The hatch opened, and William leaped down first into the depths. Landing, his boots plunged into inches of mud and dirt. There was an oozing smell around him, and the dim light from above was the only illumination. Raising a gloved hand, he opened a palm and asked the Sun Spirit for aid.

A sphere of light appeared in his hand and illuminated the passage ahead. As they walked forward, Tanith brought men in from above and among them, Farwa among them. Kata held her spear around her, while Farwa had one hand on her sword in an under-grip. Jehair held her scythe in hand.

"I don't understand how you live in this world, William?" asked Kata. It was ironic, for Kiyora had never asked that. "This place, all around us.

"War, disease, horrors behind every surface. You can't trust anyone you meet, even good people. How can a person live here?"

"Someone can live anywhere they can be born," said Jehair. "if only for an instant. You always lived in this world, Kata. You've just become more aware of it now. You've grown stronger."

"Not happier," said Kata.

"Being good isn't about being happy," said William with a sigh. "You get used to it.

"There's always something terrible lurking beneath the shadows in every world. You only need to look for it. If you don't look for it, it gets even more monstrous and horrible as you ignore it. But, on the other hand, if you obsess over it, you gradually become it.

"A good person tries to root out the monsters around them. A hero finishes in one place and moves on to another."

"Do you enjoy adventures?" asked Kata in surprise.

"I don't regret having them," said William.

"Do you think we'll be able to save Antion?" asked Kata.

"Probably not," said William. "Antion seems to have been decaying long before I showed up. And many of the most powerful people in Antion are part of it. So the most we'll achieve is a temporary disruption of their plans.

"Still, if everyone does everything they can, it'll destroy their plans instantly. The trick is making that happen."

"So why do the effort?" asked Jehair, sounding irritated. In the light of the Sun Spirit, her hair looked almost gold. "If you find all this so pointless."

"Well, many of my people are free, aren't they?" asked William, turning to be face-to-face with her. "At the moment, it's all a never-ending sea of darkness, but every small victory creates a small light point. Though tiny, that light helps others light their lights, each shining greater. And little by little, the world is illuminated."

"Yes, but all that's done is make us realize how horrible it is," said the Furbearer from before.

"Of course," said William. "And many people choose to put out their lights when they see the terrible reality around us. Others have their lights trapped by the dark powers. They are tricked into siding against the good. But the illumination of the horrors of the universe makes it easier to fight them.

"It's bleak and horrible, and you probably will be unhappy sometimes. But it'll make the good moments all the better, and you'll be satisfied that you did what you could."

"But doesn't that mean you can't stop these people?" noted Kata.

"How do you mean?" asked William.

"Well, if you were doing what they were doing, would you want to be stopped?" asked Kata.

"Of course," said William. "Their evil deeds will see them damned to hell or worse if they continue as they are now. Death can be a mercy if the only alternative is to remain in perpetual sin, bringing harm to those around you."

"I think we both know that isn't going to happen, Will," said Tanith, who had been silent until now.

"Don't be too sure," said William. "Perhaps someday it will, in some faraway life. You can't destroy a soul, after all."

Then Jehair sniffed and looked upwards. Felix looked at her sharply. "What is it, Jehair?"

"Someone has been through here. I can tell by the smell on the path," said Jehair. "Come, we must move quickly. They may have warned those ahead."

And she hurried ahead with the others following.

"This passage seems to have been cut recently," said Tanith. "No moss is on the walls, and the floor has not been worn as happens in caves."

"This could be an ideal means of entering the town unseen, could it not, Felix?" asked William.

"It could," said Felix. "But I do not think it would have been created for that purpose. Slavers rarely seek conquest as a goal. Instead, most purchase their wares from those with conquest as a goal."

And, at last, they came to a pale light reaching from just around the corner. Dawn was coming from some opening out to the light. There was also a still brighter light source down the cavern, brighter than ever. William wondered if they were coming out into the open.

