That night, as Kiyora dreamed, she appeared within the domain of Queen Dawn. She found the elf queen sitting at a desk of living wood, scratching out notes on parchment. She looked up as Kiyora approached. And Kiyora saw the Goddess Alchara manifest within her.

"Dreaming Goddess," said Dawn, "what do I owe the pleasure."

"I think you already know, Alchara," said Kiyora.

"Yes," said Dawn. "Yes, I do." She rang a bell, and the door revealed a white-clad elf girl. She had violet hair tied up into a ponytail, and her eyes were violet. Her skin was darker than most high elves, and she looked too chipper for Kiyora's liking. "Twilight would you bring water for myself and my guest."

"Of course, Queen Dawn, I'll get it right away. Anything you want." The door shut. Dawn motioned to the seat. "Please, sit down."

"Thank you," said Kiyora, complying.

There was a long, awkward silence. During this time, Twilight returned and brought them both water. Kiyora sipped hers and found it tasted light and strange. However, it was alright by any means. Dawn did the same, and they were silent for a while more.

"Well, we have a problem," said Dawn at last.

"Aren't you going to chide me for letting Arraxia get the Void Stone?" asked Kiyora.

"No," said Dawn. "This is better than the alternative. If Melchious' plans had succeeded, everyone in the Iron Kingdom would die. He would be wielding the Axe of Fortenex and the Void Stone and be poised to cause untold carnage in other lands.

"All things considered, this is certainly the lesser evil."

"Oh," said Kiyora. "Okay."

"Contrary to what you've told yourself, I am not unreasonable," said Dawn. "Now there comes the question of what we can do about it."

"We aren't starting a war. Not unless we have to," said Kiyora.

"I am well aware," said Dawn. "And that was not my first thought either. The Void Stone would give Arraxia a great advantage against any army. No, we must make a quest."

"A quest?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes," said Dawn. "Three companions who will go forth by stealth and steal the Void Stone from Arraxia and bring it back here."

"Sounds very poetic," said Kiyora. "Why three?"

Dawn remained silent for a long moment. "Only three people volunteered whom I considered up to the task. Sir Anias Evensen, whom you defeated with Baltoth's Retribution. My student, Twilight, and her companion."

"Whose the third companion?" asked Kiyora.

"...A wolf of some significant lineage," admitted Alchara, sounding a bit embarrassed.

"So why is Twilight so qualified?" asked Kiyora.

"She is my finest student," said Dawn. "With great potential in magic. However, she needs more experience in the outside world. More importantly, she's also sterile, so her less would not be as serious as another female."

"Right, of course," said Kiyora. "You sure you don't want to spend more? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the satyrs will appreciate the snack, but there are many of them."

"They will be given the Goldenwood Harp," said Alchara.

The Goldenwood Harp? Kiyora hadn't forgotten that used to be William's. "Hey, can I have that back when this is over?"

"No," said Alchara.

"Oh, come on," said Kiyora. "I'm giving you the Void Stone."

"Which no moral creature could ever use," said Alchara. "It is a liability. My harp is a great asset."

"Point," mused Kiyora. "But what good is the harp going to do?"

"The harp greatly enhances the power of any spell channeled through it," said Alchara. "Twilus can send weaker-willed creatures to sleep. If she can get to Baltoth's Retribution, she should be able to send those guarding it into a deep slumber."

"Okay, that sounds cool. But no way I'll work on Arraxia," said Kiyora.

"Well then, it is fortunate that your will and hers are bound in Baltoth's Retribution," said Alchara. "When Twilight casts her spell, you can interfere with her resisting power."

"Oh, good idea," said Kiyora. "So, wasn't Evensen a general last time we met?"

"He was," said Alchara, voice cold. "Then he was utterly defeated in a humiliating rout. Without inflicting a single casualty on the enemy."

"Good point," admitted Kiyora. She'd probably fire him, too.

"He's trying to redeem himself," said Alchara. "Since he is one of my best swordsmen, I'm giving him a chance. Would you care to meet them?"

"Well, I guess I could," mused Kiyora. Then she remembered the invitation from the Calishans. Moreover, she realized how little she wanted to spend time with the high elves. "But uh, frankly, I've got a party to go to in Calisha, so..."

"Yes, why would you be concerned with a quest whose outcome could affect all of Seathorius?" said Alchara.

"Look, I've been working to overcome Arraxia for the past year and a half, okay," said Kiyora. "I need a break. Besides, you picked them. It's not like I'm your superior. I'm sure they can handle it."

