Only a week later they made their first top at the seat of Count Lonelyknoll's power, and the origin of the North-South Road. The city, named Northern Conquest, was as different to Lonely Knoll as Lonely Knoll was to Elderwoods. It was a larger, older city. The city originated as the marshaling ground for the levies provided by the nobles of the Southlands heading for the war in the north. As such, the city's population swelled over the year as new recruits arrived before a new army was marched north. It was also the last stop of those lucky enough to return, assuming they refused the reward of farmlands in the Midlands or Northlands.

  Green recruits were collected into one of three compounds around the city for training. In the spring, a few weeks from now, they would begin their march to Shadow Gate. The city was named for its origins as a staging ground. As it grew in importance and prominence over the decades, the counts of Lonely Knoll shifted their county seat to here. However, despite being part of Lonely Knoll and its current seat, the Imperial Government maintained a great deal of control over the city. Magistrates governed the city in place of City Lords, and retired military commanders and Knights oversaw the administration of the camps. There were even a few minor branches of the Imperial Family involved in the city bureaucracy.

  The city was considered a fortress city due to its high thick outer walls, sectioned off training compounds, and a number of thick walled buildings that could serve as keeps during an invasion. They were necessary to protect the city from infrequent incursions from the Shadowlands beyond the God Finger Cliffs in the north-east and the Rolling Slopes to the south-east. The cliffs were nearby, but beyond view from the city towers. The North-South Road ran for a hundred miles north before meeting the God Finger Cliffs.

  The procession's time in the city was short and frantic. They presented themselves to Count Lonelyknoll and his court, despite the fact that the Count had traveled back alongside them. From there, Biyu and Lady Chelsea were pressed to accept the hospitality of various nobles and Magistrates. The rest of their caravan secured additional supplies and toured the city. There was little to see other than a few public tournaments between the training camps within the city. Young men, away from home for the first time in their lives, swaggered and scuffled in the streets looking for ways to enjoy the time they had remaining before marching north. The march would be soon. Wherever one went, carts were being packed with goods or creaking down the roads to get ahead of the march with bands of guards. Most of the supplies were from last year's taxes.

  Sir Bridget kept indoors. She grumbled about not being able to do her duty until Allie mentioned she felt better knowing that she was protecting their temporary residence from intruders. The Elf woman puffed up at this, and took her duty protecting their carts and the residence much more seriously.

  Soon the bustling city was a hazy memory Biyu found swiftly slipping from her memory. The many faces she had met and duties attended had kept her too busy to notice her surroundings. All she was left with was a lingering impression of swaggering young men who should know better than to pester a noble woman, and an endless tea party where the faces changed every time she turned her head.

  As they approached their next stop, Biyu leaned out from her seat to look at a bright blue light glimmering in the air above the treetops ahead of them. Lord Vincent leaned to see what had her attention, and gave a wry smile. "Ah, that'll be Guiding Light Temple. Surely you've heard of it, Lady Bringer? It's quite famous, and worth a stop. I saw it on my way to Marble."

  "You are not from Marble?" Biyu asked.

  "Not at all, Lady Bringer. I grew up in Shadow Gate. I attended one of the city's academies before passing the civil service exam. Spent most of my career as a scribe there before reaching the rank of agent and being assigned to the Southlands."

  "That is a long way to be sent."

  He shrugged. "The higher you get, the fewer people can do your job. There was an opening here, and I was available to fill it. The Ministry is a true meritocracy, unlike the nobility."

  "Whose temple is this?" Biyu asked.

  "That," Lord Vincent said, "is a temple to our great god, Lord Awe." One of the many epithets for Gillas. "It is a splendid place. One of the few where you can lean over the God Finger Cliffs and safely see the Shadowlands. Well, as safely as you can do anything in this world."

  That interested Biyu. The Shadowlands had always been so far away. Now she would be able to see it. "Is there a fee?"

