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 any 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. "It wasn't your fault what happened."

"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."

"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. There were three ships in the distance bearing the golden cobra of House Gabriel. There were also many otter vessels. In particular, one which a group of white-robed Nakmar was standing by.

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?"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"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. Mother had been bedridden for the past few days. She didn't look happy about the fact, even if she was months pregnant. William entered the room, keeping his helmet slung under one arm as he approached. She looked up at him with narrowed eyes.

"Mother, I'm going," said William. "I thought I'd come to say goodbye."

"Vanion has told me of your exploits during battle," said Mother. "Would that I had been there.

"Unfortunately, it has been too long since my spear was driven home into the breast of an enemy. Even so, I am glad you played a part in the victory. You should seek to be part of the combat in this coming fight. In the field of battle, with a sword on sword, that is where true glory is.

"Everything else is merely preparation. I fear your Father has never understood that."

"I'm sure Raynald will place me wherever I need to be," said William. He wasn't about to tell her he had no desire to ever be in combat again.

"If he does not place you in the thick of the fighting, you should request it," said Mother. "There is where you will earn your place as a warrior."

"I understand," said William.

"I wish I were coming with you," said Azgora. "However, your brother and sister keep me here."

"Brother and sister?" asked William.

"Yes, the priests tell me I will bear twins," said Azgora. "I am glad to have a daughter finally. I am still proud of you, of course."

"Thank you, Mother," said William, not at all sure of what to say. "I should go."

As he made his way down to the courtyard, he tried to ignore the weight of his armor. He far preferred his lighter chain shirt to this, even if it didn't afford nearly as much protection. Kiyora's concern about the appearance of it was one he shared privately, but Rusara had chosen it. Inspiring fear was an essential part of Dust Elven warfare, or so William had been taught by Rusara.

He pulled his black cloak closer around him as he entered the courtyard and found Tanith waiting. "Ready?" she asked.

"Yes," said William. "Though the armor is heavy."

"Get used to it," said Tanith. "You'll be wearing it for a while."

"Yes, yes," said William.

"What's the harp for anyway?" asked Tanith.

"Oh, this?" said William, looking at the harp hanging under his crimson cloak. "It's for Massacre."

"The chimera is coming?" asked Tanith, sounding impressed.

"Yes," said William. "The only reason she didn't come with us in the first place was that she is a child of Typhos. Our mission ran contrary to Typhos' interests. She'll help our chances with this, though."

"Right," said Tanith doubtfully. "Where are Felix and the chimera anyway?"

"Felix is concluding some business deals," said William. "Massacre went with him."

"Yours?" asked Tanith.

"No, his own," said William. "Still, it isn't like Felix to be late."

"Well, he isn't late yet," said Tanith.

There was a long silence. William searched for something to say. "Tanith, what was being in battle like for you?"

"Oh, it was fun," said Tanith.

"Fun?" asked William. "I thought you were just blustering when you said that before."

"I meant every word," said Tanith. "The best time I've ever had. I remember I hit one of them in the face with my sword. He screamed until I hit him again and caved in his skull. I remember the sensation of my blood pumping as I hacked and slashed my way through them. I wish I could have felt that way forever."

"Are you sure that's healthy?" asked William. "Enjoying ending another's life?"

"You're worse than Raynald," muttered Tanith. "Of course, it's healthy. War is how Haldrenians prove themselves worthy of their titles. It has been since there has been a Haldren. Killing Calishans is our duty. So how can it be wrong to enjoy doing what Elranor wants us to do?"

"I'm not sure Elranor has a grudge against Calishans," said William. "So much as Baltoth."

"Is that why you saved the Calishans, then?" asked Tanith, an edge in her voice.

"My father had a use for Banir," said William. "And I thought capturing a King of Calisha would be glorious." He knew it was a lie.

"Really? And his minions?" asked Tanith.

"I almost drowned once, Tanith," said William. "I watched Felix almost drown. It isn't something I'd wish on my worst enemies."

