It was a barren and miserable shore. But that was redundant. This place was barren and miserable, even if it teemed with life. The shore was slightly less miserable. There were no pillars on the sea, so more of the world's beauty escaped the ravages of the Iron King's will.

Kiyora sat by the shore here, thinking. For a time, she remained there. Eventually, Alchara appeared in front of her, walking out of the distance of the waves. Kiyora privately hoped a wave would splash her, but no such luck as she came near.

"Well, we have a problem," said Alchara.

"No, really?" asked Kiyora, almost laughing.

"This would never have happened if you had simply cooperated with me, Kiyora," said Alchara. "I tried to warn you, but you wouldn't listen. What did you expect would come from working with a demon?"

"Well, I kind of figured I could stop your imperialistic agenda," said Kiyora.

"And as a result, you are now in the power of Arraxia," noted Alchara.

"Not really," said Kiyora. "I'm not actually trying my hardest to break free. I'd already decided to take a break from helping the Nakmar with every little thing."

"And I suppose being the slave to Arraxia is superior?" asked Alchara.

"Well yeah," said Kiyora. "She talks a lot, so I can figure out what she's up to. And I'm about to turn the tables on her anyway." When had that thought come to her? It was like she was thinking below the surface but not aware that she was doing it.

Weird.

"And how do you intend to do that?" asked Alchara, looking at her keenly.

"Well, her whole plan is based around no one knowing about what they're up to," said Kiyora. "I mean, if the Harlenorian Kingdoms found out the Iron Kingdom, their fleets would sail with the tide.

"So all I have to do is get the word out."

"And what are your plans for that?" asked Alchara.

"I'm still figuring that part out, okay," said Kiyora, but that wasn't true. She just didn't know she'd figured it out long ago before this happened. "I'm going to make contact with the spirits of the sea." Her thoughts were getting really weird today, weren't they? "If I can free Captain Hrungeld and Tanith, they can go tell Duke Vanion. Then they can burn the city down, or negotiate, or whatever.

"He owes me anyway."

"You will have difficulty leaving the area around the pillars," noted Alchara.

"Good point," said Kiyora. "You get some of the spirits of the sea to come here so I can talk to them."

"Who are you to command me?" asked Alchara.

"I did rescue all those people from Black Star," noted Kiyora.

"Ictargo rescued all those people," said Alchara. "You were one of the ones in need of saving."

"Yeah, and he only did it because my man William broke the cloaking field," said Kiyora. "Just because you get the finishing blow on the bad guy doesn't make you the hero. You need some drive to be a protagonist.

"And anyway, do you really want Arraxia to get total control of Seathorius? Because we both know she will."

"You could just ask me for help," noted Alchara.

"Yes," said Kiyora. "But I don't like you. You tried to force me into an arranged marriage with a guy I'd never even met. Now, are you going to help me or not?"

"I'll be back," hissed Alchara.

The sun fell beyond the horizon, and Alchara was gone. Kiyora looked up at the skies, hoping to see the stars. Yet the clouds were heavy. They were always heavy in this place. Something hung overhead, filtering out even the light far above in the heavens.

So instead, she thought. Being in Alchara's presence brought to mind relationships. More specifically, how she was nearly forced into one brought up another thought. Arraxia.

It was obvious, in retrospect.

Kiyora was attracted to girls as well as boys. She hadn't realized it until now. Not that there was anything wrong with that. It was considered a feature among Dreamer Elves. Being part of a race of five-sixths females meant that lesbianism was considered a good thing.

But what was weirder and more disturbing was that she was particularly attracted to Arraxia. She didn't look remotely elven, and she was anything resembling a good person. Actually, she was downright evil; she was just so upfront and charming about it one forgot it for a bit. Even William wasn't above it all. Why else would he have verbal sparring matches with her at every chance?

What was the point of this thought process? Ah right. What was she going to do about this? Well, Kiyora wasn't stupid. It was obvious Arraxia had some fixation on William, and it may have extended to Kiyora over time. But this crush, if it could be called that, did not actually stop her from trying to murder them. If anything, it may have encouraged it.

Yeah, there was no way that any kind of relationship between the three of them would ever work. They were from entirely different worlds, even if Kiyora could talk William into no easy task. No relationship with Arraxia could ever work. Not unless one party outright enslaved the other.

Though Arraxia certainly seemed to be trying for the enslavement options.

