“Kietash reig,” said Sahni.

A magically soundproofed bubble surrounded them on all sides, quieting the chirping of crickets and other forest insects and leaving them in the quiet of each other’s company. Ghastly clouds glided overhead and obscured most of the stars.

“You’re back up to {30} again,” said Bellara, putting down the aurimeter. “Good. I think your regeneration is starting to quicken.”

Kendrick scanned Bellara with his lens.

BELLARA

{22}

HUMAN WITCH

After that, he couldn’t help but chance a reading of their sleeping companion, who had been snoring in the tent a few moments ago but was now mercifully silent.

GYDEON

{122}

HUMAN WIZARD

“So,” he said, letting his lens deactivate again, “what’s the consensus on him?”

“He seems nice,” said Sahni, “if a little bit troubled.”

“I think he deserves a second chance,” Bellara replied, “on a trial basis, of course. It’s not as if he was lying about secretly being a jinn or a disciple of Zorgen or something like that. He’s a powerful wizard with some trauma, probably feeling lost in life. With all that’s been happening, can you blame him?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“He’s the reason we had to fight that demon in the first place. He didn’t heal Sahni when he could have—I mean, if he knows healing spells. But we know he can bind, and he didn’t help bind those imps that were making off with the aurimeter. We could have avoided that whole fight in the first place. Would you be so forgiving of him if that demon had killed me?” The crimson-haired witch said nothing, tossing aside two blades of grass she’d been braiding. “Besides, he lied to us! How can we ever trust him again?”

“I lied to you. Do you trust me?”

Kendrick scoffed. “That’s different.”

“Is it?”

“Obviously! We met the guy yesterday! I’ve known you for how long now?”

“Anyone could be lying to anyone at any time. Gydeon and I have both demonstrated we’re capable of lying to you. But if you can forgive me, why can’t we forgive him? He could prove to be a valuable addition to the team.” She lay back in the grass and stared up at the velvet night sky draped in clouds. “I think the real question is, can we get him to join our group long-term? Rather than trying to lay low in Tornbie, can we convince him to accompany us to the Rift instead?”

Kendrick shrugged. “If you think he won’t cower on the sidelines again and let us almost get killed.”

“Kendrick,” Bellara scolded him, sitting up on her elbows. “After all the progress you’ve made, now you’re going to criticize someone else for being afraid to enter the fray?”

Those words stung Kendrick more than he’d ever admit to them, and more than he felt comfortable admitting to himself. “It’s more than that, and I think you know it. Something is off about this guy. But if you want to drag him all the way east, be my guest.” He snatched the Psysword and stood up. “I’m taking a walk.”

“Don’t wander far,” Sahni warned him gently.

He stepped out of the noise-canceling spell’s perimeter, and as he did so, a sound like rushing wind filled his ears and the ambient noises returned to life all around him. He paced around the edges of their campsite. His eyes, and lens, scanned the darkness for any signs of the encroaching Underworld, but found none. For the first time, he actually craved another battle with shades, or imps, or even a jinn—something to prove that he was worthy of the group, and another crucible in which to test Gydeon’s loyalty.

Seems like he’s in it for no one but himself, Kendrick thought. Probably just wants to be escorted home... He could have jumped in to help us earlier. He only intervened at the last possible second—why wait that long? Was his secrecy that important to him that he almost watched us die?

“I couldn’t save them like I wanted.” Gydeon’s voice echoed in Kendrick’s memory. “Now look at it... Wallbyrde is ashes because I failed.” “It IS my fault! It IS!”

Then again, it was hard to fake conviction like the kind he’d seen from Gydeon. The very real guilt on his face was plain as day. Still, there was a nagging feeling in the pit of Kendrick’s stomach that would not let go, that would not let him be open to the possibility of second chances... at least not fully.

You were the one who killed that demon. You don’t need to feel threatened by this guy. With any luck, he won’t want to leave Tornbie at all, and you three can get back on the road and back to normal.

He looked back at Bellara and Sahni studying their map together. Bellara pointed at a spot on the map and Sahni nodded. The aurimeter sat in Bellara’s lap, ready to notify them of any nearby threats.

Whatever normal is in a world like this.

