Arraxia's quarters were very simple. There was a carefully made bed that didn't look like anyone had slept in it in years. There was a desk filled with various documents and a pen and parchment. It had a thin layer of dust over it.

Kiyora was given a fresh change of clothes. They were drab, gray, and practical, like everything else in this city. Arraxia leaned against the wall with her arms crossed and her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Oddly enough, Kiyora felt at ease with this situation, too at ease. It didn't feel natural. It was like how it felt to be near Alchara.

"So what exactly are you doing here, Arraxia?" asked Kiyora.

"Oh, you know, scheming my ascension into godhood," said Arraxia. "Plotting the ruination of all my enemies. Playing both sides."

"I know that," said Kiyora. "I'm asking because I want details."

"Yes, I suppose you do," said Arraxia. "When you put your spirit into Baltoth's Retribution, we connected. When you tried to return him home, I used that to shift William to Viokinar."

"Why?" asked Kiyora.

"Well, obviously, because I want him to die in a fashion that benefits me," said Arraxia. "I even told one of Melchious' servants where he was. I'm rather proud of how I did all this, to be honest."

"Uh huh, and what's stopping me from telling Vanion exactly what you've been up to?" asked Kiyora.

"Oh, nothing, of course," said Arraxia. "You may return whenever you wish and tell Duke Vanion everything he wants to know. Assuming you can raise the will to do so."

Kiyora was about to do just that. But she didn't. She felt compelled to stay here. Arraxia's will was on her, and she had to strain against it. Yet it would not move. It was like a vice. And suddenly, she didn't want to break free.

"...This is weird," Kiyora murmured. "Why don't I want to?"

Arraxia cupped her cheek with one claw and leaned in. "Our will has become mixed. And since I am the stronger, my will takes precedence."

"Wow, counting your chickens before they hatch, aren't you?" asked Kiyora, brushing her off. "So, what is your plan again?"

"Well, I was hoping to get the Axe of Fortenex for my own," said Arraxia. "I wasn't able to wield it before, but I imagine I'll be able to wield it once I gain enough power. And in the meantime, I have several other plans in motion.

"For instance, the gentleman approaching the door even now."

The door opened, and a masked satyr entered. He resembled the person William had described as Karasush. He regarded Kiyora, though she couldn't see his expression beneath his mask.

"Delenay, I see you brought a guest."

"Of course I did," said Arraxia. "Don't worry, Karasush; she can be trusted."

"If you believe so, then I will not argue," said Karasush, "Tell me, how goes the search for the Axe of Fortenex?"

"The Iron Kingdom has thus far failed to find it," said Arraxia. "I was about to start looking for it myself."

"Taking a direct hand?" asked Karasush. "You are quicker to do that than me. Whatever the case, I did as you asked. You'll get your chance."

"Excellent," said Arraxia. "Truthfully, I prefer not to involve myself in direct combat. When one's pawns fail, one sometimes must assist them."

"Do you believe you'll manage it?" asked Karasush.

"But of course, Karasush," said Arraxia. "I already know exactly how I'm going to get the one responsible."

"Oh? Do tell?" said Karasush.

"Not yet," said Arraxia. "I have been very forthcoming with my plans, but I don't see yours."

"My plans?" asked Karasush. "I can indulge you.

"The Axe of Fortenex is by tradition granted to one of equal cunning and power. One who can shed untold blood both with his mind and his body. Thus its full power can only be made manifest over the corpses of whole armies."

"Nice," said Kiyora, not disguising the sarcasm in her voice.

"Melchious is and has been worthy of the Axe of Fortenex for years," said Karasush. "However, he is far too bloodthirsty, and I'd rather my nation's most sacred relic go to someone I can reason with. The problem, my dear, is that you need more time to be ready for it.

"If you were given the power of the Axe of Fortenex, you would gain great strength. But it would become a crutch, and you would be weaker for it in time. If you lost the axe, you would be lost. However, even though you are still getting ready, you will still be in the future. Should you gain the weapon, you have my permission to keep it safe until such a time as a worthy wielder takes it up. Especially, since the alternative is giving it back to Vanion.

"Now, what of your plans?"

"Mine are the hands that will reign over all creation," said Arraxia.

"You don't have a plan, do you?" guessed Kiyora.

