“He will never have true friends who is afraid of making enemies.”

- William Hazlitt, Selected Essays 1778-1830

“We are a part of a...society. You can call us the Reborn. And we have ties to this city that transcend centuries. Among the first merchants that did business with displaced fugitives washed up on these shores were the Reborn. We trade in anything you might need or want. Sometimes both.” She smiled. “And now there is this thorn in the side of the city drawing out its life-blood Vadislav Orpen. He deals mostly in Bluestone but has his hands in most criminal enterprises. We want to bring an end to that.”

Vanessa nodded. “Clear and concise. I remember your people being this way. There is always room for mutual gain. So we make a pact, form an alliance? What would that entail?”

“We know he is hunting you. We know why he is hunting you.” Kadira’s smile grew. “For the same reason, he is now such a powerful part of the underworld. He uses the blood of other vampires to concoct an elixir using his own personal blood-cult. That makes him more potent than he has any right to be. But there were not many of those, and now he is suffering from withdrawal and that weakens him but also makes him unstable.”

“Interesting. But such gains should really be short-term. How did he get more powerful from that?” Vanessa furrowed her brow in thought.

“Sadly, we don't know." Kadira looked at her thoughtfully. "I must admit you got me very curious how a high-elf ended up as a vampire in Kronenburg. You are not one of those frost-elven tribesmen, are you?”

“I don’t really want to talk about that and it has no bearing on the situation. To get back to planning, I am a sorceress first and a vampire second. We should each make our goals clear and what each of us gets out of the other. Then we should create a method for us to get into contact. We could use rune-sparrows that might be best for the short term. But I am not very enthused making me trackable. That will ultimately only benefit our adversary. And if I keep the non-detection spells running the sparrow won’t find me.”

“We have a lot of persons in the city that know how to get into contact with me or my associates. Iseret for example. You could simply send her a message, but there are more. We would like to launch a decisive strike against Vadislav. You could be part of an assault, perhaps even bait. I hope you are not insulted by that. I like to discuss all possibilities and my people are not that big on sensibilities.” Kadira’s smile turned predatory at that.

“I want to walk the streets without his hunters coming after me. Other than that I think it is a good idea to remove someone like him. Bait...I don’t trust you enough for that. Coming with you as you assault some of his men I can do. If that goes well we can talk about the bait idea again.”

“You brought some associates. Are they a part of the equation or simply witnesses?” Kadira asked.

“They are friends you contacted to get in touch with me. I thought it prudent to have them with me for this discussion as it pertains to them too, or can you guarantee that Vadislav will not target them too? They might help in some instances but I will decide where and how.”

“That is acceptable. I was just curious.” Kadira leaned back and shrugged.

“With that out of the way. Are we to be allies? Until when?”

“I would suggest that we call it an alliance. We will supply information and manpower, you will supply expertise and fighting prowess. When the vampire is defeated we either continue or dissolve our partnership without any hard feelings.”

“I concur. Do we need an oath or a contract?”

“Not this time if you don’t need it. Your word would be enough.”

“Then we are allies until the time Vadislav Orpen has fallen.”

“Allies.” Kadira nodded and licked her lips. “If you want I could lend you Iseret. She could remain with you, help protect your friends and be available as a point of contact.”

Vanessa looked at the three friends.

Alyssa and Mireille looked at Alea who nodded. “I would be fine with that. It makes contacting you a lot easier I think.”

“After all of that might I be permitted to inspect this fine wyvern?” Kadira looked curiously at Cyrus who preened under the attention.

Alyssa nodded, “Feel free.” And put Cyrus on the table.

Kadira proceeded to pet him on the head after ascertaining that he would not sting her.

“A beautiful creature. We don’t have wyvern in the south. They need more wildlife and water than we usually get. And near the great river, the land is too flat for their liking. And they are not usually amenable to be kept as pets.” She shrugged again. “Iseret will have a compilation of our knowledge of the enemy. I would like to start as soon as possible.”

