Stathis was awoken by a knock on the door, a single, sharp strike. She got up, glad of the thick rug protecting her feet from the cold floor, then opened the door. Aimodia shrank back. In the darkened hallway, it took a moment for Stathis to make her out, now wearing a long, black skirt beneath a starched white apron, a mob cap on her head. She gave an awkward curtsey as Stathis tried to work out what time it was. From the lack of light, it must still be night. Why could these things never wait until morning?

‘What is it? And why are you dressed like that?’

‘I have taken service here. As thanks to Master Yeros and yourself, for saving me from those accursed beasts. And also because otherwise I’m not allowed to stay.’ In the darkness, she was only visible as a pale shine of white from her face and her apron, her features seeming to float above the fabric. ‘There are callers for you. They appear displeased.’

‘Great. So much for a full night’s sleep. Let me get dressed.’ She pulled her clothing on, strapping armour over the top, just in case. She picked up her sword – the hilt was glowing slightly, indicating that undead were close by. She tried sensing anything, but there was only the usual cascade of evil from Janaxia, probably asleep in the next room.

She stepped outside into the hallway, one hand covering the hilt, shielding her eyes from the spark of light. Although Aimodia seemed able to move without an issue, as Stathis followed along behind, trying to pick out the thin band of white fabric around her waist as a guide. They passed a window, Stathis glancing out – there was the faintest glimmer of dawn kissing the horizon, but the moons were still visible, stars twinkling brightly. Far too busy, and anyone come calling at this time must have serious business. Or were just dicks.

She was led to Yeros’ office, light seeping out around the edges of the door. Aimodia opened the door, staying out of the light herself, allowing Stathis entry. Inside, there was Yeros, as well as Udaipur and a trio of his followers, although these ones looked beefier than those from before.

‘Master Yeros, Master Udaipur.’ One of the followers looked angry and about to say something, before Udaipur gestured them to silence.

‘That would be “Grand Master of Autumn Udaipur”. But I am not here to quibble etiquette. It seems there has been a grotesque violation of the sanctity of one of the most sacred temples here.’

‘Uh, OK. What happened?’

‘At the Grand Temple of the Heavens, most holy place of the gods of fate and destiny, bodies were thrown down into the temple, during the Ritual of the Crystal Stars.’

‘I hope nobody was hurt? That’s one of the massive domes isn’t it?’

‘Indeed. And fortunately, no-one was hurt. But for a temple to be desecrated in such a way is a most heinous sin. The entire place must be re-consecrated.’ He was looking at her, a long stare and judgemental look.

‘OK, do you need a hand hunting down those responsible? Who were the bodies?’

‘Two of my followers.’ He didn’t appear particularly moved or saddened.

‘You have my condolences.’

‘I believe that those responsible would be under your command, Knight Stathis. The vagabond. Where is she?’

‘You mean Semari, I guess? She’s probably asleep, she went off with Parth. She’s probably also sleeping, or doing whatever elves do at night. We fought some vampires, although the most powerful one escaped. Oh, there’s vampires around, so if you didn’t know, you should watch out for them.’

There was a slight pause, Udaipur staring at her, considering his words before speaking. ‘They will be dealt with in good time. But I have reason to suspect that your colleague was responsible. Their desecrations must be punished. This is not a minor issue, Knight Stathis. Bring her forth.’

‘Throwing some bodies into a temple doesn’t sound like something they’d do. At least deliberately. What evidence do you have?’

‘Someone was seen fleeing the scene, leaping between rooftops. Accompanied by an elven figure. Such a pairing is rare, even in Sainted Hirata.’

Stathis tried not to wince. ‘That’s circumstantial, and they must have had good eyesight to spot elven ears at any distance. Even here, I’m sure you have assassins, thieves and the like. Tossing some bodies into a temple sounds like the sort of thing criminal gangs might do.’

‘Knight Stathis, do not be so flippant! This was murder, on sacred ground. There must be consequences. Now, call her.’

