“We are in gravest danger are we not, Judge Knight Adept Nysa?”

“Yes Mistress.”

Nysa raised an eyebrow in askance. “I am no longer ordained a Judge Knight anything Mistress as well you know.”

“Semantics! We would both agree you aren’t a Judge Knight,” said Charis.

At Nysa’s affirmative nod, Charis continued, “although your affinity, to borrow your term, with your power of Judgement would place you above Acolyte, would it not, as all Acolytes hope for your Skill, which few possess, yet are named Acolyte?”

“Well yes Mistress, although I am not sworn, any longer to a Temple.”

“Semantics! As your liege and Mistress, I grant you the title of Judge Knight Adept in recognition of your faithful service to your God, clearly demonstrated by your Judgement Skill.”

“If you so wish, although the Priests and Knights within Judge’s Temples would laugh in my face to claim such a Title and then throw me out!”

An imperious tone delivered Charis’ response. “Perhaps, I will chat to Apelles and inform him of my suggestion, an Adept is an Acolyte who can demonstrate his, or her Skill of Judgement, no more, no less.”

Charis and Nysa couldn’t maintain the seriousness of their discussion any longer and burst into laughter. A relief and release after so much pain.

Sunlight fading and dusk approaching Charis needed to resume her role as did Nysa.

“Judge Knight Adept I command you to return to the House, ask for assistance and necessary supplies including food and water, especially arrows and if available, oil and transform the Inner Cavern into our forward camp.”

“Yes Mistress.” Nysa hesitated a moment, hovering over the last lantern.

“Take it and ask one of the sisters to return with a replacement, I will be fine until then.”

“Yes Mistress.”

Charis went to inspect the only other death that evening, the black robed figure. Nothing remarkable, no items, so no pretence about his evil nature. Skinny or wasted muscles, barely any hair and his skin paper thin, Charis prodded the near transparent layer and broke it easily. She shivered, repulsed and suddenly keen to continue searching elsewhere.

Charis did locate a chest of coins, so perhaps a transaction was being performed here? The dead bodies before her were recent; some covered in a small dusting of soil, while others were probably just as they were when they died. Most thin, so starvation was beginning to bite wherever they came from.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Charis ventured out, past the cave entrance using her sight to guide her. The entrance false, before her a rough wall of stone, shielding or hiding, the cavern. This outside wall travelling left and right a substantial distance, beyond the limit of her vision and she imagined anyone observing the cliff face from afar would think it whole, unaware until very close there were two open ends, which then led to an actual cavern entrance. Surprise.

She dimly remembered visiting such a cave, filled to the brim with broken mining tools, mostly picks. Could this be the same cave or cavern and now developed further, put into operation? If so, large boulders would be beyond the wall and being on her own, she erred on the side of caution and reigned in her curiosity. A gap existed between the wall of the cavern proper and the wall of stone and she took in an audible breath, imagining the flight path of the Master’s huge bat form, he could so easily clip or smash into the wall of stone shielding the entrance if not skilled or practiced or both. How could they use this to defend themselves?

What need of a wagon? Charis stood perplexed staring at the only other thing of note, unexpected and a mystery. The wagon positioned outside the entrance to the right, hugging the outside wall of the cavern, leaving a generous gap until the wall of stone. The wagon ruts well established in the stone floor, not requiring a trained eye to detect, they traverse the length of the gap between the cavern’s outside wall and the wall of stone as far as she could see.

Nothing special about the wagon, the tray typical, four sides, the rear a drop side for loading and unloading, which she hoisted herself onto. The wooden tray though, heavily stained. Charis crouched down to smell it and instantly regretted it. The smell of blood and decay swirled in a mix of putrid revulsion. It took all of Charis’ control and an empty stomach to prevent herself from vomiting. Eventually finding herself bent over the front of the wagon for relief catching a cold breeze. Relieved, she flopped back, her bottom on target, landing on the bench seat of the wagon.

Recovered, inspecting her surrounds from her new perch, she discovered a small shelf cut into the outside wall of the cavern proper. No cobwebs and clean, perhaps well used? Reaching in, she felt a small bag or pouch and pulled it out. The soft leather bag contained a handy count of coin, perhaps for services rendered or an order yet delivered? She pushed the bag back into place. One final inspection and she noticed a light dancing and swaying at the cavern entrance. She hurried back into the Main Cavern while wondering if the wall of stone would conceal any such light at night, preventing detection.

