Now that Carissia had left, her apartments were free again. With the windows open and the fires allowed to cool, it was a more comfortable temperature, even if darkness seemed to linger more than it should in the corners. Tunera had requisitioned it to have somewhere to celebrate her first victory, the table set with food and drink. Since killing the beast, the spear had changed, now shining with a perpetual inner glow, bright enough that it needed covering up so as not to be distracting.

Now it was in the corner of the room, hidden beneath a blanket, lightning the room whenever the covering was pulled aside. Semari clambered in through a window, scraping in through the narrow gap.

‘Weather’s better now. Although makes it a lot more boring. More fun when there’s, like, thunder and stuff.’ A large bruise covered half her arm, flesh mottled, and she winced as she brushed against a wall.

‘What have you been doing to get that?’ asked Stathis.

‘Practicing against Brevik.’ She punched the air a few times. ‘Not used to fighting against someone that strong. Bloody hurts when he hits! I’m winning more than I’m losing though.’

‘Good for you. Hey, does he absorb lightning like you? Maybe you’re quarter-giant or something.’

‘Musta missed out on the “giant” bits! Or I’m due, like, a major growth spurt. Dunno though, didn’t really talk about that.’

‘Well, it’s a useful skill, if odd. Maybe you’re descended from a storm god or spirit or something? Did you ever ask Kethys about it?’

She grimaced. ‘Don’t really like talking about it. Just ‘cos you grew up in, like a palace and had servants and stuff, doesn’t mean everyone had a nice time. Bad memories.’

‘Sorry, didn’t realise it was such a sore point for you. Just don’t want you suddenly blowing up and transforming into a spirit or growing really huge or something. It’s bad enough worrying about Janaxia and if she’s going to suddenly announce the start of her reign of darkness and blood, I’d rather not have you becoming the ruler of the Stormcallers or something.’

‘Ooo, cool name. Who they?’

‘Barbarian tribe, they can, well, call storms. Pretty scary when they’re charging at you with an axe in each hand and there’s lightning blasting everywhere! I think they learn it somehow though, rather than inheriting it. They can’t fly though, as far as I know, and channelling lightning through your fists is probably unhealthy.’

‘That sucks! Not fair that only wizards can get to fly. And you, and you don’t even want to.’ She pouted. ‘I bet Janaxia’s going to get, like, wings of shadow or something eventually. Probably just before we have to kill her.’

‘We’re not killing Janaxia! At least without a good reason; she’s not done more than go weird a few times. She didn’t do anything when we were fighting that thing downstairs, other than space out.’

‘Yeah, bit disappointing. Was hoping she, like, go all evil. Get a new outfit, maybe. Although the collar’s a nice touch, show her who’s the boss.’

‘It’s a choker, not a collar! And I’m not in charge.’ Stathis paused. ‘Well, OK, I am. But she can wear what she wants.’ She tossed Semari a beer, hoping to change the subject. ‘You manage to get a look at her book recently?’

‘Got a clasp on now, can’t get it open. Managed to squeeze a finger in the edge, swear the damn thing tried to bite me!’

‘I’ll get Hakara to take a look, she might be able to magic it open or something. Now that Janaxia’s feeding it scrolls, then she’s going to learn more spells. Like that disc-thing.’

‘Yeah, but she got horse-naxia, who’s pretty neat. Bit slobbery, but not bad, for a horse. So it’s not all evil and sexy doom, it’s magical horses as well.’

Parth ghosted through the ceiling, fading back into reality and dropping the rest of the way. ‘Resolution.’ She nodded, seeming satisfied.

‘Sure, if you say so. So, Melltgalwr doing OK?’

‘Disciplined, in hand.’

‘Great. Maybe next time your lot could deal with the ancient magical sorceress before she tries killing people? I know you like to take a long view, but couldn’t you just have gotten a group together and killed that thing years ago?’

‘Balance. Timing. All must be in harmony.’

‘Right. Just so you know, I’m getting you shitfaced and am going to get a full sentence out of you tonight.’ Stathis handed over a rune-pocked vial. ‘Drink up. No idea what the hell goes into that, but apparently it’s vintage stuff, got it from a trader on the way out. Looks like Tunera got some wine for Janaxia as well. Guess this is her first victory feast? We’ll have to make sure she doesn’t get too drunk, or we’ll get in trouble.’