"By all means," said Dawn. "Leave the matter in my hands. I'm sure there will be fewer mistakes this way anyway."

"Glad you agree," said Kiyora. She finished her drink. "Thanks for the water." Then she willed herself away.

She found Bjorn in the midst of sacrificing a goat on her altar. Bjorn halted the downward stab of the knife. "Dreaming Goddess, I realize this is likely to be very important. But perhaps you could wait until after your ceremony is done?"

"Right," said Kiyora. "I'll just wait here."

The goat was sacrificed, and the meat burned in a fire. Afterward, Bjorn cleaned off his hands and approached her. "Now, what can I do to help you, Dreaming Goddess?"

"That stone I gave you," said Kiyora. "Anything suspicious about it?"

"Nothing of the sort," said Bjorn. "It is designed to give the one who holds it a clear fix on the Captial City of Calisha, Ruscow. That is all."

"Great," said Kiyora. "I need it."

"Of course," said Bjorn, removing the stone from a pocket. "Here it is."

Kiyora took it. "Thanks." Then, she focused on the stone. It drew her out, and suddenly, she was floating high above Ruscow.

It was magnificent. Hundreds of crystal domes reached into the sky. There were seven hills around the city, and each one had a great spire upon it. Thousands upon thousands of people busied themselves. She could hear music from the streets, and in the city's squares, there were many colorful tents.

Then she saw the palace. And what a palace it was. The top of its white-domed towers had prisms of crystal upon them. They caught the morning light and reflected them against other prisms. In this way, the entire top of the castle seemed to be ablaze with light.

She landed on a balcony and found someone waiting for her. He was like a man, but he had the head of an orange cat. He was dressed in flowing blue and purple robes and wore a turban upon his head. There was a jewel upon his brow, and he nodded to her.

"Queen Dreamer, we have awaited your arrival."

"Glad to hear it," said Kiyora. "But I don't know where you got the name "Queen Dreamer." The title is "Dreaming Goddess." Or just Kiyora, or maybe Queen Yagos."

"I apologize. I was using the old name," said the catman. "I am Suloth, Son of Emperor Baltoth, and it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Festival of the Hearth. Or what will soon be the Festival."

"Thanks, I guess," said Kiyora. "But why did you invite me? And don't Calishans usually speak through servants?"

"It was an order from my father," said Suloth. "As for servants, I regard us as equals. My Empire is larger. However, you are a goddess."

"Well, thanks, I guess," said Kiyora.

"I am glad you appreciate it," said Suloth. "Have you yet eaten?"

"No," admitted Kiyora. "I am kind of hungry, though."

"Then I shall have a meal for you," said Suloth. He opened the door behind him and led her into a room. And even though Kiyora had not seen any command, spoken servants entered with many fine foods. Suloth sat down on a round table upon a cushion. He motioned for Kiyora to sit down, and she did, trying to imitate his cross-legged position. "And we may speak of many things. No wine, I'm afraid.

"No true Calishan drinks it."

"You don't?" asked Kiyora. "Why not?"

"Alcohol bewitches the mind," said Suloth. "Prolonged us turns even the most upstanding men into drains on society. It is also bad for the health of the populace. Father regards anything which addicts a man as a plague."

"What about malas?" asked Kiyora.

"Malas is different," said Suloth. "Enhancing magical power is too great a boon to ignore completely. Thus, we have a strict system of distribution among the military. Addiction is punishable by death.

"Please, eat."

Kiyora did eat. She guessed talk of execution ought to put her off her food. But she'd become desensitized to horrors by now. And anyway, the food was delicious. There were steamed lamb and spices here that she'd never tasted in Seathorius or elsewhere. However, she didn't eat much while in her dreams.

"I have a question," said Kiyora. "I looked out at the landscape, and I didn't see any snow. But it's winter where I'm from."

"We have agreements with Herus," said Suloth. "During the Festival of the Hearth, all the snow in our land is melted away."

"That sounds handy," said Kiyora. "This is a really beautiful city you have."

"My father built it in ancient days," said Suloth. "It was on the ruins of Valranor's old stronghold. And we have improved it for thousands of years.

"When we have finished, if you wish, I shall arrange for someone to show you the city."

"I would like that," said Kiyora. "But, I could probably look through things myself."

"Your pardon, Dreaming Goddess, but that would be unacceptable. In the heart of Calisha, it is against courtesy for women to walk unaccompanied," said Suloth.

