It was almost pleasant walking down the street, although Janaxia insisted they switch positions so that Stathis was closest to the road. The sun was shining, the wide streets were clean and well-lit, the people they passed seemed happy and prosperous. Although the scent wafting from Janaxia was mildly distracting (something a bit sweeter than usual, without the peppery tang she normally favoured) and her shoulder rubbing against Stathis was warm, she seemed happy enough. She was looking about with interest at the temples and churches they passed, although without letting go of Stathis’ hand.

She seemed to know the way, heading towards one of the larger domes, the golden covering starting to catch the light, painful to look at. A slow but steady stream of other worshippers was passing in and out of the vast doorway, beneath the disapproving eyes of various deities. Inside, acolytes tended to shrines and altars, sacrifices being made amidst steaming incense and the scent of burning meat. In the centre was a huge statue of a dragon, a sinuous stone curve spiralling upwards, the parts of it in touching range rubbed smooth by centuries of petitioners.

Janaxia’s pace increased, dragging Stathis with her as she strode across the floor, marble clicking under her heels. Stathis tugged back, pulling Janaxia to stop.

‘Let me know if you start to feel feverish or anything. You went a bit funny last time, remember?’

Janaxia sniffed. ‘I would thank you not to remind me! Waking up naked in a back alley was scarcely dignified. But I feel quite fine, and I’m sure my ancestor would protect me from any harm.’ She put her hands together in a gesture of prayer, the effect of piety slightly undercut by her horns and clothing. ‘Now, I believe it’s this way.’

She led them towards one of the altars, this one set into a niche along the wall. The altar was of white marble, inscribed with inscriptions Stathis couldn’t read. Above it was a statue, twice life-size. It showed a fearsome-looking warrior, wielding a spear and clad in armour, her long hair streaming from beneath an open-face helm. She was thrusting her spear downwards into a demonic shape, a rough assemblage of raking claws and fangs, although the human head bore curving horns that were disconcertingly close to Janaxia’s own.

Stathis took a step back as Janaxia advanced. She kept one hand on her sword as sunlight sparkled on the marble, a bell sounding nearby. Janaxia took her cape off, revealing her tunic to be backless, choker suddenly gleaming in a stray shaft of sunlight. Her tattoo moved into sight, stopping just long to make it seem it was keeping an eye on Stathis, before moving out of sight for a moment, then peeping back out again, just slightly, somehow spiralling in a surly fashion. Janaxia sank to her knees on a cushion, hands together again in prayer.

Stathis drifted closer as light glowed on the statue. If Shimura decided to take issue with her descendent, then matters would get complicated. Janaxia’s prayer was inaudible, joining the general susurration of the place, the individual sounds impossible to make out. With the sunlight streaming through the place and hitting Janaxia, her hair gleaming black, hands clasped in piety, it could almost have been a picture, although the tight leather trousers and gold-wrapped horns were rather less pious.

And then Janaxia rose, making a final bow to her ancestor, who still hadn’t risen from her tomb to smite her descendent. Stathis relaxed, letting out a long breath. ‘So, are you done now? Said “hi” to her?’ Stathis’ hand twitched towards her blade as motes of dust sparkled in the sunlight. Were they forming into a ghostly shape?

‘Yes, I have. I will arrange for an offering to be made. She was said to be particularly fond of fine liquors, so a libation seems appropriate. Now, shall we depart? Perhaps a light lunch – there appears to be quite the range available here.’

‘Sure, I guess. I’m sure you’ve found somewhere already.’

Janaxia nodded with a smile. ‘Yes, there is a rather delightful place not far from here. They appear to be doing the most fascinating things with crepes. Although I do hope you have bought money.’

‘What? Why can’t you pay?’

Janaxia gave her a look. ‘You are a knight, are you not? It should be your pleasure to treat a lady of high birth to a meal after they have performed their pieties. If you are in such a dire position that you cannot afford it, then I suppose I can make a gift of it, but I wouldn’t like this to set a precedent, you understand?’

‘Let’s just go, I’m sure we can split it or something.’

Janaxia wound their arms together, that apparently now being their default walking position. After a brief discussion with a priest to arrange for a fine whiskey to be poured upon the altar, they exited, Stathis letting herself be pulled along. Off the grand avenue, they were now on a comfortable side street, apartment blocks to either side, the ground floors filled with shops and restaurants, staffed by smartly dressed staff.

Janaxia sat down and immediately gestured at a waiter for service, ordering food for herself and Stathis. The other customers were all expensively dressed nobility, making Stathis wince at the thought of the inevitable bill.

‘Wow, this place is pretty nice. Get a tip from whoever you slipped off with yesterday?’

