A meeting at the Yrsta Klettur without their goddess' presence? This was unprecedented. Nevertheless, Engin called for one in the absence of Ebonheim, requesting everyone to gather at the Hrafnsteinnian longhouse. He reasoned that it was necessary to discuss her behavior in the recent council meetings. He invited only the members of the council to avoid any uninvited guests or rumors from spreading.

Bjorn frowned as he stared at the table in front of him. "I can't believe she would deny us the chance to help those in need." He sighed deeply and shook his head. "It's not like her to be so stubborn..."

"Yes...but she's doing what she believes is best," Roderick countered. "And we have to respect that."

"Bah! She's just overreacting," Thorsten grunted. "The recent brigand raid has made her skittish. She's being irrational and unreasonable."

Evelyne shot him a dark look. "You're not helping by speaking ill of her. She has her reasons for wanting to keep us away from this problem." She glanced at Roderick with a raised eyebrow. "Right?"

Roderick nodded. "Indeed. She has her reasons for wanting to protect the town and her people above all else—even if some may not seem logical at first glance." He leaned forward, resting both hands flat upon the surface. He met their gaze unblinkingly and explained: "We must understand that she feels personally responsible for everyone under her charge. Her duty towards us is her primary motivator; anything else comes secondary."

"But that doesn't mean she's right," Bjorn objected. "This isn't how she usually behaves."

Hilda, who sat beside Engin, spoke up softly, "Perhaps you shouldn't question her motives too strongly. Sometimes we do things without realizing why. Maybe deep down inside...we know something terrible might happen, and that we'll regret getting involved later. And sometimes...we just don't want to get hurt again."

She looked away wistfully before continuing, "I think...that maybe she simply doesn't want any of us risking our lives. It would devastate her if someone lost theirs while trying to help the Order."

Bjorn stared at her thoughtfully. After a moment he nodded slowly in agreement. "I suppose...you could be right."

They sat together in silence for a while until finally Engin broke the quiet. "I know you may disagree with what I'm about to say here...but regardless of what she said earlier, there's no way in the abyss that I'm going to let her handle this matter alone."

"Let's just get Kelzryn to deal with the damn issue already and let's be done with it," Thorsten said gruffly. "This should be child's play for him. He's her exarch for a reason, aye? Let him go all out, and then we won't have to worry any further about demons in the vale."

Engin sighed and shook his head. "She would have ordered him during the council meeting if she wanted his help. Do you think her pride would allow such a blatant show of weakness and reliance?"

Thorsten shrugged. "Beats me. I'm still confused as to why we can't help. The Silverguard will probably get paid for this job regardless so there's no way around it. Besides, if these Order people die to those demons, then what?"

"That's true," Roderick admitted. "The Order may suffer losses if things go south. We might find ourselves facing this threat again sooner than expected. And if they fail here...the situation won't improve. In fact, the problem could very well worsen."

A loud yawn echoed through the longhouse. Everyone turned towards the source of the noise.

Serrandyl was leaning against the frame of an open window with her chin propped up by one hand. She looked bored as she stared at the floor with half-lidded eyes, her other arm hanging lazily at her side. Her tail flicked slowly back and forth.

"Everyone really wants to help the Order deal with those demons, don't they? So why don't we just go and do that instead of complaining?"

"It's not that simple," Bjorn protested. He spread his hands helplessly. "She has forbidden us to get involved directly with the Order's crusade. What else can we do but respect her wishes?"

Serrandyl arched her back and stretched like a cat. "Hmm? So what about the time when we decided to rebuild her cabin the first time despite her telling us not to?" She glanced around the room with a wry smile. "Or when we helped with the Kungwans without her knowledge? Or when we insisted on making that statue in her honor? Oh, and how about—"

"Alright, alright! I get it!" Engin interrupted with a groan. "I think we all get your point." He turned towards the others with a frown. "We may have overstepped our bounds in the past...but this time, we can't ignore what she said."

