Days had passed, and Kiyora was not happy.

For one thing, she'd spent those days negotiating with the trees. Trees who were very, very put out after centuries of neglect. It couldn't even be called negotiations. She walked among them, speaking with them, struggling to get them even to acknowledge her. The plants of this land had a spiteful twinge to their minds. It had been grown in darkness, and when she talked to them, she got a painful buzz.

In the meantime, Raka held regular meetings within a manor at the center of the village. That was right; they were in a village. They had moved there. Kiyora's head had been shaky; things just seemed to breeze by. The meeting room was large and circular, with a balcony looking out over the plaza. At the center was a table with maps on it.

Kiyora listened to petty discussions of one thing or another. Then something caught her interest. Something about giants and a village named Calacosh.

"Shouldn't we be doing something about Calacosh?" asked Kiyora suddenly.

"Calacosh has already fallen," said Rubia. She had shed her red dress and replaced it with gray armor. "It is right in the path of a potential Einheroth invasion; in any case, several cults sprouted up there. The presence of religion cannot be tolerated. Since we cannot trust them not to betray us, we have designated them a low-priority territory."

"Nice, why don't we just pull the legs off an insect while we're at it," said Kiyora. Then again, if the insect was Rioletta...

"We don't mean to be cruel, Kiyora," said Raka, sounding hurt. "We simply have no choice. The Iron Kingdom has few resources these days. We have to make hard choices. Calacosh has repeatedly violated our laws and been caught creating cults."

"To which god?" asked Kiyora, feeling dead.

"Does it matter?" asked Raka. "One god is much the same as another."

"Speaking as a god, I find your attitude insulting," said Kiyora.

Raka sighed. "Elranor. Some missionaries landed a dozen years back. They attempted converting the populace. Despite our best efforts, the cult has hung on. And it's appeared in a lot of different places now."

"You do know you're talking about one of the most powerful religions in the world, right?" asked Kiyora. "I mean, even I know that."

"It isn't important right now," said Raka. "Rubia, how is your end of things proceeding?"

"Quite well," said Rubia. "I've put out a call for mercenaries. With any luck, the Iron Kingdom should be able to gain a force of minotaurs to come to our aid soon. And you, Raka?"

"Training the militia is going well," said Raka. "My idea is for my soldiers to each instruct ten people in the basics. Once they understood that, they moved on to teach ten more in the basics. The original trainers moved on to a new group. And so on and so forth.

"This way, we'll have a large force of conscripts with basic training. Their numbers should make up for their lack of quality."

"Rather creative," said Rubia. "No one expected you to be able to do this."

"I haven't done it yet," said Raka with a sigh. "Kiyora, what of your part."

"I've been talking with the trees," said Kiyora.

"And?" asked Raka.

"And what?" asked Kiyora. "Your pillars have been draining the powers of the spirit for centuries. I'm not exactly in a position to get them to help you. The best I managed was convince them to slow down any Einheroth which come through here." She had done that, hadn't she? She'd just remembered. "And even that I only got by suggesting you might consider destroying a few pillars."

"Out of the question," said Rubia.

"Well, then you won't get any more help from the trees," said Kiyora.

"I'm beginning to think you aren't trying," said Rubia.

"I'm beginning to think you're an idiot for expecting me to put my full effort into this," snapped Kiyora.

"We haven't done anything to you that has not happened to us," said Raka.

"She's right, you know. Every one of us has been under the will of the Iron King since we were born," said Rubia. "Well, actually, uh, not me."

"Really?" asked Kiyora, raising an eyebrow.

"Queen Zigildrazia sent me as a gift to the Iron King," said Rubia. "I am his consort as well as his left hand."

"Well, you sure dress like it," said Kiyora. "I assume he likes things drab and uninspired. What about Arraxia? Isn't she under the will of the Iron King?"

"Ah, yes, of course. I forgot to mention her," said Rubia. "No, she never served under the Iron King until recently." She looked at Raka. "In any case, Raka, what are your plans now?"

"Well, I was thinking I'd take a leisurely walk to Calacosh with my bodyguard," said Raka. "Of course, if, by some strange chance, we should end up killing a giant or two while we are there, then it wouldn't be a problem."

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"This is a dangerous game you are playing, Raka," noted Rubia. "The Iron Kingdom wanted to let that village get wiped out as an example. If it doesn't fall, the other villages will continue to worship Elranor. They may even press on."

"We haven't had many problems elsewhere," said Raka. "And if I save a village from demons, it will do a great deal to convince them of our good intentions."

"And if you and your men are wiped out?" asked Rubia.

"Then I don't expect the militia would have worked out anyway," noted Raka.

