The Village Priest appraised his assembled militia, their backs straight, chins out and each determinedly grasping a blessed weapon, sharing as necessary, women and men eager for the impending crusade. All determined to prove their village’s faith in Judge since being visited by a Daughter of the Duchess who revealed any weapon carried during the ceremony now sunlight blessed by Judge and capable of instantly destroying any Walking Dead when struck.

The evil horde skirted their village on the way to the cavern, so it wasn’t unreasonable to expect the same on the return trip, again passing close by. He and his village prepared to carry out their faithful service the various assortment of weapons brandished with religious fervour.

+++

“We should send the Sisters early, they can warn the Village Priest and wait for Dione,” murmured Astera between mouthfuls of stale bread dipped into a steaming thin soup.

Thyia’s face rose, frozen.

Clymene smiled kindly and rubbed the base of Astera’s neck from behind. “You missed yesterday morning Mistress and … well the Priest has been informed.”

Astera’s arms dropped either side of her bowl, a curse escaping her lips. “Why didn’t you wake me?” The question sailed through the air, Clymene strolling away, the answer obvious.

Thyia’s hands slid across Astera’s, eyes pleading. “You needed the rest.”

Astera couldn’t argue, she leapt out of bed early this morning, keen to break her fast and begin duty. Thyia’s frown and the trepidation echoing within their Warrior Three bond ‘loud and clear’, Astera nodded and smiled. Thyia released a held breath.

“I agree,” replied Astera, dipping another portion of stale bread.

“Sisters have volunteered to join the pursuit with Dione, although they await your final approval.”

Astera held up a palm. “Let me guess, Nysa and Kyra certainly …” A finger tapped her lips. “Zosime and … well perhaps Hagne.” Reaching into their Warrior Three bond, moisture erupted from her eyes now certain of another. Again, Zoe leaves them, why? Thyia’s strengthened her grip upon Astera’s hand.

The fun in the guessing game now passed, Astera’s face flinty hard. “And Zoe of course.”

“Our Huntress wishes to hunt and the other not Hagne, although close guess Mistress, Alexis.” The light whimsy in her voice crushed by Astera’s soulless reply.

“Good choices, their blessed weapons, but only six in number when they join Dione.” Astera tore off another piece of stale bread.

Thyia sensed their Warrior Three bond grow barren, her Mistress withdrawn and Zoe equally remote.

Reflecting on the past Thyia judged being paired better than unpaired, her and Astera moving as one in battle covering each other and able to co-ordinate their strikes. The third, after a sensual and loving start proving difficult to attain the same level of harmony so sadly perhaps a change is required, like Dirce and Drosis, especially given Zoe’s continued absences as if desiring separation instead of bonding. The tearing asunder of their Warrior Three toying dramatically with Astera's feelings and state of mind, Thyia unable to assist, they needed their third to commit, no more, no less.

---

In the pre-dawn the Shrine of Saph cast long shadows over several Daughters of the Duchess upon arrival. Nysa and Kyra the exceptions, bathed in sunlight, scanning across the village common for any sign of movement, Zosime and Alexis checking the Church of Judge side while Zoe crouched facing the village proper, the quaint businesses with windows shuttered, and doors barred.

Nysa sheathed her sword. “Where have they gone?”

Zoe held her arm up, her steps silent upon the melting snow, creeping towards the village gates.

“Fighting, howls of pain on the wind …” She looked back and receiving confirmation sprinted towards the battle, four sisters, weapons drawn following in haste.

On the village side of the gateway, bloodied bodies lay scattered about, a few sobbing, some silent, while the reminder of the mob raced towards the same sanctuary, the Village Priest now hollering and encouraging all to flee. Nysa and Kyra jogged out to meet him while their sisters assisted the wounded as best they could.

The blood-flecked beard of the Village Priest waved in the wind as he ran, the shepherd of his flock ensuring those able, fled, assisting any who fell and encouraging them on. Nysa and Kyra halted, their eyes tracking the diminishing forms of five or six walking dead to their eventual destination, a larger group beating a hurried get away.

“Husband!” screamed a pitiful voice from behind, causing Nysa and Kyra to turn, Nysa attempting to catch and hold the distraught villager as she charged by.

Nysa successful and subject to instant punishment. Balled-up fists hammered Nysa’s hard-boiled leather chest plate, while the skinny body tried to break free.

