Kiyora opened her eyes to find herself staring at a featureless white ceiling. There was a clean, clinical-like smell you got in hospitals. She was lying on a comfortable bed with a window to her left slightly ajar. Mom was sitting in a chair to her right. She sat up. "Mom?"

Immediately, she hugged her.

"Kiyora, you're awake," said Mom, voice choking. "Thank goodness." Her arms wrapped around Kiyora tightly. There was no malice this time.

Kiyora pulled back. "Are you alright?" she asked. "I mean, he isn't still here, is he?"

"No, he's gone," said Mom. "And I should be the one asking if you are alright. You've been sleeping for so long. I'm so sorry, Kiyora! I... I don't know what came over me! I didn't mean to do it!"

"Mom, don't worry about it," said Kiyora. "It wasn't you who tried to kill me; it was Wraith. What happened?"

Mom paused, and her gaze turned to the clock. "It has been nearly a week since you were asleep. The doctors said your body was completely exhausted, and we feared you would never wake up. Things have been in absolute chaos, to be honest.

"Everyone just woke up the day after and found themselves in places they hadn't been before. It was a miracle no one was killed, but business ground to a halt for a day or two. The stock market took a significant hit as well.

"Your Father hasn't been able to paint anything all this time.

"I'm babbling, aren't I?"

"What about Laurus?" asked Kiyora. "Is he alright?"

"He's fine," said Mom. "They found him near you. The medical team said that the possession was powerful on him. Even so, he made a full recovery. Kiyora, I..."

"Yes?" asked Kiyora.

"Things are going to be very different now," said Mom.

"What do you mean?" asked Mom.

"The doctors detected enormous magical energy in your blood," said Mom. "Far more than is normal, even for our family. That was why you were in a coma; all that power unleashed through you was more than your body could handle.

"Some very important people want to speak with you."

"What kinds of people?" asked Kiyora.

"We shouldn't be talking about this now," said Mom. "I'll tell you about it later. I just... never mind. I'll ensure our life is smooth, but you can't argue with the Emperor when he decides.

"For now, he hasn't made it yet."

"The Emperor?" said Kiyora. "You mean I've come to the attention of the Royal Family?"

But Mom wouldn't say anything more on the subject no matter how she asked and turned the issue to other things. They left the hospital within the hour and after some minor checkups. On the way back, Kiyora looked out the window of Mom's car. She saw people on the side of the street, walking around as though nothing had happened. It was very disturbing. Was it possible that they had all been possessed?

The way everyone had forgotten it was downright uncanny. Much how everyone had forgotten about the last time Wraith was around. What was the Royal Family doing to cover it up this time?

"The newspapers are talking about a chemical accident," said Mom. "Supposedly, a terrorist group slipped drugs into the meds. I think we both know that isn't what happened."

"Have they repaired the school yet?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes, the repairs finished a few days ago," said Mom. "You should be able to attend school as early as tomorrow."

"Damn," said Kiyora, "I was hoping I'd get at least one day off."

Mom smiled. "Well, we could always hope for another accident." She paused as they approached the house. "And there is your Father, painting again. Or trying at any rate."

As Kiyora exited the car and went up the terrace, she saw Dad painting. His expression was dark, and his face was pale. His dark hair was concerned as he drew pictures of untold horrors. The things on the canvas were something other than what Kiyora liked looking at, and she focused on Dad.

"Dad, are you alright?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes. I just... I felt him inside my head," said Dad. "Nothing is quite the same now, you understand?"

"I know," She glanced at the painting and recognized something. "Hey, that's Arsheen!"

"Arsheen?" asked Dad. "Yes, that was the name I had in mind for it. A city under siege by an evil spirit."

"It was Laughing Wraith," said Kiyora. "I saw this city like this in my dreams."

"Well, we must have had the same vision then," mused Dad. "That means it exists for sure." It would have been cheering, but Kiyora had already known that. And if Arsheen existed, that also meant all the bad things were real.

"I guess it does," said Kiyora. "I'm going to call Laurus and see if he is okay."

"Alright," said Mom, "how about we go out to eat tonight, okay?"

"That sounds wonderful to me, dear," said Dad.

"I like it," said Kiyora. "Hey, maybe I can invite Laurus and the others. Is that okay?"

"Of course it is," said Mom. "Though they might be busy."

Kiyora went inside and made the call. After waiting for a moment, the phone picked up. "Hello?" said Laurus in a tired voice.

"Hey, Laurus," said Kiyora. "It's Kiyora."

"Hey," said Laurus. "I um... I don't know what to say here."

"Forget about it," said Kiyora. "What happened wasn't your fault."

"I know, but, um, my mom she, she's afraid she'll lose her job," said Laurus. "The Department of Spiritual Defense has been asking many questions."

"Have you talked to Gisora?" asked Kiyora. "Her family might be able to pull some strings."

"Yes, I have, but..." Laurus paused, "this is all my fault, to begin with. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"

"Stop it," said Kiyora. "You were possessed."