William raised a hand to halt as he peered into a large, round natural cavern with a high ceiling and stones. He saw the daylight coming from a hole delved into the rock above. He saw the servant girl from before in the room, her clothes torn, so her shoulder was bare. She was kneeling, and two men held her dark hair. Both had beards after Babarassian fashion and looked at her like she were meat.

"Well, what do we have here?" said one. "Now, this is a nice find, isn't it?"

"A bit old, if you ask me," said another.

William felt insulted on her behalf on this. She was only a little older than him and a gorgeous woman. And she was almost certainly a Goddess in disguise anyway; her shapely form wasn't dirty at all. Nor did her skin show any imperfections.

"Well, there's plenty younger if that's your preference. The ship's just come in," said another.

"Please, sir, I'm not for sale," said the woman. "I'm a messenger-"

"Everything is for sale. Especially women who go unescorted without covering," said the man, striking her. "Take her to the auction."

Those absolute idiots.

They'd earned their country a century of humiliation.

"But I bear a message from your partners!" said the woman. "There's chaos in the streets! Even now, the main storage facilities are surrounded by them." Well, now she had to be a Goddess. They ought to have heard about all this by now.

Which domain?

Something to do with chance or rebellion, maybe?

"Well, we'll post a warning and continue the auction," said another. "And you'll make for a fine last specimen. Some like them older. Keep a lookout here, will you."

A chain was put around her neck, and William sighed. These guys were idiots.

"Just save a little of the leftovers for me," said another. "I'd like to stick into some of those infidel women myself."

As she was dragged away, the woman looked at him and winked. Then, she walked away with an exaggerated sway of her hips.

Was this some kind of masochistic fantasy to her?

"Obviously," said the other.

As soon as he was gone, William motioned to Felix, who slipped up behind the man. He cut his throat and stabbed him with three swift strokes. As he did, William came forward. "...Felix, how in Elranor's name have they not been told of this?"

"The city was sealed earlier, and the trapdoor was barred from the other side," said Felix. "Perhaps communications have been poor."

"How are these Babarassians related to Medi, anyway?" asked William.

"Those Medi were a people who worshipped Zigildrazia. They fled before Baltoth's coming during his great rage," said Felix. As he spoke, he cleaned his dagger on the clothes of his enemies. "That was after the Fall of Valranor. Baltoth's wrath had been outpouring upon those who had long escaped justice.

"Those who would become the Babarassians had Drens among them, and also your people, the Furbearers."

"Really?" asked Kata.

"Yes," said Felix. During the fall of Valranor, many fled Artarq and other places to escape the fighting. Some came west to Haldren and served under the Withering. Others fled east to what would become Babarassia and served under the Kingdom of Thera. It was a colony of humans established independent of elven rule, for no one wanted the island.

"Over time, they grew in number and population and destroyed those who sheltered them. They were allowed to walk unchecked throughout the land.

"So you see, the King of Haldren has some right to be paranoid. Your people are kin to the Babarassians, just as kin to the Medi. You and the Babarassians are kin, in a way. They are a twisted mockery of your people, fit only for extermination."

"I've never seen you speak with such hatred, Felix," said William, disturbed. "This seems more like what Raynald or Tanith might say."

"Well, yes," said Felix. "But you know that Tanith is just speaking nonsense to justify what she does."

"That's a little harsh," said Tanith.

"You've met Calishans and know it's all just nonsense," said Felix, ignoring her. "What I'm saying is perfectly true, and can you point to anything that says otherwise?"

"I'd hate to judge a society based on its slave traders. And Emile seemed reasonable enough," said William.

"He wanted to marry a twelve-year-old," said Tanith.

"I took him to be twisted by the society he lives in rather than genuinely evil," said William. "Every nation has its own... problems. And anyway, he released her, as well as the other slaves.

"So he at least deserves some consideration."

"Because he got caught," said Tanith. "He retreated from an untenable situation. He released his slaves out of fear of retribution."

