Altina Hishgrew

The daybreak had yet to spread its wings over the city when handful of old and weathered souls rose from their slumber and opened their sleepy eyes. Among those, first to greet the next day, Altina let her feet sink into the puffy carpet. Her eyes still showed a bit of drowsiness and her ears sagged not yet rid of her sleep.

She allowed herself a morning yawn and stretched. Her bones rattled like a sack of acorns. Not much of a rest she had. Ever since that cursed wedding, her dreams brought her grief and the nighttime respite eluded her. Her paws raked through her fur. Another failed attempt at subduing her full body bed hair. A battle she’s been losing for the past… one hundred and twenty winters? No. She corrected herself. One hundred and twenty-one winters. Her nose twitched testing the morning breeze. She still slept with her window opened and not a single coal warming her chamber. Although, she did use a blanket. Possibly more to satisfy her own need for comfort and pleasure rather than as a protection from cold. Her fur provided enough isolation for her to sleep soundly even through the first snow. Speaking of which, it might happen quite soon. The air held the familiar scent of winter and the winds changed their direction several days ago. The season changed. That reminded her, they would need to break out the guild’s winter uniforms. Some girls will need new coats and shoes. Another expenses. Especially now that the price of good quality fur almost doubled compared to the previous year… Good lords. The fall festival.

She hid her face in her palms and rub her muzzle.

That outdated and obnoxious tradition. Once more all the guilds will round up all their girls and parade them throughout the city to appease gods nobody cared to remember anymore. Once more people will race to create the most scandalous and eye poking events to appeal to the gawking masses. All to win their favor and spread their name.

Her ears sagged even lower.

There is nothing bad in promoting one’s business but to again go up against Blue Bird and their aggressive push to undermine her position… if this continues any longer, she sure was getting ulcers. Her stomach already balked at the mention of that guild. Then, there’s the need to compensate her employees. Some girls were eager to participate, mostly for all the wrong reasons, but others, more popular clerks were often reluctant. The guild had to pay quite an excessive sum each year to get their cooperation. Then there were those waiting for a buyout. Girls looking for a last big bite of the guild gold before retiring.

Altina cringed as her insides cramped.

Retiring. She could already name the ones wanting to quit this year. All her top grades. Where the hell will she find their replacements?! She has raised their rates trice this year and cut down on their stamping work as much as she could, but the guild drowned in workload and they were understaffed. She’s been searching for more people but hardly anyone could meet the bar. Worst yet, Blue Bird kept snatching away all prospective candidates. The had so much staff already and yet they kept on hiring. All to damn her.

She'll have to talk with Beatrice. Round up all the maids with even a silver of talent and offload everything below four to make ends meet. As little as there was of it. Damn Blue Bird bastards kept on undermining her spellwork. Not safe enough. Seals of level five were weaker than theirs of level one!

Bastards! If only… No. Not today. She would not dwell on it anymore. Raising from her bed, her feet carried her to her little altar. No. Not right now. Lord Shamu did not tolerate halfhearted efforts. She would not insult him with some muttered gaggle while her mind wandered. Instead, she took a bit of ash from his altar and rubbed it into her fur as a mark of repentance. She had failed her. She failed her…

Marked in such way for her Lord to see, she dressed herself in her customary suit, sans any embroidery or jewels ascribed to her position. Together with her ungroomed fur, plain clothes completed her vows.

How little she did to amend her sin.

“Enough of this.”

She chastised her reflection.

“Let the dead worry about the dead.”

Her lips trembled.

“May the living care for those who remained.”

The sun picked this moment to climb over the horizon and douse the world with red. Thick and warm red. Just like blood. It chased her away from her room to the corridor where sunlight did not reach. From there, her legs carried her to her office. A path so well known to her she needed no lights to traverse it. No more than a minute walk.

The morning bell sang when her hand grabbed the handle. Not a moment too soon or too late. Exactly on time, just like yesterday. And the day before. And even before the day before that.

“Guild Master”

Guards of the night watch paid their respects as they passed her on their final check before their shift would end, and Beatrice and her maid could take over the main building.

“Any trouble Tom?”

“No, ma'am. Calm and quiet albeit cold. Zirria did went around placing winter enchants on whoever wanted so no trouble at all.”

“Thank you, Tom.”

They made their customary salute and went on once more leaving her to her own thoughts. Winter huh?

Mana from her palm entered the lock and lifted the seal while the barrier around her office opened to let her pass. So much work to be done. A bit of fresh air would do her good before she starts. As for breakfast, her stomach would not stand anything right now. Perhaps later…

She froze.

That could not be. Her heart raced faster, her fur stood up. Impossible! Great Shamu, protector of all! Slow as not to disturb the air, she turned. Curled on her couch, a being of wonder slept soundlessly. Her calm smiling face did not at all matched her usual demeanor but there could only be one owner of those pointy ears that could come here without a care in the world.

Truly, I must be dreaming!

Scent of smoldering skin reached her nose. Merciful Shamu! Her wrists! Wide bands of skin charred like coal marred the girl's arms. Similar mark run around her neck.

“Hush, let my love rest.”

Altina cried out or she would if the Queen of Water had not sealed her lips with her palm.

The spirit leaned against her.

“Do not fret mortal. My love values you highly. No harm shall come to you from us.”

Her hands wrapped the wolf's body, exploring. Altina felt her mind calm her heart relax.

“Interesting…”

Water hummed into her ear.

“That indeed may explain her fondness. Mortal let us make a deal. A wish in exchange for your service. Ask anything you want I will grant you but remember, I shall demand equal compensation.”

A torrent of thoughts passed through the wolf’s head.

“Ah…”

The spirit sigh reading her mind. Stray silver of hope dug out an ancient desire Altina once had.

“That too can be done.”

“I… “

Her voice broke.

“Queen of summer rain and healing waters. Please, allow me to consider this generous offer. As it would affect the lives of those, I am sworn to protect I cannot make such vow here and now.”

“Ah, not only strong but wise. Very well mortal. I shall await your answer. Send your servant to me wen you decide. For now,”

Altina's body went limp in the spirits arms. Her spine shattered in several places.

“A gesture of good will…”

The wolf's bones broke even more, muscles and tendons ripping away and reforming. Her insides churned and twisted. The burning pain in her abdomen she suffered for months, vanished as if it never been there. Her pelvis snapped and realigned itself to fit her new curves. Her chest bloated. Not so much for others to see the difference but enough for her to feel the change. Her arms and legs changed slightly in their proportions and shape, adding another inch to her height.

“Ah, my love is waking. I must go. Do not speak of our agreement but do be quick in your choosing. Protect my love and you shall earn my favor.”

Galen Vesa

One dolt sans undies? Check. Waking up somewhere else with no idea how I got here? Check. Unfamiliar surroundings? Check. No, wait. I have seen this carpet before. Better if I… oh.

The owner of the carpet, the floor, the couch and my contract, sat collapsed on the floor with horror-stricken face, both arms clutching her chest.

“Um, hi?”

I tried my best I come in peace tone, but the wolf’s eyes were wide with terror.

“I’m sorry. I had nowhere else to go. If you don’t want me here, I'll leave.”

“What? No!”

Altina’s eyes focused on me as if she just noticed me.

“Pestilence and rot, you're not going anywhere until I say so!”

She tried to collect herself from the floor but failed.

“Does that mean I am still employed?”

“Rot you! Rot you and your spirits! Rot this whole damn city! Rot the Blue Bird and that wench! Yes, our agreement stands. I shall work your ass of you…”

Gravity again won the argument against her body and her legs folded beneath her. She howled unable to express her feelings any other way. I hauled my puny ass to her and offered her my arm. Whatever good that would do. Altina gave my funny bits long, hard look before she grabbed my arm. Her paws brushed my wrist and I felt mana leave me. Her eyes grew even bigger and she yanked her hand away.

“In the name of the merciful one, what happened to you?!”

She patted out the flame that caught on her palm while I grabbed my wrist to snuff out the source.

“Well, there’s at least six moons of it missing from my memories but if you wish to know I can tell you the rest.”

I extended my arm again, a bit of smoke still coming from my wrist. Altina grabbed it, this time making sure to stay well away from the charred skin.

“Nine moons and nine days since you were taken.”

Using me as a crutch, she limped to the couch where I sat her and fetched the crystal carafe and two glasses from a cupboard. Since I last seen it, her collection grew quite a bit. I just pluck the first bottle in the row. Whatever the golden liquid inside was, it had a nice scent of wood, peach and alcohol. Lots of alcohol. Is this a kind of spirits you dilute before drinking? I primed our glasses with about tree fingers deep portion of the golden liquor and handed one glass to the wolf. She sipped gladly, not waiting for me to douse it with water. Her eyes closed, her ears sagging. I followed her example and sipped as well. Not bad. Perhaps with a bit of ice it would taste even better. Though I am not one to tell. My taste hardly reached over the twenty bucks’ threshold.

“Have you no shame? Does flaunting your body like that not bother you at all?”

Altina’s eyes were not focused on my face. Point taken. I’ve been twirling my drink and flashing my bits at her in a wide angle for a while now but without a nagging dragon to pester me about every little thing, a lot seemed to be slipping my attention.

“Forgive me,”

I sat across her, hiding all the important bits like a proper lady would. Knees together and moved to a side, back straight, pillows covered with my left arm. All prim and proper. Well, at least as far as this dolt can go.

“One tends to ignore such things when it happens often enough. Too often for my own good but there was nothing I could do about it.”

Unless they sell fire and thief proof underwear in this world. Altina said nothing, waiting. Her left ear twitched as if she already came up with something.

“I remember being blown through a wall by someone that came to question me.”

I started since she did nothing to question me.

“Someone carried me out of the rubble and sealed my magic by a powerful barrier inscribed into a collar and manacles. I have no recollection of what happened after that. I woke up somewhere in the sea where a ship picked me up. The captain of the vessel agreed to take me to the nearest port but somewhere along the way the seal destabilized enough for me to free myself. With my link to the spirits restored, I was brought back here.”

More or less. What happened.

“A random ship offered to carry you to the shore. Just like that? A suspicious person fished out of the sea?”

Her eyes narrowed into thin slits when she asked. Master and her terrifying recovery speed. Eh.

“No, I had to bribe them with gold I haggled of a monster guarding a sunken ship. Given how it sounds I believe it is safer to omit that.”

