Narcissa had seen the airships of Zigilus many times when she and Alkela were young. Once Zarana had taken them as far as one of the landing pads. The colossal craft she was on was held aloft by massive canvas balloons and came in all sizes. Many could be seen ferrying officials off to the cities of Dinis with goods shipments. Others moved soldiers or work crews out to the roads.

Then there were the pleasure yachts, which moved at slow speeds. On them were ornate imagery of sensual desire, and the crews were equally desirable. Once, Narcissa had dreamed of being a courtesan on one of those.

The passengers were of all kinds, people from other lands and even worlds. You could see them drinking fine wines and playing games as they soared over the grounds. It was something called a vacation.

But no matter what ship you used, it never went beyond Dinis, and only the largest could go far beyond Zigilus. There were barriers in place, set by the gods, that prevented it. They began to fail once you reached a certain point and eventually crashed.

The farthest had been an expedition out to Macshore, led by a pilot named Carsus. Garacel had given him a light airship, one of the lightest, with a small crew and load. Yet, he made it there with one of the most formidable achievements.

However, the ship crashed, and he had to return by boat.

For it, he had been rewarded handsomely. Later, he entered Zigildrazia's harem with high prestige and became a demon in his own right.

But this airship was gigantic and unadorned. There were hundreds of men stored upon it. And it was part of an entire fleet. Narcissa stood on the deck, admiring the landscape as it flowed beneath them. She looked up to where Garacel was approaching. "This ship is truly amazing, Master Garacel. How have we not conquered the world with these?"

"They have remarkable capabilities," said Garacel. "Unfortunately, they are limited to those areas where Her Radiance is most powerful."

"Why?" asked Narcissa.

"The other gods do not approve of all her inventions," said Garacel. "The airship was a fine idea, but it was not one the other gods wanted. They were concerned that the rapid speed it would allow mortals to travel could ruin all.

"So it is limited to the area around Zigilus.

"But in time, we will expand that area until Her Radiance's airships may fly across the world."

"I know that Illaryus taught me. I've seen long-distance airships, though. He was pulling into port in Zigilus," said Narcissa, a little irritated. "Though they were much smaller."

"This is true," said Garacel. "For the smaller craft can go farther afield. These ones', meant to hold armies, are vastly limited in what they may do. Were they to stray from them, they would fall from the heavens like lightning."

For a time, they continued on their journey. Then, the lands of long black grass began to fade away. In its place, the grass became green. The skies went from violet to red, and the trees went strange. At first, it was subtle, but they looked less carnivorous as time passed.

Soon, the lands became rocky, and the grass was less green and brownish. Cliffs began to rise beneath them, and tall mountains. They were coming to the Highlands of the Sword, the border between Calisha and Dinis.

At the last moment, Grakus arrived. He wore his armor, but his whips were coiled around one huge bicep. He bowed as Garacel looked at him. "Grakus, has everything been made ready?"

"Indeed it has, Lord Garacel," said Grakus. "My warriors will go forth to meet the Kalthakians. And they will not refuse us battle."

"Why not stay behind their defenses?" asked Narcissa.

"If they do so, we shall annihilate their fields and burn their homes," said Garacel. "They will march to meet us. It is not in their nature to let an enemy go unopposed. Moreover, the pass below us is an excellent defense."

"Will we be fighting?" asked Narcissa.

"No, we will not, Narcissa," said Garacel. "You, Alkela, and I have a mission of our own. During the armies of Kalthak stalemate Grakus at the pass, we will slip through a smaller way. When we have reached their city, we shall launch our raid." He looked back at the giant. "Remember, Grakus, you are here to keep them occupied. Do not engage them unless you must."

"Yes, yes, I understand," said Grakus.

The airship gradually descended toward the mouth of the pass. Even as they neared it, the craft began to shudder. Narcissa felt like it might fall to pieces at any moment. They must be near the limit of the airship's powers.

Then she peered past the highlands. She saw beyond them a country of bright green trees and beautiful fields. So many farms were tilled beneath a violet sun that a claw seemed to grip high above. And she saw a small city with walls. They were of a different make from Dinis, with slanted roofs and white stone, and they were lower and thinner.

"Behold, the capital of Western Kalthak, Khasina," said Garacel, tone strange. "The center of power on this side of the wastes."

"That's it?" asked Narcissa. "It's a lot smaller than Zigilus?"

"Zigilus is at its zenith," said Garacel. "While Kalthak is but a shadow of what it once was. I remember long ago when the island of Namina still stood tall. Then, there were vast jungles that flowed all throughout the world. There was a great river there, and the maidens would bathe there.