Serrandyl folded her arms across her chest. "Are you saying that her wishes outweigh everything else? Including those of her people?" She tilted her head slightly and raised an eyebrow at him. "Sounds like something a tyrant would say."

Engin winced visibly at her words. "That's not what I meant...it's just..." He sighed heavily. "Look, she wants to protect us. And while I appreciate that...it doesn't sit right with me to abandon those in need. Even if they're strangers."

"So then let's help them," Serrandyl replied matter-of-factly. "We can just send the best of us along to provide support. The Silverguards are already involved anyway." She shrugged nonchalantly. "Simple."

Hilda chuckled lightly at her straightforwardness. "She's right...we can do more than just sit around and worry. It's better to act now while we still have time."

"How will we stop get Ebonheim to agree with this plan though?" Bjorn asked dubiously. "If she finds out that we're actively helping the Order against her wishes...well..." He trailed off uncertainly. "I don't think she'd appreciate that very much."

Serrandyl grinned from ear to ear. "Leave that to me!"

----------------------------------------

"I want to come with you!" Serrandyl declared adamantly between mouthfuls of roasted meat as she sat across from Ebonheim in the latter's cabin. "You left me out on coming along when you went out to build the road, so let me go with you this time! I won't be a burden! You'll see!" She held out her plate. "Now hand over another piece!"

Ebonheim had brought Hilda, Serrandyl, Evelyne, and Ingrid into her home for a private meal before departing. Her earlier meeting with Ardeunius had concluded peacefully—the Order members agreed to move forward with their plan—and she spent the remaining time preparing herself.

"I want you all to stay here," Ebonheim replied gently as she pushed the plate back towards Serrandyl. "I'll be fine."

Serrandyl glared at her defiantly. "No way! If you're going out there to fight, then so am I!" She grabbed another chunk of meat from the pile and stuffed it into her mouth. "I'm strong enough to help! You know that! So let me come with you!"

"Have you ever fought a demon before?" Ebonheim asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or even encountered one?"

Serrandyl shook her head. "No...but have you?"

"Err...no," Ebonheim admitted sheepishly. "But I can handle this. It'll be alright."

"I'm coming along! And nothing you say will change my mind!" Serrandyl stood up abruptly and slammed her hands down on the table. "You're going to need my help out there! I know it!"

"No means no!" Ebonheim snapped back, growing irritated. "I've already made up my mind! Now sit down and eat your food!"

Serrandyl narrowed her eyes at her. "If you won't let me join you...then I'll follow behind you anyway."

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Ebonheim's expression softened. "Please don't do that...I'd rather not have to worry about you while I'm fighting. Just stay here where it's safe."

"I'm coming along!" Serrandyl repeated, stomping her foot on the floor for emphasis. "There's no point in arguing anymore! If you don't take me with you...I'll follow after you!"

Ebonheim sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why are you so stubborn?"

Serrandyl flashed her a toothy grin. "Because I learned from the best! Besides, what'll you do if I disobey your order anyways? Punish me? Heh." She crossed her arms over her chest and stuck out her tongue playfully. "You won't do anything to me!"

Ugh! I hate it when she's right.

Truthfully, Ebonheim had never once had to punish anyone under her care. Any problems between individuals were quickly resolved through arbitration. This was also thanks to the amiable and cooperative nature of her followers. They always respected her authority. There wasn't a single instance when she'd ever had to exert any forceful measures upon them.

The thought of punishing her followers...made her uneasy. She didn't want to think about what would happen if she did try to discipline her. Not that she even knew how to begin doing such a thing. The prospect made her feel nauseous.

Ebonheim rubbed her temples tiredly. "Fine...I give up. You can come along. Just make sure you keep up with me and don't get in my way."

Evelyne watched the exchange quietly from her seat beside Serrandyl. She had barely touched her food. She kept glancing at Ebonheim anxiously. "I also wish to join you..." she finally said quietly. "Vivi and I will be operating our Aetherframes. You could use our assistance in dealing with the demons. We'd like to do our part as well."