Altina took a long swig then looked outside the window. Morning rays played on her fur creating shiny patterns.

“I do not know what is more terrifying. Getting gold from a cursed sunken ship or the fact that you are not lying.”

Oh, the spirit contract. We were still bound by it. I could not lie to her, well, most of the time. Since my contract with spirits precede our deal, they choose when to enforce it or when it would endanger me. Suffice to say, spirit’s idea of a threat seemed a bit skewed. Altina though, still had to employ me and take care of my needs so perhaps my future still held a new pair of pants in stock for me.

“Or at least you think you are not lying. Have you asked a spirit to alter your memories?”

I did not think of that. Was it even possible?

“No.”

She rubbed her muzzle while her eyes traversed my body. Disgusted, she unbuckled her jacket and tossed it at me. It hit my face and fell on my knees.

“Cover yourself. I do not want your charms affecting me. They are annoying. One cannot think straight. And that rune,”

She pointed at my stomach.

“It is disgusting. It feels as if I were in heat.”

Rune? There was nothing... Oh. Could she see them? I forgot about those.

Please, I recalled the water's name in my thoughts, you own me at least that much or I'll tell the others we cheated.

Very well my love. I shall deactivate those runes for you.

I don’t want them to be dormant. I want those charms gone.

No.

Did I hear it right? I called her name again.

No.

I had her name at the end of my tongue waiting to be said, to fulfil what I asked.

No, my love. I will not obey that order. I can no longer harm you even if you wish so upon yourself. I have given my word. That magic must remain a part of you. The witch had entwined her magic with your soul. It cannot be pried away without great harm coming to you.

Damn lizard and her excuses. Now it makes sense why she stopped twiddling with the rune matrix.

I gave the wolf my best fake but almost not fake sigh.

“It is not something I have much control over. I do apologize. I shall do my best to restrain that in the future.”

Altina huffed and grumble.

“Please do. “

She seemed to relax as I Used her jacket to shield my pillows and my front. It was too small for me to wear it.

“Sah, that'll have to do until we get something for you. “

Her belly rumbled like a wild beast. It surprised her.

“And perhaps until we eat. I guess you have not had the chance?”

“No.”

The last time I had something in my mouth been on the ship and I have no idea when that was.

“May I ask, Chuko, what happened to her? She was with me at the time.”

“A? I didn’t think you would care.”

Her face softened a bit.

“She is fine now. She stood right behind you. Your body took the worst of it. Also, before you ask, Vittoria is fine as well. At least for now and I would like it to remain that way. Your presence may affect her again. She had some difficult time after you were taken. Thankfully, Andrea happened.”

The wolf sighed.

“We shall deal with this when she returns from a client. Right now, if you are to stay here, I must report your return. The emperor had taken personal interest in your disappearance and…”

Altina bore her eyes into me. For a moment I felt as if a blood thirsty animal has been sizing me up as her pray. Such strong sensation. Even mana moved within me.

“There will be a lot of questions asked. A lot of demands shall be made. Quite troublesome you have become. Why should I help you? Would you make it worthwhile for me to deal with all that? Perhaps I should just cancel our deal and send you away before anyone learns you were here?”

Sly wolf. I could hear from across the room, the register inside her head going ka-Ching.

“I have but one condition. Our contract? It is done the moment I say so.”

She raised her glass in a toast.

“Welcome back.”

***

I have not seen a person remain so composed when faced with disaster. Whatever Beatrice expected to find in her master’s office, a missing employee did not grace that list. Regardless, she simply locked the doors behind her and asked.

“Your orders?”

At the same time her eyes focused on me while blue light of mana begun gathering in her right palm. Her power amounted to nothing compared with the wolf but the look in her eyes told me the earth’s blessing may not be enough to save me if I were to go against her.

“Breakfast for two, three if you have not eaten yet. Any thoughts on how to explain this mess to Archduke Tavas shall be a welcomed addition.”

Beatrice relaxed a bit.

“I presume Karin will need new wardrobe and lodging?”

“Yes, that too. Eventually. Right now, I believe the guest room will have to suffice. “

“I’ll see to it. “

She bowed out of the room and made sure the lock clicked behind her.

“Did anyone saw you getting here?”

The wolf asked, rubbing her muzzle.

“I don’t think so. I assume a spirit brought me here. I did not want to trouble you, but I had no choice in this matter.”

“Well, supposedly it’s the thought that counts. Thank you. As for what you said, you can order them to transfer you anywhere you wish?”

Should I tell her? Why not. We were bound by the queens’ magic. They would not allow her to go against that oath.

“Yes. I can and they do it gladly.”

Like anything I ask of them. Familiar shine appeared in the wolf’s eyes. I had to douse the flames before she gallops away, scheming.

“But the cost is staggering. Last time I asked they took a third of my mana. Unless they do it of their own accord, I do not want to call upon that favor.”

I kept it as a last resort.

“A third!”

Altina's eyes bulged out.

“A third of yours…”

Her ears went flat. Regardless of how much power you had, losing a third of it in an instant could kill or cripple. Supposedly. I could only shrug my arms at that. With those four involved, the common sense didn’t seem to work.

“As I said, I did not ask to be brought here. I thought of it, but I had my reservations. The queen brought me here of her own accord.”

Whatever good that would do. I just got myself in another mess.

A click of the lock once again broke the silence and Beatrice carted in a bowl of scrambled eggs with tomatoes and sprinkled with chopped chive. A generous amount of fried bacon sat along on another plate while freshly baked buns spread their aroma from a small basket. Assaulted by all those wonderful scents, my stomach growled in unison with the wolf. I suppose it got tired of getting nothing but mana. Hearing it, Beatrice gave me a curious look while she set the low table between us.

“I notified the cook. The guest room should be ready by the third bell.”

She offered me a cup of tea and I took it over the spirits we shared a moment earlier. I’m more of a tea person. I have no idea what they made it from, but I have never drunk a better one. Perhaps the mana present in the leaves made it so good? Besides, alcohol didn’t really work on these pillows.

Altina sipped from her cup gladly. She just pulverized a plate full of bacon and eggs. Well, mostly bacon.

“Bess, do we still have those four from the East gate on our books?”

She asked after a mild burp. Did a plan just come to her mind?

“I believe so. Although I think using them now would be unwise. If we need some help from the wall, I would suggest that captain from the night watch. He is more reliable and won’t buckle under pressure. He does not have a family and doesn’t seem to be looking for one.”

“No. We need them, or the reports won’t match.”

The maid considered something. Apparently, the guild did something similar before.

“Should I overpay them?”

“Yes, but don’t be too generous. We want their attention, not suspicions.”

Seems like the wolf got better at reading my blank face. She smiled and explained.

“I prefer to deny I bribed some guards and smuggled you in rather than hope to explain how you got here.”

Logic murmured in agreement. Her thoughts run along similar paths. Though, right now she seemed more absorbed by our guest. Surrounded by myriad of chattering voices, Pellicora rotated between screaming obscenities and threats, crying or begging to be killed. Not much of a company.

Erta on the other hand, disappeared entirely. Even her emotions were lost to me. What am I supposed to do with that? Perhaps the dolt should stick his nose into her affairs and see where it goes.

“Karin?”

They were looking at me with those, unsure eyes. Doubt growing with each moment.

“Forgive me. My mind wanders. Nine moons have passed and yet for me it feels like yesterday. The newlyweds, what have become of them? Can you tell me? I hope they were not troubled by… my performance.”

“Troubled? Sah, I'd shave myself if the were. Four cardinal spirits blessed them. If any, you have saved their lives. They are fine. Furious but fine. The prince took the attack in a very personal manner. The mirth of his home has been violated. His guests were harmed under his care. Boiling with furry is perhaps the word I should use. Ah merciful Shamu… I must write him as well. Tell them you are safe and sound. This may benefit us if the empire should investigate you any further.”

The bell sang for the third time, sending a shiver down my spine. How odd. I felt the need to get dressed and ready for the opening.

“It is time. Go with Beatrice. There is a hidden safe room underneath the guild hall. Stay there until one of us comes to collect you. In the meantime, I shall do my utmost to unwrap this whole mess. It may be few days before we can announce your return. Please use that time to collect yourself. I am sure the empire will send someone to interrogate you. Against that, I cannot protect you.”

Sadness shown on her face. She put in all this effort knowing it may not work.

“Thank you.”

I bowed. Whether she had some ulterior motives or not, I did not care. She went out of her way to help me. Not many of such people existed in this or my original world.

***

It is interesting how little one knows about people, close people. Only when life happens, one can learn of their secrets. Like, why is there an entirely separate, hidden staircase in the guild hall leading into basement? Why are there rooms hidden underneath the lobby? Why are there enough supplies to arm and feed a medium sized troop? The answer? Sometimes, the people you know, do things you wouldn’t accuse them of doing. Like moving people in and out of a city. In various ways. Like that tunnel running down towards the sea. It must be quite a trek from here, but I sure could smell the seaweed.

“Off the books?”

Since Beatrice had to open the hall, Altina guided me through the darkness. The way she walked, bothered me for some reason.

“A. Not even close.”

She turned to smile at me.

“Service paid extra.”

That still told me nothing.

“Sometimes, there are clients with special needs. The guild provides. Do not trouble yourself. Nothing illegal. We tend to stay within the gray area. Also, this place does not exist. You have never been here.”

“Then why tell me?”

Her smile grew larger, her teeth shined in a menacing manner.

“Because it is quite liberating. After sixty years, you are the first person I can trust to remain silent. That agreement we have signed…”

She laughed.

“Nine imperial judges came to question me. They brought potions. Artefacts. They cast their petty magic. And I sat there trying to keep a straight face while the invisible Queen of flames made booing noises at them. Nothing worked.”

“Oh, merciful Shamu, I thought I’d pop. It was hilarious. The last one lost his toupee when the wind got annoyed at his questions.”

Aha. Spirits doing odd things. Funny. A-ha. Nope.

“There is also the matter of payment. I must contact the high office. I am only a guild master of this hall. The guild owes you a lot of money. Even if I were to charge you for helping you resolve current situation, we would still be talking about a sum they are not going to pay. Most likely, they may come and offer you a share, perhaps a seat on the guild council. We are talking about at least five percent shares. If that happens, I may start reporting to you and not the other way around.”