Semari shrugged. ‘Got to learn her limits sometime.’ She’d already finished her first beer, and was starting the next. ‘Where’s Janaxia? Not like her to miss out.’

Tunera entered, dressed noticeably more nicely than usual, something more fit for the parade-ground rather than the battlefield, although she didn’t look particularly happy. Still, she grabbed a drink herself, looking nervous before realising that no-one was going to stop her. Janaxia walked in after her, wearing a new outfit – still crimson silk, but rather than a thigh-slit, the “skirt” part was a curtain of fabric between her legs, showing them both off.

‘Our apologies, but it took a little while to prepare the Lady Tunera. She was a touch recalcitrant at first.’

Tunera shivered. ‘She called up a magical crown and then I couldn’t help myself, she seemed so friendly and reasonable.’

‘Janaxia, please don’t use your creepy mind-control stuff on allies. It’s really rude.’

Janaxia was unrepentant. ‘She was unwilling to listen to reason, and is fully equipped with a surprisingly extensive wardrobe, of which only a small portion appeared to have ever been worn. Nothing I would choose to wear, or that would even fit me, of course, but well-suited to the Lady Tunera’s frame and position. And she does look the part of the conquering princess, does she not? Bright, yet functional, sufficient to stand out at any social functions, yet practical enough to be useful should events conspire such that combat is needed.’

Semari pulled back a blanket, the golden light of the spear shining out. Janaxia winced, covering her eyes, the fringes of her clothing fraying slightly, golden choker becoming blinding as it reflected the light. Stathis tugged it back into place, Janaxia’s clothing repairing itself already.

‘Tunera, don’t drink too fast if you’re not used to it.’ She took a sip of the drink, wincing slightly and not quite able to hide it.

‘Yeah, it takes some getting used to. Oh, Parth? Don’t give her any of whatever that stuff you’re drinking is. Is it even safe for humans?’

Parth held out the flask, offering it around. Semari was the only taker, giving it a sniff before taking a sip. She shuddered, a brief green glow passing down her throat before she froze, staring into space before taking a deep breath, her exhalation scented like a mossy glade. ‘Fuck me, that’s a trip. Think I’ll stick to normal stuff.’ Parth accepted the flask back with a smug grin

Stathis sat down. ‘Right, so, first off, a toast to Tunera. For fighting off an ancient monster and defending this place from monsters.’ There was a delay as Janaxia picked through the bottles of wine before finding one she deemed acceptable, pouring herself a glass. Then they toasted, glasses chinking together, Tunera downing most of her drink in one, then looking slightly nauseous. ‘Go easy, this isn’t bad, but might not sit well. Have some food, at least. Where’s Hakara?’

Janaxia answered, after a languorous sip of wine. ‘With that rather loathsome Gervint. I suppose she must pretend courtesy for the sake of advancing her magical studies, but I do hope she doesn’t make a habit of finding such positively hateful tutors.’

Semari flicked a bottlecap at Janaxia, a flicker of darkness batting it aside before it hit. ‘Is this because he thinks you’re, like, Hakara’s apprentice? She does look more wizardly than you do.’

Janaxia’s hair-lash flared with sudden colour, matching her wine. ‘That is simply a sign of what a fool the man is! Despite Hakara being my junior in the Company, and far less experienced in combat and battle, to think that I am the newcomer?’ She drew herself up, about to launch into a lengthy diatribe. ‘Anyone with the slightest hint of discernment would clearly be able to see my superior abilities. After all, did you not pick me to support you?’

Stathis reached past her, picking up another bottle of wine. ‘Hey, they’ve got a Brennerholdt. You can have that next? And Hakara’s pretty good. And you still need to tell me what that scroll said, ideally before I have to pour all these bottles down your throat.’

‘That is something you need not concern yourself with. Simply tawdry rubbish, fit only for the fires.’

‘Ancient, invulnerable.’ Parth’s cheeks were now flushed, as she took another drink. ‘Wisdom of the ages.’

Janaxia sniffed. ‘I would vehemently disagree. Nothing but crude lies and aspersions.’