  "Not at all. They want people to witness the glory, wonder, and awe of Lord Awe," Lord Vincent said. "The overlook is part of the stage they use for rituals and public entertainment, but otherwise it's open for all to enjoy when it's not in use."

  Sir David, one of the Sweepers, appeared beside Biyu, saluting before he reported. "Lady Bringer, we are approaching God's Glory Temple. I have announced us, and their Head Priest sends his regards. He has also invited you to join him and March Gloriousoverlook to reception for you and Lady Chelsea tonight if possible, rather than tomorrow evening."

  Biyu pursed her lips. That was unusual, but she nodded her head. "Very well."

  Sir David saluted, then trotted over to join his unfortunate fellow Knight Sir Kai.

  When Sir Kai was Awakened, it was to the ice attribute. That was unusual, but not unheard of. Iris had, before she left, written letters to Orders with the same attribute with requests to send Sir Kai to them for training. They could also arrange for him to join their Orders, but that almost never happened. While Orders had their mandates, a famous marshall had once said 'It's not that you have the wrong aspect, my brother, but that you grant us options we wouldn't otherwise have'. While many scholars thought the words were made up after the fact, it was a matter of record that the marshall had frequently comforted his brother after he Awoke to the wrong attribute.

  Lord Vincent grimaced, not liking the idea of having little time to prepare before greeting the Head Priest and the March. He, along with at least one of the Grudges, would join them at the reception.

  The town was both more and less impressive than Biyu had expected. It was more impressive because the light she had seen in the distance was cast by a giant glowing gem affixed to the top of a pyramid. The temple was built in layers, each one a thick slab of polished white stone, giving it a square appearance. Each level had reliefs carved into their wall. Some featured the history of Humans, with the head of a stag featuring prominently. One showed a stag headed god ripping earth from the ground with his hand, the story of the formation of the God Finger Cliffs. Each floor had doorways open to rooms. A stairway was carved into all four sides leading to the shrine and alter at the top.

  The surrounding town was made up of open ground with a few permanent buildings for setting up army camps on their way through. The temple would hold a service for them, to inspire them with the might of the god who urged them to conquer the world. The rest of the town was warehouses, housing for levies waiting to join the army, and accommodations for caravans heading north. A modest, small town. The March's palace was further north, although a tower was visible in the distance.

  Biyu escorted Anya, looking as odd as they usually did when the shorter woman escorted her wife. Lady Chelsea was with them, as was Sir Leon to act as her companion. Lady Claudia was being escorted by Bert. Ally came with Anton, making a more mismatched pair than Biyu and Anya. They passed through the town to reach the temple, and entered the main hall on the first floor. Within was a modest feast, with Priests acting the part of servants. The Head Priest of the temple waited for them with man who must have been March Gloriousoverlook, a much younger woman, and a young man about Allie's age. The Head Priest bowed to them in greeting, with March Gloriousoverlook and his family following his lead.

  "May Lord Awe bless you with an understanding of his glory," the Head Priest intoned.

  The companions bowed in returned, each returning the greeting with one of their own. Greetings done, they joined the Head Priest and March at the table. The rest of their caravan had remained behind. Clio had attached herself to Sir Bridget, unwilling to go anywhere near the temple. Sir Bridget kept herself covered, and remained in one of the wagons with an ear out for mischief. Her Knights, Sir David and Sir Kai, served as their escorts to the feast, but they joined the low tables for the meal. Sir Stuart had elected to remain with the caravan, although he said he would take in the view from the stage later.

  The reception was a short, informal affair. Biyu was asked to tell the Priests about meeting their patron Gillas and the other gods. She told the story, with Anya adding her experience as a fellow mortal to being in the presence of the most powerful of gods.

  Afterward, the Head Priest invited their caravan on a tour of the temple and the stage early in the morning, so they could continue their journey. Their request to meet this evening was to reduce their delay in the town. That was also why March Gloriousoverlook had been invited. They would not need to stop at is palace to greet him.

