Most of Baltoth's Retribution was plain and unassuming. Yes, the outside appearance was very impressive. But as soon as you went inside, it had always been without adornment. Yet this passage led into a room altogether different. The walls in this place were forged of crystal.

Looking into the walls showed Kiyora's reflection wherever she walked. Yet it wasn't entirely her reflection. She saw herself as she could have been had she made different choices. Some were insignificant. Too much ice cream led to her being a bit chubby. Others were horrible. She saw a version of herself with a haunted look in her eyes. Looking deeper, she saw that this version of herself had killed Laurus.

How had she managed that? He'd had a shotgun.

But they were illusions. She was who she was. Her free will had made the choices she had made. What she was looking at were not realities but potential realities. Things that might have been but were not.

As they went lower, the crystals gave way to images on the walls. She saw pictures of Dust Elves. They were forging a mighty Empire. Many gates connected them so they could easily move their armies to and fro. Only the High Elves could rival them.

Then came Elranor and Baltoth. Two gods who were each the other's archenemy. Yet both had spelled the downfall of a great elven empire. First, Elranor had come to engineer the destruction of the High Elves. Then Baltoth had come to take the Dust Elven empire for himself.

And finally, they emerged into a dark hall with gothic pillars rising to the ceiling. At the center was an altar, and above that altar was a single colossal crystal hovering. It was taller than Kiyora and a good deal more expansive, and it glowed with a clear light that illuminated the chamber.

"Wow, this place is nice," said Kiyora. "Why'd they build it so far underground?"

"This room is the heart of Baltoth's Retribution," said Arraxia. "The center of the magic. It survived my victory, and now I have used it to repair the castle."

"Victory?" asked Kiyora. "You lost."

"No, I didn't," snapped Arraxia. "I manipulated everyone and nearly killed my former Master Melchious. A masterstroke that gained me full power over Seathorius."

"Sure," said Kiyora. "Then William got you to look into the Mirror of Laevian, stabbed you in the chest, and dropped a castle on your head."

"None of which would have prevented me from killing both of you," noted Arraxia. "If you'll recall, I was quite unfazed. However, I had mercy and spared your lives."

"'Unphased' is not the word I'd use," said Kiyora as they reached the crystal. "And feeling someone is too much trouble to be worth killing does not count as mercy."

"Yes, you have a firm grasp of meaningless technicalities," said Arraxia. "Now, perhaps we can get down to business. Put your hand upon that crystal as I do." She reached out for the crystal, and Kiyora mirrored the motion. Finally, both were touching it.

"Now what?" asked Kiyora.

"Now, you must focus your will through it," said Arraxia. "You'll know when you manage it."

Kiyora obeyed, and she did know. She could see everything in Seathorius. Everything from the mightiest tree to the most insignificant gnat was before her. And it was within her power to influence them all. Not directly, but she could set her will for or against them. Drive one to do this or do that. Turn the mind of one thing against another.

"Wow, this is amazing," said Kiyora.

"Yes, it's all very impressive," said Arraxia. "The Dust Elves always were talented sorcerers. Still, there is the matter at hand. As you can see, the elves are already moving against us."

Kiyora didn't see. She focused on it and gradually became aware of the high elves. Clad in white mail, the High Elves crossed over to the Nakmars side of the river. Kiyora blinked in surprise.

"What? But why?" asked Kiyora, "I haven't even told them no yet."

"They approached you assuming you were an easily manipulated, naive imbecile. They were correct, of course. But I got to you first," said Arraxia. "No doubt, as soon as you started asking questions, they realized you would take my side. Thus mobilized their forces."

"Right, so what do we do?" asked Kiyora.

"I was under the impression that you were meant to be in command, dear?" said Arraxia.

"Oh, right," said Kiyora. "Um, when they land, we'll shift the landscape so they can't get off the shore."

"That would be far too obvious and easily broken," mused Arraxia. "If someone puts enough willpower into it, they can force a path through Seathorius. Assuming they know they are being led on. No, we must choose a more careful approach. Let me guide you."

The elves landed, and Kiyora allowed her spirit to be guided by Arraxia's. Yet to her surprise, the demoness was speeding the progress of the elves as they rushed into the woods. "You're letting them move in quickly?"

"Yes, I am speeding their progress," said Arraxia. "And yet, at the same time, we are turning their path away from their right road. Now observe this..."