"We can discuss this matter another time," said William. "We've got work to do."

Now assembled, the men hurried into the next place. It was a large cavern that William had difficulty believing it was real. The light poured in from a beautiful window into a harbor overlooking the sea. Distantly, one could see Haldren and the sun rising. Yet the vision was marred by the image of silhouettes of slave ships and wooden construction.

Beneath it were many men in a crowd, armed. They leered at many terrified women of all races and howled prices. Heedless, that dawn was rising over a serene harbor, the likes of which had never been seen in Haldren. The slaves saw it, and their expressions changed to wonder, for some magic had shifted it.

William and his men were struck dumb as the water became clear. It reflected the light in many-colored sparkles. But the well-dressed, overweight men looked at their coins.

Their guards looked at the slaves like predatory animals. And the buyers, of all races and creeds, looked at the slaves now in hatred.

For they sensed their pain and helplessness had waned for an instant. It made them despise them as much as they lusted for them. And William knew they would fall on their new property like wolves to fresh meat if this went through.

Yet, something stayed in his hand, a power-like web clinging to him.

Many of those here were girls and women and very beautiful. Their eyes were dull as if in a dream, and the men around them had an unnatural sneer. Among them was that same blue-skinned girl he'd seen before.

"Now look at this one," said a white-bearded man. "A bit old, twelve, but of nice appearance. Pale skin and nice eyes. Can I get a number?"

Numbers were given, many of them by Harlenorians. And William realized in horror that their people were buying here. How many people had been brought in from above? How many had been distributed to the lands beyond or sent away on those ships? He motioned to Tanith, and she moved with her forces to block the entrance at the far end. The guards there looked up too late and were killed quietly.

"That's one price! And sold!" said the man. "Bring up one of the younger ones, will you."

"The children..." said Kata.

"Everyone here dies," said Jehair in a fury. And for once, William held no suspicion toward her.

"Not yet. We need information from them," said Felix. "Look at this setup.

"We need as many alive as possible." The ships did not look like those that could travel on the Haldrenian Channel. It was as if they had come here by similar means.

The Dreaming Goddess.

Were they using Kiyora's power for this? How? Could this Queen Jazra have a power similar to hers?

"Felix, go down the corridor and see if you can meet our men," said William. "Prepare to go out once you hear fighting."

The sunrise continued, keeping the slaves calm and easing their distress. Meanwhile, the buyers drank and screamed. The buyer smiled. "And that's another fine infidel damsel handed over to her salvation under Zigildrazia. Next up, and last, we have a recent addition. A much older kind, this one is quite a beauty herself."

William tried to give the order but could not do so as the servant girl stepped onto the stage. Some force spellbound him; he could only admire how she posed instead. She stood, sticking out her chest, her tied hair over one shoulder, and smiling as though under a spell.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

But she wasn't. The dawn rose just behind Farah, making her appear as divine as she raised her arms without being bidden.

"Once the consort of a very powerful Harlenorian Lord. She's plenty experienced," said the man. "We... acquired her, and we'll put her up for a healthy number."

"What's her name?" asked a man.

"I am Farasa," said the girl. And then she resumed a normal posture, and her face became stern and terrible. "You have walked a path of your choice. You have cut short the destinies of many. And now you shall suffer a righteous fate.

"Behold your executioners."

And now they saw William and Tanith, who sprang forward almost of their own accord. Their blades were out, and William realized he meant to kill them. But, no, he forced himself to stay his hand as he broke a spear and threw a man down. "We need them alive!

"Alive!"

"Damn Harlenorians! She wasn't lying!" said a Babarassian. "Kill them all!"

Even as they looked up, the sun's light blinded them. It reflected off the Harlenorians' spearheads. The men roared as they charged in, and the Babarassians were overcome. In moments, the front line was defeated, with many slain. The buyers went for weapons or fled for their ships.

