Stathis walked up the steps, feeling the smooth, well-worn wood beneath her hand. The place was far better than she’d been expecting, well-maintained and seemingly in good order. The landing at the top of the stairs was dominated by a giant stuffed monster, a hulking bear with the feathered, beaked head of an owl, posed ready to attack, claws extended. Laughter and cheer rang out from a door, and Stathis peeked in. It was a large, well-lit room, walls covered with bookshelves and comfortably furnished with chairs. There were several large tables set out and a group of people gathered around one of them, the clink of money changing hands.

No-one noticed her, all intent on the game as Stathis drifted closer – everyone was in their mid-teens, wearing the plain tabards of novices, not yet fully initiated into the order. From the piles of coins on the table, they were gambling, a tense moment of silence as a card was dealt, turned over with an appropriate amount of drama. One of them slapped the table, piles of coins falling over. ‘Dammit! Fine, you win.’ The coins were pushed into a heap, as one of them turned away, seeing Stathis. Their eyes widened in fear and they stumbled backwards, unable to speak, tapping another on the shoulder. Shock and terror spread amongst the group, before one of the brighter ones swept the coins off the table in a rather miserable attempt to hide the game, as cards vanished up sleeves.

‘Our apologies, um, lady knight. We were not expecting outsiders, and were, uh, studying.’

Stathis made herself look serious. ‘Studying was it? Looked a lot like five card stud to me.’ She walked over to the last two that had been left, pulling cards from their sleeves and pockets, comparing their hands. ‘You bet high with that? I hope you were card-counting, because a pair of threes?’ She shook her head. ‘Learn when to fold.’ At least the pile of money was mostly copper, so they weren’t gambling much. ‘And set a watch. Sloppiness will get you killed in the field.’ She shuffled the cards back together and dropped them on the table. ‘Is the old man in?’ One of them nodded. ‘Thanks. Also, if you’re going to drink beer, drink decent beer, that stuff smells like horsepiss.’

As they saw they weren’t getting told off, they relaxed, although didn’t return to their game. ‘So, where are you hiding it?’ She could smell beer, cheap and crappy even by traveller’s standards, coming from somewhere. One of them moved to a bookcase, a section of leather spines coming out as a single piece, revealing a collection of beer bottles, one of them having burst. Stathis took two. ‘Consider this a penalty for not keeping watch properly. No-one minds a little fun, but keep it hidden.’

She left, stepping back across the hallway, walking until she found the chapter master’s chambers, marked by a golden sunburst on the dark oak. Without knocking, she opened it and walked in – it was a high room, with a massive desk set to sit in a pool of afternoon sunlight, the walls covered with shelves, stuffed full of books and trophies. A large chair was faced away from her. As the door started to close behind her, she swung an arm backwards, still holding the bottle of beer, before turning.

‘You have learnt well, my student.’

The door thudded fully shut. In the corner, where he would have been hidden by it when open was an elderly man, wearing a tabard emblazoned with a golden sun. His peppery beard was neatly trimmed, greying hair falling to his shoulders, a sword hanging from his hip. He approached and took the beer, as Stathis opened hers, then they chinked the bottles together.

‘All is as the prophecies have decreed.’ He took a swig, then grimaced. ‘I really need to tutor my charges with better taste! This stuff’s like horsepiss.’

‘And they’re gambling to boot. I think you might want to set some more pointed lessons for your charges. Like setting guards when officers are about. Rookie mistake – never let the bosses know when you’re having fun, because they’ll try and tell you to stop it.’

‘Aye, you may have a point. But it took me long enough to set this place the way I like it, it’s going to take a bit longer to get them up to speed. I could do with someone to be the hardass, shake them up a bit, so I can be the nice boss in comparison. What the hell are you doing here though? Thought you were out on the road somewhere? Least, that’s what your sister shouted at me when she came by, asking for advice.’

Stathis drank some of her own. It really was terrible stuff – surely a holy city should have at least one temple of grain or beer or something. Or the novices were just too dumb to know better. ‘She came to see you? Why?’

He shrugged, standing up straight and staring into the middle instance. ‘Well, the heavens do move in mysterious ways. I, who have been at many of the crossroads of fate, and seen more than any man should, am a useful resource to be consulted in times of chaos.’

‘She’s still buying that?’ Stathis laughed and shook her head. ‘She still genuinely thinks you’re full of wisdom rather than crap? Gods, has she not seen through your bullshit still?’

‘Hey, I scored this position, didn’t I? My squire and I saved King Stallath from a curse. And I bear the grace of heaven, earnt over the many years of brave adventuring and many arduous quests. Will you not recount my many deeds, my countless tales of heroism?’

‘I seem to recall I did most of the heavy lifting that time. You showed up at the end to stab the manticore a few times, it was pretty dead already.’

‘But I did stab it in front of the king, which is the main thing. So, my dear squire, what are you doing here, in this most sacred of cities?’ He thrust his arms wide in an expansive gesture, the drama slightly undercut as some of the beer slopped out.

