Despite the recent chaos, the townsfolk were adaptable, already starting to repair the castle and the town. The place was a hive of activity, builders and craftsmen about their business, some of the damage already gone, faded into yet another layer of repairs.

‘Knight Stathis!’ Stathis jumped, startled, as Larrik stepped around the corner. ‘I would have words with you.’ She kept one hand on her hilt, just in case he decided to finish the duel here. He sank to one knee. ‘My apologies, Knight Stathis. Had I but known you were on a mission from the heavens, I would not have spoken ill of you.’

Stathis looked around, making sure no-one else was listening in. ‘Are you feeling OK? What’s going on?’

‘I saw you fight above the castle. With wings of celestial fire, you took to the heavens, that you might fight the foe!’

‘Oh, that. If you could keep that secret? Please?’

‘Of course, noble and divine messenger. Had I but known, then I would never have behaved in such a way.’ He held his hands up, baring his wrists. ‘Please, take my hands, it is the least punishment I deserve.’

‘I’m not chopping your arms off. Although it’s tempting! Just stop being such a dick – it’s fine to be a knight and stuff, but we’re here to protect others, not to get shitty when other people aren’t following some set of rules.’

‘Of course, most noble and divine emissary. I shall endeavour to follow your instructions.’ He pulled out a notebook and started scribbling in it.

‘You don’t need to write this down! Just fight monsters, look after people and stuff, just stop being all weird about it when there’s pretty female wizards involved.’ She felt a presence behind her, a familiar scent wafting through the air as a hand took hers, Janaxia seemingly summoned from empty air. ‘Anyway, if you want to talk more, then find me later. And thanks for your help, even though you were kind of an asshole.’

‘Yes, Lady Stathis. Of course. But please, take my blade. You have earnt it, with your valour.’ He handed his blade to Stathis, still refusing to meet her eyes, his attitude now one of deference.

‘Thanks.’ She unsheathed it, admiring its balance and craft, light sparking along the edge. ‘Have you got another to use?’

He didn’t answer as he rose from his crouch and made a hasty retreat, with more bowing and scraping.

‘Well, that was unexpected. I suppose he acknowledges your knightly virtues and so forth, after your deeds here? Rather better than an attempted maiming, is it not?’ Janaxia reached out, flicking the blade. A spark of light snapped out, Stathis hastily sheathing it before it could react further to Janaxia’s presence. ‘And a strange coincidence. Parthenelle says that, with the death of the beast below, then she no longer has any need for the elven blade. So it appears you have something of a surfeit of enchanted weapons. Here it is, if you wish to compare.’

She handed over another sword, this one slightly shorter, with a smaller hilt, crafted for elven hands. Stathis drew it, feeling the balance, making a few practice lunges and swipes; the power within the blade made her blows swifter and stronger. ‘I think I’ll keep Larrik’s, I prefer the extra heft. You want it? Might be better than your club, and it’s elven, so should be fancy enough for you.’

Janaxia took the blade, considering, carefully examining the sheath and hilt. Was she working out if it complimented her outfit? Well, the silver and ivory weren’t her usual colours, but might encourage her to shift her palette a bit. She managed some credible practice swings, slicing the air. ‘It certainly has some style, but it seems a touch martial, does it not?’

‘It’s a sword, being martial is the point. And if you ask Parth, it’s probably got some fancy name and history as well.’

‘Hmm. I suppose.’ She made a few more practice swings and cuts, managing to look almost competent, before ruining the illusion when she tried sheathing it, having to look to line up the blade and sheath, rather than being able to do it by feel. ‘I was going to take a final tour of the traders, now they are packing up and preparing to leave. If you would care to accompany me? Such a shame your sister had to depart before we were able to properly speak.’ She held her arm out, apparently expecting an escort, as they walked towards the courtyard.

‘Well, she’s always busy, you know how it is. Probably called away to blast something else.’

With the danger over, the traders were all fixing what they could, locals helping, wagons getting patched up. Some had already left, along with most of the adventurers, but a few remained, stocking up on what they needed to return. Janaxia led her to the jewellery trader, who bowed.

‘Lady Iristari, an honour to meet you!’ He bowed, far more deeply than was needed.

