Astera searched for Ismene, which usually entailed a visit to both Storage Rooms, although the upper Storage Room held very few foodstuffs this late in Death Season, mainly equipment and empty chests. Opening the door to the lower Storage Room, Astera found a seated Ismene, cross legged with parchment upon her lap.

“Ismene what is our food situation? Forget that, what is our whole situation given I have ruined some of your planning.”

Ismene withheld her smile, not the time to reward her Mistress’ confession, although some situations couldn’t be helped, and they did need more rather than less as they were now responsible for a huge cavern system and a captured evil. Even Ismene appreciated their new situation.

“Mistress, in summary, if frugal, we won’t starve as we have enough until the end of Harmony Month.” Ismene looked over her eyebrows. “If we don’t invite more mouths to stay that is.”

Without realising, Astera leant forward. “What happens then to save us?”

“The roads and trails will be open to wagons, and the huge stores of the city will be opened and available to purchase from of course.”

Her words spoken so matter of fact, Astera blushed slightly with embarrassment from not knowing. On the farm her father stored enough in underground cellars, the cold of Death Season keeping the various preserved food stuffs until Birth Season. She didn’t realise how others recovered from Death Season.

“Continue your report please.”

“Yes Mistress. As you know the battle used all our arrows, quarrels and lamp oil. Unfortunately, after making some enquires no one in town has any stock they wish to sell, unless we wish to pay at least triple the usual price and my many enquires started to raise questions about our need. So again, we will need to wait until merchants start travelling the roads and trails again next month.” Ismene paused to read her notes.

During the brief silence Astera confirmed her thoughts. “You are saying we are largely defenceless against another such attack.”

“Yes Mistress, at least until next month. Although…”

Astera looked directly at Ismene as the report to date sounded unhelpful until the last word.

“We are short of coin Mistress.”

Astera’s jaw dropped slightly before she realised and closed it.

“Well to be exact, short of coin but not short of funds. Let me explain Mistress.” She spoke quickly sensing an inner turmoil within her Mistress.

“We still have much of the false Duke and Judge Knight’s armour and weapons. Plus, whatever number of horses we still have. They have been difficult for me to track as they’re always being moved for one reason or another between our Stable, the Farm and the Cavern. All of these items I have sold in limited numbers before Death Season so the market isn’t over supplied, although for our best price I would suggest we sell them all in the city, taking multiple trips. The coin we do have is enough, although you know we have much more, but that isn’t available to us, is it?”

Astera slid down a wall and planted her buttocks on the floor motioning to sweep her hair behind her ears and then dropping her hands as Ismene’s braids eliminated the need. “No Ismene, the non-Duchy coin is not to be touched as that will probably lead to more attention than we need.”

“On the bright side I was able to find some usable coin from the Goblin Tributes which has assisted our situation.”

“Thank-you Ismene, you know the Goblin Tributes have stopped as Death Season is over.”

Ismene confirmed with a nod and Astera waved her on to continue with the stocktake. The near empty Storage Room a mix of scents and smells, a new discovery for Astera, thoughts then straying, imagining the mix when full. Ismene’s content mumbling a peaceful backdrop, while Astera considered … everything.

Her primary concern, the restoration of Charis and the glimmer of hope offered, although Zosime suspicious of the Village Priest in her report. Next the entrapment of the evil in the Cavern, the Master and his two followers, well contained for now and seemingly their rescue relied solely upon a Dark Priest now being chased by six daughters. Why six? Why did she sleep in? Good for her, not so good for the company’s future and a possible disaster in the making. Bah … can’t change the past.

Perhaps the Lord of the Northern Watch could be duped somehow into following the scar of their march across the land and tie up the loose end, although the risk of him being him and misinterpreting the facts and truth to some insane conclusion a distinct possibility not worth the risk.

She needed to wield her authority; Dione be dammed! Her clenched fists bashing the floor disturbed Ismene, who cautiously looked over her shoulder.

Time to go. Astera mouthed an apology and climbed to her feet.

The pity in Ismene’s eyes crushed Astera, the burden of Mistress so obvious or the poor handling of her responsibility, so obvious?

