Clymene stared across the Training Room blankly, one of her legs propped up on the seat of the chair she occupied, the other under the corner of the table while her fingers strummed its worn wooden tabletop. A mystery, no sisters from Day Shift had yet surfaced and the silence of the Kitchen and Training Room oppressive.

“Sister, where are they? I thought to join them,” said Ismene, slowly climbing down the circular stairs from the second floor, stopping to take in the sight of the empty tables and chairs, her eyes settling upon the one exception.

“Niobe confirmed the shift change and usually a bell or so later they appear for a bath. I am concerned.”

Hurrying to her worried Seer Sister’s table and leaning both arms upon it, Ismene tried an offer of help. “I could go or perhaps ask Wormy to send one of his charges to investigate?”

“No sister, if something untoward has occurred I don’t wish to place you or them in danger. I am considering waking the Night Shift, although to wake them now may jeopardise their duty later.”

Taking a chair opposite and sliding onto it, Ismene sympathised with Clymene, her Seer Sister chewing her bottom lip, probably contemplating her options. She knew if Clymene could, she would have Seer linked with the Day Shift, even Charis if the situation required.

---

A damp aroma permeated the passageway, a mix of passive salted moisture from guard duty and fervent passionate wetness from ardent impromptu love making.

Alexis the first to stir, her coltish body languidly stretching, her full lips briefly latching onto Thyia’s as she reached for the water flowing freely nearby. Scoping a handful into her mouth, she tipped the second into Thyia’s, her brown eyes grateful, Alexis rewarding her further with a deep lingering kiss.

Another set of large brown eyes; surrounded by deshelled brown black hair emerged from the warm and soft flesh prison draped across the prisoner’s own naked body. The two sisters entrapping her exhausting themselves, the black buzz cut hair of one contrasting with the short deep brown soil coloured hair of the other. Zosime’s finely honed muscle on her arms, legs and lower abdomen like cords entangling Astera and while also locking Charis’ slim athletic body intimately to her, flesh upon flesh. Astera’s consciousness alert the moment Alexis stirred Thyia awake, the Warrior Three link calling to them as one.

Zoe’s eyes wide, not believing her head laid upon Helice’s fair chest, her plush breasts a comfortable soft pillow. Her smooth light brown legs surrounding Helice’s fair toned limbs. Zoe lifted her head slightly, already “knowing”, although needed confirmation with her own eyes, the dreamy satisfied visages of Astera and Thyia. Their Warrior Three link co-ordinating their taking of the four Seers to an ecstasy soon returned as the Seer Circle joined sisters reciprocated the conspiracy of love making and lust.

“Our Mistress is well satisfied with our efforts, while Zosime will now be tolerable given her exchange of lust with her,” offered Alexis. A celebratory leer spreading across her lips.

Astera untangled her naked body from its flesh prison, her actions not disturbing her jailors. Admiring the smorgasbord surrounding her, she needed to compose herself competing against the rising desire in her loins, a new sensation. Once her lust satisfied, she could abstain for many days and yet, now, her body still eager?

Her eyes lidded, she struggled. “I … we … the bonding … so natural and so pleasurable.”

Thyia, two hands cupped full of water squatted before Astera’s face, her soft facial features enduring and inviting. Astera licked her lips, distracted by Thyia’s brazen display of her moist sex, two hand widths from her tongue. Thyia lowered her hands forward, blocking her partner’s view to provide the life sustaining water Astera needed, dismissing her want.

“Your condition my sister is due to our Warrior Three link with Zoe,” revealed Thyia, tossing her head in Zoe’ direction her short black hair falling back into place easily afterwards.

Zoe picked up on their conversation, how could she not, their Warrior Three link binding them.

“I’m sorry.” Zoe released Helice’s braids reluctantly. Next her light brown flesh separated from Helice’s fair flesh, her toned body regretfully standing, first skin contact separation, stalling briefly and then reluctantly increasing the distance of separation until she joined Astera and Thyia. Zoe’s resistance overcome, urged to comply by Astera and Thyia on the brink of temptation themselves.

