The following day, Ava finds Kara already waiting on the steps to the temple before dawn. They each say their prayers. When they stand, Ava asks, “Training?” Kara says, go get some breakfast.” Ava gives her a curious look, “Where are you going?”. Kara replies, “To see Bind.” Ava asks, “Can I go too? I would have pinched her head off if not for you.” Kara places a hand on Ava’s back, welcoming her to come. Aran walks up looking at Kara like he wants to talk about something. Ava says, “I’ll wait for you in the mess.” Then she leaves. She touches Aran's shoulder as she passes him.
Kara looks at Aran, and she can see he struggles to say what he wants. She hugs him. Aran asks, “How do you live with it?” She says, “I live with a lot of things, some easier than others. What is the “it”?” He sits on the steps, and she sits beside him, “I was a child when I was thrown into the gladiator's cells. They bid on me, then passed me around, taking turns. Men, women.” Kara leans against him, “That. It’s not easy to remember. They bid on me, too, to see who took me first. I had never even kissed anyone before that. I was terrified, no, beyond terrified. It was a blur.” He looks at her, “When Caylee and I… I told her what happened to me. She went slow, making sure I didn’t… Crap, how do I say this?” Kara says, “There is a difference between rape and love. I don’t know if what Caylee has can be called love from someone else’s view, but to her, it is. I felt the same when I met Sasha. Gods, I was in love, but I was also terrified.” Aran nods, “Exactly. I guess that is why I freaked out when she stayed with Ava. I thought maybe. Then I remembered how the gladiators were.” She looks at him, “You will find someone to fall in love with. Don’t be afraid to talk to her when you do. I made that mistake with Sasha and nearly fucked it all up. I kept everything bundled up inside me. I was afraid she would be disgusted when she found out I had been raped. Hells, at the time, I saw myself as a dirty piece of shit. I most certainly didn't think someone like Sasha would see anything in me. Sometimes, in the prison, the guards would use a potion on me called Lust. It would make me want to have sex with them, no matter how much my brain screamed at me not to. Afterward, the feeling was so much more horrible. Them forcing themselves on me was bad enough, but knowing I wanted it… Let me ask you this. The times you spent with Caylee, did you enjoy them? Did it feel right or good?”
Aran looks at Kara and nods, “Yes.” She says, “The first time Sasha and I made love, I expected it to hurt, then it didn’t, it was euphoric. Even though I’ve been raped and used by Azura to rape others. I’ve never been with anyone other than Sasha. I’ve never made love to anyone other than Sasha.” She touches his forehead with her fingertip, “What they did to you was here, in your mind. Forget what they did to your body. You can't always control what happens to your body.” She touches his heart, “With Caylee, and with whoever you meet in the future, as long as it’s in your control when you are with someone, they are here, in your heart. Don’t let what they did to you rule your heart. You control what's in your heart. Does that help?” He nods, “Yeah, I think. For the longest time, it felt like I was alone. Then I heard you talking to the people we freed and saw what they went through.” Kara stands, then kisses Aran on the forehead, “Any time you need to talk, I’m here. You may not believe it, but Anya helped me through this same thing.” She pulls him up, “Don’t let something like this burn at your soul.” He smiles, “Thank you. Anya? Really? Wow.” Kara says, “Anya is over 10,000 years old.”
Kara finds Ava in the mess. Ava asks, “Is everything okay?” Kara nods, “Aran just wanted to talk over some plans.” Ava knows when to drop it. They walk down to the dungeons. Two guards step into the entrance, baring their way, “Entry by High Priest Stormhaven’s written authority only.” Kara says, “Then I advise you to go wake him.” The guards look at each other, “We’re not allowed to leave our post, missy, and you’re a little young to be down here anyway. Both of you are.” Ava places a hand on Kara’s arm, “Come on, we’ll talk to Arden. Then we’ll come back, and these two can crawl around on their knees and beg forgiveness.” The two guards laugh.
