They headed back into the chapterhouse itself, walking through the empty hallways, Aimodia bundling herself into her heavy cloak, starting away whenever they passed anyone else. Although the place was quiet – there was the clatter of practice swords somewhere nearby, but only a few attendants were around, bowing respectfully to Yeros as he passed. He set a rapid stride, giving every appearance of being on important business as he led them back to his office, unlocking the door and letting them in.

He went to sit down, after first having to lift the cat from his seat, earning an indignant ‘mew!’ as he deposited it on the floor. ‘Well, that was useful, even if we were unable to attain our true goal. So, Miss Aimodia, I must apologise, but it seems as though you will have to stay here, for your own safety. Semari, would you be able to pick that lock? It must be uncomfortable carrying that chain everywhere.’

Semari looked up from the cat, currently twining around her legs. ‘Uh, yeah. That’s totally a thing I can try and do.’ She gave the cat a stroke, before squatting on the ground and starting to fiddle with the lock, quite roughly if Aimodia’s look of discomfort was anything to go by.

Stathis approached, speaking to try and keep her at ease as Semari yanked and jerked on the chain, fingers pulling at the links, trying to break them through brute force.

‘Do you know anything about what they’re planning? It seems a risky place for vampires to be, what with all the priests. If anyone just dumped enough holy water down there, then they’d all be destroyed.’

Aimodia looked away, long black hair flicking around, speaking quietly. ‘They didn’t speak much to me of such things. But their master is powerful, and likely to be troublesome, even against such fearsome warriors as yourselves. I daresay they have some plan, to be grief and woe to this place. He has few fears, save holy magic, such as you seem to possess.’

‘Worry not, you will be protected. But for such things to dwell here, is most worrisome.’

‘Well, you do have, like, miles of old tunnels everywhere.’ There was another clink as Semari bent more metal out of shape. ‘That’s going to get vampires. Or demons. Or demon-vampires or cultists or whatever, that’s what you get in spooky tunnels. Fact of life.’

The distant sound of a bell tolling started, before being joined by a swelling of sound as the hour was rung, temple bell after temple bell joining, the sound growing until it was a loud roar. Aimodia grimaced in pain, then suddenly spasmed, almost falling over. Lightning sparked over Semari’s body, her bracer an incandescent white, eyes rolled back in her head. Her hands were clamped onto the chain, electricity sparking along it and burning into Aimodia, making her start to twitch herself.

Stathis turned and shoved Semari, the electricity sparking into her and stinging her hands, as Semari toppled backwards, entire body spasming. Parth had the presence of mind to thrust a knifehilt between Semari’s teeth to prevent her biting her tongue off, as Stathis tried healing Semari. Something roared and crackled at her, blinding blue shapes flaring at her, exploding upwards and sending her crashing back against the wall, smacking her head, before several books and ornaments fell onto her. The sounds of the bells got louder, Aimodia trying to pull herself clear. The scent of burning flesh was present as her clothing started to scorch from the lightning.

There was a splash as Yeros upended a jog of water onto Semari, snarling crackles of electricity flaring out onto the rug before fading and dissipating. Semari sank to the ground, body relaxing, as the bells faded away.

Hakara had the presence of mind to cool the chain with rays of frost, metal popping from the sudden cooling, several of the links snapping and breaking. Aimodia fell against the wall, hissing in pain.

Stathis checked Semari for wounds, pulling the bracer off and tossing it aside. Her skin beneath the bracer was raw, blistering from the heat. Her body was slowly relaxing itself, tension leaving her muscles, although the knife was still clamped beneath taut jaw muscles as Stathis healed her.

‘Any idea what that was? What were those bells?’

Yeros answered. ‘That was the call to prayer. It used to be a nightmare with every temple, church and shrine having a different time, so they managed to hash something out and now it’s the same time for everyone. It’s really loud, but only for a short period of time, rather than going on for most of the morning.’

Parth was checking Semari over, carefully stretching her limbs out. ‘Danger. Ancient forces.’

