Steeped tea arrived at their shared table shortly after Astera.

“I am thankful to the elder, our House with the help of the stove seems impervious to the chill of Death Season,” remarked Clymene, taking a chair between Thyia and Zoe, studying the soft facial features of their Mistress dominated by her large brown eyes in a quest to read her current demeanour and state of thought.

Astera placed her hands around her cup of tea to collect the radiated warmth, her eyes down and her teeth, upper and lower slowly tapping together.

“The Goblin Sisters walk naked behind you,” said Clymene.

Thyia smirked, while Zoe flashed a glance following the direction of Clymene’s eyes before catching on. The three, with exaggerated stretching and movement leant in upon the table, meeting at the centre, although facing Astera.

Astera slapped her hand down upon the table, her three tormentors jumped back with fright, almost tipping their chairs back and over. Their Mistress laughed. Her laugh loud and from deep within her belly, boisterous and hearty. Tears decorated her eyes, which she casually wiped away, while chuckling and slowly composing herself.

“In thought, not oblivious my Sisters,” said Astera, finally suppressing her mirth.

An indignant voice piped up. “We sort to enquire Mistress, certainly nothing more.”

Zoe and Thyia wrapped an arm around Clymene in feigned support.

“Your protest a b s o l u t e l y believable, although I appreciate your unity. All rising or falling together, and on that basis, I forgive you.” Astera sipped at her tea, while her company relaxed doing the same. “Clymene can you confer with our Seer Sisters at Lonely Keep and Bircharbor about the weather?”

Clymene cocked an eyebrow and then closed her eyes, her face serene and at peace.

“Mistress, Elpis reports some snow, although not more or less for that matter than expected.”

Astera sipped her tea again, maintaining a calm, waiting.

“And Agatha reports clearing weather.”

“I imagine Bearwatch and Oxrest smothered in snow presently, given the clouds approaching Hillperch this morning. The depth of snow in the Cleft also deep I suppose,” mused Astera.

“Why is the weather a worry, our House is warm and those in the Cavern are wrapped in furs and blankets over their layers of clothing and armour,” asked Thyia.

“I have a theory …”

“Mistress!” Clymene’s voice urgent. “Zosime reports her and Agape are snow bound in the Cavern Blind and may need to be dug out.”

Astera grabbed each of her Warrior Three partners hands. “Zoe and Thyia, check with Ismene for shovels and run to help, just in case.”

“Yes Mistress.” Both kicking back their chairs in their haste.

“Zosime and Alexis know help is on the way Mistress,” said Clymene.

Astera strummed the table with her fingers.

“You have a theory Mistress?”

Astera paused, looking up and facing Clymene. “Yes, the clouds blocked out the sun, a sun weak in Death Season.” Astera shuddered recalling the moment. “And a certain evil visited us, which didn’t like the sun, although dismissive.”

Zoe, Thyia and Ismene hurried by, two shovels to hand each. Astera placed her hands on the table rising, until Clymene’s hand weighed down on her Mistress’ shoulder.

Clymene hmphed. “You need to stay here and co-ordinate, not run off and dig up snow.”

The current Mistress of the Daughters of the Duchess slumped back into her chair’s embrace, reprimanded.

“Erugh, I wish to do, not to think.”

“Your theory Mistress?” Clymene asked, her face forward, up and personal, trying to nudge Astera back, to return to her role.

Astera cast one sad look at the trapdoor, before answering Clymene’s question.

“His minion didn’t like the sunlight, so perhaps he returns, either alone, or with company or perhaps we are below him and his company returns without him under the cover of the clouds.”

Clymene swallowed hard. Her mind racing, while trying to remain calm, matching her Mistress. She took a double take and Astera’s face remained relaxed, devoid of fear a strange relaxed quiet pervaded her posture.

For an unexplained reason Clymene whispered, “You aren’t dreading the return of the evil?”

“I don’t have Charis’ insight so I seriously doubt my theory. I only put it forth because a snowstorm in the second last month of Death Season, called Fate of all names is unusual and, in my mind, I will plan for the worst.”

Clymene unable to control her surprise, squeaked. “You have a plan already?”

“Not entirely, although Nysa features strongly and as soon as she wakes her days of comfort in the White Room must end, she and possibly her shift will need to sleep in the Inner Cavern at the very least.”

