Kara stops the group on the temple's steps, “From our experience with these things, it would have grown until it could start infecting more. You don’t want to know what happens after that. I’ve seen entire planets corrupted by the chaos of the Far Realms. We’ve seen both mortals and immortals go there and come back, but when they return, something inside them is wrong—something corrupted not only their bodies but their souls. In Persi’s case, though, he didn’t look into the Far Realm, so it didn’t corrupt his soul. Bodies can be healed, souls….” She starts walking again. They walk into the inn. Everything is quiet. Kara opens the door to the main hall; all is quiet except for some snores. She turns up the lantern a little so that everyone can see. They pull a few more mats down. Aelgir and Zaos decide to sleep in the main hall. Lynn takes a room with Caylee, which two former slaves share. Valovar finds a place in another room and is asleep before he finishes lying down. Kal stays in the room with Aran, Ava, and Kara but decides to stay downstairs since he requires very little sleep. Kara, like Valovar, is out before she lays down. Aran and Ava lay awake for a little while, whispering to each other about Caylee before falling asleep.

“kara, karrrra, hey beautiful.”

Kara opens her eyes, and Sasha sits at the end of the bed, looking at her. “It’s about time, sleepy head; I’ve been waiting for you to wake up for nearly a half hour. But it’s okay. I love watching you sleep.” She yawns and crawls around, then lays her head on Sasha’s lap. Sasha says, “As much as I would love to stay in bed with you all day today, today is the day.” Kara sits up, “Oh shit.” Sasha says, “Really, we’re going to High Throne to announce our engagement to my parents, and you say, “Oh shit.” Sasha laughs. Kara says, “Sorry, I’m nervous. I mean, when we do this, then everyone knows. All of Nexus, all High Throne.” Sasha asks, “Are you that embarrassed by me?” Kara tackles Sasha and pulls her onto the bed, “No, it just makes me nervous. You are perfect.” Sasha strokes Kara’s hair,,,

No one notices the cloaked figure leaning against the inn in the alley. The figure walks off, chuckling to themself, "I'll be between those legs soon, you little bitch."

Kara opens her eyes. Her pillow is wet from tears—just a dream. Aran and Ava are both asleep, and Kal meditates against a wall. Kara thinks back, “That morning, I went to see Khive, and she told me that to get rid of the curse, I would have to watch my daughter be tortured to death.” Kara gets up. Em assumes her normal day wear. She leaves Misery next to the bed and walks downstairs for water. She sees Persi sitting alone at a table with a bottle in front of him. She gets a mug of water and sits down, “Should you be up from your ordeal so soon? As a matter of fact, you should be at the temple.” Persi looks at his mug, “They said I could go if I wanted to. They tried to talk me into staying. I told them I would come back later today. Kara…” She places a hand on him, “Everything is fine now. I’ve been thinking. I don’t know what we would have done if you came to us with this, so I believe you did the right thing.” Persi smiles, “No more secrets, I promise. It’s early. What are you doing up?”

She feels tears wanting to come out, “I had a dream. I didn’t want to wake up, but I did. Then my brain started thinking, and I couldn’t go back to sleep. Plus, it will be dawn in a few, so I just got up. Ava should be coming down soon.” Kara releases his hand, sits up, and smiles. He says, “What?” Kara’s smile gets wider, and Persi gets a worried look. She says, “Speaking of no more secrets, Aran, Ava, and Caylee are caught in a love triangle. It’s awkward.” Persi says, “What? I was only gone for a day, less than a day.” Kara continues to smile, “The baths are magical. You missed out on this.” Persi leans back, putting his hands behind his head. Thunder rumbles outside. Kara thinks about seeing Camiella at the ritual. She considers telling Persi. She leans forward again, her expression changing back to serious as she takes both of his hands, “I had this discussion with Aran and Ava. You understand that Camiella’s death is not your fault, right?” Persi nods but looks uncertain, “As I said, a lot came from the baths. Camiella sacrificed herself to save us because she knew I would die saving the four of you.” Persi nods, more confident this time, “Yes, of course, I know that. She talked to me the whole time the ritual was going on. She explained everything and said she couldn’t be prouder of having your daughter named after her.” Kara fails miserably in holding the tears back. Persi moves next to her to hold her. Outside, the rain starts, and lightning flashes through the windows.

