“Now what?” I asked the warlock after Agatha was sucked into gods know where.

“We prepare,” Raiya replied. “I’ll lead you to the armory.”

We took the bloody corridor again. I caught a glimpse of Zoey, unconscious and obviously starving. I averted my gaze to find Raiya observing me with careful eyes. Zoey was no longer my concern. I wasn’t about to try and save her while she was the reason I was almost completely assimilated. I knew how to hold a grudge. And I was stubborn enough to not let go of it.

Don’t judge me!

“Sisha will need some time to absorb the energy he’s about to receive,” Raiya said as we left the prison. The double gate closed behind us with a loud creak. “Our job is to keep them busy until he can teleport behind them and…” she made a gesture with her hand that was meant to imitate an explosion, “BOO! Surprise surprise!” She grinned triumphantly.

“Utar would’ve told them you have a cat demon on your side,” I objected. Her smile dissipated. Why do I always have to fuck things up? I really can’t help it, can I?

“He doesn’t know how powerful my “companion” is,” she said. “When I came to your rescue, I only used Sisha to intimidate him. They’ll know what he’s capable of real soon.” She gave a smirk that caused me to shudder. Sisha was a formidable beast. I didn’t know what he was capable of either. I guessed I was about to find out.

I shrugged. “What are our chances?” I asked.

“Always worrying,” Raiya retorted with a loud, disapproving tut-tut. “I’ve heard of your exploits during the war against the Akari Kingdom. Cheer up! We can get through this if we put our minds together.”

“Maybe you heard about my “exploits” as you call them,” I said, mimicking quotes with my fingers. “But I haven’t heard a thing, or remembered for that matter…”

“So you still haven’t regained your memory,” Raiya said. She sounded a bit too disappointed for someone who knew I was amnesiac.

“How would I regain it? You haven’t delivered on your promise after all.”

“The Equinox,” Raiya said absentmindedly. “We’ll talk about this after this is all over. We’re here.” We were standing before yet another sealed door. Raiya waved her hand and I heard a click that suggested the door had been unlocked.

“Get in,” she instructed. “Pick up whatever you need but don’t leave the room until I come fetch you.”

I raised a questioning eyebrow.

“I don’t want you to get lost in this labyrinth,” she obliged, waving her hand at the endless dark corridor before my eye. “I have to prepare too,” she went on. “I’ll be back in a jiffy.” She turned and left in a hurry. I stayed there until the echoes of her footsteps died out.

I looked around nervously. Maybe I’d be able to sneak away while Sisha and the warlock had their backs turned. But where would I go? The corridor was dark, too dark to make out anything in detail. I couldn’t see anything special about the doors either to help me find my way through. Without Raiya’s help, I’d probably get lost and end up somewhere I shouldn’t.

I sighed then decided to get in.

When I pushed the door open, rows of swords, spears, maces and war hammers welcomed me. Why a magic user would need all of this in a fight was beyond me. But it suited me. I didn’t know any spells except the time stop. I didn’t know how to direct my Essence properly either. It was better to keep it that way and rely on the things that have never failed me: a good sword and shield.

I browsed the collection of swords Raiya had kept in her armory. I had to find the perfect fit. Between balance, grip, weight and width, I couldn’t find one that really spoke to me. I had to try at least a dozen before I found one that somewhat met my requirements.

I took it for a spin… too long… I’m not used to this length. Besides, if we’re fighting in the woods, it might get stuck in a tree. I tossed it away and resumed my search for the perfect sword.

‘I can show you the way out,’ Eva’s voice came rushing in without permission.

‘I gotta learn to shut you off,’ I mentally barked at her. ‘Don’t you know how to knock?’

‘The empress never knocks!’ she retorted.

‘You’re living in the past Eva,’ I said. ‘Now would you kindly leave? I have to get ready for a fight I’m not sure I can win.’

‘You don’t have to fight them,’ Eva whispered, like the voice of temptation that comes at the most unsolicited time. ‘I’ve mapped this area while those two were busy with tortures. I can lead you to the secret exit.’

‘Say I leave,’ I said as I picked up another sword, twelve inches long by my estimation. ‘There’s nowhere I could go with the Church surrounding the place.’ I gave the sword a good swing.

Grip: great.

Length: not bad.

Sharpness: can cleave a head in one swing.

Width: good enough. It won’t break if it clashes with another weapon, gods forbid.

I decided to go with this one. I didn’t have time to test every weapon there is.

‘You can support the warlock from behind with bow and arrow,’ Eva whispered. ‘Sneak out while they’re all busy fighting.’

‘And you think it’s wise to sneak out while there are fifty men upon us,’ I retorted.

‘With your Fragment,’ Eva said, ‘I’m sure you’ll sneak past them without attracting attention.’

‘Can’t use that!’ I said as I picked up a buckler. Always fight light and avoid incapacitating attacks. Riposte when you can then kill with one attack. A long fight only leads to exhaustion, and results in an untimely death. That was my motto. I hated big clunky armor. And long swords I couldn’t swing in tight areas.

‘I can show you how,’ Eva whispered.

‘What’s in it for you?’

‘Take me with you,’ Eva said.

‘Again with this obsession with leaving,’ I replied. I was trying out a leather vest. I prefer light armor which offers me more maneuverability around opponents. ‘I understand that you don’t wish to be used by others. But I just can’t help you. Can’t trust you.’

‘Don’t take my bones then,’ Eva said.

‘What’re you on about?’ I had put the armor on, and even found an eye patch to hide the empty socket I had for a right eye.

‘They all seek my bones and my soul,’ she replied. ‘I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of getting my complete soul. I’m willing to part with a Fragment of my soul if you take me with you. I’ll even help you learn some useful spells....’ I ignored her and buckled the vest. ‘Take my Fragment and I’ll help you control that offensive energy.’

How did she know? Damn she’d hit a sensitive spot. Some part of her was still inside me, I suspected…

‘Fragments are dangerous,’ I said after I swung my sword around. My movement was good. The armor I picked fit perfectly. I was somewhat confident about my chances now. ‘Besides,’ I went on, ‘you know as much about magic as I do. I’ve seen your memories.’

‘You’ve seen the most painful one,’ Eva retorted. ‘Don’t presume anything about me, you ignorant twat!’

‘That was uncalled for!’ I said, sounding hurt – or thinking I did, anyway, however that worked – ‘Where are your imperial manners?’

‘Think of my proposition,’ Eva ignored my comment. ‘She’s coming now. Good luck.’

‘Can you really help me control the Fragment?’ I called out before she cut the link between us.

‘I’ll help suppress its harmful energy as best I could. But you’ll need to trust me to do so. Our energies will collide and you won’t be able to contain the situation. If you trust me, our energies will eventually synergize.’

‘How do I get your Fragment then?’ I couldn’t trust her, but I had to weigh in all options.

‘Disappear somewhere in the woods during the fight. I’ll be in touch.’

I heard footsteps then the door to the armory swung open. Raiya stood there. She’d changed her long dress with black trousers and a black corset, tightly wrapped against her bosom. She’d worn a leather jacket on top. Her riding boots looked new, polished and shiny. She’d adorned her neck with a beautiful necklace with a formidable purple, fist sized gemstone.

She wore black eyeliner around her eyes. Her long hair was tied in a chignon. She held a five foot mahogany staff in her right hand. Her left hand had a golden chain tightly wrapped against the wrist. The chain then coiled around her forefinger, where a golden snake head covered the tip. She looked like the most beautiful messenger of death, ready to unleash hell.

“Come on,” she ordered. “They’re in the woods. We have the element of surprise now.”