‘They appear quite familiar with the most charming parts of the city. And I deem it a service to yourself to spread such knowledge. You should be thanking me, really; surely this is superior to some tatty little pilgrim’s inn?’

Food was bought out, crepes artfully arranged on plates, along with steaming cups of hot cocoa. Janaxia took a tiny bite, a smile spreading across her face. ‘Delicious! Would you try one?’ She held one up, moving it towards Stathis, who obediently opened her mouth to take a bite. It was tasty, a mixture of sweet flavours flowing across her tongue.

‘Strawberries?’

Janaxia nodded. ‘Amongst other things. Exquisite, are they not?’

Stathis tried to slow herself to Janaxia’s pace, not wanting to gobble down food that was meant to be savoured slowly. It was slightly disconcerting eating with Janaxia looking at her, slight smile on her face, her lash glowing with a satisfied pink hue, but the food really was good, the cocoa complimenting the flavours with a sweet-smooth tang.

‘If you don’t mind me asking, what is your history with Master Yeros? You appear to know each other quite well.’

‘I was his squire for a while, and he took my oath, back when I started.’

‘Ah, so it is from him that your… unorthodox approach descends? I would not have expected someone of such standards to rise to such an exalted position.’

‘Yeah, that’s a very long story, at least the bits I know, and I’m not quite sure how he ended up here. But he’s good in a pinch, and I trust him. Although I didn’t think he was your type?’

‘Most assuredly not, I should say. Although I suppose he carries himself with a certain verve, he is a touch old, even if his lifestyle likely imbues him with a certain vigour. I imagine he is the one that you got drunk to avoid taking, certain elements of the knightly oaths, as you didn’t wish to find your behaviour uncomfortably restrained?’

‘Yup. Took a lot of doing – had to pour half a pub down his neck before he started getting wobbly. Although I’m pretty damn sure he was mostly doing it for the free drinks.’ Janaxia was leant forward, chin resting on the back of her hands, seemingly absorbed in the conversation. ‘He taught me a lot about being a knight, even if it might not have been what he was meant to have taught me. Or what the other masters would have taught me. Although I do have a favour to ask from him.’ Janaxia drew back, now looking uncertainly at her. ‘It’s the novices. They’re, um, not used to women, and you are very attractive, and a bit distracting to them. Would you mind trying to be, um, less attractive around them? I think they need to work their way up to dealing with someone like you. Build up a resistance first, that sort of thing.’

There was a long pause, Janaxia’s hair guttering and flickering between pale cherry and brighter crimson. Then she smiled, apparently having decided to take it well. ‘Well, they are but callow youths. I suppose they are unused to dealing with anyone as appealing as myself, raised as they have been in such a stifling martial atmosphere. I will try, and I mark that this is a personal sacrifice, to be a little less dazzling. Tell me, what of my current ensemble do you think should change?’

She leant back on the chair, gesturing at herself. Stathis leant forward and poked her bare thigh. ‘That, for starters. Maybe a little looser all around? And maybe not the bare back as well? You have a nice back, but I don’t think everyone needs to see it. Maybe try for more of an “aloof wizard” look, experiment with something a bit looser, rather than looking like you’re going to seduce people and eat their souls?’

‘That may be an idea.’ Janaxia smiled, taking another bite. ‘Maybe take some inspiration from the stylings adopted by those of the faiths here? Something to try, I suppose. Carissia seems to make such looks work well for her.’

Stathis changed the subject before it could turn to Carissia. ‘So, are you going out to meet your new friend again? Or is it friends?’

‘There is no need to sound so dubious. But yes, I have another assignation for tonight. Unless, of course, events should conspire against me. I do so hope you don’t have anything planned that might be an interference?’

‘So, who is it? Managed to snag a passing noble?’

‘It is unlike you to take an interest in my affairs. Unless you would care to join us? I’m sure you would be made welcome.’

‘Ah, no. So, tall, dark, I’m guessing attractive?’

She nodded, looking very pleased with themselves. ‘Well, they were certainly that. And they do indeed seem to be of worthy background. From somewhere in the Eastern Marches, I’m given to understand.’

Stathis looked into her eyes, which had gone slightly glossy. It was tempting to simply break the charm holding her in thrall, but that might make the rest of Stathis’ plan harder. She seemed entirely happy with this state of affairs, so Stathis let it be – the vampires would hopefully all be dead soon enough, anyway.

