Tanith and Kata reached the bridge over the Soulflow river at daybreak.

There was no time to appreciate it with all the rain. Though it mainly had let up to a drizzle by now. Tanith chose to risk it for speed, and Kata led them by swift paths unseen over a ford in the river. Tanith looked up from it toward a well-made bridge that had been the site of a great battle once.

All the great houses of Haldren had come down from the north and met the Withering King's forces here. The Dark Lord Aras had marshaled a great army of satyrs and invincible undead against them. And with them came the Furbearers in support.

So there had been a grievous battle where many knights and peasants had died.

And House Gabriel had nearly lost all of its men. Garath Gabriel had almost died fighting there, and Erik the Voyager fell, already an old man. Duke Vanion, then only a child, had been taken into the care of Arengeth as a potential successor. And it had seemed then that House Gabriel would lose everything and be made vagabonds. There had even been discussion of confiscating Gel Carn and giving it to someone else. And Edmund Telus was looking to be the most powerful man in the region.

Or worse, giving the commoners control.

But Duke Vanion had put a stop to all that. He, Raynald, and Rusara had outmaneuvered everyone.

They'd destroyed the bad merchants and rewarded loyal subjects. They'd fought off every rival claim. At last, they'd gone into Antion and won many great victories.

Together they had destroyed the corrupted and elevated the righteous. All while being well rewarded. And her Father, Edmund Telus, had first been their benefactor. Then, when he became lesser, he remained respected. So now he was rewarded with rich land by Vanion in Artarq.

Tanith had told Kata all these stories in depth. Father had loved to tell them, so Tanith knew them by heart. She'd written many of them down when she was younger and thirsted for adventure.

"There was a great battle between our peoples here," said Kata. "We used to be the villains, weren't we? Summoning undead and working with satyrs."

"You either have to work with satyrs or kill them," said Tanith. "They're a warrior race. They don't respect peace, only endure it. Not nearly so nice as us."

Kata laughed, and it was a nice laugh. "Does it ever end?"

"It never ends," said Tanith. "Some people drop out of the game for a bit; some stay out. That was your mistake. You stayed quiet too long and went from an enemy to a victim."

"I guess you could become a hermit like the ones that dwell over to the east in the ruins of Thrakmul," noted Kata. "I'm heading out there with Sokar to see if we can resettle it. It's very barren, though, so not much of a chance."

"Some people would kill someone who owned nothing," said Tanith. "That's why William and I stay in the game. We only drop out of it to rest, and then return because we must serve our nation, families, and people.

"If we don't do it, who will? If I went into peace, I'd drink myself to death or commit suicide."

"That's where you and I differ," said Kata. "When this is over, this war will be a bad memory. I want to live by helping other people, not hurting them.

"This land could be free and beautiful if only people would help one another.

"Maybe this is where it starts."

"It always starts," said Tanith with a laugh. "Universal brotherhood lasts only until you meet a bandit. Then, you're not going to have time to understand him when he's trying to gut you with a knife. After that, it does not matter whether he's a good man or a bad one. He's already decided he's willing to kill you for money. If someone stepped out of the trees around us with bows and started shooting...

"Would you try to talk to them?"

"No," said Kata sadly. "I'd be a fool not to fight back. I'd run or kill.

"But just a perfect pacifist doesn't exist; a perfect warrior doesn't exist either. Tanith, you'll never live in a world where your enemy is as evil as you want them to be. No matter how just and noble you are, you'll be someone's villain when you walk a path of blood."

"No, I won't," said Tanith in mock arrogance. "I'm right, and they are wrong."

"Is that supposed to be William?" asked Kata, laughing.

They walked over the ford and into the trees beyond. At the edge of the ford was a perfect place for an ambush. The ford had been a common way to get across the bridge, but it was guarded in days of the war. You could see burial mounds from all those shot dead in the ambush on both sides.

Tanith led them through the trees, wilting now around them by the will of Elranor. They were beautiful in all their red and orange. And Tanith felt for the first time a sense of peace, as though an inferno long within her faded.

"So, there it is," said Tanith. "Ran Telus, my home."

Ran Telus was magnificent, more so than ever before.

It stood with stocky walls, flowing banners, and a great fortress at the center of a magnificent city. It had grown and grown over the years. Tanith had been alive. Now it was practically bursting, with farms outside it here or there. Yet most of the food came from Gel Carn, and never had Vanion taken that supply hostage.