"I found many a conquest there."

"You lived here?" asked Narcissa.

"Indeed," said Garacel. "It was not always ruled by Baltoth. I was the god of this place. But I was cast down. Yet my people were strong, and Baltoth could not establish himself for long.

"Then Namina fell into the sea, and its people were made refugees who fled here. So much was lost, and the sorcerers became too bold without my guiding hand. They enslaved demons in objects and forced them to do their bidding.

"The land was made a slave to them. No god was seen as worthy to rule them.

"At last, their hubris consumed them. A great rebellion was waged by those they had enslaved. The land was reduced to a wasteland. In many places where once there was life and plenty, there is only dirt and rock.

"Now, at last, their fall is complete. They serve Baltoth. My nemesis." He drew his sword and motioned. "Come, we have much work to do."

The airship's legs opened up and set themselves down on the ground. Garacel led Narcissa and Alkela down to the lower decks and then out of the belly. By the time they got there, the armies had assembled. Warriors bearing axes and spears, their armor painted in the images of demons.

Grakus came forward. "Lord Garacel, our scouts have returned. The armies of Kalthak array themselves, as you predicted. Asim is leading them."

"Then you are to avoid a confrontation," said Garacel. "Keep him occupied with a few skirmishes if you must. I will handle the rest. Come, both of you."

They set out as Garacel began to establish his camp. As Garacel led them up to the slopes, Narcissa glanced back. She saw Garacel and his men erecting temporary fortifications. They were driving stakes into the rocky ground. Behind them, they piled stones, and by the time they got halfway up the slope, they were ready to repel an assault.

Still, Narcissa felt strange, and her legs hurt from the climbing. "It feels so strange walking without high heels," she muttered.

"As I said, such an outfit would be impractical in this place," said Garacel.

"Where are we going?" asked Narcissa. "I don't see any way through."

"There are secret ways to every realm," said Garacel. "Here is one of them." Then he halted by an area of the undecorated wall. Walking a little way on, he slipped into the rock face and was gone. Narcissa ran forward and saw there was a gap in the wall. One that could only be seen from below if you were standing right by it.

Slipping through, she got her axe caught on it. She only got it free with Alkela's help and soon fell into it. As she moved, she heard the sound of metal on flesh and a gasp. Emerging out in a relaxed way, she halted and here found Garacel. His sword was bloodied, and he was wiping it on his cloak.

Beneath his boots were two men lying headless on the ground. They wore concealing clothes. Their blood was pouring out over the stones, and Garacel appeared satisfied. What was this sensation she felt at seeing the blood? The feeling she got when she thought of a blade cleaving through their necks, swift and clean?

She had never contemplated it before today. Never wondered why she felt this way. It had merely come to her as naturally as breathing.

"What happened here?" asked Narcissa, trying to ignore the feeling.

These weren't raishans. They were living human beings who had been killed. And yet, looking at them made her feel good. What kind of monster was she?

"Asim knows of this pass," noted Garacel. "It seems he left men as watchers. We must move quickly. More will be where these came from."

"How did you learn of this pass?" asked Narcissa.

"Long ago, in better days," said Garacel as he led them, "this whole area was a beautiful river. Then, the water poured out of the side of the rock, flowing up from a spring. The water has gone away, but the shape it left remains.

"Still, how did Asim know of it? His domain is further to the north."

The path led down north, and Narcissa struggled with her feelings. Finally, as they began to make their way down the track, she approached Garacel.

"Master Garacel," said Narcissa, gripping her axe, "when I saw those men you killed, I felt... I felt good. Why? Why would I feel that way?"

"It is your bloodline," said Garacel. "The blood of the Archon of Lust runs through your veins. So you were made in her image. Amysta was well known for her love of carnage, so the love has passed to you."

"Amysta?" asked Narcissa in surprise.

"The sister of Zigildrazia. She was the Archon of Lust," said Garacel. "But I have said too much, and we have work to do."

They came before the Kalthakian army and found it very large. They had established their forces behind a heavy wall, reaching up to their chests. Many cherry blossom trees were growing around them, though they were not yet blooming. The men seemed to be sparring, but there were watchers at the ready.

"No conflict just yet," said Garacel. "I have some old friends among the spirits of this land. They shall weave a spell over us so we are not seen."

"Why doesn't Asim attack us?" asked Narcissa as they slipped silently through the trees.