“I will contact you the day after tomorrow.”

“That is more than sufficient.”

Kadira’s movements were boneless but infused with power, her yellow eyes were absolutely inhuman but they glittered like jewels. Alyssa was fascinated. The eyes regarding Cyrus' antics moved over to her and the snake-woman tilted her head. “It is unusual that none of you seem to have any problems with us. Rather gratifying, that.” She raised her arm and brushed back the cloak so that the scaled back of her forearms was exposed. “Would you like to touch? They are softer than they look.” Venomous teeth folded back to her gums and ignoring the scaled cobra’s hood...she was beautiful. Alyssa put her hand on the proffered arm. Dry, soft scales with only a hint of a raised edge could be felt, cold and smooth beneath her fingertips.

“We share some aspects of the great serpent, my blood is colder than yours and we adore the sun in spite of all the naysayers wanting to see us as dark-spawn. I would love to talk more but there are some issues calling for my attention. One of the reasons I made the offer.” She moved her arm and with a slight twist held Alyssa’s hand instead. Her claws felt more like metal than horn and then the arm was gone and Kadira stood back up.

“It has been a pleasure. Hopefully, we can keep being allies even after the fall of our adversary. You are a very interesting group. If you want, eat and drink your fill. It’s already been paid for. The least I can do after inviting you here. Iseret can field most questions so feel free to ask.” She raised the cloak and draped it carefully over her head. Giving an elegant bow and, Alyssa was certain that it was intentional, her cloak gave a very theatrical billow before she vanished into the corridor, Iseret having opened the door for her.

“That was something.” Mireille nodded impressed. “And very straightforward.”

“Making deals with the people of the south has always been pleasant, paying for those deals...let’s say that is something else entirely.” Vanessa looked thoughtful. “But fighting on his home ground without being willing to go all out? Not a good proposition.”

“Would you like to sit with us?” Alyssa looked at Iseret.

“Thank you, I will.” Iseret moved over to them and took a seat beside the one Kadira had used.

Alea, who had been silent looked up and inspected her. “I would like for you to behave like a guest rather than a servant. It would make it easier for us to interact back at the mansion.”

“I will do my best and I can conceal…” she put her hand on the collar “...this.” And with a look of concentration, the collar became transparent before fading from visibility.

“That is helpful.” Alea nodded.

“The city is so big. Everything is larger but it’s not only the buildings and the wealth. The beggars, the smoke. All the bad seems to be much worse the same as the great is so much greater.” Mireille struggled to put those thoughts into words.

“I know.” Alea quietly agreed. “It is one reason I was not here often. My grandmother did not like the bustle of the masses and the pollution.”

“Is it really impossible to have the good without the bad?” Mireille questioned. “I mean, what do I know. But if there is so much wealth...could not a bit of it be used to prevent the worst of what we have seen?”

“In the past, there was the lord. The Lord took from his people but he also gave back. At least he should. It was all his. He was responsible. Now there is no lord, there is an owner and he is only responsible for that which is his. The people are working for him but they are not his people. There is no obligation, not even custom. And because the scale is so big and new and people are people it comes to this. Gallius, my grandfather likened it to alchemical refuse. A bit is no problem. It will disperse. But a lot will interact with each other and no one knows what will happen. Most likely something violent.” Alea drew a big breath after her lecture. "Not my words, my grandfather's. And I only remembered them now. So take it as you will."

“That is nearly the most I have heard you say.” Mireille looked impressed. “So that is a no?”

“That is most likely a no, yes.” Alea gave a pained smile at the unintentional pun.

Alyssa sighed. “Vanessa?”

“Yes?”

“I have a problem.” And she drew back her sleeve.

“Mh. Not unexpected but faster than I feared. I will think about it. But you should also talk to your void magic teacher. They should have methods to mitigate the problem. Use my teachings and the orb in the meantime.” She moved her eyes to Iseret in a very obvious gesture.