The waiter approached, all smiles and gladness, sliding over a bill. Janaxia studiously ignored it until Stathis peeled up a corner, looking at the number shown. That couldn’t be in gold, surely it must be silver? No, it was gold. She reached for her belt pouch, feeling her hand brush against something warm. She looked down, to see a grubby face staring back at her, a knife cutting through the strings tying it to her belt. They made a final cut, then bolted away, dashing towards an alley.

Stathis kicked her chair away and gave chase, ignoring Janaxia’s cry. The inevitable alleyway she ran into was piled high with crates and rubbish. They pulled over a stack of crates, fruit scattering everywhere and rolling towards Stathis. She charged forward, squashing fruit beneath her, raising an arm to protect her face as a barrel fell towards her. ‘Get back here, you thieving bastard!’

She skidded around a corner, bouncing off a wall and then accelerating again, the thief not that far ahead. They exited from the alleyway into a small square, a fountain tinkling and splashing away. They glanced over their shoulder, fear coming over their face when they saw Stathis gaining on them. Another twist, and they ran into a darkened alleyway. Stathis continued, although ready to protect herself as she stepped into the darker area. A strangled cry came from somewhere ahead of her.

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust. The thief was there, although was now suspended by the throat, one of Udaipur’s followers holding them up. Their legs kicked as they fought for breath, before being tossed to the side, their attacker spinning them around and twisting their arms into a lock.

‘Those that sin must be punished. The hand that commits the sin should be destroyed.’ They kept twisting the arm, the thief’s shoulder getting bent out of shape.

‘Hey, that’s enough!’ She drew her sword. ‘Sure, he’s a thief, but you don’t need to break his arm off! At least take him to a judge first or something.’

‘He has broken the laws of this place and must be punished for this.’

Stathis stepped forward, sword at the ready. They let the boy go, shoving him against a wall before turning to Stathis. She stabbed forward, making them dodge backwards. When they tried to move forward to attack, Stathis kicked out, forcing them away. All that time with Semari had been useful for something at least! They were way slower than Semari was, and not doing any complicated jumps or flips off the walls. They tried to punch her but couldn’t close the gap without risking getting stabbed, unwilling to risk her blade and so could only dodge around a lot, without achieving anything. Stathis let her sword drop slightly to lure them in, then twisted her sword around and slammed the hilt into their head. They fell backwards, dazed, before Stathis shoved an elbow across their jaw, finishing them off. They fell to the ground, eyes glazed.

Then she grabbed the thief before he could run away again, making sure to reclaim her money first. ‘Right, here’s a coin for you. Now don’t steal again, or I’ll break your bloody arms off myself.’

He took the coin and than ran off. Stathis returned to the restaurant, where Janaxia was waiting for her, arms crossed indignantly across her chest, foot tapping on the ground. As Stathis approached, she looked up, eyes narrowed.

‘Well, that was scarcely behaviour befitting of a knight! Leaving me quite alone, and with quite the predicament to explain the situation.’

‘Did you at least pay them?’

Janaxia gestured down at herself. ‘And where, pray tell, would I keep such things?’

She was right – her outfit made it abundantly clear that she had no money on her, nor anywhere to keep it, while obviously also being very expensive. As they spoke, the head waiter appeared, striding over, forcing Stathis to explain the situation, pulling out a handful of coins and handing them over, attempting to mollify him. Eventually, after much apologising, they accepted her money, along with an excessively generous tip.

Janaxia patted her on the shoulder, probably trying to be reassuring. ‘Well, I suppose you handled that well enough, even if it did take an excessive amount of time to return. Apprehending some street thief really shouldn’t take such an amount of time. I really do hope you dealt with him appropriately?’

Stathis evaded the question. ‘Now that we’ve seen your ancestor and she hasn’t risen from her tomb to speak to you, shall we head back? Semari might have recovered by now.’

‘Very well, if you insist. I suppose it is a trifle early to go for dinner. And I must prepare myself for my assignation.’

‘Do they have a name?’

‘Why, Stathis, is that a touch of jealousy?’ She stroked her choker again, as her green eyes blurred with a slight crimson haze. ‘Not something you need to concern yourself with. Unless you have some objection?’

‘No, I’m just curious. And it’s nice to see you enjoying yourself. Just be careful you’re not hooking up with anyone dangerous. Looks like there’s a few marks on your choker.’

Janaxia stroked the golden metal, fingers quickly finding the dents. ‘Hmm, yes. I shall have to have it repaired. Unless you wish to buy me a replacement?’

‘Another one? You think I can afford that? And I just bought you food as well.’

‘That is true, I suppose.’ She yawned, suddenly looking drained. ‘If I am to be entertained tonight, then I need to rest first. Shall we return?’ She held her arm out, Stathis taking it before being grabbed, as they started to make their way back.