Ismene opened her mouth to speak, hesitated and then decided to forge ahead. “You are responsible for others and some, like nobles I have known, take that responsibility lightly. I am heartened by the fact you don’t. My wisdom, for what it is worth is, if ever set upon with doubt hang onto one thing, people are always more important, and those same people will save you.”

Astera’s throat tightened and hoped her expression of appreciation would suffice while beating a retreat from the Storage Room.

The Mistress and the House Seer crashed together, the bowl of stew and stale bread in doubt for several heartbeats until as one they rescued the situation, Astera grabbing for and placing the hot bowl upon the Kitchen table, while Clymene threw an arm around Astera while puncturing the stale bread with her fingers. Niobe and Thyia clapping and applauding their efforts.

Clymene batted her eyelids. “Why Mistress if required my embrace, you only need to ask.” Her quick kiss and peel of laughter a tonic for Astera who chuckled in reply.

Releasing herself, Clymene extracted her fingers from their bread prison, eyes locked upon Astera. “You only need to ask Mistress.” Scooping up the bowl she strutted away to serve their audience.

Resting her elbows on the Kitchen table, chin on clasped hands Astera thought about the defence of the House and Cavern while observing Clymene, Niobe and Thyia. Their friendly banter, occasional laughter while playing the child’s game of parchment, knife and mallet refreshing, the three always selecting the same, pointing and accusing. Two Seers, one of the two Warrior Three bonded to the third, perhaps impossible to find a winner. Knife … parchment … parchment … mallet; the choices floated into her mind within the Warrior Three bond confirming the impossibility for Astera.

Dione, no Nysa needed to lead the group of sisters back, as the numbers of sisters defending the Cavern woefully short. Unknown visitors and unexpected strangers would call in once Death Season finished and the Birth Season Summoning began, not to mention the possibility of other nefarious deeds and the required instigators. Acting as the resident Dark Priest to greet newcomers easy when none visited, the construction of the walls certain to surprise and immediately place any on alert. For the moment their defence relied upon three pillars; Dirce and Drosis, the critical need to ensure the water continued to flow and the evil contained behind water or stone.

“Ismene some help please,” called Astera as she headed towards the table of fun wondering how her Warrior Bond and Ismene’s isolation would turn the game around. Probably Ismene being defeated four to one or victorious one to four!

+++

Astera glanced right and left, Thyia and Niobe recognised the signal and waited at the threshold. The Elder’s Cavern still contained a weapon rack and target dummy, although the Elder’s Cottage dominated. Astera stepped forward, recalling happy memories, celebrating the elder’s life, rather than dwelling on the sadness of loss.

Well one definite change then, the door ajar and Astera stuck her head through. “Have you settled in?”

“Yes Mistress, while difficult, the elder prepared us well and I suppose wrote us a will of sorts, bequeathing the Cavern and Cottage to us and …” The twins stumbling over their words, their voices breaking. “Mistress, she adopted us, her family line and legacy now ours to be cherished and nourished with knowledge our sworn oath to support the Daughters.” The twins lurched towards Astera grief stricken, shaking. Astera met them hallway with an embrace, supporting their dead weights waiting for an explanation in the fullness of their own time and with the door shut, under candlelight.

“We confess Mistress to avoiding our duty. We did anything and everything else to avoid … to avoid … here.” Their chests hitched in unison as they sobbed.

“Please forgive us our sadness, the elder offered us comfort after the loss of our Single Seer guardians as no other did and we couldn’t face the Cottage with our grief so fresh.”

Astera used a hand to rub their backs in comfort.

“We fear the expectation upon us, our skills a mere shadow compared to the elder’s light and so it follows our fear of failure, unable to help the Daughters and their Mistress when truly needed.”

Astera rallied her strength and drew the twins in tighter. “Quiet now. You are forgiven, although you must know sadness is normal after loss and fear of failure is normal when expectations are placed upon you. Hush and rest easy against me.” Speaking the words aloud to the twins clarified Astera’s own predicament, she needed to act, the fear of failure; Dione challenging her authority would be resolved one way or the other, not calling Dione out immediately the real failure.

The twins snuggled further into Astera’s embrace, sniffling occasionally but otherwise silent.

