It was probably daylight, or at least the gloom was slightly lessened, the hills around them plunged into an eerie silence, the wildlife uncertain what time of day it was. Everyone had their weapons out though, just in case something happened – the Sethans were looking uncertain as well, clustered in a group behind Janaxia, floating on her platform, Sen stood behind her with a parasol, occasionally feeding her treats. Despite the unusual sight of a robed and protected Janaxia atop her black platform, it seemed to give them some comfort. Well, she was probably closer to what they were used to as a leader.

From up on Mavrosa, Stathis had a better view over the surrounding terrain, at least as far as she could see. It was like navigating at twilight, everything in soft gloom at best, thick darkness wherever there would otherwise have been shade. Parth was a vague shadow, Stathis unable to tell if she was phased or not – hopefully not, considering what Hakara had said.

‘So, where we goin’ then?’

Walking along the ground by Mavrosa, Brina was even tinier than normal, Stathis having to take care not to knock her over.

‘Apparently there’s something to the east of us. Although I’m not quite sure what.’

‘Very mysterious!’

‘Yeah, don’t ask. Weird dreams and all that sort of stuff. Big glowy voice, lots of glowing mist. Don’t suppose you know any stories about that? Probably really old and vague ones?’

‘Well, there’s the prophecies, although I know you don’t really like to hear about them. And probably know most of them already.’

‘Anything about where they came from?’

‘Well, most are sort of hard to pin down. There’s been a few from known sources, like Rhenovea of Garth, or the One-Eyed Wolf, but most just sort of appear. I think the elves have their own, some of which they let us know, but they probably differ quite a bit in translation. And I suspect they might have been feedin’ us only certain bits.’

‘Well, Parth’s always very vague herself, when she’s not treating it all as a joke. Or she can’t be bothered to translate properly. Although I’d expect her to have some plan in mind that she’s not bothered to tell anyone about – that sounds like how you ended up here.’

‘I’m not sure if she was plannin’ to transport us to a cave full of undead and beasties! And whichever one of Janaxia’s sibs that was. Ophania or something?’

‘Ophexia, I think. Who I’m hoping is dead, along with Poratia. At least you managed to get through though. I’ve spent what seems like ages trailing around after Janaxia! Getting killed, then getting better, then over the islands, then ending up in goddam Setha, and then getting bounced all the way over here. Oh, and there was a stop-over in some place that was all cold and frosty, with another one of those weird underground places, with another one of Janaxia’s bloody siblings and some hulking dude in armour. Hey, you know any legends about those?’

‘What, giants under the earth? Everyone knows some version of that one. The defeated titans from the great darkness, sealed away as living keys. Wizards are always lookin’ for them, try to steal their power and whatnot.’

‘I always assumed that was utther bullshit. Like the hand, eye and head of Azalin.’

‘Think those are real. Or were – got destroyed by Lanathral Steelstrike, back around the Jade Reclamation. Or at least they’ve not been seen again since. I’ve never been sure about the titans, but I guess they’re real. Although that makes absorbin’ them pretty bad, if they’re keepin’ somethin’ worse sealed away.’

‘They were meant to be keeping things locked away or stuck where they were, right?’

‘Yeah, that’s what the stories say. Stuff mostly too powerful to kill, so someone had the idea of using ‘em to power things. I guess it’s a good a thing as any to do with powerful demons once they’re defeated, but there’s the risk of them breakin’ free.’

‘You want to jump up? It’s giving me a crick in my neck to talk to you down there.’

‘Not sure if I want a ride on a demon horse. Especially when her owner’s been givin’ me the evils all day, or night, or whenever it is.’

‘She’s not been talking to you, has she? In here?’ She tapped her head.

‘Nah, just glarin’ at me sometimes. Makin’ that disk of hers spin around so she can look at me, before spinnin’ back. Sen looks a little dizzy, poor thing! So, what’s the deal with the two of you?’

‘Well, I was sort of attached to her soul for a bit, while I was stuck in the other world. Then I got bought back, which was nice, before I got my body back, which was better.’