“Naturally. I was only concerned.” Alyssa pulled her sleeve back down.

Iseret looked thoughtful. “You have deepstone running through your flesh.” It was not a question. “Priests of the Many-as-One whose coils embrace the world often face a similar problem. The gifts of the desert are often associated with devouring and darkness. There is a rite that could protect you. But you would then be a member of the temple. A lesser Hem-Netjer, a servant of the gods.”

“That is interesting but I must decline at the moment. I have a prior obligation.” Alyssa looked fondly at Alea who nodded in return.

“I understand.” Iseret nodded. “But perhaps, if all goes well, there might be the possibility of receiving a blessing. That would help, I think”

They talked some more of the happenings in the academy and ate of the food that had gotten a bit cold.

Then they left the room in the company of Iseret Sekesh. It was still very busy outside. Men and women, the latter not always fully clothed and the former predominantly inebriated left Alyssa and Alea redfaced. Mireille looked a bit irritated by it all but seemed mostly unaffected. Vanessa raised an eyebrow at the sight of three people going at it in a side corridor before quickening her steps and pushing her friends past that, in her eyes, unsightly scene.

Iseret was watchful, her hand rested on the khopesh at her side. “How did you get your sword past the garderobe?” Mireille looked envious. “The one time I may carry my degen with me and it got taken away for safe-keeping.”

“You should have told them you were friends of Kadira.” Iseret looked at her with a smile.

“That might have been a bit hasty. We had not met even met her after all!”

“True.” The smile did not leave her face. “Though Kadira would not have minded.”

“Her skin reminds me of Cyrus’ when he was very young. Nowadays his scales are much harder.” Alyssa lamented.

Mireille lightly punched her shoulder. “What are you even saying there?”

“I prefer the metal plates of an automaton” Alea interjected unbidden. “Nothing beats the smooth metal with the crisp bite of magic runes underlying the surface.”

Mireille looked as if she had a headache coming on. “I cannot think of anything to say to that.”

Vanessa shook her head, “When I feel as if I am the normal one something is distinctly wrong!”

“I think to be extraordinary you can not be ‘normal’. It would be a contradiction in terms.” Iseret turned her head and inspected every door and opening vigilantly.

“There might be something to this kind of thinking.” Mireille nodded as if in understanding.

Outside the ‘Sturdy Mast’ a stiff wind let their cloaks billow and mussed their hair. The air carried a hint of frost and the damp ground glittered in the light of colored glow lamps.

Vanessa looked around. “Stay together. Don’t let anyone leave the group.” She gestured with practiced motions and light coalesced between her hands forming a sparrow made of runes. She leaned forward and whispered. “Adam. Bring the carriage to the front and be careful.”

The sparrow took flight vanishing behind the building.

“That was extravagant. But I feel a bit of unease too.” Iseret commented.

A bolt flashed from the roof of the building opposite the brothel they had just exited. A flash and sparks flew from Iseret’s khopesh as she deflected the bolt from it’s trajectory aiming for Alea.

Mireille spat command words and a bolt of lightning shot into the night sky, illuminating the street in actinic light. A crouching figure was illuminated brightly and even though it was only a glancing blow the person shuddered as arcing energies coursed through their body before losing their hold and tumbling backward out of sight. Thunder rattled the windows in the surrounding buildings and passerby together with the working ladies screamed before scrambling away.

Smoke rose from her outstretched right hand and some sparks lingered in her eyes and between her fingers. Shaking off the last of them Mireille put her hand under her left arm while gritting her teeth. “Ow! I might have singed my nails a bit.”

“Good reactions!” Vanessa praised. “Iseret? Any associates who could finish that for us? I don’t want any of us to walk into a trap or be alone and open for another attempt.”

“I already gave the order.” Iseret nodded. “And I concur.”

Adam rounded the corner with the carriage. “Quick. Get in. I assume the lady is coming with?” He gestured with his chin towards Iseret.