Other shipments had come in from the Furbearers in happier days long ago. Yet the ice which had fallen over the land and never left prevented such farming. So it was that their food came from the sea by fishing or over it. She and William had often eaten together here when Anborn was not so disgraced.

They came out onto the path, walking behind an ox cart.

"The Lady Tanith has returned!" cried a guard. "And with her, the Princess of the Furbearers."

"People are beginning to take notice of you," said Tanith. "That's good or bad; it all depends on what you make of it."

"Are you sure about returning here, Tanith?" asked Kata. "I mean..."

"I've got to go back now," said Tanith. "I've got a duty to my family, and with this situation resolved, I'm out of excuses."

"Well, I wouldn't call it resolved," said Kata. "But, well..."

"Yes?" asked Tanith.

Kata looked away. "With any luck, this whole thing will be over, and we can finally do something useful with our time."

"You could come with me, you know. I'd guarantee you my protection," said Tanith.

"I appreciate it, but I don't have faith in anyone's word anymore," said Kata. "No one outside of my family and my own people. Even if you gave me your protection and meant it, your Father might overrule you. Would you fight him?"

"...Probably not," admitted Tanith.

"Right," Kata smiled. "We're not respected as a people, and I'd be valuable as a hostage. I can't trust these people; even you can. Good luck."

And she raced off.

"Good luck," said Tanith, watching her go. She felt... empty inside as Kata left, looking happier than ever. Tanith ought to be happy too.

But something told Tanith she'd not see her again.

Turning, Tanith walked through the gates behind the cart. There she saw Anborn standing guard. None of the other men paid him any heed. One seemed to be glaring at him, and this Tanith found odd. He'd done very good work, and few had outdone in kills.

But then, he had a long way to go.

"Where is my Father?" asked Tanith.

"He is presently hunting with Prince Aras," said a man. "He will be back in a day or so. They wished to inspect the borders. All to avoid a potential Furbearer assault. One of them has declared himself a King; we're afraid we might see a return to the worship of undeath."

"Don't be," said Tanith. "Osrif is reasonable.

"He has enough power to cause trouble if we push him. But if it comes to a serious conflict, we'll crush him. I know his children; they have an appreciation for the Harlenorian way. They will understand that being good subjects will be paramount." She paused. "Anborn fought very well.

"Very well. He is beginning to regain his honor."

And she strode off as quickly as she could.

Tanith moved purposefully through the streets, removing her helm so others could see. Many cheered, and a number wilted as she came to the doors and entered by a side door. Entering in the usual way, she nodded to the first servant and quickly got her armor off. Before long, she had cleaned and dressed in white, going out to meet her Mother.

The halls of House Telus were much more luxurious than Carn Gable. Duke Vanion had always preferred to spend little on luxury. What he spent was on things like fountains that served a secondary purpose. Father, though, liked to enjoy life. There were banners on the walls and tapestries of old battles fought. Some of them depicted the journey to Themious or other battles.

There was the hunt for the Typhosian board, which stood six feet tall. It had been rampaging around Themious, and no one had been able to bring it down. It breathed fire and had tusks like swords. A hunt had been planned then by Edmund and Vanion. Edmund had done a lot of boar hunting and had arranged for it to be driven out of the woods. Many villagers made a lot of noise and drove it out.

There the war party had been waiting. Vanion had the bad luck of being first in its path. But he caught it with his spear and leaped aside. Unfortunately, that hadn't been nearly enough to slay it. The fire nearly burned him, but Azgora blocked it with her shield. Then she'd gotten it in the side with a spear as it passed. Kafka had then leaped between the hooves of the beast and stabbed upward.

Last of all, Raynald had slain it by leaping on top of its head and cutting its throat. Though it had thrashed and nearly trampled Kafka before Hadleim had pulled him out. It set the forest on fire as it died, but Hadleim convinced the river spirits to put the flames out. And Rusara had burned away much of the underbrush so it would not spread quickly.

There was a dispute over who deserved credit since Amazons did not believe in sharing credit for deeds. But Vanion had argued for Azgora in gratitude for her saving him. Kafka had agreed with this, but Raynald had argued for himself from the beginning. Since the wound, the side would likely have been lethal. Raynald had argued against it, but Kafka had agreed with Vanion. Hadleim had as well.

It led to a rift between Vanion and Raynald for a while. And it had sewn the seeds of the feud between Azgora and Raynald. Even so, Rusara had mediated things, and they'd patched things up. It was Kafka and Vanion who would become bitter enemies.

