The Winged Guard were lined up at the front, the rest of the soldiers in mostly-decent parade order behind them. Even the wounded were there, at least those able to stand, although many weren’t in armour, in deference to their wounds. With the banners flapping, and most of those present having made some attempt to smarten themselves up, it was a stirring sight. Stathis was feeling awkward and exposed, stood with the other officers, rather than with Janaxia, Semari and Parth. Mother was mounted, her steed gleaming white beneath her as she wheeled to face the troops, cloak flicking out as she drew her sword, making sure it caught the light.

‘We are Iristari! The line of the dawn against the night, the first cut of light, where the darkness ends!’

The soldiers drew and shouted back as one, loud enough for it to echo off the mountains. 'Against fire, against darkness, against death! We hold back the dark!’

The prisoners were a sorry bunch, hooded and gagged, surrounded by a troop of guards, poking them with sticks in case they tried anything. As the shout echoed back, they flinched, likely fearing imminent punishment or execution.

A magical portal flickered into being, a silvery gateway showing a large courtyard on the other side, people there hurriedly moving out of the way.

‘When you return, honour and glory shall be yours! But for now, clearing out monster nests and terrible food, I’m afraid.’ Laughter rippled amongst the troops. ‘Soon, the light shall dawn, perfect and eternal, and the darkness shall be banished forevermore. This is why we fight!’

She wheeled again, starting to trot towards the portal. Janaxia nodded in appreciation. She really does have quite the presence. You should give some thought to emulating her, perhaps. You looked quite impressive atop Mavrosa, leading the charge. And a touch of black suits you.

Two of the Winged Guard moved up behind her, one of them grabbing her, as the other threw one of the enchanted hoods over her head.

Stathis tried to move towards her. ‘Hey!’

This is actually rather soothing. Janaxia bent her arms behind herself, palms against each other, allowing them to be bound. And scarcely a surprise, I daresay you will wish to keep me under your personal supervision? It sounded as though she was getting further and further away, her “voice” growing fainter and fainter.

One of the guards attached a leash to the hood, using it to tug Janaxia forward as Stathis managed to get through the other soldiers. ‘Don’t be a dick.’ She grabbed the leash from their hands. ‘Sorry about this.’ When she reached out to try and unbuckle it, magic glowed around the collar, making it impossible to remove.

‘She can’t hear you, High Colonel.’ The two were looking deeply uncomfortable as Stathis glared at them. The only gap in the material were two slits beneath the nostrils, Janaxia’s breathing rapid. Stathis patted her on the head, hopefully comforting her.

‘I will take charge of the prisoner. Unless you have some objection?’

They both saluted. ‘Yes, High Colonel Stathis!’

She gave a tug on the leash, Janaxia obediently moving forward, her heels not helpful on the uneven ground. It was tempting to simply throw her over a shoulder, but it seemed inappropriate in the circumstances, and Janaxia would get stroppy about it later. Instead, she ended up stepping behind Janaxia, putting her hands onto her shoulders and steering her that way, trying to keep the leash from tangling around Janaxia’s neck.

Stepping through the portal immediately changed the climate, from the slightly chilly winds of a mountainside to the warmth and sun of the plains, scrubby grass becoming clean slabs of stone. Janaxia stumbled as her footing shifted, Stathis supporting her. Around them was the castle, bright blue banners flapping in the wind, guards on patrol.

Scribes, messengers and attendants had already descended around Mother, business too important to allow anyone else to do it. She gave Stathis a long-suffering look before some papers were thrust at her.

Stathis turned away. ‘Am I allowed to go?’ The guards shuffled awkwardly, not wanting to answer.

‘Good. I imagine my chambers are still unused? I’ll be in there. Semari! Get back here, don’t go wandering off on your own.’ She was already half-way up a wall, guards watching her uncertainly until she flipped off, landing next to Stathis.

‘Aww, I’ve never been here before. Supposed to be a really cool place, although I’ve heard the guards are all, like, total hardasses.’

‘Yeah, don’t piss the guard off, they don’t mess about. I’ll get you some money if you want to go eat and drink or something. Anyway, follow me.’ She looked around, catching Vrintar already slipping away into the surrounding city, staring down a guard until they were allowed to leave.