---

The crossbow dwarfed the female holding it in release position, although with well-practiced hands she managed. Her small tongue poking out from the corner of her mouth as she aimed and when satisfied released. The quarrel speeding unerringly at the target set at the end of the elder’s Cavern, several lanterns lighting the path.

Latona lent against the Cavern wall, conveniently below the water carry, sipping her second mug of water. After two bells of crossbow practice her and the twins protested, their backs sore from winching the bowstring into a release position. The three preferring the hand crossbows, which used a built-in winch called a really long name, something like cranequin. Their arms would tire, although better that then arms and back sore from bending over the huge winch to wind back the bowstring on the larger crossbow.

Agape’s neat and well-kept long black hair bounced back and forth as she reset the bowstring using the winch. Latona in awe as this short slender girl kept to her task, practice and more practice she would tell them. Two bells of practice broke her three students. The twins offering to visit the Inner Cavern in search of Thyia or perhaps Alexis to find out the cause of their delay. Agape denying them.

Latona choosing to rest, while the twins ventured into the Stone Cabin or perhaps Cave, whatever it was where the elder now resided. No amount of encouragement could convince her to follow them, the feisty old lady scared her. She heard them knock on her door and the crusty, gravelling unwelcome when opened, nevertheless the twins entered. Possibly never to be heard from again. Latona didn’t believe that of course, but still …

Agape’s green eyes alight as she released her quarrel bolt again, Latona taking a small comfort in the fact they both were blessed with green eyes. Somehow this convinced her, if a former maid could, with confidence use a crossbow then surely a farm girl could also.

“Time for more practice Latona, let us test those strong farmer’s arms, surely rested by now?”

Latona groaned, perhaps she should have followed the twins, second thoughts, no. She would rather face more practice instead of the elder. Quickly to her feet she met Agape, surprising her teacher with her apparent eagerness.

“Can I trust you to practice diligently, I should investigate the whereabouts of your other teachers.”

“Yes … certainly, you are right my arms are strong and I need to practice and learn to earn my keep and place amongst you all.”

Agape looked up into Latona eyes, spying conviction and determination. Satisfied, Agape equipped two throwing daggers, two duelling daggers and her favourite hand crossbow before striding off through the Cavern’s lower entrance.

---

Clymene lent on the door handle and then once released, pushed upon the door barring the entrance to the White Room. Light from the Training Room spilled in through the gap between door edge and door frame. A rustle emanated from within the room and Clymene prepared by letting the door handle go. She did consider asking Dirce or Drosis from the Evening Shift to visit the Inner Cavern, dismissing the option in case the Day Shift’s disappearance a deliberate part of a larger plan to weaken the Main Cavern defence.

The door flew open, revealing a naked Kyra, dagger ready in one hand, the door edge held in the other. Occupying the door frame a naked Nysa, sword in one hand, shield in the other. Her fair birthmark across her loins tinted an angry red contrasting with the surrounding light brown complexion.

Clymene drank in the martial beauty tensed before her, observing every ripple of muscle and stretched skin relax in a wonderful display of control, two predators transforming into two protectors. Their reaction; once recognising a Seer Sister before them. The fact quickly dawning upon them, Clymene wouldn’t be at their door unless she required urgent or desperate help.

“What has happened Seer Sister,” hissed Nysa, white knuckles now gripping her sword’s handle.

---

Alexis lent against the passageway wall, out of the shadows and drank another handful of water and then splashed her neck and face. The water trails blinking and reflecting the weak lantern light from the Inner Cavern. Her hands dipping in to repeat the process, halted. Her eyes met in turn the eyes of the Warrior Three, full of lust and desire; the water conveniently dribbling over her breasts, between them, engulfing her erect nipples and downwards. She smiled invitingly, splashing the remaining water deliberately over her breasts. The coolness of the fluid reaching to cool between her legs when the Warrior Three took her, lowering her to the bed of robes they hastily assembled in their need to fulfil their lust previously, an unknown number of bells ago.

