It was pouring rain in Seathorius. The wind blew through Kiyora's hair and looked very dramatic. But she didn't feel the cold. That was one of the fringe benefits of being a goddess in her dreams. So she went through the endless forests, and the trees yielded to her, speeding her. Then, she finally came to a rock wall and found the door.

Of course, it didn't look like a door. The Nakmar were good at disguising their halls. Kiyora had to figure out where to press down on the wall to get it open, and then it slid aside for her. As she walked through, she illuminated the darkness within. Her inner light was another fringe benefit. With a yawn, she stretched as the door shut behind her, and several guards approached.

They took one look at her and knelt before her at once. "Queen Kiyora, this is an unexpected pleasure. How may we serve you?"

"Right back at you," said Kiyora. "For some reason, I'm not waking up on schedule, and I was wondering if you needed any help?"

"Erm, well, I am certain you could find someone," said the guard. "High Priest Bjorn is here if you wish to speak with him."

"Great, take me to him," said Kiyora.

She found Bjorn inside a library reading a record of her various exploits. The old dwarf had his braided white beard flowing over his lap. His eyes were scanning over the words. He looked up as she came in. "Ah, I apologize, Dreaming Goddess. I am not as young as I once was. I did not hear you enter."

"Don't worry about it," said Kiyora. "Need any help?"

"There is something," said Bjorn. He put down his book and stood. "I have gathered together the priests for your new temple. And I have made arrangements for them to go by sea to Artarq. They are waiting at Port Otter for transport to become available.

"However, with the war on, I'm afraid the Calishans will attack them at sea as soon as they get out of port. I would like you to convince Duke Vanion to provide them with an escort.

"Okay, sure," said Kiyora. "Anything else?'

"I'm afraid not much comes to mind," said Bjorn, looking tired. "Things have been very peaceful since that demoness replaced Melchious. She has stopped raiding us completely."

"And that's not suspicious at all..." muttered Kiyora. "Bjorn, send out some scouts and figure out what she's plotting. I don't like this."

"I already did, and I have meant to tell you," said Bjorn. "She has begun to rebuild Baltoth's Retribution. There are packs of satyrs working to mend its fallen spires daily."

"Wait a minute, I thought she didn't have any followers in that region," said Kiyora.

"Melchious didn't," said Bjorn. "She has her operations. And she has been converting the satyrs who once served Laughing Wraith."

A shadow fell on the room, and Kiyora felt a sense of urgency. Someone somewhere needed her help. She received these appeals every so often. They got annoying, but she couldn't afford to ignore them. "Okay, hang on, I've got a call for help. Be right back."

And she transported herself away in a flash of light.

She found herself in a dark wood. One of the few remaining dark woods since Laughing Wraith had bit the dust. She could hear the sound of sobbing and followed it. A little later, she found a young satyr child sobbing against a tree. They had orangish fur and were small for their kind.

"Why are you crying?" asked Kiyora.

"I... I was supposed to watch the sheep, but one of them wandered off," said the boy. "I can't find her. And if I lose one, Father is sure to beat me."

"Well, hang on," said Kiyora before looking at the trees. "Excuse me, I don't mean to intrude, but I need your help. I'm looking for a stray sheep. Could you direct it back to this boy?"

"I'm a girl," said the satyr.

"Oh, sorry, I uh..." said Kiyora. Of course, she would say that all satyrs looked alike, but that would be racist.

The tree answered. It was afraid of her. It remembered what had happened the last time their kind had tangled with her. So it agreed at once. Kiyora sensed it was afraid of being set on fire and felt guilty. "Thanks."

"You can talk to trees?" asked the girl.

"My people can do it easily," said Kiyora. "I guess that's weird to you."

"I've heard about you." said the girl. "Is it true you killed Laughing Wraith?"

"Yep," said Kiyora. "Fried him to a crisp."

"I didn't know anyone could hurt Laughing Wraith." said the girl. "Father says he is immortal."

"Of course not," said Kiyora, looking to change the subject. "Hey, there is your sheep." And she pointed as out of the trees came a woolly sheep which approached. The girl cried with delight and ran to him.

"Rundas!" she cried. "Rundas, I'm so glad you're okay!"

"Yes, I'm sure he'll make an excellent spread on the dinner table," said Kiyora.

"We keep them for the wool," said the girl. "We don't eat them much. Father says we should try to eat dwarves more than sheep. See, sheep can give us something, and dwarves kill us."

"Oh, I see," said Kiyora, ruffling her hair. "Do you know the way back?"