Ava looks at them very closely, and one says, “What do you think you’re doing?” Ava smiles, “Getting a really good look. I don’t want the wrong two idiots mucking the stables for the next few years.” Kara and Ava walk off, and one guard yells, “Come back when you two want to spread those legs for some fun.” Grabbing his crotch. Ava pulls at Kara’s arm so she doesn’t stop. She’s afraid if Kara stops, someone will be hurt and that someone is behind them. Ava says, “Training is going to hurt today, isn’t it?”
Kara turns toward Arden’s quarters. Ava again grabs her, “Come on, please. Let’s go get something to eat and calm down. It’s not good to talk to anyone while you’re mad.” She stops and looks down at the floor. Ava starts to wonder whether she just pushed it too far. Then she looks up and walks toward the Mess Hall without saying anything. Ava still wonders.
Kara fills a plate with food in the Mess Hall and sits down. Ava gets some food and sits next to her. “So, that was some story last night. Do you think it’s true?” Kara eats and watches the entry. Ava says, “That’s something about the shadow elves. I’m sure glad you were there.” Kara doesn’t look at her. Ava says, “Beholders and Dragons are attacking? You’re not mad at me, are you?” Kara stops eating, “No, just mad. I want those guards on the training ground.” Ava gulps, “Why?” Kara looks at her, “So you can practice healing. What they said as we left.” Ava hears the sound of metal being crushed. When she looks at Kara’s hand, the steel drinking cup in Kara’s hand has been turned into a steel ball about the size of a sling bullet. Kara says, "They clearly don't know who I am. If you didn't know me at all, what would you see when you look at me, Ava?" Ava says, "A young girl, maybe sixteen years old?" Kara nods, "That's my problem."
She drops the ball and sits quietly, slowly eating; Ava decides it’s best to say nothing more but stays, just in case. Kara’s eyes lock on someone moving; Ava turns her head; it’s Arden. He is scanning the Mess Hall as he walks through. Kara stands, and Ava stands with her. Arden sees them when they stand and changes direction to come to them. Acolytes and other lower-ranked priests stand as he passes, and higher-ranked individuals stop eating and bow their heads to acknowledge him. As he gets near, he slows, “What is troubling you this morning, Kara?”
Kara steps around the table; Ava stands next to her, watching her, not Arden, “I went down to see Bind this morning.” Arden looks at her curiously, “Yes, and how did the conversation go?” She says, “That’s just it. There was no conversation. Two guards stopped us. They told the two little girls to go and come back later if we want to spread our legs and have some fun with them,” Ava looks at Arden; his expression changes as Kara talks from his normal stone face to edging on rage. The main hall has grown quiet. Everyone has stopped eating and talking. A needle could be heard if it dropped on the fur covering the bench across the room. Arden turns and walks toward the dungeons; Kara sits back down and continues eating. Ava, now perplexed, sits back down and says, “We’re not going to follow him?” She shakes her head, “One day, you will lead people or command large groups. What he has to say to them should be said as a commander to troops. We will stay here; they will be here shortly.”
Aran walks over to the table, “What’s on the list to do today? Am I getting my tattoo?” Ava shakes her head and motions for him to sit. Aran sits and eats breakfast, “Is something up?” Ava says, “Just eat and be quiet. I think something is about to happen.” Aran notices the Mess Hall is quiet, and then people start standing. Footsteps can be heard approaching from an entry. Arden walks in, followed by two guards. Kara stands and walks around the table. Ava stands behind and to the right of Kara; Aran doesn’t know why, but he stands too behind and to the left of Kara. Arden stops three feet from Kara, “Are these the two guards, Dame Cinderblade?” Aran and Ava see the terror on the faces of the two men behind Arden. Kara nods, as does Ava. Arden goes to a knee and says, “On behalf of the Temple of Veleris, I offer my apologies, Dame Cinderblade and Dame Avallie.” He looks at the floor and tells the guards, “Repeat what you said to Dame Cinderblade and Dame Avallie when I left explicit orders; she was to be allowed entry at any time.” One guard says, “We didn’t…” Arden repeats the command, and his voice echoes off the walls, “REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID!”