Alexis’ assailants unaware as one of her feet strayed.

“… awake sister another game is being played without you …”

Helice blinked. The shadowed roof of the passageway greeting her. Another’s foot caressing hers. Alexis! Swinging her head, first one way and then a second way, Alexis’ body bucked in release, three lustful angels attending her, their firm buttocks swaying before Helice’s admiring gaze.

Her slinking cat like grace, silent from habit, not required given the prey’s distraction, delivering her in easy reach of her Seer Sisters to rally them to the cause. One hand around Charis’ ankle, the other around Zosime’s.

“Awake Seer Sisters we have been called to rescue Alexis from her lustful imprisonment!”

---

“Well?” asked Prettynose, in a hushed voice, the thought of their humans ‘entertaining themselves’ stirring urges within her.

Her smallish green hand rubbing her generous green nose, Sweetears replied. “They rested and instead of returning to duty, they play again.” A certain frustration evident in the tone of her voice.

“We toil and work and sweat and slog through their equipment to clean and sharpen and they rut!” said Bluefingers, spitting, the globule missing Sweetears, their spy, by a fraction.

“You be narky cause I forbid you to spy and you know why,” said Sweetears.

Bluefingers’ green skin glowed. Prettynose slapped her on her back and bent over to smoother a chuckle and her own salacious thoughts.

Sweetears, eyes narrowing with the effort, examined her fellow sacrifices. They were all the same age, ten years if they survived this Death Season. Bluefingers and Prettynose same as her, size, colour, tribe, skinny, happy here cause more food and no beatings and yet she didn’t want to naughty herself. Only one difference left. Could that really be the reason?

They obeyed me, why? Grab ears hurt them. No, they didn’t howl or whimper even when well away from big people. They wanted her to lead them away and now, they complain, their faces look funny? Why strange look?

“Why your faces funny looking?”

Prettynose and Bluefingers straightened their faces, almost coming to attention, at least a Goblin version of it.

“My face not funny?” they answered, almost in sync.

“Either of you wish to spy on big people?”

Their black eyes narrowed, their smiles narrowed, no effort expended to stop a drop of drool escaping. Sweetears stepped closer, her eyes boring into Prettynose first and then Bluefingers.

“Why,” she asked. When they didn’t offer a reason or excuse, she slapped them in turn.

Instead of howling or screaming, they blinked. Sweetears waited, continuing to stare at both in turn.

Bluefingers shook her head and stepped back. Prettynose in slow motion backed up, until a comfortable distance away from Sweetears. Both wiping their respective drool with their shirt sleeves.

“What have you two been doing this shift?” asked Sweetears.

“We polish, sharpen and clean …” Answering strongly and then, doubt.

Their heads in an instant bent down, their eyes on their private parts. Their heads bouncing up, their mouths open and hands reaching to cover their faces.

Sweetears allowed the silence to drift by.

Bluefingers speaking first, stuttering, she said, “We float along, whisperings and dreaming. We …”

Sweetears nodded after Bluefingers’ eyes drifted downwards, her womanhood clearly their location of interest.

Bluefingers and Prettynose embracing, shortly after, sobbing. Sweetears added her weight to the hug.

“I thought you strange, so I dragged you away by your ears.”

“Thank-you,” snivelled Prettynose.

Bluefingers added, “When you slapped us, I thought I heard a head voice, laughing … laughing at us …”

“Yes, me also sister, me also. Sounded like Bright Eyes, but how?”

“Bright Eyes disappear, can’t be here, she can’t. We happy …” simpered Bluefingers. Bright Eyes meant bad things happen, death or worse torture. They luckily and with good fortune escaped that, live with these strange humans who feed them well while demanding little work and no beatings.

