Janaxia shivered in a cold flush, a burning sensation momentarily searing itself through her brain, a throbbing settling into her skull. She shivered, hoping she wasn’t sweating excessively. Has someone attempted to lay a curse upon her? She glanced about – they were currently on a rooftop in the wealthy part of town, overlooking Anytha’s apartments. Although the square itself was well guarded (she could see Tamura, her armour flashing in the sunlight as she went about on a regular patrol route, checking in with the Crystal Guard as she moved), the surrounding buildings were monitored only by the private guards of the residents, and a simple display of fine clothing and the correct posture had been sufficient to gain access.

A governess was currently teaching her students, taking them through some simple rhymes, although neither seemed to be paying attention, instead finding the Crystal Guard far more interesting. Sadly, her view into Anytha’s apartments was rather limited – the windows were closed, and the blinds drawn, making it hard to see where any internal guards were. She sighed, then took Kita’s hand in her own, her other hand slicing a line downwards through the air, then sharply across, the cross-shape peeling open in a dark blur, and she stepped through.

She dragged Kita downwards, hoping they were out of view, before glancing around again – yes, they appeared to be on the balcony, just where she had wanted to transport herself to. As long as the majority of the guards were outside, this should be safe! Although having to move in a ducked waddle was both decidedly uncomfortable and inelegant, her calves soon starting to strain as she moved towards the doorway into the apartments and slowly pushed it open.

The creak the door made seemed insufferably loud, although it was likely barely perceptible above the background chatter and noise. She teased the door open a crack and peered through, wishing that she had some form of familiar that could be sent away to do such dangerous work – Kita was barely adequate at spell-casting, never mind anything requiring actual competency! Even Semari, idiotic though she was, had sufficient skills and grace to infiltrate into places where she shouldn’t be, even before taking her impressive movement abilities into account.

There was a sharp intake of breath, and Janaxia found herself staring into the terrified-looking eyes of a housemaid, a cleaning implement mid-wipe. Her mouth widened, ready to scream, and Janaxia flicked her wrist, a bolt streaking out. It smacked into her and she started to fall, Janaxia dashing forward to catch her before she crashed to the ground.

She grunted as she caught the woman, the weight more than she would have expected, trying to not fall over herself. Fortunately, the door to the room was closed, so she slowly lowered the woman to the ground – she was still breathing, although she looked a little pale, with a bruise forming on her chest already. How long would she remain unconscious for? There didn’t seem to be any way to tell, so it would probably be best to ensure she didn’t simply scream and start a panic on awakening. This was a dressing room, with plenty of material to work with, several bedsheets getting pressed into service as ropes and gags.

Kita, kindly assist me. She gestured at a large wardrobe, and the two of them managed to work together to shift the unfortunate maid into it, before closing the door tightly. Now, to get to the lobby and try and access the obelisk again. Hopefully the security would be focused elsewhere!

She pushed the door open and slowly peered around outside. She’d never paid much attention to the comings and goings of the help when she had been Anytha’s guest, unfortunately – it would have made matters easier if she knew their schedules and suchlike! Nevertheless, she would have to advance. If only Hakara were here – an invisibility spell would make all this trivial, rather than having to dart between cabinets and press herself against the walls to attempt to hide herself, nerves jangling with every sound. A door ahead of her opened for a moment, to reveal two more cleaners, chatting amongst themselves. If she were to return under better circumstances, she would have to have words with Anytha about the dedication of his staff!

Nevertheless, she eavesdropped, or at least remained stuck in place as the door swung in the draught – it seemed Anytha had moved onto a new paramour of the moment, a rather exotic-looking young woman. Well, that was his prerogative, after all. As long as her replacement was someone unlikely to challenge her immediately, it should make little difference!

As the door swung shut, she moved, taking cover behind another cabinet, then turning and gesturing at Kita. Do hurry up! It would be regrettable were we to be discovered.

Kita managed a faster-than-expected turn of speed, not quite sprinting, her feet making little noise on the floor – but then, both of them had ample experience in trying to avoid the attentions of both their older siblings, and Mother, necessitating a certain deftness and stealth around the house, where the floorboards were far creakier than here.

The hallways of the place seemed to stretch for miles upon miles, even though they were distances that would normally only take moments to cross. This “stealth” business was very much a slower methodology than being a known and expected guest! Still, they managed to wind their way through the place without being seen, without the sudden harsh clamour of an alarm bell sounding out, until they were near one of the internal staircases. From here, it would be two levels downwards, and then they would be above the lobby.