“You can call another in if you wish. Niobe is in the Cavern if you need someone fetched.”

The warm breaths caressing either side of her neck soon turned into words. “No Mistress and in any case the door is closed, the Elder experimented with metals when she crafted her cottage to prevent eavesdropping, she called it, so a Seer needs to be particularly skilled, which we aren’t, to Seer Link within her … um our cottage.”

Astera pushed them away slightly, catching each of their shocked faces. “What if we are attacked, you won’t be warned?”

“Clymene and Alcmene are able and probably Helice …”

Astera’s right hand buried in Alexa’s long black hair, while her left sunk into Thais’ close-cropped contrast drawing them back to her bosom, both immediately snuggling and shifting until satisfied. Astera tested her Warrior Three bond, discovering emptiness, broken links now barren of warmth and contact. The loss so like when Zoe surrendered her gem. Both of her bonded sisters quit her. Gone without explanation. Her pillars of sanity and support ripped away, the fear of a sudden unexplained rejection freezing her mind.

The twins lifted their heads off her chest, eyes questioning. “Your heart jumped Mistress …”

Breathless, Astera tried to mouth words.

Both twins turned to run, then sorted Seer like, only Alexa ran, while Thais nursed Astera, laying her down on their bunk bed ignoring the feeble attempts to fob her off.

The moment the cottage door flung open with Thyia and Niobe in the doorway the Warrior Three bond flooded with their concern and love. Thais relieved when the Mistress’ breathing steadied and her face relaxed, to an almost serene visage. Thyia and Niobe crawled over the bed ignoring the presence of the twins to lay either side of Astera feathering kisses upon her face and neck, murmuring words of comfort.

“What … what affected the Mistress so?” Their twin voices a whispering squeak, timid although following their mentor’s prescription, always ask questions.

Niobe broke off a passionate kiss and lifted her head. “The Warrior Three bond is being tested, and I fear I am to blame. When I joined with Astera and Thyia the progression from beginner to intimate partner rapid. Separation from a partner, a recent example being Zoe caused a certain amount of … well … angst, although Thyia’s presence tempered the fluctuations in mood somewhat.”

Niobe lightly kissed Thyia on the cheek. “When isolated from both of us, I suspect the sudden total loss crippling.”

“She talked to us and comforted us for a long time, only when we mentioned the cottage preventing eavesdropping did our Mistress …”

Niobe kissed Astera on the lips taking the opportunity as Thyia’s lips strayed elsewhere.

“Our Mistress must have tested the Warrior Three bond and found nothing but loneliness.”

Climbing past Thyia the twins resumed their position, horizontally now, snuggling into Astera. “We apologise Mistress.”

“Has the Mistress recovered?” sent Thais and Alexa to Niobe.

“She experienced a shock and even now thinks of us and everything else but herself, we need to be supportive,” sent Niobe in reply.

“Would we be permitted to kiss her?”

“An expression of love is never a waste,” sent Niobe.

Surrounded by love, expressed within via The Warrior Three bond and without by the loving touches of her sisters Astera’s concerns melted away and while many threats opposed them without solutions, as one, the Daughters of the Duchess would endure, the certainty now clear in her mind.

Astera opened her eyes to four relieved faces. Thyia and Niobe sensing beforehand their third at peace, although physical confirmation welcome. Their Mistress kissed them passionately in turn, Thyia, Niobe and after confirming consent, Thais and Alexa.

Astera couldn’t prevent the warmth spreading to her face, her request a silly indulgent one. A deep breath as a hand cupped a cheek of each twin. “I appreciate your attentions, would you permit me to indulge in them further, while I ask questions?”

“Yes Mistress, command us, question us we are Daughters of the Duchess and our loyalty freely given.”

Astera smiled. “Well my loyal sisters where are we with the Main Cavern door?”

“We help our Goblin Sisters who have a far greater affinity with stone than us, so progress is good. Once nervous of the evil, no longer, Zosime’s wounding of it must have been grievous as he is quiet, and we are now well seasoned getting used to the evil from his followers.”

“Have you noticed the … erm, changes in the Goblin Sisters?”