  The next morning, Clio refused to join the tour. Everyone was surprised, since it was the first time she had shown a preference for anything. When asked why, she answered, "It is his Temple."

  It was nothing like the temple Clio had served in as a Temple girl, but that did not matter to her. No one was willing to force the shivering woman into going. Sir Bridget valiantly swore to keep her safe.

  The Immortal Legion split into two, allowing for half their number to take the tour while the other half would have time to look around before they left. Those off duty remained in their surcoats, but only armed themselves with daggers.

  The temple, properly known as God's Glory Temple but also known as Guiding Light Temple, was interesting enough. Other than the main hall, there were rooms for various rites, storage, and the living quarters of the Priests. The top held a broad stone altar, and an elaborate shrine featuring a statue of Gillas as he had appeared to Biyu made of the same stone as the pyramid. The antlers of the statue were real antlers, rather than stone.

  The stage was the last place they visited. It was a flat paved space behind God's Glory Temple that extended out and over the cliff. A railing ran along the cliff side of the stage, low enough for visitors to lean over but high enough to prevent accidental falls. Even this early in the morning there were people leaning over the railings, looking into the lands below.

  Biyu escorted Anya to the railing, and they both looked into the land below. It was shrouded in mists, leaving only the tops of trees and glimpses of water visible.

  "You did not go out last night," Biyu commented.

  Anya frowned. "You expected me to, Lady Bringer?"

  "You may always call me Biyu, Anya."

  Anya paused. "Lady Biyu," she tried. Biyu let the formality go. When nothing happened, Anya continued, "Why did you expect me to go out?"

  "You have been here before?"

  Anya nodded. "I have. We didn't head west until the road between here and Northern Conquest. Didn't want to get tangled up in that mess. I kind of wish we had gone around it this time, too."

  "A detour might have gotten us tangled up with the army on the march. Lady Chelsea said it would have been inconvenient. Otherwise, we could be stuck camping at the side of the road waiting for the army to pass us."

  "We're getting off-topic," Anya said. "What were you getting at, Lady Biyu?"

  "You had a companion here."

  Anya stiffened. She looked down at Biyu, her expression unreadable. "Are you asking if I cheated on you, Lady Bringer?"

  "You have my permission to have lovers, if that is what you want. I think… I wanted to remind you, in case you forgot."

  Anya blinked several times. She frowned, looking back over the railing. From the direction she was looking, Biyu guessed she was trying to see the ocean. It was said it could barely be seen on clear days, if your vision was good enough. "I did know a woman here, but it was just for a night. Neither of us expected more. Besides, I…"

  Before the conversation could continue, the Head Priest addressed all the people on the stage. "Good morning, everyone! I will soon visit upon you all the miracle of divine sight! You will all be able to see far better than you ever have! Not just farther, but you will also be able to pierce the mists below, so that you might be able to see the Shadowlands below for yourselves! Before I do so, let me tell you of a few things to be on the lookout for! To the east is a village of our cousins, the Reglads. There is often a hunting party out at this hour. See if you can find them, and their chosen prey! To the west is a Monster we call Spear Tongue. It is a giant lizard with thick spiked armor that spits poison and spears its prey with its long tongue! There is also a strange pulpy creature with writhing tentacles that grapple its prey, drowning it in the water. It is rarely visible, and while we know this is its territory, we have no way of knowing where it is. Those are only a few of the wonders to view within the land where our god created us. Enjoy! But be warned, sometimes a Sacred Beast passes through these lands. There has been a large cat-like creature, and lizards without number. If you see a large beast, look away! For when you look at them, they very often look back! That can have dire consequences! Be wary!"