Stathis waited in case any clarification was coming, but apparently that was it. ‘Right. Are you OK, Aimodia?’

She twitched her long skirts back into place, ankle vanishing from view. ‘I believe I shall endure. Your companion appears to have the worst of it. Is she prone to such fits?’

‘Not that I’ve seen. Hakara, can you check the bracer, to see if its broken or something? Considering how she got it, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s a bit damaged.’

Hakara carefully prodded the thing, before picking it up. ‘Yes, I will do so. Master Tomistis, I believe you mentioned a laboratory? If you show me where that is, then I will see what I can discern.’

‘Of course.’ He rang a bell, summoning a servant. ‘Will Semari recover?’

She was still breathing, and seemed to have relaxed, but was still unconscious. The cat approached, batting her with a paw before sitting on her chest, curling up in preparation for a nap. Stathis shooed it off, earning herself a dirty look in so doing. ‘Probably? I’ve seen her take worse, but I’ve no idea what that was.’

Arms reached up, grabbing her shoulders and dragging her down. Semari pulled her down so they were face to face, jerking Stathis off balance. She spoke, so softly that Stathis could barely hear, a rapid garble of words, all run together. ‘helpmefreemecapturedseekingthesky. Breaktheskycallthefirebringjusticetothewicked.’ Then she let go, Stathis staggering backwards, trying to make sense of what she had heard.

‘Is there somewhere safe we can leave her, at least? Someone to keep an eye on her?’

‘Yes, that can be arranged. Aimodia, Stathis and myself will escort you to your chambers personally. And Janaxia will hopefully return safely.’

Stathis waved a hand. ‘She’s probably fine, and almost certainly had a better night than we’ve had! Let’s get Semari into a bed, at least. And you, Aimodia, as well.’

A servant appeared, guiding Hakara to the laboratory, Parth taking Semari, mashing up a healing berry and pushing it into her mouth. As Yeros was taking Aimodia away, Stathis went with them. Aimodia stayed closed to Yeros, seeming to find comfort in his presence, and heavily limping, one leg making heavy steps as she walked.

‘Did you come here alone, Aimodia? Where are you from?’

‘I travelled from a small village, far away from here. I wished to see the Holy City, to be closer to the gods. And then those beasts grabbed me and spirited me away. It is fortunate that such brave knights as yourselves happened to rescue me.’ She moved closer, brushing shoulders with Yeros. ‘I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your offer of sanctuary. I sincerely hope you will be able to defeat those creatures before they harm anyone else.’

Yeros took her by the shoulders, staring into her eyes. ‘Worry now, fair maid, you have my word that I shall protect you will all my skill. As long as you swear to honour my hospitality and shed no blood within these walls, then the sun shall protect you.’ Their clothing rustled in a sudden breeze, as energy sparkled around the pair of them, a bead of light flickering into being above his head for a moment before winking out. While Yeros made up a dramatic-sounding oath, Stathis tried to extend her senses. All she could sense was cold, bitterly intense and powerfully evil, meaning that Janaxia must have returned. Aimodia mumbled her way through a vow of thanks as Stathis opened the shutters, letting light into the small room. Once they were done, Aimodia ducked into the attached bathroom. They left, allowing her some privacy, finding a quiet corner.

‘So, think she’s on the level?’ Stathis leant against the window ledge, looking down at a dozen or so initiates moving through practice swings.

‘I suspect at least partially. Although I can’t get any read on her, thanks to your, ah, friend.’

‘She’s not my “ah, friend”, we just work together! I’ll go ask her what happened later. Although she tends to get crabby when woken up, so probably much later. She’s probably had a tiring night.’

‘Compared to fighting vampires? And you shouldn’t let such an opportunity pass you by! Who knows when next you’ll be able to savour such delights? It’s not like you to be shy.’