Thais and Alexa both smiled, their eyes wide with excitement.

“Yes Mistress, they have grown in height, so amazing. The elder fed her meat to them as an experiment.” They paused for Astera’s reaction and when none occurred, continued. “Sorry Mistress, she said the meat wasn’t going to help her, so we also shared our meat and asked Ismene to feed them more dried meat from supplies to add to any they ate at mealtimes.”

Astera interrupted. “I have also heard Clymene fed them bones, which may further help explain their changes.”

The twins giggled. “Such a conspiracy Mistress. The elder though kept notes, for her a question to be answered and an experiment to be recorded. Pages on skin colour change, muscle gain and features changing.” They grew hushed for a moment. “Also, Mistress they became smarter, not devious or tricky, really thinking smarter and talking proper. The elder gifted them three Bronze Circles and successfully taught them the stone melding spell when she felt the time right. Working stone natural to them. All made possible when they started to eat meat.”

“Are they still loyal, given they can think for themselves?”

Thais and Alexa confirmed their shared opinion across their Seer link and nodded in unison.

“Most definitely Mistress as they now fully understand loyalty and trust. They’re brave also, putting themselves in great danger when building under the Shrine and then helping us in battle. We would trust them with our lives.”

Astera thought the same, although always good to check the opinion of others on certain things.

“Good. Will you report any of your discoveries, at least a little bit more often than the elder did?”

The twins giggled again a certain mischief ringing out. “Only if we can snuggle when we do so …”

Astera reached along their bodies and tickled their ribs causing them to flip flop about upon her body, fortunately protected somewhat by her armour. “I am certain that can be arranged.”

Thyia rolled out of the bunk first, catching and thereby assisting Alexa and offering a hand to Thais when close to the bedside. Astera climbed out with Niobe’s arms draped around her neck, at the edge swivelling around to catch Niobe under her armpits and hoist her out of the bunk. Lowering the Seer to the floor Niobe stole a kiss, which Astera stole back a hand wandering over her buttocks and pinching for good measure. Niobe leapt forward in surprise and Astera stole another kiss, receiving a friendly slap on her arm.

Thais and Alexa escorted their visitors out of the cottage and barred the door. Alexa fed a drop of magic into her Borrow spell and dipped her hand into a jar of fireflies conveniently placed nearby while holding a yellow gemstone. Instead of making most of her body glow the light transferred to the gem, which she waved over her head as proof. Thais copied her twin and they ran around the cottage laughing and giggling in celebration, deciding they could tell their Mistress next time.

---

Astera, Thyia and Niobe crept through the Inner Cavern, silently passing various prone bodies on bunk beds, curled up asleep.

The Guard Post before the Main Cavern contained an awake Agape, and a sleeping Dirce and Drosis. Two convenient double bunks located to the rear.

“The braids suit you Mistress, they seem remarkably familiar,” whispered Agape.

“Yes, Ismene quite the expert.”

“In our previous lives we would turn about, decorate with ribbons and jewellery and then undo our creations and begin again. Frivolous girl stuff really.”

Astera sympathised, former maid to a noble now rough hands wielding a weapon. “While I am not sure what the Daughters promised you, I am hopeful you won’t abandon us before the year is out.”

Agape blushed. “I have discovered sincere and attentive company within the Daughters of the Duchess and to abandon the Daughters would be to abandon them. Unthinkable Mistress.”

Ah yes, another Warrior Three, thought Astera. “What of Dirce and Drosis?”

Agape looked back for a moment. “They grumble a little, laugh a lot and … um play a little, all in all loyal soldiers doing their duty. I sense they prefer the outdoors if given a choice but otherwise happy to stay warm and fed in a Cavern.”

If a Warrior Three, then … “When do you sleep?”

Agape quirked her head, “When they do Mistress, I am only awake now to allow Latona to take a meal, while I keep watch over the Main Cavern although I am certain our Goblin Sisters would raise the alarm if warranted.”

The newest Novice or perhaps Initiate, Astera unsure for some reason. “How is our farm girl?”

“Young and nervous, the presence of the Goblin Sisters nearby on Day Shift helps to calm her. They also encouraged her to face the tombs while Dirce and Drosis spar with her and me during evening shift before meal, bath and bed.”