Thunder rumbles again, and Ava walks down the stairs. “What’s wrong?” Persi says, Nothing, just memories.” Ava asks, “Should you be up? Shouldn’t you still be at the temple?” Persi says, “I already talked about it. Yes, yes, but I’m not.” Ava sits down on Kara’s other side and puts her arms around her. Kara cries, “Gods, I get like this every time I get pregnant; it takes almost nothing.” Ava holds her close. Ava tries to picture Kara with her wings out, radiance dancing around her, calling down coherent beams of light, and commanding heroes that could destroy armies.

Right now, she sees a girl no different than her. Kara sits up, wipes her face, and says, “It’s time.” Persi asks, “Can I join you?” The three of them all pray to Veleris, Galathor, and Elirae. It seems that all three gods have touched each of them in some way. By the time they are done, they can hear the innkeeper and his wife in the kitchens working away at breakfast. Kara says, “Persi, you stay here and rest, please. Ava, go around and do a check. I’m going to the kitchens to see if the innkeeper wants help.” Outside, the storm seems to reach its apex. It’s looking like a lazy day, and maybe the former slaves will be around another day or so, but it should be a better day for them once they get their money and see that they can begin their lives anew.

Between the storm, the sounds from the kitchen, and the sounds from the people moving around, it doesn’t take long before everyone awakens. Kara takes great pride in serving everyone, especially the former slaves, so much so she starts singing as she sets the dishes down on the tables. Only Lynn understands the song since she sings it in Celestial. It’s a song about a lost girl finding her way home. Everyone seems to enjoy it. She doesn’t realize she’s singing the words out loud until people applaud and ask her for another song, to which she sings another one in common, a song she heard a bard at Nexus sing once. She feels she can’t do it justice, but she bends it to suit herself; it’s a song about how her past has shaped her present and future. The former slaves and Aran seem to pick up on it. The song improves their moods significantly; Aran feels she may understand what he went through. When she finishes, she then sits down to eat. Aelgir says, “You’re very good at that.” Kara asks, “What, singing? It’s just something I love. Where I’m from, the village would come together every evening for dinner. After dinner, we would sing and tell stories until well after dark. It was one of my favorite times.” Aelgir says, “That sounds like a wonderful place; where is it? What’s the name?”

Kara’s expression turns sad. She stands up with her plate and walks away. Aelgir looks at everyone, “Did I say something wrong?” Ava replies, “No, it just hurts her to think back to then. Her village was wiped out, and that was the last “good” memory she has of her “real” brother; he was her twin. It was secluded, so they knew nothing of the outside world, and the outside world knew nothing of them. She isn’t sure where it was.” Lynn says, “I guess we all have demons in our past.” She looks at Aran, “Sorry I pressed you yesterday.” Aran says, “I need to come to terms with it one day, just not yet.” Ava lays a hand on his leg, “Talk to Kara sometime about her past. Maybe that will help.” Persi has his hand up, and everyone looks at him, “Not me; I come from a wealthy family, and I had the best tutors. My family negotiated with the Princess to let me go to Nexus to further my studies.” Everyone throws biscuits at Persi and laughs.

Kara stands at the front window, looking out into the storm, thinking, “Where are you, Gaelan?” She hears laughter. Her friends throw biscuits at Persi while he tries to block or catch them. She waits until they have finished their fun, then walks back over to the table; she picks up two of the metal plates and bangs them together; everyone in the room stops and looks at her, “Thanks to Aran, all the stuff the slavers had has been sold, along with their steeds. I doubt the greatest bard on this continent could have made better deals.” She motions for Aran to stand, and he slowly does so. He’s not used to all the attention being focused on him. Kara whispers something to him, then announces, “I’ll turn it over to Aran to let all of you know the good news.” She sits down. Aran clears his throat. Zaos yells, “What, we can’t hear you.” Aran looks at Zaos, then announces, “With everything sold, each of you will receive five hundred and ninety-five gold coins, plus the inn is paid for the next six days for everyone.” Someone asks, “Did,,, Did I just hear that right?” Aran repeats, “Five hundred and ninety-five gold to every one of you. If you have children, that includes each of them also. You should be able to make arrangements for anything you want…”

Almost on cue, the door opens, and a short, fat man enters, flanked by four well-armed guards, one holding an umbrella over the short, fat one. Kara doesn’t want to insult goblins, but she swears he looks like he has goblins somewhere in his lineage.