‘You can cut the drama down, there’s no audience here.’

He smiled, shaking his head. ‘Ah, Stathis. That’s what you don’t understand. There’s always an audience, even if it is only yourself. But I hear things of your progress. Mostly good things, it must be said, although with a fair amount of suspicion attached, that you are furthering your mother’s agenda. And Larrik is shitting in the bed again, because of course he is.’

‘Yeah, I dealt with him.’

‘Really? That seems unlike you. Well, he will be missed. Very, very briefly. Here’s to Larrik, may he not fuck up anyone else’s slice of heaven.’ He took another drink, wincing at the flavour.

‘I didn’t kill him! I just managed to persuade him.’

‘Really? You must have become remarkably persuasive then, he really was quite intent upon your destruction.’ He grinned. ‘Oh, you didn’t, did you? Show him why he will never be quite as good as you are, in no uncertain, and glowing, winged, not-particularly-abstractly metaphysical terms?’

‘Don’t laugh, it’s not funny! It’ll be a massive pain in the ass if he tells anyone else!’

‘Oh, he won’t. He’s a prick, but he keeps confidences. That must have been quite the conversation though. Actually…’ His eyes glanced down, taking in the hilt of Stathis’ sword. ‘You must have been very persuasive to get him to cough up his blade! Good job.’ His face turned serious. ‘Is it not written, “the steel of the sun shall return to the sun”?’

‘Uh, probably not?’

‘You’re right, probably not, but it sounds good.’ He moved past her, over to the chair, spinning it round. Sat there was a puddle of cat, mewing in objection as he picked it up, allowing him to take the seat. ‘You’d be amazed how many people fall for the turned-around chair, so I can appear mysteriously behind them while they’re busily dealing with a grumpy cat.’

‘Yeah, but all you’re doing is hiding in the corner and hoping they don’t turn around.’

‘It works most of the time. So, why are you here? I would have thought this was somewhere you’d want to avoid.’

‘Well, Carissia did mention she might pay off my debts, and that there was something that might need my attention. So, any pointers?’

‘Oh, you still in hock for that armour? I saw the cost, that must have stung.’

‘You don’t need to tell me about it! Anyway, aside from you being apparently thought of as being a decent teacher and leader, what’s going on here? The place looks peaceable enough.’

Her met her eyes. ‘Well, “there is light in the darkness, and darkness in the light. Even in the most sacred halls, corruption may walk”. Truly, are not all revelations born within our deepmost souls?’

‘You know that I know that you’re spouting bullshit, right? Any actual details?’

‘Apologies, Stathis, force of habit. I’m pretty sure there’s vampires around. Been trying to round up some people to fight them, but the group here are all too green, and the other temples are all busy with their own shit. A bunch from the Inner Shrine have been stirring things up, but I think that’s just politics. Oh, and it’s the off-season for pilgrims, so everyone’s bored and pissy, but that’s normal. The place is getting too organised, and not in a useful way. Hierarchies and order and everything in its place.’

‘Vampires? Well, I can give you a hand with that. Don’t suppose there’s any treasure?’

‘The real treasure is…’

‘If you say “the friends I found along the way”, I’m going to do something very unpleasant with this beer bottle, and you’ll be walking funny and shitting glass for a month.’

He laughed. ‘I think you were more fun when you actually believed me. Although it is mostly my own fault. I think I’m having a mystic vision.’ He leant forward in his chair, resting his elbows on the desk, one hand on either side of his head. ‘Your companions, they would be an elven archer, a wizard, a rather raggedy looking fighter, and an impressively beautiful, hmm, probably a wizard? She really is very fetching. I sincerely hope you’ve at least made an effort there, wouldn’t want to let your order down. Although the horns are a little unusual, I grant. Might have to be a bit careful kissing her or get poked in the face.’

Stathis marched behind the desk and pulled his chair away. There, half-hidden beneath a stack of paperwork, were several slots, showing reflected images of various places around the building.

‘We’re not together; it’s complicated. She’s an Uth Tremari. Nice trick, by the way. Mirrors?’

‘Yup. Useful for looking wise and prescient and means I don’t have to worry about them being dispelled or detected. She is definitely working that “evil sorceress” style! Don’t suppose she’s into older men, a little worn but still vigorous, looking for a breath of passion in their twilight years? But an Uth Tremari, you say? Not like you to be mixed up with their sort. Or their sort to look like that, they’re normally more pockmarked and scabrous. Had one through here a few months back, but they got turfed out after poking into the wrong area of the catacombs. Probably looking for some ancient item, you know what wizards are like.’

‘You can ask her yourself if you want. Although, well, try and feel something when she’s here, and you’ll see what I mean.’

Stathis tilted her head, looking at another mirrored slot, this one showing the hallway outside – everyone else was there, a novice showing them the way, face a brilliant red, glancing at Janaxia from the corner of his eye, almost walking into the door. There was a knocking at the door, prompting Stathis to swiftly chug her beer then pitch the empty into a bin with precision, a moment before another joined it. Then Stathis moved back around to be in front of the desk, as the door opened.

