The town was ahead of them, surrounded by a sturdy wall, with only two gates on opposite sides, watchtowers high enough to keep an eye on the surrounding fields and farmland. If they routed around it, then someone would be sent after them to ask questions, that would be very hard to answer. Instead, they would have to pretend to be just another mercenary band passing through.

She could see soldiers watching them, the blue Iristari flags flapping above them. They had bows, although no arrows were currently nocked, the attitude watchful rather than potentially violent. The gate was thick and sturdy with a short queue of people formed up to get in, the guards inspecting them before letting them in. Their armour and gear were all clean and fresh, as Stathis looked back over her shoulder and checked that everyone was there. Hakara and Kivata looked fairly normal, at least for wizards, Semari looked like a vagrant, Vrintar at least a little cleaner, and Parth had vanished again. Janaxia, Skotadi and Sen looked very suspicious though – Sen had the clear position and stance of a servant, a little distance behind, but her clothing showed off her scale-patches. Skotadi was still wreathed in shadows beneath her parasol, both her steed and Mavrosa night-black, darker than any natural steed. Janaxia was attired in noble regalia, her back stiff and straight, face hidden behind a veil, horns spiralling upwards.

At least she looked sufficiently fancy that the horns could pass as eccentric nobility, but it would be nicer if she at least switched to something less suspicious-looking. But they were being watched, and if her clothing suddenly transformed, that would raise even more questions. Instead, they would have to try and brazen through it.

She dropped back, moving her horse towards Janaxia, noting the way that Janaxia steered herself between Skotadi and Sen, very much the image of a noblewoman surrounded by her entourage.

‘I know you don’t deal with queues and waiting very well, but if you could please be less aristocratic, just for a little while? You’re going to draw attention, but if we draw too much attention, things are going to get reaelly messy, really fast. So if you could do what you do best, and smile attractively, look good, be mysterious and leave the talking to me?’

That didn’t get her a sniff of disapproval, instead a guarded and neutral look.

‘Skotadi, could you try and tone down the shadows around yourself? You look rather ominous. Maybe some brighter colours, something a little less, ah, “cursed waif”?’

Skotadi and Janaxia looked at each other, likely having a telepathic conference. Could Skotadi talk that way as well, or only receive? Her clothing started to change though, with lines of red bleeding through from beneath the black in a somewhat unsettling display. It was a little better, although still very much scarlet-tinted.

‘Maybe a little lighter?’

Pink is not a suitable colour for a magus of any power! Janaxia was changing her own clothing, making it a little more utilitarian, although still with some rather fetching cut-outs, tight trousers drawing attention to her thighs and calves.

‘I’m not sure if blood-red is the best choice, it’s a little… sacrificial or murder looking?’ Although Skotadi very much looked like the person that would be making the sacrifice, with her too-sharp teeth and penetrating gaze. ‘Maybe introduce Skotadi to suitable town fashions? Something that would be worn about the town during the day, rather than evening wear?’ More gauze and mesh was appearing on Janaxia’s clothing, before fading back into regular cloth or leather.

They silently conferred again, their clothing both changing into riding dresses, albeit very closely fitted (in Janaxia’s case) and a little too baggy on Skotadi. Janaxia was still veiled, but at least looked less widow-like now, with some blue touches amidst the red and enough jewellery to show wealth without being excessively gaudy.

‘Thank you, that’s better. Maybe a hat as well? The horns are nice but do draw attention.’

The veil extended upwards, a circlet of iron forming around her brow before a confection of lace spun itself out of nothingness and bundled itself around Janaxia’s head, making the horns seem more like part of an occult head-dress.

‘Much better. And I know you’re proud of your name, but…’

I am not a simpleton, I am aware of the need for subterfuge! I will leave the lies and deceit to you, as that seems to be your area of expertise.

Stathis couldn’t think of any response for that but settled for smiling and nodding. ‘Thanks for helping. And if Skotadi could go easy on the threatening to kill anyone? You can be a little forceful sometimes.’

Skotadi hissed at her, before Janaxia wagged a finger in admonition. ‘A lady has other ways to show her disdain.’ Skotadi glared at her instead, before staring at the town ahead, assessing the walls.

‘You might want to teach her some rude gestures as well. Or get Semari to teach her some. There’s going to be times when she will need something more than a sharp look. But if you could try to just be fairly normal, then it would be appreciated. And Sen, thank you – you don’t really need telling, but please don’t bite anyone.’

By now, they were almost at the gates, Semari the first to slump into place in the queue as Stathis dismounted. It didn’t take long until they were at the front, where three soldiers looked at them. Stathis tried to look plain and unassuming, glad for once that she didn’t have her full armour. Maybe she should have done something with her hair? Although there was no time now.

Sat in a nook in the gatehouse was a functionary, hunched over a book. From the looks of them, they weren’t a spellcaster, which was probably for the best.

‘Purpose of visit?’

‘Passing through, travelling to Per Tolith.’

‘Any spellcasters?’

‘A wizard and her apprentice.’ That was relatively true for Janaxia and Skotadi, probably. ‘A cleric as well.’