Stathis led them way from the courtyard, into the castle proper. The guards looked at her with surprise before smartly stepping back, allowing her to pass.

As always, the place was busy, functionaries dealing with the countless things that needed doing, paperwork getting processed, traders presenting their wares and their documents, before she passed through a securely guarded portal, magic shimmering over her body and allowing her passage, the others able to follow in her wake.

A long stairway curved up to the royal chambers, guardian statues set into niches, their eyes gleaming as they passed. Guiding Janaxia was hard until she found the rhythm of the stairs, taking them one at a time, swaying on the steps occasionally, Stathis steadying her with an arm around her hips, trying not just to guide her by the butt. Semari tried pushing past until Stathis blocked her. ‘Stay close to me. Or those things will activate and it won’t end well.’ One of them moved slightly, impassive stone face turning to look at them. Semari, inevitably, poked it, which thankfully didn’t provoke any further reaction. ‘There’s a load of defensive spells around, so don’t go climbing around. Semari, this means you. Don’t whine about it, we’ll get some good food and stuff out of it.’

‘Eugh, fine.’ She poked Janaxia instead.

‘And leave Janaxia alone. Hakara’s probably going to be experimenting with her anyway.’

That perked Semari up. ‘Hey, like when I kept getting electrocuted? That’ll be fun to watch. Maybe she’ll turn into a demon queen again?’

‘I really hope not! We’ve got enough problems already. But we might be able to figure out what’s going on with her.’ Stathis tugged on the leash as Janaxia was about to walk into a wall, drawing her back before steering her around a corner and up more stairs. ‘My chambers are just up here.’

It felt odd walking along the familiar hallway, for the first time in years. There were still the dents and scratches on the wall from her earlier attempts at swordsmanship, where her first blade had bashed against the wall. And scorch marks from when those fire-demons had attacked, being held back and then defeated by the Winged Guard. Or had that been the efreet? She tried to remember.

She opened the door, her room much as she remembered, although with the slight, frigid neatness of something that had been empty and cleaned without anyone living there. A maid turned and curtseyed, a skirt far shorter than usual getting tugged upwards, then smiled at her, and she groaned.

‘Dorothia? Shouldn’t you be issuing orders to your spy network or something? And why are you dressed like that?’ That skirt was far too short, and she was pulling it high enough in her curtsey that Stathis could see the suspenders pulling up her stockings.

‘Well, my shining knight, I heard a rumour that you might soon be returning to us, and wished to verify it for myself. And, of course, to see the brave hero of the mountains, and her companions.’ She looked at Janaxia as Stathis tugged the leash again, and she obediently stopped, standing in the centre of the room, head still.

‘This would be the Uth Tremari, then? She’s better dressed than I expected. I’ll have to show you the report I have on her. It’s worryingly brief, considering her family. Her elder siblings have entire dossiers, this one has a few pages, and that mostly on her sexual liaisons.’

‘Janaxia doesn’t really get on with them, I think. So was probably not really let out much until she left and ended up adventuring.’

‘She appears to have relationships with the Khem criminal syndicate. Rather intimate relationships.’

‘Oh, the snake-twins? Both of them? Actually, that doesn’t surprise me, she seems to like getting bitten, I don’t get why. Anyway, can you get the hood off her? Or can I do it?’

Dorothia approached, gently running her hand along Janaxia’s neck, making her twitch nervously. There was a “click” as the collar came undone, the hood released, Stathis lifting it off. Beneath, Janaxia was rather flushed and red, eyes wide as she adjusted to the light. She looked at Dorothia, taking in the outfit. She smiled and curtseyed again, grin far too mischievous. ‘It is always a delight to meet the attendants of my shining knight.’

‘Knock that off!’

Her eyes went wide and innocent. ‘Oh? But was I not the first maiden you saved, from a ravenous dragon? Were it not for your shining blade, I would be down amongst the dead.’

‘It was just a wyvern, and a baby one at that!’ She tried to wrench the conversation away, noting the glare Janaxia was directing at Dorothia as some of the flustered daze left her eyes. ‘How’s Talania doing? She must be almost, what, four now?’

That seemed to distract her, as Stathis moved behind Janaxia and untied her hands.

