Everyone was on best behaviour for some reason, stiff-backed and attentive, despite being obviously tired. They stood to attention as Stathis walked past, heading towards the briefing room. Two soldiers were by the door, their armour fully cleaned and polished, a winged sword emblazoned across their breastplates. They stood up even straighter when they saw Stathis. She frowned, head still foggy with sleep. Why were members of the Winged Guard here? And where had they been during the fighting?

The door opened, a far-too-familiar voice and figure standing there, hand on their sword hilt, smiling at Stathis, blonde hair ringed with an iron coronet. ‘Greeting, daughter. Congratulations on assisting Major Colobra with her victory.’ Stathis wished she could teleport herself away or that she was dreaming. ‘I’m told there was a speech? Very stirring and heroic, I’m sure. And that you led the charge? I’ll have to have a song commissioned, it’ll give the court bards something to do other than more songs about Carissia. She helped destroy the Tiger Lord of Jarulantha and his Court of Claws. I daresay there will be a grand epic about that soon enough – perhaps you could attend the debut performance? It would be nice to have some company for once.’

There was nowhere to escape to, so the only option was to plunge forward, however awkward it might be. Through the doorway, she could see Herith and the troop leaders, now joined by more members of the Winged Guard, set aside by their bright, clean armour and not looking exhausted. ‘I wasn’t planning on staying long.’

Mother shook her head, her blonde hair shaking. ‘You’re coming back to the capital. If nothing else, it will be quicker for you to travel onwards from there, rather than spending weeks tracking across the mountains. You don’t need to look so terrified, and it’ll do the people good to see you again. And maybe you can take some items to help you this time? Although you do seem to have acquired a powerful blade and not broken or lost it for once. I seem to recall hearing your acquired it from another Knight of the Sun after he challenged you? Unorthodox, but effective, it seems.’

‘Larrik’s a dick. Although might be better now? Anyway, what are you doing here, and with the Guard as well?’ She raised a hand in greeting to one she recognised, who shuffled awkwardly, not wanting to look improper.

‘Let’s make this formal, then. Knight Stathis, if you would attend this debriefing session.’ It wasn’t a question, although at least she didn’t physically haul Stathis into the room.

With so many armoured figures inside the briefing room, it was ridiculously cramped, even with the extra space the others accorded Stathis. She shifted, accidentally stepping on someone’s foot, turning to apologise. ‘Sorry. Oh, Mandara. Been a while, good on you for getting into the Guard, that was always your dream.’ He smiled back awkwardly, nodding towards the front as Mother began to speak. The room immediately went silent.

‘Congratulations to Major Colobra, for her deeds in achieving victory against an overwhelming force. As some of you may know, there have been suspicions about forces being arrayed against us, an old enemy come anew, raising up the very bodies of the dead against us!’

Despite herself, Stathis couldn’t help but be impressed at the stagecraft and the power in her words, some spell making sunlight ripple around her, armour shining brightly, the gem on her brow glinting as she turned to look across the room.

‘Thanks to the stalwart efforts of Major Colobra, we have managed to unveil this enemy!’ The door to Herith’s chamber was opened, one of the Guard hauling in a prisoner. The sack over his head had been replaced with a sleeker, magical version of the same, black leather covered with enchantments, an aura of silence and darkness emanating some distance outwards from the hood, blinding and deafening the wearer. Their hands were bound behind their back, being steered by the Guardsman, at least sensible enough not to resist as they stumbled forwards.

‘This is their leader.’ She strode forward, the magical symbols fading as she ripped the hood off. It was Janaxia’s brother, now looking even more drained and exhausted than before. There was a gag over his mouth, a leather band woven with silver, silencing him and stilling his magic.

‘Greganx Uth Tremari. It is neither an honour nor a delight to meet you, but I’m certain you will be useful to me. I would ask you what your family is planning, but it will be easier to get the full details later. So, do you have anything you wish to say? Do be careful not to say anything too objectionable.’

He tried to speak, the gag swallowing any words he might have said into meaningless mumbles.

‘Now, I do have to wonder quite what a scion of the Uth Tremari might be doing in quite so remote a place as this. I would imagine looting the elven catacombs for bodies? The elves don’t take kindly to desecration of their dead, I wonder what they would do to you? Conveniently, I believe there’s a Thrice-Queen of their people here that could pass judgement, if such were needed. How would eternity being melded into a tree treat you? I hear most spirits subjected to such go insane.’