The other guard says, “We told them to leave; they are too young to be here, and called Dame Cinderblade, “missy.” Arden says, “And!” The guard that first spoke says, “I told them to come back when they want to have some fun.” Kara walks around Arden and looks the guard who said that in the eye; he doesn’t look at her, “Look me in the eyes.” He forces himself to look her in the eye. She repeats, "What did you say?" He goes to his knees, "I told you to come back when you're ready to spread your legs and have some fun. Please. I'm sorry. I didn't know who you are. I’m sorry. Please forgive me, Dame Cinderblade, Dame Avallie.” Kara growls, “I know I’m much older than I look, but to you, I look like a young girl. Do you understand what I’m implying?” The guard nods, whining, “Yes, Dame Cinderblade.”
Kara steps over to Arden, standing in front of him, and holds her hands out to him. “Stand, father. I accept the apology of the Temple of Veleris.” Arden stands and turns to the two guards as Kara turns back to them. She holds out a hand to Ava. She looks at the one who called her "missy," “I forgive for the first insult of not asking our names and addressing us by name. Names are the most important part of our lives. Names define our lives and memories of us.”
She looks at the other one and then looks at Ava. “This one should pay penance, for his insult was directed at someone he thought so young. I will leave that penance to my father. Let me be very clear to everyone in this room: High Priest Stormhaven’s daughter is like my sister; she is the Godmother and protector of my children. I will tolerate a lot, but there are some insults I will not endure. The implication of what he said should speak volumes.”
Kara takes Ava’s hand and walks out of the Mess Hall; Aran stays wide-eyed, still not understanding everything that happened. Arden looks at the two guards, “Go, wait for me at the entrance to my quarters.” He follows in the same direction Kara and Ava go. Aran sits back down; several others sit down at his table. They start asking questions, “Is she that tough all the time? What’s it like being trained by her? She said children, why does she look so young?” Aran holds up his hands to quiet them, “No, she’s usually very pleasant and fun to be around. I’ve seen her get angry a few times. She has three children. It’s great, she teaches us everything. I think she is in her thirties, maybe. She is immortal, but that story is for her to tell. Please, can I eat?” The people at the table leave Aran alone but keep looking in his direction.
Kara walks back to the room, and Ava follows. She pulls out the tattoo supplies in the room and starts preparing them. Narri steps out of the shadows. “Is there anything you wish of us, Your Highness?” Arden walks in. “Kara, I’m sorry. It seems that…” Kara says, “It’s not your fault, Arden. Their direct commanders are responsible for training their underlings. By the time it reaches your level… I’ve had to deal with this on Nexus, too. It took Camiella a long time to convince me that sometimes the problem lies in the chain of command, not at the top. When it's discovered, the top has to repair the chain to keep it from breaking.”
Arden says, “Still. It makes me wonder what they do with their off time.” She says, “I need to finish a few things, then we will leave tomorrow. Not because of this but because I need to be home; half of me is on the other side of this world. It’s affecting me, being away from her for so long. I need to be there to help find a way to get your daughter and my children back. As soon as Cyndra is with us, I promise we will be here and stay for as long as you want.” She stops to take several breaths and tries to calm herself. She looks at Arden and sees a father’s worried face. She sees the face she saw when Cyndra announced she was going, so Nexus many years ago. All the anger fades. She takes his hands in hers. Then she hugs him, “I promise I will see you again. I will bring Cyndra home to you. You will give her away at the wedding.” She smiles at him, “Just don’t scare Gunthar too much. He is a good man. I trust him with my life. I never told you, but we were under attack when I gave birth to Phyrra. Gunthar carried me to the Undercroft. Cyndra helped me and healed me through the labor while Gunthar stood outside the door, ready to defend us with his life.”