"They're Calishans," said Tanith.

"Yes, and if I'm ever captured by one, I'd rather not be executed out of hand," said William. "Having a reputation for benevolence to one's defeated enemies can help one's chances. Not every battle is a victory."

"I guess," said Tanith. "You sound just like Duke Vanion, you know. I remember Raynald, and he argued."

"What about?" asked William.

"Raynald wanted to execute every prisoner who wasn't worth anything. Then we'd ransom the rest," said Tanith. "Send a message to Calisha."

"Well, that sounds like Raynald." said William, "I think I know what Father's response was."

At that moment, Felix and Massacre got back. The Calishan boy approached, throwing his violet cloak behind him. "I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner. Some unexpected business came up."

"Don't worry about it," said Tanith. "So, you sat in on a negotiation between Duke Vanion and King Banir. What'd they talk about?"

"For the most part, Duke Vanion flattered him, offered him generous terms, and got him to leave," said Felix.

"That's all?" asked Tanith.

"More or less," said Felix. "It was some time ago, but Vanion held all the cards. It wasn't exciting."

"And here I'd hoped there had been some secret negotiations," said Tanith. "Ah well, can't argue with total victory. And the bastard ended up dead anyway, so all ends well."

"Don't concern yourself with it," said William. "Let's focus on what we can affect. Let's get outside the gates before Raynald sends a search party."

They began their walk. As they did, Tanith looked thoughtful. "I don't understand why we made friends with the satyrs up north anyway."

"Surely you must have read the history," said William.

"I've dropped out of reading history. Mostly since signing up with Lord Marn," said Tanith, which was no excuse since they'd been taught it. How much had she forgotten?

"Well, fortunately for you, I have not," said William. "Khasmir is of strategic importance. If the Calishans were to gain control of it, they could move their armies across the river. They could then head south over the northern frontier. They know it, and we know it. That's why we must support our allies in the region."

"I don't see why we couldn't just kill all the satyrs," said Tanith. "Then, once they were dead, we could move our colonists in."

"The Calishans would have an easy time marching through graveyards," mused William. Note to self: appeals to pragmatism had a more significant effect than an appeal to one's conscience.

"Oh right," said Tanith. "It would be pretty hard to hold that region by ourselves. So, who are our allies again?"

"We're allied with the Fireeyes Clan and their vassals," said William. "They converted to worship Elranor some years ago, and their leader was educated in Antion. The Bloodhowlers are a group who worship Baltoth, originally from Seathorius. We can be grateful that they are the smallest Khasmir factions."

"I don't understand why they didn't cross the river near their allies, then head south," said Tanith.

"They could have," said William. "But we'd have heard about it. And all the other clans would have allied to fight off a hostile invasion. Once we came with reinforcements, they would face a far larger army than before."

"Well, what about the worshippers of Fortenex?" asked Tanith. "The ones we fought before."

"They are a minority of the neutral clans long at war with the worshippers of Kreshlak," said William. "I suspect they allied with Wraith in the hopes of tipping the scales in their favor."

"Who worships Kreshlak?" asked Tanith.

"Everyone except the worshippers of Fortenex," said William. "Viokin traders spread his worship well before we even owned Artarq. You see, this was before the Viokin Wars and-"

"Okay, okay, whatever," said Tanith. "I remember reading about all this in Carn Gable. It's coming back to me. The Viokins had a stint of sending missionaries out to other lands."

"If you don't want the answer to your questions, you shouldn't ask them, Tanith," said William.

"Just tell me who I need to stab when I need to stab them, okay," said Tanith. "I know history is important, but I have no talent for it. I'm better at languages. Still, I can learn more about this feud between Kreshlak and Fortenex.

"Worth noting about in my journal."

"As you wish," said William, feeling a twinge of irritation. She never used to have this little regard for her education.

The army traveled north on the road for several days. William spent much of his spare time helping the priests heal people. The men who got injured or sick along the route were grateful. They didn't run into anything serious, of course. Yet, in an army of thousands, someone was permanently getting injured.