The stairs, mercifully, were in good repair, without creaking excessively, although if they were discovered here, then there were no hiding places. Having to bludgeon servants into unconsciousness seemed rather distasteful and hiding the resulting bodies very inconvenient! Another skill for which it would have been useful to have Semari present.

As she passed a doorway, it suddenly opened, forcing her to step back to avoid being smashed in the face. She had a glimpse of silks and tanned skin, faintest touch of scales visible, as she rose a hand, black energy crackling to life before she shot a bolt forward.

They managed to throw themselves to the ground barely in time, a sharp-chinned face looking up at her.

‘Mistress Janaxia? Janaxia almost melted from stress and nervous exhaustion. It was Sen! Although clad in very fine clothing, wiping away dust from her knees as she stood. ‘By the ancient and immortal ancestors, you live!’ She looked genuinely glad, almost on the verge of tears as she smiled, wide-eyed, at Janaxia.

‘Sen! A pleasure to see you. Is there somewhere private we can talk?’

‘Of course, Darkbinder. I prayed for your return. This way.’

She retreated back through the door she had come from, gesturing at Janaxia to follow, leading into a wing of rooms Janaxia had never explored – they appeared to be guestrooms, although small and mostly unfurnished.

‘I have heard rumours of your disappearance, my lady. It sounds most arduous.’

While it had been rather unpleasant and uncomfortable, it wouldn’t do to display overt weakness in front of the help, so Janaxia settled for a hopefully-enigmatic smile.

‘It was certainly something of a trial. But I have endured, and would seek your help.’

Sen moved into a pleasingly elaborate curtsey, giving Janaxia the chance to examine her clothing more closely – it was far finer than any servant would wear, save for a very personal attendant or one given too much money and freedom. With fluttering silks and golden chains studded with jewels, an emerald shining on her forehead and gem-studded anklets, even in the low light she glimmered and shone.

‘This one shall serve, Darkbinder. The blood of the ancestors is strong within you, and you are blessed with their graces.’ She reached out, slowly and gently, to touch one of the Janaxia’s horns, making the chains hanging there tinkle softly. ‘Prince Anytha has taken me as his companion. Would you wish me to relinquish this position? Will you bind him to your will?’

Kita gave a wholly unnecessary and melodramatic shiver, before glancing at Janaxia fearfully and keeping her eyes downcast, Janaxia ignoring her, for now.

‘No, you may continue to serve as you see fit. However, do you know why I am sought so assiduously?’ She looked Sen up and down. ‘May I add, you have done yourself fine credit. You look magnificent! Small wonder you have found yourself in Anytha’s favour.’

Sen bobbed her head again. ‘My thanks, Blessed One. I doubt there is much I can add to your knowledge – the Princes guard many ancient treasures, sealed away beneath the towers. He is worried that you sought some of these treasures, and that you may bring danger and woe upon this town. The obelisk is an entranceway, a portal to a realm within the world, and even realms beyond. Or so he says – it may be nought but pillowtalk, meant to appeal to a simple girl, but I suspect there may be a truth in the words. I…’ She trailed off, looking at Kita uncertainly.

Kita was now covered in thick and clammy sweat, her pupils tiny, panting in deep gulps of breath, mumbling something inaudible beneath her breath as she stared at Sen.

‘Sen, if you could tend to her? I believe she may have a requirement for your venom.’

‘Of course, Blessed One.’ She darted forward with grace and speed, grabbing at Kita’s arm and pulling her sleeve back to expose a wrist. There was a mildly gruesome flash of fangs as Sen bit down, her venom flowing into Kita. The effect was swift, her breathing growing less laboured, eyes returning to something close to normal, her body relaxing.

Do be less melodramatic, please. We are here on important business!

Sen wiped the back of her hand against her mouth. ‘That feels better, Anytha doesn’t allow me to bite him, or any of the staff, and it aches as it builds up. But I imagine you are seeking a way to return through the lost paths? To travel to the world of the ancestors?’

It wouldn’t do to reveal ignorance, so Janaxia simply gestured at Sen to continue.

‘The most ancient of my ancestors have legends of another land, a world beyond this world, where they dwelled, pure and perfect and eternal. But all things must fall, and so war and strife did force them to another place. It is said, in prophecies of the times to come, that one with horns bound by the sun shall break the ancient chains and return us to our mastery. One that was born to darkness, marked and clad in night.’