He speaks with a nasally-sounding voice, with his nose slightly upturned. Kara notices all of the Nameless Shields sigh and that they have disgusted looks, “Greetings travelers, I am Lord Sharvoor Nutwood. I heard a large group entered my fair city yesterday.” Kara steps in front of him, “Greetings, Lord Nutwood, I am Dame Karael Vala Elyslynn Proudshard Cinderblade,” she motions to each of her companions, “My companions, Sir Aranark of Nexus, Dame Avallie of Nexus, and Sir Persival Lonepeak of Nexus. Thank you for the warm, although rainy welcome.” Sharvoor pulls at his collar and straightens his coat, “I’m not sure where this Nexa…” Kara says, “Nexus. It is located in AeZuan’, north of the Alaswell Peaks.” He turns his nose up and tries to look down at her, even though they are about the same height, “It has come to my attention that you have sold items for a considerable amount within my city.” Kara takes a step closer to him, “Items to compensate these fine people who were taken as slaves by slavers operating between here and Everwind.” He says, “Well, according to city bylaws, all compensation must be handled by the city. Therefore, it must be turned over to me. How much was this “compensation”?”

Aran starts to move forward. Kara points at him, and he stops, but two guards reach for their swords. A young, former slave with a bandaged thigh and broken nose whom Kara doesn’t remember seeing steps out. Aran and Kal recognize her as the girl who charged Aran last night, who Kal shot in the leg, “They just said five hundred and ninety-five gold per person, sir, including children.” Sharvoor mumbles to one of his guards, “Get a count.”. Kara says, “This gold is property of The Temples of Veleris, Galathor, and Elirae, not mine to hand over to anyone unless your name begins with High Priest, God, or Goddess.” Her eyes flare to bright blue, and Sharvoor steps back, and his guards reach for their weapons. Kara hears Wandering Mountain, and the Nameless Shields reach for theirs. She sees more guards outside in the rain, in the alley, and on the roof across the street. She sees the former slaves cowering, trying to move as far away as possible, but no matter how far away they move in this room, it won’t be enough.

Kara holds her hands out, “ENOUGH! There’s going to be no fighting in here! Aran, get the gold.” Aran doesn’t move; Kara turns and looks at him. Aran sees a look of rage, and she growls, “Aran, GET THE GOLD NOW!” Aran steps back and pulls out the portable hole. Ava assists him. Sharvoor starts to move so he can see what’s in it. Kara steps directly in his path, “If you like living, you will not move. I can kill you before the four of them can blink, then them before you hit the floor. I promise I will kill you first.” Sharvoor freezes in place and says to his guards, “pu, pu, put yo, your weapons away.”

Kara can smell urine soaking his pants. She glares at him, “I will speak to the magistrate today, along with Arden Stormhaven. You will not be the first Lord I’ve had a hand in replacing. Clear!” Sharvoor stammers, “I, I, I doubt Stormhaven will have anything to do with you.” then he grins. Kara smiles and pulls the Holy Symbol of Veleris from under her shirt, “He’s like a father to me.” Aran lays three bags of gold coins on the table next to Kara. Kara picks them up one at a time, pretending to judge the amount in each bag, opening each bag, and looking inside. Each one would be heavy to others, but to someone as strong as a cloud giant, not so much. One of the guards reaches for a bag, but before they react, Kara flings all three open bags out the door and sees the coins scattering in the mud, “There’s your gold, go root it up, pig.” The guard that reached for the gold swings a fist at Kara; she dodges it without looking, and then her fist collides with his gut, lifting him off the ground. He lands on the floor at the door; she is still glaring at Sharvoor, “That’s the blink; you’ll be in the next if you’re still standing here at three. One, two,” They all run for the door, with one of the other guards grabbing the one holding his gut.