Evelyne too? Why was everyone trying to change her mind now?

"No...I want you two to stay here," Ebonheim said calmly, opening her eyes to meet Evelyne's pleading gaze. "It's too dangerous for you to come along."

"But we'll be in our Aetherframes," Evelyne argued. "They can take a lot of punishment. We'll be safe inside them."

She clasped Ebonheim's hand. "Please let us come with you. I'll let you punish me afterwards," she added in a soft whisper, batting her eyes at her. "However you see fit."

A shiver and a cold sweat ran down Ebonheim's back.

The way Evelyne said that last part sounded almost suggestive...like she was implying something naughty. But surely she meant nothing like that? Perhaps Ebonheim had misheard her? Surely not...surely? No, she had to have misunderstood...right? She brushed the thought away.

Evelyne squeezed her hand tighter. "I promise I'll behave and do whatever you tell me to. Please...let me come with you."

Ebonheim didn't want to admit it...but having the Aetherframes would help. She knew that. But...she didn't want anyone else risking their lives against these beings. Especially when they didn't even fully understand what they were up against yet.

She had thought about using the Cepheid, but the ancient Aetherframe was still in pieces. Its assembly would take time—time she didn't have. She had queried the Akashic System for a way to use Cepheid's Divine Arsenal form, but the ability required the Aetherframe to be in an operational state. So in the end...she decided to proceed without using it.

"You two are more valuable here than out there," Ebonheim said firmly. "What if some of those demons decided to attack the town?"

"We have a dragon guarding the town," Evelyne pointed out. "He's more than capable of dealing with any threats."

"Yes...but..." Ebonheim faltered slightly.

She couldn't deny that. Kelzryn could easily handle any demons that came his way.

"Ma déesse, I don't understand why you don't just let him deal with these demons instead," Evelyne remarked. "He's your exarch. Let him do his job and take care of the problem for you. There's no reason to put yourself in danger."

Ebonheim winced. She did tell her people she planned to deal with this problem herself. And now they were confused by her actions. It would've been easier to ask for Kelzryn's help from the beginning. But...it felt wrong somehow. Why? She couldn't quite explain it, but something deep within her rebelled against the idea of allowing Kelzryn to fight on her behalf. It didn't feel right. It felt like...cheating.

"I know that...but I need to handle this myself," Ebonheim insisted stubbornly. "Besides, no one outside of our town knows about Kelzryn and his affiliation with us. I don't want Ardeunius finding out either. What do you think will happen if other places find out we have a dragon living among us? It'll cause all sorts of problems."

"I think they'll just be jealous," Serrandyl commented wryly. "Kelzryn's cool!"

"That may be true...but the Order probably wouldn't react well to finding out a dragon is watching over my town," Ebonheim replied. "I already told people not to mention Kelzryn to the Order. But if Ardeunius found out..."

Evelyne frowned. "He'd probably accuse you of harboring a threat in your domain. Right?"

Ebonheim nodded. "Exactly."

"Then the only choice left is for you to have us come along," Evelyne declared. "It will give us the highest chance of succeeding. The Order needs all the help they can get against such formidable foes. Don't deny it. It's true. You need us there too. We'll be useful to you. I promise." She flashed her an impish smile.

She turned towards Hilda who'd remained silent throughout the entire discussion. "Hildaaaaa!" She walked over to the old woman and knelt before her, resting her head on the druid's lap. "Please tell Serrandyl she should stay here! Please!" She lifted her gaze pleadingly towards Hilda. "She listens to you!"

Hilda patted Ebonheim's head gently. "There there...calm yourself. We're all worried about you going alone." She glanced at Serrandyl. "What Serrandyl says is true though. You should take her along with you."

Ebonheim blinked in surprise. Of all the responses she'd expected from Hilda...that hadn't been one of them. "Really?"