Astera held the lantern, shining its light into every corner of the cavern, floor and ceiling.

“Shutter your lantern sister and ensure it doesn’t cast any light near the cavern entrance, we don’t wish to attract any unwanted attention.”

“Yes Mistress, Nysa asked one of the sisters to return to this cavern with a lantern for you.”

“You know full well, I don’t require a lantern and I didn’t expect my second in command to perform such a trivial delivery.”

Astera cast her eyes about the cavern, uncomfortable and awkward, was her need so obvious, eventually deciding to speak. Her Mistress patient and content with silence, challenging Astera to either talk or leave. Astera knew she couldn’t leave, she needed to tell Charis of her decision.

“I am not suitable or worthy of your trust Mistress and to tell you the truth I have always been afraid of this responsibility you placed upon me.” Astera released a breath of air, a small sigh escaping her lips, a release as the truth and her admission was set free.

Charis realised the bravery and strength Astera needed to summon, from within herself, to say those words and therefore considered her response carefully.

“Why do you think I chose you?”

“I became the last woman standing? Otonia and Dione have qualities but neither lend themselves to the care and responsibility of others.”

“Before you met the Ladies Three, how long did you manage the children on your father’s farm?”

“Over five Death Season Mistress and I see your point, although caring for children is vastly different from caring for a company such as the Daughters of the Duchess, I tell you,” Astera snorted. “I should know since I have experience with both.”

“Perhaps, so let us compare, shall we? Both require disciple and tasks to keep them busy and out of trouble.” Charis raised a questioning eyebrow, Astera nodded in agreement.

“Both at times require a judge, although it is generally best to allow them to work out their own differences as it will train them for future situations when you aren’t available as your time is better spent assessing their strengths and weaknesses, leveraging their strengths for the benefit of the family and provide training or guidance to reduce their weaknesses so they can grow beyond them." Charis took a needed breath. "Do you agree?”

“Yes Mistress but you are twisting the situations to suit your argument, children are children, the sisters are adults.”

“I don’t believe for a moment you don’t need to lead them differently.” Charis grabbed Astera by her shoulders, shaking her slightly. “You have been through the worst of it, the initial testing of your authority, the garnering of trust.” Charis’ eyes pleading her case.

“How can you say that after my failure today, not more than several bells ago in fact.” Tears welled up, unashamedly so in Astera’s eyes.

“Have you learnt from today? Did you discuss today with your sisters? Nysa and I remained behind in this cavern to provide you with the opportunity to do so, I can advise you of that.”

Astera eyes widened with realisation and then smiled knowingly.

“Yes Mistress, all stood naked, not willing to dress unless commanded to do so by you personally. I began to dress, not armour, under cloth only. I then brewed tea!” Astera’s wide smile the consequence of recalling an important memory.

“The elder has a way to her, that is for sure and no problem is too great which can’t be discussed over a brew of tea,” agreed Charis, smiling in return.

“Sisters slowly gathered, and the chat began, Helice insisted on being carried over to join those already surrounding the kettles. Niobe with ceremonial, reverent care distributed the cups of tea. We all did some deep soul searching, some offering more than others of course …”

Charis nodded to encourage Astera to continue.

“We tended each other’s, punishments, especially Helice’s.” Silence for a moment. Astera straightened her body, drawing it up to stand straight and tall. “We decided for the benefit of all you must heal Helice, at least so she can perform her duties.”

“Why?”

Astera faltered, her stance crumbling slightly as she envisioned her request being welcomed by her Mistress. Helice and her being inseparable, bodyguard yes, perhaps more. No one really understood their relationship with Charis, always loving, sensual, freely given and while with her you believed in your core she was “present”, wholeheartedly with you. Like now, actually and a slight shiver raced down Astera’s spine, quickly shaken off. Her Mistress’ questioning stare bringing Astera back to the matter at hand.

Eyebrows drawn together Astera replied, “She is needed to perform her duties, resume her role as your bodyguard.”

“Why? Zosime would be as suitable, would she not?”

“Her punishment, well, her punishment was excessive.” Astera tried not to wilt further under Charis’ gaze.

“Are you saying your Mistress made a mistake?” Charis looked over her eyebrows at the uncertain deer like second in command standing before her.

“Yes Mistress. Your aim caused additional unintended punishment.”