‘That’s not what I’m talkin’ about.’

Stathis sighed. ‘Yeah, I know. She’s… a bit pissed off with me, I think? And not happy about Skotadi either. I don’t think she’s ever lost anyone close to herself before. I don’t think she’s had anyone close to herself before! So she probably holds me partially responsible for that. And, well, it’s been hard to find time to talk.’

‘Haven’t you been alone with her for ages?’

Stathis looked away, looking into the shadows, trying to spot Semari. A hand knocked against her greaves, drawing her attention back to Brina. Stathis sighed again. ‘It’s hard to talk about this stuff!’

‘Yeah, you had a tendency to hero up, save someone and then leave them, you’re not used to havin’ to deal with them afterwards, even if you warmed their bed a bit. And she looks like she’s high maintenance.’

‘You got that right! Even normally, she’s prickly. And that’s before all the other stuff. I’ve no idea how much of it is weird magical eldritch stuff, and how much is, uh…’

‘She has an evil wand up her butt?’

‘Something like that, yeah. I’m hoping that her mother being probably-dead might settle her down and give her something to focus on.’

‘Or maybe you need to actually sit her down and talk to her? Before she goes all evil and does something none of us want.’

‘I have tried. Sort of. It’s not easy, you know! She keeps getting all spiky. Literally spiky. And I have apologised, repeatedly. I’m tempted to summon up another warding area and lock her in to try and apologise that way?’

‘Maybe don’t do that? I think she’s still pissy about you doin’ that to her at the castle.’

‘True. Although I think it kept her from going weird – whenever stuff with those old big demons kicks off, Janaxia goes weird and spiky. If we find another one, I’ll have to try the same. Although it might be worth asking her first, I guess. Um, I don’t suppose you have any advice?’

‘What, about relationships? Don’t know what you’re lookin’ at me for! You swept me off my feet at Redcastle, this is somethin’ you got yourself into.’

‘Aren’t you meant to be cultivating sources and contacts and important diplomatic stuff at Cormontara?’

‘Yeah, but that’s just work. Got some cuties there, some of those noble girls like a bit of rough! And I can charge your family for the meals, get expenses back.’

‘Sounds like you’re having fun. Surprised Dorothea hasn’t scheduled a visit, to make some “strategic alliances”.’

‘She’s been busy, way I hear it. Worryin’ about you, mostly and trying to hold everything else together. Doesn’t leave much time to relax. And I try to avoid getting attached to anyone getting so, uh…’

‘Evil? Yeah, well, that’s not really anything new. She pulls it off well though. Even with the horns.’

‘She does look good, yeah. Should’ve introduced us!’

‘Things were a bit busy back then! And I didn’t hear you complaining.’

‘True, it’s hard enough keepin’ up with you! So, what are you going to do about Miss dark and spiky? Can’t really toss her out now, can you?’

‘Yeah, I guess I’m pretty much stuck with her.’

‘Have you tried just pumpin’ her fully of holy energy?’

‘Semari’s suggested that, or something like that. But I’m a bit worried it might go wrong. Last time I tried healing her it gave her sunburn and melted her clothing. Given we were in a fight at the time, it wasn’t the best!’

‘Sunburn, how? Well, you are all sunny and stuff. Could be that you’re opposing forces or something?’

‘Seems likely. Be nice if there was some actual way to know what the hell is going on! All I get is weird dreams with a stroppy voice trying to tell me what to do, without actually giving me any specifics. If something is going to try and be giving me divine wisdom, at least actually tell me something! So I guess for now, we keep going, and try not to get her killed? And make sure she doesn’t end up as a cult leader or something. At least the Sethans seem relatively sensible, and hopefully won’t being weird about this.’

‘Figure they’re used to horned wierdos being in charge?’

‘Could be.’

Stathis raised her hand as Semari dropped into sight, waving her over. ‘Anything around?’