"I'm a Goddess," said Kiyora. "I can take care of myself."

"I am well aware," said Suloth. "However, I do not want to cause a stir. Even the children of Baltoth follow his laws. For all are subject to him, save Baltoth himself."

"Wait, so Baltoth doesn't follow his own rules?" asked Kiyora.

"My Father maintains that as the creator of the laws of Calisha, he cannot be subject to them," said Suloth. "Since he is a god, no one questions him."

"Right, um, shouldn't I meet with him first?" asked Kiyora.

"Unfortunately, my father has not set foot in Ruscow for over seventeen years," said Suloth. "He has taken on a mortal form, and I am in charge of the day-to-day affairs in Calisha."

"Why'd he do that?" asked Kiyora.

"Several reasons," said Suloth. "Chiefest among them is defying fate."

"What fate?" asked Kiyora.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Suloth smiled. "Well, that is a long story."

"I'd say we've got time," said Kiyora.

"Very well," said Suloth. "How shall I put this? Many ages ago, Baltoth conquered Calisha and subjugated the Dust Elves. In those days, Anoa the Bright was still carving out the Kingdom of Harlenor. Many great wars were raging throughout them.

"Well, after his coronation, Father went to the Oracle of Laevian far away in Themious. And he learned that his might would be unassailable for many generations. However, ultimately, he would be slain by the line of Anoa the Bright."

"So he killed Anoa the Bright?" guessed Kiyora.

"What? No, Anoa the Bright never died," said Suloth. "Or at least we don't know how he died. The Harlenorians believe he ascended into Heaven. I don't believe it. The man was a monster. Even Elranor had trouble keeping him in line."

"I've got friends who regard him as the greatest king who ever lived," said Kiyora, thinking of William.

"Well, of course, they do," said Suloth. "He's their founder. No one wants to believe that their founder built their nation over the corpses of the innocent. But they did. The best that could be said for Anoa was that he was a product of his time.

"Purges and genocides were commonplace back then. He got all the different weaker factions to put aside their differences. Thus, they all focus on killing elves instead of each other.

"Nothing like that ever happened in Calisha. When Baltoth took over, there were no attempts to eradicate the Dust Elves. Those that survived were simply told to leave."

Kiyora wasn't sure she believed him. She would probably want to cover up her misdeeds if she were a vicious tyrant. "Did you ever meet Anoa the Bright?"

"Once," admitted Suloth. "I was very young, and he was very old. Eleanor had just finished scolding him. You see, the elves he decimated had begun to rebuild their lives, and he couldn't stand that any of them could be happy. He wanted to destroy the last of them. But Elranor stopped him. Afterward, he 'ascended into Heaven.' I guess that Elranor had his son kill him and covered it up. That is what I would have done. Anoa II was a far better king than his father."

"Okay, but whom did Baltoth kill to get the eternal hatred of Harlenor?" asked Kiyora.

"Anoa the IX. Nice enough, fellow," said Suloth. "A decent war leader. But he wasn't a very good king, and his generals didn't like it. He went to try to drive Melchious out of Seathorius at the request of the Nakmar. The campaign was inconclusive, with neither side being able to beat the other. Eventually, Anoa had to withdraw to put down a rebellion.

"Father saw his chance and took a force of his immortals from Artarq. Using Baltoth's Retribution, he caught up to Anoa, ambushed, and killed him. Thus died the line of Anoa the Bright. Harlenor fragmented into many warring states. They ended up being put back together into three Kingdoms. And a variety of lesser realms, such as Estal and Gel Carn. However, those are usually subject to one of the Three Kingdoms."

"So why did Baltoth take mortal form?" asked Kiyora.

"Well, that is an interesting story in its own right," mused Suloth. "We received news that Anoa IX may have had some descendants. If that were the case, then they might, in time, reclaim the Throne of Harlenor United, as they call it, and slay him.

"So he has taken a mortal form. He'll resume his true nature if he is killed while in that form. The only cost will be a small power loss, the prophecy will be fulfilled, and we'll be unharmed."

"Why didn't he just do that before?" asked Kiyora.

"Well, for one thing, Calisha wasn't always as stable as it is now," said Suloth. "If Father walked away from his throne without someone he could trust. There might not be one when he returned. For another, he was hoping that Harlenor would fall entirely to pieces. Then, he'd be able to conquer it piecemeal.

"Unfortunately, the only thing the Harlenorians could agree on was a hatred for us. So we've just had one war after another. It's quite tragic."