Everyone around Kara asks, “What will we do now?” Kara holds her hands up for everyone to be quiet. She sees Kal in the back of the room holding the little thief, with a hand covering her mouth. Kara says in silent nightsylvan to Kal, “Take her upstairs. We’ll be up shortly.” then she turns her attention back to everyone, “We will be fine, Aran, Ava, please pull the chests out.” Persi starts to say something. Kara knows what he’s about to say, “It may not be as much as we promised right now, but it will be more than enough for you to live comfortably on for a long time.” Persi sits back down and clears off a place on a table where he can count out coins. Kara continues, “We will deal with the pathetic excuse for a lord.”

Kara is smiling now; everyone seems to be calming down. She says, “The main thing is, no one here was hurt. Finish your breakfast, stop worrying.” Ava hands up chests to Aran, who moves them over to Persi. Persi starts counting out coins, and Valovar and Aelgir sit down to help him. Zaos, Lynn, and Caylee stand at the windows watching Lord Nutwood and the guards wallow in the mud and rain, trying to find all the coins. Kara walks over to Caylee, “How long has that thief been in charge? Does this have anything to do with the badges some of the Crownsguard wear?” Caylee says, “He was appointed by Imperial decree about a year ago when Lady Turnbull disappeared. We looked for her but never found a trace. Yes, some are loyal to Cragcall; they use the badges to identify each other, and the Temple allows it. Arden has been trying to get the corruption out for a while. It’s like a hydra: cut off one head, and two more grow back.” Kara gets a grin that startles Caylee, “You up for a heist and killing a hydra?” Caylee’s mouth drops open, and her eyes roll back, “Gods, you’re so hot.”

Kara says, upstairs in five. She walks over to Aelgir, Aran, Ava, Persi, and Valovar, “Count it out. If it doesn’t add up to what we promised, divide it among them and give it all out.” Persi once again starts to say something but stops himself; Kara continues, “We have a little in the bags of holding; I lived the first half of my life with nothing; we can do the same now. It’s just gold. I’m going up to talk to the others. Ava and I will leave for the clothier when I come down, and then I’ll meet you and Aran at the magistrate. The Nameless Shields will stay here, for the most part, with our guests. Clear?” Everyone nods. Kara stops briefly to hold hands and reassure everyone that everything will be okay. Then she goes up, followed by Caylee, Zaos, and Lynn.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

In the room, Kal has the little thief bound and gagged, sitting in a corner facing out. She is trying, hopelessly, to work her way free. Kara grabs a chair and slams it down in front of her, then sits down, glaring at her. The little thief gets still, looking up at Kara, “I’m going to ask you some questions. You’re going to answer those questions. If I don’t like the answers, I will personally take you to High Priest Stormhaven at The Temple of Veleris. Clear?” the little thief nods. Kara reaches out and undoes the gag. The little thief tries to scream but is met with a slap that makes her see stars. Kara leans down and whispers in her ear, “I’ve ripped unborn from their mother’s wombs; you are nothing to me.” No one else in the room hears what was whispered. The little thief goes pale. Lynn casts a spell to ensure they know if the little thief is telling the truth. Kara asks, “What is your name?” “They call me Re, please don’t hurt me.”. Kara tells Lynn, “Just squeeze my shoulder if she lies.”