“Mistress, erm, the elder approaches.”

A strained grunt announced her escape from the trapdoor, shortly followed by the shuffling of her boots across the floor, the scrapping noise gradually increasing until she folded into a chair beside Astera.

“Mistress, the Shrine supports are completed and Zosime has tested that it works with a couple of quick trips to Farstay, very late at night of course. I invite you to view our efforts after I trouble the Mistress of the House to fetch an old woman a hearty meal,” said the elder, finishing with her eyes firmly upon Clymene.

Clymene nodded hastily and hurried from the table.

“Thank you elder most acceptable,” replied Astera, adopting a controlled neutral tone, trying to contain her elation.

“What sort of reply is that girl?” the elder said, chewing over each and every word.

Astera’s jaw dropped, the elder leaning over with her hand. “Close your mouth dear.”

“I am sorry elder, I have waited anxiously, almost bashing Thyia into submission wishing nothing more than to check on your progress, advised by others not to. I wanted to hug you high and laugh, celebrate and yet I know you are frail …”

The elder’s hand, skin thinly drawn over protruding bones, swollen knuckles and a definite lack of filling flesh landed upon Astera’s, a larger, younger and healthier sample.

“This world isn’t done with me yet and while I appreciate your restraint, perhaps a gentle hug wouldn’t go amiss if you are satisfied once you view our efforts?”

“Ours efforts?” questioned Astera.

“You shouldn’t be surprised what your sisters can accomplish when they work together.”

Astera hushed the urge within herself to place her other hand over the elder’s delicate hand, would the gesture crush or comfort?

Clymene arrived, placing a plate of stew and stale bread before the elder, who smiled, although crooking her head slightly. Clymene mouthed the word ‘sorry’ and dashed away. A couple of mouthfuls of stew later and a cup of tea landed on the table beside the elder, a veil of contentment fell. The silence broken by the occasional slurp of tea or stew.

---

Astera didn’t require torches, lanterns shone upon the miracle before her eyes. The cavern tunnel widened to allow others to easily pass by those using the Shrine. A rectangular stone slab covered the entire underside of the Shrine, seven pillars held the roof or floor in place, three running down each long length and one in the middle, presumably directly under the Shrine proper. Seven small round depressions penetrated the slab, terminated by a slab of marble. The underneath of the seven-position places! Directly below them on the ground raised pedestals of stone, to position those using the Shrine.

“We found by trial and error that the person using the Shrine needs to stand on the pedestal and also reach up to touch the underside of the real standing place for it to activate. Zosime has also taught the twins how to attune a Shrine and they have now attuned this Shrine and the Shrine in Farstay in case this is needed in the future.”

“You have exceeded my expectations elder. How did you accomplish so much is so short a time!” Astera didn’t really expect an answer, more of a congratulations for delivering the impossible.

“Well I have taught the twins to cast the stone melding spell so they could assist and then I experimented and took a chance.” She paused to catch her breath and her courage. “I have granted the Goblin Sisters a bronze circle Item each, which they attuned successfully and embedded in their flesh, I didn’t intrude and ask where.”

Astera’s mouth goldfished open and close, speechless. The elder didn’t know if the Mistress slowly shifting from one foot to the other before her would choose infuriation or support or both. She decided to speak before a choice could be made.

“Charis left a few Items with me to try to understand how they worked, I have taken them and gifted them to the Goblin Sisters who are remarkable in their own way and proven in their loyalty. I asked Zosime if she would trust them and she did not hesitate to agree. Their affinity with stone and mining has been amplified and they have been able to use the stone melding spell to remarkable effect, they even expanded the tunnel for the tribute on their own initiative. I am very pleased with them.” The elder smiled and spread her arms wide, hands palms up in a gesture of surrender.

Astera’s hesitation and indecision and the elder’s additional words took the initiative away from the current Mistress; her response therefore acutely weak.

“Well done elder.”

Astera turned and left, trying to dwell on the positive, the objective achieved. Troubled by the fact the Goblin Sisters attuned bronze rings, Items certainly the lowest of the low, except they now knew the secret to their magic. She wondered how Charis would have dealt with this breach of trust and the elder in particular. Zosime would also need to be questioned, how or why didn’t she share the elder’s intent with her and fortunately day shift would finish in a bell or two, to permit her the opportunity to answer.