Stathis sighed. ‘Please, there’s no need for that.’ She whispered to Janaxia. ‘Please try to keep that to yourself! I really don’t appreciate it others knowing about it.’

Janaxia was entirely unashamed. ‘You do so much good, that it seems unfair to labour in anonymity. Besides, Master Trader Keltern was just saying he wanted to make a gift to the brave hero that saved this fair town.’ She gestured at the merchant, a middle-aged man, wearing fine clothing and far too much gold.

‘Oh yes, as the Lady Tremari says.’ He winked. ‘And if we ever happen to meet again, put a kind word in for me, yes? Lady Tremari mentioned that you had admired this piece.’ He held out the golden choker. ‘Please, take it, with my kind regards.’

‘She’s not threatened you or anything? Or used weird magic?’ She ignored Janaxia’s sniff.

‘Oh no, simply wishing to contribute to the aid of such a fine hero.’ He dropped his voice slightly. ‘Truth be told, I got into a little trouble the last time I was visiting the domains of your mother. If you were to put a kind word in for me, I’m sure it would ease matters.’

Before Stathis could reject the gift, Janaxia had taken it. ‘Your understanding is appreciated, Master Keltern. I’m sure matters can be arranged to mutual satisfaction, isn’t that right, Stathis?’

He smiled and nodding. ‘Of course. Always glad to arrange an… understanding.’

Stathis tried to object, but then Janaxia stepped in front of her, bending down and sweeping her hair aside, baring the smooth, brown skin of her neck. ‘If you would care to put it on?’ She handed it over to Stathis - from the feel, the thing was made of some dwarven alloy that had all the shine of gold, but was far tougher. The clasp was cunningly hidden, Stathis having to carefully run a nail over the surface several times before finding the hair-thin crack, opening it. She moved in close, as carefully wrapping the metal around Janaxia’s throat, then clicking it shut. There was a pause, Stathis tense in case some ancient magic or curse activated. Then Janaxia turned back around, one hand stroking along the gold, apparently pleased, to judge by her smile.

Rather fetching, is it not?

It did emphasise the elegant lines of her neck and throat, and might even provide some defence from vampires, although the short chain dangling at the front was an odd touch.

‘Well? How does it look?’

‘Pretty good. It’s very suited to you. And not quite as, um, ominous as your usual style.’

Janxaia was suddenly yanked to the side, as Semari popped up, twisting her fingers through the loop of chain, dragging Janaxia with her. ‘Hey, we can put a leash on this, stop Janaxia wandering off every time something charms her!’

Janaxia managed to slap Semari’s hand away as Stathis spoke. ‘That’s not actually a bad idea. You do seem to get charmed by, well, everything that tries. Even that thing beneath us, and that wasn’t remotely attractive! But it does look good on you. Very, um, regal, I guess?’

Janaxia stroked it again. ‘Thank you, such praise is appreciated.’ She flicked a hand, dark energy lashing out and striking Semari, sending her flying backwards, colliding with a wall.

Stathis sighed. ‘Don’t start, you two! Anyway, Semari, have you spoken to Melltgalwr?’

Semari picked herself up. ‘What about?’

‘She’s a mysterious lightning-witch, you’re a mysterious lightning-puncher. Seems like there might be something there, maybe? You might even be related.’

‘She’s, like, half-elf and stuff though.’ She ran a hand through her hair, showing her ears. ‘No points, see? And I’ve only ever blown up, like, one castle, and that was an accident and totally not my fault!’

‘Are you not even slightly curious? You are certainly a singular specimen.’ Janaxia had entwined her arm around Stathis’ again. ‘You may be some elven by-blow, perhaps. Somewhat watered-down blood, of course, but it would explain your myriad of peculiarities. If she has some inherited affinity with the fire of heaven, that could be passed through the blood to you.’

‘Maybe, but, like, doesn’t really seem to matter. Plus she’s being weird and elfy with Parth. Lots of staring into the distance and stuff. They’re either bonding or using drugs. Or both.’