“She of all our latest recruits seems the most neglected, which I must remedy.”

“We are looking out for her Mistress, so no need to worry about everyone.”

Bidding Agape farewell, the three sisters marched into the unguarded Main Cavern. Astera still remembered her shame in this cavern and wondered if she would ever forgive herself. The only nearly occupants of the Main Cavern, the Goblin Sisters, trying to manoeuvre stone blocks into position to build up the door. Astera stood and watched amazed at their skill and strength, unfortunately a short-lived appreciation as the Goblin Sisters noticed the Mistress spying upon them shortly after.

The three Sisters carefully stopped their toil and approached Astera, kneeling before her, accompanied by a slight bow of their heads.

“You are Sisters now, so rise and know you are equals among equals, I insist, forever.” Their culture one of subservience and Astera determined to reinforce their rights and privileges within the Daughters of the Duchess.

They stood smiling, returning Astera’s hug with a strength and firmness not unexpected. Astera thankful some years of growth remained to her since the Goblin Sisters continued to astonish with their growth, only noticeable like now, when close, the top of their heads slightly below her nose.

“We are glad and happy to be Sisters, Mistress. We have learnt much, blessings to the old one who taught us,” said Sweetears.

Bluefingers quickly followed up. “We also know the old one made us smarter by allowing us to eat meat.”

“Yes, lots and lots of meat, smart and strong, casting magic, so able to help more than just polish armour and sharpen weapons,” added Prettynose.

With Astera, Thyia and Niobe standing before them, they then did the strangest thing, quickly undoing the three top buttons of their dress or underclothe revealing their naked chests and the valley between their breasts.

Shocked, Astera tried to maintain her poise. With Thyia and Niobe being slightly behind her, Astera therefore unaware of their reactions, although before Astera could say anything, Niobe stepped forward and inspected the three sisters!

The words spoken as one, clearly rehearsed, the three Goblin Sisters chanted, “We have seen the Sisters naked many times and we know when they swear their oath, they’re naked, now equals we wish to do the same.”

With the top buttons undone, the neck opening now spread allowing their dress or underclothe to cascade down their bodies revealing their naked glory, their breasts and loins bare, the afternoon sunlight showcasing their athletic forms and subtle differences. To Astera the three bodies before her more human-like in shape than not. The definitive Goblin features less pronounced, subtle, their faces seen more often and perhaps due to that, the differences able to change over time unnoticed.

Unable to resist, curiosity drew Astera forward. The tops of their ears still slightly pointed, although the largeness of the ears, disproportionate limbs and large noses gone. The difference between a stumbling newly born calf and a healthy well-fed yearling thought Astera, flesh on bones, muscles developing and growing. Only naked could Astera appreciate the biggest change; their skin colour, now a pale of pale yellow, no tint of green.

“We have changed have we not Mistress?” whispered Sweetears.

Astera tried to touch without touching, curious. “Erm … yes most definitely.”

Amused with her Mistress’ antics Sweetears tried to explain. “We realise now why the Chief and his favourites ate the meagre amount of meat hunted, while the rest of the tribe ate mushrooms.” Sweetears searched for support from Bluefingers and Prettynose who smiled encouragement.

“We must ask for forgiveness Mistress. We ate so much. Sister Ismene always questioned the old one, always worried about supplies and the old one insisting.”

After an extended silence Astera realised they waited for her to forgive them. “Equals amongst equals,” she declared.

The three Goblin sisters released their collective held breaths.

“We wish to swear our oath to you as Sisters. To assure you we will pay back our debt, for not only did you save our lives, feed us meat and taught us magic, most importantly, you have trusted us even after we forgot to tell you about the young ones sexing in the cavern and what happened to them.”

Astera, still trying to make sense of their changes only half-listened. She didn’t know of any creatures, let alone thinking ones who could change like this, for all she knew goblins were goblins and humans were humans, forever. Their silent patience while unclothed snapped her back to the issue at hand, swearing their oaths. This, Astera could fix with an announcement.