After several moments, Kara asks, “What are your plans for the guards?” Arden says, “The one that insulted you will work the stables for a few months.” Ava says, “I told him so.” Arden looks at her curiously, “The one that offended you, I will send to Sister Stoutstorm in Flamegarden.” Kara smiles, “Flamegarden is our next stop. Would you allow him to accompany us?” Arden smiles, “I think that would be an excellent idea. I think you and Elra will get along like Sisters.” Kara cocks her head slightly sideways. She says, “Just let him know where he is going, tell him to pack appropriately for the walk and to be in the stables after dawn tomorrow. Why do you say that about this, Sister?” Arden says, “Trust me, you’ll see.” He smiles mischievously. It gives Ava the creeps, not in a bad way. He holds his arms out. Kara hugs him again. Ava can’t stop herself, so she hugs Kara and Arden. For the first time, Arden laughs. After the hug, He turns to leave. Kara says, “One last thing.”
He stops, and Kara looks at Narri, “Narri, would you be offended if I asked you and your companions to help the Temple of Veleris and the Nameless Shields track down these deviant families and officials? Caylee said the Nameless Shields will come to Nexus when they finish. You can accompany them to Nexus, and I will introduce you to the daughter of Raven Knight Cinderblade.” Narri’s eyes get big with excitement for a split second. It’s not often Kara has seen a shadow elf lose their composure. She smiles, “I’ll take that as a yes?” Narri says, “Apologies, Your Highness, you are correct. But I must ask you to take one of our members as a personal guard.” Kara knows it is useless to argue, “Very well, Narri.” Narri makes a motion, and Kara understands it as “Come forward.”
A shadow elf steps out of the shadow, “This is Lines.” Kara doesn’t know if that is his actual name or his nickname. His face has tattoos of lines that start on either side of his forehead and then vertically cross his eyes. The lines then curve and touch his nostrils, straight down over his lips and chin, and disappear at the base of his neck beneath his leather armor. The exposed flesh on his arms is tattooed with lines that fan out to his fingertips. Kara looks him in his eyes, “Welcome, Lines; I look forward to traveling with you.” He bows. Kara says, “Take care of any personal business today and prepare for a journey to Port Summereach and across the sea. It may be a long time before you return home.” Lines says, “The journey to your home is to my home, Your Highness.” Kara smiles at him, “Once we begin our journey tomorrow, you will refer to me as Kara. Clear?” He bows, “Yes, Your Highness, I will refer to you as Kara.” She says, “You are dismissed for now, Lines; we’ll see you tomorrow morning in the stables.” Lines leaves. She turns back to Arden, “I should have asked before just proclaiming. Is it okay if the shadow elves to assist you in hunting down these deviants? You will find no better hunters.” He nods, “Of course, the Temple of Veleris aligns with the Temple of Raventh, as long as you bring them in alive, if possible, for justice to play out in our courts.” Narri bows her head, “It will be so.” He says, “I will let you get to your preparations.”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Arden looks at Kara, Ava, Narri, and the other shadow elf in the room. “In the short time she’s been here, she has stirred necessary chaos, put a serious kink in the slave trade, brought the temple new allies, and gained new followers. His eyes see a young girl who should be attending a school or academy. His heart and mind see a commander with years of experience that people gravitate to. She isn’t even trying. She could gather an army that would make the Empire nervous if she put her mind to it. Hells, she has gathered an army that fought and defeated a god. Then she defied death and joined Sasha Cinderblade who,,,” He lets the thought trail off. He says, “Kara?” She turns to him, “Father?” His heart seems to warm, “I’ve seen your skill at drawing. Do you think you could draw me a picture of you and Cyndra? I haven’t seen her in so long.” She smiles and nods. Arden leaves the room before he comes up with another excuse to stay.
