Within a guard room, Houndslasher gave them a chance to rest. Wine and fresh clothes were brought to them, and soon, they were all clad in the gray furs of the Nakmar. Evensen drank the wine carefully. Twilus drank freely.

"Tell me, Dreaming Goddess," said the King, "what has happened? Why have you taken physical form?"

"Oh, you know, I'm just planning the downfall of all my enemies," said Kiyora. "Listen, Wiglaf I need your help. These elves and I need to take these to Baltoth's Retribution. What tunnel will take us closest?"

"Well, that is a strange question," said Wiglaf. "With a stranger's answer. Seathorius is always shifting, but our tunnels do not. Not unless we want them to."

"Then which one leads to the farthest way north?" asked Twilight.

"I'll take you there myself when you are ready," said Wiglaf. "Will you accept what hospitality I can offer?"

"We should set out at once," said Evensen.

"No, we shouldn't," said Twilus. "We've been walking for days and days Evensen. Let's accept what hospitality these kind folk can offer. For the night at least."

"You regarded us as less kind when you marched your armies into our domain," noted the King.

"Wiglaf, we defeated their entire army without taking a single casualty," said Kiyora. "I think we've more than gotten our own back."

"It is the principle of the thing," said the King. "It is a shame you were not here a week ago. We had a better Feast of the Hearth than in years."

"Yeah," said Kiyora, "I had work." She paused. "Wait, so you celebrate that too?"

"We've been celebrating it for hundreds of years in your honor, Dreaming Goddess." said the King. "How have you missed this?"

"I sort of go with the flow," said Kiyora.

"At any rate, you will both sit at our table as guests tonight if the Dreaming Goddess wills it," said the King.

"I will it. While they're here, I'd appreciate it if you taught them a bit about Nakmar culture and such," said Kiyora. "I don't want there to be another war, and if they know more about us, that could help."

"As you wish," said the King.

Kiyora felt something drawing her upwards. She was returning to her own world. Yet as she arose into the void between the worlds, something gripped her. She felt as though a long claw was on her leg, pulling her back down. She struggled against it, trying to force her way to the surface, but was drawn back down again.

Then all of a sudden, she was standing within some Nakmar living quarters. Evensen and Twilus were getting dressed, while Snooky slept by the door. Twilus looked up in surprise. "Oh, you're back. We were about to leave without you."

"How long have I been gone?" asked Kiyora.

"Two days," said Evensen.

"Great. The timelines are all screwed up or something," said Kiyora. Why hadn't she been able to wake up? "How did the visit with the Nakmar go?"

"It was great. I learned all kinds of things," said Twilus. "I could write a book about it later. Did you know that Nakmar swords, the best swords I mean, bond with their wielders?"

"I'm the Dreaming Goddess. Of course, I know," said Kiyora. They did that? Why hadn't anyone told her?

"It was a total waste of our valuable time," said Evensen. "Why must you delay us?"

"Look, I've got a lot of things to attend to, and a lot of them are important," said Kiyora, feeling bad for delaying them. "Now let's go quickly."

They packed their things and made their way out the door. They found Moira waiting for them. The dwarven woman bowed to them and looked to Kiyora. "Dreaming Goddess."

"Moira?" said Kiyora.

"Yes. I have been tasked with showing you how to reach the northern reaches of our tunnels," said Moira. "They are of recent make. King Houndslasher ordered us to dig nearer to Baltoth's Retribution. That was some months ago, and they aren't yet complete."

"Thanks," said Kiyora. "Lead us there."

Moira led them on through the tunnels. As they walked, they began rougher and less clean. Fewer dormitories opened into the side of the tunnels. Before long, the lights were dimmed and fewer. As they walked, Moira remained mostly silent.

Finally, she glanced up. "Tell me, Dreaming Goddess. How have the weapons I forged for William and Felix been used?"

"Those?" said Kiyora. That was right; she had made swords for William and Felix. "Um, well, William broke his injuring Laughing Wraith. But he got it repaired, and now it is pure black with red runes. He's used it a lot. Felix's has gone crimson with the blood of Melchious."

"I am glad to hear that they have drunk such vile blood," said Moira.

"Yeah, um, actually about that," said Kiyora. "William has gotten a lot taller since he got that sword, and the sword still fits him perfectly. Is there a reason for that?"

"It was one of the spells," said Moira. "My sword has bonded to him and so changes to put itself as his service. The same can be said for Felix."

"Well, that's handy," said Kiyora.

"Indeed," said Moira.

"So how has the forging business been going?" asked Kiyora, trying to make conversation.