Tanith's uncle.

Tanith wondered how Vanion and Kafka had come to hate one another so much. Why would Duke Vanion ever try to assassinate someone? What could drive him to that point?

Most of them happened years ago. Tanith looked up as she walked through a courtyard and saw a well. She remembered that she and William had been very young and tossed coins into it together. They'd done it with a slavegirl their age brought in by a visitor, an Artulkan. Tef Lock, was it?

What had happened to her? She had been... sunny.

Tanith reflected that she might well be dead by now. And she would probably never find out. There had been a shooting star that night.

Mother was sitting, sewing, her face covered in a veil to hide her. She looked up. "Tanith?"

"Mother, I'm back," said Tanith, sitting down. "Are things going well?" She never felt at home in these dresses. They stained too easily and could not be cleaned of blood.

Not that you did any fighting in them.

"Yes," said Mother. "Atria has proved of immense help. Her mastery of languages has helped our scribes a great deal. In addition, she has been a great support to your Father and me."

"What?" said Tanith, voice suspicious.

"Is something wrong?" asked Mother.

Tanith shook her head. There was nothing wrong with a slave doing its job. "Nothing; I'm pleased to hear things have gone well. Why is Aras here?"

"Well, the truth is that House Telus' is in debt," said Mother. "We've been fighting in many wars. Ascorn took out many loans, and your Father had to cover for him. And events in Antion have seen many shipments disrupted. The chaos out there has cut off many supply lines merchants relied on. As a result, everyone's usual income has been disrupted."

"It had to be done," said Tanith. "If we hadn't freed those Furbearers, Antion would be in flames. And you should be glad I did; it's the only reason Anborn is alive for them to see."

"Those savages?" asked Mother. "They didn't hurt him, did they?"

"Why do you care?" asked Tanith, offended that everything was about Anborn as usual. Tanith served her country and did it excellently. But poor Anborn had a little less talent, so he warranted special. "He's endangered us. He disgraced our family name."

"He's my son, Tanith," said Mother. "You beat him to a bloody pulp, threw him to his enemies, and forced him to fight with no armor.

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"How could you?"

"And as a result, he is beginning to be respected," said Tanith. "Anborn has killed many men now. He's fought to defend our allies and helped salvage the wreckage he has made of his honor.

"He might eventually be a man."

"Anborn doesn't want to be what you consider a man," said Mother.

"What the hell does what he wants to have to do with being a member of House Telus!" shouted Tanith. "I didn't want to help dig a cesspit when I joined Argath. But I did it because the job had to be done to prevent disease in the camp. I didn't want to throw old women into farmhouses and burn them alive.

"But I did it because those were the orders I had been given. If I had not followed those orders, morale would have broken down. Our entire group would have been cut down and died, and there could be no witnesses.

"Argath ordered them destroyed, and so they had to be.

"Where do you think all the money and wealth come from? All those exemplary tapestries that symbolize the glory of House Telus? The materials don't come from Anborn gambling and making friends. They come from conquest and war, war upon the enemies of Elranor. War upon the enemies of all who live.

"Where are Anborn's fine friends now? All those he spent his time gambling with? Where are his many red-headed girlfriends who keep him straight and narrow? They've abandoned him because he's a child in a man's body. And once they're finished with him, he's of no use.

"That job he was given came with too many strings. And he had it coming."

"He's not a killer like you," said Mother.

"Why are you acting like that's a bad thing?" asked Tanith. "Why is Anborn your favorite son? Why is Sunthred of secondary importance to this spineless effeminate weakling? One devoid of true valor or nobility?

"Why are you upset that he now has some semblance of power?"

"Why are you treating your brother like a defective weapon?" asked Mother in turn.

"Because you've given me the same treatment," said Tanith. "I've sacked many enemy towns. I've defended my nation from Calisha; I've put down rebellions. I've brought glory to my-"

And then Mother hugged her.

Tanith choked and shifted, feeling her heart flutter at the embrace. Then, slowly, she drew up her hands and embraced her back. For a long moment, they held one another as Mother clutched her. For a moment, Tanith forgot her dreams of lust and blood and felt uncomfortable as a girl.

"I will always love you, Tanith," said Mother.

Tanith didn't cry, but she wanted to.

She felt genuine happiness for a brief moment as Mother broke the embrace.

