does appear quite potent, and flight does make for an unappealing combat, especially for those limited to melee range. I would also like to register my displeasure at fighting in the rain – it really is entirely uncomfortable and discomforting.’

‘There’s not really much I can do about that. Maybe summon up a hood? It’d mean hiding your hair, but given how much you dislike getting wet, you might just have to deal with it, even if it will snag on your horns. Anyway, thanks for your help, your spells are handy for duels. He didn’t have much of a chance with you knocking him back into your darkness all the time.’

‘Thank you, it is certainly nice to have my talents appreciated for a change.’ Despite the sogginess, Janaxia still managed to preen, pleased with herself. ‘The matter seemed almost trivial, I would have expected more of a challenge. This does raise the question of quite what is to be done with that attacker, though; all rather unexpected. Although what of your duel? There didn’t seem to be any victor – are your hands still at risk?’

‘Yes, I have to win all of the contests to do that. The rules are a pain in the ass. Although I guess this might be a good reason to call the damn thing off.’

‘He does seem to have a most intense dislike of you, so that may be a vain hope. But perhaps if you were to deal with the witch in an appropriately dramatic and noble fashion, he may relent in his hatred somewhat? Or perhaps the lord of the keep may be induced to intervene on your behalf?’

‘Maybe, I guess? Anyway, has Parth finished her race yet?’

Semari nodded. ‘Yeah, the flag went down a while back. Guess being able to go, like, ghost-y is pretty helpful. Didn’t have to try and find her way through the castle, for starters. She’s got, like, elf business to deal with, right? Any idea what that is?’

‘She wants the sword that was the prize. It’s probably from some ancient hero or something. Must be important to the elves. I’ve said I’d help get it back.’

They were interrupted by the loud blowing of a horn, as the lord summoned everyone. Carissia was stood close by, still steaming slightly as the rain struck the heat-haze surrounding her, strands of clothing moving from the heat, as the Lord spoke.

‘Brave adventurers! I thank you for attending Fort Verinal, in this time of need. The Witch of the Storm’s Eye, an ancient scourge upon this land, has awoken from slumber, as predicted in ancient prophecy! If left unchecked, she will raze Verinal to the ground, in storm and thunder!’ Expectant murmurs cut through the crowd. ‘She must be found and destroyed, before her wrath falls upon us and she destroys this place. The brave souls to claim her head will be rewarded, with the wealth she has acquired in her lair, as well as gold from my own treasury.’

There was a long pause, before someone shouted from the crowd. ‘How much gold? She’s pretty powerful!’

‘For her head, the slayers shall have a chest of gold.’ The silence continued, until he clarified. ‘Two thousand gold coins, of the Old Empire, as well as jewellery, and an enchanted blade, crafted in the height of the Elven Empire.’

That was enough to raise a vaguely enthusiastic bout of muttering. Stathis nodded – it was less than the standard rate, but it wasn’t as though there was much work out here, and with so many groups, even the less powerful had a chance of being able to get the killing blow. And there were probably other elven ruins out there, fit for looting. Although unless she had a base somewhere, there was a large area to search, and flight would mean that she couldn’t be tracked by mundane means. Maybe Parth could help? Unless the witch was roughing it in a cave, she had to be living somewhere proper. And she’d shown up before, so it was either a family legacy thing, or she was putting herself into an enchanted sleep somewhere between attacks.

‘Those that defeat the Witch of the Storm’s Eye will be feted as grand heroes, their stories told across the lands! So, brave heroes, will you venture forth and vanquish this foe?’

This occasioned much discussion amongst the adventurers, analysis of the risk versus reward. The witch wasn’t reputed to have any great personal wealth, although had probably accumulated a decent number of enchanted trinkets and the like. Much speculation rested on her allies and followers – simple wilderness monsters wouldn’t be much of a threat, but if she had any more powerful allies, such as hippogriffs or giants, then the risk would be greater. From the look on Lord Verinal’s face, he’d been expecting a more enthusiastic response, rather than careful calculation.