Stathis glanced at Yeros, who nodded, barely perceptibly. ‘I don’t know where they are.’ Stathis opened the door slightly, speaking to Aimodia. ‘Any idea if they came back?’

Aimodia stayed in the shadows, on the edge of sight. ‘No, not yet.’

‘Dammit.’ As she turned around, she saw a hand grab the edge of the window frame behind the desk. Semari pulled herself over the edge, face flushed from booze. As she saw the gathered group, she tried to duck back down without being seen, but was too slow. She slowly moved up again, grinning awkwardly.

‘Hey, it’s a party! You’re like the dudes from before. Are you vampires as well?’

She was grabbed and hauled inside, too drunk to do more than flail and flap around, shaking them off as soon as she was inside.

‘So, you admit your crimes, then?’

‘I ain’t admitting nothing! Isn’t that right, Parth?’ Another hand appeared on the windowsill, as Parth pulled herself up.

‘Death returned to death.’ Her stoic mysteriousness was slightly ruined by immediately slumping against a wall, starting to nod asleep.

‘So, you admit it, then? The penalty for your crimes is death.’

Stathis stepped across the room, shoving one of the followers out of the way and grabbing Semari by the shoulder. She reeked of booze, eyes barely able to focus. ‘Did you get into a fight earlier, after we fought the vampires?’

‘Yeah, with more vampires. But they were dressed like these guys, and, like, punchy and kicky and bitey. But you weren’t there to, fwoosh, chop them up.’ She swung her hands as though swinging a sword, making a sound like flame. ‘So, wouldn’t die.’

Parth nodded. ‘Rejected by death.’ Then she closed her eyes again, slumping back against the wall.

‘Yeah, totally unfair. So thought holy ground might, like, do something. I dumped them through a roof.’

‘Into a temple? Really?’

Semari shrugged. ‘Yeah, seemed a good idea. Easiest way to deal with them. I mean, vampires don’t like holy stuff, right?’

‘Couldn’t you have hidden them somewhere nearby? Rather than dump them into the middle of a ceremony?’

‘Yeah, but, like, I wanted to go eat and drink.’ She twisted out of Stathis’ grasp and bolted for the window, the liquid splash of retching sounding around the room before she turned around, wiping her mouth. ‘Found this great bar. Hidden away. Like, fancy, but not too fancy, you know? Did this thing where they mix loads of different drinks, and WOW that stuff hits hard. Whew, head’s spinning. Must’ve paid off the guards.’

Stathis glanced down at her swordhilt, now glowing faintly. ‘Parth, do you have anything to say?’

‘Vampires.’ She shrugged. ‘Shot, dropped. Semari’s vision, lightning and thunder raged.’

‘Another one? Anything useful?’

Semari answered. ‘Like, storms, and a voice wanting to be freed. All very shiny and impressive. Is this what it’s like being you, with big drama all the time? Although falling through a storm was, like, cool. So what’s up with you?’ She lurched forward, patting Stathis on the shoulder. ‘Hey, I don’t know if you know, Stathis, but, there’s, like, more of those dudes here.’ Her attempt at ‘whispering’ was louder than her normal speaking. ‘You step backwards, then I’ll go for the one on the left, kick him in the face.’

Stathis put a hand on Semari’s shoulder. ‘They wanted to ask about the pair you killed. This would be easier if you were vaguely sober though.’

‘Yeah, but those drinks tasted so good. And they had little sticks in, with olives on. Should, like, take Janaxia there, she could lounge around and get drunk there.’

Udaipur was unimpressed. ‘She admits to the killing, this seems straightforward to resolve.’ He approached close to Semari, who was still unable to focus, head slowly moving in her alcoholic stupor. ‘That such a wretch would be able to defeat either a vampire or one trained in the Arts of Heaven, seems most improbable.’ He reached out towards Semari, her instincts kicking in. Her arms moved in a fluid movement and knocked his arm away, before grabbing for his exposed throat.