“My husband,” she sobbed, body and mind now exhausted.

Kyra pointed, in the distance, two prone lumps, curled up, slightly sunken into the snow, their plain light brown village garb barely distinguishable from a fallen tree or the odd clumps of brown grasses cleared of snow.

Nysa stroked the woman’s long hair. “Let the dead rest for now and take care of the living. When your Priest is certain the way is safe, he will send for your husband.”

---

A couple of stretcher bearers hauling a moaning bloodied body greeted Nysa and Kyra at the village gateway, the last in a procession heading towards the Church of Judge. The woman refused to let Nysa go and so the three joined the end of the line, content to wait their turn.

Inside the Church a triage greeted the Judge Knight, those fit and healthy praying before Judge’s Altar, a few being bandaged, others bandaged and passively laying in line, the Village Priest shuffling along the line, praying and laying his hands upon them. Every second or third remained, noticeably more comfortable, perhaps even sleeping, while others relieved those still bandaging or joined the congregation already in prayer.

Nysa and Kyra squatted upon the solid wooden floor of the Church with their new friend, both trying to chat to her without any luck. The woman’s eyes fixed upon the Priest, waiting. Zosime and Alexis kindly waved and continued to assist with bandaging, Zoe though, absent.

The woman shook as the Priest drew nearer. Middle of the day he greeted her.

“My husband, you must fetch my husband.” Her hands released Nysa and dragged down upon the Priest’s blood-stained white robe.

The Priest embraced her, an all surrounding bear hug. “He will be with us shortly. Wait on the Church steps and follow him to his grave and I will perform his due burial rites.”

Her eyes looked up, past his bushy beard. “Why?”

“To do Judge’s work, his blessing a boon.”

She pushed away slightly and smashed her small fists into his chest, which the Village Priest accepted with the grace of the guilty, releasing her when she struggled again. Head forward and eyes fixed she marched to the Church steps, motioning to sit, instead rising and running from view.

The Priest led Nysa and Kyra to a quiet corner of the Church, near the door to his residence. Shifting his feet, hands wiping down his face. “In my pride I thought to defeat the evil of the Walking Dead and with my militia and our blessed weapons sallied out to do glorious battle in Judge’s name. We destroyed many, but in the open they came upon us faster than we could destroy them, the militia panicked unused to being pressed, forgetting to wield their weapons. As you know by now two were slain, I have managed to save those who were wounded and could still run. Thankfully they gave up pursuit as they were running themselves it seems.”

“Yes Priest, this is a task for a Judge Knight, I am sure you and yours were valiant in the face of this evil, but now it is time for me to wield my judgements!” answered Nysa, a hand squeezing the pommel of her sword.

Zosime and Alexis completed a half circle of sisters surrounding the beleaguered Priest, his back up against the door to his sanctuary.

Zosime straightened her posture to try and meet the Priest eye to eye. “Priest of Judge I would ask if you have discovered a way to cleanse the evil the Daughters of the Duchess originally asked you to research, after giving you the sacred tombs and books?”

His hands fiddled. “I have been distracted but I know I am close, either way I don’t think anything can be done while we are still in Death Season. Return Mistress Charis to me the first day of Harmony Month.” His words tired, large body hunched down and shying away from his accuser. The books made mention of a ritual, which needed practice of course, so he believed hope still existed although refraining from politeness or false promise, suspecting a harsh fate awaited him if he lied.

Pre-emptive, Alexis made a grab for Zosime’s tense shoulders locking each hand reaching for a dagger. The Priest retreated a step rattling the door behind him, Nysa’s hand holding the door handle. The huge man now truly cornered.

Hands up, he wailed, “I am close, I know I am close, first day of Birth Season …”

“Come,” said Nysa, waving to her sisters. “We need to collect our horses and find Zoe and Dione.”

---

Middle of the day Zoe ceased the pursuit and spurred her horse for the village. The walking dead clearly fleeing in a straight line and taking no effort to disguise their tracks. At dusk, the village lights visible in the distance, a solitary red eyed winter wolf stood sentential across Zoe’s path. Slowing her horse to walk she closed the distance, until the wolf suddenly bolted a short way, paused to glance over its shoulder. When Zoe reined in her horse to follow, the wolf loped away, now confident the human understood the summons.