‘This is really not the time, OK? There’s a lot of stuff going on with Janaxia, and that’s before getting into her family situation. And you should let Aimodia rest before trying it on, she’s possibly been through a lot. It seems a bit suspicious, doesn’t it?’

‘She certainly seems well-spoken for a simple village lass, but she could have had some education. But she is bound by an oath now.’

‘Is she really? Because it looked to me like you just summoned up a mote of light after using a simple spell to ruffle your clothing.’

‘I know that, and you know that, but she doesn’t. So it’s much the same, really. But she seems to be injured from your friend’s fit, so will hopefully remain in her chambers. Now, I would take it that your friend is not prone to such fits?’

‘Well, she’s passed out before, but that was after getting really drunk, and drinking from an underworld river that screwed up her memory. She’s generally a bit strange, but what happened today was new – I’m guessing that’s not a normal thing around here?’

‘Falling to the ground, exploding and sparking with lightning? No, that’s pretty unusual.’

There was a loud crashing sound from downstairs, and they looked at each other. Fortunately, there was an open window, and they both dropped down to the quadrangle, the novices reacting with surprise as Yeros spoke to them. ‘Line up lads, parade ground order!’

They obeyed with impressive speed, moving into two straight lines opposite the main gate. Something on the other side struck it, rattling the huge lump of wood on its hinges. By now, other servants and attendants were coming as well, drawn by the noise.

Yeros approached the door, Stathis close behind. He took a deep breath, then slid the bar aside and opened it.

Outside was a group of… priests, maybe? Of mixed genders and races, none were armoured or had any obvious weapons, and they were dressed in matching clothing, simple white trousers and tunics, belted at the waist by long cords. All were barefoot, and none seemed to be even carrying a beltpouch or knife. Their leader was a tall man, head shaved, marked out by a heavy steel bracelet on each wrist, studded with spikes.

‘Chapter-Master Yeros. I would speak with you.’

Without waiting to be invited, he stepped inside, his followers moving in, stepping past, moving with eerie synchronicity, as they filed into the quadrangle. They lined up in a square, the only sound the rustle of their clothing. As they moved past, Stathis checked – she could see their chests rising and falling, so at least they were alive, rather than some form of construct.

‘Right then, since the Grand Master of Autumn Udaipur has graced us with the presence of himself and his initiates, take this as a chance for some training. Try not to break each other too much. Assuming, of course, that he grants his permission. Grand Master?’

Their leader looked over Yeros’ students, all looking unsure of themselves. ‘Very well. Any opportunity to pursue excellence should be encouraged.’

Two of them paired off. The challenger was a very serious-looking young woman, her long plait of brown hair flicking back and forth as she took up an open-handed fighting position, hands forming loose fists. Her opponent looked far more nervous, taking up a training blade. Yeros rolled his eyes. ‘Sex doesn’t matter on the battlefield, just try and hit her!’

He still looked nervous, but moved to attack, sword coming up in a powerful chop. She smoothly sidestepped, moving close to him and giving his arms a push upwards to throw him off balance, her other hand snapping forward to punch him squarely in the chest. He managed to stay standing, but had to step backwards. As he lowered the sword into a defensive posture, she attacked, ducking low in a feint and drawing him into a stab, spinning around and then grabbing his wrists, bending them upwards, forcing him to drop the weapon before letting go.

It was like watching Semari, albeit far slower, and subtly different. Her moves were very precise and rigid, honed with practise, while Semari’s were more flowing and organic, better adapted to the rigours of live combat. And more brutal, although that was normally in live combat, not training bouts.

As another pair lined up, Yeros spoke. ‘Shall we let the youth tire themselves out, and speak in my office?’

Udaipur nodded. ‘Very well. I trust it will be instructive for all involved.’

Stathis looked at him – he was tall and powerfully built, solid muscles visible beneath his loose top. It was open enough to show a tattoo across his chest, a broiling black cloud sparking with vivid white lightning, unreadable characters forming a circle around the pattern. He appeared to know the way, his bare feet silent against the floor as he spoke to Yeros, while looking at Stathis.