The scribe looked up from their book, quickly casting an eye over them, having to crane their neck to see the whole group. ‘No fighting in town. No charm spells. There’s rooms at the Crown and Thorn, stables too. Fifty gold bond while you stay.’

‘Fifty!? The normal price is twenty!’

‘Costs are up lately, and you’re a large group.’

Stathis grumbled, fishing about for some money, having to turn to Pajaran for some more coinage, handing it over. The scribe flicked through the coins, counting them up before bagging them up and nodding.

‘Sign here.’

Stathis tried to make her name as squiggly and unreadable as possible, looping spirals of letters, ignoring Pajaran’s snort of amusement.

‘Any troublemakers will be dealt with.’ They looked at Janaxia, then Skotadi and Sen. ‘And no enchantment spells!’

Janaxia’s clothing ruffled, her veil fluttering as she stiffened, about to make some comeback. Stathis coughed, loudly enough to cut her off. ‘Of course. We’re just passing through, there’s going to be no trouble from us.’ The soldiers stepped back to let them pass, allowing them into the town proper.

It looked peaceful and prosperous enough, a market open and trading, filled with bustle and activity. The inn was easy to find, at one end of the main square, with staff bringing out food and drink, a stableboy taking their horses. Janaxia started making an occult gesture, dark energy streaming from Mavrosa, before Stathis coughed, loudly enough to be heard by her, making her pause, the wisps of darkness fading away from her fingertips. Mavrosa whinnied and licked at her, a trail of slobber appearing on Janaxia’s veil. Skotadi’s steed was better behaved, although her dismount was clumsy and awkward, dangling from the saddle before dropping to the ground, magic supporting her parasol, her dress riding up.

Stathis grabbed Semari by the scruff of the neck as she strode into the tavern. ‘Stay close, and please stay sober! No fistfights. I guess Parth’s hiding somewhere?’ Semari wriggled around, somehow managing to twist herself out of her top and dropping to the ground, her chest now covered only by bandages. Stathis threw the top back at her. ‘Try and stay dressed!’

‘Sure, whatever you say. So, when do we get paid?’

‘You barely use money! But yes, I’ll try and make sure you get something when we’re done, and I have my body back again. Just avoid getting into any fights if you can, and don’t do any major injuries to anyone.’

‘Yeah, guess being hunted by the Iristari would be shit. And whatever those freaks from the shrine were. They looked messy!’

‘I don’t know what they were, but I don’t want to run into them again. They’re almost as fast as you are.’

‘And, like, gross to punch as well. Ewww!’

‘Get a damn weapon then.’ Stathis managed to herd everyone inside without provoking any fights, getting them towards the bar, nodding thankfully at Pajaran as she got drinks. They were quite a large group now, with Janaxia, Skotadi and Sen making one corner look ominous, but they all drew attention. The other people day-drinking were adventurers, at least to judge by their odd variety of gear, lacking any uniformity.

Stathis pulled up a chair next to them, casting an eye over their gear – she needed new armour herself! They knocked drinks together, falling into discussions of current activity. Fortunately, they didn’t seem to recognise Stathis, and seemed content to leave Janaxia to brood from her shadows. It sounded as though Carissia was still on the warpath, blowing her way through opponents, without much care as to who they were. Which was better than hunting her or Janaxia down – hopefully she was a long way away!

Per Tolith was mustering for war, with the reserves getting called up. Trade was down, with lots of inspections into wagons and warehouses, and apparently a few discoveries of presumptively Uth Tremari plots. Well, there were probably enough people to deal with that, and if they were busy looking for necromancers, then they hopefully wouldn’t notice her slipping in. And then she would have her body again! Which would probably be better than whatever was currently going on.

She relaxed as best she could, trying to remember the layout of the defences, how many of the secret passages would hopefully still be unknown or unguarded, and which would go through busy areas of the castle. It seemed a lot easier to simply do it, and then talk to Mother afterwards, rather than risk a conversation first. It would be preferable if Janaxia could be removed to a safe distance away as well, to prevent her becoming collateral damage! And there was Skotadi – she was clearly not normal, at least in any broad sense, but hadn’t done anything to justify being eliminated yet. Holy water clearly had an effect, and why she was pretending to need tuition from Janaxia was something of a mystery. Maybe she could be left behind somewhere convenient? And those shape-shifters – they were contaminated by the dark metal shards, but where those shards came from and what they could do was worrying. Had anyone been replaced?

A fist slammed against wood, jerking Stathis from her reverie, as Semari won an arm wrestle, smashing her opponent’s hand against the table. Well, it was a good time to blow off some steam.

Pajaran took a seat next to her, with some beer. That looked disappointingly watered-down.

‘You sure this is a good idea?’

‘Not at all. But I’d rather not have my body out there, being not me. It’s a bit creepy. And I can’t get far from Janaxia, so I have to drag her along.’

‘Yeah, and if we get caught, we’re all in shit. And there’s the creepy devil girl. I’ve been watching her, and she keeps fading out whenever it’s dark.’

‘She does that. I guess she’s attuned to shadows or something? Someone’s going to step on her when she’s asleep though, at least if she’s just invisible rather than transporting herself somewhere else.’ Stathis took her drink and sipped at it, wincing at the watered-down taste.