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  His speech delivered, he proclaimed a prayer to his god. In answer, a divine presence descended upon the stage. Biyu felt Gillas's attention on her briefly before a blessing settle on her, an answr to the Priest's request. She and Anya looked over the railing once more, and it was like the mists had been dispersed. She found colorful Reglads, deep blues and mottled oranges, stalking through the land tracking something she could not see. It had been a long time since Biyu hunted, and while she had never much cared for it, she still found herself nostalgic. It had been just over a year since she left the village.

  Anya grasped her arm tightly, and pointed. Biyu followed her finger, but over the distance it took a while for her to find what Anya was looking at. It was Spear Tongue. The large reptile was eating the corpse of an unlucky Reglad. Without thinking, Biyu informed her other self, the one who never left her domain, and a soul was dispatched to retrieve the unfortunate's soul.

  "Thank you, Anya," Biyu said. Anya gave her a smile in response, and it was almost as warm as it used to be.

  They left the town soon afterward, and Sir Bridget and Clio were clearly relieved to be away from the Temple. Sit Sir Bridget, in particular, was happy to be on the open road. The road did not follow the cliffs, that would be dangerous, but the cliff line was usually in sight as they continued to travel. There were other overlooks, and a few had shrines set up by God's Glory Temple.

  There were a number of towns and small cities along the way, all of them built up around forts and fortresses that at one time served as the army's encampment during their northward progress, and now served as defense against the creatures in the Shadowlands and way stops for armies and caravans. They stopped to give their greetings to the Lords of the Fortress and Lords of the Road, who greeted them by opening their larders to celebrate a young god and noble Knight-Errant returning home. Rumors of their exploits had preceded them, and the nobles at court were eager to hear firsthand accounts of the fight against the demon god. The party was more than happy to regale their hosts and their guests with stories, but they grew increasingly bored with each retelling.

  There was an effort to teach Clio to tell the stories, but she proved a poor storyteller. Lady Chelsea eventually hired a minstrel named Andrew, and he would tell the stories to music played by Lady Claudia and Clio. Biyu was both too important a personage and too poor a player to join them. Sometimes as she was fawned over by high ranked nobles, she wished she could relax by joining the entertainment.

  It was a mild summer day, and they had been traveling for a few weeks, not quite a month, when they arrived at a lake at the edge of the God Finger Cliffs. The edge of the cliff here turned upward, forming a natural wall, although the water spilled out over the edge in fitful waterfalls during overflows. A pontoon bridge crossed the water, allowing passage to vehicles. A small fort was built on each side of the bridge with a few Knights, guardsmen, craftsmen, and a toll collector. Neither was the seat of the hold. Learning Biyu was a god, the collector attempted to waive off the fee in fear of retribution. Lady Chelsea was forceful as she overpaid for their caravan to cross.

  From the shore they could see remains of a stone bridge. When they asked the collector about them, he told them, "The Road Builder Guild tried to make a bridge three times, but it kept collapsing. They say they just don't know how to make a bridge that long. So, we have this. It works well enough. We have a stone filled cart we push across twice a day, and extra rafts ready just in case. That's why we charge, you know? Because we keep having to replace parts, and there's not enough lumber around here."

  On the far side, Biyu called for a halt. Everyone was surprised when she had them make camp near the lake. There was brush and trees along the edge, but this far north most of the eastern midlands was vast plains broken up with clumps of trees around water holes. Antelope, lions, and other creatures of the savanna could be seen in the distance, along with birds of prey circling the air currents high above. The weather had grown steadily warmer as they headed north, in part due to the change of the seasons, but also because the north was warmer than the south.

  Their camp was set up quickly, no one arguing with Biyu's desire to take a break. She had the servants and soldiers help her arrange a fire pit, stones to sit on, and other camp niceties. Sir Leon and Sir Stuart both used their techniques to create small stone walls to serve as benches. Casks of sweet liquor and melons were tossed into the water to cool, and tents were set up. Care was taken parking the carts, before the oxen were released to graze under the watchful eyes of servants. The soldiers and Knights set up a duty rotation, with two thirds off for eight-hour shifts, and the other third posting themselves or, in the case of the Sweepers, ranging out beyond the camp while practicing the hunting crafts Sir Bridget and Biyu had been training them in. Allie, under the direction of Wizard Bob and with Holden's help, built a cleansing circle that could be used to clean the body and clothes without having to bathe.