Her guide circled around the village and then struck out for the foothills and tree line of the mountain range. When the patches of snow on the ground joined due to heavy tree cover the wolf halted, lying down curled up for warmth and comfort. Zoe led her horse by the reins due to the tree cover, each step taken only after surveying her surrounds.

A sweet voice from behind welcomed her. “I am glad you accepted my invitation.”

Zoe didn’t react, taking time to ty her horse’s reins to a nearby tree and when satisfied skipping beside the tree herself and turning to face her host. Zoe’s shoulder against the tree, her bottom propped away in an attempt of some sort. Trying for nonchalant, perhaps.

“Oh!” The word escaped before Zoe realised, the carefree nakedness and athletic beauty of the wolf pack leader overpowering, the subject of her admiration returning an amused smile.

“Your quarry flees day and night making good time. He is able to travel during the day because he has trained some putrid smelling Walking Dead to carry him. My wolves only followed him to the outskirts of the village. The world is warming so it is time for us to return to the high mountains and their cold embrace.”

Zoe detected regret in her voice, the eyes closing for lengths of time. “Will you miss our conversations?”

In a sultry growl, she replied, “That and the admiring looks you take.”

“I am, so sorry … I didn’t mean to offend in any way,” Zoe stammered. “I am young and while I have seen many women naked, I haven’t seen one as exotic and beautiful you, so I cannot help but admire.” Zoe’s eyes searched the snow at her feet for a hiding place, failing. She therefore didn’t notice the object of her admiration until almost upon her, the moment allowing Zoe, wide eyed to look up.

Zoe gasped as the pack leader effortlessly picked her up. Pointed teeth now ideally positioned to worry and tear at the leather throngs restraining Zoe’s small breasts within her leather jacket. Once free, the pack leader nuzzled them while gently lowering Zoe to her feet. Released, Zoe reached for the rest of her clothes and in an unseemly lustful haste removed them. The warmth rising in her blood cancelling the surrounding cold.

---

Astera slow walked from the underground Shrine of Saph, Zoe’s departure marked with a polite hug, while the balance of the sisters eager and joyous, keen to track down the evil and destroy. There remained another task, Lysisa and her presentation to the Temple of Saph. Initially Astera considered the gesture superfluous given she once belonged and now recently dismissed. The deciding factor being maintaining good reputation with the Mother Superior and advising what became of their surplus Temple Guard, a disgraced one at that.

Otonia would be required company, given Charis’ absence and one other, ideally a Seer. Alcmene and Clymene definitely not, so perhaps Niobe. Astera expected to meet them in the House having asked Clymene to summon them via Niobe before … before the departure of Zoe and the other sisters.

A set of arms wrapped around Astera. A forceful body slammed her against the nearby Sixth Cavern wall.

“We haven’t …”

Her lips stolen in mid protest and the moment of frivolous disregard embraced, by her God Soll she needed to enjoy the loving passionate company of another. Their Warrior Three bond pulsating with warmth and care, non-judgmental, unconditional, Astera in total surrender the ache of Zoe's absence fading.

---

Clymene smirked. “Pre-occupied Mistress?”

Astera flashed an enquiring look at Thyia, before facing Clymene again. Their Mistress’ long dark hair slightly dishevelled, face flushed a gentle pink confirmation enough for the House Seer.

“Ample energy a benefit of sleep so I hear.”

Astera forced a cough. “Are the sisters ready?”

Clymene waved towards the elder’s room. “They await your attendance, although one moment I beg you.”

Ismene and Clymene descended upon their startled Mistress, shortly joined by Niobe and Otonia. The four sisters dragging her to a bath, Niobe and Otonia undressing and scrubbing the flesh clean. Clymene and Ismene fetching fresh clothing and armour. Upon drying their Mistress, Ismene braided her long locks, curling lengths about the head in a dignified and severe design. While Niobe and Otonia dressed their Mistress in full armour, including a pristine Daughters of the Duchess cloak draped about the shoulders, while Clymene stood off to one side commenting and adjusting.

“Now you are ready to present our newest Initiate Mistress.”

Astera teared, moisture gathering around her eyes unbidden, her gaze falling upon each carer in turn, finally finding Thyia leaning casually against the doorway, smiling in celebration.