‘Good evening, brave adventurers. Welcome to this chapterhouse. I am Yeros Tomistis, master of this place. Enter, and be welcome. I was just discussing Order business with Knight Stathis.’

Janaxia curtseyed, Stathis noting how Yeros grinned as he admired her. Well, her outfit was one of her better ones, a long skirt slit past her thigh and up to her hip, garter just about visible whenever she took a long step, coupled with a low-necked top. The edge of her tattoo was peeking out from her shoulder as though curious, and a wide, gem-studded leather belt ensured she cut a sleek figure. Meanwhile, Semari was already poking and prodding the ornaments, until Parth pulled her back, Hakara waiting in silence.

‘The Order of the Sun thanks you for your presence. Your skills and magic will be invaluable in the fight to come. There is a darkness beneath this place, even though it is the most holy of cities. But here you may rest, and be welcome. Don’t mind the squires and initiates; they are young, but full of potential, even if they can be a trifle rowdy at times.’ He turned to face Hakara. ‘There is a laboratory in the next room, although it needs some cleaning. I’m sure the library will have a few tomes of magic as well, if you have need of such things.’

‘Thank you, Master Tomistis. That is very generous.’

‘Please, Yeros is fine. I don’t like to stand on ceremony. I was once an adventurer myself, you know. I will have to tell you stories of when I used to work with Stathis. And you must be the rogue of the group? You are certainly inquisitive.’

Semari was in the middle of poking things, her fingers rousing up plumes of dust. ‘Yeah, I’m all sneaky and stuff. Then, bam-bam-bam, punch them in the dick. Or whatever they’ve got.’

He glanced questioningly at Stathis, who shrugged. ‘An, ah, unusual fighting style, to be sure. Although there may be related matters to discuss. Regardless, I’m sure your skills will be useful. And an elven noble.’ His eyes dropped to Parth’s ring-studded necklace. ‘A rather well connected one, it would seem. I’m sure your elven eyes will see much that we would otherwise miss. And you, my lady, are somewhat of a mystery.’ He looked at Janaxia, while she preened and tugged on her clothing to show herself off, taking a lot longer than needed. ‘A mage is rarely quite so attentive to their appearance, Gandaral the Beautiful excepted, but you really are exceptional.’ Janaxia immediately perked up, always happy to be praised. ‘Both fetching, and I hear accomplished in combat? Stathis has been praising you highly.’ Janaxia looked at Stathis, obviously unsure if he was speaking the truth or not, before she replied.

‘Well, I do try, of course. And simply because we spend our time travelling is no excuse to let one’s appearance slip. Semari excepted, we are not vagabonds or wastrels. Although you must tell us stories of your adventures with Stathis – what was she like as a squire?’

‘Ah, well. There are many stories to be told, of course. She was brave, and eager to fight evil wherever she encountered it.’

‘Was she as, shall we say, slipshod, in her appearence then?’

‘Oh, she’s actually improved. She used to be scruffier.’

‘Really now? Well, if she is improving, I suppose that means there is hope still, although I would hope for rather swifter improvement.’

Stathis intervened, before any awkward details could be revealed. ‘Do we really need to talk about this? Apparently there’s vampires, maybe we should deal with them first?’

Parth spoke, shaking her head. ‘Past. Legacy. Important.’

‘Yes, as Parthenelle says, I believe this would be a bonding experience. To learn of your past, when we know so little of you. Master Yeros, I believe it would be most insightful to learn of her past adventures, what travails she has overcome, what monsters she has defeated.’

‘Actually, the code of our Order, sadly, does not permit discussion of our activities. They were highly confidential missions. I’m sure a lady of importance, such as yourself, would understand.’

Well, you never told me you were involved with matter of importance. Although you really should have paid more attention to your master – quite the charming conversationalist, is he not? The name is familiar to me, I believe I may have heard some stories of him. And he makes his age work for him, although could perhaps do with a touch more ornamentation. You could perhaps try and emulate his manner rather more, I think.

‘Yeah, the vampires? Who may, even as we speak, be killing people. Shall we focus, please?’

You really are no fun. ‘I suppose we should. Business first, although it would be nice to rest first, and wash off the grime of the journey.’

Yeros spoke. ‘The light lasts long here, so you should have time to cleanse yourself before we head out. Although I would ask you to avoid the west wing. That’s where the novices and initiates live, and they are young enough they are likely to be distracted by your beauty.’

Janaxia stroked her choker, smiling as she fluttered her hair, pleased at the compliment. ‘Yes, of course. The youth are often distracted by such things. I will try not to be too much of a disturbance.’

‘Where are our chambers, Yeros? We should rest now, and then we can head out once it gets dark.’

‘Of course. I’ll have one of the servants show you.’ He rang a bell, the door opening to admit the servant. ‘I believe you will find the chambers here rather nicer than most camps. And please, avail yourselves of the kitchens if needed.’