But they were too late. Many finely dressed men fled for the boats, only to be cut off by Jehair, who spun her scythe. Vines on the walls hereto unseen grew up to grasp them. At the same time, Tanith and her people stormed onto the ship, overpowering the guards easily. Those who were not killed were bound easily.

Kata drove a lance through one while the other Furbearer nearly cut two throats with a knife. William hewed down one with his sword. Tanith and Jehair slew many, blade and scythe gleaming with power.

They tried to get to the ships, but their crews were drunk, and the men were on them. The port was taken in less than a minute, the ships seized, and men pulled away.

"Take whatever you want of the riches on the vessels," said William. "But the slaves will be freed!"

"Free the children and check the holds. And harm no one you do not have to. Not an ounce of blood is to be spilled without need. Tanith, take charge of distributing the loot."

"Much obliged to you," said Tanith. "These slavers are tepid and weak. The ones up there put up a decent fight, at least. These ones broke after the first charge."

Things progressed as searches were undertaken below decks. As they did, an overweight, overdressed man was pulled forward. He wore silken outfits and a white hat with a red gem on the top. "Unhand me," said the man. "I am a Sheik of Noble Birth of Barabassia, and I shall not be manhandled!"

"Release him," said William. "The battle is over."

The men did.

"What is your name?" asked William.

"I am Mohas Omar, a personal envoy to Lord Rius, and you will pay for this outrage," said the man.

"On what business did you come to Lord Rius, and why were you in this place?" asked William.

Omar shifted beneath his hard gaze, fingering his golden belt. "...I was conducting some side business here. Of course, such a thing is permitted. Orders were given; we were not to be disturbed."

"Does Lord Rius know what you are doing here?" asked William.

Omar shuddered. "Of course he does! I am an envoy; come to negotiate a leadership change!"

"To whom?" asked William.

Omar tried to keep William's gaze and eventually averted his eyes. "...The Lord Reg, of course. A mere formality, as anyone can see."

"I see," said William. "And this spell that changes the water, what is it?"

"All Babarassian colonies have it," said Omar, seeming glad at the conversation change. "Our magic only works in locations we have created it in. The magic of Queen Jazra gives us swift and easy sailing. One day, she shall rule all dreams and grant all wishes."

"How does it spread?" asked William.

"By men giving themselves to Queen Jazra," said Omar. "Those who let her rule them receive their wishes; we are her agents. Death does not mean to us what it means to you."

So that was it.

If the plague had gotten bad enough, people would have jumped at the chance to escape. And some would be willing to give up their souls. If it had continued, Babarassia's dimension could have gradually spread. A decent plan, given the situation.

"And these men, are they here by choice or no?" asked William.

"They are," said Omar. "They come from many places in Harlenor to purchase."

William paused. "Felix, Jehair, get the names of every person who was here. Send their names to those it might concern. Make sure King Vortegex knows how his own people have served him.

"Omar, I fear that you have been misled.

"Lord Rius has been restored, and Reg rots in a dungeon for usurping him. Your people departed Ascorn late yesterday upon realizing their error. I am surprised no notice was given to you."

"It seems my representative was slain in the fighting. So I am at a disadvantage," said Omar.

"Very well then. If you are an envoy, you shall not be harmed," said William. "Felix, keep an eye on him." Then he turned to Kata, standing close to Jehair and speaking quietly. "Kata, search the boats. Find all the documents you can, free all the slaves, and determine their origins."

"You can't possibly be serious," said Kata. "Do you know what they did?"

"I am quite serious," said Wiliam. "You will settle your vendetta with the Babarassians later. Our only concern is saving and leaving your people here in one piece.

"Sheik Omar, I would arrange a departure as soon as possible. Instead, forces are using your people as a bargaining chip, even though I don't understand.

"The Lord Dunmoore was en route with an army by order of Lord Rius."

Omar stared. "You cannot possibly be serious.

"Who is running this country?!"

William halted. "Unless you want to find out, I'd take your followers and get out. Did you know where they came from?"