He had a limited amount of spare time. Raynald and Rusara were making all kinds of day-to-day decisions. William watched these, observed, and tried to learn as best he could. Most of them were dreary, such as the placement of latrines or the organization of the camp. But he knew such decisions were critical, so he held his tongue and listened.

At night, he would play his music for Massacre. Yet he found that his music became something of an event. Many of the women in the army came to listen, as well. He found he enjoyed the attention.

Before long, they had passed by the castle of Lord Asimir, now under the management of Sarris. The wall had been partially repaired, and they took shelter there for the night. The land, however, had begun to change. The grass was turning to a more pleasant shade, and the area seemed far less harsh.

"It seems that Elranor is extending his influence over this place at last," said Raynald. "Good. I was tired of Baltoth holding territory in a land that belongs to Harlenor."

"I have always found Elranor's domains to be far too tame," mused Rusara.

The following day they pressed on to Khasmir.

The ground grew steadily rougher, and the air far colder. The trees here were twisted and low to the ground, while vegetation was hard to come by. Once or twice, William saw mountain goats wandering the landscape. Several were hunted for meals by soldiers when they did not flee quickly enough.

Kreshlak's will soon become known, and travel injuries became more common. It also began to rain more, and the wind was always howling. William spent much time healing those who fell or became severely cold. A few fell into frozen rivers, and he could not save them all. It had taken constant effort to keep them alive until Rusara's fire could warm them.

"Now, do you see why we brought all that heavy clothing?" asked William.

"Yes, yes," Tanith said, pulling her cloak closer, "this is even worse than Baltoth's domain. How can anyone stand it?"

"Baltoth and Kreshlak both share the philosophy that hardship creates strength," said Felix. "The difference is Baltoth appreciates the benefits of an advanced civilization. Kreshlak would prefer it if everyone lived in yurts and hit each other with axes all day."

"I would keep such opinions to yourself," William warned him. "Those who dwell here may be of a different mind." He looked at Felix. "I'm surprised, though; I didn't know you held him in such contempt."

"Kreshlak is in many ways the antithesis of my beliefs," said Felix. "Professing a meaningless warrior code and condemning the use of cunning and cooperation. As if brute force was the source of power."

"And what is the source of power?" asked William, curious as to his answer.

"Your ability to achieve your objectives," said Felix. "If you accomplish what you set out to do, then you are powerful. If you fail, you are not. Power is one's ability to enforce one's will upon a universe that defies you. Everything else is merely window dressing.

"Look at Duke Vanion. He is physically inferior to both Raynald and Lady Azgora. He needs to gain more skill in magic to compare to Rusara. And yet he is the most powerful person in this land."

"I never heard you speak this way," mused William. "Is this a personal philosophy?"

"No," said Felix. "It has a basis in my holy texts."

"Your holy texts?" asked Tanith in amusement. "What are you, a god?"

"I mean to say the holy texts that the Duke had stored in Carn Gable's library," said Felix quickly. "You see, he purchased several texts written by Baltoth and put them away. However, aside from the Duke, I was the only person who ever read them, so I felt like they were mine."

"Yes, I remember those," said William. "I always meant to read them but never got around to it. I'm surprised you liked them so much. Considering-" William stopped as he realized he had nearly opened up old wounds.

Felix did not show any distress other than looking a bit melancholy. "What Baltoth did to my family was not personal. It was merely the law, and he was enforcing it. Ruthless punishment of those who steal from the crown keeps others from doing the same."

"You know, I've been saying that for years," said Tanith. She had not.

Soon, they began to pass villages of satyrs, always on hilltops and surrounded by walls. The people came out to watch them warily, holding weapons. Their warriors kept their guard up, and someone blew a horn. Another followed the horn. Then, it was answered by another two calls somewhere in the difference.

"A warning sign," mused Tanith.