“Yes, my sisters I am ready, and I thank you all.”

Niobe and Otonia escorted Astera to the elder’s room. Lysisa scrambling to stand, knocking a chair over as her Mistress swept past.

Astera looked back over her shoulder. “Ready Lysisa, Initiate of the Daughters of the Duchess?”

Lysisa nodded dumbfounded, dressed in a Seer Robe, her armour and weapons safely stowed away for now. Her new role that of scribe and given her martial skill, occasional messenger. Donning the robes anew after many years, a sense of vulnerability the overriding feeling, an itch down her spine, a tingle across her shoulders, the weight missing and only a thin piece of fabric protecting flesh. Then of course she needed to return and face the Mother Superior who expelled her, uncertain of the merit, although Astera insistent according to Niobe and their way. A dagger sheathed upon each hip the sole reassurance. That is until Mistress Astera questioned her readiness.

The acknowledgement snapped out. “Yes Mistress!” Lysisa stood tall, chin up.

“Let us now secure your Letter of Release and acknowledgement from your Temple you have joined the Daughters of the Duchess.” Astera marched through the open door and out into the alley, Niobe and Otonia flanked her either side a step behind, while Lysisa followed directly behind.

Once the four sisters paraded along Gate Road, the occasional passer-by paused in their rush to gawk, their need to escape from the lingering cold briefly forgotten. A stalwart few traipsed after them, their interest, not in the Single Seer, they peered and chirped trying to ascertain if Charis led or perhaps the leader a proxy to thwart assassination and Charis one of the others. This then started a rumour Charis endured all Death Season in hiding because of an assassination attempt upon her. The crowd needed to find an explanation for her absence not realising during Death Season no one in the Town openly walked the roads and streets, including themselves.

Snow crunched underfoot as the four sisters approached Temple Street and thankfully none fell from the sky. Shortly after they stood in perfect formation before the doors of the Temple of Saph. The Temple Guards observed them approach, catching glimpses only, until closer inspection allowed them to identify the new Initiate. Bemused and amused they waited.

“Astera, Mistress of the Daughters of the Duchess seeking an audience with the Mother Superior,” announced Astera, exuding confidence on the outside given her deportment and immaculate dress while inside her stomach turned and danced like never before. Then as a joke the world laughed, snow began to fall. One of the Guards called behind him, the expected response, quelling Astera’s stomach slightly. She also reasoned, like the town folk, the Mother Superior would probably be more curious about Charis’ absence instead of the reason for the visit or least distracted and less critical. Astera heard Lysisa shuffle her boots and noticed Otonia subtlety admonish the Single Seer with a look. The clouds from Niobe’s rapid breathing a worrying sign, perhaps another Seer should’ve been chosen.

A small voice squeaked. “Follow please Mistress.” A youngish girl in a plain smock, perhaps twelve or thirteen years old the owner.

Otonia who visited previously, tried to prepare her sisters and failed. Lysisa silent, concentrating on taking the next step, matching her Mistress stride for stride. Astera and Niobe a little agog at the splendour, especially the carved white stone utilised to decorate the walls and as wide broad arches to hold up the roof. Their boots echoing softly upon the white stone floor, they followed the girl down a wide central hallway, stopping at a single door controlled by a single Temple Guard who upon sighting them opened the door without pause ushering them through.

Astera led, further impressed by the largesse and openness of the room, especially the large table, legs carved with images which meant nothing to her although Niobe took a quick intake of breath, therefore at least somewhat significant to Seers. Lysisa prepared, due to Niobe’s reaction, resisting a similar response. The interior of the Temple a new experience, never privileged or perhaps trusted to stand guard inside, always serving outside and descending to the barracks via the side entrance.

The door closed behind them, the noise echoing around the room. Four chairs lined in a row awaited them. Astera chose to stand behind a chair and each sister followed her example. Across the beautifully carved and polished table, posture perfect a single Mother Superior waited. The single Mother Superior an unexpected change, this room another change and clearly meant to intimidate. Astera dragged her thoughts back to the Mother Superior, determined to listen.

“Welcome Mistress of the Daughters, what do you require of the Temple of Saph?”

Astera catching the woman’s fleeting eye movement in the direction of Lysisa, who unfortunately stood white knuckles on display, a result of her fierce nervous grip on the chair back before her.