The elder for her part inwardly jested, so perhaps no hug this time?

---

Several chilled tendrils pervaded her body racing for her heart, which spasmed, her mind reduced to primeval instinct, with the single choice, freeze. No flight, no fight. Her soul cried in anguish as she remembered, her back against the stone wall of the Cavern Blind, her hands raised to each side clawing at the stone, oblivious to her surrounds. Niobe’s eyes rolled to the back of her head as her water flowed down her legs again, the warmth contrasting with the cold fear wrapped around her heart, transforming the rhythmic pumping into an uncontrolled frenzy. Her mouth unable to vocalise the return of her shame.

Dione strangled her fear, fortified by her brave stallion, a strong rock and refuge to cling to and maintain her sanity and a smattering of free will. In slow motion she faced Niobe, the whites of her eyes, the pungent smell of urine informed her. Seer Sister Niobe drowned in fear, incapacitated. Dione determined not to fall prey herself and with effort of will she returned to the viewing port of the Cavern Blind to bare witness. The ancient evil returned, an assault.

Korinna registered the arrival of the unnaturally huge bat into the Main Cavern then her mind slipped from reason mid Seer scream. The bat transformed into a finely dressed human. The fear radiating, oppressive and her thoughts frozen. Her Seer Skill, bodily functions and will powerless. Her faith gifting a last call; a silent prayer to Saph to protect her.

Beyond her control her eyes opened, Korinna arched her head higher, his bloodshot red eyes upon her, penetrating the shadow provided by the Dark Priest hood. The torches behind her providing the shadow fluttering violently, perhaps in fear also. More likely though due to the compression, huge bat to large human and air willingly filling the void, neither for nor against the intrusion.

“Well you dress like my Dark Priest, but the horror on your face would seem to suggest you aren’t!” The man before her laughed, a masculine bellow enjoying his joke and utter superiority.

“I wonder how I will introduce you to my Lordship. I suspect I will permit some of my minions to taste you first as a reward keeping you alive for many months and well fed to ensure you return to good health to be fed on again.”

Korinna certain at that point she would have urinated, prevented as her shattered mind didn’t command her bodily functions anymore, her responses belonging to him.

The presence of evil and fear spied the horses corralled where instead he expected a stacked pile of silent dead. Snapping his head in the opposite direction the smell of sweet iron and death persisted although the cavern floor now covered by smooth stone and unstained by the spilt blood of past dark deeds. An intolerable situation shortly to be corrected and made ready once again before the next season of harvesting. The pulsating blood of the one before him would be turned to a new purpose.

Beating hearts began echoing in his ears, faint at first and then stronger, tickling his hearing in delight. Their pulses clear and strong running to this Cavern, running to satisfy his hunger and reward his arrival. Concentrating now, two more behind him outside the Cavern, another two rapidly beating at the furthest end of the Cavern, in the passageway perhaps. Their beating hearts music to his ears, strong and healthy hearts, live blood bags on foot. Oh, the horror which awaits them as they witness the demise of the one before him. The show important when preparing for the main course, not many heartbeats to wait now.

“Well my dear, time to sever your heel tendons so you stay put while I greet those running to join you. After which I need to discover the other trespassers within my Cavern as I sense the loss of one of my stronger followers, so I expect a valiant fight if nothing else, although hopeful of a bloody feast in celebration afterwards.”

---

Nysa and Kyra clashed, shield against shield, their swords clanging overhead, while Otonia held her throw instinctively, the gap between her Warrior Three sisters having closed rapidly. Zosime leant against the elder’s cabin and observed. At the end of her day shift, partaking of a bath and a meal in the House as usual, she then escaped Astera’s disappointment by descending into the Caverns. Passing by the Elder’s Cavern, she discovered Nysa’s Warrior Three practicing in the Elder’s Cavern and waited for an opportunity to practice against them.

Horror pierced her mind, a Seer link spear, brief and pained. Zosime yelped and slid down the wall her legs jelly and knees knocking. Otonia rushing to her first, Nysa and Kyra following their attention drawn by Otonia’s response. Zosime recovering to fall into Otonia’s arms, raising her up in time to greet Nysa and Kyra and their concerned faces.

