Stathis rode at the head of the army, hearing it thunder and rattle behind her. An open plain stretched ahead of her, the centre dominated by a walled town. A visible pall of shadows hung around the walls, thick fingers of smoke drifting upwards, the walls covered with arcane symbols, throbbing with black power.

The two armies were lined up, neither side yet engaged, but everyone ready to fight, weapons at the ready. Even from this distance, Stathis could see Zarozinnia, her armour standing out, along with her green scales and sheer size. The Sethan forces around her were formed into actual units and battle-lines, with shields at the ready, the metal shaped into growling faces, demonic and horned.

The Iristari forces were more neatly arranged, banners held high, Stathis counting off the markings – almost three thousand soldiers? And a load of auxiliaries she didn’t recognise – a group of green cloaks blended into the grass, probably elves, and heavy cavalry lined up.

Janaxia was, for once, obedient, still in her uniform, a green rug doing little to disguise the hovering black platform, Sen stood on it as well, keeping Janaxia supplied with finger-food. A few of the Sethans had been nominated as… bodyguards? Or were they just there to make Janaxia look better? Probably the latter. Her grandeur was slightly undercut as Semari jumped onto the back of the throne with enough force to make it rock. Janaxia glared up at her, all frosty hauteur, the rug twisting under her feet, revealing more of the jet-black throne.

‘This looks pretty big. So, we fighting the big snakey lady? Or the other army? Hey, I think there’s some undead as well!’ She pointed, her other hand shading her eyes.

Stathis followed where she was pointing – not quite organised enough to be “units”, but groups of skeletal figures were gathered, wrapped in loose shrouds. That they hadn’t been destroyed by either of the armies showed they must have some power. The shadows around them seemed deeper than they should have been – either unfortunate lighting, or some magical aura.

‘Definitely fight undead, definitely don’t fight the Iristari, maybe fight the Sethans, but I’m hoping that we can all ally against the undead?’

‘Yeah, it’s probably one of, like, Janaxia’s family. Maybe the spooky-weird one? Like, the one that looked like she never went out? She’s probably the sort to set up big and complicated stuff. How many have you got left?’

‘Well, I’m not entirely sure. Greganx I would presume is still in a dungeon, and will hopefully be there for a long time. Ophexia is sadly still alive – Semari, you really should try harder next time. At least try and break a few of her fingers. And Peresperan is likewise probably still living, although his bodyguard has been defeated. Shamuth and his loathsome wife are probably hiding somewhere – they are not the most potent of foes. Kivata, of course, is pleasantly obedient. It was Trakatha you were referring to – she is rather prone to spending her time in the laboratory, rather than outside. Something of an introvert.’

‘So if there’s any weird undead stuff, she’s probably made them?’

‘When last I saw her, she was conducting research into various forms of undead and how to enhance them. Semari, do you not remember that rather hideous construct we had to fight? It was something of a nuisance to destroy. Along with the noxious gas – quite unpleasant, all told.’

‘Oh yeah, that. Yeah, that was, like, totally gross. So more of those things? Ewww. Gonna need something to wrap my hands in! Meat and blood gets everywhere, totally messy.’

‘I think she was also conducting research into more arcane matters as well. It would be wise to be careful – if it is her, while she may be lacking in direct combat prowess, her minions are potent. And, of course, Ophexia or Peresperan may be lurking around still, both of whom are significantly more potent. If either of them are here, then they will need eliminating with utmost power. Their skill and power is not to be underestimated. Although, of course, both are vulnerable to being grabbed and punched in the face.’

‘Why’ve I gotta do it? They’re, like, your family, you should deal with them!’ Semari rocked herself on the throne, trying to make it sway, without any success. ‘I broke Kivata’s fingers, now I gotta do the rest of your family?’

‘You did what to Kivata?’

Janaxia and Semari both looked at her, before Janaxia responded. ‘It was needful at the time. Considering the circumstances, it was rather more merciful than putting her to death, as was my right. And had our positions been reversed, then I don’t doubt that she would have executed me. So she should be thankful, really, all things considered. And it seems she was healed at some point.’