"Well, there is usually an understanding that bad things happen in this business, but no," said Omar. "The slave trade does not care who you were before the chains got put over you.

"As for the Haldrenian colonies...

"I have no influence there. It will be a terrible loss for all involved at this rate."

"You might try transporting grain," said William.

"I'll have to take another loan, but yes, reasonable," said Omar in disgust. "Never again with this slave-trading business."

So Omar left with the rest of his crew to go to sea, and his slaves went. Tanith gave him a gift from some of what was stolen. The Harlenorians were still there, and William didn't know what to do with them.

"Why did you let them go?" asked Kata.

"I already gave the rest of them leave to go," said William. "So I must honor the offer with Omar. I can't afford to fight the Babarassians while all this mess happens."

William got to work, but it didn't seem there were that many wounded to heal. Little by little, as the dream faded, Tanith returned with a pouch of leather. In it were papers. The sea was rough again, and the sky turned to night.

"Will you see this?" asked Tanith.

"Hmm, documentation from the Lord Reg. This is authorizing an increase in trade activity," said William.

"Rius was under-declaring the number of slaves sold here," said Tanith. "Babarassians give high prices for slaves than planters. But there are rules for selling to a foreigner, and you can't sell Harlenorians. There are rules.

"A lot of these people were Harlenorians.

"And what's worse, many men say there's a question as to if the harvest will be brought in at all this year. So these slaves were needed to get it done."

"Where are these Harlenorians from?" asked William. "Did you talk to them?"

"Many are from Blackfear," said Tanith. "Neral Dinis' domain, a new shipment. They say armed men seized them during the night. It was done by someone called Lamech.

"Others were taken from Escor, sold by local lords in that place against the laws. It's a common practice when you want to cover expenses. But never on this scale. Lamech was doing it too and had generous payments from Bishop Joffrey."

"Where is Tavish?" asked William. "Surely he was Lamech's master?"

"I think they are equal partners," said Felix.

"Felix is correct," said Jehair. "I am quite familiar with the territory Tavish operates in. He takes in strays with nowhere else to go and gives them work.

"Lamech prefers to use the worst of humanity. The two often share the same interests, but their operations are separate."

"Well, why didn't you mention that before?" asked William.

"It did not seem relevant," said Jehair. "Since your goal has been to get out of the city as soon as possible."

"Felix," said William. "Tell me what is going on here in plain Harlenorian."

"Lamech is enslaving Harlenorian citizens on flimsy pretenses," said Felix. "And nothing has been done to stop him. Tavish has enslaved the Furbearers on behalf of the planters of Antion. Rius has yet to do anything to control this, and merchants handle all his affairs.

"Either the nobility and church of Antion can do nothing. Or they are actively complicit in this."

"Or they may not know," said Jehair. "There is a difference between reading a report and seeing."

"They can know and look out the window," said Felix. "Therefore, they either know or they choose not to know.

"There is no excuse for this level of detachment."

"We will make such judgments when we go into Antion proper," said William. "For all we know, the Paladin Order has already fixed all this. And we are simply at the very edge of the battle.

"Tanith, recruit these slaves into your personal forces. Put them at Farwa's disposal. Don't spread any rumors about what we've heard here. The last thing we need is a revolt among the commoners.

"Kata, take the customers to the slave cells and hold them until one of us comes with further orders. Ensure they are clean, and no one is overcrowded or poorly fed."

"Why should we?" asked Kata, leaning against a cave wall with arms crossed. She probably was trying to look stern and unforgiving. She wasn't really succeeding.

"Your people have ample reason to hate the Babarassians," said William. "That is no reason to become them." Then he turned to the beautiful, dark-skinned Goddess and saw her smiling at Kata, who blushed. "You would be the Goddess Farasa, then? Or would you prefer Farah?"

"I am," said Farasa. "Goddess of Destiny and daughter of your enemy, Baltoth."