‘Not much. Lots of nothing – can see why no fuckers live up here except, like, crazy hermits and mad wizards. And the darkness means I can see shit all. Parth’s not liking it at all! Says it’s unnatural.’

‘Well, it is. Even an eclipse shouldn’t last this long! Makes everything a bit creepy. And before you ask, I’m not stabbing Janaxia.’

‘Not with an attitude like that you’re not! Although might just end up with Skotadi busting out of her or something. All rawr-blagh-splosh!’ She made squelching, violent noises, before pretending that something had burst out of her belly. ‘No way she’s dead, the girl was all creepy and spooky and stuff. Or Poratia’s got her soul in a box and we’re going to have to face, like, zombie-ghost-Skotadi or something.’

‘I really hope not. She was a little odd anyway and had been through a lot, she’d be even worse if she died and then got better. I’m hoping she’s at rest now.’

‘Want to bet on it?’

‘No! I’m not betting if Skotadi is actually dead, that seems a bit crass. And she’s spooky enough that you might be right, although I really hope not. If she does come back, Janaxia will probably be relieved though.’

‘Unless she’s, all, like, zombie-Skotadi. Brains! Brains!’ She held her arms straight and shambled around. ‘Although she was so weedy that I don’t think she’d be a very good zombie. So we’re going to keep going? Although not like we got much choice without any magic to get us out of here.’

‘Yeah, it’s going to be a long slog, I’m afraid. Parth said anything to you?’

‘She’s not happy about the whole “eternal night” thing. Thinks it might screw up plants and animals and stuff.’

‘It probably will if it goes on for much longer. Although I’m not sure if there’s much we can do about it. She mentioned any prophecy stuff? That might actually be useful?’

‘There was some elven swearing. It’s quite poetic, although a lot more detailed than I expected.’

‘I don’t really want to know. Probably sounds pretty, but is ferociously detailed? Anything I need to worry about?’

‘Not more than usual I think. Oh, said there might be some weird monsters and stuff out and about because of, like, weird magical monsters and things. And undead. You know the drill. Guess you can get all shiny at them, splatterise them?’

‘I don’t think they’re much of a threat by themselves, no. But if there’s a lot of them, then that could be a problem. Especially as we’re escorting civilians.’

‘Yeah, never liked doing that. Not much money in it! Although at least there’s no children here. Little shits are always getting into trouble. Dunno how Kethys put up with me! Guess I was just that good at punching things.’

‘Sure. Or for some reason she grew fond of you. Before dumping you off!’

‘Yeah. Good thing I found you, I guess! Means I get to watch Miss Spooky get her eldritch on. But if she eats the sun you owe me fifty gold.’

‘If she does that, then I think we might have other things to worry about! I’m pretty sure she’s stable for now though. And no, before you ask, I’ve not had to blast her full of magic.’

‘Well, there’s still time. Just saying, it’s an option. Hey, Brina, you want in on this?’

‘Don’t drag her into it! Just ignore her, Brina. Just keep an eye on her and don’t tease her, because she might snap back and I don’t want to have to waste time breaking the two of you apart. So play nice!’

‘Sure, sure! Well, I guess it’s no fun if she does just blow everything up. Although her people are bringing the food, which is good. Better than Parth’s cooking or doing the work myself.’

‘They’re not her people! Don’t give her any more ideas, or she really will start thinking she’s in charge. Especially because you can talk to them. Try to make sure they don’t end up worshipping her or anything. That’s the last thing we need!’

‘Rough times can make for odd reactions. Best get this lot settled, before they start to get too attached. Or make it clear that you’re in charge. From what I hear, Sethan politics can be quite sharp, so if any of them decide you’re in her way, they might try somethin’.’

‘Yeah, like, assert your dominance or something!’ Semari thrust her hips forward, making a grinding motion. ‘Might even help her relax a bit!’

‘I think she’d rather somewhere nicer than a field! And now’s really not the time.’

‘Gonna have to do it sooner or later! Just let me know, there’s money riding on it.’