We pressed on through the moldy corridor.

“The prince kept true to his word?”

“A. He did. His support was the only thing keeping the guild afloat after all this controversy. Some individuals tried to convince others the guild had taken part in the attack. We were last minute addition to the guest list. Quite easy to make the connection between our arrival and what transpired. Also, the way you charged at the Queen. My employee, an elf, killing the right hand of the emperor. I must admit I peed myself a little when I saw you jumping out like that. But then that golem came down and smashed you into the ground. You have covered her with your own body. Many people saw that. It helped.”

Oh, so that’s what happened.

We stopped by an iron gate she unlocked. Behind it, a short corridor lead to a staircase going down another floor. There, we found a massive door leading to my newest room. Altina handed me an iron key.

“These lock from both the inside and outside. The locks are separate so make sure to close behind me. You have enough supplies to last you for a moon, but I don’t think it will take more than a week. There is running water, cold, and a drain for other needs. There are candles in that cupboard...”

She stopped after a look at my glowing eyes.

“I’ll knock before opening the door on the outside. Otherwise, ask your Spirits to take you away from here and don’t come back.”

“Thank you.”

“No. I thank you. You have saved my life when you didn’t have to. That sword was meant for my heart, not yours. That is a debt I repay gladly.”

The wolf hugged me, then wince.

“Great Shamu…

Her eyes weren’t focusing properly, her breath rushed.

“we have to do something about those enchants of yours…”

She gasped, forcing herself away from me and left on wobbly legs, not daring to look my way.

Weren’t you supposed to suppress those?

I asked and water answered annoyed.

I did but they recovered. They are a part of your soul now. It is difficult to manipulate them without causing you harm. I will not allow for your soul to be shattered again.

Well, that’s good, I guess. But still, I really need some countermeasures. I can’t go walking around, sending random people into half drunken, ecstatic state just by being in the same room.

The lock on the outside clanged close. I followed the example and locked the door on my side.

I thought about lighting a candle but, what was the point? I could see without any light, albeit only in black, white and every grey in between. Hanging the key on a hook near the door, placed there possibly for just this purpose, I went to explore.

The main room seemed dry and clean, chiseled inside a rock. There were some ducts near the ceiling that blew in fresh air. A simple bed stood in a corner, accompanied by an even simpler table. A chair complimented the set. And that was about it. Similarly, sized room across, held a pantry with enough food to last a month. To a normal person. In my case it would probably rot before I would need to eat it all. I tried to avoid food as much as I could. If I ate too much, my mana recovery would skyrocket, and my back would kill me. Or something along those lines. I just didn’t want to check that.

Lastly, about ten steps away from the pantry, one final door awaited my visit. Oh. The bathroom. Fresh water came pouring down into a stone basin from a pipe sticking out of the wall. A spillway send surplus into a sluice cut in the wall that connected with, a toilet. And that was that.

With nothing more to marvel at, I went back and laid on the bed. I had a simple robe they gave me along the way and plain leather boots stitched out of a single piece of leather. No reinforced soles whatsoever. Still better than going barefoot.

I closed my eyes. A week. That’s a long while. Well, I at least have company. Eh. That’s not really a good thing. Ignoring the excited howls coming from within, I focused on my mana. The elves taught me this exercise and its been a while since I did it. Listening to my heart, I tried to match its rhythm with my breathing… and I had to stop, panting.

My mana rushed with such a force to answer my call that I tasted blood in my mouth. That did not happen before. Also, that feeling. Something must have changed in there. Letting my consciousness sink in, I opened my eyes among a crowd of staring voices.

“What is going on in here?”

Vanity looked me in the eyes, pale, and pointed at the burning tree of life. Unearthly blue flame perspired from the shining leaves of the tree. Even the mana orb, lowered itself as if to take a better look.

“We’re going to pop! I knew it We’re going to pop!”

Fear dropped to the ground and huddled his head in his arms.

“Shut up you idiot. No one’s going to pop.”

Someone from the crowd silenced him with a kick. I pushed through the crowd and found Logic waiting in the first row, watching the flames with deep interest. Nobody else dared to come any closer.

“So, are we safe or will we pop?”

She gave me a look that questioned my whole intelligence and spoke.

“Your followers grow by the minute. You have brought her here. You deal with it.”

She pointed at the burning tree.

“I brought… wait, what?”

I turned to find no one. All the voices were gone in an instant. All except Pellicora. Chains held her, sobbing somewhere away under the three. Was it her causing this racket? No. Logic did not speak of her, rather…

I looked up and froze.

“Ok. I’m going to pop. Aren’t I?”

*You have a peculiar sense of humor traveler. *

The fumes of the burning tree formed a black, translucent shape in the air. Majestic in her size, the transparent dragon gazed at me. She dwarfed everything in my sight. The burning tree hardly reaching above her abdomen. A mountain of a creature. She opened her wings, covering all the sky I could see. Her crystal blue eyes gripped with sadness.

*I have committed a grave sin...*

Not again.

“Stop. Please. I already have too many people in my head and Erta's a handful to deal with.”

Her aura suddenly burned with renewed fire.

*My daughter is here?! What have you done to her! *

Her talons closed around me. Would I be made of flesh in this place I would die just of this touch. Instead, I howled in pain.

“Nothing. I did nothing. I kept her company as per her dying wish. For some unknown reason her soul became bound to me. We went traveling together and she saved my puny ass on numerous times.”

Fire burned around me, but it would not touch me.

*You speak no false words. *

Her grip lessened.

*Tell me. What have become of her? *

“It’ll be faster if you see for yourself. You can read my mind as she does.”

Instantly, I regretted my words. Where Erta’s touch been soft and kind, this alien contact felt as if each my memory got ripped out with a burning hoe.

*My apologies. *

She dropped me and I bounced off the ground.

*Apologies for both mine and her blunders. That child did not learn from my mistakes. *

She sat on her hunches, lowering herself to me.

*How peculiar of her to share my own fate. Traveler, I cannot stay here. I am but a shard of a soul and my time draws near. I have planned to destroy the one that would steal my flame but… if you allow me this one request, I shall gladly pass on to you all my power. Allow me to speak with my child once more! *

“Be my guest. Just tell her I miss her nagging.”

*Then I shall take my leave. *

She reached up, spreading her wings and inhale. I saw mana rushing into her form. Her bones hardening. Her skin losing the translucent shine and becoming solid. I think I fainted when the mana orb visibly shrunk.

When I came to, my world held no flaming dragon. Just my sorry ass sprawled underneath the sparkling tree and a sobbing monster chained to the ground. Pellicora still mumbled her threats. Nothing I could do about. I let my consciousness resurface but nothing happened. Guilt held my mind anchored by the sleeve of my hoodie. Her fingers all covered in blood. Her gaze locked on the crying woman. I wished to have no part in her torment yet, Guilt’s tiny fingers held me in an iron grip.

“Fine.”

I submitted. I’ve dealt with one oddity, why not take care of another. I just hope wherever that dragon went, she won’t get me in trouble. And I let her drink all that mana… Dolt, you’re an idiot. Anyway, one issue at a time. One more lunatic in my menagerie. What can go wrong?

Guilt released me. Free of her company, I sat beside the crying monster and listened to her monologue. As I did so, it dawned on me.

“You really don’t want to die, do you?”

It silenced her. After a moment, she lifted her head and stared at me.

“And what would you know, human?”

Those eyes would kill had she have any power left.

“I spend several years of my life in a place where people either tried to die, wanted to die or were so drugged that they didn’t care anymore. I can see the difference. You still have a reason to live. Something I did not have.”

She watched me very carefully, her madness vanished as if by a sway of magic wand.

“Tell me human. Will I see him again? My love? Will my soul go to him if I repent my sins? Do you think a monster like me can have a soul?”

Yup. Just something I can handle. I must check that pantry again. There must be herbs in there. Maybe if I try a bit of all… and chew… who am I kidding. I looked up at the shining tree.

“Since dragons seem to have souls in this world, why shouldn’t you? I’m not the best authority on the subject, I once read something about god’s lavishness. supposedly, it is easier for a god to give more than less. So, if god did create us all then why wouldn’t he give you a soul? That would be kind of pointless. Just my thoughts, though.”

“You speak like him. Soft words for someone like me… Yet I sinned. I slaughtered them even though he begged me not to.”

“Well, you recognize your sin. Most religions name this as a first step to repentance and eventual absolution. But as I said, I’m not the best person to consult in this matter. If you swear to me, you won’t kill people or cause mayhem, I will take you to someone that shall answer your questions or maybe even show you the way.”

It saddened her.

“Your words are soft but is there any truth in them? Why should I put my trust in you?”

“That is your choice. I have my failings, but I try to be true to my word. Right now, I cannot go anywhere, I must await my freedom. In several days I shall ask you again of your choice. Would you search for a way to your love or remain here forever without a hope of meeting him again?”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

That look. Why would she look at me with those eyes? What did I say to her that would make her lips tremble?

I got up and turned, walking away. Ready to leave this place when her scream stopped me in place. She shouted her name. True name. It felt like wind rustling leaves in the spring. Like sunbathing in the morning dew. It tasted like water drank from the creek. It smelled of moss growing in the forest.

She had bound herself to me.

I turned to ask what changed her mind when a branch of the tree of life crushed into the ground between us. I jumped and rolled without thinking. Pellicora, she… I saw the branches wrapping around her chained body. I saw the tree pulling her up and into its bark. I run to her, yet a branch swat me away. I fell and rolled got up and run dashing beneath the lashing branches. When I reached the bark, all but too late. Only the froze chain fell into my palms. I called using her name. No answer came.

I raked at the bark were her face vanished, bleeding my hands to the bone. I called and punched until other hands pulled me away.

*Gallen! What on burning flame are you doing?!*

Erta held me in her arms and I just couldn’t believe what happened. Pointing at the bloody mark, I spoke.

“The tree ate her.”

*Come now, trees do not eat people. *

“But I just saw…Oh.”

It came to me like a revelation of long forgotten truth. I saw. There is so much wrong with this statement. In my life I saw plenty of things. Most of them, not very real.

*For all we know she could have given you a fake name and escaped back into her core when you got distracted. Her core is still safe within your body. I can sense it. It does siphon a considerable amount of mana so I would say whatever you saw, may not been the entire truth. *

It felt so real.