They continued their breakfast, and Kiyora asked many other questions. She learned that in Calisha, it had initially been the custom to take more than one wife if you could afford it. However, these days, even kings are not allowed to do so. It was forbidden for anyone to practice polygamy.

"How is it right for Baltoth to have thousands of affairs but for men to be beheaded for unfaithfulness?" asked Kiyora.

"My Father's affairs serve a very practical and instrumental purpose," said Suloth. "They create demigods who may, in turn, become great assets to Calisha. They also allow many other benefits that I should not go into. Father has forbidden spreading the full details of his power. Suffice to say it would be impossible to have the same efficiency level. Not without those liaisons."

Kiyora let it pass and asked about other things. Instead, she turned the subject to the law. Here, she learned that Baltoth was very ruthless in dealing with criminals.

"So you crucify people for thieving?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes," said Suloth. "Although sometimes people are allowed to go on quests to redeem themselves. Or join the military under a geas. For more serious crimes, such as patricide or matricide, we have harsher punishments. "

"Isn't that a bit harsh?" asked Kiyora. "How does crucifixion fit the crime of stealing an apple?"

"It does not," said Suloth. "However, if a man knows that stealing an apple will get him a slow and painful death, he is far less likely to do so. Thus, there is very little crime in Calisha. Personal justice is all well and good. However, Baltoth's primary concern is that society functions without corruption.

"The worst punishments are reserved for treason and cowardice in the face of the enemy."

"Okay," said Kiyora, "so you punish people harshly as an example to the rest."

"Indeed," said Suloth. "Men are not crucified for their crime, but that others will not commit that same crime. How is it that you deal with crime?"

"I don't," said Kiyora. "Mostly, I let the Nakmar run their affairs. Everyone knows everyone in their communities, so they usually sort things out personally. I help them when they need it. Occasionally, I also make alliances and give them orders for their good. But I'm pretty loose in keeping control of them."

"Ah," said Suloth, "that policy has its virtues. We pursue a similar approach when we first gain control of new territory. However, as generations go by, we introduce more of our laws and customs.

"There is a flaw in that approach, you see. If they are bound to us only by tribute, they will not consider themselves a Calisha member. Instead, they think of themselves as whatever race or ethnic group they belong to. Thus, if Calisha ever suffered a great setback, they would be too swift to leave us.

"Yet if they think of themselves as Calishan first, they will stand with us. Even when there is a great hardship."

"What if they resent the fact that you brutalize them for the smallest crimes?" asked Kiyora.

"Crime is very low in Calisha," said Suloth. "Baltoth has ways of rooting out all those who are corrupt or neglectful of their duties. Some suffer and die; it is true. However, there is almost no corruption. Resources are fairly evenly distributed.

"All citizens of Calisha pay a certain tax according to their income to feed and clothe the poor. Including myself, I might add."

"Right," said Kiyora, "so how many people have you crucified this week?"

"None," said Suloth. "We don't do executions during festivals. We find it darkens the mood."

"Ever consider giving out a pardon or two?" asked Kiyora.

"You sound like my sister, Safara," said Suloth with a smile. "She's eccentric. She likes to talk to people without a servant. Calishans do not give pardons. When a crime is committed, the one responsible must pay for it. There are no exceptions. If there were, others would follow in their footsteps.

"You ask many questions about our legal system."

"Well, I've been told by Harlenorians that a Dark Lord leads you, people. The sort who sits on a throne of skulls," said Kiyora. "I figured I'd hear your side of things."

"Ah yes," said Suloth. "No, Baltoth never had a throne of skulls. That is more his brother's preference."

"Baltoth has a brother?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes," said Suloth. "He is Fortenex, the Demonic Archon of Wrath, and he is the younger. There has been bad blood between them since my grandfather died."

"Your grandfather?" asked Kiyora. "Who was he?"

"He was the King of Hell, Diabolus," said Suloth. "The Supreme Lord of all demons. He is less impressive than he sounds. He is obsessed with suffering and torment."

"Isn't Baltoth?" asked Kiyora.

"In a different way," said Suloth. "Baltoth uses suffering and torment to achieve a robust and stable society. It is for the benefit of those who dwell in it and Baltoth, though not all know it. Diabolus tormented people for his own sake. Subordinates were killed not just for failure but also for partial success.

"He was grossly incompetent. Far more concerned with hurting people than any practical plan for universal domination."

"So what happened to him?" asked Kiyora.