"Better than ever," said Moira. "Tales of William and Felix's great deeds have seen many purchase our blades. I have not yet made one as fine as that which I gave Felix. We are kept very busy, and we have enough money for luxuries we never had before.

"And it is safe to walk in the woods without fear of ambush. Duke Vanion's truce is a great boon to us. Of course, things are less bright now that you've had to draw back your hand. However, there aren't nearly as many dangers in Seathorius as there once were."

"So there haven't been any battles with the satyrs?" asked Kiyora.

"There have been a few skirmishes with individual clans," said Moira. "But, Arraxia punished the attackers severely."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

"What has she been up to besides that?" asked Kiyora.

"The satyrs have been purchasing much stone from us and using it to build walls and towers," said Moira. "I have also seen them drilling in the ways of human warriors."

"You mean with phalanxes?" guessed Kiyora.

"Yes," said Moira.

"What has been done about this?" asked Kiyora.

"King Houndslasher dispatched messengers to Duke Vanion. He requested aid in training our warriors into professional soldiers," said Moira. "We received it some time ago. All the young men of our villages are being taught to use spear and shield as well as axe and bow."

"Good. Good," said Kiyora. "Glad to see you guys are taking your lives into your own hands. I kind of miss the days when I just went around helping people, no questions asked, though."

"With respect, I do not," said Moira. "Your deeds were necessary with all the chaos, but I wouldn't go back."

"Yeah, I know," said Kiyora. "I'm just self-centered like that, I guess. Evensen, what do you think of the situation?"

"Hmm?" asked Evensen.

"If the Nakmar and the satyrs went to war with each other who would win, do you think?" asked Kiyora.

"The Nakmar at present. Their tunnels are easily defendable and go throughout the land," said Evensen. "But the cost would be high and will get higher with every stone put on top of another around the satyr villages.

"Had you only assisted us, we might have wiped out the foul brutes once and for all."

"I know. That's why I didn't assist you," said Kiyora.

"I think it's great that satyrs and dwarves are becoming more civilized," said Twilus.

"Do not presume that just because we are different than we are uncivilized," said Moira. "We are an ancient culture and can remember far back. And with greater clarity than the high elves."

"The elves are the firstborn of the mortal races," said Twilus. "We remember back to the first days of this world. I'm not sure it is possible-"

"Do you? Or do you remember only what you wish to remember?" asked Moira. "We Nakmar know the dream well. And we see it with clairvoyance that others cannot match."

"I didn't mean to offend you," said Twilus.

"Well if you didn't want to offend anyone, you shouldn't have called them 'less civilized,'" said Kiyora.

"What I meant was that all this trade is a good thing," said Twilus." Isn't it?"

"For them. We have a population that is still growing," said Evensen. "If we do not find some means to colonize other areas, many of us will starve."

"You could try having fewer children," said Kiyora.

"I've been saying that for years," said Twilus.

"The growth of our population is an essential part of Queen Dawn's strategy," said Evensen. "If we ever cease to grow, we will begin to shrink. And Anoa the Butcher's victory will be complete. It is our task to repopulate the world and reestablish the elves of old."

"Well, don't expect us to just stand by and let you do so," said Moira. "Here we are."

They were staring at a wall. It was solid.

"Where?" asked Twilus. "That's a dead end."

"Of course, it appears that way," said Moira. "But look here." Then she tapped several times upon the wall. It slid open and revealed a wood illuminated by a sky of twilight. "This passage comes out a day's journey south of Baltoth's Retribution. If you travel quickly and carefully, you should be able to reach it without being spotted. Getting into the castle itself is your own business.

"Good luck, Queen Yagos."

"Thanks," said Kiyora.

They parted ways with Moira. Together, the three elves made their way into the dark forests of Seathorius. As they walked, Kiyora listened to the trees. And somehow, she could not hear their voices as keenly as she once did.

She focused on them, immersing her mind into their speech. As she walked, she let her mind drift away into the woods and the trees. From them, she gathered that they were not happy with Arraxia's presence. The groans could be heard, even by Evensen and Twilus.

"Why are these trees angry?" asked Twilus.

"You can sense them?" asked Kiyora.

"I've been taught to attune myself with them," said Twilus. "Though it isn't natural like the legendary Dreamer Elves. I can only get a general sense. They are angry about something."

"It's Arraxia," said Kiyora. "She's been forcing the trees to let her bring materials to Baltoth's Retribution for almost a year. Anytime a tree refused, Arraxia threatens them with fire. And now Arraxia is using Baltoth's Retribution to move her people around quickly. To boost commerce, I think.