"Of course, Dreaming Goddess!" said the girl, picking the sheep up. "I'll take him back right away!"

And she raced out.

"That girl is going to grow up to be a serial killer, isn't she?" said Kiyora, glancing up at the trees. As she did, a shadow moved in the corner of her eye. She turned to look after it and peered into the darkness of the wood. For a moment, she thought she saw the flicker of a shape, tall and slender.

But it must have been a trick of the light. When she illuminated that place, she saw nothing. Then, looking back up to the trees, she sighed. "...Make sure the kid gets back home safely. I need to meet someone."

She had meant to have this meeting for some time but had never gotten around to it. For one thing, she wasn't used to having a set schedule as a goddess. Up until recently, she had mostly been doing random good deeds. So it was only recently that it dawned on her that she might have other responsibilities.

The place she appeared next had once been a majestic castle. Now, it was a worksite in a broken-down ruin. When she and William last saw it, not one stone remained on top of another; for the most part, that still held. But scaffoldings had been erected in several places, and satyrs were everywhere. The sound of hammers on chisels could be heard wherever she went. Stones were being moved by hand or in carts.

A lone satyr stumbled as he carried a heavy load. A taskmaster saw him and was on him with a whip in seconds. He struck the poor creature twice.

"Keep working, you beasts!" roared a taskmaster.

Kiyora reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Hi."

The taskmaster turned to her with fury in his eyes. Then he saw her. He trembled in fear and tore himself out of her grip. From there, he ran screaming as fast as his hooves could carry him. The other satyrs saw her and trembled in fear. It made sense. She had killed their god.

Then, unafraid, one sizeable white-furred satyr came forward with two long scimitars. "Begone from this place, Dreaming Goddess! This domain is not yours!"

A shadow, different in kind and shape from the other she had seen, arose over him as he spoke. It was in the form of a girl Kiyora's age. "Peace, Doltier. We must be courteous." She paused. "Ah, the Dreaming Goddess, come to visit. What a wonderful thing to meet with you again. I was truly grieved by how our last meeting went, I assure you."

"Grieved?" asked Kiyora. "How?"

"You and dear William are still alive, of course," she said as though it were the friendliest thing to say. "All things go according to my infallible will, so there is no cause for concern. In truth, I was wondering when you would show up."

Kiyora decided not to dignify that with a response while she looked at the work in progress. They had gotten the outer walls to put back together, but none of the towers had been completed. "Wow, you're going all out with this construction project, right?"

There was a twinge of irritation from the demoness. "Well, thanks to you, I did have my castle completely obliterated. I'll have to repair it."

"It looks nice. What will you do with completely broken stones?" asked Kiyora. The stones seemed almost to be jumping back into the places they fell. Obviously, this place would be fixed much faster than was expected.

"Oh, I'm having my stonemasons reform the stone back into its original form." said the demoness. "Any stonemason worth his salt has people in his pay who can meld stone. I want this place just as it was before. Though perhaps in a different color. Now let us get down to business, hmm?"

"Business?" asked Kiyora. "I'm here because I'm curious." Of course, she was lying; she didn't want to seem too eager.

"Oh, I'm well aware of that." said the demoness. "Far be it from me to presume you possess such an ugly thing as forethought. However, there is a small matter. Some of your trees have been attacking the construction. It's getting quite tiresome, you know."

"The last time we met, you tried to kill William and me," said Kiyora. "Why wouldn't I want them to attack you?"

"I haven't been attacking you, have I?" asked the demoness. "I have no interest in your destruction at this time."

"Which means you want to backstab me when the time is right," muttered Kiyora. "Fine, I'll call off my trees. But I want something in return."

"And what could be of greater importance to you than the cessation of this terrible war?" asked the demoness. "A war which even now ravages our subjects. Have you no sympathy for the innocents even now consumed?"

"Could you be more transparently insincere?" asked Kiyora in turn.

"Of course. It amuses me to conceal my true intentions." said the demoness with a straight face. "You would be surprised at how little I care about other people. Name your price."

"Hmm, well, Bjorn kept going about some kickass mirror or something. That thing which zapped me before" muttered Kiyora. "I'll take that."

The demoness halted. "You ask a great deal, don't you?"

"Yep," said Kiyora.

"You don't even remember what it does." said the demoness. "Why do you even want it?"

"Take it or leave it. I want the Mirror of Laevian. If you deliver it to King Houndslasher, I'll let you finish building this castle. Or whatever it is," said Kiyora.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Let me?" asked the demoness with a laugh.