Kara looks at Ava, “Go find Persi. Send him to me here. Then, find Aran, go to the training grounds, and spar, not with just each other. Where is Shae? Ah well, if you see Shae, take her to the training grounds too; just try not to kill each other. Oh, and say nothing about the guard traveling with us. I don’t want rumors getting out. Clear?” Ava nods and leaves. Kara sits down and sighs, and Narri asks, “What is wrong, Your Highness?” Kara says, “I’ve never been good at keeping my temper in check. Fortunately, Ava was with me this morning. I wouldn’t have killed those two guards, but I may have hurt them.” Narri replies, “Then it is good that I didn’t kill them either for the insult?” Kara smiles, “Yes, it is good. Narri?”
Kara asks Narri, “Would you like me to tell you about High Throne and King Cinderblade?” Narri nods excitedly, “Then you can tell me about Lines since we will travel with him.” Kara starts the story by “Explaining that High Throne is a magnificent city of black granite that covers the entire planet, thousands of levels deep, in the Heart of the Shadowfel. She describes how light traces the buildings. She talks about Sasha’s mother, Queen Dana Cinderblade. The society of shadow elves and the other races that call it home.” Narri absorbs every word and describes Lines and his dedication to Raventh. She explains that Lines is a bit of a thrill seeker and partier but is very good with blood magic.
Persi walks in with Cyania; Kara says, “I look forward to getting to know him better. Hopefully, I can get him to see me as not so lofty a figure.” Persi says, “Who?” Kara says, “Lines.” Persi says, “What?” Kara laughs. Persi thinks he sees Narri giggle, but that’s impossible; he says, “I found Cyania coming down the hall. Ava said you were looking for me?” Kara says, “Take off your shirt and lay down.” He sees the tattoo supplies, “Maybe Aran would like to go first?” Kara says, “Aran is sparing, plus he’s too excited for his. Lay down. I need to work out some frustrations.” Persi squeaks out, “what?” Cyania laughs. Kara says, “Narri.” Narri stands. Persi removes his shirt and lays down. She says, “Relax, this is nothing, considering what you’ve been through. You understand pain. You’ve lived with it.” Persi says, “You’re not making me feel better.” She says, “We’ve already started, see.” Persi looks; true to her word, they already have a couple of lines tapped out. He lays back and closes his eyes with a smile. Narri sits quietly and watches as Kara and Cyania create a picture of two people embraced, with a sword plunged through them.
When it’s finished, Persi looks again at Kara; she says, “That’s the best interpretation I could imagine; it’s a Warding Bond.” Persi gets a look of realization: “I understand. It’s incredible. I’ll try to use it wisely.” Aran, Ava, and Shae walk in. Aran runs over and looks, “That’s awesome. Am I next?” Persi stands and puts on his shirt after Kara heals the tattoo.
Ava sets down a food tray, “I didn’t know who would be in here, so I brought a lot.” Kara’s stomach growls, “Thank you for this morning, Ava. I would’ve hurt someone.” Aran says they’re lucky I wasn’t there.” Ava says, “We’re lucky you weren’t there. She was hard enough to hold on to.” Kara eats while Aran washes up from sparing. Cyania asks Kara, “Where did you learn to tattoo?” Kara thinks, “Well, I’ve always been good at drawing. But I first learned to tattoo in Everwind, with a dwarf named,“ Cyania says the name at the same time as Kara, “Dhordac Cavebrow.” Cyania laughs, “I learned from him too.” Kara laughs, “Remember how he would slap you with the needles if he thought you weren’t paying attention.” Ava rubs her arms, “How is that funny?”
