The next morning, after a relaxingly languorous mutual awakening, Stathis dressed, leaving Brina to return to a peaceful doze. From the sun, it was almost noon, but it wasn’t as though they had any pressing engagements, although smoke was still rising from some parts of the city. Hakara looked like death, her face ashen, morosely sipping at water, with one of Parth’s tough biscuits already melted into paste in front of her.

She mumbled something that might have been a greeting. Jalmi was less wretched-looking, and Semari was almost offensively perky, cooking up a decent (and human) breakfast, eggs and bacon sliding around a pan, scent making Stathis’ stomach rumble. Semari grinned and nodded at Stathis, before flicking the pan, managing to perfectly flip and catch the contents.

‘Janaxia’s not up either! Two in one night, impressive.’

‘Dammit, I didn’t do anything with Janaxia.’ The looks coming from everyone except Hakara were all strongly doubtful. ‘I didn’t! We just talked. So, we’re moving out soon.’

Jalmi spoke. ‘Why? Stay a while, have a break. I guess weddings take a while to organise, but you should stay for a while, at least.’

‘Dalin asked if we could leave. Well, me specifically.’

‘Well, tell him to shove off. Is he just jealous ‘cos you saved everyone down at the arena, and he doesn’t want anyone else being the hero? He can stand to share the credit a little.’

‘Nah, it’s politics. I’d rather you keep this quiet, but I’m an Iristari. If you’ve ever heard of Carissia of the Iristari of whatever god or gods she’s working for at the moment, she’s my sister.’

‘Wow. Wait, so your mother is…’

‘Yeah. Hence why it’s a bit awkward having me here, he probably doesn’t want to be accused of being an Iristari puppet or anything. Or you, actually.’

Jalmi focused through her alcoholic blur. ‘Wait, isn’t there that song about your father? “Queen ‘o the Broken Gate”, quite catchy.’

‘Yeah, that’s about me. And no, none of them are right.’ The noontime sun shining through the window was soothing and warm, making her want to relax again, or just go back to bed, as Semari slid food onto a plate, sliding it towards Stathis.

‘Hey, that’s, like, the one about the really friendly lady, isn’t it? Gets with a lot of dudes, doesn’t know who knocked her up, then goes to conquer a load of places. I never knew you were famous like that! Taking on a demon and a god at once seems fiddly, and a giant seems like it might, like, hurt, quite a bit, stretch things out a lot, ouch! They’re probably pretty big downstairs, I’m guessing.’

‘I’ve not heard that version. And no, I don’t want to either. But it’s probably better to be gone while you and Dalin solidify your power and everything. Try not to be too bloody to start with.’

Jalmi was tapping her fingers on the table, idly drumming that damn tune. Bloody bards, spreading catchy rumours! ‘Guess that makes sense. Put it down to a mysterious angel, or somethin’, I guess. Heard you summoned up wings of light and stuff at the arena?’

‘Yeah, but I’d rather you keep it quiet, please?’

‘Oooo, was daddy an angel? That’d explain a lot.’ Semari folded an entire rasher of bacon into her mouth, chomping through it.

‘Not really, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Anyway, if you could keep that to yourself, I’d appreciate it.’

‘I guess havin’ an Iristari owe me favours is a good thing, right? You’ve done me and mine a solid, and I never tattle. And Janaxia did help set me up with Dalin, so I figure I’m up on the deal. Shame she won’t be stickin’ around though, she could probably give good weddin’ advice. Those dresses are too big and fluffy, I want to be able to fight if shit goes sideways.’

‘From past experience, wear something loose, with light armour underneath. Get a decent sword, put it into a fancy sheathe. And sensible shoes. You’ll be glad of them if something does happen. No heels. And as many potions as you can pour into hipflasks.’

‘I guess you’ve got experience in this stuff? Anything for hair and makeup?’

‘Go simple, you don’t want it unravelling and getting in the way – make sure it won’t get in your eyes. Makeup’s not really my thing. When Janaxia’s up, go and ask her. Although she’ll probably suggest something super-fancy.’

‘True. Gods, I’m a fucking Duchess. That’s going to take some getting used to! Lots of bowing and scraping and stuff from now on. Damn, this is going to get weird.’ She shook her head, breaking out of her reverie. ‘So, where you off to next? Don’t really follow adventurer gossip.’

‘Might try and stay out of towns for a while, maybe find a dungeon? We’ll hit the road, sure we’ll find something. Or Carissia will bloody show up again or something. But are you sure you’ll be OK? It’s a lot to take in. Try and find some good people you can trust, otherwise you’ll drown in paranoia. At least most of the city itself seems decent enough, hopefully it’ll get better without the demon-summoning and stuff.’

‘Thanks. And thanks for everything you’ve done – I didn’t expect anything like this to happen!’