“Why did you select five strikes as punishment?” Charis asked, softly, gently.

Astera gobsmacked by the change of questioning, opened her mouth and then closed it and before thinking blurted out the answer, a harsh truth.

“My father.”

Charis released Astera from her gaze and shuffling about allowing Astera distance and space. “Explain.”

“Don’t. Do. That. Again. Ever.” The words ground out from behind Astera’s teeth. The silence forced Astera to continue as Charis, head bowed slightly, now ambling back didn’t say anything further and well someone had to say something.

“My father took in strays, young children mostly, some older, many strays and unless they knew disciple, they would be a danger to themselves and the family. Father didn’t force anyone to stay.”

Charis sensed the sympathy and excuse in Astera’s tone, “father wasn’t a bad person”.

“I received Father’s disciple once and witnessed it many times as all the family watched when dealt. Wrong or accident would be explained, danger or safety would be punished. When twelve I waded into a stream to cool off on a hot day. I could have slipped, could have drowned and my soul lost. I have never done that again.”

Deep in recalling her memory Astera only sensed Charis’ hug as it enveloped her, and she leant into it, welcoming the comfort and support granted, placing the lantern on the cavern’s cold stone floor, its light and warmth no longer required.

“A leader cannot deal in absolutes, right or wrong, that is only for others or themselves to judge with the benefit of hindsight. As a leader you must assess the situation, given the information you have and the time or urgency in which to act. I did not need to physically punish you or your sisters. Your Father taught you that was needed, and the amount required.”

Charis felt the sobbing and shuddering within her embrace and rubbed Astera’s back gently to sooth her.

“You are my second in command. I couldn’t deny your request without weakening your authority. If I did, your sisters would defer to me if they disagreed with your decision and we can’t have that. Privately, between us we can disagree and debate as much as required, before our sisters we are one voice.”

“Yes,” Astera sniffled. “Mistress.”

“So why should I heal Helice?” Astera’s body jumped slightly in Charis grasp and Charis inwardly smiled, her second in command startled by the return to the question.

“Because I have learnt and grown. Because with the benefit of hindsight it is right and just to do so, and we love her.”

Charis waited. Astera needed to say more.

“Because my past doesn’t dictate my future actions, for myself or for others.”

Charis released Astera and wiped the tears from Astera’s eyes with her thumbs and then wrapping her hands around the sides of Astera’s face drew her into a deep loving and passionate kiss, which Astera fully returned.

“I believe we are done you have answered your own question have you not?”

“Yes Mistress, although as your second in command I thought I took some final liberties, which I thought I would be confessing to you, instead of informing you. Nysa, Kyra, Ismene and Agape have returned to the House for supplies, I thought four would be required as we are uncertain what is occurring in the town and our Quartermaster needs to return to her duties for the benefit of us all. Dirce and Drosis I have ordered to sleep as I assume an evening and possibly a night shift will be required if we are to remain here, the proud owners of a dark and gloomy cavern system under our House. Thyia and Zoe await the flash of my lantern, they are at the final switchback before entering this cavern. Helice, incapacitated as she is, and Niobe hold watch over Dirce and Drosis.”

Charis sensed the return of authority in Astera’s voice, the confidence. Would Astera make mistakes in the future, certainly, as would Charis. Would she assess and learn from them? Yes, as do all good leaders, if they and their charges survive.

“Return to Thyia and send Zoe to me. When you and Thyia reach the Inner Cavern rest and try to sleep, I think we will require a night shift.”

“Yes Mistress.” Astera picked up the lantern and shortly after Charis overheard mumbling, her orders being conveyed.

While waiting Charis approached the robed body and considered the evidence. He would pay any who arrived for their delivery from his chest of coins, although probably not personally, he would top up the coin bag in the cavern wall shelf beside the wagon, yes, easy and convenient, price previously set or negotiated. This meant the deliveries were long term. Charis shuddered at the number of dead bodies. This explained the living dead they encountered and their source.

Charis decided to take his black robe, even though pierced by several arrow and quarrel holes. She then hefted his body up and in line with the rest. The body was human once, she decided, after she inspected it, further. Wisps of head hair, sunken eyes, long finger and toe nails notwithstanding.

Zoe joined Charis then, without a lantern, finding her inspecting the robe. Charis explained her theory and then made a request.

“Scout out a hiding place so you can spy upon the wagon and the bag of coins.”

“Yes Mistress.”