"I am improvising you imbecile," said Arraxia.

"As I suspected," said Karasush. "Whatever the case, the Iron Council wants to meet with you. There should be a guard about to knock on your door... now."

There was a knock.

"Delenay!" called a guard. "The Iron Council demands your presence!"

"Who is this Iron Council?" asked Kiyora.

"The ruling council of the Iron Kingdom," said Arraxia. "The Iron King gave them full authority to rule the Iron City and the lands around. He is more of a willing figurehead."

"I'm guessing this is the Iron Continent," said Kiyora. "And this room is the Iron bedroom."

"Don't give them ideas," said Arraxia. "Karasush-" But Karasush was gone. Only a few fading snowflakes marked that he had ever been there at all. "I truly loathe that man."

"He did just give you permission to hold onto his most sacred artifact," noted Kiyora.

"One does not get credit for giving me my due," said Arraxia. "Let's go." She led Kiyora out into the drab and lifeless halls. Guards and servants went about their business without expression, and everything was gray. It was strange. Many halls were abandoned entirely.

"Where is everyone?" asked Kiyora.

"The Iron Kingdom is dying," said Arraxia. "When one lives in a lifeless place, it is difficult not to die. Unless you are eternal, such as myself." She glanced around. "Oh, and don't mention Karasush."

"Whatever," said Kiyora, realizing she had no intention of saying anything. Obeying Arraxia was oddly natural. "So, are you going to kill them or what?"

"Even if I was, it isn't courteous to tell someone you are planning to murder them," said Arraxia. "Especially if they already know. There are traditions one must uphold."

"So do they know?" asked Kiyora.

"Probably not, no," mused Arraxia. "They're materialists, you see."

"What has that got to do with anything?" asked Kiyora.

"Materialists don't believe in anything greater than themselves," said Arraxia. "A rather vapid and insufferable perspective, but one with its uses."

"Doesn't that describe you?" asked Kiyora. There was a sense of guilt that bubbled up inside her. After all, Arraxia was perfect and flawless, and she should not speak down to her.

"Yes, but I'm right," said Arraxia. Kiyora reeled beneath the weight of her argument. Truly she was the pinnacle of rationality.

They came to a more populated floor. And within it, they found a set of double doors flanked by troops. Arraxia approached them. "Ah, here is the door guard."

They locked their spears in front of them. "Stand where you are, Delenay! You will wait here until you are permitted to enter!"

"I have an appointment," said Arraxia. "I'm being more reasonable just by not dropping in."

"The Iron Council is meeting with the court sorceress," said the guard. "You will not enter until-" The doors opened.

Out of them walked a human who looked about twenty with long, strawberry-blonde hair coming down in waves. She wore a long red dress, which was incredibly low-cut. Her bust was gigantic, easily Arraxia's equal in size, perhaps even larger. It didn't matter where you looked; it drew the eye. And that wasn't even going into how the red dress clung to her other curves. Kiyora realized her cheeks were going red, and her mouth was hanging open. She quickly directed her attention to the woman's face. Her lips and she wore her hair long and wavy.

"Excuse me." said the woman calmly, nodding to the guards politely. "I'll have to inform the Iron King of this, of course."

"Dear sister Rubia, how did things go?" asked Arraxia.

Rubia looked up in surprise. "Oh, big sister, I didn't see you there. I was just talking with the Iron Council about our population. Fertility rates are lowering. I'm afraid that if we don't reduce the aura of the pillars, we'll see a drop in population soon.

"The Iron King tasked me with keeping the population high, and they aren't making it easy. I'd hate to fail him."

"Well, the Iron King has been ever so outspoken about the evils of divinity," mused Arraxia. "Or at least he was. I'm not sure anyone has seen him outside the palace for over a century. How is he?"

"He has plans of his own," said Rubia. "But he lets these idiots make all the mistakes they like. They picture themselves as stern and unyielding servants of an imaginary heroic figure. One who never really existed."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Uh, are you sure you should be having this conversation in public?" asked Kiyora.

"Who's this? A pet?" asked Rubia, eyeing Kiyora in a fashion that made her uncomfortable.

"An asset," said Arraxia.

"An asset indeed," said Rubia, licking her lips.

"So you're both demons," said Kiyora. "Why are you working for these people?"