He tried to stay strong, but alone and faced with so many opponents, he wasn’t up to the task, fear showing on his face.

‘So I do hope you will be helpful. Take him away.’ The Guardsman hooded him again, making sure everyone got to see him hooded and humbled, before he was hauled away. ‘I’ve read the draft report.’ That would explain why Herith looked exhausted; if she had written that, then she hadn’t rested since fighting. ‘Excellent work. At a steep cost – the kin of the lost will be rewarded for their sacrifice. But a far lesser cost than it could have been, if they had broken through here. Major Herith, you will be commended for your leadership in this. And you will have your reinforcements. You made excellent use of your resources, including the irregular troops to which you had access.’ Everyone turned to look at Stathis. ‘Sadly, our forces are stretched thin at the moment. The most recent graduates are being pushed out a term early – you will have a troop of them. I trust you to train them up.’

Herith saluted, almost glowing with praise, pushing back her tiredness for a moment. ‘Thank you, Lord Commander.’

‘Anyone not cleared for confidential information is to leave the room. Lirin, make it sealed.’ One of the Winged Guard, a sorcerer, nodded and began to cast, magical energy lapping at the doors and windows, the regular soldiers filing out. Stathis started to move with them, a sudden cough and glare from Mother stopping her. Apparently this was to involve her then, but at least it meant there was more space now.

Mother waited until the others had left, a silver light gleaming in the window and in front of the door.

‘Major Herith, good work. I was expecting a move like this, but not so soon. Although I suppose their information may have been out of date, and they didn’t know we were here. Either way, this helps us regain some momentum. I’m sure Greganx will be a source of much information.’ Her smile was far from pleasant. ‘And we can bury the elves again, that’ll get us into their good graces. Stathis, if you could kindly have a word with Thrice-Queen Parthenelle Tel’Qasar, and ask her if there are any specific rites she wishes enacting?’

Stathis nodded. ‘Yes. There’s probably going to be something. And she knows the elven heir to this place, if you want to sort that out with them.’

‘I’m sure the treasury can bear that much cost. Now, Stathis, what do you know about the other one? There is worryingly little information on her, other than she is apparently legitimate.’

‘The other one? You mean Janaxia?’

‘Yes. She seems to have appeared, quite suddenly, some seven years ago. Before that, nothing.’

‘Her family were probably ashamed of her, apparently she was late to learn how to cast spells and wasn’t really into the family business. And she’s more interested in clothes and drink, I don’t think she knows any necromancy, just darkness stuff.’

‘And how do you know she hasn’t been sent to seduce you?’

Fortunately, Stathis had been expecting the question, otherwise she would be coughing and spluttering. ‘She got drunk and suckered into a crap job, same as the rest of us. And then a half-elf tried sacrificing her, so if it was a plan, it was a very complicated and strange one that almost killed her at the beginning. And no, we’ve not slept together!’

Herith tried to cover a look of disbelief, as Mother spoke again. ‘I suppose it is to your credit that you have at least kept her busy. There are enough Uth Tremari scions and hirelings running about that having one otherwise engaged is advantageous. Can barely turn over an ancient catacomb or burial ground without one of them scuttling out, and they’re too good at running into the shadows to catch most of the time. Now, you will be returning to the capital with me. Thrice-Queen Parthenelle has business to discuss, and there are matters you must be involved with.’

‘But…’

She held up a gauntleted hand. ‘Yes, I know your objections, and, irritatingly, agree with many of them, or at least would hold the same thoughts were our positions switched. You caused no manner of problems when you resigned your commission quite so suddenly!’ She looked at Stathis, letting the mask of command drop for a moment, face suddenly tired, before her usual look reasserted itself, self-assured and powerful. ‘Adventuring has helped you grow, but times are growing chaotic and dark. These are not times for knightly duels of honour or heroic charges – the darkness rises, and we must stand against it, lest all break and fall into eternal void.’

‘Is it really that important? Because last time you were talking like this I spent all damn night on my knees in a cathedral, and got nothing for it but sore knees and a fight with an argumentative ghost.’

‘You may joke, that ghost was the remnant of Renalb of Tarb. Had he awoken in wrath, then his legions would have risen with him, and the southlands would have marched to war.’

