The darkness was a veil ahead of them, advancing fast enough to be perceptible, like thick clouds in front of the sun. But there wasn’t that much of a boundary before it changed from “mist” to “impenetrable darkness”, everything beyond hidden in night-black shadow. From up here, the columns of the army could be seen, as well as the straggling groups of refugees, uneven blobs strung out along the roads. The different groups within the army could still be seen, although they looked a little closer together now, the delineations less overt.

The Sethan cohort was a riot of colours compared to the others, brilliant greens, reds and yellows visible, even on those strung out behind, into the thick shadows and darkness. Stathis looked for the command tent, still getting pulled along, squeezing her knees and leaning, trying to steer the eagle. It squawked indignantly, turning its head.

‘Well, are you going down or not?’

It squawked again, and Stathis sighed, before lifting a leg and rolling to the side, her own wings growing from her back, catching the air. It made a more complex-sounding noise, probably a curse if they had a language, before flapping its wings, gaining height.

The others seemed to have better luck steering their steeds, or possibly the other eagles were better behaved, as they started to circle downwards, in wide, even arcs.

Stathis let herself plummet, air whipping around her, before spreading her wings to catch an updraught, slowing her fall into a steady dive, aiming for the circular hole in the roof of the command tent. At least having blazing-bright wings should be enough of a giveaway that she wasn’t an enemy! Although she could see some archers looking up at her, just in case.

She dropped through the hole, extinguishing her wings just before landing, dropping onto the wooden floor. Everyone else stopped, giving her salutes.

‘As you were.’

Activity resumed, reports getting filed, markers on the huge map in the centre of the room getting carefully moved around by gentle pokes from wooden rods. Dorothea was there, a tiny scroll in one hand. As she finished reading it, it burst into flame, disintegrating into a pile of ash.

‘Your mission was successful. Very good.’

‘I thought your network was broken?’

‘Well, you’re here, so I’m assuming you managed it. And you don’t even look too battered, for once. You look strangely rested! Were you able to be healed by a cleric?’

Stathis remembered last night, unable to prevent herself smiling. ‘Well, we got rid of Peresperan, so Master Yeros should be able to deal with it now. And found a new ally…’

Semari slammed to the ground next to her, the wooden floor shattering as she landed, boards cracking apart. Dorothea raised her arms to shield herself from the spray of splinters, before brushing more off her skirt.

‘So, Sainted Hirata is saved?’

‘Well, there’s still demons and undead around, but without anyone to summon up more or organise them, it should limit things a lot. And all the squires are helping as well, now that Yeros has whipped them into shape. What’s happened here?’

‘The darkness is spreading faster – Hakara thinks that it has hit a tipping point, where it’ll get faster and faster now. We won’t be able to outpace it for long, and then we’re going to struggle to maintain any kind of cohesion. We can do a bit with drums and horns, but there’s no way we’ll be able to maintain a good pace in the day, without having to use a lot of magical energy on trying to light the path. And we’d be sitting ducks for any area-of-effect attacks! Oh, there’s been a few minor attacks and assaults while you’ve been gone. Nothing that noteworthy, but enough to further slow us down, and drain our reserves more.’

The light inside the room started to dim – glancing up, Stathis could see up through the hole in the roof, a dark disc now partially blocking the light, descending at a steady rate.

Stathis went over to the map, twisting her head, trying to figure out where everything was. This was the main column, with support forces moving in a broad front, all close enough together that they could reinforce if needed, and to stay in close contact with each other. Other colours marked out the other groups and their relative sizes – it looked as though they had picked up some more Sethans? And another mercenary or unaffiliated group?

The refugee groups were marked with plain wooden markers, scattered over the plains. An aide checked his notes, then pushed one forward several inches.

‘Any reports on Saltstone?’

‘Nothing reliable. Rumours of monsters and undead, villages stripped bare of their population. It sounds plausible, but there’s nothing concrete, and it would take too long to get someone in and out for anything more accurate. And with that pall of darkness, then even scouts can’t see much, so a full report would take resources we don’t have.’

‘It looks like where we’re headed though?’

‘We need a destination, and it’s as good as anywhere else.’

Stathis looked at the map, crunching the numbers. ‘It’s going to be at least a week for the bulk of the army?’

‘More like two – maintaining a forced march at night is going to be hard. And there’s probably going to be some battles in there, so we’ll have to march in combat order. Marching drums and horns means no sleep either.’

The dark circle was still descending, now blocking out the light through the hole. It suddenly blinked out of existence, Janaxia dropping the rest of the way, managing a graceful landing, despite her heels. Her dress was red again, but she’d created a blue shawl for herself, shot through with golden thread, fingering it possessively as she stared at Dorothea. Skotadi was with her, scowling faintly, before a slash of shadow cut the air, Armoniki stepping through.