“Niobe, trouble,” Zosime said, in an exhaled breath, she then darted off down the passageway towards her Seer Sister.

The Warrior Three sprinted to catch up and follow.

Zosime passed by Dirce and Drosis, prone in a foetal position, confined within the Guard Post, Otonia kinder, tending to their distress.

Nysa and Kyra on Zosime’s heels charged into the Main Cavern, slowing as the bright white teeth of the interloper parted in a welcoming, devouring smile. His attention returning to Korinna, ignoring their presence utterly.

A calm swept over Korinna. The grip of fear banished, her mind now her own and with every fibre within her body she sprinted right, figuring the immediate reaction of the monster approaching her would be to strike with his right hand. She knew Nysa held her salvation.

Her sudden ability to move briefly surprised the Evil but no matter, his sublime body quickly turned to chase, the motion smooth and swift. Closing the distance rapidly, a predatory smile upon its lips, the scent of its target drawn into his nostrils and the victims heart beating rapidly enough for the Master to hear the slushing of blood being pumped through the prized organ! Fingernails, long and claw like poised for moments before now swung down on a curved arch to strike.

“DIVE!” scream sent Zosime to Korinna.

Korinna dropped to the ground immediately.

With a confident roar the Master extended his body forward to extend his arm and the arc of his strike.

A push of air disturbed Korinna’s shoulder length brown black hair, stone shards striking her face and robe, and her heart thundered in celebration, adrenalin shooting through her. Her ears deafened by his curse of surprise.

“RUN!” Scream sent Zosime.

Korinna scrambled to her feet, pushing off with her hands, cursing the robe trying to confound her escape from death.

The evil recovered from its over extended swing and while disappointed, smiled anew at the prey’s rescuers, remembering two from before, their scent unique like every prey which attracted his attention, a combination of hygiene, diet and faith. Recognising them by face also assisted of course he inwardly chuckled. Although the smell or the taste of their blood the most certain of all methods he mused.

Korinna hurried to the passageway joining the huddle of Otonia, Dirce and Drosis.

“Niobe tell Dione to command her horse to free itself and the few remaining horses in the corral.”

A reserved smile crossed Otonia’s lips greeting Korinna. Dirce and Drosis gripped her arms tenaciously like two sobering drunks rescued from drowning.

“Niobe! Niobe!”

Korinna tried to loosen their grip to no avail.

“They have been touched by this evil once before Sister, leave them be,” said Otonia. Willing to comfort them, ashamed of her own relief at never being exposed and subjected to such abject fear.

“Niobe, return, recover your mind, the evil has passed you by, you have this chance.”

The creature would probably kill the horses for sport and Dione’s Stallion a treasure and needed to escape even if the other horses died as decoys thought Korinna.

In the Cavern Nysa stepped forward protectively, presenting her shield at the evil and calling upon Judge to quell it. Kyra and Zosime either side, hesitant. All three protected from the fear due to Judge’s blessing.

The evil flung an arm up and looked down at the Cavern floor. Retreating as Nysa advanced step by step. Kyra and Zosime in awe, their hearts full of hope and joy, the light of Judge within them stirring. Nysa’s confidence grew, her faith in her God solidified and her confidence soared. The light of Judge filled her banishing this evil, forcing it back. She remembered the shame of her sisters when this evil last entered the Cavern and she warmed to her task, determined to prevent a reoccurrence.

Horse hooves on stone thundered and distracted as they fled from the corral, a proud stallion leading the herd from the Main Cavern to freedom. The evil sneered, horse flesh, only for the desperate of his kind, he would never sink to such depraved depths, their non-sentient blood vile.

Nysa spotted the evil’s sneer and dismissive assessment of the horse flesh now fleeing the Cavern. How could it while under the divine influence of Judge? Nysa’s eyes opened wide; her shield imperceptibly lowered.

“Oops.” The evil straightened, holding its hands to either side, palms up in fake apology.

The Master stared directly into Nysa’s eyes, her presented shield ignored and therefore the glory and power of Judge within her ignored. Nysa swallowed when the evil laughed loud and confident to her face. An internal unseen tussle then occurred. The Master latching onto Nysa’s mind, trying to dominate and control, make her obey utterly. His attempted grip slipped, Judge’s light flaring, and Nysa retained control of her own mind and her damaged faith recovered somewhat.