“If you wish to join the Daughters of the Duchess please step forward in turn, your nakedness symbolising the shedding your past and embracing your future, so swear your oath of loyalty.”

Each in turn stepped forward, unashamed of their nudity.

“I swear to serve the Mistress of the Daughters of the Duchess and bind my life to hers. I swear to be loyal to her and my Warrior Sisters until my death. I swear to keep this oath and never break it under pain of death.”

Astera took her cloak off and wrapped Sweetears within it who then knelt, knowing the ceremony well.

“I accept your fealty and promise in return to value your life and protect it as much as possible to the limits of my power and ability. Further I will never ask you to do anything that would dishonour you or me.”

Astera held out her hand and while not required assisted Sweetears to her feet. She then embraced the newest Daughter of the Duchess Initiate.

Bluefingers and Prettynose followed Sweetears lead with Thyia and Niobe offering their cloaks.

The human sized cloaks a reasonable fit all things considered, which further confirmed in Astera’s mind Ismene would be instructed to order extra supplies to see how far the Goblin Sister’s growth could go. With all three oath-sworn; Astera embraced them again each in turn to confirm their welcome.

“It is not the Goblin way to sex with a sister, but we are not Goblins anymore Mistress, we are Warrior Sisters and accept the way of things, although we may not participate. While you accept us, we doubt other humans will, so we will remain careful and watchful,” whispered Sweetears. Astera certain the words only for her ears, spoken with reverence.

Niobe showed more interest than her Mistress, her embrace of each goblin sister lingering longer than probably appropriate, although the Goblin Sisters didn’t seem concerned, returning the embrace.

The three Goblin Sisters cheered and jumped around embracing each other in celebration, ending in a three-way hug, collapsing on the stone floor in joyous humour.

Ismene’s arrival a surprise to Astera, although not to Niobe who lent in close to whisper. “Latona’s meal break, a ruse to advise Clymene and Ismene the Goblins Sisters wished to swear their oaths and would do so when their Mistress visited next.”

The three Goblin Sisters climbed to their feet, astonished by the sight of Ismene pulling a cavern wagon into the Main Cavern, a cover thrown over to secure and most likely hide the load. The Provedore fronted each Goblin Sister in turn insisting she alone retrieved their borrowed cloak, leaving them naked while Ismene returned the cloak to the original owner, then fetching their new cloak. She then admired the athletic nakedness before her, while presenting each Goblin Sister with their cloak and pin. The cloak and pin difficult to wear outside of the Caverns in reality except equal meant equal, all Daughters of the Duchess received the cloak and pin.

Ismene then introduced the Goblin Sisters to the Cavern Wagon stacked high with various pieces of armour. Almost squealing with delight when the Goblin Sisters neatly folded away their clocks and asked her to fit and critic the various offerings, while essentially naked. Niobe quickly stepping in to offer her assistance as well.

While as tall, their wiry muscle and athletic build would easily defeat Ismene and possibly Niobe in a fight. A sobering thought discussed quietly between Astera and Thyia.

Sweetears, an imposing figure once in armour, boiled leather greaves over leather pants, leather vambraces and a hard leather breastplate, which surely would restrict her breathing thought Astera.

Sweetears smiled. “I will tame this armour Mistress never fear.”

The way Sweetears projected certainty, Astera’s doubt disappeared, nodding in agreeance. This change greater than an affirmation about armour realised Astera, Sweetears and her sisters exuded confidence, the sure and steady kind, not strutting or boastful. Three Warrior Sisters ready to accept the responsibility and the challenges they would all soon face perhaps. Astera unconsciously corrected her own posture.

“We follow the old one’s plan for the door Mistress, the blocks are prepared, and a hinge set in each, two blocks now hung.”

For Astera, with Sweetears and her sisters now clothed the meeting and following discussion normalised. Relaxed she remembered another detail.

“Sweetears? Do you and your sisters wish to be given Daughters names?”

Sweetears paused in thought before she replied, and therefore regardless of the answer Astera welcomed the considered response as a good sign.

“We will talk between us first, yes?”

Astera nodded and with Thyia and Niobe continued the inspection, strolling towards the two tombs holding their guests. The evil fear washed over the three sisters. The conditioning over time strengthened their minds and all three enabled to ignore the evil influence.