*Even if so. This is the tree of life. One does not tamper with it. *

Perhaps that is why my hands were skinned raw and bleeding even while I was inside this imaginary place.

“I’m sorry!”

I yealed at the tree.

“Pleas don’t eat us!”

The tree seemed to understand and swayed in the mana breeze coming from the orb high above our heads. The orb did shrink quite a bit. Just how much mana did that dragon take? Also, Erta still held me in her arms.

“Say, aren’t you too huggy? It’s getting scary. You haven’t punched me in a while too. “

*Indeed, I have not. I am in a good mood. Enjoy it while you can dolt. *

She pulled me closer into her pillows.

“Now you are frightening me. Logic says you are up to something.”

*Maybe I am, maybe I am not. *

She winked at me. I could see the glitter of tears gathering in her eyes.

“Is she gone?”

*It is difficult to say, my dolt. In a sense, she has always been with me. Her fire burned within my veins. Now it also flows inside of you. Her soul may no longer be in this world, but I know she will keep on watching over us. *

She sighed again, looking straight at me.

*My mother also wished to convey her gratitude for a last chance to speak with her ~unruly~ child. Thank you. I hope you will tolerate me a little bit longer. *

“Me dolt. Me sees pillows, me agrees.”

Hers were pressing against my neck.

“And those eyes… mmm.”

She let out another sigh and smiled. I have never seen her smile so cheerfully before.

*Ah, the dolt and his unfaltering sense of humor or lack of thereof. A part of me wishes to smash your face into the ground and break all your limbs but, today I think I will abstain. *

“Who are you and what have you done with my lizard?”

*Dolt… Perhaps I should hit you few times. Just in case. *

Her embrace became so much tighter. Oh well. Let her have it. Erta’s mood hasn’t been this good in a long while.

A sudden thought stabbed me like a knife. A premonition one might say. I freed myself from her arms and went around the tree, surveying all the branches.

*May you enlighten me what in the name of mana are you doing? *

“Making sure she’s not here.”

I scanned every nook and cranny, checking every hiding place I could think of. At the same time, I saw the tree managed to boil off my blood from its bark. Spotless, it stood and did what it normally does. Whatever that was. It too seemed to be cheerful.

*She? You mean the dryad? Have you not said the tree ate her? Or whatever else happened to her…*

“No. Not her. The odd one. She’ll always find a moment like this and sends everything to hell. Pellicora’s a dryad?”

*Daughter of the forest. A dryad, yes. You should thank whoever watches over you. Had she have more than a fraction of her true power left, even I in my original form would be hard pressed against her. Perhaps we ought to discard her core while we can? *

“Can we? That would be a murder, I think. Look, if we ever again find ourselves in life and death situation…”

It's very easy to make bad choices when you don't care.

“Let’s say I'd rather not make those kinds of choices. I'm very bad at making those kinds of choices. Also, I made a vow to get her to that seer, whatever good that would do her. Is she a threat to us right now?”

*No. Your friends have done something to block her. It holds her ever since. I have not the slightest idea how they do it or what they do but, it is effective. *

Logic knew how to be scary. I never asked. Perhaps I shouldn’t bother? She did not seem too impressed by this new freeloader. Well, whatever.

“You seem better now.”

I’ve changed the subject.

“It also, feels better. Your emotions. They've calmed.”

Erta let her body expand into her dragon form and swipe me up into her arms. After a bit of fiddling she curled up and put me in the crack of her neck. Her favorite spot.

*Hush. Be a good teddy. I have not been able to rest in what felt like ages. It seems I may even get to nap for a bit. Your body also needs rest even if you cannot sense it. At long last I am at peace with myself. Let us cherish what little respite we have. *

Heavy eyelid hid her magnificent blue eye from me, and her mind drifted away. I cast one last vary gaze at the tree sparkling before us.

“You promise you won’t eat us?”

It didn’t respond but it didn’t attack us either. Pellicora's name burned within my soul. It didn’t seem fake to me. Her core still sat within my stomach and, felt pretty much the same but her presence vanished while the tree appeared content. Best not to dwell too much on it or I'll start imagining new things.

I closed my eyes.

Perhaps I too felt a bit sleepy.

Perhaps all that was just another illusion.

What a pleasant rustling sound. Almost as if I were back in the woods, camping with my parents.

Scents of pines and moss lulled me to sleep while crickets chirped through the night.

Erta's fire send pleasant warmth, reminiscent of my last campfire.

I sat watching butterflies. Alyna and Lafirra and giggled rolling in the grass. Altina sipped wine and let the marshmallows burn listening to Rose’s story. My mother pointed at the shining stars. They were sprinkled over the sky just like her freckles over her face.

Guilt swayed on a swing hung on a branch of the life tree. Smiling.

Blood covered arm lift me up. Her talons closing around my neck while the world burned and the blood boiled.

Her eyes were empty and dead.

“Now, now mister Whabbit. It is not a time for you to be here. Sleep and sleep well. “

A voice spoke and my dream turned into a puff of smoke while I sank into the comforting darkness.

What is that noise?

Why do I care. It can wait. Yes, like five more minutes. It is so calm in here.

So, five more minutes it became. Then ten. Then a day. Then, even Logic stopped counting.

I think light was what woke me up. Soft. Warm. Caressing my face. It made my eyes open on their own.

And I stared onto a celling. Flat, painted white. Not the rough one I saw in the dungeon.

Eh. Dolt scores another point. At this rate I probably should give up sleep unless I want to end up somewhere else every time, I open my eyes. Just what on earth happened this time? And, where am I?

Hey roomie, get up. I think I got us into another adventure…

Groggy, Erta’s mind stirred within me. Of all the people, why wasn’t she a morning person. I gave up on her, it would be at least another hour until she’ll come to here senses. Instead I slowly sat up and got greeted by a room chock full of flowers.

Well, at least that explained the sweet scents I’ve been feeling for a while now. But, why flowers?

An expensive looking bouquet sat at my bedside table with a fancy note or was it a get-well card? I plucked it out and read it. Laveor von Lotta assured me of his and his family prayers for my prompt recovery. Whoever he was. He also invited me to his estate as soon as I felt the trip possible but not until my fool recovery. How thoughtful. Not good.

From what I could see, a see of flowers and get well notes and wishes stuffed the room. Hardly any space left for anyone to reach my bed.

One, two, three…

My pillows rise and fall in a sigh. Since no one else complained, I gave myself full marks for the performance. Perhaps with some luck, this was still the guild house. I let myself drop back onto the bed and waited. No point going anywhere without the snoring dragon.

But fate held other plans for me. Something underneath my blanket moved and twisted. An alien hand dived underneath my gown and came to rest on one of my pillows while a leg wrapped itself around my lower body. Careful, I peeked underneath. Pellicora’s sleepy eyes gazed upon me for a moment then, not finding any threats, she went back into her slumber, nuzzling deeper into my body. At about the same time, a terrified voice came from within me.

*Galen, I think we may have a problem here. *

You have taken it out of my mouth roomie.

Right out of my mouth.

Ignoring the warm body at my side, I let myself sink inside. For some reason it felt different than usual. Perhaps the rush of wind and rustling of leaves had something to do with it. Also, it took longer.

“Well, the dolt is here, what's up?”

I appeared beside my dragon.

*That. *

Erta pointed at a… I had to close my eyes and rub my temples.

“You sure it’s there? Do you also see what I saw?”

*Yes. It is not an illusion. What have you done this time? *

“Nothing. I did nothing but it seems that doing nothing may result in something. How far does it go?”

*As far as the shade of the orb reaches. Perhaps slightly further. It seems, they grew as we slept, in places where it’s easier to siphon all that power. *

About five hundred feet away from where we stood, a forest of white trees spread over the horizon and disappeared far into the mist. Whichever way we looked, copies of the tree of life grew, spreading their branches to the roaring mana orb. As for the tree itself, it grew again. As tall as the statue of liberty, the trunk of the tree occupied the exact epicenter underneath the mana orb. Its branches spread over us, reaching to the edge of the new forest.

No. The other way around. The forest grew from where the tree branches ended.

“Any idea what to expect from this?”

We strolled around the tree trunk.

*Trouble. *

Erta forced herself to touch the tree. The place around her palm light up and we saw a spider web of mana veins glow with power.

*It cannot be…*

She assumed her dragon form and with my scrawny ass in her paws, she lifted off and away from under the tree.

“What’s going on?”

I shouted through the rushing wind.

*Your mana, it is…*

We passed the border of the forest, our view no longer obstructed by the crown of the tree.

“Oh…”

Erta banked to the right and reaching the midpoint between the orb and the ground, she kept on circling around our spot.

“It grew.”

*That is an understatement, human. It ~is~ growing. With those things acting as conduit between it and the outside world… we are sucking the mana in.*

At this point, if I wouldn’t know what I look at, I would think we were flying under a blue sky. The orb grew so much its curvature became unnoticeable.

At the same time Logic made an interesting observation.

“Erta, just a question. You said we are sucking mana in. Theoretically speaking, what’s gonna happen when we run out of space for the mana to fill?”

She looked at me and for the first time I saw horror in her eyes.

*Galen, whether you believe in gods or not, you better pray we stop whatever is causing this phenomenon before our endless space here overflows. *

Oh. That’s bad.

This could explain some things. Like, my charms going high wire. Things must be bad if even this body begun trying to burn off the excess.

“We better tell the wolf what to expect and, we just might need to have the spirits siphon away at least some of that.”

I just had no idea what kind of favors would justify gobbling up all that mana. They were gluttonous, true, but they also adhered to a law, however twisted it seemed.

*Perhaps we ought. *

“I almost forgot. Can you land us somewhere? I want to check something.”

Erta obliged and took us back to the center.

*Well dolt. What did you have in mind? Another way to send us into oblivion? *

“Not quite. I hope.”

I spoke the dryad’s name and felt a jolt of power rush through me. One of the branches above our heads sprout a flower that quickly turned into a fruit. Before our eyes, it absorbed mana and grew, its surface becoming transparent. Inside a body formed, akin to the one that shared my blanket.

With a crack, the skin of the fruit broke and she fell to the ground, landing softly beside us. Pillows jiggling. As if in surprise, she gazed at her palms then at the tree.

“This I have not expected.”