The night passed on, and the first morning rays of the sunlight could be seen over the horizon. As the edge of the sun came over the edge of her sight. Then there was a flash, and Alchara was there on the water. "I have done as you asked," said Alchara. "A powerful spirit of the water has come. His name is Porolus. Do as you wish."

And she disappeared.

"Thank you," said Kiyora before looking into the water. Out of it she suddenly emerged a huge serpent. Smaller than Jormungsk but also sleeker. "Hi."

"I am Porolus," said the creature. "What do you want?"

"That's a nice name," said Kiyora. "Tell me, Porolus, do you like the Iron Kingdom?"

"Do I like the Iron Kingdom?" Porolus seemed to consider the question. "Their pillars drain the innate energy from everything in this land. They allow demons to roam freely. They crush all belief and creativity in pursuit of satisfying their own egos."

"I'll take that as a no," said Kiyora.

"More indifferent, actually," admitted Porolus. "They cannot put pillars on the seas. Jomungsk seems to like them, however."

"Why is that?" asked Kiyora.

"The Lord Byran Asteem's grandfather was a friend of his," said Porolus. "He keeps the ports clear out of loyalty to that ancient friendship."

"Ah," said Kiyora. "So, what is your relation to Jormungsk?"

"Oh, we are brothers, he and I," said Porolus. "Though he was always the biggest, so I can't fight him. We used to swim all the time, but he prefers the waters around the Iron City."

"Well, I was wondering if you could maybe help me with a problem," said Kiyora.

"What kind of problem?" asked Porolus.

"Well, you see, there is this ship, a merchant vessel captained by a Minotaur named Hrungeld," said Kiyora. "I was hoping you could help him escape."

"Hmm, well, that will annoy Jormungsk and infuriate the Iron Council. So I have no objection to it," said Porolus. "Still, what's in it for me?"

"Well, if this plan goes off without a hitch, then I could see those pillars over there being torn down," said Kiyora,

"Hmm, well, it would be nice to see some color on the shore for once," muttered Porolus. "Alright, show me them, and I'll deal with it."

"Great," said Kiyora. "Go to the Iron Kingdom. Look for Captain Hrungeld. The ship is a Viokin one, crewed by minotaurs, and there should be a blonde woman on it. It's trapped behind sea gates."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Oh, those silly things," said Porolus. "I could cause a flood to break open the gates." He motioned out to sea to the clouds growing ever darker on the horizon. "There is a storm coming. I could use that. But mortals don't like sailing in those conditions."

"I'll be sure to tell them that," said Kiyora. "How will I know when they should sail?"

"When the sea gate is broken to pieces, obviously," said Porolus. "I've wanted to do this for years. And now I finally have an occasion."

"Glad to hear it," said Kiyora, feeling a twinge of happiness. She stood up with more vigor than she had felt in a while and snapped her fingers.

Some will set themselves against her as she teleported. It tried to force her not to go. To turn away. To despair. But even as drained away her power, vast more amounts of it came forward as if from some vast reservoir. A reservoir filled with endless good deeds made without expectation of repayment. Yet there was something else there as well.

Not for the first time, she felt as though she were someone else looking at Kiyora Yagos from the outside. A mere extension of the will of some greater power long sleeping. A mere dream in the mind of a sleeper.

The dream broke through.

Kiyora stood on the deck of Hrungeld's ship and saw the minotaur sitting down, carving a piece of wood. He glanced up as she approached and stood in a hurry. "Queen Yagos, what is going on? What is the meaning of this?"

"No time to lose," said Kiyora. "I need you to get your ships ready."

"Why?" asked Hrungeld.

Kiyora motioned to the sea gates. "In a few minutes, those gates are going to break. I've made the arrangements."

"You mean for us to break out," said Hrungeld.

"Yes," said Kiyora. "Get to Duke Vanion. Tell him that I've been taken control of and that the Iron Kingdom is..." She choked. A wall seemed to be built in her throat, different from before. The former had been despairing and cold. This one was hot and seemed to claw at her throat.

Kiyora forced herself to speak. "About to fall. They have his son. Ask him for help..."

"Are you well?" asked Hrungeld.

"I got mind controlled by Arraxia with help from the Iron Kingdom," said Kiyora.

"Who?" asked Hrungeld.

"The demoness William fought," said Kiyora. "Now get ready!"