Next inspection, the water channel, the trio followed from the entrance to the Cavern to the exit, which branched off to the Southern Wall and also to the Northern Wall flowing across the Cavern Entrance to block any uninvited evil. With the sun setting in the late afternoon the day shift would shortly finish and so Astera hurried to the Southern Wall to greet Hagne.

“Hello Mistress, all is quiet. It is still a little cold I think.” Hagne tugged on a fur to prove the point.

“We are thin though, aren’t we?” Not really expecting an answer just thinking aloud. “Perhaps we need to move Dirce and Drosis to the Cavern Blind so they can respond quickly. We are depending on our walls.”

“For others the loneliness would be difficult, as an Assassin and a Seer, I am either used to the long solitary wait or can Seer Contact my sisters for company,” suggested Hagne.

“For non-Seers it means if the sentry here or at the other wall is lost, we would not know until too late,” said Astera.

Hagne stared out across the battlement, finally settling on a response. “Leave Dirce, Drosis and Agape at the Guard Post Mistress so they can defend a final chokepoint protecting their sisters. In the Cavern Blind they will be trapped more likely as not.”

“Sound advice, when the evil attacked previously, those in the Cavern Blind given little choice.”

Hagne laughed, a huge belly laugh. “I reminded your Seer escort of her dash to freedom and her response most undignified I must say.”

Niobe spoke up. “Don’t believe her Mistress, as you know butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth.”

Chuckling Hagne offered another piece of advice. “I believe three Seers should stand watch on this wall, while non-Seers watch the Main Cavern.”

Niobe quick to retort. “You certainly are full of ideas today sister.”

“Plenty of time to think Seer Sister unless pleasantly interrupted, which I thank-you for.” Hagne’s salacious grin causing Niobe’s face to turn bright red.

“Well … well, I guess you’re welcome.” Niobe fled due to embarrassment.

“How do you propose to run from a Seer?” sent Hagne to Niobe.

Niobe stopped in her tracks, so foolish, what must Mistress think of me.

“Korinna can take next shift and Alcmene night shift or visa-versa and our Goblin Sisters have the Northern Wall covered while the Main Cavern can be watched by non-Seers with Agape, Dirce and Drosis close by,” finished Hagne.

Astera frowned. All the Goblin Sisters worked on the Cavern Door; how could they also watch the Northern Wall.

“I note your confusion Mistress, if you amble back to the Main Entrance our Goblin Sisters will further demonstrate their ingenuity.”

Nodding quickly, Astera quickly swivelled around and beelined for the Main Entrance picking up a contrite Niobe.

The Goblin Sisters gone from the Main Entrance when Astera check and so eventually met on the Northern Wall. Bluefingers settling into sleep, Sweetears on outward watch, Prettynose on inwards watch and the first to spy their Mistress’ approach.

“Halt who goes their Mistress!” asked Prettynose, chuckling after issuing the challenge.

“Greetings to you also Prettynose,” replied Astera.

Keeping her eyes outwards Sweetears asked the obvious. “How can we help Mistress?”

“I am told by a Seer Sister you watch the Northern Wall day and night and yet all three worked on the Main Gate today. Apparently, you have a trick or two to reveal.”

“No trick Mistress, a hidden helper. Try to discover her Mistress,” asked Sweetears.

Prettynose leant her head towards the Cave Wall side as a hint.

Perched high, behind an extremely small blind of stone Astera barely made out Jocasta.

Prettynose chuckled. “Mistress spotted her easily Sweetears, we need to do better.”

“Oh, well done Mistress. Apologies Jocasta,” said Sweetears her voice uncertain.

“Prettynose gave Mistress hints Sweetears, I am impossible to spot.”

“So sure, young one,” added Astera, grudgingly admitting to herself the claimed not unwarranted. “How does Jocasta give warning as I am certain from the blind’s positioning an enemy would have great difficulty concealing themselves?”

“We crafted a stone tube from her position to the entrance of the Cavern, a scream, a yell or words would be heard in the Main Cavern Mistress and regardless we would run to the Wall,” said Sweetears.