“You both been magicked, not I, why?” Before they could open their mouths Sweetears answered. “You both bleeders …”

Bluefingers and Bright Eyes flopped back on the nearby bed, eyes wide open staring at the ceiling, their hands discretely covering their own womanhood, certain in that moment their minds and urges were their own, thanks to Sweetears’ slap. They both thought of their shame and their families’ shame and then realised being dead to their family would save them all the embarrassment and shunning.

---

Agape, stepped carefully along the passageway, her back against the non-water carry side, shadows surrounding her. Her Borrow Gem, one of the Goblin Eyes versions, therefore only able to reveal shades of red, with limited definition, still the gift enabled her to move cautiously forward without banging into a wall or tripping.

Her finger on the hand crossbow trigger, she hoped she didn’t pull it and wound a sister or worse kill a sister, equally of concern she didn’t want to hesitate and be slain herself. Erring on the side of caution she lowered the crossbow slightly and then thinking of her own survival she raised the weapon in her own defence.

A switchback loomed up in her hazy vision and she paused, listening intently. Either nothing or nothing she could hear. She approached cautiously and crouched, peering around at waist level, her crossbow ready.

---

Sweetears grew suspicious of the noises and erm … activity in the passageway, the location and duration. She witnessed these female humans naked and semi-naked often, their moaning and huffing on occasion also. Her and her two exiled sacrifices mature and eligible for rutting and birthing, since the dark priest required virginal blood, which he would be able to collect on a regular basis as long as his ‘sacrifices’ were reasonably fed and cared for. They knew their fate and duty to the tribe before being selected, the Chief confided the facts to them. To their tribe they represented walking tributes, soon to perish at the hands of an evil dark priest so the tribe would know peace. Aware they weren’t to be slain, instead ‘milked’ for their blood eased the decision to co-operate, the chains for show although their Chief being a realist, just in case.

These human females were discrete when busy with their sexy stuff. Wrong, a wrongness gripped Sweetears. The Elven Mistress and the Long Spear Mistress participated in this wrong. Leaders are leaders because they are smart; aren’t they? If smart, then how can their sexy stuff be wrong?

Sweetears dug into her right ear with her right-hand long finger, poking her brain to think being her theory. She needed to place the greave at her feet when she did. Hands and feet free of duty she swung herself off the bunk she perched upon. She hissed at Bluefingers and Prettynose to keep them at their duty.

“I am going. Doing something brave or foolhardy, could be death of me, so need all blame on me, so stay.”

Bluefingers and Prettynose, swallowed. They both recognised the different in Sweetears, which is why, due to fear or respect or her smarts they deferred to her in most things. Heads down they polished twice as furiously in case Sweetears squealed when she died, perhaps they could ignore her death.

Sweetears grabbed the only weapons so thought suitable and tip toed towards the upper Inner Cavern entrance, they would be just beyond it, perhaps still in shadow. Her night sight superior to the Borrow Gem version because unknown to the elder her method to create them from Goblin Eyes partially flawed, hence the fuzzy definition and shades of red warmth.

Hands shaking, her gut agitated, filled with fear, she spied upon them, three, including the Long Spear Mistress on top of one, moaning, while another three, including the Elven Mistress creeping up upon the four. Sweetears needed to wait, heartbeat by heartbeat, step by silent step as the three crept closer.

The three about to leap upon the four and Sweetears unleashed her weapon!

---

Clymene and Ismene assisted Nysa and Kyra into their armour, Ismene in particular, enjoying the duty, favouring Nysa with her attentions. Perhaps the contrast between her Mistress’ slim athletic body and Nysa’s well-muscled form intriguing her and her fingers straying occasionally to explore the well-defined rippling muscles.

Nysa snatched at Ismene’s wrist; the Provedores attempt to reclaim it fruitless, eyes bulging in the effort. Kyra positioning herself behind Ismene, ignoring Clymene’s protests as her greave half finished, half hung in position.

“Fortunately, small one, when you invite one of us you invite both,” said Nysa.