Lynn places a hand on Kara’s shoulder. Kara looks down at Re, “You had better hope she doesn’t have a nervous tick. Explain why Lord Nutwood was here and who he works for. Don’t leave out any details.” Re looks at Lynn, then back to Kara, “Bind was pissed after the run-in with Kal and your boy last night. She took me to Lord Nutwood right afterward and told him about your boy selling all that stuff and how much money he got. I swear to it, we have eyes all over the city, so Bind knows every copper that changes hands. She told him that he could keep half. She gets the other half. Mam?” Kara says, “What?”. Re says, “Bind will kill me if she finds out I told you this.” Kara says, “Then you better keep answering questions; otherwise, I’ll ensure she knows what you told us. Where will Lord Nutwood keep the money?” Re says, “He has a safe in his home. He’ll keep it there and then arrange a drop to Bind. I don’t know where the safe is, I swear.” Kara looks at the others in the room; Kal says, “I know the house; it’s heavily guarded. Nothing we can’t handle.” Lynn says, “Valovar can find the safe.” Kara says, “That leaves one thing: opening it.” Caylee says, “Why, we’ll just take the whole damned thing.” Kara smiles, “You just may stand a chance with me.” Caylee says, “Really?” Kara says, “No, not really. But I love the way you think.” Kal pulls a dagger, “What about her?”

Re tries to become as tiny as possible, but Kara says, “Take her to Arden, and he will send her somewhere else. I’ll have an old friend pick her up. I think she’s looking for a better life.” Kara looks at her, “If she wants to see her next name day?” Re nods, with tears running down her cheeks. Kara pulls out a piece of paper and starts writing while Kal gags her and opens a portable hole. Kara seals the letter with wax and her signet, “Give this to Arden. He’ll take care of it from there. Watch your back, Kal; maybe Zaos should go with you.”

Zaos picks up the girl and puts her in the portable hole, “Try not to breathe much. I would hate for you to die before we walk to the temple,,, slowly.” She tries to struggle, but Zaos drops her in, and they fold it up. Kara pulls out the Sending Stone to Narcelia, “Please send Valas back to Everwind. Watch for Priests of Veleris from the North. Sending an important package for him to care for. I’m sorry.” Kal and Zaos go out the window. Narcelia replies, “Consider it done. Let me know if there’s anything to be concerned about.” Kara picks up Misery and grabs Dawnbreaker for Ava.

Everyone walks back down; Persi is handing out bags to the former slaves and bags to the guardians of children. Kara walks over to him, and he looks at her. “Four hundred and twenty-three gold coins each. We have some gems left and whatever we’re carrying.” Kara says, “We’ll be fine. Ava and I are heading out. You and Aran meet us at the magistrate before noon. Watch your backs.” Persi says, “You do the same.” Caylee asks, “You sure you don’t want us going with you?” Kara shakes her head, “These people are more important, plus I need you to plan the heist. Try to plan for minimal casualties. See if you can find a place for all these people to hide. I have the feeling the shit’s going to start flying with the Bloodhoods after tonight.” Caylee smiles, “I have just the place.” Kara hands Dawnbreaker to Ava, and they head out into the rain; Kara’s clothes form into rain gear, covering her head. Ava stares at her as she gets soaked while they walk.

Kara’s clothes return to normal; she looks at Ava, “You know, a follower of Galathor should revel in the storm.” Ava jumps up and says, “yippee. Is that good enough?” Kara messes up her soaked hair and then reaches for Ava’s. Ava bursts out laughing and takes off running. Ava is out of breath in the clothier when Kara walks in; she shakes her hair, trying not to hit any fabric or clothes. Egg peeks out, sees them, and runs out. He picks up Ava by the waist and looks at her, “Yep, it will be perfect.” He sets her back down and then runs to the back; a few seconds later, he comes out with clothes draped over his forearm and presents them to her. Ava holds it out; it looks like plain gray clothes, somewhat similar to what Kara is wearing, but with an open back, an open front skirt, and long pants that will cover her legs to her ankles.

Egg is bouncing, looking at Ava and then at the changing room. Ava takes the hint and enters the changing room to try it on. While changing, Kara asks Egg, “Do you have any cold weather clothes?” Egg points at a rack, “Take whatever you want. I can’t charge you.” Kara says, “Thank you, Egg.” Ava comes out and looks at the clothes; they fit perfectly, “I’m sorry, I thought there was something super special about these. I mean, they fit perfectly.” Egg asks, “What does a fire do?” Ava gives him a confused look, “It burns.”