Alea nodded and began to clamber into the interior while being helped by Alyssa. Vanessa vanished and reappeared inside the coach pulling them up without any sign of strain.

Mireille pulled Alyssa to her side and soon they were seated and underway.

“It seems safe to say that our mutual enemy might know of our budding alliance?” Vanessa looked at Iseret inquiringly.

The snake-woman nodded. The carriage rumbled over the cobbled stone of the lower cities streets more worn and uneven than their counterparts in the upper levels.

They drove on through the deepening night. The great manufactoria did not sleep. With a restless groaning, clanking and the rattle of chains great machines toiled in the darkness. Human shapes were dimly visible in the glow. Fires feeding into steam, mana dust lighting up runes.

In a broken down alley to their right Alyssa glimpsed a pair of youth who, having pried a glowstone from its socket, proceeded to scrape residual mana dust from the grooves of magical runes to then snort it through straws.

And then they were back in Ivy Terrace and the night was quiet and clear.

Exiting in the coach in the courtyard they were greeted by Mr. Brache. “Oh, is Max here?” Alea asked, surprised.

“Yes, the young master waits for you in the study. Bring your friends and Ms?“ He looked between Iseret and Vanessa.

“Ms. Iseret, Iseret Sekesh. At your service.” Iseret gave a polite bow.

“Vanessa’ellariel Erellathiel.”

“...Ms. Sekesh. Ms…I am sorry but…”

“Call her Vanessa! We all do.” Mireille cheerfully interrupted.

“Ms. Vanessa. Is that alright?”

Vanessa nodded.

“Please come with me.” The older man nodded a friendly greeting towards Adam and then led them into the house. Arriving at the study he knocked.

“Come in.”

Entering they saw Maximilian sitting behind the great desk strewn with paperwork. “Good to see you sister dear. Good evening Alyssa, Mireille.” He looked at Iseret and Vanessa. “I don’t think I have made your acquaintance yet…?”

“Iseret Sekesh.”

“We have not been properly introduced yet. My name is Vanessa’ellariel Erellathiel.” After a short pause, she sighed. “Call me Vanessa. They all do.”

“You keep eclectic company, Alea.”

Alea nervously shuffled her feet.

Maximilian put down his pen and rubbed his forehead. “Imagine my surprise as I came home and heard from the servants that you had taken the old carriage to the harbor. To a brothel. At night. What. Were. You. Thinking.”

The trio looked at each other. Alea was shamefaced, Alyssa was flustered. Mireille broke down laughing. Iseret looked at all of that strangely. Vanessa sighed deeply.

Alea grabbed Cecily and began to stroke her carapace. “I only wanted to help Vanessa. Who helped us all. I...might have been caught up in all that.”

Maximilian looked at them. “So please tell me all of it. Leave nothing out.”

“So to summarize- Vanessa is an elven vampire and is aiding you? Iseret is part of the merchant cartel the Reborn and you are all allied to take down the top dog of the local underworld because he made problems for Vanessa.” He grabbed his forehead and sighed. "It's not as if I had not heard of you on the road but I had hoped for a less dramatic introduction." He raised his head and looked her in the eye. "And the worst that happened has always been the result of politics, not you. But that does not mean I will condone her getting hurt. So please take care."

Vanessa looked at him sourly. “I will most likely be the only one fighting.”

“That is as it should be. My sister is fifteen for Gesserachs sake.” Maximilian sighed. “Undead are illegal without government dispensation.”

"We have a lot of enemies. With Mathilde trying for our lives. Vanessa helped with that too." Alea said quietly.

"I will have to think about that some more. But you have a point." Maximilian stretched. "Let us adjourn for the evening." He lifted the curtain and looked outside. "...for the night. I hope you will sleep well. Ms. Sekesh I extend our hospitality. Ms. Vanessa..."

"I will be busy tonight and I have my own accommodations. But thank you for the thought."

Wind whipped through the quiet streets of the Ivy Terrace and with a whisper snowflakes began to fall.