The tone of Zoe’s reply, irked Charis.

“Talk to me,” commanded Charis.

Zoe instinctively paid attention to Charis, the red warmth of her Mistress’ face brightening. Zoe’s eyes under the influence of the Borrow Stone clearly picking her Mistress’ demand. To pretend everything alright probably not an option.

“I have seen punishment meted out both deserved and undeserved and …”

Her Mistress’ fingers across her lips causing her to pause.

“Between trusted companions no punishment is deserved,” said Charis.

Slapping away Charis' hand Zoe’s face twisted and she stamped her foot. “Why then?”

The two words releasing her frustration and demand for explanation.

“I made a mistake. I cannot undo what I have done, I can only promise I have learnt from my mistake.”

Zoe paced, thinking, deciding finally ending up conflicted. Charis spoke again.

“As any leader I do the best I can with the best of intentions, to protect, to safeguard and many other things. I apologise you needed to suffer to teach me to become a better leader.”

Zoe propped to a stop and swivelled her head around, centring on the red warmth of Charis’ head, seemingly her face.

“My mother and I celebrated your liberation of us, although not fully understanding what it meant at the time, although we soon realised the boon you granted us. The cruelty and slavery due all women from their husbands, vanquished, simple. So, I sort you out, to join you, to free others, to help and only this day have your actions forced me to question my loyalty to you. I thought I escaped brutal punishment. I thought the Daughters of the Duchess above such barbarism.”

“We are now and forever after will be, you have my promise and our binding oath,” uttered Charis, gravely.

“Yes Mistress our oath did call upon you to protect me,” sniped Zoe.

“Yes, within the limits of my power and one of my limits is making an error in judgement, a mistake. I can only apologise and promise not to repeat it. If you doubt my words and therefore consider our oath broken, with sadness I will release you as both need to uphold an oath to make it worthy and meaningful.”

Zoe looked about the cavern, avoiding the red warmth of her Mistress’ body, remembering the past day, finally deciding.

“We were in battle, although none of us realised it and we did fail to follow a command given to us by our sworn liege. There should be consequences as we need to trust your judgement, even if at times it isn’t perfect. Sadly, nothing is guaranteed, one moment you can be checking your trap line and the next being charged down by a black bear who believes the trapped animal you are claiming is his regardless of precautions and care taken.”

“Who?” Charis asked, the example clearly from Zoe’s memory, her words raw and overflowing with pain. Charis recognised them, different words, same torment.

Zoe sobbed and wiped her face with the back of her hand.

“My older sister. Just after you granted our freedom. Checking the trap line, she told me to go to the next one. I heard the challenging growl and turned to see my sister dive to the ground playing dead. The bear slashed her with its claws and as I started to run to her, she shook her head. I caught her eyes in mine and regardless of her pain, they smiled at me! They smiled at me and when their light finally faded, I knew my sister was no more. I fell to my knees and leant against a sapling, lost. In hindsight my grief probably saved me as the bear stayed with my sister and our catch. Perhaps our catch draped over her shoulder attracted the bear? I have thought about it, again and again. Perhaps I could have done more, what, I don’t know. I have thought about that also, again and again. The feeling of helplessness haunts me.”

Zoe’s eyes stared off into nowhere and her hands dropped to her sides. The young girl returning, remembering the ache of loss and the futility, unable to fix it; putting the competent warrior sister aside for a moment.

Her pitiful voice pleading. “Will I ever know?”

Charis hugged her. “Do you need to know?”

“For a long time afterwards, my mother and others told me I wasn’t to blame, it wasn’t my fault. I didn’t believe them, I needed to fix it so I thought I could, by your side Mistress. It helped. Then at each slap of my bottom I thought, finally punishment for not saving my sister. Whatever I thought excessive for not obeying my liege would easily be soaked up as penance for my sister’s death.”

“It didn’t help,” answered Charis.

Silence.

“No. I became angry with you, sullen with Astera and her tea, I didn’t find any forgiveness in the punishment, no relief from my pain of loss, my guilt. Useless, helpless I should have done more …” Zoe’s chin quivered and her eyes teared as her last words faded.

Charis stroked Zoe’s hair. “Afterwards we cannot always do more or make amends, the best we can do is keep living. Remember our loved ones, satisfied that while we remember them and tell others of them, they still exist and if they truly loved us, as I know your sister did of you, their forgiveness is absolute and freely given.”

