They didn’t have long to rest before the door opened with a scrape of stone-on-stone as it was raised. Udaipur entered, followers staying outside. ‘Come, then. Let us see how you fare in a true court of the highest law.’

Semari roused herself, Parth helping her up. Stathis took the lead, striding through the crowd forcefully enough to open up a passage through the group. Hakara nervously followed along behind, Janaxia imperiously glaring at them, puffing up her robes to appear even larger, like an animal protecting its territory.

They were led in a short u-turn into the courtroom, where the highest platform was already filled with dignitaries, most dressed in fancy clothing, representatives from various temples and faiths. They were led to a small area for them to sit in, watched over by more guards. Closer now, Janaxia was able to scrutinise the tablets in more detail, squinting to try and read the strange script.

As everyone else filed in, Semari slumped into a chair. Hakara and Janaxia were speaking to each other, going silent as Stathis approached, both staring at her.

‘You two seem to know what’s going on? Mind filling me in?’

Janaxia held herself straight and rigid, somehow managing to stare down at Stathis despite being shorter than her. ‘This is not a matter to be settled with violence, at least yet, so if you would kindly take your seat and stay silent, it will make matters easier. And is that really an appropriate outfit for this scenario?’

Stathis looked down at herself – her breastplate could probably do with a polish, and her clothing was a bit cut and tattered, but it wasn’t that bad surely? Although compared to Janaxia’s magisterial robes, it was very much lacking, but, then again, better than Semari’s ragged tunic, whatever golden pattern it had once had now reduced to a few clusters of shiny thread.

‘Regardless of your lackadaisical approach to personal appearance, this is a serious matter. So none of your usual slipshod approach to planning – precision is required here, and grace and subtlety. So do kindly follow my lead, and restrain yourself from any outbursts?’

‘Uh, sure. So, what are you doing?’

‘Hakara has suggested a few ideas about tracking the mysterious entity, which falls squarely within her skillset. And meanwhile, I shall dazzle and astound with my linguistic talents. Now, I believe there is the matter of some recompense? This is quite a challenge, and all for the sake of Semari. I do hope you will make it up to me in some matter?’

Semari was still slumped in her chair, barely responsive.

‘Uh, that seems a little harsh. I’m pretty sure Semari has saved your life on several occasions.’

‘Yes, but only in a purely professional capacity, scarcely something to be excessively thankful for. And she is not the most gracious of partymembers herself, is she? Nor is she likely to be able to reward me with anything I might desire.’

‘Really, Janaxia? You’re holding out for payment?’

‘Well, it is decidedly rare to have such an advantage. Now, when this tiresome little affair is over, I think it would be nice to have some time with you. And while you have the rank, I really do think you should work on your appearance a little more; being seen with a battered knight, such as is your preferred style, would do little for my reputation. So I think something in blue, at that is your preferred colour, but a little tighter on the arms.’ She squeezed one of Stathis’ biceps. ‘To show these off to best advantage. And of course, your hair needs some work.’ A hand brushed through Stathis’ hair, tidying up stray strands. ‘Think of it as training for when you accede to true power and need to look rather less… raggedy.’

‘I said I’d go for a meal, not that I’d dress up for it.’

Janaxia stared up at her, head tilted. ‘Consider it part of my price. Unless you believe Hakara can read this?’

‘You seriously need to get over the Hakara thing; you know she thinks you’re pretty impressive, and you’re not in a competition. Fine, we’ll go for a meal.’ Janaxia stared at her, until Stathis sighed in surrender. ‘And I’ll dress up.’

Janaxia smiled, red lash throbbing with satisfaction. ‘Of course. Now, Hakara, are you able to attempt your spells with some degree of subtlety?’

A crystal was already hovering in front of Hakara’s hand, her usual magical circles now constrained to minutely condensed beads of light floating in front of her. From the look of concentration on her face, it was a strain, although she was still able to speak.

‘Yes. I will see what I can discover. Although there is a strong magical aura here, but it seems heavily inclined towards order. Any spells that invoke chaos and unruliness will be repressed.’

‘Is that likely to be a problem?’