Flames of red and yellow form on the clothes. They seem to move like a burning fire. Ava jumps and starts screaming but realizes it’s not burning her, “Oh, wow, Egg.” Ava jumps and grabs him around the neck to hug him. Egg says, “They have some extra enchantments; they will stay dry and clean and repair themselves as long as you still have a fragment left.” Kara says, “Egg, you didn’t have to do that.” Egg says, “Yes, yes, I did. I heard what happened this morning.” He leans down and whispers in her ear, “The city is with you.” Kara hugs and kisses him on the cheek, and he bounces again. When he regains his composure, he helps them pick out three sets of cold-weather gear. Ava and Kara leave after giving him another hug; before they get out the door, he hands them each an umbrella. Egg gets another kiss on each cheek.

Ava says, “What’s the plan?” Kara says, “They pay. I can’t guarantee everyone who gets hurt in this is directly involved with Lord Nutwood or the Bloodhoods. If you’re not comfortable, you can sit it out.” Ava replies, “No way.” Kara says, “Then we go do our business with the Magistrate and find out what Caylee has planned. It sounds like she’s ready to have this Nutwood replaced.” Kara looks at Ava’s clothes. They’ve changed from burning to lightning strikes on a dark blue background, “Mine can change to just about anything I want, but they can’t do that. Nice.” Ava smiles as they walk up the steps to the Administrative building. Aran and Persi are waiting just inside. Both look at Ava, “Nice.” Ava poses. Kara says, “Let’s get this done. How many?” Persi holds up four fingers. Two Crownsguards are standing outside of the Magistrates Court; both have badges. One of them looks at Kara, “Magistrate Em Prideshard is ready for you.” Kara smiles, “I like the name.” The other Crownsguard, as quietly as possible, says, “We’re with you.”

He opens the door. As they walk in, Persi leans over and whispers, “What was that?” Kara whispers back, “I’ll tell you later.” Inside, the five prisoners are shackled to the floor, still wearing the scraps of cloth Caylee threw at them. A light shines down from the ceiling. Kara looks around, and the four former slaves standing to the side smile. She is happy that some of them have the courage to show up. Arden stands behind and to the right of the Magistrate. The Magistrate leans forward, and his voice booms off the walls, “I understand you are Karael, the leader of this Wandering Mountain Trading Company?”

Kara steps forward, “Yes, Magistrate Prideshard, I am Dame Karael Vala Elyslynn Proudshard Cinderblade, Honor Princess of High Throne, First Knight of Nexus, and this is my adventuring company, Sir Aranark, Dame Avallie, and Sir Persival, of Nexus.” The Magistrate sits back, “That name is quite the mouthful. I like it. Now the charges brought against these men include “kidnapping, slavery, rape, murder, torture, eh, I’m not going to continue listing each. These are severe charges, most of which carry the death penalty.” He looks at the prisoners, “How do each of you plead?” They all start saying, yelling, “Lies, not guilty.” The light shining down turns red, they shut up, and then it turns back to white. One says, “We were forced into it.” The light turns back to red. When he says nothing else, it turns back to white.” Magistrate Prideshard leans forward to glare at them, “I’m going to ask each of you to answer yes or no, one at a time, starting with you on my left. If you lie to me, you will be sentenced to death. If you tell the truth, death may be merciful or hard labor for life in the mines. Crownsguard, prepare to escort them out if they lie.” Five Crownsguards step out of the darkness. “Did you murder anyone?”

The first one says, “No of…” The light turns red. A Crownsguard pulls a bar that releases his shackles, grabs him, pulls him out, and drags him off as the prisoner screams, “I swear.” Magistrate Prideshard says, “Being drawn and quartered over the pig trough is the normal method for murderers. The Crownsguard may drag it out considerably for the other crimes. Now continue.” All of them say “Yes” one at a time. The light stays white. The Magistrate says, “Same rules, rape?” All say “Yes,” and the light stays white. The Magistrate looks at Kara and the former slaves, “I’ve made my decision. Do any of you have more you would like to add or questions you would like to ask?” One of the female slaves asks, “What did you do to my daughter?” All the prisoners look down. One says, “We sold her to some orc.” Another former slave, this one a man, asks, “My wife, you took her, and I never saw her again. Where is she.” One of the prisoners mumbles, “We fed her to the wolves when we finished with her.”