"Sunthred has been setting things up very well in Artarq, you know," said Mother.

"Oh, really?" asked Tanith, drinking.

"Have you had a chance to visit him?" asked Mother.

"No, not really," said Tanith. "There's been so much to do that I haven't had time."

"You really should," said Mother. "You never know what might happen between one moment and the next. He's very fond of you."

"No, he isn't," said Tanith. Sunthred and her had fallen apart after Anborn had refused to mature. Once they lost respect for him, no one could mediate. Sunthred was an abolitionist and an economist and had little love for war.

Every conversation had been tense.

Tanith wished they could go back to how things were.

"Atria, could you bring us some tea, please?" asked Atria.

"Of course, Mistress," said Atria, coming forward. Tanith looked up and saw a majestically beautiful woman. She had long, silver hair and dark skin tied over her head. She was clad in servants' garb and was the very picture of willing subservience.

It was too good to be true.

"Thank you," said Mother.

Tanith nodded, took her tea, and saw a hint of intellect. There was no way the woman who had given her the fight of her life could become this so effortlessly. Atria departed, and Tanith did not admire her body, lovely though it was.

"That has got to be some kind of act," said Tanith.

"What do you mean?" asked Mother. Why was she confused?

"Why do you trust her here, Mother?" asked Tanith. Granted, Tanith trusted Felix, but she'd known him for a lot longer. They'd gone to war together too, and that counted for something.

Also, he had not been taken as a slave; he had been sold by Calishans.

The idea of having her walk around freely was wrong, somehow. But then, Tanith had brought her back, and Edmund Telus had let her walk. It was possible that a Calishan could turn out well. Felix had. But Felix had been enslaved by Calishans, which meant he had a separation of loyalties. Atria did not. What would be required for Tanith to accept Atria as she had Felix?

Logically, give her a chance to murder Tanith and wait to see if she did it.

Why not?

The slave trade was dying anyway, and Tanith was bored.

"Then what is the point, Tanith? Why did you bring her here?" asked Mother, seeming to guess her mind. "We thought she had your favor."

"...It's what a raider is supposed to do," said Tanith.

"Tanith, our culture obsesses over rage and hate," said Mother. "It warps people."

"What of it?!" said Tanith. "We live in a disease-ridden death world where war is constant, and you cannot trust anyone. Even a close friend could be an enemy tomorrow."

"We just got finished with a full-scale war with our ally.

"King Gavin could come down there with an army to lay siege to our castle tomorrow! And the last thing we'd need is a nice guy who bursts into tears during a crisis!

"Anborn needed to have it beaten out of him, just like I did. You should have done it years ago, but you coddled him."

"He can't sleep anymore," said Mother. "He wakes up screaming about bloody tendrils ripping him apart while you laugh."

"Good," said Tanith. "Let him remember the consequences of his failure to be a man. And why do you speak of him like he is a child?"

"He is my child," said Mother. "Just like you are. Do you hate your own brother that much?"

"Yes," said Tanith. "And I'm still doing what is best for him. Do you want him to end up like Rius? Some balding middle-aged traitor with no wife or children? Incapable of even holding a meeting without someone holding his hand?

"Or Lilas, that despicable traitor who starves his own people so he can get points for fixing the problem he created?"

"Tanith," said Mother. "I have heard what happened with Lilas. Could you explain yourself?"

So Tanith did.

Mother listened to her statements as she reported them and became increasingly concerned. She continued to play the harp as she did, contemplating matters. "That is quite an accusation to make, Tanith. "I note what you say about mistreating his workers, and I will speak to him about your concerns. I have already had several reports. Lilas is here."

"Good," said Tanith. "Let's have his head and be done with it."

"He is nobility, a personal friend of King Gavin," said Mother. "A noble who abandons his people is no noble at all," said Tanith. "Lilas treated the Hand of Anoa like chips on a gambling table. Why should he get the benefits of a title when he's already planning to trade up."

"Let us return to the subject of Anborn. Don't his actions warrant some respect from you?" asked Mother.

"I gave him respect on the battlefield," said Tanith. "I put in a good word for him with the guards. Now I'm here, and he's still wasted the last half a decade discrediting my house. Doing well in one battle does not redeem him for a lifetime of betrayal."

"He's made a lot of people happy," said Mother. "People like him."

"Happy?!" said Tanith. "What does being a great man have to do with being happy?