Her face appeared troubled, without a hint of understanding. I thought about asking whether she spoke about being here or about her body groping my pillows.

“Well, me neither. I got out for a walk and when I got back someone spirited me away to this insane place and made me carry around two oversized pillows. Life. It. just. Happens. Welcome to the team and all that. Just tell me if you know what is going on?”

“No.”

She shook her head.

“But I will ask.”

A branch lowered itself towards her and appeared to stroke her cheek. The dryad closed her eyes in ecstasy.

*Do not look at me like that. I have not seen one of her kind before. It is new to me as well. *

Right. Aha.

“Your body starved for mana. We did what you asked of us. Our roots forged a channel.”

Pellicora spoke without opening her eyes or breaking the contact with the tree.

“I don’t remember asking for anything.”

And I’m sure I didn’t ask for a forest. Out of nowhere, the dryad put a finger on my forehead. Suddenly I saw myself suspended underneath the raging mana and willing the sprout to life.

“Oh.”

That… hmm. Now that is something I remember. Did I…

“Yes.”

She lowered her arm and I gave Erta my best ups I did it again look.

“It appears, this dolt might have something to do with our current predicament.”

*Why am I not surprised… What about the mana? Why is it coming in? Should it not be slowly drawn out? *

This time, Pellicora wavered before answering.

“We do not understand it either. “

Very helpful. Eh.

*The conduit! *

Erta cussed her dragon tongue.

*You willed it. Tell me you did wish for mana to go out and not both ways. *

“Well, I did hope a tree would help with absorbing mana. The leaves are perfect for drinking in mana like sun rays. And long roots that reach beyond this place are perfect for… oh.”

This is probably a place where normal people would facepalm themselves. My angry lizard roared, making my world tremble.

*Dolt, do you know why dryads are so powerful? On their own they cannot generate mana. They must bond with a host that provides them with both, a body and a supply of mana. A choice of a tree for a host is not random. A body made of wood is very durable while trees can gather enormous amounts of power from both air and earth. *

“And water. Our roots drink water and its magic. Wind, not so much. It is difficult to harvest enough power from wind without plenty of leaves. The cost is too great to be worthwhile.”

Pellicora supplemented Erta’s answer.

“Yes, well, that is good and all but how do we stop it? I’m sure even trees have their limits. They can’t be absorbing power all the time?”

Both the tree and the dryad went silent. Slowly, the light radiated by the rustling leaves above our heads dimmed.

“It is done.”

Almost instantly, I felt a horrible pain in my back. It brought me to my knees even in this place. Deaf and blind from this torment, I screamed out the spirits names. Pellicora had to reverse whatever she did before I regain my senses.

*Step away, let him have some personal space. *

“Whatever you did, can we not repeat that?”

I sat up. Five familiar faces observed me with interest. A bit further away, a new one knelt, not daring to look my way.

*I am afraid we will have to. There is no other way to stop this inflow. *

Eh. The dolt doesn’t matter. He doesn’t care anyway huh. Well, I don’t care but it doesn’t mean I like pain.

“Right,”

I looked at the queens.

“There’s this big thing above us that got out of hand. I want at least half of it gone before we pop. We can settle the wishes later, just go and help yourselves. Equal shares.”

The tree vanished with glee in their eyes. Just the newcomer stayed behind.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Go. I know the pervert sent you here. Go take her share and be gone.”

Silent, she bowed before me and vanished. And I suddenly got a crazy idea.

“Wait, come back. I want something.”

I called, thinking of the new wind. Right away, she appeared before me.

“Your name, give it to me.”

Did I just saw anger flashing through her eyes? Regardless, she obeyed, and I felt her name sink into my soul. Warm summer breeze.

“Good. Now we are bound. Take your queens share and give it to her and take the same amount for yourself as a payment for your trouble.”

How unusual. A spirit staring at me with her mouth wide open.

“Don’t just stand like that, go.”

I waved her away.

*Are you perhaps too generous? *

“As long as we don’t pop and obliterate this universe in one giant cosmic fart, I don’t care. Aside for your magic I have no use for all that energy.”

“Master,”

Pellicora called for my attention.

“A question.”

“Yes?”

“I have never before had a body made of flesh. It is making strange noises. Is that how it is supposed to be?”

*What body? What is she talking about? *

I let myself drop back to the ground. No point giving the lizard any leverage. I don’t feel like being thrown into the forest.

“Well roomie, you might as well go and take a look outside while we discuss the matter of breakfast, digestion… and probably underwear.”

And I may as well start thinking of a story to sell to the Wolf.

My veins still radiated bright blue light when the lock to my room clicked. I almost had my speech ready. Oh well. One, two, three… huh? What happened with the obligatory ‘khyaaa!’? Ah, Chuko happened. She acknowledged my presence with a slightly deeper frown than it was usual for her then switched to staring at the naked dryad posing in front of a mirror, exploring all her squishy bits.

“Yup, still alive. Can you please get Guild master for me? I'll have some explaining to do. In private.”

I broke the silence and Chuko's ~I'm angry~ face turned into ~I’m angry at you~ face. Adding a hympf to her stare, she turned on her heel and left.

*That went easier than I thought it would. *

Don’t tempt our luck. How is it going on your side?

*Not well. The spirits took a tenth of it, perhaps less. At the rate you are ingesting ambient mana, we are looking at about a day or so before it recovers. We must close that conduit as soon as possible. *

Which might not be soon enough. Eh.

*You! What are you, a hatchling?! Stop sticking your fingers in there and behave! *

My lovely dragon admonished the dolt number two, as she called her. Pellicora however pretended not to notice.

*I will not stand it! She is ignoring me on purpose! Tell her something! *

Hmm, did I get a promotion from dolt to a messenger?

I took a glance at the dryad. Well, self-exploration and all I can understand but even I wouldn’t do that in public.

“Cora, new orders for you. You will follow a chain of command. If Erta, Altina or Beatrice ask you to do something, you will. The only exception to this rule is, if they order you to harm or kill someone. That you cannot.”

“I See.”

She stopped fiddling with herself and came to stand by my bedside.

“Does that include people trying to harm us? You are my host, my life. You hold my core, my true body. My nature compels me to protect you. I will kill if that is required.”

Choices, again with the same choices.

“Seek permission. If not possible, your foe’s wellbeing is not a priority. Avoid collateral damage and end it quick.”

“Interesting. “

She wished to say more but at the same time, the doors swung open and a familiar furball strode in. She froze when her eyes fell on me.

“Mighty merciful Shamu, what happened to you?!”

Altina shut the door behind her.

“And who in the abyss is that?!”

With her fur puffed out, she looked funny. Seems like she had some feline in her as well. At least I never heard of canines going ~floof~ when startled.

“Your new maid?”

I shrugged my arms. Pellicora looked at me then at the wolf and gave her a polite nod.

“You might want to find her a dress and some undies. We can talk about that later. Right now, I need help. I must burn as much mana as quickly as I can. I am open to suggestions.”

Her ears went flat. Veins glowing eerie blue don’t invite confidence.

“What about your spirits?”

“Already at it. Without them we'd go boom.”

That made her eyes bulge out.

“If four queens of gluttony cannot handle it, I do not know what kind of help I can offer… can you work right now? I mean can you stamp?”

“Yes. As long as it doesn’t involve me leaving this bed.”

My whole body screamed murder at the faintest move I made. Worst still, the more I tried to suppress the mana flow, the more it hurt.

“We have a whole room full of request for you. Nothing else I can offer at such short notice.”

She fished out a finger sized item form her pocket.

“New seal?”

“A fluke. The smiths got the alloy all wrong. Too much iron. It does not transfers mana too well. Most is lost heating it up.”

I took the iron seal in my hand. Indeed, it resisted me.

“I used it to test new girls. See if they can get it warm. You? Set it all the way up and do as you were taught. Just do not melt it, that is the only one I have.”

It might just work. What do you think roomie?

*With enough time even a dribble can fill out a ravine.

“Aside from that…”

The lock and a bigger part of the door behind the wolf, exploded into a cloud of splinters. Chunks of wood and shuttered flowerpots sailed through the room. With a graceful flick of her arm, Pellicora deflected few pieces heading in my direction.

“By the order of the imperial court, you are under arrest!”

Armed city militia rushed into the room trampling and overturning flowers in their wake. Altina howled in ager, large splinter got stuck in her arm.

“How dare you!”

Bloody mist surrounded her, forming blades in the air. The intruders instantly backed away from her.

*Now that is more like your regular morning you dolt. *

How hilarious. Not laughing though.

“Silence mongrel, do not interfere in imperial matters or you’ll be dealt with.”

Someone dressed in black leather robe, came in spewing, what is this feeling? As if I cannot move or breath.

*Killing intent. Quite potent I say. This must be one of those imperial judgemagisters we heard about. Hmm, do not annoy him. He appears to be a troublesome fellow. I cannot measure his strength. *

He looked straight at me.

“Restrain that”

Eh? Again with this nonsense. What is wrong with all those people? I am tired of this. Can no one in this whole world act and think straight? I ‘m sitting in bed. Half-naked. Can hardly move. Does having pointy ears justify all this treatment?

My fists clutched my blanket. Dragon fire welling up inside me. What a peculiar reaction this body had. Is this what anger feels like?

You wish.

Anger laughed within me.

*Dolt, do not…*

A guard with chains in his hands moved towards me.

“No.”

My voice did not stop him but Pellicora’s hand clutched around his neck did the trick. His friends went to his aid, but their weapons bounced off harmlessly off her bare skin. I made the spirits place the same blessings on her as they did on me. Still, it did not burn that much manna.

“Put him down.”

She tossed the guard away at others waiting behind the doors. He struck the crowd and cleared them like bowls. Not exactly what I had in mind, but she did fulfill my order. I focused on the person in black.

“You break into my private quarters. Disturb my rest and insult my employer…”

“Silence creature! You will come with me willingly or we will detain you by force!”

Eh, not the kind of person one could reason with. I have no luck when it came to the law of this world. For one reason or another, people were trying to kill me or put me in jail.

*More like in a dungeon dolt. And is where we will be going after your little outburst. *

His aura spread again. Strong. Even Altina had some trouble breathing at this point. Several of the guards he brought with himself, fainted where they stood. Hmm. Now that I think of it, the mana inside me gave off much heavier pressure.

