The next day the mirror in Maddie's pouch began to grow warm and glow. She let it go for a while until it was almost too hot to touch. This was Tereus checking on her, wondering where she was. She considered opening the mirror and talking to him, but instead pulled it out and threw it into the fields. Her fingers were slightly burned. She watched for a while to make sure nothing caught on fire, then headed on.

She reached a settlement just before dusk. It was a large village. There were people in the streets, hustling to get home before dark. Maddie saw both men and women, which reassured her that it was a peaceful place. Villages with a high population of warriors would have more women than men.

Maddie negotiated a place to sleep and a meal. The villagers she talked to assumed she was heading further north to deal with the Pictish invasion. She wisely decided not to tell them that she already had a role in the whole affair. Before retiring for the night she asked about a shrine to Brigantia. There was one in the village. Maddie decided to visit it before going to bed.

The shrine was small. The statue of the goddess was cast metal with an aged spear and a worn leather cuirass. Maddie slumped down on the floor in front of the statue and closed her eyes. Moments later she felt a pair of arms enfolding her.

Dear child, what is wrong?

“I need help. I want to get my memories back.”

If I could give them back to you, I would. But Ares has prevented me from becoming too involved, even as he takes an active role in his own child's ambitions.

“I can't trust Tereus. I know that now. I don't have anyone to help me.”

You have me. And you have friends out there. You just have to find them. Or let them find you.

The small shrine shook slightly.

Ares is trying to scare me off. Go, child, and make your way. I will watch over you.

The hug got a little tighter and Maddie leaned into it. The shaking continued for a few minutes. The hug lasted longer.

Maddie left the shrine a few hours later reinvigorated and determined. She had friends, somewhere, and she was going to find them. Then she was going to stop Tereus and the Army of Mars once and for all.