They looked about with interest, moving over the map, straining to stand on tiptoes so they could see better. Semari grabbed them from behind, ignoring their sound of surprise as she lifted them up to see better.

‘This is Armoniki. They’re Skotadi’s sibling. We found them in Hirata.’

Dorothea looked between the two of them, before curtseying. ‘I can see the resemblance.’

That provoked a hiss of displeasure from both of them, fangs getting bared.

‘Younger brother?’

Armoniki scowled and hissed again, as Skotadi smiled, brushing invisible dust off her shoulders.

‘They’re the same age, at least as much as it matters. It’s complicated. But they want to help, but we need to get to Saltstone.’

Armoniki, now perched on Semari’s shoulders, stopped scowling at Skotadi long enough to examine the map more carefully. Darkness flickered around his fingers, nudging at some of the counters.

An interesting deployment. A very diverse army – although not tested in battle. Can such different elements hope to battle together? It will be interesting to see. Although I suppose the opposition is just as scattered.

Dorothea looked around, obviously “hearing” the voice inside of her head, trying to see where it was coming from.

‘We’re still working on their manners.’

Skotadi curtseyed back, lifting her skirts to reveal stocking-clad legs before dropping it back. Janaxia nodded approvingly, even as the effect was undercut by the air around Skotadi shimmering with dark power, a tendril of shadow flicking out at her, slicing through part of her dress. It started to regenerate as she scowled at Armoniki.

‘Stop that! Both of you. Do you see anything useful, Armoniki? Any old magical ruins that could be used to move fast or anything?’

Much has changed since I travelled the world. Or at least cared to pay attention. And Saltstone has a poor reputation. There seemed little reason to visit such a place.

There is no call to be rude! Although I agree it is rather lacking in pleasant facilities. Perhaps afterwards, there may be a chance to improve it somewhat? Maybe it will be mostly destroyed – that would certainly make things easier. Janaxia sounded somewhat hopeful.

‘Let’s get through this first! Armoniki, are you able to banish any demons we might fight? That would let us save a lot of resources.’

Perhaps. Although you are asking a lot of me! Why should I obey you?

‘Because otherwise everything goes to shit? You can pretend if you want, but you’ll get very bored if everyone is dead. And given what they’re doing to the Blade, I doubt you’d come out of it very well if they started coming after you to tear apart for magical power-ups. And, I don’t know, I’ll give you something nice afterwards? There must be something that you do want, and if we’re not dead, then we can sort it out then. Plus I don’t think Skotadi can do it.’

Skotadi’s hiss was venomous, but Armoniki nodded. I may be able to, with those that were recently called here. Those that have been here for longer will be harder to dislodge.

‘I’ll take whatever I can get.’

Armoniki gestured with a hand, some of the unused counters rising up into the air and flying towards them, getting plucked out of the air by a slender hand, clacking together.

Dorothea approached Stathis, speaking quietly. ‘Another magical orphan? How dangerous is this one?’

‘Probably very?’ Stathis tried to explain the situation as quickly as possible, without getting too bogged down in detail. Dorothea’s face went through various colours, from a shocked red, to a vaguely terrified white, her eyes wide, glancing at both Armoniki and Skotadi in fear. ‘Yeah. I’m trying to stop the squabbling. I’d rather not have any more holy relics burst into flames. At least, I think that was partially them. Anyway, I’m hoping they’re going to help us.’

The discs were clicking and clacking together in mid-air. One was suddenly wrenched out of pattern, Skotadi grabbing it from the air.

Stathis groaned. ‘No squabbling! Or I’ll…’ Was there anything she could threaten them with? Other than physically picking up them, and even that seemed limited, if they used their magical powers to resist. ‘Just don’t fight, OK? We’ve got enough problems already.’

I hear there are those of the old blood here. Perhaps they could be of use?

‘You’re not using them as servants! Or anything else.’

Dorothea was looking at her strangely, not privy to this conversation. ‘If you ever hear a voice in your head, it’s probably them. Or Janaxia, but she at least sounds like herself. They were asking if they could have some Sethans. How are they integrating with command?’

‘Loosely. And I’ve no idea where their split between “civilian” and “fighter” is. A lot of them just seem to come and go. It makes keeping track of numbers a nightmare!’ She turned to Armoniki, dipping her head in a slight bow. ‘Is there some specific way you should be addressed?’

Armoniki smiled, mouth full of sharp teeth. This one shows respect! And has much wisdom. I have gone by many names, but…

‘Just use Armoniki. They’re bad enough already, don’t go giving them ideas.’ Both of them turned to glare at her, now united. ‘Janaxia, could you get Sen? She’s normally sensible, she could look after them while we’re here.’

‘The liaison officer is currently with Hakara and Kivata. They were organising… something magical? Hakara tried explaining it, but it made my head hurt. I can send a runner though.’