“Can you?”

I asked. My voice as bored as usual. My eyes glowing. I could feel the flame and mana stir within me, answering in kind against his power. Fighting with pain, I cast my blanket away and got up. Was I not supposed to? His face no longer held unyielding confidence. I stopped an inch away of him, he tried to back off but couldn’t.

“Inform your superiors that I will not tolerate such behavior. If they wish to talk with me. Let them come and schedule an appointment then I may entertain the thought. As for you? I do not want to see your face again. Ever.”

I called upon the name of new wind. She appeared behind me in her new, glowing form. Abundance of mana did interesting things with those spirits.

“Send those intruders away, back where they came from.”

I ordered and added in my mind just for the spirit to hear.

Throw in few blargs at them for good measure. From now on, all unwanted people entering the guild’s grounds shall end up in a cave full of blargs.

The wind acknowledged my order with a smile while all the strangers vanished with a pop. At the same time, I think I blanked out for a moment. When I opened my eyes, I was back in bed and no longer glowing. I also felt lightheaded.

*And you should be, you dolt. You just had more than a hundred people teleported away. Then those four came and put their wards all over the place. Also, I think the city barracks may become unlivable for the foreseeable future. *

She let out a sigh.

*You did manage to remove most of the mana so perhaps not all is lost. *

My back did not hurt anymore so, not bad me. Not bad at all.

*Do not pat yourself on the shoulder yet my dolt. We have a guest waiting for you. *

A guest?

“What a delicious tea. I must order some for myself.”

I turned my head toward the voice and stared. What on earth…

“Oh, don’t be like that. I’m sure you remember me. The snake lady? Hisss!”

She added, Rattling with her tail. I did remember that tiny maraca.

“Why are you here?”

“Tea. Yes. I believe it was tea. I came here to serve you tea.”

She slithered over to a cart, poured a cup for me and came back to her place beside my bed. Her tail coiled itself around her and she sat as if in a chair.

“Well, not to you. I came to serve tea in this room. I have seen it before. This room. The bed. The future and the past. All entwined in a cup of tea. It is of great importance for tea to be served in this room at this particular time.”

I propped myself up and took the cup she offered. Nothing about it seemed outrageous. Just the usual green tea with some lemon grass and passion flowers. Or something similar. One of a few varieties Altina enjoyed and ordered for the guild kitchens.

I sipped and noticed that somebody cleaned up the room and fixed the door. And hopefully took the dryad to get her some clothes. Whatever the reason, she was away… to the left and a floor above. Odd. I knew I would find her in that direction. Whatever. I looked back at the seer. The reason for all this mess. Probably.

“Your fortune telling brought you here? Enlighten me, how much of it is genuine and how much is bullshit? I have never met a real one.”

“Most of it.”

She took a big gulp.

“I make up most of if on the spot, propelled by the spur of a moment. Is that what you wish to hear? Good lord, how much I would love for it to be so simple. No. My curse is very real. I see what is yet to be. I see what shall never be and I see all in between. Like countless branches of ever-growing tree, I see it all. I see it every day. I see it in every speck of dust floating in the air. I cannot go relive myself without seeing it. And no. I have not lied about your daughter…”

She paused, looking at me through her blindfold.

“Forgive me, who am I talking with? Is it the dragon or the others? I truly cannot tell. Regardless, I will repeat what I said. She is well. Her heart suffered but that pain is ebbing ever so slowly.”

Eh. Such words. It felt like the sales department back home. Shilling.

“Enough with fake hopes. Do not dig into a wound that had yet to close.”

“I do not give hope where there isn’t any. On my life, by the end of this spring, you shall all sit by one table and share a meal. However, for that to come true, we must first deal with the accusations placed upon you.”

She took another sip, giving me time to digest then added.

“Yes, I think this is all I have said on the matter. And yes, I have already had this conversation countless times and of all the possibilities, this one so far did not end with me dead on the floor. I am thankful for that.”

She bowed before me.

“And why would I do anything to you? I have enough trouble as it is already. “

“Believe me if you wish, doubt me if you must but please do not hesitate. Also, it would be a good idea for you and your Guild members to avoid strolling through the city for a while. With guards chasing blargs all over the place, atmosphere on the streets became quite tense.”

Oops. It seemed like such a good idea at the time.

“However, “

She leaned closer. Close enough for me to see her serrated fangs hidden in her smile.

“I may be of some assistance in this matter. Is it not what the political clout is for?”

An offer?

*A one you ought not refuse. Had I known the ways this wench carried herself, I would have ripped her heart out years ago. *

As if reading my mind, the seer offered.

“I shall deal with those troubles for you. A word in the ears of Emperor can do a great deal of good if he trusts the lips that have spoken.”

A normal person would have all kinds of alarms going off in their head. I on the other hand had Logic muttering something unrefined and a dragon vowing to bite off the snake’s head.

“And in exchange? What will it cost me? Is it worth the trouble?”

Long and satisfied hiss escaped her mouth.

“There may come a time when I would call upon your name to collect a small favor.”

*Galen, I… do not feel obliged to me. I shall find my daughter one way or another. My mother signed a similar deal. Look how that turned out. Nothing good will come out of it. *

I know roomie. I know. But I also think we are responsible for all the mess we brought to their life.

“The guild and its members will not be prosecuted?”

“No.”

I nudge my head in agreement.

“Then I shall go and deal with my part of the bargain. As for the payment, please always put this on and wear it. That is the favor I ask of you.”

In her palm, a necklace appeared. Simple silvery chain held a bean sized, hexagonal crystal. Around the stone, a figurine of fox curled its multiple tails. I looked as if the fox held the stone in its grasp. It also looked expensive.

“There is no curse placed on this stone. You can take it freely. It is but a sign of our agreement.”

Roomie?

*As much as it pains me, her words are true. You can take it. It is safe. *

So, I took it and hanged it on my neck. Not very practical. The chain caught in the bandage still present on my neck and the poor fox vanished somewhere in the valley between my pillows.

“Here, let me help.”

Nahira adjusted the chain. Now the fox proudly guarded the entrance to the said valley from which she fished it out, careful as not to touch my skin.

“Come,”

She cast a blanket over her tail and pat it in an inviting manner.

“My body have grown cold. I have heard plenty of praises for the bath your guild has. Let us go and enjoy some warmth. It appears, we both may need it.”

Hot water run in a scalding stream over my back, cascading down my hips and splashing against my legs. It made Erta rumble with pleasure. Nahira watched me with a curious eye from the edge of the bath. With her lower body submerged entirely and her blindfold removed, I would not recognize her for who she was. Granted, her eyes made my skin crawl. Can’t really explain it any other way.

Our eyes met by accident. The steam faded and I saw her brushing her hair, her face free of her permanent leather harness. Startled, she looked my way and I felt my third eyelids slamming shut. I am not exaggerating. I felt and heard the clap this thin membrane made as it closed over my eyes faster than light could travel. What worse, it wouldn’t budge no matter what I tried. Nahira blinked and continued to stare at me. The tip of her tail poke through the water surface and kept on twitching this and that way. Whatever should happen, didn’t. It startled her. I on the other hand had to put my face under water and wash off my bloody tears.

“Forgive me. I got careless. I sometimes forget what my eyes do to others. Should I call someone?”

“No.”

To me, her eyes looked like orbs painted with darkest black. Unreal and empty. Black holes in her mesmerizing face. Yet at the same time, whatever protective charm the witch had put on my eyes, chugged mana like a jet engine on full afterburner.

“I’m fine.”

Or at least no longer bleeding.

“May I turn now?”

I got pink enough for Erta to melt away inside me. Perhaps it was time to find a cooler place.

“Yes.”

I stepped out of the cascading water and steaming like a hot bun, I sunk in the bath. The seer had politely closed her eyes, but her face still pointed at me. Eerie lights flickered underneath her eyelids.

“You are silent. Is it because of me?”

Yes? Kind of? Eh, I think I’ve insulted enough people already.

“No.”

I closed my eyes as well and let my body float.

“My social skills are lacking. I am not used to giving small talk. Talking is not the first thing that comes to mind when people see me.”

Not that I have many chances to do so.

“I can imagine. I still remember the stench of rotting bodies… and the flame of the pyre. Yes, not the nicest things to remember.”

And the dolt did it again. Uncomfortable silence filled the air.

My neck complained where the chain tugged it.

“This fox, is there a meaning behind it?”

“Not that I know of.”

A shadow appeared above me, but I dared not to open my eyes.

“Will it get me into some sort of trouble?”

“Most likely.”

“What if I decide to throw it away?”

“Then the emperor may not hear my testimony. My voice may not reach him.”

A blackmail.

“Tell me, what did I do to deserve such hostility? I never wronged any of you people.”

Silence. Not a whisper on her part. Was there no answer to give?

“For what little meaning it may have to you,”

Her words came with a tone I could not grasp.

“I wish you luck. I wish you all the luck and help you can get.”

She got out of the bath and left while I stayed. My half-cooked lizard moaned something incoherent. Good riddance, if I were to guess by her previous statements. Eh.

I dived and swam till the other end and back again. I missed doing this. Swimming I mean. The guards emptied the bath for us, and it was big enough to swim in. I did several rounds before settling in my usual corner. The fox stone hanging on my neck, refracted light, sending rainbows everywhere.

And I felt like an idiot. A lot of voices told me I was being an idiot.

Not that I got time to contemplate.

“You. Come. Get food.”

Sweet, sweet Chuko appeared with a towel.

*Over my dead body…*

The so-called lizard groaned and repelled water off my body with her magic. For some reason she did not like the coarse towels the guild provided.

*And I am certain that you used sandpaper to wipe yourself. *

Point taken.

“Thank you. Won’t need it.”

She watched the steam rising off my head while magic puffed out my hair.

“Neat.”

Huh? Chuko complimented something? That did not bode well for my future. With my mane dry I followed her to the dressing room.

She limped.

Or did I imagine it?

No. There it was. She favored her right leg.

“You were hurt because of me. I’m sorry.”

It stopped her.

“All fixed now. No worry.”

That was the most fake smile she ever made. Her eyes got red. Very red and very wet. She stood there sobbing. I hugged her and let the pillows do their magic.

Erm, roomie? What is wrong with her?