“I sense your God within you, but you are a sapling compared to me, I sense your faith, but it is just a drop against the years of my evil. Your symbol is effective, but it needs to be strengthened into an unassailable and redoubtable faith and I need to tell you Judge abandoned humanity many years ago and few have the necessary total blind faith these days.”

The Evil's plain analysis caused Nysa to tear, the evil’s confidence fracturing her faith, how could this evil stand against Him? In that vital moment of doubtful thought the evil struck, deliberately scrapping fingernail claws across Nysa’s shield forcing the Judge Knight back on her heels. His foe unbalanced the evil pressed forward, his hand striking Nysa’s Shield at the end of a straight arm, a slight burning smell, then the shield sundered into two pieces and Nysa became airborne. Flung back, her feet leaving the ground, her body flying to land heavily where the Dark Priests performed their ceremonies of sacrifice.

“Convenient, allow me to anoint the sacrificial circle with the blood of your neophyte Judge Knight, it will return the stone to its evil purpose gloriously!”

As Nysa fell, questioning her faith, stunned, the wide-ranging protection she provided also faded. Zosime and Kyra clung to their own inner light, paralysed by the evil’s effortless disposing of Nysa, Judge Knight of Judge not the evil’s radiated fear. Dirce, Drosis and Korinna though desperately clung to Otonia and her inner light.

“Sisters warn other to stay away from the Main Cavern, an evil will grab your heart in fear!” sent Korinna.

“Not all sisters, those with Judge’s inner light will resist, you and Zoe,” sent Zosime to Jocasta.

---

“The Main Cavern has been invaded Mistress the Evil Master has returned,” said Clymene. Her stomach churning, the enemy has returned and Mistress Charis still absent. The Daughters of the Duchess would need to rally around Mistress Astera, and she would need to lead, resolute and beyond doubt.

Astera dreaded ever receiving this message, and yet at the very end of Death Season, almost clear to Birth Season the words when spoken drained the blood from her face, a weakness afflicted her limbs, arms and legs now jelly and her heart skipped a beat. Her prediction now a horrific truth.

Thyia and Zoe seated across from her remembered as did Astera the fear and their failure. Astera needed to stand, make this simple first move. Clymene’s eyes willed her on, encouraged her, while Ismene grabbed the door frame of the Store Room her fingernails near embedded in the wood, even so she slowly slid to the floor. Astera felt for their Provedore in complete sympathy and yet fighting to recover her own bravery.

“Mistress?” A small voice tried to gain her Mistress’ attention.

Astera looked away from Ismene, searching for the source of the hushed word finding the owner close at hand. Jocasta slipping into a spare chair at Astera’s table.

Jocasta reached her hand across, her immature younger fingers smaller than her Mistress’, her hand smaller than her Mistress’ and yet upon its touch Astera’s back straightened and her heart steadied. The growing fear within her receded. How? Astera’s furrowed brow revealing her confusion.

Her youthful green eyes shone with a light of hope. Jocasta not subject to the evil’s previous affliction of fear instead fortified by Judge’s blessing.

“Be brave Mistress, I can share if you wish.”

Astera kissed Jocasta on top of her head, her hands caressing the girl’s cheeks, a heartbeat after, Astera sensed purpose return to her. She stood, her chair sliding back under scrapping protest.

“Clymene allow the day shift to sleep. If we survive this night, we will need them at dawn. Rouse Hagne and Alcmene their night shift starts now and when ready ask them to meet me in the Inner Cavern.”

Clymene winked at Jocasta. “Mistress, what of the Goblin Sisters?”

“If they surface ask them to descend to the Elder’s Cavern and no further as I don’t want to hurry them to death.”

“Thyia and Zoe with me, we descend to face our enemy.”

Zoe’s internal memory of fear battled with her inner blessing from Judge. Witnessing Jocasta’s touch upon Astera she decided to try and infect Thyia with bravery grasping her hand and searching for her eyes. They exchanged a nod and rose from their chairs.