As Kara finishes eating, she says, “One of Narri’s people will join us for the rest of the journey. His name is Lines.” Kara looks at them all, “Lines is a Blood Mage and a very good one. One shadow elf custom I want all of you to understand. Lines carries a dagger, it is called a Talon. Once drawn, it must taste blood before it can be sheathed again. Clear?” Everyone nods. She continues, “For this next part, I don’t want any groans, and I don’t want a word so much as whispered outside this room.” Everyone looks at Kara, waiting for the big reveal, “The guard that wanted to have “fun” will be traveling to Flamegarden with us.” Aran and Persi groan. Shae asks, “If he insults Kara again, Shae will beat him to a pulp.” Aran and Persi look up with a little too much excitement, “No beating anything, Shae; this is by Kara’s request unless there is a better reason than an insult. Kara hopes he will learn while on the journey.” Shae nods reluctantly.
Aran howls out. Cyania says, “I’m just cleaning your arm for the tattoo. Ava, Shae, make sure he doesn’t move.” They each take a grip, and Persi says, “Whimp.” Many howls and some not-so-pleasant words later, Kara wipes the tattoo one final time. Aran looks; it’s a tattoo of a knight that looks very much like her brother, being struck with a mace that looks very much like Aran’s mace, “What does it do?” Kara says, “It’s Branding Smite; when you hit someone, you can channel radiant power into them to wound them further.
Just in case you don’t know, these are one-time uses. When you use it, the tattoo will vanish. I plan to give each of you as many tattoos as possible.” Persi and Shae both look excited, and Aran and Ava look worried. She looks at Aran again, “I know the image looks like my brother, but I must warn you. My brother is seraphin, which means he is resistant that kind of energy. He's not immune to it. It may be best…” She leaves it at that.
She thanks Cyania for helping her with the tattoos. Cyania says, “Thank you for letting me assist another student of Dhordac and letting me draw you.” Kara opens her journal to a blank page. Everyone stands around looking at her. She looks at them. Aran shrugs, “What should we do?” Kara says, “I don’t care, just stay out of trouble. I need to work on this.” She sharpens the charcoal and begins drawing. Everyone else leaves the room, “She hears Aran say, “Let's go back to the pit; there’s a move I want to try.” Persi and Ava chuckle. She turns her attention back to the picture unfolding on the page. This is one Arden standing next to Cyndra. Chins up, posing. She finishes that one and then draws another. She thinks she may keep this one. It’s Arden, Cyndra, and her, with Sasha and her children running around. She adds to herself, holding a baby. She smiles at it, wondering if this day will ever come. She creates a third one. This one of Herself, Aran, Ava, Persi, and Shae, all happy; they are preparing to leave on an adventure.
Aran, Ava, Kara, Persi, and Shae dine with Arden that evening. Kara tells funny stories of Cyndra chasing the children around, making Arden laugh. Just before they finish, Kara says, “Arden, there’s one thing.”
Arden looks at Kara, “After Cyndra returned to Nexus with me, she signed a Pact with the Cinderblade family.” Arden gets that serious, stone-faced look. “It’s nothing bad, I promise. I would have not allowed it if it was. Her out for the contract is simple. I made sure of it. All she needs to do is declare her service complete, or any member of the Cinderblade family can declare her service complete. Her pact is that she will raise my children in my stead if something should happen to me.” Arden relaxes, “Well, that doesn’t sound bad.” Kara continues, “A pact with the Cinderblade family comes with a boon. Since we are immortal, the pact lasts eternally. Making the signee immortal also. Cyndra has not aged. I just wanted to let you know so that when you see her, you don’t freak.” Arden smiles, then his appearance becomes serious: "What about this Gunthar she is in love with?” Kara shrugs, “He has taken over as the Protector of Nexus. Most people closest to us are signed into a pact similar to Cyndra's. They can’t cause harm to us. This keeps them from being affected by controlling magic. They don’t age past the moment of signing. Of course, that works both ways. We can’t harm them. If we do, the pact breaks ends.”