‘I believe the ordinances have been made perfectly clear to you? That this chapter-house is for men only, servants excepted? Your laxity was allowed for far too long. The ordinances and laws exist to be followed.’

‘Actually, she’s a Knight of the Sun. And I think you will find that being a Knight trumps such petty things as gender. So Knight Stathis is allowed to stay, in a manner befitting to her rank and position.’

He stared at Stathis, black eyes weighing her up. ‘Knight Stathis? I believe I have heard of you.’

Stathis winced. ‘If it was from Larrik, then he was stretching things, rather a lot.’

‘That would be “Knight Larrik”, would it not? And you seem to have acquired his blade. I trust that it was done lawfully?’

‘Yes, it was. He was so impressed with my deeds, that he gave the blade to me in acknowledgement.’ Even as she said it, Stathis was aware of how much of what she said sounded like a transparent lie.

‘Intriguing. He was a man of strong beliefs, and unlikely to be swayed, and yet you claim to have managed just that. And you are the sister of Priestess Carissia? I would hope that you are more constant in your beliefs than she is. Her assumption of new sacred oaths on such a regular basis is worrisome. One that would cast aside a god so swiftly can scarcely be trusted with any other oaths, can they?’

‘Hey, she’s not that bad. She tries to help, although can be a bit of a pain about it. And is too quick to blow stuff up.’

He looked away, seeming to dismiss her as they reached Yeros’ office. Yeros took up a position behind his desk, once again having to first unseat the cat. ‘Now, to what do I owe the honour of this visit?’

‘Do you deem Knight Stathis worthy of this discussion? She is but a travelling knight, is she that deep in your confidences?’

‘I trust her as I would myself. She was my squire, and a good and true knight of this order. Now, why are you here, other than to toss around my novices like sacks?’

‘Concern. After the unusual storm, I wished to ascertain that no harm had come to yourself or your followers.’

‘No, everyone here is quite alright, no damage.’

‘Very well.’ He looked at the scorch marks from the lightning, still visible on the carpet and walls, but said nothing. ‘Aside from that, there have been reports, Master Yeros. That a man meeting your description was seen attending one of the illegal establishments in the catacombs. While I appreciate your rank, I believe we have had words on similar matters previously, have we not?’

‘In my role as warden of the Holy City, I was investigating rumours of dark forces operating out of the catacombs. Darker than bootleggers and speakeasies, of course. In the course of this investigation, I discovered a nest of vampires, accursed, sun-fearing bloodsuckers. It was in the course of these investigations that I may have passed, briefly, through such a place as you describe.’

‘Oh? And no doubt Knight Stathis accompanied you as well?’

‘Of course. I may be skilled, but even I would shrink from fighting a nest of vampires by myself. Although I thought that you were meant to have cleansed the under-tombs of such problems?’

Udaipur’s stance didn’t shift, his gaze intense. ‘Are you implying that there is some flaw with my followers?’

‘Well, vampires are scarcely the best of neighbours. Now, is there any other reason you’re here, or are you simply pestering me for having eliminated some vampires?’

‘Were there any captives?’

‘Just one. She is currently resting, so no, you may not question her. She’s just a pilgrim grabbed from the street, she wouldn’t know anything useful.’

‘Very well. Once she has recovered, then I will speak to her myself. It is possible that my questions will unveil some truth which you have missed.’

‘If you wish, but I will vouch for her personally if I have to. Now, is there anything else?’

Udaipur turned to Stathis, sizing her up. ‘Would you care for a practice match? Yeros refuses me, and the chance to practice against a skilled Knight would be appreciated. Clerics are all well and good, but many lack martial rigour.’

Stathis glanced at Yeros, who shrugged. ‘OK. Just for training?’

‘Of course.’

His flat expression was somehow more concerning than a sneaky grin would have been, but it would be useful to gain his measure. If nothing else, if he fought like Semari, it might be some clue as to what she was, or where she came from.