*… forgive me. I cannot help her. *

Eh. Useless lizard… Wait. Tell me, do we have enough mana left for a little miracle?

*I believe so. What lunacy did you come up with dolt? *

You do remember about the ring I got?

I could sense its presence on my finger. Dormant but ready to spring to life. It waited just for such occasion. Now if I only knew how to use that thing… Sudden stab of pain made my eyes water. As if I got chili in my eyes. I tried to focus and block my mana.

*No! Let it flow and look at the child! Can you see it? *

Squinting in pain, I gazed at Chuko. Huh? I had to blink to clear my vision, but it looked like black smoke filled her body. Especially a lot of it gathered around her hip. I moved my palm there, making her jolt away.

How odd. As if… I don’t know. As if something was there.

“You are in pain.”

I spoke with conviction. I knew she suffered. Just how she suffered. I wouldn’t be able to move if only a fraction of that pain was mine.

Indeed she is.

Water whispered to me through the ring.

Put your hand on her body and will your mana into her.

I place my palm on her head. My eyes still hurt but I just let my tears flow.

“Promise me you won’t tell anyone.”

My whisper made her eyes open wide with fear so I forced my lips into the most natural smile I could make. At the same time, blue tendrils of mana entered her body, power seeping in through my skin. I felt some resistance but only slight.

*Gentle, be gentle. You do not want to shatter her. Let her body pull in your mana. Do not force it. *

Black, stinking mist oozed out of her pores. The dark solid spot I felt in her hip begun to sizzle, surrounded by a bluish light. Panting, Chuko hung limp in my arms.

*Galen, you must stop! Her heart cannot withstand any more mana! *

I could feel it trashing madly in the maid’s chest. But, that thing in her hip. I could not remove it all. A lot of it remained. It will poison her again.

*Either you stop now, or you will kill her! *

Reluctant, I cut off my mana flow. Perhaps I did it too abruptly. Chuko cried out with whatever strength left her.

“I… s..rry…”

Oh. My body did not work either. We fell backwards, with her landing atop me and my pillows absorbing her Chuko’s fall. Thankfully. My head on the other hand, hit the floor hard and smashed the expensive tiles. Altina’s going to be pissed off…

My nose felt stuffy. tried to clear it and blood splashed everywhere.

*Well dolt… good job. Again. *

I think my eyes are bleeding. Everything got so red…

Suddenly there were voices all around us.

And people.

And a wolf.

I think I like that wolf. She is fluffy.

Hands picking me up.

Pellicora? I wouldn’t know.

But I do know. Somehow.

That frilly dress fits her well.

Why is she running…

… so fast. So… funny.

My world is spinning in and out of darkness.

“Andrea! Quick, help us, set the bed! Merciful Shamu, where in the abyss is Tala?! Li! Go and get her!”

That wolf is so nice but…

But…

That feline setting the bed…

Her eyes… She smells nice too.

And those ears. I want to grab…

I missed but I caught her dress.

Huh?

Where have I seen that scar?

“An-drea…”

My lips taste the forging word.

“ Oh… you got a new name now… good…”

It’s getting dark and lonely in here.

But her eyes shine so nice…

“How are… your numbers An-drea?”

Three times the charm. Or so people say. Why is that, I wonder. I see nothing charming in chronic fainting. Or waking up in different place every time. Or just hoping to wake up with underwear…

“Are you awake?”

Pellicora’s face hung an inch above my nose. She had groomed her hair and pined them up with beautiful harpins, shaped like roses. The black, maid uniform made her pale skin shine. Someone also put a lipstick on her. She pulled my blanket away and awaited my answer.

“More or less.”

Although, my left arm still slept. Nothing I could do about it. Not bad given that last time I couldn’t even move.

“Then I would appreciate you stop trying to kill us. You are making my life difficult. Please remember we are bound.”

That did sound strange from the lips of a monster that just a while ago threaten to slaughter as many humans as possible just to get herself killed. But what can I know?

*Well, I am with her on that. We must do something with the way you react to mana flowing through your body. *

Ah, yes. All the poor dolt's fault.

“I'm open to suggestions. Just please, make it something not inhumanly painful and something that may actually work.”

But I probably shouldn’t get my hopes up.

I sat up, the fox jingling underneath my gown. At least I had a gown. That too seemed unusual. Let’s just get this dolt moving.

Yup, my left arm went on vacation. Not even fingers seemed interested in moving. It looked kinda burned too. Like, burned from the inside out.

“How long was I out?”

Cora brought a fresh stack of clothes for me and waited. I moved the offending limb out of the way and slid my legs off the bed. No surprise there so far. Well, maybe except for the flowers. Again, the room was stuffed with flowers.

*About a moon. It took a while for your mana to settle. *

A whole moon. So… now I’m toast.

“Arms up.”

Pellicora ordered and I raised my arms. The right one that is. My left arm just hanged there. Unsatisfied, the dryad flicked her fingers and I felt magic lift my disobedient arm. With that out of the way, she disrobed me, send a cleansing wave of mana over my body and even got new undies. This version of her I like more.

“The guild master will wish to see you as soon as she learns you have awakened. Then there is that imperial witch sleeping in the guest wing. She is requesting a visit every day. I do not like her. Also, there is that person your lizard told me to protect. They are keeping her in the dungeon.”

What a perfect maid. What on Earth happened during that month? And most of all…

“What are you talking about? Who is in the dungeon?”

I'd ask what dungeon she was referring to if I hadn’t been there. I wonder if people know there is more than just a basement beneath the guild.

*Inra is here dolt. You almost killed her.”

“I did what?”

*She was spying on the guild. Undermining it from the inside. When you recognized her, the curse she was under activated and almost terminated her. Altina saved her in the last minute. Then she tried to kill her when the girl admitted to all her wrongdoing. I had to use your twiggy to stop them. *

Twiggy. Aha. Nope. Not gonna ask.

“You are being disrespectful, lizard.”

Pellicora finished lacing my corset. Not the best choice of support she could make but the reinforced fabric held my pillows in place. She topped it off with a white, silk shirt that had a dangerous low cut and proceeded to squeeze me into beige, leather pants. My rear bumper giving her some trouble.

*Disrespectful! *

A dam broke inside Erta and I got swamped with emotions.

“Leave it at it.”

I cut her off before it could escalate.

“And you Cora, please do not antagonize her. Respect each other. Please.”

“Why should I do so? She is but a parasite feeding off my host.”

*Parasite?!*

Host?

“Look, both of you. I don’t give a dime what happened between you two when I was out. I don’t want to spend the rest of our life listening to your squabble. Deal with it and work something out or you may suddenly find yourself very attracted to each other.”

I still had both of their names bound to my soul. Well, Erta had mine but, I’m sure Logic would come up with something to block that. Or so I deluded myself.

“Is that an order?”

The dryad looked at me, questioning.

“Does it have to be?”

She paused her work.

“No.”

“Good. Roomie?”

*If the dolt insists… *

“Good. Very good.”

Pellicora completed my attire with a thick, light brown, woolen poncho and khaki long boots. I’d prefer to wear something without nine-inch-long stiletto heels, but we had no time to be picky. The dryad improvised a sling for my hanging arm from a piece of fabric she ripped off my bedsheet and we slipped out of the room. Just in time to run into Tala.

“Just keep quiet and follow if you want.”

She closed her mouth and together we went to Altina’s office. Beatrice joined us along the way, guiding our procession. Whatever emotion run through her, she suppressed it with her typical glare. The wolf did quite the opposite.

“May merciful Shamu shave me! What is the meaning of this?! First, we find you collapsed in the bath in a pool of boiling blood and now you march into my office as if nothing happened?! After a whole moon?! Whatever did that damn monster do to you?”

“Why, thank you for your care, I am fine now. As for the seer she promised to deal with the emperor. Have she kept her word? Aside from that, I heard you wished to see me.”

Altina’s ears flapped once, then twice, then she collapsed back onto her chair. Somehow, she managed to calm her temper.

“Tala, can she be up an about or should I send her back and have people tie her down to that bed?”

The healer gave me a bored look and shrug her arms.

“As if I could tell. She should be dead by all I know. People just don’t wake up after a moon of coma. Most die after a week, sometimes two. Since she’s walking and talking… “

She went silent, keeping her snide comment to herself.

“Seems coherent enough for me. Might want to feed her though. We should probably start with some soft juice and go from there if her stomach can handle that.”

“A. Please do prepare it.”

Judging it her cue to leave, Tala bowed and excused herself.

“Trice, I believe our guest may grow tired of waiting. Please inform her that Karin is up and about. Invite her to a dinner so we could talk in peace. Take Cora with you.”

A dismissal. They bowed in unison and stepped out of her office. Altina waited for the door to close.

“Damn you! What are you standing for? Go sit, don’t strain yourself.”

She leaned back in her chair while I sat across her desk. Silent, the wolf stared right at me. Or perhaps, through me.

“I no longer know whether you’re a curse or a blessing. After you last stint, I thought we were doomed but by the grace of emperor, we somehow managed. He sent the guild an iron letter, we could not get a better guarantee. Also, it appears some people now have trouble going anywhere near my guild hall without being spirited away to gods knows where. Care to elaborate?”

“Oh, that. They are fine. I think. Are they?”

I asked the empty room.

“Yes. All are accounted for. “

Water’s soft voice came from the couch as her body became visible. I just knew those stalkers won’t give up so easily.

“And they stink. Can I burn them already?”

Fire helped herself to a drink, choosing one of the more potent liquors the cupboard held. She saw the wolf’s terrified face and brought her a glass as well.

“We are sending all undesirables to a secluded cave where a pack of blargs takes care of the rest. As per the wish made.”

Altina opened her mouth. Took a deep breath. Exhaled. It did not help. She gulped her glass in one go and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, the spirits were still there. Fire displayed a wide grin and refiled her glass.

“I like her, can I have her?”

She sat on the wolf’s lap, stroking her fur.

“No. Already bound to my servant and by law to me. Get off her.”

The spirit whinnied but listened.

“Merciful Shamu… I am not made for this. My fur will fall out in patches.”

Not daring to look at the queens, she addressed her question at me.

“That cave full of blargs, is that true? You are not jesting?”

“Appears so. Forgive me for putting this up on…”

The wolf burst into frantic laughter before I could finish.