"How shall I explain this?" asked Arraxia. "The Iron Kingdom employs demons as administrators and leaders. They take all kinds of precautions, of course, but we're largely given free rein."

"How are you, her big sister?" asked Kiyora. "You look younger."

"I can appear any age I wish," said Arraxia. "As can she. She prefers a more mature form." Kiyora realized that there was a certain similarity between Arraxia and Rubia. The structure of their faces was alike. Did that mean that if Arraxia took a form of that age and race, she would look like Rubia?

"Delenay," said a guard.

"Yes?" said Arraxia.

"The Iron Council has been informed of your presence and will see you now," said the guard. "You and your slave will show due respect."

"But, of course," said Arraxia.

They walked through the door. Kiyora expected to see a council chamber beyond. Instead, she found they were walking through a tunnel. It had smooth flagstones on the walls and ceiling and was wide and short. Arraxia lashed out with her tail and wrapped it around Kiyora, binding her arms to her as they walked.

Drawing her up in front, Arraxia smiled. Then she put a hand on Kiyora's head. "Listen very carefully. The Iron Kingdom dispatched me on a mission to enslave you to my will. You aren't entirely enslaved to my will right now. If they find that out, they will probably kill us both.

"And don't think that being in a dream will save you. They have ways of hurting gods." Kiyora could not help but obey. It was hard to feel indignant at the fact. "When did you end up working for these people anyway?"

"Oh, there is no time for that now," said Arraxia, setting her down and releasing her. "Come, the Iron Council awaits."

They emerged into a large open chamber that looked like an arena. Around in the surrounding seats were many black-robed figures. Their faces were hidden, and their black-gloved hands were clasped together.

"So you have come, Delenay," said a voice from everywhere and nowhere. "What is the progress of the mission?"

"All things considered, it is going very well indeed," said Arraxia. "I have her right here with me." Her tail grasped Kiyora and drew her forward. Kiyora eyed them in annoyance. Who did these people think they were?

"Then this is the Dreaming Goddess," said one.

"We are less than impressed," said another.

"Her powers are currently lost to her. The pillars have seen to that," said Arraxia. "And her will is mine to command, completely and utterly."

Kiyora felt a compulsion to speak and did not fight it. There was a better time. "Yes, mistress. I am yours to command."

"Words are one thing," scoffed a figure. "She may well resist in a moment of crisis."

"Of course, she will," said Arraxia. "But I will extend my control gradually over time. Little by little, her will be broken to mine. And when it is, I will possess a gateway into her world to end her dominion."

"And what of the other matter?" asked a figure. "What of Melchious?"

"He is right," said another. "The anchor's capability for survival is quite irritating."

"Spare me," said another. "He is alone in Viokinar with no means of survival save his wits and steel. If the minotaurs do not kill him, he will be devoured by the satyrs."

"I have some good news," said Arraxia. "He is coming to the Iron Kingdom by the most direct route."

"I see. Then it is of no concern," said a council member. "He will likely come through the main gate, and we may kill him when he comes out. What I am concerned about is the Einheroth. Our sources on the other side of the mountains tell us that the Einheroth has begun to move. Kidnappings have become increasingly common, and we are already stretched thin.

"I fear that they will soon strike us. When that happens, we must be ready."

"Let us send Lord Byran with an army," said a council member. "He may take up residence in the Fort of Steel."

"Wow, a name that doesn't have the word Iron in it," said Kiyora. "What a shocker."

Arraxia slapped her across the back of the head with her tail. "Do be silent. My apologies, gentlemen. She is occasionally impertinent even to me."

The council glowered. "...Be that as it may, Byran is a formidable dwarf of great power in his own way. He will defeat the Einheroth, I am sure."

"My a dangerous mission," said Arraxia.

"Mind your own mission, Delenay," said another.

"But, of course," said Arraxia.

"You are dismissed." said one of them.

Arraxia bowed and then drew Kiyora out of the room and back up the passage. As they walked, Kiyora looked at Arraxia. She raised an eyebrow. "So when are you going to betray this batch of friends?"

"Really, Kiyora, you wound me," said Arraxia. "What could possibly make you think such utterly dull individuals are my friends?"

"Well, they seem about as arrogant as you," mused Kiyora.