‘You seem very blasé about Janaxia and her creepy devil-daughter, sure you’ve not been mind-whammied or something?’

‘At this point, I’m not sure what there is that I can do about it. Yeah, she’s creepy, spooky and possibly a demon, but she’s not actively malign. I don’t think Janaxia is the best of parent figures, but it keeps her out of trouble. If nothing else, we can dope them up with some spiked holy water-wine, that should keep them quiet for a while. They’re both quite light, so they’re easy to carry and dump somewhere.’

‘Uh, that sounds kind of… kidnappy. And doesn’t really solve the issue. Are you going to talk to your mother?’

‘Yeah, long-term, I’ve got no damn clue.’ Stathis sighed. ‘I’d rather not? She’s going to suggest killing Janaxia, and definitely Skotadi. Which is sensible enough, but I don’t think either of them deserve death.’

Pajaran nodded. ‘I guess you’re right. They’re creepy and spooky, but I don’t think that’s enough to justify killing them. At least, until Skotadi starts trying to reclaim her kingdom or find her siblings or whatever. I’ve not heard of any kingdoms missing creepy magical princesses though, never mind several of them. Reckon her siblings are as creepy as she is?’

‘Almost certainly. She’s definitely got some odd stuff going on, and I still think she did something to that demon from the island or something. I don’t think she would make a very good ruler though.’

‘Yeah, you got that right! And having Janaxia as an advisor wouldn’t help. Reckon Sen might be related or behind it or something?’

‘I’ve no idea, I’ve barely had the chance to talk to her. She managed to bite Carissia, which was probably about the best way that scenario could pan out. I don’t think she’s evil like the other two are, or they veil her sense or something. With those two around, then there could be all sorts of demons or ghosts around, and I wouldn’t be able to tell!’

There was another loud slamming thud, Vrintar taking her turn to wrestle someone. In their corner, Janaxia and her coterie were still sat, looking like something from either an occult painting, or something overloaded with erotic symbolism. One of the adventurers moved close, starting to say something to Sen, before retreating in the face of Janaxia’s cold-faced glare, Skotadi doing what she could to imitate it. Then she turned to look at Stathis, expression barely changing, still cold and hostile.

‘Well, she still doesn’t like you. Can you not just get her shitfaced and, well, y’know?’

‘It’s a bit hard with the others around her all the time! And she’s still pissed off with me. Which, yes, I know I deserve, but still. I guess she hasn’t talked to you at all?’

‘Gods no! I guess she think’s I’m the help or something? Certainly not a blueblood like the two of you are, Duchess or whatever you are.’

Stathis sighed again. There was a certain directness in just getting Janaxia really drunk, but it seemed like it might cause as many problems as it solved, if not more. Especially if Janaxia lost control, or if Skotadi got involved or got the wrong end of the stick. Or if she drains my essence and kills me or dumps me back in the otherworld again.’

‘Yeah, that place sounded weird. The home of demons? I didn’t think of them as having a “home”.’

‘Well, most of them just show up and wreck stuff, they don’t really talk much. I guess some are more like people, and don’t just wreck stuff? Although we don’t seem to encounter many like that. I guess Sen’s ancestors were like that, if she’s Sethan? And probably Skotadi’s, although a lot closer ancestors in her case, I’d imagine.’

‘Hmmm, wonder if she’s got scales or anything? I think you’re right about her having horns, in that mess of hair. Surprised Janaxia’s not made her straighten it.’

As if she could hear them, Skotadi raised a hand and ran it through her hair, her manacle-chain rattling, before turning her gaze onto the two of them. Stathis felt a slight pressure against her spirit, Skotadi’s eyes darkening. She knocked a fist against the table to help herself focus, a momentary snap of sunlight appearing, the pressure dissipating, Skotadi looking annoyed. Stathis snapped her eyes in front of Pajaran’s face, until she focused.

‘Can you remember what we were talking about?’

‘Uh, yeah – Skotadi and Janaxia. So, get your body back then run the hell away?’

‘I should at least leave a letter or something? I’m pretty sure Mother will try and beat me into a coma and deal with Janaxia. And is probably good enough to do it.’

‘Still? You’ve gotten pretty good at fighting.’

‘Yeah, she’s better. And I’ve got no armour. That’s not something I’d want to fight. Plus whatever magical gear she’s got. Trust me, you’ve never tried fighting her personally. She’s fast, and really good. And her normally equipment means she hits like a damn giant, I doubt even Vrintar could take many full-on hits from her if she was serious about it. I’m amazed that Janaxia survived, if she hadn’t managed to warp herself across the continent she’d be dead. Be nice if she could do that under controlled conditions though!’

‘Let’s hope she’s out when we get there, then. You’re going to have to disguise yourself as well.’

Stathis winced. ‘Yeah, I know. I’m hoping that no-one will recognise me. Might have to ask Hakara to make me invisible? And hope that doesn’t trip any spell defences.’ Stathis raised her tankard, Pajaran knocking her own against it in a swift toast.

Around them, the afternoon faded into a mercifully mundane evening, without any eruptions of chaos or magic.