A round stone shifted to one side and Jocasta popped her head up. Conveniently nearby, a pile of rubbish.

Climbing out Jocasta hurried to tackle Prettynose in a hug. “My sisters cover the stone with rubbish when I am in position and before they leave. While there I practice my Seer Skill and like now, I will practice spear a little and then eat, bath and sleep. In the morning race back before dawn.”

“You haven’t fallen asleep once?” asked Astera.

“No Mistress as Zosime Seer links to me …” Jocasta’s silence alerted Astera immediately, happy, talkative and then fading to silence.

“Tell me Jocasta, as Mistress your oath is to me and no other.”

Jocasta bit her lip, eyes searching for help, instead Prettynose knelt beside her, wrapped an arm around their little sister and encouraged her to speak.

Tears rolled down Jocasta’s face, forming tracks in the settled stone dust. “They have chased to exhaustion Mistress and now fear for their lives, Zosime too tired to Seer Link Mistress, too tired!” Jocasta let out a huge sob. “A day and a night passed and after an attack Zosime managed to assure me our sisters still lived and then the contact broken when resting the walking dead attacked them again. We must do something Mistress, we must.”

Astera picked the girl up and cuddled her, instinctively swaying side to side to comfort her. The reports from Zosime brief and more circumspect, chase finished the Dark Priest fled to the Forest, returning now. Small attack in the morning easily defeated as we make our way to Lonely Keep. When did truth get sacrificed for pride?

“We will suspend Spear practice tonight, I will take Jocasta with me and I commend you on your ingenuity, thank-you Sisters.” With that said Astera turned on her heels and hurried as best she could to the Main Cavern.

“Niobe contact Hagne please and ask her to wait for us in the nearest Cavern to her or possibly suggest a more convenient place, which suits.”

“Yes Mistress.”

“Jocasta, in the morning can you ask our Sisters to enlarge the Guard Post so Dirce and Drosis can train sisters there freely and easily.”

“Yes … Mistress.” Honour clear in her tone.

Astera felt elbows and arms … Jocasta’s hands wiping her face while held.

“Let’s go,” said Astera, setting Jocasta down, allowing her the dignity to use her own feet.

---

Thyia pushed open the Trap Door, allowing Astera, Jocasta and Niobe easy passage into the Kitchen.

“Bath, then meal,” ordered Astera.

The youth scampered away as Astera looked about in search of Hagne.

Niobe tapped Astera on her shoulder. “She waits in the Meeting Room Mistress.”

“Wait here, eat and bathe I could be a while …” Astera then strode off to the Meeting Room.

As Astera pushed the door open a semi-naked Hagne made busy scrubbing her hair dry with a cloth, her curves flashing in and out of view with each motion, her Seer Robe untied.

Astera coughed. Hagne looked up unashamed and continued, while Astera closed the door.

“Surely you haven’t forgotten past times?” queried Hagne.

Truthfully no, thought Astera, except her Warrior Three bonding governed her appetite significantly more now when with anyone outside of the three and while Astera could appreciate the magnificent woman tempting her, she desired two others. Why didn’t Zoe feel the same? Astera needed to shake her head clear.

“You can’t get me out of your lusty thoughts that easy Mistress.” Hagne smiled, her messed shoulder length hair somehow framing her sharp cheekbones all the better.

Astera waved an arm, inviting Hagne to a lounge, receiving a knowing smile in return, except Astera held her standing position.

“I presume, you, Alexis and Korinna developed a particularly strong Seer Link?”

Business then thought Hagne, who wrapped her Seer’s Robe around and tied the loop.

“Yes Mistress.” Hagne somehow nervous, patting down her hair using long strokes.

“Korinna is on duty at the Southern Wall so I need to depend upon you.” Astera paused, waiting for confirmation, a nod. “Good, whatever the effort, I need you to Seer Link with Alexis, with luck the six will be partaking of a meal and not fighting for their lives.”

Hagne swallowed, “Their lives, Mistress?”

“Let us say the reports of their situation have been greatly understated and leave it there. I will wait while you succeed.”

“But … Mistress there are many factors … I may …”

Astera cut her off. “You may only succeed are your next words Seer Sister.”