"Right," said Hrungeld. He gripped a bell and rang it. "All you blubbering cows, get on deck and make ready to sail! Up now!"

The crew rushed up to the deck. Tanith was among them, and though she was dressed in normal clothes, she wore two swords at her sides. She approached Hrungeld as the men assembled.

"What is going on, Hrungeld?" asked Tanith before she saw Kiyora. "Where have you been? When you were captured, we thought you'd been killed."

"Sorry to disappoint you," said Kiyora. "Hrungeld explain."

Hrungeld did explain. But he only got about halfway through the explanation. Then there was a roar and a crack of thunder. The storm had hit. A great wave of water arose and struck the sea gate. It twisted and fell inward with a terrible groan. The water poured in and seized the ship, hauling it toward the breach.

There was a flash of thunder as they were drawn out into the open ocean. Kiyora looked up and gaped. She saw a huge muscular figure riding a chariot drawn by giant goats. In his hand was a massive hammer which he swung about. And as he swung it, great waves washed up around them. Hrungeld laughed.

"Kreshlak is riding the air!" cried Hrungeld. "Aha! Now this will be a storm worth remembering! To your places! We'll ride this out, then sail away!"

Then a shadow passed overhead. Kiyora looked up to see Jormungsk looming over them. The sea serpent had sailed after them and arose. He opened his mouth, and blue fire gathered within it. Then Porolus leaped out of the water and wrapped his body around Jormungsk, dragging him down.

The two tangled in the water as the seas raged around them. Hrungeld's crew were fast to work, and soon they were sailing away from the two serpents.

"Porolus, you brat!" roared Jormungsk. "What is the meaning of this?!"

"Just playing a game," laughed Porolus, breaking free.

"You'll regret interfering with my duties," said Jormungsk. "I'll crush you to pieces, you wretch."

"Feel free to do so if you can catch me," said Porolus before taking off.

Jormungsk was after him in a moment. He slithered through the sea with such speed that it sent great waves to either side of him. Kiyora wondered if Porolus would be caught and if Jormungsk really meant his threat. She hoped he didn't.

The seas continued to rage but not around them. Something drew their ship quickly away from the Iron City and further down the coast. When they were clear, Hrungeld sighed in relief.

"That was more adventure than I'd ever wanted," he muttered. "Kreshlak be praised, but why didn't you give me more warning?"

"I meant to, but it happened sooner than I expected," said Kiyora. "Though I didn't expect Kreshlak to show up. So you're heading to Artarq now?"

"Yes," said Hrungeld, not sounding happy about the fact. "I was charged with escorting the Axe, I have an obligation to tell Vanion of my failure."

"Hrungeld could you take me to shore?" asked Tanith.

"Why?" asked Hrungeld.

"I'm of no use here," said Tanith. "But if I can find William, I should be able to fill him in on what's happening."

"How will that help?" asked Kiyora.

"William's sword is enchanted with runes. They allow Rusara to see everything that goes on around him," said Tanith. "If I tell William what is happening, Rusara will know. That way, Duke Vanion will get the message."

"Very well," said Hrungeld. "I'll do as you ask."

Tanith donned her armor and took some provisions. Then she was rowed to shore. Kiyora met her there, and the blonde girl looked at her seriously. "Queen Yagos, could you guide me to William?"

"Right, okay," said Kiyora. "I think you should head for a village called Calacosh. That is the place which William was heading last time I heard."

Then she turned to a tree and set her hand to the bark. The trees recognized he now, she'd talked to them enough, and she melded her will with theirs, trying to draw them out. "Excuse me, um, spirits. "Listen, I'd really like to ask for a favor. My friend Tanith here needs to find my other friend William Gabriel. He wears black skull armor and has blonde hair. And while you are at it there is a chimera named Massacre somewhere in these lands. If you could lead them to William too, I'd really appreciate it."

The trees did not particularly care. They did not hate her. But they saw no reason to help her or those with her. These were not wicked like the trees that served Wraith, but bitter and hurt. And they were still being hurt by the pillars which Kiyora could sense throughout all the land. How had anyone erected all these?

But it gave her an idea. "If you help me, I might be able to destroy these pillars. It's a long shot, but I'd appreciate whatever help you can give."

That gave the trees pause. They seemed to mull it over. It was only a small amount of help that Kiyora asked. And that even one pillar being destroyed would be a mercy. So she wasn't surprised when they agreed.