  Then, to the surprise of all and the consternation of Lady Chelsea, Biyu stripped down to short pants and bindings for her breasts before taking Anya with her to fish. She invited anyone who wanted to join her, and taught those willing to learn. A few of the soldiers joined in, the off duty Sweeper doing so because Sir Bridget joined in. To Biyu's surprise, Sir Leon joined, while Sir Stuart scowled jealously from his posting along the perimeter. May and Bert joined, although May just watched as an ethereal presence. Once everyone was situation, Biyu and Sir Bridget competed on catching the biggest fish first. Anya begged off learning to fish, bemused as Biyu sat in her lap.

  Everyone relaxed, including Lady Chelsea. They drank chilled liquor and relaxing in earnest for the first time since before the fight with the demon. Passing travelers were invited to join them, contributing their own food or drink to the repast. Fresh fish were grilled or stewed, and as the day wore on to the afternoon, Biyu joined Clio and Lady Claudia in playing music. A few of the more daring servants added their own instruments, and people started folk dances.

  Soon the fishing trip turned into a party, like the revelries Biyu remembered from the Elf village. She took turns dancing with Anya, Allie, Bert, Sir Bridget, Clio, and even with Sir Stuart and Lady Chelsea. Sir Leon avoided her, his face paling when she came near, but he did dance with Anya. Sir Stuart took a few dances with Sir Bridget, who seemed perplexed by the dour man's attention. Biyu was glad to see he had listened to her warning, but she supposed he should make his intentions clear before they reached Shadow Gate.

  Having her fill of dancing, Biyu sat and watched the others. Anya sat with her, smiling in a way Biyu had not seen for a long time. It made her smile, but she did not comment on it.

  Biyu's smile darkened a little when Lady Chelsea approached. "What's the point to all this? I'm not complaining. It's just, this isn't like you."

  "When I lived among my Master's people, this is what a good day was like. I wanted to make memories of sharing a good day like those with my family."

  Lady Chelsea could not hide her surprise, but she made no further comment.

  Biyu leaned over and surprised Anya with a kiss. "You have not asked for my attention since we married," Biyu said.

  "Because…"

  Biyu touched Anya's face, her fingers stroking her cheek, while her eyes looked into Anya's. "You have the right to ask. If I say 'no' too often, you do have a right to demand. To be angry."

  "But, it's a burden on you…" Anya said.

  "It is not. You are my wife. I want to make you happy. Remember what I told you when we wed? I lack the desire. Not the function, the ability, nor the… you understand what I mean when I say willingness? Maybe if you wished to be like rabbits I would have an issue with it. But sometimes? I want you to ask. You are my wife, and I know this is something that makes you happy. It is one of the few things you have told me."

  Lady Chelsea watched the conversation with mounting horror, her brows lifted at the candid conversation taking place in front of her.

  Anya's brow twisted.

  "I promised you a place to belong. I am keeping my promise." There was a pause, and Biyu felt a pang at the doubt on Anya's face. "I love you."

  Anya swallowed. "Okay."

  Lady Chelsea finally manage to flee, before the two could kiss again. After that, Biyu led Anya back to their tent while May's ethereal form warned others to keep their away.

  Weeks after the party, a month and a half into their trip, they stopped in a trade town built around a March's fortress. Long tall walls had been built along the God Finger Cliffs, broad enough to have wall walk, with towers every few thousand feet. His residence had two courtyards, making it larger than any they had seen since leaving Northern Conquest. There was a road leading to the west lined with walled farms to protect against wildlife. Soldiers led by a few Knights marched the west road. All of this showed the wealth of the march, but also the danger at this part of the cliff. Most of the God Finger Cliffs was an overhang, making scaling difficult. This region was almost sloped, with jagged rocks that could be used as handholds. Incursions from the Shadowlands were more common here than elsewhere.