Kiyora found her will be drawn to the villages of satyrs. She saw Doltier and many others of his kind heading toward the elves from every direction. "You're moving your satyrs? We had an agreement."

"We won't attack. No, the satyrs will merely make them believe they are getting near," said Arraxia. "Watch; now that they have seen my subjects, they will assume they are near."

The elves caught sight of the satyrs and shot their bows at them. Yet they hit nothing. Emboldened, they pursued relentlessly. They didn't realize that they were being drawn further and further inland.

"This is way too easy for them."

"Yes, it is likely only a matter of time before the elves realize something is wrong," said Arraxia. "You see, as long as they were near the river, they had spirits who might have interceded on their behalf. Now they are advancing too quickly for their own good. But we must keep them under their delusions of superiority until it is too late."

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Night fell upon the land, then morning again as the hunt continued. "How are things happening so quickly," asked Kiyora.

"When working with Baltoth's Retribution, time moves more quickly," said Arraxia. "You see the world as the spirits of stone see them. I'll tell you it was quite irritating when I first got it.

"By now, they've run out of initial supplies and realized they are quite lost. And here comes the issue. We will soon feel the pressure of their wills working against ours to escape Seathorius. Here it comes."

She felt them. They were wills of iron. It was a sharp stabbing pain in her mind as the elves realized their folly and tried to retreat. But she fought it back, forcing it back on them. "Ow. That hurts." They tried again.

"Yes, some are stronger-willed, aren't they?" asked Arraxia. "Hold fast, victory is nearly ours."

Day after day went by as Arraxia and Kiyora strove with the elves. No one died, but the elves wandered aimlessly and devoid of direction. Hunger began to take hold of them.

"My satyrs are closing in around them, and the Nakmar march with them," said Arraxia.

"Nakmar?" said Kiyora, and she saw that this was true. "But I never told the Nakmar I wanted them to ally with the satyrs."

"Really?" asked Arraxia. "You must have a remarkable hold over them, then; I am impressed. At any rate, would you care to ask for their surrender? Or shall I slaughter the elves to the man?"

"Hang on," said Kiyora.

She withdrew her hand, and the spell was broken. But looking at the crystal, she saw that it had changed color. It now swirled with power. Both the blue light of the Dreaming Goddess and the violet fire of Arraxia surged in equal strength. They intermingled and gradually became one. Kiyora transported herself to the Nakmar. To her surprise, she found King Houndslasher himself there. He was dressed in battle armor and held a massive axe in two hands. As she appeared, they bowed to her.

"King Houndslasher, what are you doing here?" asked Kiyora.

"We came when we called," said Houndslasher. "All of us felt compelled to join forces with the satyrs against the common elvish enemy. I had my doubts, of course, but we obey you without question."

"Right, great," said Kiyora. "Creepy." She muttered under her breath as she approached the satyrs. "You, Doltier, right?"

The albino satyr looked at her with narrowed eyes. "I serve the great demoness you call Arraxia."

"Right, okay, so if this thing comes to battle, what are our chances?" asked Kiyora.

"Very good," said Doltier. "They ran out of food three days ago, and we've given them no time to rest. I only haven't slaughtered them because my mistress commands otherwise. I expect you have something to do with that." His tone was bitter.

"Well, don't you seem disappointed," said Kiyora.

"I've wanted to eat an elf for years, and I'm not alone," said Doltier. "Lord Melchious would have let us feast."

"Well, Melchious isn't here," said Kiyora. "And I'm going to ask their surrender so someone gets me a white flag, will ya?"

She looked to the elven force. Their shining mail could have been more shining. Their clothes were dirty, and they looked exhausted. They had formed a defensive ring and were hemmed in on all sides.

As the white flag was raised, their leader came forth. Kiyora went to meet him. He was tall, even for a High Elf, and had thinner cheeks than most. His hair was long and brown, and his eyes silver.

Kiyora gave him a friendly wave. "Hi. You're in trouble," she said. "You're out of provisions. Dwarves and satyrs surround you, and the latter want to eat you. And if you start a fight now, they will. I'd love to stop them, but satyrs are hard to control at the best of times.

"If it comes to a battle, I'll bet they'll tie the prisoners to spits and roast you over a slow fire. Assuming they don't just eat you good and raw while you're still alive."

"I am General Evensen," said the elf. "State your terms, witch."