***

“What happens out here is horrific,” Gydeon said as they descended a hill. The dirt road ahead of them snaked down the hill, through another cluster of trees, and then into the village of Tornbie. He wasn’t lying about that—it really did look small. “No one should ever be witness to it. It’s truly a shame, the suffering and evil that the Underworld has unleashed on the Ecumene.”

Kendrick ran another quick scan of everyone in the group.

GYDEON {145} HUMAN WIZARD

BELLARA {38} HUMAN WITCH

SAHNI {41} HUMAN WITCH

“We aim to put an end to all this madness. Kill Zorgen and the Rift will close, and we can all get back to normal,” said Bellara. “I understand if you need a day or so to get your bearings in Tornbie. You’ve been through a lot. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you to join us on our journey to the Rift. If that binding spell was any indication of your mastery, you’d only make our chances of victory that much stronger.”

“Thank you,” Gydeon replied shyly, “but... I’m afraid that’s just not going to happen. I’m sorry.”

Kendrick saw her give Gydeon a sidelong glance. “If you insist. But you’re always welcome if you change your mind.”

Tornbie was hardly even a village at all. It consisted of six houses with straw roofs, what looked like a house-sized wooden shack slightly separate from the houses, and a well in the center of all of it. The largest building was made of brick and situated on the outskirts of the village; its purpose was unclear.

Gydeon breathed in deep and sighed happily. “Home at last. Praise be to Aldiel. Thank you, friends, for all that you’ve done to guide me here. You are Overworld sent.” He smiled widely at them. “Whether you know it or not.”

Sahni smiled back. “It’s the least we could do. Especially after you helped us against that demon.”

“I hate to be rude,” Bellara cut in, “but now that you’re home, we really are on a bit of a tight schedule. We don’t have many days left to reach the Rift. Would you mind pointing us in the direction of where we could purchase some supplies?”

Gydeon put an arm around Bellara and Kendrick. “Nonsense! My father will be so delighted to see us, he’ll cook us up a meal that will soothe our hunger and strengthen you all for the journey ahead! Join us, won’t you?” He didn’t wait for their response, trotting ahead of them and up to the doorstep of one of the houses. He walked inside without another word.

Bellara sighed. “Well. I guess we can’t refuse a hot meal at a time like this. Let’s keep it short and get back on the road with enough daylight to spare, all right? I’d like to try to make it to the next village over before nightfall. Perhaps we can stock up there.”

Kendrick nodded. “Agreed.” And you thought Gydeon would be a thorn in your side? By the time you lay your head down tonight, he’ll be just another memory you’ve made here in the Ecumene. Might as well enjoy the food.

When they crossed the threshold into what was ostensibly Gydeon’s house, they were greeted by the sight of the young wizard embracing a gray-haired man in the hallway. The man patted him on the back. “It’s good to see you again, Gydeon,” said the man gruffly. When they broke their hug, the man’s face was revealed—weathered with age, beard graying, and wearing a wrinkled frown. Kendrick discreetly tapped his lens for a reading: HUMAN {67}. “And who might you be?”

“Oh, forgive me, father,” Gydeon chuckled. “These are my new friends—Bellara, she’s the one with the red hair, then Sahni, and this young man here is Kendrick.”

“Are you here to stay?” the man asked.

Gydeon shook his head and chuckled again. “Father, no, they’re... they’re just visiting.”

The man nodded. “Name’s Morrolf.” He reached out to shake Kendrick’s hand; the man had a rough, scratchy hand and a grip like a vise. “Pleased to meet you all the same. I look forward to getting to know you three.” He also shook the hands of the witches. “Imagine you lot are hungry, yeah? How’s about a homecooked meal?”

“I could eat,” said Kendrick.

“Oh,” Sahni giggled, “he means, um, yes, we are a bit peckish. We would love to accept your generous offer. Thank you!”

“Yes, thank you, father,” said Gydeon. “Do you need any help?”

Morrolf gave him a sour look. “Just keep our guests entertained while I prepare the meal.” He lowered his voice. “And don’t be doing anything you oughtn’t. Understand?” Without waiting for a reply, the man turned back to the traveling trio, gave them an abrupt nod, and wandered off into another part of the house.

Let’s get this over quick, Kendrick thought. He was already eager to leave.