"Arrogance is having an exaggerated sense of one's own self-importance," laughed Arraxia. "Since the whole of reality revolves around me, it is not possible for me to be arrogant. Indeed, my fatal flaw is that I am too humble."

"Is that sarcasm?" asked Kiyora.

"My, whatever gave you that impression?" asked Arraxia.

Was that sarcastic too? Kiyora decided not to ask. "Where to now?"

"Now, I will be rid of your company for a time," said Arraxia. "I expect the Iron Kingdom will put your talents to work. You ask too many questions, you know."

They emerged from the tunnel and then heard a call. Kiyora looked up to see a female dwarf running up to them. She had porcelain skin and dark hair on the top of her neck. She wore a curved sword at her side and was waving at Arraxia.

"Hey! Delenay!"

"Oh no, not this imbecile," muttered Arraxia. "Oh, hello Raka, how have you been?"

"Very well," said Raka, seeming very pleased. "My brother gave me a new mission."

"Oh, and what monumental task has the great Lord Byran bestowed on you?" asked Arraxia.

"He wants me to organize the militia outside the Iron City. I am to teach them to fight the Einheroth," said Raka. "They are supposed to become an auxiliary force."

"My, he must have an exceptional amount of faith in you," said Arraxia.

"I uh... I think he may be doing it to get me out of the way," admitted Raka.

"Well, that is unfortunate. My sympathies truly," said Arraxia. Never before had she sounded less sincere.

"Alright, you don't have to pretend to care if you don't want to," said Raka. "I figured I'd tell you before I headed out."

"On the contrary, I do care. Your position is relevant to my goals," said Apraxia. "In any case, Byran's plan does have merits. The militia has had a rather disgraceful showing thus far. It may be best if you force them into something resembling competent."

"Right, yeah, I guess. I've got to go," said Raka. And she brushed on by.

"Goodbye." Arraxia waved. "She is beneath me. It is an act of monumental benevolence on my part, even to regard her with a single word."

"How exactly is she different from William or I?" asked Kiyora.

"She isn't," said Arraxia.

"Oh. Well, I guess I walked right into that one," mused Kiyora. "Still, why does she think you're her friend? I certainly don't."

"Well, she beat me in a fight," said Arraxia.

"And?" asked Kiyora.

"And what? That's it," said Arraxia. "When I came here to defect, I was less advanced in my eternal glory and defeated. I had to talk my way into becoming a double agent."

"But beating someone in a fight doesn't make you friends!" said Kiyora. "That makes no sense whatsoever!"

"When one conquers a country, leaving the existing elites in charge is frequently easier. Better to let them live. That way, they will pay tribute and fight in your wars," said Arraxia. "It saves you the trouble of building it all up from scratch.

"Which is why they trust me. In their minds, I removed Melchious from their orders. Thus my enslaving you extend their influence. Did you know the Iron King personally ordered your capture? You should feel honored."

"Whatever," said Kiyora, not exactly caring. "Why do they call you Delenay anyway?"

"That is another name I go by," said Arraxia. "It means bat in the dwarves' tongue—or at least the dwarves in this land. At any rate, it is time I got back to work. Feel free to walk the city or whatever mortals do when they aren't dying or being manipulated by my will."

"I am a god," deadpanned Kiyora.

"Not here, you're not. Oh, and feel free to try and escape," said Arraxia. "But I expect the Iron Council is watching you even now."

"What does the Iron King want with me?" asked Kiyora.

"Who knows," mused Arraxia. "I have lost interest."

And she walked away. Kiyora watched her go for a moment. Then she turned away and kicked the wall. "Jerk."

Kiyora could not escape the Iron City. She realized that the moment she tried teleporting to the walls, and leaped off. Some force compelled her to remain. She worked in every direction, and when she tried to go too far, she always felt the same compulsion not to. She struggled with it initially but eventually decided to learn more before making a scene. Maybe if she pretended to be submissive, she could turn the tables later.

So instead, she wandered. And she found the streets were just as cheerless and empty as the building she had left. There were whole blocks where no one lived at all. The only thing to be found was crumbling masonry. Here and there, she found ancient statues of armored figures. Some were dwarves; others were humans. None were very nice, and some were broken into pieces.

It seemed more like a ruin than a city.