‘Oh yes, she’s a delight! She wants to be a knight, just like you. Although I don’t let her have a sword just yet.’

Janaxia was giving her an exceptionally frosty look. ‘And just who is this, Stathis?’

‘This is Dorothia Chulata. She’s the head of Mother’s spy network.’

Janaxia looked at her, taking in the maid’s outfit. ‘I imagine that would be by way of a disguise, then? It seems a touch pointless, amongst your notional allies.’

‘Sure, why not. Now, can we…’ Before Stathis could finish, Dorothia spoke again.

‘I always make sure to welcome my shining knight whenever she returns.’ She smiled again, almost sultry now. Janaxia’s lash was starting to flicker, an unnerving red.

‘You are married, remember? With a child? Ignore her, Janaxia, she’s just teasing. Do you have any actual business here, shouldn’t you be jumping at shadows and plotting assassinations or something?’

‘There are some matters I will have to speak of with you later, in private. But for now, it is simply a pleasure to see you.’ She stepped forward, embracing Stathis, rising onto her toes to give her a brief kiss on the cheek. ‘It really has been far too long, and a single conversation to hurriedly sort out a long-standing diplomatic issue scarcely counts! And quite denied me the pleasure of a proper victory.’

‘It would have been long, complicated and probably not worth it. At least I resolved it. Anyway, how painful is this going to be? Please tell me there’s no state dinners at least?’

Janaxia was suddenly pressed close against Stathis, arm winding tightly around her. ‘Oh? I hope there will be some occasion to show myself off to best advantage. It is so rare to have the occasion to attend a properly formal event.’

‘The Lord Commander has yet to make her intentions known. Although, yes, it is likely that you will be, shall we say it, on display. Stathis, it has been far too long since you’ve been here. Please try to behave, and dress, appropriately. I daresay you have picked up certain…’ Dorothia looked at Janaxia ‘… bad habits on your travels.’

Janaxia nodded, ignoring the last comment. ‘Oh yes. Of course, the Iristari heir must dress appropriately.’ She rapped a knuckle against Stathis’ breastplate. ‘This should, at the least, be shinier. And maybe with some coloured enamel.’

Dorothia looked at Stathis, a worrying consideration coming into her eyes. ‘Oh yes, that would be a good idea. Or maybe something in white and blue? She has the most exquisite hair and eyes, but refuses to capitalise on them.’

Dorothia moved over to a wooden door, pulling it open to reveal a wardrobe, half filled with fancy clothing, the other half with practical fighting clothing, armour and weapons. Whatever animosity there had been between Dorothia and Janaxia now seemed to be forgotten, as she moved to look through the clothing, the two of them plucking and tugging at cloth.

Stathis sighed again, then turned to the others. ‘I’ll show you the hidden exit so you can come and go at least. Semari, don’t climb out the damn win…’ There was a loud booming thud from the winow, a force pulsing at Semari, knocking her back into the room. ‘Yeah, magical protections, remember?’ She walked over to the wall, running her hand along the stonework, feeling the worn rocks, tapping her fingers into a niche, part of the wall turning transparent. ‘The passageway opens up into a vault, hidden beneath a pub in the city.’

Dorothia popped her head out of the wardrobe. ‘Is that how you were getting out for all those years? I’ll have to have guards placed at the entrance.’

‘Just don’t do it until after we leave, please. It’s useful to be able to come and go without being known. Dorothia, can you sort out rooms for the others? And I guess some clothing?’

‘Of course, High Colonel. Your allies must be appropriately dressed.’ She grinned at Stathis again.

‘Try to be sensible!’ She could hear Janaxia offering suggestions from the wardrobe. ‘And nothing too expensive!’

You really do take all the fun out of these matters. But I imagine “cheap” for a kingdom is still rather more than my usual budget. I do believe this one is Vatian silk? I wouldn’t have thought you the type for such fine material.

‘I didn’t pick it!’ The others looked at her strangely, only able to hear half the conversation. ‘And it stains as soon as anyone looks at it. Anyway, Dorothia, why are you here?’