‘Don’t worry about it, glad to help. Although are you going to be OK? Try and keep your criminal friends from being too criminal as well, because that could get problematic.’

‘Ah, that’ll be fine. I can have them thrown in jail if they piss me off.’ She paused. ‘I probably shouldn’t joke about that, should I?’

‘Probably not, might make people get the wrong idea. Just try and be fair, I guess? Although this is mostly stuff I’ve picked up second-hand, it’s hard enough keeping this lot in order!

Semari objected. ‘Hey, we did good without you! Helped free a city from evil rule and all that. Oh, you should get Brina to make a song about us, that’d be cool! And you were too busy getting, like arrested and stuff, so you were no help. This should all be your thing, but we did most of the work.’

‘I broke apart a demon-summoning-murder-cult and freed a load of people that were going to be sacrificed, while you were performing robberies! While we’re on that, I’m guessing you’ve sold it all already, so you can’t give it back?’

Jalmi shrugged. ‘If they want it back, they can buy it back. Good for the city n’ stuff, right, keeps the gold movin’ around? It’s not like they’re goin’ without or anything. Although there’s the Duke’s guard somewhere – heard you broke his arm, Semari.’

‘Yeah. Tough bastard.’

Stathis nodded. ‘He fought like you do. Any idea what’s up with that? Do you think he drinks lightning as well?’

‘Dunno. Hopefully he’ll bleed out and die in a sewer.’

‘Wow, that’s harsh! Probably better if he were to be captured and questioned – he probably had some idea of what was going on. Or might have been supplying that creepy warped metal stuff. When Hakara’s alive again, I’ll ask if she knows anything about it. Just keep an eye out for him, and any strange metal stuff. What’s happened with the bracelets?’

‘Something broke the spell on them yesterday, so most have been destroyed. I’ve had a couple saved if someone wants to look at them.’

‘Good idea. Probably some sort of life-draining demon-thing – make sure to have a good clean out of your castle.’

Janaxia emerged, looking fully rested and recovered, her clothing less flashy than usual, although the lace at neck and wrist was a touch excessive, white shot through with crimson threads. Her face, though, was even more artful than usual, with stunningly shaded eyeshadow rippling out in fine gradations of colour, her lips a glossy red, brassy-red chains wound around her horns.

She sauntered over, heels clicking on the floor. ‘Good afternoon, Duchess Jalmi Cormantara, by right of conquest.’ She gave a slight curtsey, jewellery softly jangling. ‘And food rather more digestible then allegedly royal elven cooking? My thanks, Semari.’

Watching Janaxia in full regalia daintily and tidily consume a dirty, greasy breakfast was an education, countless tiny bites slowly reducing the food away to nothing. She chattered away to Jalmi, giving advice on how to convey presence and majesty. Surprisingly, it was good advice, and generally light on the expected ‘tyranny’, ‘torture’ and ‘brutal murder of enemies’, although there was a certain amount of covert tyranny.

And were you able to rest as well? You appear much refreshed, although are still rather slovenly dressed. I hope you appreciate my talents rather more now

Having Janaxia’s voice echo within her head, while her ‘normal’ voice spoke out loud was distinctly unnerving. Stathis nodded, not wanting to break into the conversation.

Well, you appear to have overcome your afflictions – something to be celebrated, I feel. And I feel most invigorated as well. She look at Hakara, looking exceptionally smug, as Hakara turned green and bolted away, followed by the sounds of retching. I surmise she celebrated to excess last night? Well, she is still rather callow and inexperienced, although I allow that she does have some uses

Semari poked her in the head, setting her chains jangling again. ‘So, you going to go evil again? You were, like, full evil sorcerer-bitch-queen back then. Neat clothing, although a bit trampy and looked uncomfortable, but woulda been a pain to beat you up.’

‘I suspect it was the sheer strength of the magic in that place, earthing itself through the most magically receptive individual, namely; myself. I’m sure Hakara would concur, were she not otherwise engaged.’

There was a particularly-painful sounding series of choking gasps from the bathroom, Stathis slipping away to help Hakara recover. While there was little her magic could do, Hakara seemed to appreciate the support, managing to cough out words of thanks between dry-wretching. Stathis patted her on the back, keeping her supplied with water, then dumping her back into a bed to rest up.

Sometime later, a sealed letter arrived, addressed to her, bearing the seal of Cormantara, delivered by a weary-looking guard. Stathis cracked it open, ignoring the curious eyes of Janaxia as she did so.

My thanks once again, Stathis. With your aid, freeing Cormantara has been vastly easier than I anticipated. My apologies for being brusque, but I must nevertheless ask you to depart soon, before your presence becomes known. Having it be known that my reign started with the aid of the Iristari would see me quickly unseated, I fear. Thankfully, your intervention at the arena is being put down as divine intervention, a “mysterious stranger from the heavens” and so forth, but it would be appreciated if you were to absent yourself in the near future. I have arranged for some compensation to be delivered, to account for your labours.