"You give us your word; you will leave our lands and never pull this stunt again," said Kiyora. "In exchange, we give you food and let you leave without any bloodshed. Oh, and you have to leave your weapons and armor behind; I don't want you walking through my lands with swords."

Evensen paused and eyed his enemies. "Give us time to convene to discuss the matter."

"Sure, whatever," said Kiyora. "But don't take too long. I don't think I can control my friends much longer." She walked back, whistling to where Houndslasher stood. "Do you think they are stalling?"

"They are out of food," said Houndslasher. "They can't stall long. Just keep an eye out for any relieving force."

A few tense minutes passed. Kiyora passed them, admiring the scenery and talking with the trees. Then Doltier looked up and pointed. "Look!"

Kiyora saw that Evensen was coming back. The white flag was raised again. She walked to meet him, hands in her pockets and a deliberate spring in her step. Houndslasher and Doltier went with her.

"We will yield to you," said the elf. "But, we will only give our weapons to you on the banks of the river."

"Fair enough," said Kiyora with a kind smile. "Start walking."

"We don't know the way," said Evensen.

"Houndslasher, get some guides to lead them to the river. And see them fed," said Kiyora. Then she walked up to Doltier and spoke in a lower voice. "Doltier, keep your men close and make sure to lick your lips every so often. Make them think you and your men are hungry."

"We are hungry," snapped Doltier.

"Just do it," said Kiyora before turning to Houndslasher and speaking louder. "Escort them to the rive and make sure no one dies. Get them to give you their weapons and armor when you get there. Then feed them, ferry them across, and give them a stern warning."

"We should let them give us their weapons and armor, then slaughter them," whispered Doltier.

"No," said Kiyora, looking to the Nakmar. "If Doltier tries anything like that, you and your warriors are to defend the elves. When the swords and armor had been given to you, you'll split them evenly with the satyrs. Now I've got to go check back with Arraxia."

She disappeared and reappeared to find Arraxia sitting cross-legged on the floor. Her tail was wrapped around the crystal above her, but her attention was on a book she read. "Is that William's sequel?"

"Yes," said Arraxia. "I must say I find it to be an entirely inferior product. I don't appear nearly enough, and I always focus on people I have no reason to care about."

"You do know that he is writing his experiences, don't you," said Kiyora. "Not yours."

"Well, he might write some that interest me," said Arraxia. "And the prose is terrible. He uses far too many elaborate words when smaller ones will do the trick. Not to mention that he is always making his sentences far too long. I'm amazed that anyone can take him seriously.

"Things seem to be going well."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," said Kiyora. "They would be going much better if Doltier and his warriors weren't set on eating the elves. I think we're better make sure the elves aren't plotting anything."

"Well, it appears that the elves are quite defeated," said Arraxia, glancing up at the crystal. "And without a single casualty too. I cannot understand why we did not slaughter them before they surrendered."

"I'd have thought you'd have wanted to kill them after they surrendered," said Kiyora.

"Don't belittle my superior nature. My word is my bond," said Arraxia. "If I am known as an oathbreaker, then people will be unwilling to negotiate with me. Better to take a few casualties in a fair battle than to ruin my reputation. Being able to make deals is an essential part of power."

Kiyora put her hand to the crystal and observed. The elves were escorted back to the river over a few days. They were given food, which they wolfed down hungrily. Then they surrendered their weapons at the banks. Then they crossed over without further incident. A first-class humiliation, if ever there was one. The Nakmar and the Satyrs split the loot and walked off.

"The elves have all been ferried across," said Kiyora. "The Nakmar and satyrs have gone their separate ways. Okay, I'm done. I'm waking up now." She took her hand off the crystal.

"Really?" said Arraxia in surprise. "Wouldn't you rather make a speech about the power of friendship?"

"Friendship?" said Kiyora. "This is realpolitik."

"Truthfully, I don't see the difference," admitted Arraxia. "Do give my regards to Rioletta."

Before Kiyora could ask what she meant by that, the world faded. Kiyora awoke in her bed. But when she opened her eyes, she found a black shadow looming over her. The window was open, and leering down at her was Rioletta.

Kiyora opened her mouth, but a hand was put to her mouth as the demoness threw off her cover and began to spin her. Kiyora struggled, but she could feel the silk creeping up her body. It went over her knees, then her thighs, as her legs were bound behind her. The silk rose higher and higher until it was coming up her neck. The hand was removed from her mouth, and she had time to scream for help before she was cocooned in darkness.