Aran says, “How do we sign? Being immortal sounds pretty good.” Persi says, “It’s not all unicorns and butterflies, Aran. If you break the pact, creatures you can’t imagine in your worst nightmares will hunt you and everyone in your bloodline down and kill them. They will not stop until the job is done. This isn’t a part of the pact. It’s just what these creatures do.” Ava asks, “Doesn’t that mean Azura would be hunted?” Kara shakes her head, “No, Azura’s pact with me had an out that she ended legally. So, no hunting. Even if they could go after her, Azura is a goddess. Taking her down is no small task. It would take legions of legions to get to her, and then they would have to deal with her power.”
Ava says, “I hate to bring this up, but since you tried so many times to kill yourself…” Kara interrupts, “Hence the prison, its purposes were to keep me alive, not allow me to escape or break the pact, along with torturing and breaking me.” Arden places a hand on Kara’s. Arden says, “I hope you don’t mind if I check in with any of you during your journey.” They all shake their heads. Kara says, “Of course not.” Arden’s face cracks with a smile, “One last treat on the Temple before you leave. I have brought in masseuses from the Soulspring Retreat for all of you. They will be waiting in your room. I’ve already informed Narri, so there are no accidents. With that, I will excuse myself. All of you enjoy your massages. I will see you tomorrow morning.” Arden gets up and leaves. Aran sits there grinning, thinking about a massage as everyone else runs for the door to get back to the room.
In the room, everyone is treated to a candlelight oil massage. Kara falls asleep quickly during the massage. All night, she dreams of Sasha, first of a massage that Sasha gave her while visiting the Fey Wild, at a spring that bubbled up natural oils prized by masseuses across the Prime Planes. Then, they visited the shores of Elysium and were served honey mead by devas. Finally, she dreams of the first time she opens her eyes and sees Sasha. Kara reaches out and touches Sasha’s face, “Hey, I know I’m cute and all…” Kara opens her eyes, and Ava stands over her, “Is something wrong?” Ava shakes her head, “Almost dawn, you usually beat me awake. I figured you wouldn’t want to miss it. What were you dreaming?” Kara smiles, “Maybe later.” Ava says, “That massage was awesome, wasn’t it?” Kara gets a big smile, “Yes.”
Ava and Kara go out for dawn prayers, then return. Ava turns toward the Mess Hall, and Kara turns toward the dungeons. Ava stops, “Are we trying again?” Kara nods as she walks, and Ava runs to catch up. At the entrance, two guards are standing; one opens the main gate, and the second steps through first. Once Ava and Kara enter the main gate, it is closed, and an internal gate is opened. The guard proceeds them to a cell and stands about five feet away. Bind looks up from the floor at them, “Oh, looky what we have here, the baby sack and the crusher. Sorry, I wasn’t fast enough.”
Kara asks, “Do you have any remorse for what you tried to do, Bind?” Bind starts laughing, “My only remorse is that I didn’t just stick you first, then wiggle the blade around. What are you looking for here, princess?” Kara says, “This city needs leadership. They need a leader in the slums. I hoped you retaliated against me out of anger and would see what you did was wrong. I see now that you are just some lost, crazy girl. Maybe the temple can knock some…” Bind lunges for Kara through the bars, and neither Ava nor Kara flinch, “Bind, you are so far from the scariest thing I’ve seen. You barely compare to a purring kitten in my eyes. In case it matters, Re is safe, and you will never find her.” Bind runs to the far wall of the cell and slides down the wall, sitting on the floor, “What did you do to my sister? Where is she.” Kara turns to leave. Ava says, “So far out of your reach and influence, you’ll never see her again. She will be raised right.” Ava and Kara leave, followed by the guard. Back in the cell, Bind starts screaming incoherently.
In the Main Hall, they see Aran, Persi, and Shae eating; they get some food and join them. Aran asks, “Where is the new guy?” Narri fades out of shadow, and Aran jumps, “How the hell, and why do you always do that?” Narri looks at Aran, “Because I can, it keeps me in practice. Lines will meet you in the stables. He is making sure the supplies are loaded.” Looking at Kara, Narri says, “We will aid the Temple of Veleris and the Nameless Shields as long as it doesn’t conflict with the tenants of Raventh, Your Highness.” Kara takes her hands, “Thank you, Narri, that is all I ask. I look forward to seeing you again at Nexus.”