"Thanks a bunch," said Kiyora with a smile. "Okay, Tanith, you're good to go."

"Great," said Tanith, putting her hands on the hilts of her swords. "I hate traveling alone."

"How often have you done it?" asked Kiyora.

"Not very often," admitted Tanith. "Not since I left Gel Carn when I had to go on the run. But I hate it all the same."

"What's Gel Carn?" asked Kiyora.

"A vassal Kingdom of Antion," said Tanith. "In southern Harlenor."

"Well what are you so afraid of?" asked Kiyora with sarcasm. "You're the ultimate warrior."

"I'm not afraid I'll get killed in combat," said Tanith. "I'd like that. I'm afraid I'll trip on a loose stone and break my ankle. I don't want to die starving to death in the wilderness."

"Good luck then," said Kiyora. "And mind the roots."

Tanith rolled her eyes and walked into the trees. Kiyora did not walk with her. She had not forgotten how the girl had boasted to William of keeping an innocent girl as a sex slave. A girl whose village she had helped destroy. Tanith may have liked William, but Kiyora did not like her.

So she instead walked among the woods of this place. All around her, she could feel the trees rousing themselves. The wind brought their whispers to eachother, and they began to move. Leaves were falling around them.

The trees were waking up. Was this all because of her? Or was it something else?

Then Kiyora came to a part of the wood darker and more terrible than anything she had seen. It was horrible to look at and even more horrible to hear. The whisper of the wind was like nails on a chalkboard. The limbs of the trees were like claws. The leaves falling around her were as black as night.

Suddenly the leaves began to swirl faster and faster. More fell to join until there was a whirlwind of black leaves flowing around Kiyora. Then suddenly, they all fell, and Kiyora saw a goddess. Kiyora wasn't exactly sure how she knew she was a goddess. Yet she was both beautiful and terrible. Laevian was very thin, like a willow with hair that was the color of darker leaves. Her eyes were the darkest black imaginable and without pupils.

"So you are the Dreaming Goddess who has been manipulating my spirits for all this time, are you?" she asked.

Kiyora realized she was terrified. Yet she also felt like she knew Laevian, and she found herself going casual again. "Manipulating? You know that asking for help doesn't count as manipulating, don't you?"

"Believe what you will, girl," said Laevian. "You play the role of pawn well."

"To who?" asked Kiyora.

Laevian smiled. It was an evil smile. "That is a question for the ages. You are manipulated so easily that I wonder if you aren't a player in your own right."

"Well you're a nice person," said Kiyora. "Who are you anyway?"

"I am Laevian," said the goddess. "Queen of the Wilds."

"Right," said Kiyora. "Aren't you Alchara's sister or something?"

"A relation I am not proud of," said Laevian. "I've quarreled with her for many ages. My greatest regret is that her elves were not wholly extinguished in the wars of Anoa the Bright."

"Yeah, I hate you too," said Kiyora. "What do you want?"

"Merely to observe," said Laevian. "And warn you. Melchious is at hand."

"Melchious too?" asked Kiyora, feeling more frustrated than scared. "Couldn't you get him to reschedule his evil plan for a few weeks? I mean we've already got Rubia, Arraxia, the Iron Council, Lord Byran. And that isn't even counting the people who are on my side. At this rate, I'm going to need a freaking flow chart to keep all this straight."

"You don't seem to be taking this very seriously," noted Laevian.

"Would it help me win?" asked Kiyora.

Laevian seemed to consider the question. "Quite possibly. At any rate, Elranor requested I warn you that Melchious will move soon. He has taken physical form within this world and will be up to his old tricks soon enough. Expect carnage and death."

"Well, that's alright then. We've got plenty of it already," said Kiyora. "A few more burned villages won't be any trouble."

"Is that meant to be humorous?" asked Laevian.

"Yeah, kind of," said Kiyora.

"Well, it isn't. I don't find it in the least bit amusing," said Laevian. "If someone set fire to those meaningless apes houses, it might destroy some trees. And Elranor would find it in poor taste." Then she was gone.

Kiyora sighed and looked to the trees. "Look I don't mean to complain, but could you please send me back to my own world? You obviously still have your powers, and I'm stuck. I'm not sure how much time has passed on the outside, but I'm not looking forward to doing makeup work."

The tree whispered, and their power emerged.

"God I never knew dreams could be this dull," muttered Kiyora.

Then she woke up.