  Biyu practiced her bow, despite the Knights from the Order of Cliff Walkers watching her. They were a strange earth affinity Order that held a secret technique for walking on vertical surfaces. They mounted regular patrols along the cliffs themselves, and raids into the Shadowlands below. March Dullfields was proud of the large roasted reptile he had presented them for dinner the previous night. It was spoils from the Shadowlands, a beast they called a crocodile. Anton informed them it was a common animal in the Shadowlands. Biyu recalled there was a similar reptile, an alligator, that lived along the coast of the Inland Sea where the weather was warmer.

  May stood protectively beside her, a phantom visible only to her eyes. Despite having the energy to produce a body for May, the woman frequently chose to pass as a ghost in her shadow. Stretching between exercises, Biyu caught sight of a figure in the sky, drifting in a slow, lazy circle. Both of them shared a thought. Vulture. Something died. Another thought followed. We should find out if there is a body there.

  Biyu chose a soul, one of those in her debt from the bandits. As she did, May burst into a wind and flew from her side to the vulture. From afar, Biyu witnessed the brief violence as May slew the vulture in the air. Its body disappeared before it could fall. As May collected the vulture, Biyu explained the duty she was giving the bandit in her domain.

  Soon Biyu was dissecting the vulture, while soldiers and Knights from the march watched the unexpected and unaccountable actions of a god. Biyu took her time butchering the vulture, learning the way its body was put together. Most of her time was spent on the wings, which worked differently from the duck she had used before. Once she was done, she sent one of her Immortals to bury the carcass.

  Biyu took the bandit soul, and constructed a vulture body for it. The vulture, a large black bird with a naked head and a wicked crooked red beak, took off with the flapping of wings. The people who were watching her fell back as the large scavenger took off. It headed west to investigate where the vulture had been circling. Biyu mused that vultures should be able to find the rotted corpses of the undead, too.

  Within her domain, a clamor arose as the dead learned that she had granted a soul the body of a bird. Souls descended upon Bruce to request their own opportunity to become a vulture. Consulting with Bruce, Biyu selected just one more soul to take the form of a vulture.

  In the mortal realm, she addressed those who were bowing to her in deference after witnessing a god's miracle. She told them, "Vultures are my bird. They will collect Lost Souls, those unfortunates who died without having a funeral held. They are not to be hunted or harassed."

  "All of them?" a soldier asked. Biyu considered, before turning to look after the vultures who had left. They were already out of sight.

  "For now. One day, I will have a vulture of my own. Until then, honor all of them."

  The onlookers all bowed once more. The Immortal Legion saluted her, radiating reverence, as Biyu started to ponder what her vultures should be like. The answer came to her a moment later, as she chose to honor her Master. That would have to wait for when she learned how to alter the thralls to her liking, rather than copying nature.

  They had reached the halfway point of their journey. In the mounting heat, soldiers dressed down. Most switched to skirts or mid-length tunics instead of wearing trousers. Armor was relaxed, to prevent soldiers from passing out in the heat of the day, although there were always a few soldiers in armor in case of need. Biyu wore short pants and sleeveless shirts, but of finer cut than the rough spun linens she used to wear. Allie still wore full length tunics, but they were slit along the sides to allow her skin to breath. Anya wore more revealing outfits, but she took to covering herself with filmy scarves to keep herself modest but cool.

  The wind was a near constant companion, keeping the skin cool but kicking up dust. The skies were clear, and water grew rarer. Villages and towns had reservoirs and cisterns, and every village had a chapter house of the Order of Traveling Camels to keep them full. The farms in the area were dismal things, growing edible cacti or hardy wheat that could survive the harsh environment. The wheat was a flagging crop, one that required daily watering in the dry weather. Ritualists were available to water the fields, and a few richer farmers had irrigation systems built around formations.