Then she would turn a corner and come into areas with people. Many people, in fact. Evidently, most of the population was focused on two or three districts. The rest were left abandoned. She came in time to a market where people were buying and selling goods of all kinds. Some were very rich. It was very depressing.

There were the commoners dressed in pure drab grey. Their eyes were downcast and miserable. Then some looked relatively well of. They were less downcast but no less miserable. Finally, some were very rich and proud. They dressed in white and sometimes even brighter colors. These hid their misery better beneath a proud gaze.

There was no hope in this place. Kiyora couldn't feel any. It was like hope just didn't exist. As she walked, she came to a square. At the very center was a great tree with drooping branches. It was shedding leaves, and its gnarled and twisted wood was flaking bark.

Kiyora put a hand to it and tried to speak with the spirit within. Yet it was sleeping. It didn't sleep like the ones in Seathorius. Those were dreaming all the time and could awaken in a moment. Nor was it like the elven realms where the trees were waking, bright and cheerful. Or even in Artarq, where they were sleeping but could be awakened.

This was a dark slumber. It was one that was forced upon them. Kiyora reached forward and tried to rouse the tree. Yet even as she did so, she felt a presence, or perhaps it was the opposite. A nothingness. The nothingness dragged at her will, and she felt empty. She looked to the source of the nothingness and saw one of the pillars.

There was one of them at the center of every crossroads. They drained all the life and beauty out of the world. Why would anyone ever set something like that up?

"Why would anybody want to live here?" she asked.

"Well, for one thing, it's a lot better off than the outside," said a familiar voice.

Kiyora looked up and saw a dwarf woman. She'd seen her before. Hadn't she talked with Arraxia? She couldn't remember very well; that pillar had done a number on her. "Hmm, Raka, right?"

"Yeah," said Raka, "I'm told your will has been broken to the Iron Kingdom."

She said it so casually, as if it happened every day.

Kiyora narrowed her eyes. "Well."

"In any case, I need you to come with me," said Raka. "I don't know what Arraxia was thinking, sending you off like this. Your influence with trees could be invaluable in our fight against the Einheroth."

"I kind of figured you'd have sent me after the Axe of Fortenex," said Kiyora, feeling dead.

"Don't be an idiot," said Raka. "If we sent you against your former friends, you'd be much more likely to break free."

That made sense. These people were smart. "Huh, so you do this whole breaking-people-to-your-will thing a lot, do you?"

"All the time," said Raka. "Sometimes, we pressgang people from inns and taverns and bring them in here. The pillars break everyone who enters this city sooner or later except in the merchant district. That's the only place there are no pillars. And the only place foreigners are allowed."

"Right," said Kiyora. "Can I get a message to a friend first?"

"No," said Raka. "Come on, Rubia will be waiting for us. You'll like her."

"I already met her," said Kiyora. "She is... pretty." She couldn't get worked up at all.

"She's a succubus," said Raka. "They are all pretty. They're also schemers."

"Why do you employ them, then?" asked Kiyora, curious.

"We have a pact with Zigildrazia," said Raka. "She allows us to summon her minions. In exchange, we provide her with sacrifices."

"Sacrifices?" asked Kiyora. "As in sentient sacrifices?"

"Maidens mostly," said Raka. "The most beautiful ones. Zigildrazia collects beautiful people of all races as pets."

"So you practice sex slavery then," surmised Kiyora.

"I," Raka paused, "it isn't exactly pleasant. But the demons she provides us with are needed. We don't have divine magic like other nations, and for some reason, we've been losing our power over spirits."

"I can't imagine why," said Kiyora.

"Right, well, that is why we need you," admitted Raka. "Our observations indicate that you have a hold over spirits. You could be of great help to us."

"I don't command spirits," said Kiyora. "I talk to them and ask them nicely for help."

"Do you think we haven't tried that?" asked Raka.

"Asking while raising pillars like those," said Kiyora, pointing, "is not asking nicely. It's like putting a sword to someone's throat."

"We didn't always have them emit such a strong aura," said Raka. "But the spirits started to turn against us. Nobody knows why."

"I think you do know why," said Kiyora. "You just don't want to admit to it."

Raka paused. "...We should probably go."

"Of course," said Kiyora.

This month just was not going well for Kiyora, was it?