As the gossiping continued, the Lord moved away, likely seeking private conference with their advisors, Carissia following them. Larrik, surprisingly, was trying to rally others to the fight, although seemed to be mostly irritating them, without being particularly persuasive. But he wasn’t trying to chop her hands off, which was a marked improvement.

Stathis’ thoughts were interrupted by a giggling squeal from Semari, as Mavrosa licked the back of her neck, tickling her. She tried to push the horse away, without much effect.

‘Janaxia, get horse-naxia to leave me alone! It’s better than a demon-goat, but way too friendly.’

Janaxia bridled. ‘Horse-naxia? Mavrosa, I believe she has been dubbed, a somewhat more fitting name.’

‘Yeah, but, she’s, like, horse-you. She’s even got the same hair-thingie, although I don’t think her one glows. And she’s probably not evil. So horse-naxia. Or Ja-horsia, I guess. Janax-horse? No, that sounds silly.’

Mavrosa attempted to shower her affections upon Janaxia, as Janaxia moved closer to Stathis, using her as a barricade. Stathis let the horse sniff her hand, giving her a friendly pat between the ears, forceful enough to keep herself from getting licked.

‘Would you two stop bickering? We should find Hakara, she might have some magical trick she can use to help figure out where to go.’

A light suddenly burst into being bare inches from her face, making her start backwards, almost pushing Janaxia over. It hovered there, emitting a fierce heat, almost burning Stathis’ face, as she steadied Janaxia, keeping her from falling over. It bobbed and hovered there, before slowly moving away.

‘Dammit, I think I’m being called. I’ll catch up with you later.’ Mavrosa tried to give her a goodbye lick, which she only barely avoided.

The flame moved, hovering in front of her, making the rain hiss and spit. It guided her back towards the castle, through the maze of chambers and passages, into Carissia’s rooms. One of her fellow priests stood guard at the door, with an ornately made, but very effective-looking, mace of gleaming brass held ready, their ashen robes switched for black-and-grey armour. With Carissia was Lord Verinal, now pacing the chamber.

Carissia beckoned Stathis over. ‘Perhaps it was fated that you would be here, after all. Between the cold, seething evil that hides itself from me and must be destroyed, and the Stormwitch’s return, then you may be of use.’

‘Glad to be so appreciated. Well, that money would help pay down my debt, wouldn’t it?’ She turned to Lord Verinal. ‘So what’s the deal with the Witch? Sounds like it’s not the first time she’s shown up.’

He nodded. Up close, she could see that he was still strong, but well past middle age, more suited to leadership than the rigours of the battlefield, although he seemed to be managing the dress armour well enough. ‘The curse of the area. According to legend, she spends most of her time in an enchanted slumber, awakening only to scourge humanity from the land. She is rarely active for long, but destroys this place, or any other settlements, then vanishes, leaving those left behind to rebuild, again and again.’

‘Any idea why? Territorial, cursed, something else?’

‘I believe it to be linked to the elven circles – although the elves refuse to discuss the matter. But they keep to themselves, so it is hard to pursue the matter. They have generally absented themselves from the area prior to her attacks, according to the old stories.’

‘Something is sealed here. Some legacy of the Black Triad, bound beneath the land. Perhaps you should ask your thrice-queen friend?’

‘How do you know about that? But she’s here for that sword you’ve offered, Lord Verinal. Is there some story there?’

‘It was recovered, as I said, from an ancient tomb. There were the usual monsters and such in residence, but no indication of who was buried there. I had experts examine the place, in case of curses and suchlike – there was some residual magic, but they found no evidence of anything untoward.’

‘This was once a heartland of the Elven empire, before it’s destruction. The devastation was so complete that, even today, the area is a barren wilderness.’

‘OK, so it might be ancient, Black Triad stuff? Do you have any idea where she might actually have gone? Tracking someone that can fly isn’t particularly feasible.’

‘I have trackers out already, she must have returned somewhere. But I have another job for you. I believe she seeks this.’ He held up the silver spear, the metal looking strangely dull in the firelight, as he strained to lift it, seeming to find it heavy. ‘It is an ancient weapon, which the High Priestess of the Whispering Flame has vouched is the seal upon some creature.’