"Yeah, that's great," snapped Kiyora. "I'm going to go take a walk myself. See how Arraxia is doing." And she stood and walked away.

"Wait a minute-" began Raka.

Kiyora faded away. Was it just her, or was the inner light that always emanated from her weaker now? She felt like she was being devoured one memory at a time. Everything here was tinged with a faint grayness.

She found Arraxia lounging on a rooftop in the sun. Her tail was draped over one hip, and as Kiyora approached, she looked up. The demoness stretched her neck and rolled over, hair falling over her shoulders. "Oh, my dear partner, the Dreaming Goddess. How have you been?"

"Save it," said Kiyora.

Arraxia blinked and sat up. "What?"

"I said save it," said Kiyora. "I meant I didn't want to hear your fake claims that you consider me as an equal."

"Ah, of course. I thought you were cursing," said Arraxia.

"Cursing?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes," said Arraxia. "Invoking salvation is a sign of frustration among demons."

"So, like damn it, for mortals?" said Kiyora.

"Yes, I suppose," said Arraxia.

Kiyora remained silent for a moment. "...Mind if I ask you something?"

"By all means, I am at your disposal," said Arraxia.

"Why are you close with Rubia?" asked Kiyora.

"Hmm?" said Arraxia.

"William said that Fortenex had thousands of sons and daughters. You regarded them as competition," said Kiyora. "Why is Rubia different?"

Arraxia looked serious for the first time since Kiyora had seen her. Well, that wasn't exactly true. But there was no arrogance in her look. Nor was she affronted or enraged. She just looked grim. "We have the same Mother."

"Oh, so she's your full sister then," guessed Kiyora.

"Yes," said Arraxia. "My Mother conspired with Fortenex to overthrow Queen Zigildrazia. Her plan failed, thanks to Melchious betraying her. She was captured, and I never saw her again. Rubia was taken under Zigildrazia's wing. Meanwhile, I was given to Melchious."

"Wow, tough break," said Kiyora. What was it like growing up under Melchious? Did demons grow up? "Were you a child or-"

"I was created much as I am now," said Arraxia.

"It must have been horrible," said Kiyora.

Arraxia laughed. "Hardly. The brutal torment of Melchious gave me strength. It gave me the will and ambition to succeed."

"I meant being created as much of an insufferable jerk as you are now," said Kiyora. "It must be painful, being unable to be even tolerable company."

"Rubia has no ambition," said Arraxia, ignoring her. "One of these days, I'll have to break her to my will to avoid killing her."

"So you've met someone you wouldn't murder on a whim," realized Kiyora. "Progress!"

"Silence," said Arraxia in irritation. At that moment, Rubia scaled up onto the roof. Arraxia looked up at her with raised eyebrows. "What do you want, Rubia? Has Zigildrazia given you a new job polishing her high-heeled boots? Or has she perhaps promoted you to massaging her back?"

"We are all of us, her slaves," said Rubia. "Whether you want to admit it or not, big sister. And if you must know, I have good news."

"Very well. I shall humor you," said Arraxia, sitting up and getting to her feet. "Tell me, dear sister, what is the reaction has the venerable and distinguished Demon Queen?"

Rubia drew out a letter and read aloud:

"'Ahem,

"My dearest Arraxia.'" She paused. "She used your pet name; I don't know how she learned it."

"It is not a pet name," snapped Arraxia.

"'I am moderately impressed with the execution of your coup against Melky.'" She looked up.

"Melky?" asked Kiyora, surprised.

"Her pet name for Melchious," said Arraxia. "It infuriates him."

Did she even hear herself?

"Anyway, I'll continue," said Rubia. "'It was most amusing to see him trying to tear his own eyes out in sheer horror. His very spirit attempted to end its existence. I am grateful to acknowledge you as the ruler of Seathorius. My only condition is that you must hold it against Melky.'"

"That doesn't mean anything!" said Kiyora. "That is like saying that something is blue unless it is red."

"As always, you talk more than you understand," said Arraxia. "She is saying that she will take no direct action against Melchious or me. If she'd decided to come in on Melchious side, I might have been moderately inconvenienced."

"Do you want me to take a message to the Queen?" asked Rubia.

"No," said Arraxia. "Let her sweat."

"That may slight her," said Rubia, warning in her voice.

"Let her be slighted," said Arraxia, lying back down. "She is no concern of mine."

"Do enjoy your delusions of superiority, dear sister," said Rubia.

"Thank you, I intend to," said Arraxia. "Do give my regards to Mother's killer."

"I intend to," said Rubia before leaping off the roof.

"Spineless weakling," said Arraxia. "What was it you have to talk to me about again? Or is this a social call?"