"He is nobility, born to be great, and does deeds of surpassing valor and magnificence. He must show ordinary people a better way. He must be a leader for the people. All he's shown them is how to be a useful idiot. I'm glad I beat some sense into him before he got even worse."

"Your brother may be completely disinherited because of that attitude," said Mother. "Because our culture prizes tradition and power over love.

"Edmund is talking about it with his advisors now. The first time Anborn distinguishes himself, and his reward is this?"

"That battle was the crowning moment of Anborn's career, Mother," said Tanith. "It was his ultimate achievement after years. Much better than expected. Father is considering disinheriting him. He still needs to do it outright. That is his reward."

"How can you say that?" asked Mother.

"Because it's true," said Tanith. "If we give him a position of authority, he'll run Ran Telus into the ground. And when he does, the ordinary people will pay the price for his incompetence. It should go to Sunthred or one of his or my children. Or, failing that, one of our cousins. Janice, Grace and Jaina are all more acccomplished than Anborn and might do the job.

"My brother used to be nice. But he's weak and stupid. And both of those things are his fault."

"I meant love being a luxury," said Mother. "Love is everything."

"No, no, it is not," said Tanith. "Love will not stop the legions of the Calisha. Love will not prevent the hordes of hell from destroying. Nor will it end the blood feuds that surround us. It is by reason and steel that peace is maintained, if only for an instant. The powerful, the ruthless, these things make Harlenor survive."

"But what makes Harlenor live?" asked Mother, voice still calm.

"Not what Anborn does," said Tanith. "Drinking in brothels and pretending to be friends with people. Friendship and love are rewards for those who perform excellent service. To be given them without service is meaningless.

"William only began to live when he entered Seathorius. And I only began to live in the fires of war."

Mother halted and finally sighed. "...How have things with William progressed?"

"Well, I'm hoping to marry him someday," said Tanith, looking up.

"I see," said Mother. "I thought you were just friends."

"It seems like the best match," said Tanith. "We bring out the best in eachother."

"Tanith," said Mother. "There has been talking of a political alliance with King Gavin. Perhaps even one by marriage. It is a great opportunity. He has several children-"

"Excuse me?" said Tanith. "Sunthred has territory in Artarq because of Duke Vanion. I've won my glory in his service. He's one of the most powerful men in Harlenor. House Gabriel brought our house to prominence and brought about an era of prosperity. So William is undertaking a dangerous journey to get a pardon for me. And to represent me in the Tournament of Kings.

"Duke Vanion has always treated us as equals worthy of due respect. And he did so long after he surpassed us in riches and wealth. It would hardly befit our noble blood to abandon such a friend."

"Yes, but..." Mother halted. "Your Father has to deal with political realities. Vanion's growing power has aroused jealousy from many other Lords. And Gel Carn has been without a leader for some time; King Gavin may take the opportunity to reclaim it.

"It is within his rights, and if there isn't a Lord there, he can hardly be contested.

"At the same time, there are serious concerns. William has been sewing chaos wherever he goes in Antion. We've gone from relative peace to skirmishes happening daily. The power structure is being shaken up."

"William didn't sew chaos; he's just doing the reaping!" said Tanith. "Those idiots in Antion violated every law and principle. They let bandits run their domains for them. How much time did we spend untangling the mess out there? And what's worse, they spread the rot up here to Haldren.

"William ought to be rewarded and thanked for fixing their problems. All without expecting anything in return. He's what Anborn should have been.

"I know that William is a kind and compassionate boy as well as a powerful warrior," said Mother. "But his actions have deeply concerned many powerful people. In fact, he may have humiliated them. His trip to Gel Carn has thrown down the gauntlet with all of Antion. It's just that nobody can figure out whose side he's on."

"William is on the side of righteousness, Mother," said Tanith. "The Lords of Antion is a disgrace and corrupt. Lilas is as bad as any of them. They betrayed their people, their responsibilities, and their God. It is right that they suffer and lose influence. They can repent before the wrath of Elranor or be swept aside."

"You speak of William as though he is a god," said Mother.

"No, I do not," said Tanith. "William was how Elranor purged weakness from Antion. Just as I was, how weakness was purged from the Furbearers.

"We were the vessels by which his divine plan was made manifest. The corruption of Antion will be undone, and the true Heir of Kings will come at last. I merely foretell that which we have been taught since we were children. And Duke Vanion shall be the herald."

Silence.

"Well," said Mother, sounding disturbed. "On that note, I have received a letter from Adrian Wrynncurth. Apparently, he has decided to let the incident in Gel Carn go.