Kyra stepped forward and trapped Ismene between them, two iron strong immovable bodies. Just as quickly they separated.

“Unfortunately, small one, duty calls, so perhaps later,” said Kyra, stepping closer to Clymene to finish lacing her greave while she continued strapping her moulded leather breastplate.

“Thinking of leaving me?”

Nysa and Kyra smiled in Otonia’s direction, the moment she closed the door to the White Room. Her Daughter’s Robe about her, multiple daggers in sheaths on belts crisscrossed the length of her body as deadly decoration.

“We can prepare your armour,” said Clymene.

“No need sister, I trust my two blocks of meat to protect me while I snipe.”

“We told you what would happen if you referred to us as your blocks of meat sister,” accused Kyra.

“Yes, except you erred thinking it punishment.”

The three quietly laughed, while Otonia assisted Clymene and Ismene to finish.

Nysa, quickly checked on Kyra and Otonia and once confirmed they bolted down the trapdoor, intending to hurry headlong until they found Charis and the Day Shift or the Inner Cavern.

---

“One each Mistress …” sent Helice, their three bodies adjacent, holding hands, moving forward as one, step by step.

Splosh, Splash!

Water dripped from the three creeping Seers, the spray over also partially catching the four sisters writhing and squirming beneath them, their sexual prey.

Splosh, Splash!

Water saturated the four sisters on the floor of the passageway, with partial spray over striking the three sisters now turning their heads to determine the source of the watery assault. The four sisters beneath them rolling away from their tryst glancing back also.

One of the Goblin sisters, bucket still in hand, therefore the evidence clear and indisputable; identified as the culprit. Under their combined scrutiny and rising annoyance, the Goblin sister recoiled a step.

The Goblin sister hugged the bucket to her, eyes casting about wide then her head turning away. Charis sure the Goblin sister sort to run.

In her calmest voice, Charis urged, “Stop, please.”

Her small green head turned back to face the Elven Mistress, eyes still wide, slowly raising the bucket to protect her upper body, her nose peeking over the rim.

Charis waved her sisters back and hushed them quiet. She then squatted on her haunches, needing to look up slightly to keep the Goblin sister’s dark eyes held by her own.

A soft pleading whisper of one word issued from Charis’ mouth. “Why?”

Sweetears didn’t recognise the word, although the questioning face of the Elven Mistress welcome, considering she presumed her action would result in her swift death. Who was this Elven Mistress? The small horse loving human sister taught her and her sisters two words, ‘wrong’ and ‘right’ and when they cleaned, polished or sharpened she would snap at them wrong or smile at them right.

“Wr … wrong,” Sweetears croaked, her throat dry and tight, while waving her small green hands wide and round to encompass the seven Daughters of the Duchess. Sweetears needing to ignore the cold-water rivulets dancing around her feet, the passageway slope returning her thrown water to her.

Charis cold and wet, slowly stood, holding out a palm signalling Sweetears to hold and then turning her back on the panicked Goblin sister, an ultimate display of trust, not lost on the Goblin sister. Astera nodded, while other sisters shook their heads as if trying to clear them, naked, robes notwithstanding, enjoying their love for each other on a cold stone passageway floor ignoring all respect for themselves and any who may discover them. Strange behaviour finally revealed plain and stark to the gathered sisters. For some their bedraggled hair adding to their misery and reminding them of their indefensible actions.

Zosime took a knee, silent tears streaming down her face, “I am to blame Mistress, my desperate wanton desire overrode my good sense, I needed you … I couldn’t control my carnal urge a moment longer, each breath you took a sign intensifying my need …”

Charis wrapped her hands on either side of Zosime’s face, drawing her up to stand.

“No, it is as our Goblin sister says, something is wrong, we just don’t know what it is yet.”

“Yes sister, over the past nights, your, shall we say … fervour to lay with the Mistress a constant vocalised need,” said Alexis, embracing Zosime, wiping her tears.

“What now? We are late for our meals. Some are late for training. A search party has probably been sent!” Thyia’s words sobering them all, realising an awkward conversation would need to be had.