"And what has brought you here?" asked William, trying to keep his eyes on her face and failing. He'd been having trouble doing that a lot lately. "Beyond sewing chaos?"

"I abhor slavery, for it steals the choice from mortals. It robs them of their destiny," said Farasa, stepping too close for comfort. "I abhor Barabasians for the terror they cause too many of my worshippers.

"In Reg, I saw an opportunity to harm both of them. And also to damage the institution of slavery in this land beyond repair. So I inserted myself into his company. Before he met with Neral Dinis and made appropriate arrangements." She leaned in closer, and William kept his composure and tried to avoid reacting.

"Corrupting him into sin?" asked William.

"Please, Neral Dinis would have made the offer anyway, as Jehair can tell you," said Farasa. She stepped away and mesmerized everyone around her with the swing of her hips. "I simply sped things up. Reg was an obvious target. And his entire family is steeped in sin. All I did was allow him to become something more. By taking it, he has assisted in my efforts."

"And apparently, we have been your pawns," said Jehair.

"I prefer to think that I channeled your destiny toward greatness," said Farasa with a smile. "Had I not arranged for you to be attacked by that ship, you would never have rescued Kata.

"So you would have healed a few injured and left."

"I don't like being manipulated," said William.

"Get used to disappointment," said Farasa, turning to him. "So, is there anything you want?"

"I was taught to beware people bearing gifts," noted William.

"Call it the repayment of a debt," said Farasa, piercing him with eyes. "You were of use, so I owe you thanks. What do you want?"

William struggled to maintain his grip. "I think you owe more than one debt, Farasa. Kata and her people, for instance. They were enslaved and shipped to foreign lands by your trap. Go to them first if you want to ease your conscience.

"For my part, I have nothing to ask now." And he realized it was true. He wanted to be great by his power. Using a favor would be akin to admitting defeat.

Farasa looked disappointed, then strode past him to stand inches from Kata's face. Kata blushed at their proximity as Farasa shifted before her. "As you wish.

"Call if you need me. I suppose I'll see about the Furbearers."

What Kata and Farasa spoke of, William didn't hear.

Everything seemed to blur together, and soon, Farasa was back before them. Everyone went about their business. Finally, William decided to ask questions. "What are these Barabassians doing here? And how did they not know of this?"

"They have several such smuggler ports in Escor, and this one has been held recently," said Farasa. "However, many other customers have come to this auction. As for how they did not know, they have a decentralized system.

"Many in Ascorn did not know this port or the others. It was set up specifically by Omar to cater to the desires of the Babarassian elites."

"She's right," said Tanith, looking at Farasa in irritation. "It turns out there is documentation of several different smugglers' caves. Shipments of supplies further down in Escor, including near Magicora." Farasa seemed somehow insulted by Tanith's disregard for her.

"What, is destiny too good for you?" asked Farasa.

"I don't need it," said Tanith. "I am Tanith Telus. I fear not death or pain or agony. By my hand alone are my enemies slain. If you dare to try and alter my fate, you will be cut down like a tree." Farasa flinched, and Tanith looked back to William. Tanith used to be obsessed with beautiful women. "This is great news.

"We've needed a war to fight."

"Jehair, check outside this cave with Felix. See if you can pick up any trails leading inward," said William with a sigh. "I expect they must have some kind of outpost or base on land. A supply chain of sorts.

"One could not set all this up without work."

Then he took Tanith to one side. "Tanith, I want you to figure out where all these smugglers' ports are. Get together some ships and men to raid them. Interview those we are holding prisoner and find ones who can guide the ships.

"Once you have done that, go to Lord Rius and suggest we initiate raids on them. Say nothing of the fact that I told this. Given what was revealed here, I think he will happily unleash you on them. He may even know the locations.

"Now, this part is essential. Rius may attempt to subvert your loyalty.

Tanith blinked in surprise. "You don't suppose he is that stupid, do you?"