"He has communicated with Duke Vanion and observed your and William's actions. The dragons you slew have regenerated, and the stolen treasure is restored. In light of William and your heroics, he will put the matter aside. He was here just a little while ago and was very polite."

"Why are we talking about betraying House Gabriel," asked Tanith. Mother was keeping the subject the same here.

"In this situation, your Father has to consider every possible outcome," said Mother. "One of them is that King Gavin will bring an army to Gel Carn en route to this meeting. He would only need a small force to seize it without leadership."

"Fine then," said Tanith. "I'll go there myself and take command. Don't bother with the marriage alliance; if you set one up, I'll kill him before the wedding."

"What?" said Mother. "But they'd be a Prince."

"I haven't noticed most of Gavin's sons exerting any authority," said Tanith. "I don't know him. I don't remember his deeds. I don't know his plans. And it won't be Aras; he's in love with an elven woman, so don't even bring it up. Marrying a Prince will cause us to betray House Gabriel.

"Which absolutely cannot be allowed to happen. So I will kill him if you try to marry me to him."

"That's treason," said Mother.

"If it's treason to stick by your friends," said Tanith. "And repay debts to people you owe everything to; I'll be glad to count myself among the traitors.

"Gavin is weak, I've already beaten his proxy, and Vanion will one day be King of Antion. Marrying a Prince of Haldren would be a stupid, short-term move. And I won't allow it. You're my Mother, Lady Telus, and I love you. But don't ever take sides against Duke Vanion. Ever."

Mother stared incredulously. "Would you William him over your own House?"

"We owe House Gabriel everything," said Tanith. "They have given us many privileges and many rights. We have good land in Artarq; we are treated as equals when we are far less prominent. Our names are respected.

"Were you to betray that trust and sully our honor for political expediency, I would love you the less. Besides, Vanion would destroy us all if we made an enemy of him. If we hold our ground here now, we'll be more potent than ever. Sell out our closest ally, and who would ever give any credit to what we say?

"We'll be given a traitor's reward. To keep what we have until we lose to a favorite."

"I will take your concerns to your Father," said Mother. "We are concerned about how Vanion keeps cutting down the nobility of Artarq, however."

"All of them committed crimes and raised a rebellion," said Tanith. "Vanion set laws, and those laws were violated. He puts them in a position where they may choose death or loyalty.

"They chose death, so he strips them of rank and makes a marriage alliance for legitimacy. We now face that choice. Antion might come in on his side if there is a civil war, and we've already beaten Kern in a proxy war. Why should our reward for victory be shackling ourselves to a sinking ship? House Telus is the future of Haldren. Shall we sell that future to a nobody who did not even send troops to Haldren?"

"I understand what you're saying Tanith," said Mother. "However, if you are correct, you should head at once to Gel Carn."

"I will do so," said Tanith. "It was good to speak with you, Mother." And she headed out the door. Atria was waiting on the other side, and Tanith considered that she did not want to travel alone. So she drew a dagger and offered it to Atria.

"Take this knife and use it however you see fit," said Tanith. "On whoever you see fit. Follow me." From there, she turned her back to Atria, who halted.

"May I ask why, Mistress?" asked Atria, blinking.

"I might need someone with a knowledge of languages," said Tanith, looking back.

"I meant the knife," said Atria.

They walked out, and Tanith rapidly donned armor and prepared for travel. Atria went garbed in black, and together they hurried north. Oxen carrying new crops were coming in and going the other way.

"Because I want to see what you'll do with it," said Tanith. Atria hadn't stabbed her.

Atria did not seem to understand this. "Do you not want me to be a submissive slave?"

"A Harlenorian submits when it is appropriate," said Tanith. "They know their master; they serve them with absolute loyalty. They adhere to their code of conduct absolutely.

"You've done all you were asked to do. Now, Why did you do all you were asked to do?"

"Because I am a slave," said Atria.

Tanith looked at her. "Find a new reason. Or try to kill me now. This is the best chance you'll get; we're in an isolated location, and you're blade is shorter. Who are you, and what do you want?"

Atria considered taking the blade. "Mistress, I do not hate you enough to commit suicide in a foreign land."

"Then follow me," said Tanith. "And figure out why that is. Foreign servants go far in the service of House Gabriel by being of use. You can only be of use by being able to think. Let's go."

So the return journey for Tanith began.