"The Gods had a stalemate with him for ages," said Suloth. "Then Elranor allied with Zigildrazia, my aunt. They cooperated to create an object of great power. The Heaven's Eye. It was a nexus of holy energy, and Elranor used it to break Diabolus' spirit.

"After Grandfather was thrown from power, Baltoth and Fortenex quarreled over strategy. Baltoth saw the virtues of the mortal races as the best hope for defeating Elranor. He would wield them to build an unstoppable empire. Fortenex preferred to sew discord and tear down what others built.

"And all the while, Elranor was rampaging through hell. He destroyed every demon he came across."

"So what happened to the Heaven's Eye?" asked Kiyora.

"Well, there is a rule of the universe that there is an equal and opposite reaction for every action. The trick is channeling it," said Suloth. "Elranor's rampage throughout hell created a reaction. One that Zigildrazia used to create an equal and opposite gem. The Hellfire Jewel.

"Within it, she sealed the different fragments of Diabolus' spirit. Then she used it as a weapon to contest Elranor.

"The two gems fought. For a while, they were equal in power. Then Karus, the Goddess of Fate, betrayed our side. She arranged for the Hellfire Jewel to be shattered into seven pieces. It was spread across the cosmos. But in so doing, the Heaven's Eyes powers were also vastly diminished."

"Wait, who was Karus?" asked Kiyora.

"A very unpleasant woman," said Suloth. "She was the Goddess of Destiny, Fate, and Choice. And she was more or less a subordinate of the hells, even if she would never admit it. You see, she hated heroism in all forms.

"Demons today have come to appreciate the heroic narrative. It gives us something to strive against or, in our case, provides a model for gaining greater power. But Karus' detested it. According to tradition, heroes are granted certain luck. One that allows them to complete their journey so long as they remain heroes. But Karus' would do things like give the luck of heroes to the murderous usurper. Then she'd punish him for his good deeds.

"She thought she was being original by making good people miserable failures. Meanwhile, those who were selfish and brutal were hailed as messiahs, usually for partially correcting problems they created.

The result was dozens of Darkened Worlds and the inclusions of the apocalypse. All those ancient horrors that destroy the world are performing an essential service. They protect the people here from living in a Darkened World."

"They're that bad?" asked Kiyora.

"Worse," said Suloth. "Karus' dismissed it as natural selection or something along those lines. The other gods disagreed, and she was forced to ally with us to pursue her vision of the cosmos. I've never figured out what it was other than hurting people to appease her ego."

"She doesn't seem like the sort of person anyone would like," mused Kiyora.

"You are quite correct," said Suloth. "Which is why Baltoth killed her brutally. From there, Zigildrazia created Rioletta from her corpse. The spider goddess now controls the domain of Fate, while Fate is held by one of my sisters, Farasa."

"What's the difference?" asked Kiyora.

"Fate is what will happen," said Suloth. "Destiny is what you make happen. Last of all, the choice is your decision to make it happen. The three aspects were divided up into a single power after the fact. It was decided that no one could be trusted with the domain, so a Goddess trio was made as a compromise."

"Who rules choice?" asked Kiyora.

"No one," said Suloth. "Karus had long-term plans that made a complete mess of the universe's destiny. The Throne of Choice had the potential to derail those plans. So, she put a great deal of effort into making it inaccessible.

"Of course, she's dead, and we know exactly what those plans are. So as soon as her avatar shows itself, we'll assassinate her, which will be its end."

"Avatar?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes," said Suloth. "Karus' poured most of her power into a future avatar. One that had not yet been born when Baltoth invaded her realm. We believe this avatar is the lynchpin of her plan.

"But it is of no present consequence. What is of consequence is that everyone has had to work overtime. We've entire ages compensating for her hubris. So, no one is going to oppose removing her. I'm planning to make a national holiday after I kill her."

Kiyora paused. "So, the Heaven's Eye and the Hellfire Jewel. I know the Heaven's Eye is in Gel Carn. But has anyone ever found the Hellfire Jewel pieces?"

"Several people, I think, but they aren't usually worth the effort. Diabolus tends to break his tools once he's done with them. So, no one is looking," admitted Suloth. "The divine game has changed a great deal since then. There is a great deal more scheming and negotiation than open warfare. In any case, I think it would be futile to gather them all."

"Why?" asked Kiyora.