"Well, let's face it. One word from me, and I could have this whole hillside torn down," said Kiyora. "It's great being friends with the trees."

"Oh, of course." intoned the demoness with apparent sarcasm. "Your might is beyond compare, and I am but an insignificant worm beside your majesty."

"Look, are you taking the deal?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes, I have no further use for the Mirror of Laevian anyway," muttered the demoness. "I already beheld in myself the true sovereign of all creation. Indeed, my ascension is inevitable, having been written before the stars were conceived."

"William said you ran screaming from the room in agony," said Kiyora.

"An entirely jaundiced account." said the demoness. "It was derived from the delusions of a man attempting to deny the reality of my majesty. Do give William my regards."

"Whatever," said Kiyora, turning to walk away. "Have fun with your god complex."

She decided she would go and visit William. There may be better weather in Artarq. Kiyora appeared within the training grounds of the palace of the capital city of Arsheen. The keep soared skyward above their heads, and the ivory walls hemmed them in. She didn't see William anywhere, but she did see soldiers in black armor. Lots and lots of soldiers. They locked shields in ranks of four, and they were marching. Many spear points were bristling out from between their shields.

Observing them was a very tall woman, hands clutching a spear before her. Her golden hair was long and wavy, and she had blue eyes. Her tunic was white and clung to her. Usually, when she did this, she wore full armor. Then again, human pregnancies lasted nine months. Kiyora's species took about twice that time. But despite her bulging belly, she held a terrifying grace. As Kiyora approached her, she tried not to feel afraid.

"Hey, uh... Lady Azgora?" said Kiyora.

"Yes, Dreaming Goddess," said Azgora. "What may I do for you?" Her question held none of the deference with which the Nakmar treated her. Nor did it contain any familiarity with which William or his father regarded her. Kiyora felt she was considered more a curiosity than a credible player in her own right.

"Well, I was just looking for your son. Do you know where he is?" asked Kiyora.

"William is in the house of Rusara, practicing his magic," said Azgora. "It is an admirable determination that has possessed him of late."

"Right," said Kiyora. "Hey, mind if I ask a question?"

"Yes, what is it?" asked Azgora.

"William told me that Raynald is in charge of instructing the troops," said Kiyora. "So, why are you here?"

"Witherarm is a dangerous warrior, but he lacks a shield arm," said Azgora. "He cannot learn to fight in a phalanx formation, let alone teach others to do so. Instead, he is charged with instructing knights in the ways of the sword."

"Right, good point," said Kiyora. "Still... where has he been? I haven't seen him around the last few times I've visited."

"He was sent on a mission by my husband. He has been raiding Calishan shipping lanes. He hopes to distract Baltoth from his invasion plans," said Azgora. "I'm told he has caused quite a lot of damage, though Argath Marn has proved a more ruthless raider."

"Oh, cool," Kiyora paused. "So, uh... where exactly is the house of Rusara?"

"It is likely for the best if I have someone lead you there," said Azgora. "Arsheen is not a city one should travel unescorted."

"I'm a goddess," said Kiyora.

"Even gods may get lost," said Azgora with what might have been amusement. "Felix."

Kiyora suddenly realized that Felix had been standing nearby the whole time. Somehow, the Calishan boy had escaped her notice. His hair was longer than the last time she had seen him. He'd also gotten taller in the past few months, though he was still thin as a rail. "Yes, Lady Rusara?"

"Escort the Dreaming Goddess to the house of Rusara," said Azgora. "She would speak with my son."

"As you wish," said Felix. "Come, I'll take you by all the swiftest ways."

The city of Arsheen varied a lot. Kiyora hadn't been in it herself very much; instead, she had stuck around the palace. It was all new to her. There were flat-topped buildings in some areas, like those of the Calishans. In others, they were slanted roofs, and these looked newer than the others. There were people everywhere. Most of them were humans with dark skin like Felix. There were also dwarves and satyrs and even a few halflings. Kiyora might have lost track of her guide several times, but he constantly checked his pace.

As they continued, the architecture along the way got weirder. It was still slanted, but the buildings became more darkly colored. There were strange angles in the most unexpected places. The more affluent houses had gargoyles on them, staring down at the street. The people here were all elves with dusty gray skin and wore long, draped robes. Their eyes were narrow, and their ears shorter than most elves. They were called Dust Elves in this world, right? Kiyora didn't think it polite to ask here.

"Wow, this place is amazing," she said. "What's with all the weird architecture?"