With well-practiced efficiency Astera, Thyia and Zoe dressed systematically in under clothes and armour and then equipped their weapons. During the wait Jocasta hugged Ismene, the Provedore standing, although needing to hug Clymene, who allowed her to spill into a chair and nurse a hot cup of tea.

Free from Ismene, Clymene knelt on one knee, eye to eye with Jocasta. For her part, Jocasta waited, wondering.

Clymene kissed her forehead to Jocasta’s and pushed her Seer Skill upon the untrained Seer.

“Can you answer me child?”

“Yes Sister, with initiated touch from a Seer Sister. I can initiate with Zosime by touch and I can maintain a Seer Link with Zosime over any distance if she initiates,” sent Jocasta. The pause premeditated; the truth difficult to confess although unknown to Jocasta; a truth well known to her Seer Sisters.

“This Apprentice Seer is unable to … unable to initiate a Seer Link over distance.”

“We understand this and so Zosime will be your link to the rest of us. You need to shadow the Mistress, one step away, follow Thyia’s example if in doubt, you understand?”

“Am I the Mistress’ Seer?” Excitement bubbled up and bounced within her stomach awaiting the answer.

“You must be, there is no other. Now go join your Mistress her preparations are complete, and she looks for you.”

Jocasta swore under her breath, her entire attention devoted to her Seer Link with Clymene. How would she walk and maintain her Seer Link with Zosime? A test for another time she decided as she hastened to her Mistress’ side.

“Thank-you Jocasta, you have gifted me my courage and before I descend to meet my doom I would hug you, hopefully not for the last time,” said Astera, who then wrapped her arms around the youth and lifted her off her feet, twirling her once and gently setting her down.

Astera glanced at Zoe and Thyia and then proceeded down the trapdoor.

A small hand held her back. Looking along the length of the child’s arm Astera smiled in sympathy.

“I will not place your young life in danger, you must remain in the House child.”

Tears welled up, Jocasta boiling over with emotion. “I am your Seer, Mistress. Clymene as House Mistress has appointed me, regardless of your opinion, therefore this child Seer Sister will be by your side and if I am to die in your service, I will do so fulfilling my dream.” Her chin thrust out, her white face a heated red.

Astera caught Clymene in a look, caught between practicality and morality. The Seer forced a child upon her Mistress. She could wake up Alexis from day shift, a further delay. Astera grabbed Jocasta roughly by her shoulders and dragged her forward, face to face.

“You sure you want this? Possible death or possible miserable life, we go to face an ancient evil and if legend is to be believe they feast upon the blood of the living, without mercy, without pity.” Saying the words reconciled Astera to her mission, spoken aloud they escaped into reality, this is what the Daughters of the Duchess would either live or die confronting.

“We are wasting time Mistress,” said Jocasta, her green eyes steeled to purpose, resolute.

Astera, spear and shield to hand climbed down the trapdoor stairs, jumping down the last two steps and immediately into a steady jog, Thyia, Zoe and Jocasta falling in behind her.

---

Dione emerged from the Cavern Blind, dragging Niobe with her, both of her arms wrapped around the Seer’s chest and under her armpits from behind. Her attempts to coax out the petite Seer failing miserably, frozen stiff with fear, her bug eyes and inability to speak clear signs of her broken mind. Dione leant against the stone wall, taking a moment to rest, her breathing laboured and misting in the surrounding cold air.

At Dione’s first exposure to the fear, she reached out to her stallion for respite and his returned love and trust steadied her mind; enough to allow her to move, first one step and then another towards Niobe. To further occupy her mind, she called to her stallion and commanded him to escape and if possible, bring the herd with him. With Niobe incapacitated with fear Dione needed to drag her from the Cavern Blind down several steps to an ante room, across the threshold and then climb several steps dragging Niobe with her. Dione thankful the wagon they usually parked over the exit now in Farstay and her way now clear.

“My Stallion where are you?”

“Waiting.”

The short sharp response from her stallion and his concentration on his surroundings informed Dione her stallion needed time to plan his escape. Icy tendrils of fear crept into her heart as her stallion’s attention diverted to his escape. Dione realising instantly she needed to put more distance between her and the evil.