“Right.” The Goblin sister needed to say the word several times before she drew the attention of the seven sisters and with Charis’ approval, a slight nod of her head the Goblin sister ran off. Charis as did her sisters found their robes, using them as best they could to wipe down their bodies and then wring them out.

Three Goblin sisters presented themselves, the first with squares of cloth, the second with folded robes and the third with two fresh buckets of water. The sisters lined up in front of each bucket, using their wet robe to dip into the bucket and then wipe themselves down. As they seemed satisfied with their clean up, they were handed a square of cloth to dry themselves and then a folded robe. The Goblin sister who bought the buckets of water collected the discarded cloth and garments.

Charis recognised Sweetears, perfectly rounded human like ears, although green. She carefully approached her, and the poor creature froze rigid, muscles tense. Charis reached out with her arms, gradually extending them until she could grasp Sweetears small shivering shoulders under the child-sized shift adorning her body.

“Thank-you.” Charis released Sweetears’ shoulders reaching for her hands, waiting, offering hers. Sweetears hesitantly placed her small hands into the Elven Mistress’. Charis bent down to kiss them and then released them.

Sweetears glowed an emerald green and with both buckets full of wet robes and cloth scampered away, quickly followed by her two accomplices.

Charis led the sisters up the passageway, towards the elder’s Cavern, although deciding some questions couldn’t wait.

“Where do you sleep Zosime?” asked Charis.

“Like all of Day Shift, the Inner Cavern Mistress.”

“Where do Evening and Night Shift sleep?”

“We allowed Night Shift to sleep in the White Room, as Evening Shift would still be sleeping in the Inner Cavern when Night Shift finished their shift and when Evening Shift woke to start their day, they could disturb Night Shift in their slumber,” answered Astera.

“What if each Shift slept in the House, the White Room for some, upstairs in the Rooms for others? They could bathe, partake of a meal and then sleep in comfort.”

“Mistress, there would be no ready reinforcements in the Inner Cavern, from the House would mean at least one bell before help could arrive,” voiced Thyia.

“Something is affecting us and coincidence or not, the influence is strongest in the Caverns Seer links can’t be joined, which includes the Inner Cavern. The House and the Main Cavern seem to be our only refuge, although, as you say, the shift in the Main Cavern will be left to fend for themselves for a dangerously long time.”

They trudged upwards in silence, until Charis held up her hand. As slight scuffing revealed at least one creature creeping slowly towards them. The Day Shift weapon less, flatten themselves to the walls of the passageway, non-water side. Helice took point, waving Charis back and throwing one of her daggers to Alexis and another to Zosime. The three poised to strike at the switchback.

Helice released the tension in her muscles, a light smile gracing her lips as she grabbed for the leading crossbow of their mysterious trespasser. Pulling the target to her, restraining both of her arms, Helice chuckled.

“Agape, strange meeting you, why do you skulk about?”

“The Day Shift is late!” Agape struggled, futility.

“Hold Agape, the Day Shift is here,” said Astera.

“Well you are over two bells late, where have you been?”

Astera taken aback by the venom in Agape’s voice.

“You worried me sisters. You know. You really worried me. I needed to pretend, show confidence, make up excuses so the twins and Latona didn’t start asking questions.” Helice freed her only to be weakly punched high on her chest by the small sister’s fists. Helice reached around Agape and drew her in, a bear hug followed by a stroking of her long black hair.

“We are sorry Agape,” said Charis leaning in to wipe a tear away from Agape’s face. Her touch causing Agape to jump, although restrained within Helice’s hug.

“Oh Mistress, I didn’t know you were there, I am sorry for whimpering, I am better now I assure you. Helice grabbing me surprised me is all.”

“No Agape it is we who need to apologise, and we do, sincerely. A mysterious distraction delayed us, and we need to figure out a plan going forward."