‘Ah, Stathis, you do always like to take the fun out of things! But, sadly, I do have some actual business to discuss. Although it can wait until things are slightly less, ah, frenetic. I was hoping to speak to you alone, but such was not to be. Nevertheless, if you could stop by my office as soon as possible? We have much to discuss, and it may be better for you to actually be pre-advised of all that may befall you this time, rather than stumbling through it all. Again. Although hopefully without taking a sword to any ambassadors this time.’

‘That was her own damn fault! But that sounds good.’

Janaxia stepped out of the wardrobe, her clothing now the same as Dorothia’s, holding a shirt of brilliant azure blue, holding it up against Stathis, the hood tucked into her apron. ‘Now this, this is exquisite.’ She squeezed one of Stathis’ arms. ‘Although perhaps a little tight. You must have gotten stronger since then.’

‘It’s been quite a while since I was here, so it probably won’t fit as well as it used to.’

Dorothia re-emerged. ‘I think it might be useful to spend some time with Lady Janaxia as well. Should she be willing, of course. It is so rare to meet someone with such an appreciation of fashion!’ She was admiring Janaxia’s outfit, as additional twists and curls of silk and lace were added, far fancier (and tighter!) than any actual servant’s outfit, back dropping to the base of her spine. ‘And maybe you can help persuade Stathis into something more appropriate to her station? Although I will need that back.’ She plucked the hood from Janaxia, who looked disappointed.

‘I was hoping to keep that. For, ah, future studies.’

‘Sorry, Lady Janaxia, but such things are kept secure. Do you wish to see your brother?’ She grabbed it out of Janaxia’s hands, ignoring the attempt to grab it back.

‘It may be pleasurable to see him in such a position of weakness, I suppose. He always was excessively smug and proud of his power and wisdom, to see him reduced to a prisoner is most gratifying. Although Stathis says you won’t be torturing him?’ She sounded disappointed.

‘Probably not, no. It is unlikely he will be seeing the sun for quite some time, but such forceful techniques we find are often less effective. Make no mistake, he will tell us everything, but more accurately than if we were to torture him.’

‘I’m sure just a touch of the lash, or a little time on the rack, would speed things along though. He doesn’t need both hands, surely? Or maybe an eye? An eyepatch might suit him, even, give him a certain rugged edge, a pep of dash.’

Stathis shook her head. ‘Stop trying to get your brother maimed. Unless he acts up, and even then, I think Parth has first dibs, he’ll be kept alive and useful. The cells here are deep enough it’s unlikely he’ll get out.’

Janaxia pouted, as Semari backed away from the window, before running forward and jumping, slamming into the forcefield, hovering there for a moment before getting catapulted backwards, hurtling into the wall, slamming against it.

‘Semari, don’t do that. Please? There’s going to be nastier stuff that happens if you keep pushing it. Or a load of guards showing up to drag you off.’

Semari stood up, shaking dust off herself, having impacted the wall hard enough to dent it. ‘Can you get us, like, special princess tokens to get through? Don’t wanna get zapped if I take a wrong turn.’

‘I’m not a princess! And no. Just don’t go the wrong way, or throw yourself against windows, and you won’t get hurt. Don’t you start getting pouty, it’s bad enough when Janaxia does it. Dorothia, can we get food, or am I going to get swarmed by courtiers and clerks?’

‘Likely that, Stathis. Rumours spread fast, and there aren’t that many blonde knights that would attract a guard of Winged Guard. So you may wish to remain here, at least until the dinner tonight. If you wish, I can have tailors sent up, to prepare you and your companions?’

Janaxia nodded, far too enthusiastic. ‘Oh yes, Dorothia, that would be most useful. Stathis is excellent material, and even Semari could be improved significantly.’

‘I’m glad you agree, Lady Janaxia. Stathis is often… recalcitrant about such matters. I’m sure, as her long-time companion, you will have greater luck persuading her.’

‘We just work together! Fine, let’s get this over with. But I want something I can fight in, because I’ve been through far too many state dinners interrupted by demons or whatever.’

‘Of course, Stathis, your feelings are quite understood. Now, Janaxia, what ideas do you have?’ They stepped into the wardrobe, heads conspiratorially close, hands curving shapes into the air, Dorothia gesturing at Hakara who was foolish enough to approach, getting grabbed and dragged into the wardrobe.