‘He was just stroppy and didn’t like being ignored! He was fine after we had a few drinks together.’ Stathis sighed. ‘Fine. But if this turns out to be nothing, then I’ll be leaving. And I don’t want you to bully Parth either!’

‘Nothing could be further from my mind. No, the Thrice-Queen came to me with a proposal. Which I am surprised you don’t know about, but that can be discussed later. And you can have some new armour, as your current set has seen better days. And some new clothing as well. I know you’re an adventurer, but so is Carissia, and she manages to maintain herself.’

Stathis looked down. It wasn’t that bad, was it? Sure, next to the Winged Guard, it looked rough and worn, but they hadn’t just fought in a siege!

‘What, exactly, do you need me to do? I’ve said before I don’t want to lead the army.’

‘You have made that quite clear. Don’t worry, I won’t be thrusting that particular responsibility upon you. There are… certain matters that I believe you are uniquely able to deal with. Matters of faith, shall we say. And, of course, the Iristari always pay their way, so you may come out of the matter with an appropriate level of gold.’

‘You mean prophecy-bollocks again, don’t you?’ Those of the Winged Guard that knew Stathis were, with varying degrees of success, trying to hide smiles, settling in to enjoy the show. The rest had various attitudes of horror or awe on their faces, likely never having heard the Lord Commander spoken to in such a way, at least by someone that wasn’t about to die or be harshly sentenced. ‘It’s not something about lightning is it? Because I’m pretty sure those have been crossed off the list.’

‘The sages do say that the time is night for the Spear of Heaven to…’

‘Yeah, did that. Possibly twice? Although at least it was mostly Semari the second time. Oh, and some bloody vampires. Maybe you could have gotten Carissia to check that out? One of the guys on the council of Sainted Hirata was working with them, at least before Semari beat him up. Or there was the lightning witch thing, that had the underground monster that was a leftover from the Black Triad. I’m surprised Carissia didn’t tell you about that.’

‘She mentioned it in passing. Although may have undersold it somewhat, she made it sound rather more… pedestrian.’

‘It wasn’t that bad, as ancient monsters go, but still a bloody nuisance. If you have the resources, now would be a good time to send some over to Fort Verinal, might be able to get a nice trade deal now that thing isn’t beneath them and without the storm witch showing up to kill everyone every few centuries. And they could do with the help.’

‘That would open up some possibilities. Now, are there any other things you may have neglected to mention? Have you perhaps roused the slumbering flame, or crossed the black river of eternity?’

‘Uh, maybe? Although it’s all ridiculously vague. Are you at least going to tell me what this one is?’

‘Such things are hard to properly decipher.’

‘Right, so you have no idea. I know I haven’t been home recently, or written to you, but if you wanted to talk to me I’m sure you could have had a mage send a message. Fine, I’ll come along with you. Let’s just get this over with. I’ll leave the negotiations to Parth.’ From the wince on Mother’s face, she must have had to haggle with Parth before. ‘Can we just get this over with? I guess we’ll be teleporting there?’

‘Indeed. There are a few matters I need to discuss with the Major, and then we shall depart. I’m sure you will need to round up your companions and say goodbye to any of your colleagues.’

It was hard not to feel like she’d been dismissed, but it was less uncomfortable than hanging around, so Stathis left. Going back to the capital… it must be important, otherwise Mother wouldn’t be dragging her back, but that didn’t make it any less bloody awkward!

Everyone else was on best behaviour, looking busy, some people even actually being busy. Semari and Vrintar were helping Parth, the three of them doing something elven, a complicated-looking wooden pole having been erected amongst the dead, sprouts and twigs already budding forth with supernatural speed. She left them to it, not wanting to risk interrupting or disrupting whatever they were doing.

Hakara was deep in conversation with the other wizards, passing around incomprehensibly densely written notes and bits of paper. Their talk stilled as soon as Stathis approached, most of them trying to shrink into the background.

‘We’re heading to the capital, are you OK to come along?’

‘The capital?’

‘Sorry, Per Tolith. Keep forgetting other people might think of different places. It’s not political or anything, I hope, Mother thinks there’s some prophecy stuff going on. You can probably pick up some new spells and things. And there should be any attacks or danger there, which will make a nice change.’

Hakara nodded. ‘It would be useful, I think. Although what of Miss Janaxia? I would have thought there would be some issues with bringing her along.’

‘I’m hoping not. Although I’m also hoping Janaxia’s not going to act up or be strange. Have you had the chance to figure out anything about what’s going on?’