Carissia simply nodded, probably not wanting to strain her voice by further whispering.

‘I am hoping to distract the witch, and split her attentions, and whatever forces she may have, to either force her back to slumber, or defeat her finally. While I cannot order you, I would engage your services. To protect this place, the spear and my family, as Priestess Carissia and myself attempt to find her home and attack her there. You come highly recommended, despite Knight Larrik’s, ah, issues with yourself.’

‘Yeah, he’s stretching for most of those. So you’re leading the attack, Carissia?’ Stathis looked at Carissia, who nodded, as Verinal spoke.

‘I am trusting you to protect my family. Should I fall, then then my daughter shall have to avenge me.’

‘I’m sure you’ll be fine, Carissia is quite powerful. How much are you paying for this? This is for four, or five if I can get Parth to tag along.’

‘Three hundred gold.’

Stathis shook her head. ‘I’m looking after your family, and a magical weapon. One thousand, five hundred. And that witch might attack here while you’re hunting for her, that’s a lot of risk. Or any monsters or bandits that take advantage of the chaos.’

‘Four hundred, but you may have the elven blade.’

Carissia was rolling her eyes at the haggling. Well, she had faiths, churches and temples to pay her bed and board, and wasn’t in hoc for some bloody fancy magical armour.

‘Four hundred? That’s barely covering the trip out here. A thousand.’

‘Four-fifty, and I’ll throw in food and board.’

‘Come on, at least make it eight, I’ve got bills to pay.’

‘Five hundred is the most I can offer. And the blade only on completion.’

‘OK, fine, deal.’ She held her hand out, Verinal taking it in a firm handshake. Carissia waved her fingers, bands of fire appearing around their wrists for a moment, scorching Stathis’ arm, leaving an ashen residue.

‘Was that necessary? Do you really think I’m likely to cheat on the deal or something?’

‘I do like to be involved in such matters myself, you know. And isn’t it nice to take pleasure in still having arms?’

‘Yeah, thanks. So generous of you, telling him you’d cauterise the damn stumps.’

Carissia shrugged. ‘Consider it an incentive. Although I would have regenerated them, at least when I gain such power.’

Stathis sighed. ‘Thanks, that’s nowhere near as comforting as you seem to think it is. Does this place have anything I need to know about? Ancient monsters locked in the basement, cursed ancestors in the graveyard, local lycanthropes or anything else?’

‘There are the elves, although it seems that you might be better placed than myself in discovering their goals. But little else, at least normally. There are numerous ruins and so forth, but most have been picked clean. The castle itself is built atop ancient ruins, and there are sealed chambers beneath us, but no-one has been able to get them open. An ancient monster is said to have been defeated down there, and still haunts the place.’

‘How long are you expecting to be gone? I know some administration, but it’s not really one of my skills.’

‘Well, if you had paid more attention to our tutors, then that wouldn’t be an issue. Nevertheless, it should only be for a short time – I doubt you will need more than your martial skills. And do try to keep Janaxia safe, I would quite like to have some relaxation available when I return. I haven’t had company in far too long.’

‘She’ll be fine, she’s pretty tough.’

‘I have to say, I do approve of her more combative attire. That leather really is rather fetching, and she certainly has the figure for it, it is very enticing. Although if you could request she remove that horned headgear of her? I assume it bears some enchantment, but it seems a little crass, and likely to scrape the thighs.’

Verinal coughed, dragging attention back to himself. ‘We will be leaving shortly, if you could prepare yourself? I have instructed my men to follow your orders. Try to keep everything calm, if you would?’

‘Of course, Lord Verinal. Are you going to be taking Larrik with you?’

‘Yes, he and his group are skilled.’

Stathis relaxed slightly. One less thing to worry about. Now to hope that nothing went wrong while everyone was absent. ‘I’ll try and hold the fort here then. Thank you for the trust you place in me.’

‘The priestess vouched for you, despite Knight Larrik’s claims. And my daughter dislikes his teaching methods, perhaps you will be a better tutor?’

If Stathis had known she was going to be teaching as well, she would have held out for more money! Although at least Larrik couldn’t misconstrue this as something corrupt, surely?