Zoe’s sobs bloomed into crying, tears flowing freely, shoulders heaving occasionally.

“It is why I share my memories of Halius, and I recall my father and his words of wisdom. I couldn’t save them, but I can remember them and share my memories of them with others and in some precious way they remain alive.”

Zoe squeezed Charis in their embrace, hanging on for dear life and a glimmer of hope and self-forgiveness. A way for her pain to be resolved in recalling and reliving the joys and disputes with her sister and remembering their love for each other until the final light was extinguished from her eyes.

“Thank you, Mistress, I am afraid, no not afraid, I am happy to say you won’t be rid of me yet. I will scout as commanded.”

With that said she hurried to the deepest shadows by the cavern entrance and crouched surveying all before her and then she went out beyond the entrance, Charis losing sight of her due to the stone cavern wall now separating them, although Charis felt closer to Zoe than ever before.

“Niobe are you with Helice?” sent Charis.

“Yes Mistress, I believe she needs your touch, she painfully moans, capable of only the briefest of sleep.”

Charis relieved they could contact each other and upset she couldn’t run to Helice’s side earlier to heal her. Helice understood though, she, being the architect of her own pain. Charis hurried nevertheless since no other sister demanded her time.

“Clymene is all well in the House?”

“Yes Mistress, Ismene Nysa, Kyra and Agape have just climbed up into the Training Room and are gathering supplies.”

One final contact to confirm.

“Alcmene is all well at the Town Gate?”

“They are endless Mistress, we have had to take shifts, luckily there are only narrow gaps around each end of the uncompleted walls and the Gate has held fast. Strangely the hamlet below seems untouched they are intent on the Town. A few guards have succumbed to the cold, so we advised the Gate Captain of proper attire!”

Charis revelled in the mirth of last few words of Alcmene’s sending, heartening after the grief and tragedy of the past few bells.

---

With bedrolls placed in a circle around a central fire the layout in the Inner Cavern mirrored an outdoor camp except it wasn’t.

Four bedrolls contained two pairs of warrior sisters while a fifth and sixth positioned side by side held a fretting Niobe wiping the brow of her seer sister Helice. Charis sprinted as silently as she could to Helice’s side, the relief on Niobe’s face plain to see.

Helice lay face down, her bottom red raw with stray welts above and below its pert cheeks. Charis placed her hands upon them gently, beginning the healing before any touch to try and alleviate any further pain when she did touch them. Helice needed sleep.

Connecting with Helice’s items simplified the treatment as they knew best where and how to apply the healing magic. After a bell Helice stirred, her rolling over shifting Charis hands from her buttock cheeks.

“Mistress, if I thought you were this desperate, I would forget modesty and take you right here!”

Niobe beat Charis handsomely to bless Helice’s lips with a relieved kiss.

“I am so sorry Helice, I am so sorry, my weakness the cause of your pain.”

“Hush Niobe, all is well.”

Charis gathered Helice and Niobe into a Seer Circle.

“You two rest, Helice isn’t completely healed although capable of moving now, while you Niobe need to care for yourself and not devote yourself to Helice. I need to return to the Cavern Entrance, so rest and I will send to you if I need you,” sent Charis, who then collapsed the Seer Circle and hurried back to the Main Cavern.

---

Once in the Main Cavern, Charis scanned the various corners and satisfied everything remained as left, she snuck to the Cavern Entrance. Peering about she couldn’t see Zoe. Sticking her head out further, smoothly followed by half of her body to glimpse past the wagon a thumb sized pebble bounced before her.

Instinctively Charis looked up. Zoe grinned, perched upon the Stone Wall Curtain with the occasional twig and leaf pointing out at different angles, smug and snug. Charis’ first thought how did she get up there? An answer soon arrived with Zoe pointing to northern end of the wall.

Upon arriving Charis discovered the wall tapered off, slightly lower and more jagged. The rough outcroppings providing handholds and footholds. Charis wondered if they would be enough, after all a trapper from the mountains would certainly have had practice and experience with such climbs. The initial going encouraged Charis, not easy, manageable though if you slowed and considered your next handhold and her night vision helped of course.

As the way became less certain Charis noticed a rope. There was no direct climb to it from where she now was, so she retreated and at her last decision point went left instead of right. Like all people you always favoured your stronger handed side. The climb to the rope except for the initial stretch, which required a great deal of care and attention, challenging although doable.