Kara can tell the other former prisoners have more questions they want to ask, but they don’t want the answers after hearing what they just said. Kara asks, “Are any of these people’s loved ones still alive? Did you sell them?” At first, there is no answer; Kara slams her foot down; she doesn’t know where it came from, but a lightning bolt arcs from the ceiling to the floor, and thunder cracks across the chamber, causing nearly everyone to jump. One prisoner says, “We sold some slaves to some people from here in Cragcall. I don’t know their names, I swear.” Kara asks, “Did one look like he has goblin blood?” The same prisoner says, “We called him Toad Face behind his back.” Kara asks, “Could you identify these people if we brought them before you?” That prisoner and another nod. The light never changed to red. Kara looks at the Magistrate and indicates that there are no more questions. The Magistrate glares around the court; Arden leans in and whispers something to him, then announces, “The two that answered they can identify the buyers will be taken back to the dungeon to await further questioning. The other two will join their friend at the pig troughs. The other two start yelling, “We’ll help. We’ll point them out.” The light fades, and they continue to scream as they are dragged out.

Kara walks over to the former slaves, “I’ll offer Elirae’s guidance to your loved ones in my prayers. I wish I could bring them back for you or erase this ever happening. I promise we will do our best to find them if they are in this city.” All four former slaves look lost, and Kara knows that look very well. Memories start flooding back, "She sees the other prisoners in Azura’s prison with her, with those same hopeless looks, other prisoners with looks of betrayal as she chose them to be raped and tortured in her place. She remembers the first girl whom she broke the neck of to put her out of her Misery, MISery, MISERY!"

Kara can’t figure out why she’s looking at the ceiling as everything starts to fade in and out, and then Ava and Aran have a hold of her. She hears Persi, “Get her over here.” Arden’s commanding voice, “What’s wrong?” She sees them moving around her and feels them moving her, but it’s difficult to comprehend what’s going on. Arden casts a spell; then she snaps back; she looks around, “What, why is everyone staring at me?” Arden says, “Bring her to the temple.” Kara says, “No, I must return to the inn and talk to Caylee.” He turns and looks at her. She sees the same priest who cursed her so many years ago and closes her mouth. Persi says, “I need to go to the temple myself; Ava, come with me if she needs more convincing. Aran, escort these people back to the inn, please.” Aran nods and motions for the former slaves to follow him. They all look concerned but ask no questions. Arden walks off to join the Magistrate, who is also looking at Kara with concern. Ava puts an arm around her to help support her and picks up Misery, “What happened?”

Kara’s mind still feels fuzzy, almost like she’s floating. She’s trying to register Ava’s question but doesn’t understand why she asked it. Acolytes are waiting at the door, “High Priest Stormhaven’s Carriage is waiting.” they open umbrellas, escort them down the stairs, and help them into the carriage. Persi lays a hand on her forehead and asks, “How do you feel?” Kara tries to say FINE but is unsure if she actually said it or just thought it. Persi pulls out a handkerchief and wipes her forehead. Again, Kara says, “We need to get back to the inn.” Ava says, “We will go to the inn after we go to the temple.” The door opens, and Arden steps in; he also leans over and touches her forehead; his hand begins to glow. He lays his hand on her stomach and sighs in relief, “What happened, Kara? I sense nothing wrong with you physically.” Kara looks at everyone in the carriage; it’s almost like they are floating; when she speaks to her, her voice sounds like it’s coming from somewhere deep in a cave, “I don’t know, I was talking to the former slaves. The hopeless lost looks on their faces…”

“She is laying on the mountain top, covered in blood; her body feels broken, and her soul feels alone. Azura is gone. She tries to move an arm, and something stamps down on her hand, crushing bones. Pain is nothing new. She doesn’t scream, she looks. It’s a man in heavy armor looking down at her. He is holding a sword over her, pointed down at her throat. She tells him, but her voice is rough, and blood is trying to fill her throat, “Please, kill me.” The man leans down, putting more weight on her hand, and she feels the bones snap. “What did you say? You little monster.” She coughs up blood, but it clears her throat enough to talk, “Please, kill me. Don’t let her come back. Please.” Another man leans over her, this one taller; his face looks chiseled from stone, “You’re not dying; you don’t deserve anything that easy. I’ll make sure you suffer for the rest of your li…” Everything fades, and Kara opens her eyes. Everyone in the carriage is in motion around her, holding her, wiping her face with a wet handkerchief. Even Arden is on his knees, casting spells on her. He looks up, “Thank Veleris, you’re back. Kara, are you with us?”