Hilda nodded. "Yes. Remember what happened with the Kungwans. Serrandyl and the others helped you out then. Let them help you again now."

Ebonheim slowly rose back to her feet and returned to her seat. She stared blankly at the half-eaten plate of food in front of her. A silence settled over the room as everyone waited patiently for her reply. After several long moments, she finally spoke up again.

"Fine...I give up. You can come along," Ebonheim relented. "But please...don't do anything reckless. Stick with the Silverguards and follow Lorne's instructions."

Serrandyl pumped her fist in triumph. "YES! Thank you!" She grabbed another chunk of meat off her plate and shoveled it into her mouth. "You won't regret this!" she mumbled between chews. "I promise!"

Ebonheim groaned inwardly. She already did. But what else could she do? If Serrandyl wanted to come along...then so be it. Maybe having someone watching her back wouldn't be so bad after all.

"It's settled then. Vivi and I will also be joining you," Evelyne declared, giving Ebonheim a bright smile. "We'll keep each other safe out there."

"Yeah! We've got this!" Serrandyl exclaimed happily. "We're gonna beat those demons so hard they won't even know what hit 'em!"

Ingrid watched the scene unfold before her quietly, smiling faintly to herself. She didn't say anything at all throughout the entire meal. But...it seemed like she approved of everyone else's decisions. At least that's how Ebonheim interpreted her body language.

"Ingrid..." Ebonheim called out to her gently. "Did you want to come along too?"

Ingrid placed her fork down on her plate and steepled her fingers together under her chin. Her gaze hardened as she stared directly into Ebonheim's eyes. "I've personally slain several Asura. Bjorn and Thorsten may not have mentioned it to you, but Hrafnsteinn has a long history of clashes with those fiends. We're used to dealing with their kind."

Ebonheim's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait...seriously?"

Ingrid nodded. "Yes. I'm familiar with their strengths and weaknesses. If these demons really are Asuras...then I'd like to join you."

"Wow...I didn't know that..." Ebonheim admitted sheepishly.

How useful... I wonder why Bjorn and Thorsten never mentioned it. Oh, I haven't told them that the demons were Asuras yet. I guess they didn't realize that we might encounter such foes out here.

Having Ingrid around would be invaluable. She could give the Order members insight on how to defeat their enemies. Her expertise would surely prove useful. And perhaps she could also help keep everyone else safe as well.

Ebonheim smiled faintly at Ingrid. "Alright then...I'd appreciate your help." She paused for a moment before adding: "However, my condition remains the same. Assist Lorne and his men as much as possible. Do not take any unnecessary risks. Understood?"

Ingrid placed a hand over her heart in a salute. "As you command, goddess."

Ebonheim exhaled slowly and slumped back into her chair. So...everyone else planned to accompany her. Great...this was turning out exactly how she didn't want things to go.

Why did everything always end up so complicated? And why did everyone else always have to be so stubborn?

Across the table, Ebonheim spotted Serrandyl and Evelyne high-five each other. They looked so pleased with themselves.

Strange...something felt off. They weren't normally this cheery with each other. Did they do something behind her back?

"Hey...are you two hiding anything from me?" Ebonheim asked, narrowing her eyes at them. "Like...a secret plan?"

Serrandyl froze mid-chew. "What? No! Of course not!" She shook her head vigorously. "Why would we ever do something like that? Never!" She glanced over at Evelyne for support. "Right?"

Evelyne nodded in agreement. "Oui. We would never dream of such a thing. Never." She flashed her a sweet smile. "Trust us."

Hilda chuckled lightly to herself. "Now now...let's finish our meal. It'll get cold soon." She reached across the table and placed a hand atop Ebonheim's own. "Don't worry about them. They're just happy you finally agreed to let them come along with you. That's all."

Ebonheim sighed heavily and rubbed her forehead. "Fine...if you say so..."