For a fleeting moment she considered leaving the Seer. The pitiful creature laying on her side in a foetal position and ignorant of the cold, probably freezing slowly to death as Dione considered her next move. Questions! If they survived Astera would ask questions and perhaps if distance freed her from the fear, distance would free the Seer as well.

Dione bent down from behind and jostled Niobe into position. Comfortable, Dione dragged Niobe away from the Cavern Entrance. At each step Dione’s dependence upon her stallion reduced until the snow wall loomed up behind her, at which point her mind returned completely to her, her dependence upon her stallion gone. She inwardly smiled and thanked her stallion. The Daughters of Duchess boasted Seers, Warrior Threes and Assassins nevertheless none could surpass her and her stallion, didn’t they draw out ambushes, perform rescues, discover the secret of the Items and now, together, resisted the fear of an ancient evil.

Her stallion reached out to her, the ancient evil reaching for his heart. Dione quickly dismissed the attempt, her over confidence in herself, her stallion and particularly them as a pair restored her stallion to his purpose. As a result, her stallion, followed by the herd burst out of the Cavern Entrance their iron horseshoes on stone clattering and sounding out their freedom. Her stallion neighing gallantly, in command of the herd. The wild-eyed horses galloping and skidding on the stone in their escape.

As the herd thundered towards Dione and the Seer her stallion stood protector, the herd halted, unable to escape into the Cleft proper as a bank of snow prevented them, same as Dione. Several horses still crashed into the bank, thrashing and sending snow flying until exhausted and once tired able to realise the fear within them withdrawn, associating their salvation with Dione’s stallion and paying him homage.

The bank of snow a necessity. The Goblin Sisters cleared most of the wagon road between the Cavern Entrance and the Stone Curtain Wall by piling the snow towards each exit.

Dione threw Niobe into a horse trampled section of the snowbank, her body half sinking into the cold white embrace on offer. Niobe shortly after flailing about trying to win her freedom the cold biting and returning her to her senses. Dione grabbing a hand and assisting the helpless Seer to her feet.

“You are recovered?” asked Dione, and in a token gesture, brushed some snow off Niobe.

“Yes Sister, thank-you.” Niobe felt the warmth upon her cheeks. Embarrassed for a second time, overcome with fear and wetting herself, envying Dione, who seemed to have survived her first contact with dignity intact, no obvious wetness or frozen wetness and able to carry or drag her sorry arse to safety. Overcome she launched herself at Dione, wrapping her in a thankful hug, glad to escape and glad to be alive.

Dione pushed her away after a respectable wait. “Well?”

Niobe stared at Dione for a moment, shrugging her shoulders in askance. Dione exhaled, her breath misting between them.

Her words restrained, Dione asked, “Contact your Seer Sisters and find out how much trouble we are in and if there is a plan and if so, what are our instructions as I assume, they haven’t forgotten about us.”

Niobe’s Seer Sisters would have been sure to try and contact her, except petrified with fear she wouldn’t have responded. What Dione couldn’t understand is why Niobe didn’t try to make contact the first moment her mind returned to her? Wouldn’t you check with your loved ones, if for no other reason to check to see if they lived? Dione doubted Niobe’s ability and common sense from that moment, a Seer she maybe, although solely due to an accident of birth Dione reminded herself searching for an explanation. Some blessed with gifts failed to rise to their promised heights she mused and Niobe it seems no exception.

Dione took a moment to hug her mighty stallion and explain their circumstances, and he agreed with her, the human known as Niobe weak and uncaring. She would need instruction or be cut from the herd and therefore Dione’s frustration with Niobe undeniably valid he concluded.

Niobe squealed as she landed back in the snowbank. Several of the horses jostled about, although she thought Dione’s stallion the culprit, how could that be? Didn’t Dione communicate and control her stallion, almost Seer like? Therefore, there shouldn’t be any accidents …

A smirk vanished from Dione’s face the moment Niobe sort her help with her eyes and outstretched arm. As Dione reached over, her stallion neighed playfully and nudged Dione in her ribs. Niobe plastered on her best smile, while inwardly her heart ached. For the first time ever, while in the physical presence of another Sister she felt abandoned and afraid.

“Clymene …” Niobe’s sending exuded all the pain and fear contained within her broken heart, no filter, no restraint, she felt betrayed by her Sister Dione and yearned to be touched by comfort and trust.