‘Yeah, she has that effect. If you could. And, um… where’s Mother?’ Stathis winced, seeing that Janaxia was now playing with her azure-blue wrap, twisting it through her fingers, making the golden thread twist and sparkle. Was that a blue sheen beneath her red forelock as well, or was that just the low light? Either way, a host of questions might be asked that Stathis didn’t want to answer!

‘On patrol – Commander Iochia wanted to check the morale of the outlying units.’

Stathis let out a sigh. That was one less thing to worry about! Now they just had to try and be gone before she got back!

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before Sen returned – she’d changed her look, adding some semi-ornamental almost-armour, brass scale-plates sliding together as she moved, a metal spike-covered thing that was vaguely sword-shaped on her hip. Hopefully the metal bits were all blunt, otherwise she’d be putting herself in danger if she ever had to move.

She performed a long and intricate bow, closer to a dance, Janaxia extending her hand to be kissed. Sen’s eyes lingered on the shawl, before flicking over to Stathis.

Janaxia withdrew her hand, making some gesture of courtesy with it. ‘I am glad to see that everything seems under control. Now, we will need food and water for travel. And also a report on all that has proceeded in our absence. Oh, and some clothing, for this one in particular.’ She gestured at Armoniki, still mounted on Semari’s shoulders. ‘Something with a little more grandeur, as they seem unwilling to do it for themselves.’

‘Of course, Lady Janaxia. Magus Hakara is attempting to enact an illumination spell, one that will spread light across the entire army. It would be of help.’

‘I’m sure it would, but she needs some damn sleep! Even if someone needs to knock her out. Takes too much onto herself. Although at this stage, I’ll take whatever help we can get. Just make sure she’s not exhausting herself too badly! We could really do with a caster that knows all the magical theory and stuff, to help with traps and things. Sen, do you know how quickly Hakara can disengage from her work here?’

‘She appeared to be rather involved, Lady Stathis. But I will ask.’ She looked at Armoniki. ‘And some better clothing can certainly be found. What status would be appropriate?’

‘The same as Skotadi, but if you could find something appropriate for the battlefield? Just in case. And I don’t want to hear any arguments from you! Those rags look like they’re about to fall apart. And don’t try and imitate Semari.’

They both pulled a face at her.

‘None of that! And you can get something for yourself as well, Semari, before those rags fall off. If you’re not going to wear armour, then at least you can have clothing that’s not falling apart. I’ve no idea how long this will be going for, but it’s better to not be naked in a fight! Anyway – sorry to lay this all on you, but we’ll need to head out as soon as possible. With any supporting troops that can manage to move in the darkness. I want to hit Saltstone as soon as possible, and we can’t take weeks to get there. Light calvary, skirmishers, whoever you’ve got that can keep marching through whatever’s on the way. We don’t have the time to get heavy infantry there, and heavy cavalry hasn’t got the stamina.’

‘Must we leave so soon? It feels as though we’ve only just arrived.’

‘Sorry Janaxia – but this is sort of the end of the world, so there’s not much time to rest!’

Sen dipped her head again. ‘I will hurry to fetch what you need. And Magus Hakara as well.’

‘Good. Thanks again.’

It didn’t take long for Hakara to appear, with Kivata in tow, the two of them both in enchanted robes, glowing with pale blue light. Hakara looked tired and drawn, one of her hands twisting through magical gestures, soft little puffs of runes appearing and then blinking out.

‘Stathis! Good to see you.’ Her head dipped, Kivata having to support her.

‘Are you getting enough sleep? You look exhausted.’

‘There is… a lot to do. And so much to study! I will endure. I may have figured out a way to transport a small group through the darkness. At least, with Janaxia to act as a stabilising element, thanks to her unique affinities.’ She glanced at Skotadi. ‘Well, mostly unique.’

Janaxia walked over, pushing herself against Stathis, shoulder-to-shoulder. ‘That would make a certain amount of sense. Although how risky is this procedure? Considering the scope of what we are facing, then I imagine there may be some danger?’

‘A small hazard. I think?’ She looked between Stathis and Janaxia, frowning for a moment before shaking her head, still looking exhausted. ‘As risk-free as possible, although it will set you somewhere outside of Saltstone – it is likely that there are wardings present, so moving you in too close seems risky.’

Stathis sighed, giving Janaxia a quick, and hopefully subtle, squeeze. ‘How long will it take to set up? And how dangerous?’

‘Relatively swift. I have managed to send some small creatures through, that came out largely unscathed. And you are more robust than a rabbit, so I’m sure it will be fine.’

‘That’s… not entirely reassuring. But it’s that or those damn eagles again, and I don’t think they like flying into the darkness.’

‘Guardians of the sky, but bound by sight.’

‘Thanks Parth, thought so.’ Stathis sighed again. ‘Right, we can rest up while Hakara gets everything she needs set up, then head through. Ready to go home, Janaxia?’

Mrhhm. I much prefer Redcastle, it’s rather warmer there. Less… soggy. But I will prepare myself.