***

A while later, Morrolf called them into the dining room for a midday dinner of pea soup with dark bread and ale. The man poured the ale from a jug into five wooden cups arranged at everyone’s respective seats. Gydeon passed out wooden spoons for everyone to use.

“To new friends,” said Bellara, raising her cup for a toast.

“Aye,” said Morrolf. They all knocked their cups together.

Kendrick noticed that the hosts set their cups down without drinking, but he wasn’t shy about taking a deep swig of the ale. Ale had started to grow on him recently. It could have been his palate maturing, or it could have been the fact that he could count every beverage in the Ecumene on two hands, and most of them were alcoholic. Bellara and Sahni also took a drink and set their cups down.

Everyone, however, was eager to dig in to the soup. It was flavorfully seasoned without being overpowering. The consistency was thick and hearty, pairing well with the dark bread. Kendrick was done with his meal in no time, mopping up the last dregs of the soup with his hunk of bread, relishing the nourishing warmth filling his belly. He took another swig of ale and felt even warmer inside.

“Thanks for the meal, sir,” Kendrick said respectfully. He raised his cup in thanks as he did so. “It was Morrolf, right?”

The man’s beard twitched but he didn’t quite smile all the way. “Morrolf, yes. Or you can call me Cleric. And you’re most welcome for the meal. I’m just glad my boy Gydeon is home again.”

Cleric. Kendrick racked his brain for the meaning of that word, but it wouldn’t come to him. It was an occupation of some sort, but doing what, he wasn’t entirely sure. He took another drink—maybe it was the ale making his mind buzz.

“So,” said Morrolf, “you three aren’t from around here, eh? What brings you here?”

“Well,” said Sahni into her cup, “we’re traveling east—”

“Slaying demons,” Kendrick replied coolly. “Cutting down hordes of imps. Obliterating legions of shades. Killing a jinn every now and then, too.” He smirked, his face vibrating with the onset of inebriation. He supposed it was the consequence of not eating much that day aside from the soup and bread; his stomach was still mostly empty. “I wield a powerful ancient weapon. These young ladies are two of the most powerful witches you’ll ever meet. Your son isn’t a bad wizard, though, I have to give him that.”

Morrolf took a moment to absorb the information, arching an eyebrow and nodding. He finished his soup. But when his bowl came down, he cast an unhappy, accusatory look in Gydeon’s direction. The wizard flinched almost imperceptibly.

“So,” the old man said, “you three use magic as well, eh?”

Kendrick shook his head. “Not me, no. I just have my sword. But these two do. I have to say, Gydeon’s binding spell really saved our—”

Thump. The old man brought his fist down on the table so hard it splashed the ale in his cup. His face was beginning to turn red.

“F-Father,” said Gydeon, trembling. “I swear, it was only once! I had to. There was no other way—”

“NO other way?!” Morrolf bellowed. He rose from the table so fast that his wooden chair flew back and toppled behind him. “Those are infernal words comin’ outta your lips, boy! Blasphemies!”

Uh-oh, Kendrick thought. What is happening? This is not good.

“Morrolf,” said Bellara in a calm, level tone. “Is there a problem here?” Kendrick noticed Sahni was trembling quietly in her seat as well, just like Gydeon.

“I wasn’t talking to you, witch,” the man spat back at her. “Get the flail, boy. Now.”

Gydeon flinched again. “But father—”

“That WASN’T a question! NOW!”

Gydeon hurriedly leaped up from the table and walked swiftly out of the room. Morrolf was breathing heavily and wiped spittle from his beard with the back of his hand.

Kendrick tried to rise from the table but stumbled and fell back down into his seat. His body felt weighed down as if by bags of sand tied to his limbs. Bellara jumped up from her seat, knocking her ale cup to the floor and spilling its contents.

“If this is how he’s treated at home,” said Bellara, “then Gydeon is more than welcome to join us on the road.”

At this, Morrolf sneered at her. “Oh, he won’t be going anywhere, witch. Neither will you three. Someone in the Ecumene still has to keep the old faith, and as Aldiel is my witness, I will keep that faith until the day I die.” He wiped angry spittle from his beard again. “But fret not, unbelievers. There is still hope for you three if you learn to repent. Gydeon will be made to punish himself for using sinful magic as he knows not to do. But he will be rewarded in the Overworld one day for bringing three unbelievers to me, so that I may teach them to walk in the ways of the faith.”