The guard had handed over a small wooden chest, which Semari had wrenched open, breaking the lock. Inside was an untidy pile of treasure – battered jewellery, a small bar of gold, some loose gems, a magical necklace, at least if the glowing gems were any sign, and a dagger of black metal, the pommel decorated with a scarlet ruby.

A somewhat random assortment, I’m afraid, but my funds are stretched a little thin currently. The dagger is enchanted with fire magic, while the amulet protects the bearer. And gold, of course, is always appreciated, and will, I hope, ease any hard feelings. Should I find out anything more about source of the dark magics at play, then rest assured that I will communicate such as needed; such things are a threat to us all, and most be united against and destroyed.

Brina will be staying, if she desires – while I daresay another agent will be inserted soon enough, an agent I know the identify of will be useful. Rest assured, I mean her no harm, but the position of court bard is free, and her sunny disposition may help bring cheer to the court. Of course, I imagine there will be rumours of her being my mistress, but that is largely my own fault, and I believe her interests were largely professional rather than personal? Something of a sting to my pride, but perhaps for the best, given the circumstances, and it is probably better than getting stabbed by Jalmi.

Kindly convey my best wishes to Lady Janaxia, Miss Hakara, and Semari, and to your elven colleague. Although I would warn you that the elven dominions are plotting something – ancient sites of their power are being visited, ‘ambassadors’ are appearing in lands that haven’t seen an elf since the Empire fell, in pursuit of some unknowable goal. While I trust your choices, be wary that something ancient seems to be awakening. I know of your Mother’s thoughts on such matters, and long thought them foolish, but have seen much these last few days that wonders if studying the ancient texts may perhaps have been of more use than swordplay.

Finally, given the contents of this letter, I am trusting you will not allow it to fall into the wrong hands, or indeed any other hands but your own.

Again, my thanks

She summarised the contents to Semari and Janaxia.

‘Still say it’s a dick move, for a chill dude. I’ve never been to a fancy wedding before, and I bet Jalmi’d be fine with it.’

‘Such is the way of power – those that bear the sword and crown must take care not to be overfond of allies, lest an emotional link turn into a weakness. No doubt this is why you, Stathis, keep yourself distant from others. Although it is a touch regretful. Nevertheless, we are to be moving on shortly, I assume? I will begin packing immediately.’ Janaxia turned around, managing to sweep out dramatically, despite the small size of the room, in a ruffle of lace and scent.

‘Semari, got any idea where Parth is?’

‘Off doing, like, elf stuff, I think. Got all deep and portent-y. Said she’d meet us on the road, and that if we got paid anything, to make sure she got an even share. And that the city is sick and poisoned, and should be burnt off the land, like a cancer.’

‘Uh, is she OK? That sounds pretty violent for her.’

‘Dunno, think she’s just being, like, elfy and stuff. They get all weird and stuff every so often, maybe it’s her time of the decade or something? Is that a thing that elves do? Don’t think she’s going to be burning anything down though, she’s not that mean. Probably doesn’t like demons either, I guess? And Janaxia’s been getting pretty weird lately, so that might have set her off as well. Or she just wants to chill for a bit in the woods. Although it’s not fair that she gets cool ghost-walking powers when I don’t!’

‘Semari, you can run up walls and punch people hard enough to send them flying, that’s pretty special! And you’re really, really fast.’

‘Meh, it’s not that cool. Although I guess it’s better than just being able to sword stuff good, that’d be really boring. At least you’ve got your weird glowy stuff, from whoever your father is. We ever going to meet him?’

‘I never have, and I’m really not sure that’s possible. It was something of a one-off. You know anything about that other guy you fought?’

Semari’s face turned serious and she looked away. ‘Nope. No idea. Must be some weird demon-thing, infused with power? Probably dead in a ditch now, anyway, and not a problem anymore.’

‘Semari, if there’s something going on, please just tell me. It’ll be easier than when dozens of lightning-eating fist-fighters start attacking us or something!’

She shrugged and looked away, picking up the knife. The ruby shone with a crimson glare, a lick of flame spreading along the blade. ‘Shiny!’ She cut and sliced the air with it, the rooming quickly growing hotter.

‘Fine, if you say so. And put that down before you set something on fire! Do you even want it? You don’t even use weapons.’

‘Hey, it’s kinda cool. Plus easier than mucking about with a tinderbox. And it fits Janaxia’s style, I guess.’ She chanted some mystic-sounding noises as she continued to flick the knife about. ‘Looks like it should be plunged into a maiden’s heart at a crossroad, kind of thing. Guess I’ll go get ready then, as we’re being kicked out.’ Stathis took the knife off her before she left, leery of the place getting burnt to the ground.