‘Nice dress, by the way. Bit of a change?’

There was a blur of movement as Semari darted forward, trying to flip the “skirt” upwards. She was met by a bolt of dark force catapulting her backwards into a wall, although had the presence of mind to toss her beer into the air first, rolling back to her feet and catching it as she stood up.

‘Play nice, you two! Try and be vaguely appropriate in front of Tunera.’

Tunera was now clutching another drink, now slowly sipping it, trying to get used to the flavour. ‘Are all adventurers like you?’

Stathis looked at them – Semari and Janaxia were squaring off, Semari dancing between bolts of eldritch energy, Parth getting steadily drunk on her own. ‘Um, maybe? We’re probably not that strange?’

The door opened, Hakara entering. A dart of energy blasted towards her, deflected by an azure barrier. She looked at Semari and Janaxia, one hand starting to cast some spell already.

‘Don’t worry, they’re just bickering again. Come get a drink. You learn anything new from Gervint?’

Janaxia managed to look away from squabbling with Semari long enough to glare, before a kick almost knocked her off balance.

‘I wrote up some notes for him, using my experience of the ancient magics we have observed. He based his own initial research on one of the elven sanctums that retreated from the material realm centuries ago, but hasn’t had much opportunity to further his studies.’

Semari had managed to close the gap and get close to Janaxia, sweeping her legs out, sending Janaxia toppling backwards. As Janaxia fell backwards she gestured at Semari, who blinked out of existence. Semari’s beer bottle toppled to the floor, landing without breaking or spilling.

Hakara and Tunera both squeaked nervously as Stathis sighed. ‘Janaxia, can you bring Semari back? Do you even know where you’ve sent her?’

‘She will return shortly. Probably. You’ve been there, and didn’t seem to find it so inhospitable.’

‘The place of infinite darkness we visited while I was doused in acid? Yeah, that was super-creepy and uncomfortable. New rule; no banishing of any of us without a really good reason. Hakara, can you have a look, see if you can sense anything? Or bring her back? It’s probably similar to your sanctum thing.’

Blue light flickered in the air as Hakara sent out probing magic. A faint glow showed a roughly Semari-shaped shape, more energy appearing as Hakara incanted. Crystalline dust flow from one of her pouches, clinging to the glowing shape. Then it started to turn black, energy leeching away into the darkness, the dust falling to the ground. Hakara’s chanting grew more fervent, the blue light flaring, before the darkness consumed it utterly.

‘Any idea where she is?’

‘Some place far beyond the normal places, past even the far quasi-elemental planes, I would surmise. Not places it is meant to be possible to travel to, outside of horrible accidents that generally end badly for all involved. Normally associated with everyone involved having their souls destroyed or suchlike.’

Janaxia seemed to be taking this as a compliment, looking inexplicably proud. ‘I do strive for excellence and being singular. In all things.’

Hakara cast another spell, the portal to her sanctum appearing. Except this time, the blue gateway was tainted with darkest black. A faint stirring moved the air, rapidly intensifying, the bottles clinking together in the sudden wind. Hakara’s robes started to flap in the air, as she tried to cancel her spell, some force keeping it open. Then she cast another spell, a flash of cold light, the magic winking out, both blue and black. Semari flashed back into existence, arms wrapped around herself.

‘Whoa, that was dark! And really boring. No fair!’

An impenetrable darkness filled the room, as Stathis grabbed Semari by the collar before she could start trying to pummel Janaxia again. She sighed. ‘Janaxia, when you’re done recreating your clothes, can you bring the light back? And please get some actual clothing? That dress looks great, but it’d be nice to not be plunged into depthless black, again.’

There was a tutting from nearby, followed by silky, slithering sounds, probably Janaxia’s dress flowing over her body. ‘Give me a moment. And thank you for the compliment, it is much appreciated.’

Shortly afterwards, the darkness vanished, light returning. Janaxia had reformed the same dress as earlier, twisting slightly to ensure it was properly in place.

‘Yes, this is new.’ She posed, turning slightly and tugging at the sleek fabric, showing off her thighs and legs. ‘Rather fetching, is it not?’

‘Looks good. I like the, uh, skirt bit.’