Kiyora tried to remember what she came to talk about. Had she even had a plan? "Raka is sending the militia to Calacosh. Officially they are taking a leisurely walk there."

"Well, that is an unusually proactive move," mused Arraxia. "I suppose we'll have to do something about that." She raised a clawed finger and slicing through the air. A seam in the air was torn, and Kiyora realized she was looking through a looking glass. It was drawn up, and a huge tan face, small eyes, and a very thick jaw looked out at them.

The eyes stared at it.

"Grendesh, when you next go to attack the village, might I recommend you take some minions?" said Arraxia. There was no response, and she sighed. "You can talk in my presence when I ask you a question."

"Grendesh not have any minions," said the creature. "He just have friends. We like punting humans. Like eating them too," He looked down sadly. "Friends not want to go on next raid."

"How unfortunate. Why don't you go speak to your mother and see what she has to say on the subject," said Arraxia. "I'm certain she knows a tribe of goblins or two who could act as disposable fodder while you eat your fill."

Kiyora felt she should be outraged at this. But somehow, she couldn't be. Her emotions were deadened. "So, does the Iron Kingdom know that you are doing this?"

"No, just the Iron Council," said Arraxia. "They view me as a means by which they can purge undesirable elements. I imagine they delude themselves that they are keeping their hands clean. If they massacred Calacosh themselves, everyone might get upset.

"But if a group of wicked giants eats them up after they were foolish enough to spurn our protection? Why that is a cautionary tale."

"But Raka doesn't know about this?" surmised Kiyora.

"I expect not," said Arraxia.

"Was this your idea?" asked Kiyora.

"Rubia's, actually," said Arraxia. "If anyone finds out, the Iron Council can simply blame it on her."

"So how are you planning to betray them?" asked Kiyora.

"Betray? I am wounded," said Arraxia. "My word is my bond. When I make a promise, I keep it. I merely choose my own time and way of keeping it."

"Whatever," said Kiyora. "So, what is your plan anyway?"

"Well, in the long term, nothing less than complete dominion over all realities that exist. And those that will exist did exist and may exist, of course," said Arraxia. "In the more immediate term, I'd like to start a war."

"Mission accomplished," said Kiyora.

"Oh, but I don't mean a petty skirmish of the sort going on now," said Arraxia. "Or a border conflict which ends anticlimactic like that fiasco in Artarq. No, I want a real war. One which lasts decades and spills oceans of innocent blood. One in which any side accomplishes nothing. In which every battle is but a futile conflict that proceeds to my benefit alone."

"Why?" asked Kiyora. "Don't get me wrong, I do think you're petty enough to do this out of spite, but you usually have a goal."

"Oh very well, if you must know, I'll tell you," said Arraxia. "Remember how I got my hands on the Axe of Fortenex during that affair with the raishans? Well, I would have killed William there and then. But it didn't work for me.

"I, in all my majesty, was denied. Well, clearly, it couldn't have been because of any lack of cunning or power on my part. I am unrivaled in both.

"But then I realized that Father loves pointless bloodshed. Most of my plans were taking advantage of conflicts already in motion. Father prefers it when everyone except victor dies. Thus I have chosen to humor him and initiate a plan that will spell the total downfall of the Iron Kingdom.

"Thus proving me worthy of wielding the Axe of Fortenex."

"And Raka?" asked Kiyora.

"Oh, she can die too," said Arraxia cheerfully. "In fact, everyone can die. The more, the happier I shall be. I despise these people, and I'd much rather see them all hung from trees rather than content and free. Elranor likely has some loathsome plan to improve the livelihood of these cretins. No doubt returning the Gods to their rightful place and forgiving his enemies.

"Truly disgusting. I don't at all know what William sees in him."

"Well, I know what William sees in you," said Kiyora. That got Arraxia's attention. But she said nothing more.

"Well?" demanded Arraxia.

"Oh, you're interested?" said Kiyora in mock surprise. "I thought you were omnipotent."

"Out with it," snapped Arraxia.

"You are like a burning building. Tragic and highly destructive," said Kiyora, "But you can't look away."

"You flatter me. Truly no one can really understand my pain," said Arraxia. "The pain of being such a wondrous and eternal being, trapped in so insignificant a form. Yes, as I am, I am more beautiful and terrible than any other creature, but I am limited.

"I cannot imagine why I choose to take on such a form. Such is my curse."

"I'd say your curse is more rampant narcissism than any status as a deity," noted Kiyora.

Arraxia rolled her eyes. "Please. All succubi are narcissists. It's the basis for our ideology."

Kiyora had heard enough. She suspected Arraxia was playing up her arrogance to take people off guard. So she teleported away and didn't care where she ended up.