It dawned on Kendrick then why neither Morrolf nor Gydeon had any of the ale. His heart was racing now, but try as he might to make a run for it, his body refused his commands. Sahni slumped over on the table in front of her. A moment later, Bellara fell back into her seat, her head lolling limply. Shit, thought Kendrick. I knew I didn’t like this guy.

“Do not panic,” Morrolf consoled them in a more soothing tone now. “This is not death, but merely a short sleep. I have imbued the ale with the extract of a plant that Aldiel has sown on the face of the Ecumene. For He has given us this bounty that we may use it. Now, sleep. When you awaken again, you will be set free from your iniquity...”

Just as Kendrick was about to doze off, he saw the pendant around Morrolf’s neck that had fallen out of his tunic: a circle with eight equidistant spokes around it.

***

Crack. Kendrick heard the sound of leather impacting skin. He saw two silhouettes: one standing in a doorway, the other in the room with him. The closer silhouette moved suddenly and swung a many-tailed object through the air, hitting itself on the back. Crack. He heard whimpering.

“O Aldiel, Blessed Skyfather, Master of the Three Realms, Creator of all that is seen and all that is hidden, forgive us for transgressing against the laws of Your Ecumene and reaping chaos where You had sown order. For we dared to bend Your holy light to our own insignificant wills, and we trespassed in Your holy domain. Therefore accept this blood, which You so graciously bestowed on us, as atonement for these sins. The blood of man in the bowl of the Guardians. As Aldiel wills it. Forevermore.”

“As Aldiel wills it,” groaned a pained voice. “Forevermore.”

***

Kendrick was in an alleyway between two buildings. Three silhouettes stood before him, lost in the recesses of his memory, placeholders. Two of them were standing, one with arms wrapped around the other, trying to pull it somewhere. The third was on the ground.

Crack. Crunch. Crack. The silhouette being pulled was attacking the silhouette on the ground.

“Please,” said the one doing the pulling. “Enough. Enough, I said!”

“This is the only way,” said the other standing silhouette. “Please step back now.”

Kendrick thought he should do something, but fear gripped him in that moment—paralyzing, animal fear. Then he turned and ran from the alley.

The sounds stayed with him.

***

“...and with the opening of the accursed Rift, a doorway to the Underworld itself, truly an unspeakable horror, Aldiel has reminded us once more of the sin that is magic, and the fruits of our hubris. Humans, orcs, elves, fairies, and all other beasts were made to enjoy the bounty that is the Ecumene, and the Ecumene alone. Aura, the mystical energy that permeates all Creation as the signature of Aldiel Himself, was never meant to be tampered with using foolish mortal magic. The suffering visited upon the Ecumene is a true sign of Aldiel’s judgment poured out for the discipline of all. And lo, how we feel the sting of this discipline, as a child recoils from the discipline of their father!

“But Aldiel is as forgiving as He is just. He will not cause us to suffer indefinitely or without reason. Though demons and other vile specters walk in our midst, we shall fear no evil raised against us! Where magic fails, faith prevails. Where our own ways lead us to ruin, Aldiel’s plans guide us to salvation. Even in this prison constructed for the tutelage of unbelievers, one can feel Aldiel’s mercy shining down upon us all!”

Kendrick’s vision came into focus little by little, like blurred pieces of a puzzle. The first thing he noticed was the iron bars towering over him; they stretched from floor to ceiling, spaced so close together that he could fit an arm between them and not much else. He was lying down on an uncomfortable cot in the corner of his cell. Sahni was sitting up in the cell across from his, weeping quietly into her arms folded across her knees, which were pulled up against her chest. He didn’t see Bellara.

“And we know the consequences of a refusal to repent,” Morrolf went on. “Damnation. Eternal damnation. Banishment to the Underworld that Aldiel created for Urobius and every other hateful creature that thinks itself a god. But it is not too late for you, not yet. There is still time to turn away from your sin and walk in the pure light of Aldiel’s grace! What say you three?”

Kendrick tried not to scream or rip at his hair in a panic. He just sat up in his cot and cracked his knuckles. Just our luck for trusting that freak, he thought. We need to find a way out of here.