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"He remembers his father's invasion of Zigilus well," said Garacel. "And he has learned his lesson too well. So, Asim only attacks directly if he is in absolute superiority.

"He prefers to pick the ground and let his enemy come to him."

"What about his invasion of Western Kalthak?" asked Narcissa.

"He focused there on soft targets," said Garacel. "And struck by swift raids to bait King Belosh into a confrontation on his terms. But enough of this, we have work to do."

They walked, and none noticed their passing. Soon, the city drew steadily nearer, even as the sun fell and the moon took place. Even so, Narcissa was worried. The gates were smaller than Zigilus, but they were still huge. And she doubted all the warriors had gone away with Asim.

"Lord Garacel, even if we've gotten past the main Kalthakian army, how are we to get into the city," said Narcissa. "There must be some guards remaining."

"There are," said Garacel in a pleased tone. "But we are not only three in number. For those who died in my service now inhabit my form. Their wills and souls well within me, and I may call upon them for their blades." He raised his blade, and it gleamed with a violet flame. "Come forth, ancient warriors of the Lover Eternal. Come forth and serve your master once more."

There was a chilling sensation. Then specters appeared. Hundreds upon specters, clad in armor, were painted with the images of demons. They glowed with white light and swirled around them in more significant numbers.

"We come... as commanded..." said one.

Garacel raised a hand and pointed it at the gate. There was a beam of light, and it struck. The doors shattered into splinters. Moments later, an alarm bell began to sound.

"Go forth now," said Garacel. "Find the Blade of Chaos. Kill all those who defend it. But do not strike without need, nor rush to unnecessary battle. Asim will come after us, and we must be swift."

"So shall the way be opened," said the specters.

So the specters rushed forward into the gates. Cries of alarm came from the guards as they ran to try and block their path. Garacel strode on through the fray. Narcissa saw a specter be slashed down by a blade, only to slash the one responsible as it faded. Another of the ghosts carved down a man while they jabbed at him with a spear.

Yet the defenders were quickly scattered.

And then came another. He descended down from the rooftops and fell upon the specters. He wielded a shining katana and weaved through the specters, slaying many in mere moments. The ghosts swirled around him, attacking from all sides. For a moment, it seemed like he would be overwhelmed.

Then another force descended, spear in hand, and scattered them.

Garacel glanced back from his walking. Without another word, they summoned several more spirits. "So Tuor himself has come down to this place, has he? This timing is most unfortunate." Narcissa turned back, but Garacel set a hand on her shoulder. "Don't stop for them. We will take what we came here for and be gone soon."

"Where are we going?" asked Narcissa.

"To a shrine," said Garacel. "A place that was designed to protect the Blade of Chaos. For a long time, it was kept secret. But Dakan's contacts located it some time ago."

"But what about your warriors?" asked Narcissa.

"Fear not," said Garacel. "They are bound to me by the bonds of love; no sword can break those. They shall know no rest until my vengeance is achieved." So on they walked through the streets, the sound of fighting continuing.

"Well, what about that man with the shining sword?" asked Narcissa.

"One of an ancient clan commissioned by a dead descendant of Baltoth," said Garacel. "She hoped to use them to engineer the downfall of her sire. But when her plans were foiled, Baltoth adopted them for his own use."

"What was her name?" asked Narcissa.

"I do not remember," admitted Garacel. "It was long ago, and I was still in the mine. But, come, we need haste."

They came to the palace and found guards standing by. The warriors rushed forward with their spears. Before Garacel could move, Alkela surged forward with her mace. Narcissa ran ahead with her, drawing her axe. She shattered a spear as it came at her before bringing it around the back of her axe. The blade there into his eye. He screamed and fell back, and Narcissa spun around her axe to drive it into his chest.

At the same time, Alkela had smashed the skulls of two. But Narcissa soon found herself hard-pressed, driven back by the spears. It was all she could do to keep them off her. Then Garacel strode past, his blades moving in a blur. As he sheathed his sword, the guards exploded into blood.

"Well done, both of you," said Garacel.

Narcissa stared at the man she'd killed. She'd meant to strike him with the shaft and knock him unconscious. Instead, she'd killed him. Murdered him. She felt bile rising in her throat and wanted to throw up. But another force, a sick enjoyment, rose within her, one not her own. She looked at Alkela and saw her smiling. Why was she smiling?

"Enough, both of you!" said Garacel. "We have little time left!"

Narcissa fought back the bile and followed. Alkela did the same, tossing her bloodied mace into the air and catching it.