Once Charis grasped the rope the rest of the climb became simple hand over hand at each knot in the rope, while ensuring each footfall was solid and secure. Charis resisted the urge to jump up and celebrate, once at the top in case others possessed vision like hers, in fact she knew others did. She did confirm one thing though, there definitely existed a garden of large boulders past the Stone Wall Curtain into the Gap, further confirmation this cavern was the cavern discovered and ignored several months ago. Charis ignored past possibilities, they couldn’t change or correct them now, better to concentrate on the here and now with a small eye to the future.

Crawling along the top of the Stone Wall Curtain Charis almost blundered into Zoe, carefully camouflaged under twigs, leaves and her cloak, an embarrassment barely avoided.

“Welcome to my nest Mistress, where you are, I prepared earlier for you. We are hiding behind a few tough gnarly saplings, which found a layer of dirt to grow in and their roots are now trying to split apart the stone of the wall. Good luck to them I say.” Her voice low and clear and full of cheer.

Charis found a neat pile of twigs which she stuck in her hair and cloak to break up her outline and then nestled in on her stomach and peered through the saplings. The wagon and the grotto easily within view as well as both approaches. Excellent!

---

Horses neighing and metal shod wagon wheels on stone placed Charis and Zoe on alert. They both peered through their cover. Charis and Zoe watched in fascination as the wagon drew to a halt behind the other wagon. Two jumped off the bench seat and unhitched the horses, walking them to the front of the parked wagon hitching the beasts of burden to it. The wagon master jumped off his side of the bench seat, assisted briefly to unhitch the horses, convenience perhaps and then climbed aboard the parked wagon taking up his commanding position on the bench seat. He then reached into the small shelf grotto and claimed the coin bag. He emptied it into his own money pouch and then placed the empty bag back. The wagon master then confirmed his two accomplices were aboard and lashed the horses with the wagon’s reins to get the empty wagon moving.

Silence returned. A covered wagon positioned exactly in front of the Cavern Entrance and with the tail gate down allowing easy unloading and a straight carry into the Main Cavern and beyond if required.

“Helice ask Niobe to accompany you to the Main Cavern, we have a delivery at the Cavern Entrance.”

When they reached the wagon and pulled the cover back, they found ten bodies, long dead, most thin and starved and none seemed to have been dug up out of graves.

“Sisters empty the wagon into the Main Cavern and stack the new arrivals in front of the others. Zoe and I will maintain a watch from on top of the Stone Curtain Wall.”

Working as a pair it didn’t take long for the Seer Sisters to move the bodies from the wagon to the Main Cavern as they were at various stages of desiccation and stiff from the freezing cold.

“Can you try to pull the empty wagon forward, away from the Cavern Entrance?”

Helice and Niobe stared up at the Stone Curtain Wall, scanning for Charis and Zoe, resisting the urge to protest, content to appear exacerbated and disapproving. The wagon rolled forward easily though along well-worn tracks in the stone, with Charis sending a panicked shout to them to halt much to their amusement. The stone must also fall away from there as well, a gentle slope. Charis couldn’t help but admire the planning and implementation, also unfortunately confirming an evil intelligence.

Charis decided all the dead needed to be burnt, although they couldn’t afford the time and effort to place them upon a raised pyre. Initially she considered relocating them to the Inner Cavern so any pyre glow wouldn’t be revealed, which would probably happen if burnt where they were. The effort required though and several pyres would need to be created and burnt in turn because of the number of corpses.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Zoe scrambled across to her. She spied out across the Gap to gain earlier warning.

“Mistress another wagon.”

Then Charis remembered the coin bag!

“Helice grab a handful of coin from a chest beside the dead bodies in the Main Cavern and run to the wagon, run!” sent Charis.

“Niobe hide at the last switchback into the Main Cavern, another wagon approaches. You may need to run to the Inner Cavern and wake our warrior sisters.”

Helice ran nearing the parked wagon.

“Helice sit on the bench seat, Cavern side, there will be a grotto or shelf there, reach in grab the coin bag and fill it with the coins you have. Then run back into the Main Cavern and join Niobe at the switchback.”

Charis watched Helice’s race unfold before her, her heart jumping at each step completed. Sure, Helice’s heart pumped for more reasons. Helice went through the Cavern Entrance when Charis felt Zoe’s tap on her leg. Their agreed signal when the wagon approached the Stone Wall Curtain and before the wagon master could have any line of sight on the Cavern Entrance. The absolute last moment before they would be open to any risk.