‘You didn’t even take her to be healed yourself? No wonder she gets weird around you! I hope you at least apologised for it.’

Janaxia looked affronted. ‘It was a trial to the death! I’m sure she would have found being treated as anything less than a threat an affront and an insult.’

‘You really need to sit down and talk to her about it. I know you family is messed up, but breaking her fingers? That’s excessive!’

A horn blew above them, Stathis looking up, something flying in front of the sun, wings flapping. It circled around, the horn blowing a complicated sequence of notes, not one Stathis immediately recognised. A murmur rippled through the soldiers, who stood up straighter, brushing dust and grit off their armour as it circled again, circling lower, Stathis now able to recognise it as a griffon, eagle-wings extended in a glide.

‘Oh shit! Semari, get on the ground. And put that rug back on the throne.’

‘It’s a throw, not a rug.’

‘Just do it! Fast!’

As it got near to the ground, the wings flapped to slow the glide, making the grass ripple in waves, Stathis turning her head to avoid getting anything in her eyes. She could see that the griffon was armoured, a specially-made harness shaped around the body of the beast, steel decorated with blue lines, the enchantments obvious to see. Two figures were mounted on the back – one in full plate harness, buffed and gleamed, the golden plume of their helmet flapping in the breeze, the other in lighter chain, eyes covered by goggles.

Metal clanked as the entire Iristari contingent drew themselves up, drawing their blades as one. Stathis did the same action, trying to keep her posture smooth and correct, as she moved to stand in front of Janaxia.

‘Against fire, against darkness, against death! We do not break! For the winged sword of the Iristari!’ The cry echoed out, deafeningly loud, blades staying high as the armoured figure dismounted. Their armour had a winged sword on the breastplate, the pommel of the sword on their waist glowing with magical energy as they reached up and removed the helm, shaking out their hair from beneath.

Stathis sheathed her sword before saluting. ‘High Commander!’

Her mother looked back at her, expression neutral, than at the soldiers gathered around, the other Iristari still holding their swords high, other forces less certain of how to behave as she gave the countercall.

‘We hold back the dark! In the storm, in the night, in the great darkness!’

Swords knocked against shields, spears rattling as their hafts struck the ground. ‘WE HOLD BACK THE DARK!’

Her voice sounded out, magically amplified so that everyone could hear it. ‘Prepare yourself for combat! Soon, we march, against the darkness and those that would doom this world!’

Her voice lowered to a more normal tone. ‘And what rank are you?’

Stathis winced. ‘Formally, I think maybe High Colonel?’

‘And you seem to have acquired a substantial armoury.’ She looked around, Stathis seeing her eyes flick over the array of enchanted weapons visible, as well as the magical steeds pulling the supply wagons. ‘And you’re alive as well.’ She stepped in, quicker than Stathis could react to, wrapping her arms around Stathis, arms clanging against her armour as she embraced her, strongly enough to be felt through the cuirass. When she withdrew, her eyes looked watery for a moment, before she blinked and it was gone, and they looked at each other, before momentarily lost for words.

She was the first to collect herself and speak again. ‘Well, you are the functioning commander of a divisional force, so lets go with that. And I suspect you were going to launch a raid on that place?’

Stathis nodded. ‘You probably know more about what’s going on there than I do, but I’d guess it has something to do with the Blade? And lots of weird undead?’

Her mother nodded, before looking at Janaxia, who had bobbed closer, staying behind Stathis, still on her throne. She gestured with a hand, her gauntlet glowing with a momentary haze of power, Stathis feeling a coolness press against her skin. There was a startled squeak, the throne vanishing, rug falling to the floor, Janaxia falling down on top of it.

‘You should ensure your junior officers are aware of their place. Sitting in the presence of multiple superior officers is low-key insubordination.’ Janaxia was spluttering indignantly as she rose, cleaning off her uniform. ‘Although at least she is in parade uniform, which is an improvement. You certainly have been busy, from what I’ve heard. Although the communication links are mostly severed, but some messages still get through. I didn’t think there would be many capable of creating such a force!’ She turned to look at the Sethans with Janaxia, who suddenly looked as though they wanted to be pretty much anywhere else, shuffling awkwardly.