“Dear Merciful Shamu, I am not worthy of such treatment…”

*I am begging to think your insanity is contagious. *

You don’t say.

Altina took my lack of response as an enquiry and explained.

“Half a moon ago… the head of the Blue Bird Guild tried to climb those stairs behind my back,”

She pointed at the windows behind her. Altina’s office sat directly above the entrance.

“and vanished without ever reaching the door. My lord, if I knew…”

It took her a moment to calm herself. An occasion Fire used to refill their glasses.

“As much joy as this outcome brought me, I cannot allow it. Please can you cancel that ward? I cannot have clients whisked away. Not all of them are desirable but most have far reaching connections and contracts I must honor.”

“Should they be returned back here?”

“No! Unless they air out first, no! Let them appear by the city gates. Guards will deal with them, especially if there were blargs involved. Most of them are guards anyway.”

“Can you please do so?”

I asked, watching Fire dry another glass.

“Done.”

She spoke, sitting atop Altina’s desk and rubbing her leg against the wolf’s tight.

Finding new job in a new world suddenly became a possibility. Since I really don’t want to look for a new employer and my current one seemed at the edge of a heart attack, I spoke.

“Thank you. Now, please give us some privacy.”

“Spoilsport.”

Fire hissed at me and turned to the wolf.

“Darling, you have so much fire raging in your blood. I can almost taste it, it calls to me. If you ever get bored of that slosh,”

She nudged her head at the water queen.

“summon me and we shall arrange something.”

Fire licked her lips while tickling the wolf’s muzzle with her index finger.

“Enough of this, the word was spoken, and word is our law. Or do you wish to challenge my claim?”

Water spoke softly, her voice full of murder.

“Perhaps I ought.”

They vanished in a puff of steam.

“Are they… are they always like that?”

“Mostly.”

“Then you have my sincere compassion. Merciful Shamu…”

Her paws hesitated between her glass and the bottle now left unattended. She chose the bottle and drank greedily.

“To abyss with it. Your plate is too big for my stomach. Eat it yourself. If the judge would ask for me, I shall be in my chamber, hopefully passed out.”

She finished her bottle, rose and left her office on wobbly legs.

We wait?

*Yes dolt. We wait. We wait and pray that newcomer has more sense in her than the last one. *

In the meantime, Li came with a glass pitcher full of cloudy water and floating chunks. She set it before me and offered me a cup. Her face looked pale, stricken with fear.

“Tala said I make sure you drink some…”

The girl whispered, too scared to speak normally. I drank with interest. Sweet. Almost like the sports water with aloe I sometimes bought. Not bad at all.

And the maid kept well away from me.

“Fear not, this monster does not eat maids.”

My words made her face red. I haven’t seen this cute tomato in a long while. Red but, visibly calmer.

“I did not mean to…”

I send her my fake smile and sipped on my juice like a good dolt. Monster or not I had not eaten anything in a month.

“Thank you.”

Li spoke again after a while.

“Whatever for? Am I not a scary monster? The talk of the whole guild? Rawr?“

A certain tomato became even more reddish.

“Thank you for saving Chuko. She is much better now. They don’t allow her to go anywhere near you so I thought, you should know. Thank you.”

“I see. In that case, please make sure Tala check up on her. I did not manage remove the cause. She still has something around here,”

I placed my right hand on my hip where I saw the black thing inside the maid.

“It is poisoning her body. If left unattended, her health will deteriorate again.”

Li’s eyes became bigger, real concern painting on her face. Such a simple person to read, even for me. She did care a lot about her friend. I wonder…

The door opened and Beatrice came with her troubled frown present on her otherwise calm face.

“Karin, please come with me.”

I finished my cup and followed. We trotted to the floor below and entered one of the two dining rooms the guild hall had. This one, smaller, reserved for private reception of important guests, had a table for four and a window overlooking the small plaza between the guild hall and the dormitory. Under the wall, Cora poked the embers in the fireplace and tossed in a new log. She then came to stand by the table. One of the chairs was already taken. Dressed in a flaming red robe, straight from an online game, a female judge sat writing a note in a leather-bound book. Her black hairs were cut short and cascaded in an unruly yet tempting manner. She wore heavy makeup. Gold and black eyeshadows covered strange runes tattooed on her body. Should I see those? She blinked at me, perhaps surprised, perhaps disappointed. Her eyes, what was the word…

*Heterochromia. *

Erta offered from my own memory.

*Be cautious. Such eyes herald many gifts.”

“Your honor, our master begs forgiveness for being absent. She is currently indisposed but will gladly answer any questions when her health allows.”

Beatrice bowed before our guest.

“I understand. You have the right be present during the questioning as a witness but do not interfere with my work.”

She put her eyes on me.

“Please sit.

I did and watched as she put three crystals between us then on by one filled them with mana. With a flick of her wrist, the crystals came to life and hung in air between us.

“City of Fenira, Year 7998, Imperial calendar. I am judge magister Fenella Tirsten, conducting suspect interview under orders of lord judge magister, Garbannel von Melleroy. This interview is recorded in three copies in presence of witness,”

“Beatrice Arlet on behalf of Emerald Guild.”

“This interview is conducted under good faith, barring any duress however every statement made shall be judged against falsehood. Be advised, any claims found untrue may lead to prosecution. You have the right to reject these terms. Do you wish to proceed in good faith?”

“Yes, however I am under spirit contract. I may not be allowed to answer all your questions.”

Or so I hoped.

She consulted a globe standing next to her, it contained a white smoke. Since nothing else happened, she put down a note in her book and continued.

“Deemed truthful. Interviewer has been made aware of such circumstances and shall act accordingly. If at any given point answering shall become impossible, please state as follows; I cannot answer that. Is that clear?”

“Yes.”

Clear as sky after rain. Perhaps I should be concerned that semi transparent fire kept on poking the orb with her finger. On the other hand, the judge did not seem to notice so, perhaps…

“State your name.”

“Karin”

“Your house name?”

“I do not have one.”

My last name was meaningless in this world anyway.

“Deemed truthful. Are you an elf?”

“No.”

“Deemed truthful. What are you?”

A walking wet dream with issues and a ticking bomb inside that may annihilate this universe. Nope. Perhaps I should go with something less dramatic.

“I don’t know.”

“Deemed truthful…”

Her multicolored eyes watched me carefully.

“Where do you come from?”

I paused for dramatic effect.

“I cannot answer that.”

“Deemed truthful. Why did you come here?”

“I made a vow to my fried to find her daughter.”

“Who is this friend you speak of?”

“I cannot answer that.”

“Deemed truthful.”

“Is she the one that put you under spirit contract?”

“I cannot answer that.”

“What is your connection with the Emerald guild?”

“I am employed by the guild as a clerk.”

“Why did you choose this guild?”

“It was recommended to me by the seer.”

I answered with my best poker voice. There was no point to me answering anything, but I made the effort to tell her as little as possible while making it probable. I recounted my arrival in the city, omitting all the juicy bits about the spirits and whatnot. I told her whatever I remembered from the wedding and my kidnaping. Perhaps the authorities can make something with it. I kind of skirted over my whole open sea adventure.

“Have you been to Valora recently?”

“No, I have not. I never heard of a place with such name.”

For the first time since we started, shock flashed through her face. She gazed intently on her Truth confirming ball, but nothing happened. Even Fire got too bored and stop poking it.

“Deemed truthful.”

She gazed into my eyes searching for something.

“It is a costal town, several days travel away from the place you were kidnapped from. Does it bring you any recollections?”

“No. I was unconscious at the time.”

“Was it you that destroyed Valora?”

“No.”

For a moment I thought the smoke inside her detector would change.

“Deemed truthful.”

She paused, looking out the window. We've been going at it for several hours and I don’t think my answers satisfied her. She even asked about my favorite color. Whatever for. Not finding the answers she sought, she changed her approach.

“Do you recognize anyone?”

One by one I checked the portraits she presented. Even though these were not photos, the level of detail made them look more than alive.

“No. I believe I have not met or seen either of them.”

“Deemed truthful.”

Resigned, she closed her book and fell silent. Did I managed to pass whatever trap she set?

“Your wrist, can I see it?”

I stretched my arm for her to see. The charred layer went away but an angry, red band marked the divide between old and freshly regrown skin.

“The wound appears genuine. I can sense remnants of foreign energy emanating from the area. High level curse has been used however it does not explain the extent of damage caused…”

“May I touch it?”

“Yes.”

Her fingers traced the side of my arm then stopped over the wound. Her touch was light and careful.

“The skin is noticeably warmer where the wound is. Does it hurt?”

“No…”

Without a warning, she sent a spike of mana through my arm. My mind went out like a candle.

Here we go again.

I opened my eyes and yet again a new room welcomed me. That and sea of flowers. And an annoyed wolf sitting by my side.

“Good morning mother.”

I teased her. She huffed to that.

“You owe me a table. And a chair. And a set of paintings. And… well a whole room.”

“Eh? The table I can understand, what’s with the rest?”

“Your servant politely asked the judge to end her visit when she knocked you out. I just wish she had made her leave through a door instead of a wall.”

“I see. You can deduct it from whatever the guild owes me.”

I tried to get up, but her hand stopped me.

“Don’t, your mana is too unstable. We must deal with that as soon as possible. I have written to my old teacher. I’m sure she shall be thrilled to take your case. Until then, your main job is staying in this room and doing absolutely nothing. I that clear?”

“Yes mother.”

“Call me that once more and I shall charge you for all the alcohol your spirits drank.”

Oh.

“Rest, sleep or do whatever the abyss you do when you pretend to sleep but stay in the bed.”

She tucked me back in and turned to leave.

“About Inra, I mean Andrea.”

Altina’s fur stood up.

“I understand what you want to do. I can see reasons behind it but, please, spare her. When it comes to bad deals, she is even a bigger dolt than I am. I’m sure she got scammed into spying on your guild. Let her off the hook and I will owe you. Better yet, hire her. She knows what loyalty is.”

“I would fire anyone who would dare to suggest such thing. A spy, loyal? Child, you have knocked your head when you fell.”

She smashed the door behind her with such force my bed moved.

What do you think roomie, she took that quite well?

*Dolt, go to sleep. You are raving. *

Perhaps. My head did not feel right in all the proper places. I dozed off listening to the murmurs of myriads rustling leaves of my inner forest.

And one snoring dragon.