“You are safe Helice, I am sorry to put you at such risk due to an oversight on my part.”

“At your service Mistress.”

This delivery an exact duplicate of the earlier drop off except the men were a different group, four this time instead of the three. Charis peered intently, Zoe needing to hold her shoulder to restrain her. Did Charis know one of the men? The grave digger from Oxrest? They accepted the amount of coins that Helice selected for them and drove the parked wagon off like the previous team.

“Helice and Niobe you need to repeat your unloading and wagon positioning sisters,” sent Charis.

Charis decided the dead could wait until morning given two deliveries so far. She observed Helice holding the coin bag waving it at her, so when that task was completed, the work was completed.

If one of the wagons travelled from Oxrest then perhaps the other belonged to Maplethorn, both close villages, mused Charis. There wouldn’t be any from Farstay given the Priest of Judge there, which possibly meant Bearwatch and maybe Needlepines as other possibilities and they would need to risk not being inspected during the day. Although if they were undertakers or grave diggers would they fall under any suspicion if any guards or others were possibly about this time of year. A perfect cover in many ways.

All these thoughts and conjecture rattled around Charis head and in the end, she decided they needed sleep and didn’t need to keep watch from on high if they managed to keep the bag of coins full after each visit. Meet what the waggoneers expected, and they would be none the wiser.

Tapping Zoe on her shoulder Charis flicked her head towards the rope. “Time to leave the perch.”

“Niobe, wake Dirce and Drosis and ask them to arm and armour up they have the next watch.”

“Yes Mistress.”

Charis and Zoe met Helice inside the Main Cavern. Dirce, Drosis and Niobe arrived shortly after.

“Zoe, Helice and Niobe, to sleep and before you can protest, I will soon be joining you.” They nodded, making their way to the passageway and the Inner Cavern.

Turning to Dirce and Drosis, Charis outlined the coming and goings of the waggoneers and the requirement to keep the bag of coins supplied after each visit, showing them where the bag of coins needed to be placed and filled from. They both needed to remain awake until at least mid-morning and then wake Astera and Thyia to take over. They both carried a Borrow Stone and took up position at the switchback relying upon hearing as much as vision.

Charis kept her promise and found a bedroll in the Inner Cavern.

---

Charis woke with a start. A terrible dream, alone and running. Helice and Niobe slept still nearby, Zoe and the warrior pairs no longer with them. Charis broke her fast on cold rations of salted meat and dried fruit trying to forget the helplessness she suffered in her nightmare.

“Clymene, how many bells and is the House safe?”

“Third bell recently tolled Mistress, so welcome awake sleepy and yes the House is still safe. Don’t contact Alcmene she is still sleeping also. The living dead left after dawn, so the Town is safe now.”

“No one gave chase then?”

“No Mistress, too cold and who wants to die in Death Month on a fool’s errand, after all they churn the ground as they shuffle away. There is a tell-tale path between the hamlet and the cliff side, they are being watched from above, no need to follow them.”

Charis did wonder where the survivors would go and although empty the Caverns wouldn’t hold a huge number, just enough for a sneak force or would they, how tightly can living dead pack? Charis questioned their obligation to guard the Top Cavern as a pathway into the Town. Why them? Shouldn’t she inform the Gate Captain’s and the Town Militia? From within her, a quiet voice responded no, confirming her inclination and preference. Now decided, she needed to prepare.

Charis commanded Thais and Alexa to begin construction of stairs from the Training Room trapdoor to the floor of the Top Cavern. They would need the supply line to the Inner Cavern to be as efficient as possible. Ismene to acquire the required timber, stripping from the Stables if necessary and determine a suitable store of supplies to be hauled to the Inner Cavern, which would act as their forward base. Clymene to remain the resident Seer in the House, an anchor for all.

Charis formed a Seer Circle with the Assassin Seers for a special mission.

“Take turns and track the living dead horde around the base of the plateau, I suspect whomever commands them has decided to now use them to retake the Caverns or perhaps they just return home.”

“Yes Mistress.”

Charis did pity them as they would need to be exposed to the cold and the wind, although they could efficiently share the task, always keeping in contact and ensuring they wore appropriate clothing to resist the cold. They would base themselves in the House and return to warmth and prepared meals.