"Because the gems are spiritual twins," said Suloth. "Zigildrazia, the greatest forger in the hells, fashioned both of them. If you were to assemble the Hellfire Jewel, the Heaven's Eye would attain its full power. And then you'd have the stalemate all over again. One which benefitted no one and assured mutual destruction if they were both used."

"Hang on, I thought Zigildrazia was the Queen of the Succubi," said Kiyora.

"She is," said Suloth. "She is also a blacksmith of unparalleled talent. Her hands are masterfully skilled. Only Vrengar and Barden are even close to her."

"The God of the Dragon Empire, right?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes," said Suloth. "He lives to the south of Harlenor in the Dragon Empire. We have some trade by sea with him but little else. He introduced the mortal races to iron and steelworking." He paused. "Where was I?"

"Zigildrazia fashioning the two gems," said Kiyora.

"Ah right." said Suloth. "You know, I've never found out how Zigildrazia managed to create the Heaven's Eye. In theory, such an artifact should have burned her to the touch. To make it would be suicide.

"But it seems she managed it somehow."

They finished their meal. As they did, a door opened, and into the room slithered the most beautiful woman Kiyora had ever seen. She seemed to radiate benevolence itself. Her hair was long and red and tied into a long braid that fell around her shoulders. Her eyes were painted black, and her lips the same. Her face was shapely and fair, and her shoulders slender. She was clad only in a gold and red brassiere, which showed off the sides of her enormous breasts. Her waist was thin and led into wide hips. Yet there were no legs, for her lower body resembled a red-scaled snake.

Kiyora felt her heart beating in her chest. Her mouth was dry. Why was she being affected like this?

Looking past him, she saw a very handsome guy; he looked about thirty. He wore a black shirt and pants, which could not hide his chiseled physique. His sleeves were short and bared his muscular forearms. His hair was long and black, and he had a square jaw. There was stubble on his face, and he had gray eyes. He looked at Suloth with reservation.

Alchara above. These two could be dressed in rags and pose as supermodels. And this was coming from an elf.

"We had heard that there were newcomers, brother," said Safara. "We hoped to come to meet them." She slithered forward and wrapped herself around Suloth. All that bending seemed impossible for her human half. The man who accompanied her nodded to Suloth.

"King Suloth," said the man.

"Ah, Prince Aris, Safara," said Suloth. "I was wondering where you were." He motioned to Kiyora. "Safara, this is Queen Dreamora?"

"Yes," said Kiyora, annoyed. "Though she does not go by that name anymore."

"My apologies," said Suloth, "that was the name we have been taught to call you by."

"You look far younger than I had heard you were," noted Safara, slithering away from Suloth. Next, she wrapped herself around Kiyora, getting far too close for comfort. "Why do you take such a youthful guise?"

Kiyora forced herself to focus on Safara's face rather than the other assets very near her chin. "I'm a little less than forty. And could you please get off me?"

"I apologize," said Safara, drawing back.

"So I know who you are," said Kiyora before looking to Aris. "Where are you from?"

"I am Prince Aris of Estal," said Aris. "I've come here to finalize the peace between my land and Calisha."

"The agreement was finalized some days ago," said Safara, slithering around Aris. "We have been largely enjoying the festival." She wrapped an arm around Aris and drew far more near than Kiyora was comfortable with.

"Speaking of which," said Suloth. "Safara, I have several duties I have to attend to. Could you show Queen Dreamer- my apologies. The Dreaming Goddess, around the city?"

"Of course," said Safara. "It would be my pleasure."

"Where does that name come from anyway?" asked Kiyora.

"It was what you were called before Anoa the Bright, of course," said Suloth.

"I wasn't even born at the time," noted Kiyora.

"Well, yes, obviously not," said Safara. "Not as you are now. You must die to be reincarnated."

"Reincarnation, right," said Kiyora. "Who was I then?"

"Frankly, we're not sure I should be the one to say," admitted Suloth. "My information is largely third-hand. I might tell you something that is outright wrong. I suggest you speak with Alchara on the subject. For now, I must go."

He stood and departed.

Kiyora looked at Safara. "This place is nice. I mean, I thought the palace of Artarq was beautiful, but Ruscow is on a whole other level."

"Suloth has always loved beauty. He has built this and many other cities of Calisha in this fashion," said Safara. "But this is only the upper levels of the palace. Let me show you the city and the celebration within."

Kiyora had a gut feeling that she could trust Safara. That Safara was the nicest person she had ever met. She should have listened to Safara, which made her suspicious.

She hoped Safara wasn't another Alchara in the making.