Garacel veered off the main path and went to a smaller building to the palace's left. It wasn't guarded or anything. And yet, as they approached the door, Narcissa found it hard to keep going. Her legs were reluctant to move, and she felt like something within her was snarling in pain.

Garacel himself seemed reluctant to move forward. But he pressed on nonetheless and came to the doors. Then, bringing down his sword, he struck them. But the blade rang and flew back as some force set itself against them.

"As I thought," said Garacel. "Baltoth protects this realm. And I am not yet strong enough to contest his will."

"What do we do then?" asked Narcissa. "I could break the doors."

"You may feel free to try," said Garacel before turning away and opening a compartment in his armor.

Narcissa shrugged and raised her axe. Then she halted. She felt as though she had been commanded not to go further by some stern watcher. The tenseness in her muscles failed. But she pulled back her axe anyway to strike. Now, she felt as though there were dozens of arrows pointed at her. Again, she was being warned to halt. Narcissa was afraid and did not want to strike. She swung her axe down and then veered off. It wasn't that she had decided against hitting it.

Her limbs would not obey her. How had Garacel done it? She tried to draw back her hand to try again, but her body would not respond.

Then Garacel set several sticks to the door and murmured an incantation.

"We'd best move away from here," said Garacel.

"Is that a magic device that will break the enchantment?" asked Narcissa.

"In a manner of speaking," said Garacel before pulling her and Alkela away.

Moments later, the stick exploded. A noise like thunder blew the entire door into splinters. The door frame and part of the roof were obliterated, which caught fire and fell in.

"Baltoth may intimidate others," said Garacel. "His master of order gives him power over the wills of men, preventing them from fighting at their fullest. Fortunately, that device has no consciousness. I need only cast a small spell."

Garacel walked forward without fear. The shrine had images painted on the walls of strange stories. But even as they walked, the flames were consuming them.

And there, meditating among the rising flames, was a woman. She wore white and red clothes and had short, dark hair. Her skin was pale, and she was thin and beautiful. Over her knees was set a naginata spear, but her hands were not on it.

Her eyes opened as Garacel strode in.

She arose in one smooth movement, the naginata coming into her hands of its own accord. She spun and flourished it with practiced ease before turning it toward Garacel. Master Garacel readied his own blade and took a stance.

Both faced one another, no words being passed between them. The smoke rose ever higher, but it seemed to flee from the woman. Finally, only the crackling of flames could be heard.

Then, a roof tile fell from above. As it struck the ground, the woman sprang. She surged forward and unleashed a flurry of strikes. Garacel parried them before bringing around his sword at her neck. But she ducked and stabbed upwards, nearly catching him in the shoulder.

Back and forth, they dueled.

As they did, Narcissa sensed something. It was power, primal, and hungry. It drew her, and she slipped past the fighting toward the door at the far end. Reaching it, Narcissa saw that the door seemed rotten. Like it was being eaten away behind them.

As Narcissa reached out, the door crumbled.

And beyond was the Blade of Chaos. It was beautiful and terrible at once. Its serrated blade seemed to exist to drink blood. Yet also to liberate the oppressed. Narcissa reached out for it- Her senses screamed at her, and she ducked.

The naginata surged over her head. Narcissa swung her axe around, but the woman leaped up and landed on the blade, shoving it down. She brought the spear around, and Narcissa fell back as it nearly cut her throat. Then Alkela was upon her, mace falling. But the woman surged away, and roundhouse kicked Alkela to the ground. Even as she readied her spear, Garacel was on her, and they continued to duel.

Narcissa around and grabbed the Blade of Chaos. She felt a rush of freedom as she pulled it from the shrine. And as she did, the flames rose ever higher and hotter. Soon, the whole shrine was a raging inferno, and then, a moment later, it had been consumed and was but ashes and embers.

Then Garacel was thrown back, the spear in his shoulder. The guardian of the shrine slashed at him repeatedly. Then, he drew back the spear, summoning white light to it.

On an impulse, Narcissa threw the Blade of Chaos.

It spun through the air toward her, and the guardian leaped back. She narrowly avoided being speared. The blade then dipped low and landed directly in front of Garacel, who snatched it up. He rose now, and he seemed filled with a terrible green light.

As he raised the Blade of Chaos, the guardian woman surged forward, and Garacel went to meet her. They passed each other and halted. For a moment, they stood there, weapons in front of them.

Then blood spewed from the guardian's shoulder, and she collapsed.

Then, a shadow descended upon them.