"This is the oldest part of the city," said Felix. "It dates back to when the Dust Elves ruled over Arsheen. Then, they ruled over Artarq and much of the realm to the east here. Many of the Dust Elves who live here today can date their ancestry back to the founders of this province. When Baltoth the Inexorable seized it, they remained here."

"And then Duke Vanion took it from Baltoth?" guessed Kiyora.

"That is a somewhat simplified version," replied Felix. "The local nobility wanted to stop paying taxes to Baltoth and started a rebellion. They threw out the old King Banir, but he returned with an army. They knew that Baltoth would have them all crucified if they failed. That was why they appealed to the Kingdom of Antion for support."

Suddenly, there was movement out of the corner of Kiyora's eye. There was a crash, and she whirled around and looked into a dark alley. But it had only been some rats that had knocked over some junk. So why did she feel like she was being watched?

"Kiyora?" asked Felix.

"It's nothing," said Kiyora. "I just got startled. So what happened with the Kingdom of Antion?"

Felix shrugged. "King Andoa II of Antion sent Sir Vanion {he was not yet a Duke} with an army to organize things and lead the vanguard. Vanion caught the Calishans off guard at the Battle of Desora. Then, under his leadership, the Harlenorians routed the armies of Baltoth."

"So they made him governor," guessed Kiyora.

"No, that decision would make too much sense for King Andoa's tastes," said Felix. "Instead, he gave the job to the person who donated the most to the treasury. Lord Argath Marn got the job. Remarkably enough, he dedicated his administration to making back the money he spent. He was wholly corrupt."

"And what happened to him?" asked Kiyora.

"Sir Vanion had Duke Borinius arrested for treason," said Felix. "As a result, all of Duke Borinius' friends came under suspicion, and Argath was one of them. He lost his office and the position as governor, and it was given to Vanion's father, Garath. He ran things decently enough, and the position passed to his son when he died. Which brings us to today."

"And now Argath is a raider?" asked Kiyora.

"Yes," said Felix, "he's working to redeem himself in the battle to salvage his family's reputation. Though I've heard he has a patron in Gel Carn, Steward Benarus. He isn't much of a concern, however." He paused. "We'd best stop talking. I've found that you never get anywhere when you have an interesting conversation."

"Oh, come on. Just because-" began Kiyora.

"Here we are," said Felix. "See?"

The house they had stopped at was shorter and broader than most. The windows were open, and the scent of blood was in the air. Massacre was sitting in front of the door. Two of the illusion's heads, the goat and the dragon, were fast asleep. The lion, however, was alert and watching.

"Thanks for taking me here," said Kiyora. "Are you heading back to the palace?"

"I have a message to run while I'm down here," said Felix. "My business ventures need tending. I suppose I'll see you later."

"Don't worry," said Kiyora. "I can find my way back." She approached Massacre. The chimera roused herself and ran up to Kiyora, nuzzling her with all three heads. Kiyora laughed and scratched her behind her lion and goat ears. "Right. Hey Massacre girl, who's a good girl, who's a good girl!"

"Bah," said Massacre's goat head.

"So, where is William?" asked Kiyora.

"Inside, where else?" asked Felix. "Just listen to the sound of thankful sheep."

"Sheep?" asked Kiyora. "What would sheep be doing here?"

Felix sighed. "I mean the sick people he is healing. I can't stand listening to them fawn over him. William may enjoy having people think of him as a savior. But what he needs is someone who doesn't take him seriously." And he walked off.

"Cynical as always," said Kiyora with a sigh.

She entered the house. It consisted of one very long room with many beds and bedrolls laid out throughout it. At the far end of the room was William. He had gotten taller these past few months, and his blonde hair had gotten longer. However, his right eye still bore the vicious scar he'd gotten at Baltoth's Retribution. He was speaking with a woman in concealing garments. A boy of perhaps ten was at his feet with a bandaged leg at an unnatural angle.

"Please, Paladin, my son's leg has been broken," said the woman. "Please heal him."

"As you wish," said William, kneeling and placing a hand on the boy's forehead. "In the name of Elranor, stand and walk."

Instantly, the leg set itself. The boy gasped and then stood. The woman hugged him, while William just looked vaguely tired. "Thank you, thank you so much."

"It's no trouble," said William. "Go in peace."

The woman and her son made their way out of the house. William turned his attention to a bed. In it, a woman was lying, surrounded by family. He approached quickly. "What has happened to her?"

"She became very ill one day," said a man. "We don't know what it is, but..."

"The reason doesn't matter. Be cured," said William before putting a hand on her shoulder.