‘I doubt it, but it is best to be prepared. Um, is Semari OK?’

Stathis poked her in the forehead, making her head rock back and forth. ‘You doing OK? Still with us?’

‘Yeah, I’m not feeling so great. This place feels cold and weird. I don’t like it, can we just run away?’

‘Bit late for that! Janaxia seems pretty confident she can get you off, but please don’t punch anyone without a good reason.’

‘Sure thing.’ Her head slumped forward, arms drawn tight around herself.

‘Parth, can you keep an eye on her? And try and stay conscious yourself. So, Janaxia, Hakara, anything you need from me?’

Janaxia shook her head. ‘It isn’t always about you, Stathis. This is an occasion where you are of decidedly tertiary importance. Simply look intimidating, and leave the talking to myself, and the arcane matters to Hakara.’

‘Sure. Just keep me posted and don’t get Semari into any trouble, please?’

‘Hmmm. She is scarcely the model of innocence, is she? But I believe I will be able to manage, as long as she manages to restrain herself from any ridiculousness, such as engaging in an affray with the judges.’ She glared down at Semari. ‘Do you understand? A simple “yes” will suffice.’

Semari mumbled something. Janaxia looked at her, shaking her head.

‘She really does seem quite afflicted, most peculiar. I would not have thought her the type to suffer from stress. Regardless, if she simply stays quiet, then that would be easier. Although seeing her so compliant is unusual. Almost unnerving.’ She bent over, her face moving close to Semari’s, waving a hand in front of her. She repeated this several times, without Semari grabbing the limb and wrenching it into a lock.

Stathis moved close herself, taking Semari’s hand. It felt cold, her pulse far slower than it should have been. ‘Semari? You OK?’ Using her powers here might be in contravention of some rule or draw attention, so she settled for rubbing Semari’s hand. A spark of life came to her eyes.

‘Yeah. Sorry, just… distracted. I don’t like being here, it makes me feel uncomfortable. Like at Janaxia’s place, but worse. Not as cold, but…’ She shivered. ‘Can we get out of here?’

Stathis glanced around at the guards on the exits – despite their lack of weapons, they would be a threat still. ‘If it goes to hell, Parth can get you out of here. Right, Parth?’ Parth nodded. ‘And I don’t think I’ve done anything actually illegal, nor has Janaxia. Unless they have a crime against having horns.’

Semari gave a wan smile. ‘Yeah, being a devil-lady’s probably against the law.’

‘You are aware that I don’t have to defend you? This is quite a burdensome task I am undertaking on your behalf.’ Janaxia’s robes seemed to loom even larger, fabric rustling.

Stathis tried to defuse them. ‘Semari doesn’t mean it, although I’m not sure what’s wrong with her. You don’t feel anything strange, do you?’

‘And why would I?’

‘Well, you are good with arcane matters, I thought you might have picked something up. If there was some spell or spirit or something. You seem quite attuned to such things.’

Janaxia’s expression softened. ‘Ah, so you acknowledge my talent? But I am unable to discern any entity such as those that have previously haunted our travels. Although in a place such as this, who knows what spirits may be present? Perhaps an angel is watching over us, even now.’ She glanced heavenward, as though expecting a divine visitation to appear before her at any moment.

‘So, any idea what’s actually going to happen?’

‘I expect matters will start shortly. Just remember your role.’

‘Which is?’

Janaxia smiled at her, suddenly all benevolence. ‘You simply need to smile and look trustworthy. Something you should be able to manage. And leave the work to me.’

Stathis took a seat, keeping an eye on Semari, in case she fell asleep or did anything stupid. But seeing Janaxia engaged and focused, even if she was gouging a price for her services, was a change from normal. From here, they were looking up at the judges, with attendants on either side. As seemed to be standard for courts, the attendants were dressed oddly, archaic robes and wigs.

Janaxia cleared her throat, going through some oral exercises and preparing herself. Do try and look interested, please. Now, do these robes suit me?

Stathis gave her a thumbs up – they were broadly magisterial, probably designed to inspire fear in peasants, all excessive puff and pageantry, although Janaxia had streamlined her version, making them sleeker and decidedly more flattering.