"Trees don't like moving. When you can get a rise out of them, they're terrifying. But getting a rise out of them is hard."

"Do you think they'll help us?" asked Twilus.

"No, probably not," admitted Kiyora. "I think they are annoyed with me as well. Anyway-"

Then, suddenly, Kiyora was standing at the top of a dark tower. It reached into a green vortex in the sky and looked down upon the great tree, Actovosh. Far below the city was utterly dark. A violet mist was rising throughout it, and the flashes of light could be seen below.

There was Arraxia. She was standing at the edge of the tower, eyes glowing. One clawed hand was on her hip as she leaned upon her axe. A smile was on her face, and her dark hair was blowing in the wind. At her feet were dozens of masked figures, lying comatose on the ground.

Arraxia turned around, and the unconscious bodies faded into blue light. There was Lieutenant Escalus. The red-haired officer had her sword in hand, her stance perfect. Arraxia spun the Axe of Fortenex around and took a stance, tail flicking. "So the elves have brought out their elites, have they? No matter. Behold the beginnings of my ascension!"

"Your ascension will never happen," said Escalus.

Then she surged forward.

There were a series of lightning-fast blows. A blur of black and red slammed into each other, then darted away and collided again. The two passed each other, and Escalus turned around. There was a cut on her cheek, but instead of blood, there was blue light. Arraxia fell to one knee, then rose again.

She glanced back lazily, her Axe glowing. "...Hmm, who are you exactly?"

"Lieutenant Escalus," said Escalus. "Head of the DSD in Actovosh."

"Is that acronym meant to mean anything to me?" asked Arraxia. "Although I will admit this is more entertaining than I expected. Still, why don't we-"

There was an audible click. Arraxia looked back at something. Then, there was a noise like thunder, and she reeled back. Black liquid slid down several small cuts on her face.

What the heck?

Laurus stood there, holding a pump-action shotgun. He pumped it again and fired it at her. This time, Arraxia spun the axe. The projectiles were washed away in a wave of red energy, and her face began to heal.

Yet even as she prepared to attack, Escalus was on her. Arraxia blocked the strike, only to be shot again, this time in the leg. She fell to one knee. The Axe of Fortenex glowed a brilliant red, and Arraxia roared. Escalus was thrown backward by what seemed a wave of blood. Laurus dropped his gun and clutched his eyes in agony. As he screamed, Escalus fell to one knee, her hands shaking.

"Oh yes, well done, irritating me," repeated Arraxia, leg healing. "Unfortunately for you, my very being is now interwoven with the fabric of this world. You can no more slay me than you could the God who gives you form and existence.

"So you are really just wasting your time. Time which you have precious little of left," Then she motioned to the sky. There, high above, was a portal that showed Arraxia's throne. And placed within it was the Void Stone, sending unholy energies down through the tower. "The power of the Void Stone and the Axe of Fortenex cannot be halted. Even as we speak, my control over this domain grows, and all who reside within it shall soon be under my sway."

"Sway this," said Laurus before drawing out a submachine gun.

As a barrage of bullets was unleashed against Arraxia, who raised a hand and summoned a shield of red energy. Kiyora wondered where Laurus was getting all weaponry. Not that the shield was really necessary, most of Laurus' shots were all over the place. Submachine guns looked very impressive, but it didn't seem like Laurus was all that good with them.

The guns clicked empty, and the shield was dropped. Arraxia surged forward, claw outstretched.

An arrow landed before her as she went in for the kill. Vines grew upwards and wrapped around her. Reya landed with Laurus, who pulled out two pistols and unlocked the safeties.

"Where did you get those guns, Laurus?" asked Reya.

"I robbed a firearm store, okay," said Laurus. "Also a clothes store."

Escalus landed in front of them as the vines were torn apart. Arraxia arose into the air, writhed in a violet flame.

"Well," said Arraxia, "I was hoping to break her by showing her all your broken bodies. I suppose I'll have to start taking this seriously."

She charged, and everything went black.

Kiyora focused. She was back in Seathorius. Was Arraxia deliberately showing her all this just to gloat? That seemed in character for her. Then again, as far as Arraxia knew, Kiyora had no plans to stop her.

Shows what she knew.

"Kiyora, what's wrong?" asked Twilight.

"We've got to keep moving," said Kiyora. "Things are getting worse. Come quick."

She hoped Laurus and Escalus were all right. But how had they gotten on that tower, and where had it come from? Kiyora was going to have to ask them when she got back. Assuming she could make sure there was something to get back to.