"No, I wasn't," choked Laurus. "I mean, I couldn't feel him the way everyone else could. Other people have forgotten what they were doing at the time. I remember everything, Kiyora! Serving him was like breathing; I didn't even know I was doing it.

"Not until the end, anyway."

"Well, it wasn't you," said Kiyora. "So stop beating yourself up over it. I spent a week in a coma because of him, so if I don't blame you, no one else has any business doing it."

"Okay," said Laurus. "I, uh, don't know what to say here. Um, I think I'm going to go to bed early. I'll see you tomorrow."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Wait," said Kiyora, not wanting to end things like this. Do you want to go out to eat with my parents and me?

"I, uh, I don't feel too well," said Laurus. "Sorry."

"Right," said Kiyora, disappointed. "See you then."

As he hung up, Kiyora looked at the phone. Mom's hinting about things being about to change for her was getting on Kiyora's nerves. She wanted information, and suddenly, she knew how to get it. She made another call, and Gisora picked up. "Hello?"

"Hey, Gisora," said Kiyora.

"Kiyora, you're awake! Thank Alchara," said Gisora. "Um, are you okay?"

"Fine," said Kiyora. "Listen, I was wondering if you could look into something for me."

"What is it?" asked Gisora.

"Well, Mom keeps hinting at how everything will change for me. It has something to do with the Royal Family," said Kiyora. "But she isn't telling me anything, and I was wondering if you could look into it for me."

"Why would I be able to tell if anything will change for you?" asked Gisora in bemusement.

"Oh, right," said Kiyora. "Um, Mom says I'm a Princess. See, she distanced herself from the Royal Family."

"Oh. Okay. I guess that makes sense," said Gisora. "I'll see what I can find out."

"Thanks," said Kiyora. "You're the best, Gisora."

"I'll go do that now," said Gisora.

"Oh, one more thing," said Kiyora, "Mom, Dad, and I are going out to eat. We were wondering if you might want to come with us?"

"Sure," said Gisora. "It sounds fun. Are we going to invite anyone else?"

"Well, I was planning to invite Laurus," said Kiyora. "But he doesn't want to go. I haven't called Reya yet."

"Right, well, I'll come," said Gisora. "It'll be nice to talk."

Reya, as it turned out, had things to do. Thus, it was just Kiyora, Gisora, and her parents. The restaurant was great, and Kiyora found herself hungrier than ever before. The food was delicious, and the music was good. They talked about all kinds of things, from art to gossip. Eventually, they finished their meal and dropped Gisora off.

Kiyora found herself exhausted as she got back home. She slumped as she walked through the door. "Ugh, I am so beat. I'm going to bed."

When she dreamed, she found herself back in Seathorius that night. She was by the ocean for another change of pace. It was beautiful with how it gushed against the white-sand shores. Looking around, Kiyora realized she was in a village of otters.

Privately, she had always found otters to be very cute. However, she knew better than to say as much. Mainly, when there were a great many of them with halberds, they were standing guard over a meeting of dwarves by a pier. She approached the dwarves and saw Bjorn there. He stood up and nodded to her. "Dreaming Goddess, you honor us by your presence at this momentous event."

"Of course," said Kiyora. "I would not miss it for the world." She paused as she got near. "Erm, Bjorn, what is the event?'

"Your priests are about to depart upon their ship to Artarq," said Bjorn. "Will you speak to them?"

He motioned to the shoreline. In the distance, there were three ships bearing the golden cobra of House Gabriel. There were also many otter vessels. In particular, one was where a group of white-robed Nakmar was standing.

Oh, right, she was a goddess. She had to say something. Suddenly, Kiyora felt very conscientious. Which was weird; she'd never felt awkward like this before. Then again, she'd always thought of it as a dream before. "Right, yes. I really appreciate you guys leaving your homes to represent my eternal glory. Don't do malas, and know I will be watching over you."

"A stirring speech," said Bjorn without a hint of irony.

"Look, I speak through actions, okay," said Kiyora. "Actions are what matter. What you do to people is real. What you say to people is the dream. I'm no good at speeches."

Surprisingly, the priests seemed to take what she said very seriously. Someone was writing all this down. Kiyora had the feeling that she could have said anything literally. They would have still regarded it as profound. As the ship was boarded and set off, an otter with white fur came forward. He wore a red doublet and a red cap with a feather, which he removed and put over his heart as he bowed.

"Greetings to you, milady. I am Rufos of the Otters," said the white otter. What an honor to meet one of your esteemed benevolence in the flesh!

"Sure, I guess," said Kiyora. "Anything I can do to help?"

"In truth, I am here to tell you of your counterpart. The Queen of the Satyrs has come to deliver her end of the bargain," said Rufos. "That was what she said."

"Mistress of all Seathorius?" asked Kiyora. "Who is-"

At that moment, the Mirror of Laevain landed in front of her, gripped by the demoness from before. Her tail was whipping in irritation. Kiyora felt that the crescent blade at the end of it could take out an eye.

"A petty title, paling compared to my unbridled true power," said the demoness. "Even so, I am content. I allow myself to be called as such. Purely to indulge those too feeble-minded to comprehend my incomprehensible glory."