Helice handed Agape off to Charis and in turn each of her sisters gently hugged her and vocalised their apology. Agape mystified by Zosime’s tears when her turn, although no one explained why.

Agape, Thyia and Alexis stayed over in the elder’s Cavern to train Latona and the twins. The twins needing to be liberated from the elder’s clutches! They didn’t seem to appreciate their rescue though, to the surprise of Thyia their rescuer.

Zoe ensured she escorted Zosime to the House, while Charis, Astera and Helice took the lead. They met Nysa, Kyra and Otonia running downwards just past the entrance to the Sixth Cavern, Charis, Helice and Astera needing to catch them to prevent them tumbling to a stop.

“We need to discuss some options when we reach the House,” informed Charis, who then placed a finger across her lips. Nysa and Kyra armed and armoured fell into line behind Zoe and Zosime. Otonia behind Charis.

---

Helice and Zosime assisted Clymene prepare and serve meals for each sister in the Training Room. Hunger satisfied; Charis addressed them all as the rest of Night Shift woke to their arrival and joined the meeting. Clymene Seer linking with Niobe and Korinna so they could relay any decisions to Evening Shift.

“We are aware our Seers aren’t able to Seer Link into most of the Caverns. It seems whatever does this can also exert an influence on any sister sleeping in those Caverns. Helice and I, including the entire Day Shift were diverted from our duties, choosing to indulge in lust in a passageway, such is the level of persuasion, instead of in comfort and safety.”

The raw unaltered truth of Charis’ statements a shock for most of the gathered sisters, silence the response.

“I propose that each shift should sleep in the House, after bathing and meals instead of returning to the Inner Cavern. This change would mean reinforcements for the Main Cavern would be at least one bell away and obviously not ideal.”

“Were there any warning signs of this influence Mistress?” asked Nysa.

“Zosime, perhaps you are best answering this,” invited Charis, leaning back against the Kitchen wall to allow Zosime to speak.

Zosime’s cheeks warmed as all eyes were cast in her direction. Wondering why her Mistress placed her in this situation, when hiding her shame was all she wished to do.

“I slept and couldn’t remember sleeping, Alexis telling me afterwards I would call out Mistress’ name and when I did, I woke up aroused.” The deep red of her embarrassment glowing through her light brown complexion, spreading to her neck. Swallowing, she continued.

“When Day Shift escorted the Mistress and Helice to the House I touched her and using our Seer Link I … well, unleashed my pent-up lustful need. Unknown to me, Alexis and Helice were also in Seer contact and similarly affected. The Warrior Three became aware and beyond our further control we descended into an out of control orgy.”

The various sisters interchanged looks of interest and shock as Zosime confessed.

Charis pushed herself from the wall and spoke again before their thoughts strayed to less important considerations.

“We were saved by the Goblin sisters, one who threw buckets of water over us. Apparently hard stone floors didn’t dissuade us, being wet and cold did.”

“Could Seer Sisters be the most vulnerable and perhaps they should sleep in the House?” suggested Astera.

“Perhaps, although given we can’t find the source, I wonder how long we must endure this invasive game,” said Clymene.

“Regardless of the risk I wouldn’t want to be separated from my shift Mistress and it seems there are signs if my experience is typical,” offered Zosime.

Charis scanned the faces of those gathered before declaring her position.

“For tonight all who are in the House sleep here. Those training in the elder’s Cavern should be finished soon so we can inform them and possibly move their training at least, to the House,” suggested Charis. Not an ideal plan, after all, the danger only existed for those sleeping. Although if the Main Cavern was overrun no one within the rest of the Caverns could be warned, which reminded her of the elder. Dread spread quickly and guilt, she needed to chat about their findings to her and perhaps suggest she relocate back to the House, not a pleasant conversation in many ways. Charis needed to protect them, needed to make sure no sister died, feeling their best chance required them to stay out of the middle Caverns, asleep or not. As Mistress she needed to do something and became frustrated when for the first time, no action or plan materialised easily to mind like previous times.