“A former Single Seer, previously serving as Temple Guard, requires a Letter of Release as the Daughters of the Duchess wish to claim her and if possible, provide a path to redemption Mother Superior.”

The Mother Superior eyed Lysisa, her distaste plain as she shifted her jaw as if chewing something disagreeable.

“This wretch you wish to take in, a cowardly runaway, you know this?”

Astera nodded.

“Negligent while on duty, resulting in the death of a Seer, her twin now a Single Seer and distraught.”

A gentle quiet sob echoed around the room, accompanied by a sniff trying to end Lysisa’s display of remorse and failing miserably. Niobe’s hand drifted across, her warm touch upon an arm releasing the tension within Lysisa. Not requiring the cover and support from the chair any longer, her hand fumbled for an instant, a light collision, fingers scrambling and tightening and finally her hand firmly locked into Niobe’s.

“We are a company of second chances and in some cases, third chances. You have our deepest sympathies for your loss and while not of equal value within a Temple of Saph, the loss of another, be her Single Seer, an unneeded waste, the Daughters believe, Lysisa, Sister of Charis from Hillperch can be redeemed and atone for her past failings.”

The Mother Superior’s eyes pierced Astera’s soul, a compulsion to explain further drowned her. Magic? Perhaps the Mother Superior’s presence within her domain of white marble and ornate desk, or the earnest accusations in her voice when she spoke overcame Astera’s resistance? Astera bit her tongue to break the influence she sensed or felt and drew upon the persuasion of her Bronze Loop.

“A new name to escape your past.”

The Mother Superior drummed her fingers upon the table, her eyes cast upon Lysisa. Niobe tugged on Lysisa’s hand trying to wake her from panic.

“Oh.”

Prowling forward, the Mother Superior licked her lips. “Is that all you have to say for yourself, unworthy wretch?”

“No, Mother Superior, I … I am grateful to the Daughters … another chance.” Niobe squeezed Lysisa’s hand. “I am grateful to the Daughters of the Duchess granting me a new life and to be accepted by them I need a Letter of Release and to accept a new name, they tell me this is required to ensure I leave my past life failings behind … Mother Superior.”

Her face didn’t soften, and fingers continued to strum upon the ornate desk, the echo haunting and unnerving like a drumbeat, a countdown to doom.

“I have such a Letter to hand. I only need to scribe a couple of lines and place a Blessing of Saph upon the parchment. Are you worthy of holding a document, which is blessed by my Goddess?”

Lysisa pushed the chair forward and to the side and knelt upon one knee, her eyes cast down.

“The Goddess is within me, drives me now to atone to make amends. This would be impossible within a Temple of Saph, I recognise this, my past deeds unforgivable. Impossible on my own as I have never survived at any time in my life alone.” Lysisa teared as memories of her twin flooded her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she spoke up. “My only salvation lies with the Daughters and as the Goddess is my witness, I shall spare no effort in ensuring I serve her in their company.”

Her mouth about to open in reply, Niobe interrupted the Mother Superior.

“The transition is difficult … without the burden Lysisa carries, with the burden she will need support and the Single Seers within the Daughters of the Duchess will understand part of her torment and be able to guide her on the path to recovery on the other part. Redemption through good deeds.” Niobe bowed her head.

“Finished? No others wish to speak?” The Mother Superior looked to each in turn, performing a mock check. “Step forward wretch.”

Lysisa slowly rose and took two steps forward. The Mother Superior slid the Letter of Release across the table. Bravely Lysisa resisted the urge to pounce upon the parchment, waiting instead for a proper sign. The Mother Superior rested her fingertips upon a corner, her eyes studying Lysisa, who for her part refused to swallow, saliva building in her mouth.

Suddenly the Mother Superior leant back in her chair, relaxed and serene. Lysisa grabbed an edge in her fingertips and deftly retrieved the Letter, scrolling the parchment and tucking the granted freedom within her robes and stepping back to join the line of sisters in one fluid motion.

Her head swaying from side to side, tut-tutting. “Good luck to you, I fear you take upon yourselves a hopeless case.” The Mother Superior raised her arm to dismiss the four sisters and hesitated, Astera wincing internally realising they weren’t yet free of this charade.

“Why Sister of Charis?” she finally asked.