A gong sounded, what little background chatter there was going silent. Semari twitched and shivered, wrapping her arms around herself as though cold. Udaipur was in the opposite podium, apparently doing the speaking himself.

A dignitary stood up, robes fluttering. ‘We have been called here today by the Grand Master of Autumn, who has levelled charges of the utmost severity against…’ They leant forward, checking their notes. ‘Samari.’

Janaxia spoke, voice loud and clear. ‘Semari. Of no known family or blood.’

‘Ah, yes, Semari, then, of no known family or blood. And what are you alleging?’

Udaipur was wearing his same, severe clothing, although his voice rang out clearly. ‘Murder. Two of my followers, dead by her hands.’

There was a general umming and nodding, before one of them spoke. ‘This scarcely seems a matter needing our attention. Can not a simple divination be cast, to assay the souls of those present?’

Janaxia spoke, voice somehow loud enough to resonate through the entire chamber. ‘That would be in contravention of the laws of heaven, as writ upon these very walls.’

Udaipur was in sudden agreement, putting forward the same case, that matters should be settled through legal means, rather than magical. Stathis relaxed – she didn’t want anyone looking at her soul, as that would probably lead to an awkward conversation! And Janaxia probably getting burnt at the stake. Stathis wasn’t sure why Udaipur would be opposed to such a thing though, unless some of his followers were vampires though. He must keep them on a tight leash though, to have evaded notice.

Several of the judges turned to look at the wall behind them, covered with the tablets of law. ‘And you would be?’

Janaxia hammed it up for all she could, re-arranging her robes slightly to draw attention to how fancy they were. ‘I am Lady Janaxia, of the very highest of blood lines. Now, do you have any evidence that Semari was responsible for the demise of your followers?’

‘She has admitted to being on the roof of the Temple at the time. What more is needed?’

‘But that isn’t when they died, is it? While their bodies may have been destroyed during some sordid fracas on the rooftops, that is entirely unrelated to their actual deaths, is it not? They died quite some time ago, that they were still mobile is largely irrelevant.’

The judges were looking at her strangely, one of them raising a hand to speak. ‘Are you alleging that those slain were already dead?’

‘Yes. They were vampires, after all, and so quite thoroughly dead already. Which means they cannot be murdered, due to already being, as it were, pre-deceased.’

Mutters spread amongst the judges. ‘Do you have any evidence of this claim?’

‘The rather pronounced lack of bodies would be something of a signifier. I would presume they melted to ash when thrown into holy ground? That is standard for such types, after all. And the laws are quite clear that the bodies of the deceased are to be presented.’ She made a show of looking around the room. ‘And I don’t see any corpses here.’

Udaipur spoke. ‘They fought against you and didn’t walk away. She admitted to fighting them, and now they are no longer amongst the living. That does seem to suggest that murder occurred.’

Janaxia’s shrug was impressively theatrical, sending ripples through her robes before she dramatically pointed at Udaipur. ‘That they happened to be destroyed seems irrelevant. They were in fact killed at some indeterminate point in the past, it is merely inconvenient that it took all this time for their mortality to, shall we say, catch up with them. Unless of course you should have proof that they were alive? Bodies, perhaps?’

Udaipur clearly hadn’t expected anyone to put up any form of defence and was floundering. ‘On what basis do you present such a defence?’

Janaxia squinted, reading something off the walls. ‘The laws of… Ataragorn the Lawgiver, I believe, the symbols are somewhat faded. And appears to go into quite some depth about who can actually be murdered, and whom simply… ceases. And those that are already dead are quite explicitly excluded. Or rather, their killer would be the vampire that killed them originally. And while Semari may be guilty of many things, she is most decidedly not a vampire.’

One of Udaipur’s disciples rose – this one was a bit scrawnier looking. They launched into a lengthy, and very detailed counterpoint, Janaxia raising her own points. Stathis tried to follow along, but it seemed to hinge on very arcane definitions of ‘alive’, so instead she tried to look calm and in command. Semari was still slumped in her chair, looking barely conscious, Hakara continuing her spell-casting beneath the table.