"Oh, you again," said Kiyora.

This reaction seemed to annoy her. "Yes, I have come to deliver what you requested. Behold the Mirror of Laevian. I wouldn't recommend taking the tarp off. It tends to disturb those of a weak mind."

"Wait, you're giving me the mirror?" asked Kiyora in surprise.

"But of course!" said the demoness. "I made a deal and thus am bound by its conditions. Contracts are significant, you know. My word is my bond. Or would be if anything could contain my infinite majesty."

"Huh, I assumed you'd try to assassinate me," admitted Kiyora.

The demoness smiled. "I would not try it. I would merely do it. But if I killed you, someone competent might take the reigns. If you will excuse me, I have arrangements abroad to handle. Good day."

And she flew off. Bjorn watched her go. "Dreaming Goddess?"

"Yeah?" asked Kiyora.

"Might I ask why you decided to demand the Mirror of Laevian from her?" asked Bjorn.

"I dunno," admitted Kiyora. "It seemed like a pretty cool artifact; I figured I'd ask for it."

"Yes, but what use can we put it to?" asked Bjorn.

"Um, well, uh..." Kiyora was drawing a blank here. "I'll level with you; I didn't think this far ahead. Um, what do you think?"

"Our situation with the satyrs is stable." mused Bjorn. "However, in time, we may have to fight them. When that time comes, we might be able to count on an outside power for aid."

"Who?" asked Kiyora.

"We could give the Mirror of Laevian to Baltoth," said Bjorn. "He would surely look favorably upon such a gift."

"Won't that piss off the Harlenorian Kingdoms?" asked Kiyora.

"It will likely make them less than pleased with us." mused Bjorn. "Still, since Calisha is the heir to the Dust Elven Empire of old. One could argue that the Mirror of Laevian belongs to them."

"Not sure Harlenor is going to care what our justification is, frankly," said Kiyora. "Or Calisha, for that matter. Hey, how about we sell it? Have an auction, and whoever gives us the most money gets the mirror."

Bjorn looked at her.

"Oh, come on!" said Kiyora. "Money is good."

"May I make a suggestion, Dreaming Goddess?" asked Rufos.

"Sure, go ahead, Rufos," said Kiyora.

"We otters are a neutral people," said Rufos. "We prefer to keep to ourselves and provide services to dwarf and satyr. Many ships stop by our ports to trade and resupply en route to Artarq or further down the coastline."

"So?" asked Kiyora.

"Why don't we build a shrine here in Port Otter?" asked Rufos. "I'll pay for it myself, and it shall give glory to all the gods of Seathorius, Laevian included. We shall spread this word, and pilgrims will come to see it. We will allow them to enter and look into the mirror for a small donation.

"This is already a major trade route. We'll all be wealthy very quickly."

"I looked into that Mirror once," said Kiyora. "It showed me who I was. It wasn't exactly fun." The funny part was she could hardly remember what she'd seen.

"What does entertainment have to do with knowledge?" asked Rufos. "Many shall come from all over in pursuit of the wisdom it offers."

"That would make quite a profit. Yet it would also make the mirror a target," said Bjorn. "I doubt the demoness will restrain herself from stealing it back."

"Fine, then we give her a third of the profits," said Kiyora.

"Hmm?" asked Bjorn, staring.

"Port Otter builds the shrine, so they get a share," said Kiyora. "The Mirror is mine, so I get a share, and the demoness found the mirror, so she gets a share. We split the profits three ways. That way, everyone wants the shrine to keep getting business.

"It'll be a tourist attraction."

"Tourist?" asked Rufos.

"I mean a pilgrim attraction." amended Kiyora.

"I'd rather we don't share profits with the demoness," said Bjorn. "The Mirror is ours; why should she get a share?"

"We're at peace with her, right?" asked Kiyora. "If she attacks us, she'll lose the money from the shrine. Which means she has an economic incentive not to rock the boat."

"At the very least, it should make her hesitant to attack you." mused Rufos. "And few things are better for business than peace. Other than war, I suppose."

Bjorn considered it. "It may work. Yet, what would we use the money for?"

"Bjorn," said Kiyora, "I'm not exactly one for nitty-gritty details. Just talk it out with King Wiglaf. Find something productive and useful to do with it all. And we can spend it improving my temples and stuff."

"I will look into it," said Bjorn.

"Anyway," said Kiyora, "I am awesome. I'm going to tell William about this, okay? You handle the details."

"As you-"

Kiyora departed in a flash. She saw William standing on top of a cliff, looking down. She ran up to him as quickly as she could. "Hey, William, I had this great- Um..." She trailed off. She had just noticed that he was standing in the presence of Lord Raynald and Lady Rusara. They were looking over a table with a map, speaking with armored men and satyrs. There was tense air around them, and a huge army was a little further down the hill.

Men and satyrs stood grim and determined, awaiting the coming of some unknown enemy. William looked up from where he was sharpening his sword with mild irritation.

"I'm guessing you're busy," said Kiyora.