“We have all taken her name Mother Superior,” Astera answered flatly.

“Yes, I see I will need to be a little more direct.” She paused a moment to smirk. “I don’t see Mistress Charis before me?”

“Mistress Charis is currently dedicated to other business, therefore for now, I am Acting Mistress, although even as Acting Mistress my word and any commitment I give on behalf of the Daughters is absolute.”

Aged ears listened, while aged eyes scrutinised the faces accompanying their Mistress. Not a single sign of disagreement flashed upon their faces. Most surprising Otonia's lack of reaction, now a Daughter, once a member of the Ladies Three and usually expected to be next in line. Interesting.

“With the breaking of Death Season, would the Temple of Saph once again be able to ask for help from the Daughters, for escorting missions?”

Astera nodded. “Certainly, Mother Superior, it would be our duty and honour.”

“You are most gracious and if our need eventuated in the first week of Harmony Month would Mistress Charis be available to discuss requirements?”

“The Daughters are always ready to consider requests Mother Superior,” Astera answered calmly, her breathing even.

While tempting the Mother Superior refrained from asking the same question differently, she didn’t want to sound needy or Saph forbid, impolite. Astera’s reply confirmation enough, not committing to Charis’ attendance proved the current Mistress uncertain of her return and perhaps whereabouts. Surely not whereabouts … how to ask a question about Charis’ location?

“Thank you Mistress Astera, as always our mutual efforts are valued, none more so than by the Duke and the Duchess.”

Astera bowed, her companion sisters following her example.

“With your leave we will return to our House Mother Superior.”

With a nod, the Mother Superior signalled her agreement. The Daughters of Duchess respectfully retired from the grand room and once the door closed behind them, two young Seers joined the Mother Superior.

“What has happened to Charis the Young and what do you make of that presentation?” asked Mother Superior.

“She is not with them at the moment I believe, but where she is, is unknown to our former Temple Guard, known to the other Sisters though, is my thought,” answered the thirteen-year-old.

Her twin sister stepped forward. “I believe their new Initiate hasn’t seen Charis the Young and therefore a stranger to her!”

The wrinkles spread out from the Mother Superior’s lips as she smiled. “Our former Temple Guard a simple unsophisticated creature, an advantage going forward, I think. Well done my Seers in Training, I agree with both of your assessments. So how do we find out? Do we need to uncover this mystery?”

The second twin answered first. “Does Seer Rhea owe us any allegiance Mother Superior, if so, perhaps we could ask her?”

The first twin waved her arms about. “What about Seer Elpis at Lonely Keep, a former protégé of former Seer Rhea or her sister Raisa.” They momentarily closed their eyes in respect after mentioning her name. “Maybe she or her Seer Twin Agatha could at least confirm Charis is or isn’t near to them?”

The young twins swayed and clapped their hands in delight when possible, eager to demonstrate their eagerness to please the Mother Superior who invited them to spy upon this meeting, further proof of her taking a direct hand in their training.

“It is good you mention Seer Raisa.” Aged hands clasped under an aged chin. “She trained you for a time, did she not?”

“Yes, Mother Superior.” Twin voices replied together, oddly not quite in sync.

The Mother Superior raised an eyebrow is response. “You have never spoken about the training she provided, to anyone, so my fellow Seers tell me.”

“No Mother Superior.” Their faces holding a blank expression.

“Why haven’t you?”

The twins held hands, small and youthful, which didn’t go unnoticed.

“We now know the peculiar training abhorrent to our Goddess, Mother Superior. We are happier with Mother Superior’s Seer Training when time permits or your able assistant.”

“Do you know I have put the same question to the triplet Seers guided by Seer Rhea’s training method shall we say? Their response very similar to yours, so I wonder what you mean by peculiar.” The Mother Superior’s wrinkled hands spread out upon the table before her, one eerily heading towards each twin. When the young Seers didn’t break their silence, she continued. “Their Seer skill improved significantly in a very short time, a training breakthrough possibly and being Seer Twins perhaps they shared their training discovery, you both receiving the same instruction.”

“Seer Raisa commanded us to silence, promising great reward and we knew no better. She often screamed at us when we failed to demonstrate to her expectation … and held in such favour, we could only try to endure.”