‘Yes, I thought you might find that appealing. Now, shall we begin?’

‘No banishings! And no punching either. Are you OK, Semari?’

Semari was twisting and wiggling, but more for show than with any violence. ‘That was dark, and creepy. Pretty much like Janaxia, really. But mostly boring.’

‘Anyway, Tunera, are you OK? You were holding everything together pretty well. But don’t mind this lot, they’re always like this.’

She was looking dazed, probably a combination of drink and seeing someone banished to whatever empty netherworld Janaxia was sending people to, and then being plunged into darkness. ‘It was terrifying! But we got through. And killing that monster felt awesome.’ Tunera uncovered the spear, Janaxia taking cover behind Stathis as the light washed out. ‘I bet this has gotten powered up as well.’

Janaxia made an odd hissing sound, her eyes flaring red until Stathis flipped the blanket back, the light vanishing. ‘Probably, I guess it was keeping the thing sealed or something? And without Melltgalwr wrecking the place, you can develop more. Should be good for you all.’ Stathis sat down next to the spear, trying to keep it covered up, Janaxia sitting next to her, bare leg brushing against Stathis’.

‘When are you going to go back to your place? You must be experienced enough to go and rule now, you dealt with that monster like it was nothing!’ She mimicked a sword thrust.

Janaxia turned to face Stathis, pushing even more closely against her. ‘Yes, Stathis, why don’t you return home? It would be pleasant to be somewhere rather more civilised for once.’

‘I’d really rather not, at least for a while. It tends to be hard to leave, and I always end up in charge of something. Although there is some stuff that I need to take care of at some point.’

Semari popped up another beer. ‘What’s the problem, too much luxury? Too fancy working with a queen?’

‘She’s not technically a queen. More of a… clearly the first amongst not-really-equals. But it’s bad enough managing you lot, never mind anyone else! And we’re doing good things. Despite occasional communication issues.’ She glared at Parth, who didn’t even seem to notice. ‘Any more elven stuff, or are you going to be vague and mysterious again?’

There was a long pause, Parth needing to concentrate to speak. ‘Ancient mysteries. Ancient and… dark. Dark and dangerous. Dangerous and…’ She was obviously drunk. Then she said something long and elven, gesturing repeatedly Janaxia and Stathis, and Tunera a few times. ‘Blood and darkness. Ancient enemies, risen anew. The Bell to call, the Blade to slay, the Book to bind.’ She took another drink, looking mournful as she tipped the flask upside down, having drained it completely.

Stathis resisted the urge to clap. ‘See? Almost sentences. Not that hard, is it?’

Parth said something short and harsh and probably very crude, looking at Stathis smugly.

‘I’ve no idea what you’re saying, you know. If you write it down, then Janaxia can read it.’

Parth started scribbling away, flowing elven script daubed onto Tunera’s notebook. ‘Moving on, thanks for your help, Hakara. You managed pretty well, think this is your first larger battle. You harvest anything good?’

‘Peryton tongues and harpy hearts. Somewhat valuable, at least to the right buyer.’

That drew Parth’s attention, as she looked up from her scribbling. ‘Profit shares.’

‘Yes, that is something I wished to discuss. As it seems as though the company charter is, um, inaccessible?’

‘Yeah, that’s a fair summary. So you’re obviously a member, but we can’t really update the paperwork.’

Parth growled.

‘I know, I know. I would sort it if I could, but unless you can dispel bloody Everfrost, then we’re kind of stuck. Given the circumstances, it could be worse, right?’

Parth handed over the piece of paper, Stathis handing it to Janaxia, who was now pushed up against her. As she read it, her face coloured. ‘Well. That is rather inventive. And would require one to be very flexible, or blessed with a very understanding partner. I did not think you knew of such activities! Stathis seems to have little inclination towards such things, either.’ She read on. ‘And I don’t think she is interested in anything involving…’

Stathis snatched it out of her hands, passing it back over to Tunera who looked at it, hopefully unable to read the elven script.

‘Aside from that; yes, Hakara, you’re a full member. You as well Parth, obviously, and don’t look at me like that. You could have shown up earlier that day! So yeah, equal shares, and a share to the Company. How much is currently in there, Parth? Must be a decent amount.’