She breathed, and the unhealthy pallor faded from her skin as she rose. From there, she and her family promptly departed with many thanks and well wishes. William proceeded to do similar things dozens of times over.

"You are rather dramatic about all this, aren't you, William?" asked a voice.

Out of the shadows emerged Lady Rusara. Kiyora hadn't even realized she was here. Which was appropriate since she was the one Felix had learned it all from. She was petite for an elf, and her ears were longer than most. But William immediately turned to her.

"Everyone here regards me as some kind of savior," said William. "They expect it."

"You don't need to play to their expectations, though," noted Rusara.

"Yes, Lady Rusara," said William before looking away. "Did you hear the news? About the ships filled with malas, the ones the Calishans captured?"

"Yes, I did," said Rusara. "I expect Magicora and the Sorcerer's Guild mages will be furious. Still, Raynald tells me that he captured several vessels in his last foray out to sea. Unfortunately, Argath Marn also burned several Calishan villages. Though the Calishan pirate, Raj Danal, almost returned the favor.

"We are fortunate we have a friendly port in the Kingdom of Estal. Things are beginning to heat up."

"Do you think it will come to an invasion?" asked William.

"Barring some entirely unforeseen event, yes. The only question is when," said Rusara. "It is strange; I would have expected the invasion to occur a month ago. But, in that time, we've gathered more and more strength to us. Sellswords, adventurers, crusaders.

"What is Baltoth waiting for?"

"You'd know better than I," noted William.

"Yes, I suppose I would," said Rusara with a grin.

"Um, excuse me," said Kiyora, entering.

William looked at her and instantly brightened up. "Kiyora, I haven't seen you in months."

"Sorry, I've been busy," said Kiyora. "I've been working a lot more miracles than usual lately."

"I'm glad to hear it," said William.

"Oh, and the demoness says hello," said Kiyora.

"Does she?" said William, sounding even less pleased. "The scar on my eye still hurts."

"I'm sure she'll be glad to hear it," said Kiyora before she noted another door. Curious, she made her way over and looked in. Many people were lying on bedrolls just inside.

Their eyes were vacant and bright white, and their veins were showing. "Hey, what about them, if you don't mind me asking? Why haven't you healed them?"

"Oh, uh... those are a more recent case," said William. "Malas infects them."

"What is malas?" asked Kiyora.

"Kiyora, do you pay any attention to this world you dream of?" asked William.

"Not until recently, no," admitted Kiyora.

"Malas is the reason Baltoth is so eager to regain Artarq. It is a substance that only exists near the northern border. Or at least that is the only large source we know of." said William. "A small amount of the stuff a sorcerer takes will enhance their connection to the spirit realm. It allows them to do great feats of magic briefly."

"The catch is that if misused, it can become a highly addicting substance," said Rusara. "It eventually plunges your mind into the spirit world, so you can't wake up anymore. That is what happened to those people."

"So why can't you heal them?" asked Kiyora.

"Because healing the flesh is easy," said William. "Healing the spirit is far more difficult, and Rusara tells me I am nowhere near ready for it."

"Right," said Kiyora, not getting it. "I thought you were practicing your magic here?"

"I am," said William. "Healing the sick and injured lets me practice using my connection to Elranor. It also increases my renown with the common people and helps many people who need it."

"Oh, that makes sense," said Kiyora. "So if this malas stuff is so dangerous, why do you sell to people?"

"We don't," said William. "Lord Marn did it before the King of Antion made it illegal. Various criminal organizations in Antion did well out of it, and some were from off-world.

"Under Father, and we only harvest as much as the mages of Magicora and Sorcerer's Guild need. Then they sell it to them. Unfortunately, that leaves a great many untapped sites to harvest from."

"Then, where did they come from?" asked Kiyora.

"The system which Argath Marn set in place didn't disappear when he was removed from office. It just went underground," said William. "We've been working to clamp down on the sale. But there are a lot of smugglers. The trade is very profitable.

"Rusara could tell you more."

"I could," admitted Rusara, looking pleased. "Even so, I'm glad not all my lessons in Carn Gable went to waste."

"None of them did," said William.

At that moment, the door opened, and Felix entered. "William."

"What is it, Felix?" asked William.

"There is trouble at the new temple," said Felix. "Brinsiege wants to talk with you right away."

"Right, Rusara, we'll have to go," said William.

"As you wish," said Rusara. "Just finish your tea; I don't want it to go to waste."

"I'll go with you!" said Kiyora quickly.

Things had gotten interesting at last!