He countered, leaning backwards and smoothly deflecting her own attack away and then trying a palmstrike at her chest. She shifted balance slightly, deflecting the strike so it hit the bookshelf behind her, a pulse of force rippling out, breaking one shelf with a crack, dust blasting outwards.

‘HALT!’ Yeros commanded, faint tingle of magic in the word, as both Semari and Udaipur readied themselves to trade blows. ‘This is not a place for combat.’ There was a series of loud ‘thuds’ as books slowly slid to the floor, spilling into an untidy heap. ‘Grand Master of Autumn Udaipur, what do you mean by such violence?’

He ignored Yeros, instead focusing on Semari, but didn’t try and strike her again. ‘Where did you learn the Fist of Heaven? It is sealed by order of the very gods themselves. The few apostates that have fled with its secrets have been purged from the world. And yet, here you stand, able to withstand one who has perfected the Fivefold Palms of Steel. This is even more of a crime than the destruction of my followers – have you taken any disciples? Such knowledge must not be spread, so that we may fight the darkness when it returns without them knowing our secrets.’

‘Eh? I’ve shown some people some stuff, I guess. Like this.’ She slammed a fist forward, putting her full strength and weight behind it without any buildup. There was a solid, meaty ‘thwack’ as it connected with Udaipur, forced to take a step back from the impact as he blocked with his forearms.

‘Master Yeros, what is the meaning of this? Did you know such a creature was dwelling beneath your roof? I demand, by right of the rank I bear, that she be bought before the Court of Divine Judgement, so her fate may be determined for her crimes. And then, any that have learnt her arts, be hunted and purged from the world.’

‘That’s a big accusation, Udaipur. And she is under the charge of one of my most dedicated knights. Accusing a simple brawler of a crime against the Heavens is not something to take lightly.’

Udaipur attacked again, pulling his strike this time, but with sufficient force that Semari had to flow and evade around the attacks, steering them away from herself. Then he struck again, grabbing at her and trying to grapple her.

‘Hey, at least buy a girl a drink first!’ Semari trapped his hand under hers, twisting to pull him off balance and trying to kick him in the shin. He countered by pulling back, the two of them rolling to the floor in an untidy grapple, fists and legs flying around. Stathis shoved her sheathed sword between them, pushing them apart and dragging Semari out.

Udaipur rolled to his feet, seemingly unfazed. ‘She has the talent of a Master, at least! There must be an entire renegade school somewhere, spreading the hidden teachings.’

Stathis spoke, ignoring Semari’s inebriated giggling. ‘I don’t think so. She’s never mentioned anyone else, just her. And why is knowing how to fight like you both do so wrong?’

Udaipur brushed dust off himself. ‘They are the sacred techniques of the Heavens themselves, a holy fighting style to counter the forces of darkness. They must be kept secret lest the darkness discern their secrets and how to counter them. When the great darkness returns, then we shall fight it, and purge it forevermore from this world. It is for this reasons that vagabonds such as this wretch must not be allowed to spread their corrupted versions of the sacred techniques.’

Semari spoke, still clearly drunk. ‘Yeah, but your mom’s a corrupted sacred technique!’ She cackled to herself, head still lolling around, as everyone tried to ignore her.

‘Well, I’m not going to let you just execute her or anything. What’s the procedure here?’

‘The procedure is documented in the Texts.’ Stathis could hear the capital letter. ‘All shall be done as the law decrees.’

Yeros walked to one of the intact sections of the bookshelf, pulling out a fat leather tome and flipping through it, ignoring the dust swirling out. ‘Here we go.’ He held up the page so that Stathis could see; pages full of elegantly written swirls and slashes, all utterly incomprehensible.

‘Right. So, what’s actually going to happen?’

‘As one accused of a crime against the Heavens themselves, then this wretch shall be taken to the Hidden Shrine. There, before a jury of the Masters, her charges shall be recited, and her punishment decided.’

‘Right. Well, you’re not dragging her off. If she says they were vampires, then they were vampires. And being able to fight is not a crime.’