"I think he believes you've been alienated from me," said William. "Your family is of immense value to House Gabriel and among our most trusted friends and allies.

"If you were to be turned, political marriage to an ally or some other arrangement could do. So I want you to make your frustrations known."

"Okay, why?" asked Tanith, looking to where Farasa had her arms crossed. She seemed irritated at the lack of attention.

"I had initially taken Rius to be a reasonable man who let things get out of hand," said William. "However, now I think he is a villain who fell into a pit of his own making." That was perhaps the understatement of the century. However, the men had not been privy to their earlier conversation. "If so, he may be grateful and turn over a new leaf.

"Or he may decide we are trying to exert power over him and try to weaken us. Certainly, he would already be our enemy if he were part of this. You are the apparent weak point."

Tanith halted. "What do you mean?"

"People think you're reckless and stupid," said William. "You're not, but the casual way you present yourself makes you seem less intelligent. So, first, I want you to take all of this information to Amenos. Then, once done, I want you to go to Rius and tell him about Omar. Make it casual, as if you don't think it's important."

"But why would we want to throw away Omar? Isn't he a useful piece," said Tanith.

"The only possible use Omar could have would be blackmail," said William, looking to Farasa. "And we already have the written documents from his ship. So we can't negotiate with him without going above Rius' head, and we can't interrogate him.

"Not honorably anyway, especially since the Babarassians have shifted loyalties. Make it clear to him that we are at his disposal and don't seek any needless confrontations. Humor him unless he does something to threaten our houses directly."

"Right, right," said Tanith. "Can I have the ships?"

"Yes, yes, so long as the usual plunder rules are applied," said William. "No slave-taking, though; it could alienate Kata."

"Okay, but what is the end game here?" asked Tanith. "Why am I doing this?"

"Tavish Kern had some plan for this place, Tanith," said William. "It may still be in motion and may have involved Rius. I have to go south to Gel Carn and can't do anything. Father can't send anyone down here without risking trouble.

"So, I need you to act as my agent in this matter. Observe events and keep Amenos informed. He reports directly to Rusara and will have channels.

"With any luck, you can stop Tavish's plan when it begins."

"Right, should Kata know about this?" asked Tanith, looking to Farasa. "And can she hear us?"

"If she chooses to, there is little we can do to stop her," noted Felix. "As for Kata, I wouldn't. She isn't trained in this kind of thing."

"We have to tell her something, Felix. She's our ally," said Tanith. "I'll give it to her in broad strokes and tell them it's really important no one knows."

"Make sure you tell only her, Tanith," said William.

"Will you stop staring at us!" shouted Tanith.

Farasa laughed. "You know, Father will give you to me after they kill you, Tanith. I'm looking forward to it."

And a red ribbon surged from behind her. It wrapped around Farasa's long legs, binding them together. It then worked its way up her slim waist and covered her breasts, shoulders, and face. For a moment, she stood there, mummified, before the cloth unraveled. Farasa had disappeared.

Nothing remained.

"...We ought to set a guard on this place, just in case any new ships arrive," said Tanith. "We can use them as them; communication isn't good at sea."

"Do as you will," said William. "I need to meet with Jehair."

"We probably shouldn't return for some time," noted Felix. "Once Dunmoore arrives, the balance of power will shift. We ought to leave like thieves in the night. He was giving orders that everyone cooperate with Lord Rius and Kata.

"Disappearing out of nowhere will make Rius think we've simply moved on and forgotten him. He'll likely show his true colors then."

"Well, that sounds fun," said Tanith. "Let's get to it."

William liked looking at Farasa. But he was glad he didn't have her eyes on him anymore.

And, at the very least, William Gabriel and Felix walked out of the cave. From the earth, they walked into the welcome air of daylight. The trees swayed in an errant breeze. The sky above had a few whiffs of cloud, but the air was crisp and clean.

At last, they had escaped from Ascorn.

Their journey had finally begun, and William was about ready to go home.

This did not bode well.