They finish eating and walk down to the stables. Arden is waiting there with a few people. One is the offending guard, and another is a human woman in a guard’s uniform. As they approach, Kara sees several places on the woman’s uniform that look like patches that have been recently torn off.
Arden says, “Dame Cinderblade, Dame Avallie, this is Private Cilah Stormbane, formally Sergeant Cilah Stormbane; she was Private Pim Cako’s commander until last night. I think they both have something to say.” Arden looks at the two guards, “This is Dame Karael Vala Elyslynn Proudshard Cinderblade, Honor Princess of High Throne, First Knight of Nexus, Knight Legionary of High Throne, Savior of Veniethea, Slayer of The Dragon Queen, and Dame Avallie of Nexus, Squire of Dame Cinderblade. What do you say to them?”
Both go to a knee; Private Stormbane says, “I beg forgiveness to both of you, Dame Cinderblade, Dame Avallie. My lax command led to insults that resulted in your honor being questioned. I offer you whatever I can to find my path to redemption.”
Private Cako says, “Please Dame Cinderblade, Lady Avallie. I plead for redemption; I have no excuse.” Kara looks at Ava and then at them, “Rise. I hope you take this failure and use it to learn, Cilah Stormbane. I forgive you.” Kara looks at Ava as she speaks to Cilah, “A failure is a teaching tool if you learn from it, Cilah Stormbane. I accept your apology.” Both look at Private Cako. Kara asks Ava, “What should we do with this one?”
Ava says, “His slight was most insulting. I’ve seen people challenged to death duels for less. Remember that orc that insulted you in the courtyard?” Kara says, “Ah, yeah. That wasn’t pretty.” Ava says, “It took them bringing in the hounds to finish that clean-up. So many little pieces.” Ava sighs, “I’m sorry, Dame Cinderblade, I can’t forgive this one.” Private Cako turns pale. He looks like he is about to get sick as Ava and Kara swing Dawnbreaker and Misery off their shoulders.
Kara says, “Private Cako, you will escort us to Flamegarden. Hopefully, during the journey, you can learn proper etiquette and respect. Do not doubt that any of my companions will hesitate to correct you when needed.” Kara looks at Arden. Arden says, “You are dismissed, Private Stormbane. Be thankful your lax in command didn’t lead to a challenge this time.” She bows and leaves quickly.
Kara looks at Private Cako, “Set your pack next to the wagon and help get everything secured for travel.” He says, “Yes, Dame Cinderblade.” and then does as instructed. Kara looks at Arden, “I don’t care what anyone thinks.” She hugs him, “Goodbye, for now, father.” Arden returns the hug; when Kara steps back, she opens the journal and turns to the pictures she drew, showing them to Arden. She says, “As I said, Cyndra still looks the same.” She carefully takes the page from the journal. He smiles at it, then looks at the one showing Kara, Sasha, and the children, too, “May I?” She says, “To be honest, I figured I was drawing this one for you,,,” She wipes a tear away. Arden says, “You are my family too, even the scary one.” This draws a chuckle from her. She removes that page. Then, the third one, she made of The Wandering Mountain together. “This is so you don’t forget us.” She flips the page, revealing a page with a picture of Cyndra standing next to a man. She smiles, "I figured you wanted to see what your future son-in-law looks like." He hugs her as he accepts the drawings, “I finally feel like I have a family again.”
Kara goes to the horses before she loses her composure again. Ava hugs him before he can react, “Thank you for helping her.” Ava goes to help with the wagon. Arden grasps forearms with Aran, Shae, and Persi. Arden turns and leaves the stables. He doesn’t look back. He knows he will embarrass himself if he does.