Charis reflected upon their situation, a large shield of mountain side in front of the Cavern hid the Cavern Entrance, behind this shield a roofless path existed, cut or natural, did it matter how. Wagons able to enter one side and exit the other. The path, solid stone, meant no defences could be quickly prepared upon it. A positive, the width at both ends, one wagon wide, although before the Cavern Entrance this increased to two wagon widths to enable them to pass by.

Their situation reminded her of the defence of the Town, except they included a stalwart gate in the mix and three hundred militia commanded by professional soldiers. The irony being, the Militia would not have existed this time last year except for Charis’ meddling and insistence on training her sisters. Charis eventually faced the truth, the numbers of living dead would overrun them, plain and simple.

One last thought, Charis recalled the elder mentioned a spell to work stone.

“Clymene ask the elder if she knows any spells which can work stone and if she asks, I don’t know what for yet, but hopefully I will once I know if she has such a spell.”

Helice and Niobe stirred in their bedrolls, perhaps my loud thinking woke them mused Charis. She would let them rouse themselves at their own pace for now.

Would the living dead continue to fill the caverns until no more fit? Did they have assigned caverns or passageways? The single certainty, no one commanded them, Charis' inner voice agreeing. Their return from the Town Wall clearly timed with dawn, the sun rose, and they turned about smartly and retreated, so Alcmene reported who witnessed the strange behaviour. Until they ended up somewhere perhaps the easiest, risk free course of action would be to retreat. Allow the living dead to retake the caverns and wait for them to either settle or renew their attack under the House. Either way the attack front would be narrow, held by two or three sisters in quarter bell rotations, perhaps until their own husks filled the Top Cavern and prevented any further attacks?

It wasn’t in Charis’ nature to retreat, which irked her the most and occupied her even after making the decision to retreat.

A gentle cough interrupted Charis’ thought process and her pacing, she didn’t even realise and therefore perhaps her pacing was the real reason Helice and Niobe stirred. Charis nodded at Astera and finger across her lips accompanied Astera out of the Inner Cavern, down the passageways until the Main Cavern.

“Mistress we can’t hold this cavern against a tide of walking dead, our arms and bodies will tire before they’re all destroyed,” Astera stated. She observed Charis pace for several moments, gradually becoming frustrated in the Inner Cavern, so best to state the obvious.

“Yes, thanks for speaking the words, I just can’t admit we have to retreat all the way back up the passageways and then fight our way back down again.”

“Without their Priest, they should be leaderless and just wait to be attacked, so each cavern should be an isolated group,” offered Astera.

Charis shook her head indicating no, while with effort she commanded yes.

“Agreed, prepare and start leaving, orderly retreat. I will advise Ismene to continue preparations but stock any supplies in the Ground Floor Storeroom for now.”

“Yes Mistress.”

“Mistress, the elder says there is something she can do with stone but would have to see how well first, do you have anything in mind?” sent Clymene.

“We are retreating back to the House. I will talk to her there and see what we can come up with. Advise Ismene to continue her preparations, except use the Ground Floor Storeroom for now.”

“Yes Mistress.” Surprise clear in the sent reply.

“Hagne, how goes living dead watch?” sent Charis.

“We are convinced they are returning to the Caverns Mistress. They stomp close to the cliff face of the plateau the Town is built on, the shortest possible route.”

“Your task is done, we will await the living dead in the House, thank you for enduring the cold and chill.”

“At your command Mistress.”

By the middle of the day every sister trekked up the passageways, the Main Cavern cleared of sisters and the last leaving the Inner Cavern. Late afternoon almost dusk they reached the Top Cavern and were greeted with a surprise. To their delight the twins were finishing up with the stairs, the final work garnering more assistance then they required. The stairs went from the trapdoor directly down at an angle to the floor of the Top Cavern. The soil was hard, although not frozen and went for some depth before becoming stone, which allowed a modest clearance of additional soil to make the stair slope possible at a reasonably normal angle.

The elder used some magic to shape the stone into hollows to receive the main wooden supports of the stairs; these were never going to move after such treatment. Charis just hoped this wasn’t going to be the ladder to their demise. How could moulded stone be used in the Main Cavern she wondered?

To assist further the elder moulded two high shelves to hold a lantern in place to be lit when the living dead stumbled into the Cavern. Additional light to assess their behaviour. Charis and her company now waited, taking watches.