  It was here they were met with an anthropoid rabbit dressed in a vest and hose. He leaned against the wall along the road, his smile cheerful if Biyu read it right. Lady Chelsea stared at the Great Rabbit with suspicion and a little fear. Sir Bridget walked up, her now ceremonial broom in hand, and bowed politely.

  "Grandfather, it is a pleasure to meet you. Have you come to collect me?"

  "No, grandchild. That was yer brother's doing. Nothin' to do with me. Glad to see yer well, Valencia."

  "I no longer use that name."

  "Oh? Such a pretty name, too. Named for one of my favorite wives."

  "Did you have a wife that wasn't a favorite?" Sir Bridget asked. Disregarding any possible answer, she continued, "I go by Sir Bridget now. Sir Bridget Broomknight."

  "That so?" the rabbit man asked, eyes fixed on her broom. "So, they makin' fun of one of my grandkids?"

  "It's a name of respect. I am the Marshall of an Order of Knights. The Sweepers."

  The Great Rabbit opened his mouth to say something, then closed it when words failed him. At last, he said something inane. "Isn't it supposed to be something Sweepers? They're all something-something. Like Dawning Knives, or Stone Circles, or Westward Winds."

  Sir Bridget gave a shrug. "Better than Broom Brigade."

  The Great Rabbit fell to the ground laughing.

  "If you're not here for me, then what are you up to, Grandfather?" an exasperated Sir Bridget asked once the anthropoid rabbit got back to his feet.

  "To meet the young god, obviously. Where's she at? The Bringer of Judgment?"

  Biyu stepped forward when she was called, and the rabbit looked her over. He gave a polite bow, like a senior introducing themselves first to a junior at court. "I am Sebas, the Gale Rabbit. It's nice to meet the disciple of Shishi." There was a flicker in the air, a moment of Shishi's attention upon them.

  Biyu bowed in response. "I am the disciple of the Great Serpent, Biyu Kimmel Lostlakes Elderwoods Bringer. The Bringer of Judgment. Patron of the retribution of the dead. Master of Guardian Spirits. The one who gives duties to the dead unworthy of the Heavens."

  The Gale Rabbit blinked at her. "Wow. Sounds like a lot of work. Me? I'm just the wind, you know?" He waved a hand, and a gale blew through the caravan. A woman yelped as she was knocked down. "Patron of the fleet of foot and cowards."

  "A pleasure to meet you. You are not here for Sir Bridget and Clio?"

  "I mean, I'm glad to see 'Sir Bridget' is well, but what the fuck do I care about that Human?" he asked, waving dismissively at Clio. He paused. "No disrespect, girly, but you ain't one o' mine." Clio curtsied automatically, showing no concern for the disrespect she was shown. The Gale Rabbit looked a little put out. "I mean, she should show something after being cursed at. Is she alright in the head?"

  Sir Bridget glared at her grandfather, causing the Gale Rabbit to stutter to a stop. "Right. I just wanted to meet my friend's disciple. That's it. You know, courtesy god visit, since you're passin' where I was roamin'."

  "Would you take a meal with us?" Biyu asked politely. Lady Chelsea shot her an acid look.

  "Nah. Plenty to eat," he said, waving at the sparse grasses and dead looking trees. "Got all I need, and then some." He considered. "Maybe I shoulda brought a gift. Hum. What to give a new god though? Maybe… oh, that woulda been perfect!? Hey, I'll catch up to ya in Shadow Gate. Got a perfect present for you." He paused. "Oh, maybe not? Well, we'll see!" And then he was gone in a gale of wind.

  Lady Chelsea stared at the spot the Gale Rabbit had been standing, along with everyone else.

  "Grandfather is just like that," Sir Bridget said apologetically.