She had never had the chance to study the faith of Setha-in-the-Ash, beyond knowing that it largely revolved around worship of demons, with power falling to those that most clearly bore the marks of demonic association.

‘There is indeed power to be sought in the sealed halls. Are you able to assist me with this?’ Sen was more useful than Kita, or at least more self-aware.

‘It is said that one of the highest blood shall consume the light. And that they shall bear the greatest of powers.’

‘I don’t know anything about that, but it would probably be best if this were done swiftly. And with a minimum of fuss and violence. Getting into a clash with the guard would likely be counterproductive. Is Anytha treating you well?’

‘He seems kindly enough, but I was awaiting your return, Blessed One.’ She reached out and gently touched a horn again, smiling as she did so, Janaxia accepting the touch. ‘Have your companions betrayed you?’

‘Not as such, no. We have had something of a temporary parting of ways. It seems, unfortunately, that I am drawing more attention than could be desired. But I am thankful for whatever aid you may offer.’

She curtseyed. ‘Of course, Blessed One! It is my honour!’

Janaxia smiled at Sen. She really was a fortuitous find! ‘If we could advance to the pillar most swiftly, rather than risk being discovered? I would rather not engage in a direct confrontation, especially with Tamura.’

They progressed rapidly through the place, Sen strolling ahead and serving as a scout, although in a far more refined and genteel fashion than Semari. With her waving at them to advance, or to stop, movement was rapid, and they swiftly returned to the lobby. A wooden barrier had been erected, swiftly succumbing to Janaxia’s bolts. Kita whimpered at the sight of the thing, but Janaxia pulled her forward.

‘As you did before, Kita, if you could penetrate the outer barrier?’ Janaxia experimentally tossed a bolt at it, the shining dome-barrier absorbing the energy without issue. Being given a task seemed to help focus Kita, as she walked forward and started to incant some ritual phrases, a magical circle spiralling into existence, the dome flickering into full existence, a chill blossoming outwards.

Janaxia could feel herself tense, ear sharp for any intrusion, Kita’s ritual seeming to take an excessive amount of time, the dome starting to solidify with spikes of pale purple. Each created ripples and cracks in the protective aura, lines steadily thickening as more spokes penetrated, the pale glow fading before it broke, magic cracking into sharp-edged fragments.

Before it could reform, Janaxia strode forward and placed her hand against the stone, pretending a confidence she didn’t feel. Her last traversal through the thing had been rather unusual and somewhat perturbing – hopefully, this would be rather less troublesome! Another hand, rather smaller than hers, pressed against it as well, Skotadi bustling forward.

The world rippled, as everything darkened, and she found herself back in the strange, interim realm, everything else frozen and dark. This time, though, it seems as though her companions had all come with her – Sen was looking about with interest, while Skotadi seemed almost perky, pale teeth gleaming in the darkness as she whirled, skirt flaring out, chain-fragments tinkling as she giggled.

‘You certainly seem to be enjoying yourself.’

Skotadi giggled again. ‘I can feel my power returning, and this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time! Now, shall we go? I think that one should lead the way.’ She pointed at Kita, who shuddered away.

Very well. Kita, down that way. You may wish to call up any protective enchantments you possess.

Janaxia steered Kivata towards the dark stairway, as she mumbled a spell and a protective shield flickered into being around her.

‘Skotadi, you may well to do likewise. Sen, stay close to me, and keep an eye out.’

‘Yes, Blessed One. Your dress is most impressive!’

Janaxia looked down at herself – her clothing had shifted, into something even more regal and glorious, gemstones gleaming with an inner lustre despite the darkness, her tattoo a solid spiral of star-spangled void between her breasts, finely-crafted chains linking finger-rings to ruby-studded bracelets. The skull-wand clacked, seemingly in appreciation, as she drew it in readiness.

Skotadi nodded, looking especially pleased. ‘Truly clothing fit for a conqueror! One that should embrace her destiny and claim the power that has fallen to her!’

‘Well, it is rather nice. Perhaps a little showy and excessive? And not perhaps the most practical? Although I suppose it may help to intimidate any guardians we come across.’ It did feel better to be dressed in finery, impracticalities aside.

She conjured up her disc of darkness, allowing Sen to hop on board as well, with Skotadi calling up a broiling haze of shadow, seething tendrils lifting her off the ground and making her appear uncomfortably spider-like.

It took a little more prodding and poking to get Kita to move without whimpering or crying, and then they began to descend.