‘An allied force? That must have taken some doing. But I would expect nothing less from you. On your feet, magus Tremari! This is no day to be taking a break.’

Before Janaxia could say anything, Stathis glared at her, hard enough that her mouth froze, partially open, before closing again. Stathis saluted again. ‘Yes, High Commander. Captain Tremari is a credit to her rank, but I will be sure she behaves better in future. We were discussing strategies to assault the enemy base.’

‘Good. They’ve got defences in depth – not just the walls, but some kind of magical effect that drains the life from anyone that gets too close. Lost some scouts to that – you can probably shield yourself from it, and your companions are likely powerful enough to endure, but we can’t push an assault with another force ready to flank us. It looks like you’ve provided enough forces that it might be possible to force the matter, but that’s a heavier cost than I want to pay.’

‘Zarozinnia might be willing to talk. She’s certainly not allied to the Uth Tremari.’

The other figure dismounted from the griffon, flipping their hood back to reveal Dorothea’s face, the googles leaving thin white pressure-lines around their eyes. She saluted before speaking. ‘Thought so. That would explain why they’re sat there. But they’re too powerful to ignore.’

‘Zarozinnia did you say? That would be the six-armed half-snake?’

Janaxia spoke, now standing again. ‘Queen Zarozinnia, of the Iron Scales. De-facto ruler of Setha-in-the-Ash, and general of their armies. Or at least that which she has gathered.’

Mother nodded. ‘I figured she was no ravaging beast. She’s good – keeps her soldiers under control, and has them organised enough I can’t lure them away to destroy, bit-by-bit. You can tell me more about how they got here later, but for now I want to know what she wants – she’s got too many soldiers to ignore!’

Am I permitted to speak? Stathis gave a slight nod. ‘She wants land. Setha is not a fertile place – she came seeking land for her followers.’

‘Well, that’s a starting point for negotiations then. How pragmatic is she?’

Stathis answered. ‘She’s a long-term planner. I don’t think she’s operating from crazed principles, although she is a military commander. But if you can offer her a deal, I think she might at least consider it. Would you concur, Captain Tremari?’

‘Hmmm? Oh, yes, while there is a certain amount of there being a historical grudge giving backing to her deeds, the primary cause is more simple, rather than being driven by any fanaticism. Although the Sethan command structure may mean greater chance of a schism occurring, but that also means if you present a compelling case, then some of the lower-ranking officers may be willing to split off and follow you.’

‘Explain.’

Janaxia swallowed, looking nervous, Stathis nodding at her to continue. ‘Zarozinnia was making some attempts to professionalise their army. However, their basic unit is that of personal loyalty, to the immediate leader of each unit. While Zarozinnia is powerful and presenting them with a clear goal, they will be loyal to her. However, that loyalty is transactional. I presume she has lost some of her followers travelling here, and if they see no prize for themselves, others may well split off for themselves. And, of course, if she were to be eliminated, then the Sethan forces would fracture, and become little more than an assembly of unusually-well-trained bandit forces.’

‘Thank you… Captain. An interesting summary. Although assassination is a dangerous tactic, and can create a martyr, even outside of the practical issues.’

Stathis nodded. ‘I’ve seen her fight. She’s faster than you’d think, her scales are as hard as armour, and all of her equipment is magical. I would advise against direct confrontation – even elite troops won’t last long against her, and I’ve seen her use herself as a siege weapon.’

‘I thought that might be the case, but first-hand experience is always the best. Do you think they will engage?’

‘They have bad history with the Uth Tremari, and likely wish to destroy them.’ Myself excepted, of course – I believe I still have quite the cordial relationship with her! Stathis tried to keep her expression clear as Janaxia intruded into her thoughts. ‘There may also be a powerful magical artefact involved. I assume that you have seen, uh, shapeshifters? Able to imitate the shapes of others?’