‘I cannot be entirely sure, but I suspect that she is not entirely, um, human anymore.’

‘That’s not really a surprise, I’ll be honest. Any idea what specifically she is, or how dangerous she might be?’

‘I suspect she is, somehow, a metastable confluence point. I have heard of places with similar attributes, prone to slipping between realms and attracting any number of visitors from other realms. Miss Parthenelle has similar abilities, but far more controlled. But for a person, well… Such things have been attempted in the past, and invariably end badly. Um, very badly, but normally very quickly as well. Being as stable as she is shouldn’t be possible – even if still on this plane, then she should be some form of semi-ethereal or ghostly entity, not a person.’

Stathis rubbed her hair. It felt slightly greasy – maybe she should take Janaxia up on her offer, she hadn’t had it trimmed or tidied for a while. ‘Dammit. So is she degenerating? She seems normal. Well, mostly normal, except for going a little bit evil, I guess. Is she going to do that again?’

‘I cannot tell. It is hard to tell how much of it is Miss Janaxia’s own self, and how much is an external effect. The book is deeply magical, and not entirely real. By which I mean that it’s not just a magical book. It’s an extrusion of an externalised extra-dimensional manifestation.’ Stathis blinked, Hakara rephrasing when she saw Stathis had no idea what she meant. ‘A normal spellbook may well be protected by spells and wardings, and a wizard in need can recreate what they can recall and enchant and empower a new one, but it is still fundamentally a book. But Janaxia’s tome is… something different. It is an extrusion of something else. Much like if your hair were to be destroyed, it would regrow, if the book is destroyed, then it, or something much the same, can reform – it is not a thing by itself, but an abstraction or extrusion of something else.’

‘So any idea what happened when she muted herself?’

‘I suspect that she, um, broke herself somehow. Or was broken by attempting to reform the tome.’

Stathis tried to supress the twinge of guilt, it had been her fault. Well, sort of. ‘So, the book is linked to her soul or something?’

‘Something like that, I suspect. It would explain the language; the Unspeakable Tongue is meant to have been burnt out of reality, but if something were to have been outside of reality when that happened, then that thing could persist and endure to the present day.’

Stathis didn’t want to think about how something could be outside of reality, but Hakara seemed to know what she was talking about. ‘So is it like a parasite, is it alive? Do you think it might try and possess her?’

‘I cannot be certain if it is an intelligent being, or simply a form of energy grounding itself through Miss Janaxia. If the former, then matters may become complicated. And probably violent, that sort of entity is typically, um, hostile.’

‘Yeah, I’ve heard the stories. I’ll keep an eye on Janaxia, if she starts going evil demon-queen, then I’ll try and talk her down, I guess.’ Stathis sighed. ‘Have you got any charm spells or anything? She seems really weak to those, that might be easier than dunking her in holy water.’

‘That is not my area of expertise, but I will do what I can. I hope Miss Janaxia isn’t involved in anything too dangerous, and that your mother won’t do anything to, um, painful to her.’

‘That’s mostly reputational. She’s not generally too bad. Well, if you go against her and are dangerous, then yeah, she will destroy you utterly, but she prefers to have allies rather than enemies. You’ll be fine, you’re nice and polite, she’ll like you. Semari’s probably going to get arrested, or at least the guard will try, so that’s going to be fun. Dammit, this is all going to get political and messy, isn’t it? If people could stop being dicks to each other, then life would be so much easier! Anyway, if anyone asks you to do anything, be careful. Mother keeps the court from getting too toxic, but there’s always some jockeying for position, and now I’m around everyone’s going to think something is up. And Janaxia’s a complete sucker for anyone telling her she’s pretty.’

Hakara was looking worried now. ‘I have heard that high courts can be dangerous for those of low birth.’

‘It won’t be too bad. And don’t get too hung up on that “birth” crap, Mother was born in a mercenary camp, she didn’t inherit anything other than armour and a blade, you’ve more than earned your place to be with us. Just try and be vague if asked anything specific.’

‘Thank you, um, Stathis.’

‘It’s fine to call me by just that. I’m trying to avoid my titles at the moment! Gods, this is going to be a mess. Still, at least there’s an old temple there, so we might be able to dump Janaxia into that for a while.’ Stathis sighed again. ‘Thanks for everything, Hakara, I’m going to go try and find her. Let me know if you find out anything else.’