“Yes, regrettable and understandable, although reports suggest as Seers both you and the triplets have regressed, almost back to a first level of skill? You are thirteen, yet you are no better than a nine-year old now, how does that happen?” The wrinkled hands slapped the table.

The twins jumped and hastily replied, “We don’t know Mother Superior! The more we try the more we call to the Goddess the worse we are!” They both whined, shedding tears openly. “We are forsaken, tainted, the Goddess has cast us away.”

“Settled now child Seers, forgive a nosey old woman. You may go back to your teacher and resume your training. If you were once better than you are now, with work you will return to it, I am certain.” The Mother superior favoured the twins with a sweet, kind smile to calm them and send them on their way.

The twin child Seers walked slowly to the door hiding their utter relief in feigned sorrow, they didn’t permit any other emotion as they knew the Mother Superior and her spies ever present, always on watch. They also ensured as the days passed, they wouldn’t accidently run into or meet with the triplets.

Behind them the Mother Superior considered the information gleaned from the two children, right hand rubbing her chin and ending with a shake of her head. Their stories believable on face value except the similarity, given a Seer pair trained them, probably to be expected. Doubt though crept in, could young children who knew only the discipline of Temple life, lie? Maybe a message to Elpis would be useful.

---

Once inside the House Lysisa couldn’t contain her joy, bursting with excitement embracing Otonia and Niobe and after a heartbeat pause, hugging Astera. Her Mistress’ hands resting upon her cheeks bringing her back.

“Your joy is a blessing and I hope you find your place amongst us.”

Taking a deep breath, Lysisa nodded with enthusiasm. Astera smiled and waved her along as the new Initiate bounded out of the elder’s room.

Niobe slumped into one the elder’s chairs. “The Mother Superior didn’t bless Lysisa’s Letter of Release, the ceremony needs preparation and forewarning. I know from twin loss as the days of mourning provide the required time.”

Astera lent down, her forehead kissing Niobe’s the moistening of the Seer’s eyes bravely held in check. “I would ask then why the Mother Superior didn’t provide the Letter of Release after Lysisa’s days of mourning?” The question to divert Niobe from her personal grief, while still sympathetic, their touching foreheads and Astera’s hands buried in Niobe’s long black hair hopefully providing the comfort needed.

Otonia fetched the blackened kettle from its pride of place and refilled the venerable kitchenware with water from a nearby waterskin, stoking the kettle stove into life, quietly going about her business a fondness and remembrance touching her heart.

Niobe lent back, trapping Astera’s eyes with her own revelling in the stroking of her hair and soothing scalp massage. “Once she declared a willingness to stay and serve, the Mother Superior would have destroyed the Letter since the Single Seer renewed her devotion, while others like myself sort help before release and then wandered from our assigned Temple is search of a future.”

Otonia’s voice joined the discussion. “Why destroy?”

Unwilling to release her Mistress’ large brown eyes, Niobe replied, “Part of the renewal of devotion ceremony.” Niobe stretched her neck and lightly, sensitively pressed her lips upon Astera’s, finding willing participation.

The warmth in the Warrior Three bond drew Thyia’s attention and bidding Clymene farewell she approached the door to the elder’s room and slowly opened the barrier until able to spy upon her partner. The heartache on behalf of her Mistress eased, the cold barren Warrior Three bond bloomed in sensual oneness.

Astera broke her intimacy with Niobe in an instant, rising and meeting Thyia face to face across the length of the elder’s room. The sense of unfaithfulness heavy and yet Thyia’s warm smile reassuring as the warrior advanced towards the guilty pair. Her passionate follow up kiss more so, slinging her arms around Astera’s neck mashing their bodies together, almost intertwined.

A gasp from Niobe, drew Astera’s attention back. Did she offend Niobe? Surely Niobe wouldn’t begrudge a Warrior Three embrace.

Between her fingers Niobe played with a gem. “Are you certain Mistress?”

Astera questioned Thyia with a look. “Zoe’s?”

“You have been unhappy, our Warrior Three bond an empty place and Zoe accepted her part. She slipped the gem to me during the Shrine farewells and once a Three became a Two the emptiness compounded. And then … well, enough changed to draw me into this meeting … and somehow the gem dropped into the hands of another.”

Astera took Niobe’s hand, drawing her up to join in a three-way embrace. “You are most welcome.”