"Yes," said Raynald, who had been walking along the lines. "The Fireeyes clan has a very organized series of warning systems. Each village chief has four horns: one for the north, one for the south, one for the east, and one for the west. They blow one or two of them to signify the direction of the enemy army. Then the other villages blow their horns when they hear it."

"Wouldn't it be much simpler to light a signal fire?" asked Felix.

"It would," admitted Raynald. "Relg always was fond of making things too complicated for his good."

They passed several other villages and heard several more horn calls. Raynald listened to them and frowned. After a moment, he looked at them.

"North," said Raynald. "There is an army approaching from the north."

"Are you sure?" asked William. "I mean, suppose a village south of here saw an army approaching them from the north? Then the army would be to the south."

"Wouldn't some other villages have warned them beforehand?" asked Tanith. "You know, before the army got south of us."

"This system is complicated to the point of being useless," mused Felix.

"Oh, I forgot to mention something," said Raynald. "The horn calls don't say whether they are north, south, east, or west of the village. They say they are north, south, east, or west of Kynn."

"What is Kynn?" asked Tanith.

"The most formidable fortress in Khasmir," said Raynald. "Armies have broken on it like the sea against cliffs. It's probably the only worthwhile thing the satyrs ever made."

"It is the capital of our allies in Khasmir," said William.

Some hours later, they came within sight of their destination. It sat at the top of a cliff, with the southern side a sheer cliff and only one possible area of the approach. William felt climbing would be difficult, even for him and Felix.

The fortress looked like it had been assembled with a plan or idea of its shape. The towers were all at different heights, though they were tall. The stonework was of several styles, chipped and cracked in many places. Satyrs patrolled it with bows.

"So that's the fortress," said William. "Not nearly so impressive as I thought it would be."

"That's Kynn?" asked Tanith. "It doesn't look very well defended."

"That is because the army is over there," said Felix.

The cliff had hidden the army, but now they could see it. It was quite large, though it still needed to improve in numbers to their own. The satyrs within it were clad in leather and wielded axes and shields. No scimitars could be seen like their cousins in Seathorius used. They also looked a bit shorter and bulkier.

Raynald, at this moment, approached. "William, I'm going to meet with Relg. You will accompany me. Rusara will be in command in my absence."

"You don't think they'll betray us?" asked William.

"I have no good reason to think they will," said Raynald. "But who knows what these satyr animals will get up to on a whim? I'm not taking any chances. Besides, we might come under attack while meeting with them."

The satyrs had a similar idea. Their leaders came forward with a white flag at around the same time. The two groups marched to meet each other, and William saw the satyr leader, Relg, he guessed. He was taller than his brethren and thinner, too. His eyes were dark, and his fur was black as night. He wore a long brown cloak around metal armor. He bowed his head as Raynald approached. "Lord Raynald De Chevlon. News of your victories in battle has reached across the world. I am glad that a great warrior has come to our aid."

"I thank you, Chieftain Relg Fireeyes," said Raynald, none of his disdain in his voice. "We men of Harlenor always honor our debts and remember our friends long after we have been forgotten. What troubles you?"

"Many of the neutral clans have been united in common cause against us," said Relg. "We feared they would attack us, and our fears have borne fruit. Even as we speak, they march toward us. We will need your steel on this day to gain victory."

"You have it," said Raynald. "My men and their arms are as one with yours."

"Then together we shall slaughter our enemies!" said Relg. "Let us bring our officers together and make our plans upon this ground."

"It shall be so," said Raynald.

After they had separated, William looked to Raynald. "Why wouldn't Relg have his army within Kynn, Raynald? It seems a waste to leave the fortress unoccupied when he is there."

"Kynn is his great advantage," said Raynald. "And satyrs know nothing of loyalty. Most of that army comes from Relg's vassals. If he let them in, they might never leave. So he would much rather confront his enemies far afield and fall back to Kynn if he suffers a defeat."

"I see," said William. "He is very well-spoken, isn't he?"

"Relg was educated in Antion. He speaks Harlenorian with perfect clarity," said Raynald. "It doesn't make him any less of a satyr."

Duly noted.