‘Sufficient. Adequate.’

‘Any chance of an actual number?’

‘Yes, I would also be intrigued. Perhaps we should pay ourselves a bonus? We certainly have few outgoings these days. There are a few things I would like to acquire that are currently beyond my means.’ Janaxia leant over, body soft and warm as she pressed against Stathis.

Parth pulled the paper over, scribbling something down. Semari snatched it from her hands. ‘Wow. Not bad!’

Dark energy plucked it from her hands and pulled it over to Janaxia, who smoothed it out so that Stathis and Hakara could also see.

Hakara spluttered. ‘That much?’

Parth pulled the paper back, scribbling another, smaller sum. ‘Yours.’

‘Still, not bad. Guess that elven jewellery was worth a decent sum. Although what’s it in? Not copper, I hope?’

‘Gold. Pale gold.’

‘Electrum? Dammit Parth, just use gold. No-one uses electrum! How much is it even worth compared to gold?’ Stathis tried to do the maths, juggling the numbers. Noticeably less, assuming she was remembering correctly, but even Hakara’s share should be enough for magical supplies or whatever she wanted. And maybe a down-payment on a dress for Janaxia; the less material involved, the more expensive they tended to be in Stathis’ experience, unless she deemed the choker enough for now.

‘Hmm, I suppose I should plan what I desire. I’m sure I can find a few things. What of yourself, Stathis? Some new armour, perhaps?’

‘Would be nice. I’ll have to find an armourer though, and decent plate doesn’t come cheap. I’m hoping we find some, save a lot of trouble.’

Tunera grimaced. ‘Dead man’s armour, yuck.’

‘Damn sight better than having to buy it! Although my current set’s just about had it, after getting melted by that witch. Although did get a magical sword, so that’s a bonus. Supposed to be good against undead.’ She looked down - the hilt wasn’t glowing, seemingly accepting of Janaxia, or attuned more to undead than whatever she was. ‘Be nice not to have to worry about my sword breaking, or monsters I can’t hurt, like that bloody air elemental.’

‘If you would simply learn magic, then things would be much simpler.’

‘I think I’ll stick to sword and shield, someone’s got to stop you and Hakara getting stabbed.’

Janaxia patted her on the arm. ‘Something for which I am most thankful. Although perhaps if you could try and cause less disruption to my outfits in future?’

‘You make them from magic anyway, it’s not like they’re real.’

‘That is scarcely the point! I do aim to present myself to best advantage, regardless of circumstances. After all, if we were to visit your home, I wouldn’t wish to be thought slovenly. I’m sure even Semari would make an effort under such circumstances.’

Semari was currently “saving” Tunera from the dangers of alcohol, by drinking it all herself, offhandedly juggling the empties. Her clothing was still battered and ash-marked from the fight, edges burnt and frayed.

‘I wouldn’t want to bet on it. I don’t think Kethys taught her etiquette. Mother’s court is fairly relaxed though. You’d fit in well, but maybe something less fancy?’ Although she’d probably still cause a lot of trouble, and Dorethea’s spies would be pulling down overtime.

Hakara was nursing her own drink. ‘I’ve heard it’s a pleasant place, ruled well and ably.’

‘Yeah, it’s not a bad place. Most of the bandits have been taken out or pressured into signing on, and the monsters eliminated. The Academy means that there’s enough fighters and wizards to jump on anything that does show up. Last I heard they’d found some old tomb complex and were clearing that out. It might be good business, except I’d end up having to organise everything rather than getting stuck in myself. Plus the Academy takes most of the treasure.’

‘Sounds like a shit deal.’ Semari belched, to Tunera’s amusement.

‘They get training and backing, it’s better than some village kids going into a dungeon and getting themselves killed. It’s a better living than farming.’

Having Janaxia next to her was quite pleasant, her scent mingling with that of the drink, and then the food when that was bought out. Trying to keep Tunera from pulling the blanket back and admiring the spear was a challenge though, the dazzling Janaxia, sending her tattoo scurrying for cover when it was visible. The afternoon passed into evening with companionable chatter, and relatively few attempts at violence between Semari and Janaxia.