‘The laws must be followed. She has broken the laws of Heaven and must be punished for it. Her ability is its own sin, it seems unlikely you can mount any defence.’

Stathis raised her voice slightly. ‘Aimodia, could you fetch Janaxia? Apologise profusely, but tell her it’s important. And make sure she has clothes on!’

Aimodia’s voice sounded from outside. ‘Yes. I will return shortly.’

They all stared at each other in awkward silence, broken only by Semari starting to snore, slumping against a shelf and slowly sliding to the floor. Mercifully, it wasn’t long until the door opened to admit Janaxia, technically dressed, all shimmering, teasing gauze. Stathis passed her the book, trying not to look too obviously, even some of the monks flushing and looking away, their discipline not entirely absolute.

‘Can you read this? Semari’s in trouble for punching things too well and killing some vampires.’

Janaxia flicked through the book. ‘Well, it does seem likely she has done something illegal. We could just leave her to the local justices to resolve? I’m sure another rogue can be found to take her place. It scarcely seems worth rousing myself for.’

‘Semari would owe you. Isn’t that right, Semari? And seeing inside the Hidden Shrine is something rare, you can boast about it.’ Stathis dragged Semari upwards, shaking her into something close to wakefulness. She mumbled and flailed slightly, as Stathis repeated the question. ‘I’m sure she’ll be thankful when she wakes up.’

‘Hmm. I suppose it is rather nice to see someone else accused of having strange and unnatural talents for a change. Perhaps it will teach her a little humility?’ She stared at Semari, who was still barely conscious and unable to react. ‘This does seem something of a trial though, if you will pardon the pun.’

‘I would have thought you would look forward to it – a chance to impress an audience within the Holy City. I’m sure Carissia would be impressed.’

‘You cannot simply dangle your sister like some bait! Although, yes, a victory in the highest court would be something of a feat.’ She ran a hand through her hair, as her makeup started to form. ‘Although I do hope you will have a word with Semari, to make clear quite how much she owes me.’

Stathis gave Semari a shake. ‘Say thank you!’

Semari gave Janaxia a hug, tight enough that Stathis could hear Janaxia’s bones creak. ‘You’re, like, great. And smell nice.’

Janaxia couldn’t respond until Stathis had pulled Semari off, finding herself grabbed instead as Semari clamped on. ‘The sentiment is appreciated, although I do hope it will remain even when the alcohol is gone.’ Her clothing rippled, changing from filmy gauze and silks to something more suitable for a courtroom, formal robes draping themselves over her body, although more form-fitting than was standard.

Udaipur looked at them. ‘Master Yeros, you are willing to approve this? For a Knight in your charge to defend a heretic, and with the aid of…’ He looked at Janaxia. ‘…such as this? Some sorceress?’

‘I am Janaxia Seyroon…’

Stathis cut her off. ‘Her lineage isn’t important right now. She is willing to help, and that’s all that matters. Are we actually under arrest or what? Because I’ve had a really long day fighting vampires that no-one else had bothered dealing with, so if we’re being dragged around, can we do it now, so we can get some sleep?’

‘You shall be conveyed from this place to the Hidden Shrine, so that judgement may be rendered. Master Yeros, do you wish to accompany your charge?’

‘No, I have full faith in her. I’m sure she will manage this perfectly well. I will continue to investigate the vampires.’

‘Right. So lets go make a start. I hope this means you’re putting us up, at least, Udaipur? Seems fair enough, if you’re the one putting us through all of this. And you can keep an eye on us as well.’

‘The trial will be held according to the highest standards, as set out by the Laws of Heaven themselves.’

‘Sure. Which is why all the laws are in a language we can’t read. Look, can we just get this over with, so that then we can go finish off the vampires?’ Stathis tried extending her senses – there was the omnipresent ice-storm of Janaxia, but she sensed something else, a dark haze of blood and shadows, somewhere nearby. Udaipur himself seemed alive, or doing a really good imitation of it, but several of his followers looked a bit pale and suspicious – was he running some kind of secret organisation of fist-fighting vampires?