She tries to sit up but can’t find the strength. They’ve moved her, so she lies with her head in Ava’s lap and her feet in Persi’s. Ava says, “Kara, your clothes?” Kara looks down. They are the ripped-up rags of clothes she found after Elirae came to her after the battle on the mountain. She concentrates; it feels like her heart is beating in her head, and they change back to her everyday wear. The carriage comes to a stop, and the door opens. She says, “I need to get to the inn.” Arden runs his arms under her and lifts her like she weighs nothing. Her head lolls back, and he shifts her to support her head, then steps out of the carriage. Arden says in his commanding voice, “Get a private ward ready, NOW!”

Kal and Zaos start walking in their direction when they see Ava and Persi. They break into a run when they see Arden carrying Kara. Kal makes it first, “What’s wrong, did the Bloodhoods attack?” Ava shakes her head, “We don’t know. We had finished the trial. She was talking to the people we rescued. Then she just collapsed, then again in the carriage.” All four follow them into the ward. Arden lays her on a bed. Kara looks around, and now there are more people. She wonders why so many people are buzzing around. They look like they are all wearing Cloaks of Displacement. She tries to sit up, but the world begins to spin, “We need to get to the inn. Caylee is making a plan.” Ava kneels and places a hand on her forehead; Kara wonders if there is something on her forehead. She weakly reaches up, and her hand falls on Ava’s. Ava says, “We will take care of whatever Caylee plans. Can you tell us what is happening?” Kara thinks, and right now, thinking hurts. She says the first thought that comes to mind is, “I shouldn’t be allowed to live; I’m a monster. I’ve murdered so many Ava…. .”

Kara breaks out in tears, unable to say more. Ava squeezes Kara's hands. Arden casts a spell to force her to sleep. He asks, “Has this happened before?” Persi shakes his head. Ava says, “Yes, once on the road to Cragcall, the day after we captured the first two prisoners.” Arden asks, “What was happening just before it happened.” Ava thinks back, “Kara was standing over them. I could see the pure rage on her face. I got between her and the prisoners to give her something else to focus on. She walked to the front of the wagon so she wouldn’t have to look at them, then stumbled. We sat her down. Her heart was racing. She was breathing as if she had just run full bore for a mile and sweating, then after a few seconds, she seemed fine and was laughing.”

Arden says, “I need all of you to leave so we can care for her. Do what she told you to do. Return to the inn. We’ll do our best.” Ava opens her mouth to protest, but a look from Arden makes her close it, “If you are moving tonight, be careful; many of the Crownsguards support you, but there are many that don’t. Many people in this city live comfortably because of Lord Nutwood.” Kal says, “Take care of her.” then leaves, followed by Zaos, who stops at the door, “I haven’t given up on my chance yet. I expect to see her up and singing soon.” then he steps out.

Ava and Persi leave after holding her hand for a few seconds. They all stop in the main foyer of the temple; Ava grabs Persi in a hug, tears flowing down her cheeks. Persi is still unaccustomed to all this affection; even before the incident, he kept to his lab most of the time, preferring the company of burners and beakers to people, “She’s going to be fine; there is no one stronger than her.” Kal lays a hand on Ava’s back, “As I said, I watched her throw herself against Tiamat. This is nothing, don’t worry. Hey, did I mention that outfit is awesome?” Zaos says, “It’s an Egg Special, I told them about Egg’s Place.” Ava lets go of Persi, and they walk through the rain and back to the inn. Persi smiles at Ava, trying to break her train of thought, “Look, rain, water, and no burning.” Ava returns the smile but keeps worrying.