‘Fair enough. Just seemed something worth asking.’ Stathis sighed, looking upwards – a clear blue sky, the heavy clouds now gone. ‘That could have gone worse, I guess. We killed an ancient monster, got some magical swords, actually got paid, and generally did well. And Hakara and Janaxia both learnt new spells. Although try to avoid making them accidentally permanent please, Janaxia. Has that disc of darkness vanished yet?’

‘I can scarcely be blamed for being so effortlessly skilled at magic that my effects last far beyond the expected duration! But I will endeavour to restrain myself to purely mundane feats in the future, although it may chafe.’

‘Thanks, please do. I’m going to go say goodbye to Tunera.’

‘I think I will accompany you – she needs some advice beyond combat techniques, before she matures into a life of battered armour and similar tawdry, tiresome clothing. A ruler should endeavour to give their subjects something to strive for, after all. And with the creature and the witch gone, then this place may become more open to trading, opening her options further.’

Stathis let herself be pulled into the remaining parts of the castle, where workmen were already busy, repairing and adding yet another layer of repairs to it. ‘Actually, you never did tell me what was in that scroll that pissed you off so much. Or why you’ve been acting so weird.’

‘Lies and rumours, which you need not concern yourself with. As to the rest…’ She twisted her hands awkwardly. ‘I have not been sleeping well, of late. I awaken with strange knowledge, granted new powers, yet with no rest. It does make me wonder if, perhaps, I truly am… unusual.’ Her voice wavered slightly.

‘I’m not going to lie, you are unusual. I’ve no idea what’s going on with your powers. But if you’re having weird dreams, then tell me. We can try and ward demons off or whatever.’

‘Oh? Would you confine me in a circle of sanctified silver and holy water?’

‘Well, if it’s that or you getting possessed by a demon, yes. I’d make sure it was a nice sacred circle, get a comfy bed, some decent food and wine, give you a chance to relax.’ She took Janaxia by the shoulder. ‘Look, whatever is going on with you, it probably isn’t that bad. Hakara was telling me about someone at the Academy that grew a load of extra eyes and then died. I wouldn’t want that to happen to you. So tell me when weird stuff is going on, OK? There’s nothing wrong with being unusual, but “possessed by a demon” is definitely crossing the line. You’d probably still make it look good, but claws and fangs aren’t really a good look.’

‘So you think me a monster then?’

‘No, just a little unusual.’ Stathis shifted a hand onto Janaxia’s horns, running a nail along the ridges, making a buzzing sound. ‘This is strangely relaxing. You still getting those piercings?’

Janaxia shook her off, although looked happier than she had. ‘I think I may do, yes. I do believe that one should embrace one’s uniqueness, as something of a virtue.’ She patted her hair back into place, carefully arranging it around her horns. ‘It would scarcely be fitting for me to fade into the background, would it now?’

Stathis looked at her, taking in her full outfit, regal makeup, and now wearing a shining golden choker as well. ‘I really don’t think that’ll ever be a problem for you. That choker does look good though, nice to see you in something not black or red.’

Janaxia ran her hand along the choker again. ‘It is rather fetching, is it not? Like being collared by the sun.’ She twisted her head, letting Stathis admire it, and her, as she tried not to splutter and cough.

‘Uh, yes. Anyway, what happened to that scroll? Other than reconstituting itself after being eaten?’

‘Some of the imagery within it is quite vividly striking, but I do find it quite hurtful that someone would scribe such a thing. If you knew what it said, then you would be just as offended, I’m sure.’

‘You know it’s thousands of years old, right? Gervint didn’t write it to piss you off, I’m pretty sure you’re the only person alive that can read it.’

‘Well, that’s still no excuse for such overly-detailed slander. What if anyone else were to decipher it? They would have to be eliminated before they could spread lies and tales. The detail is such that any casual reader is likely to believe it true.’

‘Fine, whatever you say. Please don’t hunt down past owners of the scroll, because of whatever the hell it says. Just as long as you don’t go all weird and demon-y on me. Let’s go say goodbye to Tunera now.’ She hooked her fingers through the chain – it felt tougher than gold, able to withstand pressure without snapping. ‘You should come too, give her some pointers.’ She gave the chain a yank as she walked away, the feeling strangely satisfying, pulling Janaxia along behind her, strangely without complaint.