‘We’re referring to them as doppelgangers. And yes – lost a lot of good soldiers to them, and they’re a pain to find. Having to keep everyone separated and guarded is a nightmare in the field! One even tried to come after me, which I had to deal with personally.’ From the way her fingers gripped the sword-hilt, that hadn’t gone well for it.

‘I think they’re being manufactured somehow. Captain Tremari has some ability to counter them, by siphoning away their power somehow. Although it is somewhat unpredictable, but it can be a useful tool. Have you managed to detect them?’

‘Not reliably. They don’t have any ability to acquire information beyond the normal, so are limited for long-term infiltration with people that knew the original, but that doesn’t stop them causing a lot of damage. We’re having to try and vet all our recruits, but there’s so many camp followers it’s impossible.’ She growled in annoyance. ‘Any assistance will be gratefully received. Captain Tremari, I will need to have you talk to some of the specialists, to spread your knowledge.’

Janaxia’s eyes were wide, as she dipped into an overly-formal curtsey, hands reaching for non-existent skirts to pluck on, before recovering herself partway through and managing something that was probably meant to be a salute. It would never pass parade-ground muster, but Mother nodded to acknowledge her. Janaxia’s hair-lash throbbed a deep and intense red, Stathis trying not to wince as she spoke.

‘Do you have any plans for this?’

‘With your extra forces, if it comes to a battle, we can be more assured of victory. Although I will need a full detailing of the forces available, as it seems you have attracted some irregular units and non-standard auxiliaries. As well as a lot of magical equipment!’

‘It’s been a long journey. I’m sure someone will have that information.’ That earned her a sharp look. She’d been busy! And the clerks seemed to like scribbling things down all the time. ‘It would probably be better if the Sethans weren’t forced to fight their kin though. I don’t think they’re the true enemy.’

‘For now, I will manoeuvre to keep them from moving themselves – while you launch a raid on the town. Small and fast – that should be what you and your allies are best suited for?’

Semari moved forward, starting to speak before Stathis grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and dragged her back, lifting her off the floor and ignoring her wriggling.

‘Yes. Someone’s probably in there, controlling this, or creating that mist. What’s the timeframe?’

‘Today. While the sun is up – whatever’s going on in there, it’s a lot louder at night. I’ve had to pull scouts back, otherwise they don’t come back alive, and the last thing I want to do is provide more forces to the enemy.’

‘Understood. I’ll gather and launch as soon as possible.’

‘Excellent. And try not to loose another suit of armour? Even I don’t have multiple sets around for you! And then perhaps we can have a lengthier discussion about our next steps.’

Semari wriggled around, twisting her body around Stathis’ grip, somehow working herself loose. ‘You better feed us like last time! Not had a proper spread for ages.’

Mother’s lips tightened, before she burst into laughter, taking several seconds to get herself under control. ‘Well, that I can do. Although it sounds like we might be breaking bread with some unusual folk soon enough. But your information will help the diplomatic front.’

‘Good. The less time we spend fighting pointless fights, the sooner we can get this over with.’

‘Every soldier’s dream! Well, there will be time for that later. And other questions. But for now, ready your team. Oh, and tell Pajaran and Brina they’ve been promoted – if they’ve managed to keep up with you, they’ve earned it!’

Dorothea handed over some scrolls, both sealed with chunky wax lumps, before mounting herself back on the griffon, the giant beak clicking as the reins were tugged.

‘Time – the one thing we can never have enough of. But we must make do and do what we can.’ A gem on her gorget flashed with light, her voice suddenly amplified again. ‘We are Iristari! We endure, to the last! The first cut of light against the darkness, and the last shield to protect the innocent!’

The soldiers answered back; ‘Against fire, against darkness, against death! We do not break! For the winged sword of the Iristari!’ Janaxia looked slightly stunned – whether from the sound or from not being attacked, Stathis couldn’t tell.

‘Commander Stathis will lead you in the field. Once this operation is dealt with, then you will unite with the greater Iristari forces.’

She swung herself onto the griffon, wind buffeting Stathis’ face as it took off, launching itself into the sky, Stathis saluting it. Almost instantly, a runner approached, expecting orders, Stathis sending him to round up everyone else.