Plonking three cups of tea upon the table, Otonia light-heartily grumbled, “Well I can make a fourth for the unexpected company I suppose …”

Wiping tears while joyfully laughing the Warrior Three settled upon the chairs around the table, giddy, holding hands and at a certain peace. Astera in particular drawing a confidence from the unexpected.

Thyia sipped her tea, letting out a satisfied sigh. “I doubt I have ever seen a happier Initiate.”

Niobe lifted her head. “Her Letter of Release isn’t blessed and for reasons beyond comprehension she accepts, either out of ignorance, denial or acceptance.”

Leaning towards Astera, Thyia squeezed her Mistress’ hand. “Well us Warriors worship Soll and while we pray to him, our return is nothing and hence we hardly, if ever mention him.”

Niobe rubbed her face, hands finishing at rest upon the table. “Perhaps Saph isn’t present, her blessings false and our Items are all the faith we need … after all how does the Goddess help or hinder Lysisa now? Our Seers will enlighten her.”

Otonia glanced at Astera as she shared their table, the intruding fourth wheel. “What you are suggesting is heresy unless I am mistaken, I am shocked our small quiet Seer would think, let alone speak such a thing.”

Niobe relaxed when Otonia placed her hand over her mouth in pretend shock.

“Perhaps I should modify my view and say the Goddess blesses our birth to enable us to be Seers, although once trained the Items allow a greater Seer Skill to be attained.”

Astera blew on her tea while mulling over Niobe’s words. “The only fly in your ointment being the Farstay Village Priest. What is the source of his miracles?”

Niobe smiled, a cat who claimed the cream. “The Ordination of Nysa required the draining of all the Items attuned to the Seers, so perhaps for small things his source of magic a mystery, for great works we return to the magic of the Items.”

---

Her stallion planted its hooves to stop the gallop, not a sign or signal from the stirrups or reins, a detection of indecision. Before them the clear trampling of snow and ground heading off into the distance, to continue as before. Over yonder, within sight and a short diversion, the village of Farstay.

Why his rider bowed to the will of the Herd Mare confused him. The Herd Mare clearly didn’t understand the danger posed by the escaping evil, only his rider knew, intimately sharing her frustration and need. The need paramount and yet sensing her unwillingness to disregard the order, therefore following her command he still trotted towards the village instead of galloping after their prey.

Four lessor horses and their riders met them at the edge of the village. Former stable mates they deferred to him, the geldings and mares greeted their superior, snorting and bowing their heads.

“The horde of Walking Dead passed by the village in the pre-dawn, the villagers attacked although suffered loss, we …”

Dione interrupted Nysa. Who cares about the villagers? We must return to the pursuit, the visit pure lip service to Astera and now not the time for idle chatter. “We need to gallop after them, already half a day behind.” Her stallion turned away prompted by her mind set.

“Hold sister, Zoe is yet to return,” said Nysa in a commanding tone.

Dione reined into a stop, didn’t turn instead leaning over her stallion’s neck to pat him, contemplating the options. She needed to reject Nysa’s right to command, couldn’t leave without Zoe, blast her, while with every delay the evil outdistanced her hunt.

Scanning the horizon, deliberately ignoring the sisters behind her, Dione nudge her stallion forward. “Zoe is a huntress, she will be on the same trail as us, we follow the horde and she won’t be far away.” With that said her stallion leapt into action, galloping off.

Nysa eyed Alexis. “How did you know?”

Alexis repositioned herself on the saddle. “Dione is obsessed.”

Zosime chuckled having held Seer chat sessions with Alexis prior, trying to convince the Seer, her evaluation false.

Patting the extra supplies, Kyra retorted, “She is one of the Ladies Three, an original companion of Mistress Charis and I for one celebrate her dedication and fixation on destroying evil, hardly obsession otherwise Nysa and I are similar.”

Alexis shook her head. “You confuse your sacred duty with her uncontrollable fanaticism and the most disturbing fact, she rode off assuming command and we her followers.”

With that said, Alexis spurred her horse into a gallop, Dione now far in the distance a sling stone unleashed and settled upon one outcome.

“You aren’t dissuaded Sister?” sent Zosime.

“Her actions just now prove my case and I wonder if we will share her fate?”

“Fame and glory?”

“No sister, inglorious death, achieving nothing except a waste of our lives.”